Limited edition of 1500 numbered copies on 180 gram audiophile gold colored vinyl
Magma's new album “Zëss” is available for pre-order as a limited edition of 1500 numbered copies on gold colored vinyl. The package includes a 4-page booklet. The vinyl edition will be released on September 20, 2019.
Watch the The Making Of Magma's Limited Edition Gold Colored Vinyl of “Zëss”:
Magma's critically acclaimed newest album “Zëss” is a 38-minute musical work by Christian Vander. Composed in 1970, Zëss had long been plagued by its incompleteness, its recording was deferred for years. Four decades after its first draft, the work has finally been recorded in an orchestral version that gives it both its true dreamlike dimension and its transcending power. The first public performance took place in Bourges in 1979. It is the last piece in a series of unfinished compositions from the 1970s. During the last 15 years, they finished and released all these different pieces. “Zëss” is described as a work that touches the philosophical domain by its treatment of the idea of nothingness and its evocation of the theme of time.
Magma turned fifty this year, catapulting into the very exclusive circle of bands who for five decades have never laid down their instruments, nor turned down their volume! The oldest French band still in existence has always played at full sail, never yielding to the siren song of passing trends. The fiercely original music has tirelessly adhered to the highest artistic standards while still reaching a wide audience of all ages.
180 gram audiophile vinyl Brand new album Gatefold sleeve with UV spot varnish 4-page booklet Limited edition of 1500 numbered copies on gold colored vinyl
Drummer Dave Schoepke will be releasing his first solo drum album titled “Drums On Low” on July 15, 2019. Schoepke is an accomplished North American drummer, who has had the pleasure of working with the legendary Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre. Dave toured with Martin's band in 2017 and in 2018 for the “Cruise To The Edge” Tour. He's also been the primary drummer for The Willy Porter Band since 2002, and has loved every second of his time with the band. Dave has toured with Willy Porter on a number of occasions over the years, and has numerous television and radio appearances on his record. The amazing part is that Dave is able to do all of this, and still has time to devote to his own band Tweed. Tweed has been a mainstay touring in Europe for the last few years along with a number of other blues and soul groups.
Dave said this about “Drums On Low”: “The music and recording are a direct response to my life changes. Post the birth of my son I was inspired to craft and assemble this album. The concept is simple: to make an album in response to the overwhelming feelings I had about my family and where I was as a musician at this stage of my career. What flowed out was soaked with the spirit of love and harmony between our family unit and the reality that rhythms of life which bind us are always there in the ways we talk, feel, think, breathe and react to one another. I was motivated to write music that to me resonated those elements.”
The completion of this album was the realization of a dream of Dave's since age 16 to make music solely on drums and percussion instruments. Until now, that was an unattainable goal due to work demands, recording capabilities and costs. Written and recorded at Dave's home studio in the first 2 months after the birth of his 2nd child, this collection of pieces reflects the joy, wonder, and sleeplessness of being a new parent. The music was assembled in bits and pieces in between naptimes and family maintenance.
“My wife was very supportive in that when there was some free time, I was able to run downstairs and work on the music. Often, I began recording a piece only minutes after changing a diaper, feeding my son or some other family business. It was nearly impossible to separate the elements which is the biggest part of this whole story. The music is so directly informed by my day to day family life, and it's as much a reaction to those things as it is to my purely musical pursuits. At times I just sat down and the music flowed with no thought or preconceived ideas, nothing but reaction to life with my family. Ultimately the content on the album is 1/3 pre-formed pieces, 1/3 sketches that were embellished on and 1/3 full improvisations. I had the intention of having it all ready to go ahead of time, and a lot of things were finished, but when inspired I was able to turn on a dime and go with where the muse took me, which often happened in the midst of working on another piece. My overall goal with this album was to create a body of work that reflected where I had been as a musician but with the intent that the pieces come across as songs rather than solos. All of the music was recorded live with no overdubs, punch-ins, or edits/splicing on a combination of drum kits with varied tuning schemes.”
