Without Will Samson’s travels, we might not have his ethereal music. Born in the UK but living in Berlin, he has been recording since returning from a 2008 journey through Asia and the Himalayas. In fact, you might’ve heard him before—just under a different name. His most recent release, Hello Friends, Goodbye Friends, was recorded during a trip to Europe last June, a time Samson considers to be “one of the most personally challenging and eventful” of his life.

Hello Friends, Goodbye Friends seems to almost strike a balance between folk and ambient music. The folk comes from the use of acoustic guitar, similar to Iron and Wine’s slow and simple songs. However, thanks to Samson’s frequent use of falsetto, it is often rightfully compared to Bon Iver. While the album does rely mainly on an acoustic guitar, Samson adds depth and variety to the songs—which sometimes run together and sound a lot alike—with subtle ambient sounds throughout. Occasionally, songs like “Panda Bears” (which also shows off just how high Samson can sing) and “Find Me in the Ocean” feature piano, while “Meet Me at Home” has a little bit of percussion.

Definitely look into Will Samson if you’re in need of peace, relaxation, or motivation to run off to Europe. Maybe he sums up his newest work best: “A collection of simple songs for the lost, the lonely and the hopeful.” Hello Friends, Goodbye Friends can be streamed on Bandcamp and "Panda Bears" and "Meet Me at Home" are below.