Understory by Ciel is an hour-long radio format devoted to music that exists beneath the surface — subtle, deep, and often overlooked. Borrowing its name from ecology, the understory is the layer of life that grows in the shade of the canopy, thriving in low light and quiet conditions. This idea translates into a musical space focused on subbier sounds, slower tempos, and lesser-known artists, where atmosphere and detail take precedence over immediacy. Each episode unfolds as a self-contained story, drawing connections between sound, landscape, and listening. Inspired by nature, wilderness, and long periods of reflection spent hiking and camping, Understory treats music as an environment to inhabit rather than consume. The show invites listeners into a reflective zone where electronic, ambient, and experimental works intertwine, offering a grounding, immersive experience that aims to be both musically and spiritually resonant.

Mike Midnight is a DJ and producer based in Perth, known for his distinctive strain of modern downtempo and emotionally rich atmospheres. This work spans solo releases and the celebrated trio Trickpony.