Some of the pieces are more melodically driven with the pitches, “Window, War Of The Grasshoppers, and Eleven Three” are examples of pieces that reflect that approach with mallets being the choice to draw the tones out. “Which One ARE You and N'ging” are informed with more traditional approaches and are considerably more aggressive. Some tracks are more experimental in form and approach, “Sound On Low” uses free spinning metal shakers on various snare drums and micro percussion alongside a detuned 26” kick drum, while “The Thing From The Darkness” is a flat out free expression coupled with audio from an old 1930's radio show.
“At times I wanted to abandon any concept of bars or strict form to the pieces, which I felt would restrict me and inhibit my transference of ideas. If I added a beat, dropped one, or the form floated away from my original intent, I went with it rather than be beholden to anything other than the moment. I wanted to disregard any of the common notions of form, tempo, tuning, and theory in favor of feel, attitude, flavor, vibe and excitement. There was no fixing or editing on anything, so if there are mistakes, odd sounds, and any quirkiness that didn’t take away from the flow and intent of the piece, I left it in and in turn feel it adds more human element to the production rather than an over polished product. All in all, 20 songs were recorded and 11 selected to represent where I was at that time. Because this was to be my first solo endeavor and one I longed to do since childhood, I felt like I had a lot to get out. Concurrently making this album has inspired me to work on building this facet of my career, as I have a slew of concepts and ideas I'd love to share.”
Watch the video for “Which One ARE You?”:
Dave said this about the video, “This is about an illustration of dualities in life. The two girls symbolize struggles that sometimes exist within people, good and bad, yin and yang, whatever. The music informs the manic-ness and chaos that can exist. I wanted to express chaos to the form of the song and do away with measures and structure at points, while returning to a rabid unrelenting ostinato that symbolizes the need to walk the line in life. The fight within people is often so much greater and out of control than we can comprehend. I learned this firsthand from a bi-polar suicidal father who took his own life when I was 10.”
When Dave is not touring with Martin Barre, touring Europe or holding down the drum throne for Willy Porter, he can be found in the studio recording. He is an extremely busy session musician with over 50 albums to his credit. These albums cut across all genres of music. He has also done dozens of instructional CD's for the Hal Leonard Corporation (One of the world's largest music publishers). Dave also heads up the improvisational recording project, Blank Radio, and is the chief engineer and curator of hundreds of sessions with musicians from all over the greater Milwaukee area, culminating 23 full length album releases since 2008. These albums feature improvisations in all styles from ambient soundscapes to classical, jazz, and seething progressive rock.
Currently Dave makes his home in Milwaukee and is a private lesson instructor at Cascio Interstate Music. He has done dozens of clinics and been billed with legendary drummers Ed Thigpen, Paul Wertico, Dom Famularo, Greg Bissonette, Ernie Adams, and Carmine Appice. He maintains a busy schedule of teaching, touring, clinics, and sessions, and is always striving to evolve in every facet of his music making. Dave proudly endorses Ludwig Drums and Paiste Cymbals and was named 2009 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) drummer of the year. In support of the release of “Drums On Low,” Dave is booking shows for August/September 2019
In closing, Dave has this message to impart to his listeners, “Joy and exploration. To make music with joy in the heart devoid of the constraints and trappings of the business and analytical side of the music industry.”
500 ONLY AUDIOPHILE HANDCRAFTED AND NUMBERED DARK BLUE VINYL WITH INSERTS AND GOLDEN EXPANDED CD
999 AUDIOPHILE HANDCRAFTED AND NUMBERED GOLDEN PAPERSLEEVE CD
Cover notes by Robert Wyatt and Jonathan Coe
Italy - Critically acclaimed as one of the best records ever, Robert Wyatt's 1974 masterpiece “Rock Bottom” has been re-arranged by Craig Fortnam for his amazing North Sea Radio Orchestra. Featuring long time Wyatt's collaborator and Henry Cow founder John Greaves on bass guitar and vocals and the amazing vocalist Annie Barbazza as lead singer, “Folly Bololey: Songs from Robert Wyatt's Rock Bottom” is a hearfelt, fantastic tribute to Robert Wyatt's music.
The limited hand numbered edition of 500 LP audiophile blue premium vinyl with gimmix foldout cover and bonus golden CD & 999 Cardboard sleeve hand numbered audiophile golden CD will be released on May 17th on Dark Companion Records.
“This concert is a beautiful event, for me. These musicians seem to me to have have really grasped what my songs are about; but at the same time, created an entirely fresh way of putting the music together. I feel so honored and so grateful.” - Robert Wyatt, March 2019
“One of the greatest albums of the 1970s, beautifully reimagined and re-written for orchestra. I have listened to Rock Bottom hundreds of times, and thought I was familiar with it: but this brilliant new version opens up new depths, fresh vistas, hidden truths. An amazing achievement.” - Jonathan Coe, March 2019
“When John Greaves asked me about producing this album and the concert at Conservatorio Nicolini in Piacenza, for Dark Companion I immediately replied 'yes'. I already knew North Sea Radio Orchestra and respect Craig as one of the most talented musicians in today’s British scene. ‘Rock Bottom’ is my favourite album ever and John Greaves my closest friend whom I respect very highly and have had the honour of releasing one of his finest albums to date on Manticore. Annie Barbazza? Well she is a marvelous singer and musician and I very much agree with the late Greg Lake who was really amazed by her voice and went on to produce her first album for Manticore as well. So I hope you enjoy what I think is a fantastically soulful, heartfelt and graceful tribute to the poetry of Robert Wyatt.” - Max Marchini, April 2019
John Greaves & Annie Barbazza
Watch the promotional video:
Track listing: 1. Sea Song 5:54 2. A Last Straw 5:27 3. Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road 5:04 4. Alifib 7:45 5. Alifie 5:19 6. Little Red Robin Hood Hit The Road 5:18 bonus tracks: 7. The British Road 6:25 8. Maryan 5:41 9. Shipbuilding 4:47 10. O Caroline 5:09
Personnel: Annie Barbazza: Lead Vocal/Farfisa Organ John Greaves: Bass guitar/Vocal (track 4 and 11)/Spoken Word (track 3, 5 and 6) Nicky Baigent: Bb Clarinet/Bass Clarinet/Spoken Word (track 5) Luke Crookes: Bassoon William D. Drake: Piano/Farfisa Organ/Vocal (track 2,3 and 5) Harry Escott: Cello Craig Fortnam: Guitar/Farfisa Organ/Vocal (track 7 and 9) Tommaso Franguelli: Vibes/Percussion Cheb Nettles: Drums Laurent Valero: Violin/Viola/Recorder/Bass Recorder
Arranged and directed by Craig Fortnam Executive Production by Max Marchini Recorded live, mixed and mastered by Alberto Callegari at Elfo Recording Studios, Tavernago, Italy during “Musiche Nuove a Piacenza Festival”, November 30th, 2018
Annie Barbazza appears by courtesy of Manticore Records
ZFG will tour with Toto Summer 2019 in support of new single “Special”
Serendipitous is an adjective that describes accidentally being in the right place at the right time, like bumping into a good friend in some unusual location, or finding a hundred dollar bill on the ground. The word could also be used well in describing the inception of the band ZFG. Within its ranks you'll find seasoned songwriters and performers of which you may be familiar, but sometimes the sum of the parts is beyond expectations and lends itself to being genre defining.
“You guys are better musicians than KISS will ever be and you sound like you could be the next QUEEN.” - Gene Simmons
Based in Los Angeles, ZFG consists of Trev Lukather (son of legendary guitarist Steve Lukather and founding member of Toto), bassist Sam Porcaro (son of original bassist for Toto, Mike Porcaro), drummer Josh Devine of One Direction, and stellar vocalist Jules Galli.
The members were close friends in different projects, but decided to get into the studio for fun with a new approach in mind, making music with no rules or boundaries. “Zero F**ks Given” is what they called their first day in the studio, which led to their band name ZFG. After writing and recording together on day one, the chemistry was undeniable, so the decision was made to forge their individual projects into one. By melding anthemic, hook-filled melodies within funk rock guitar riffs and groove rock beats, the band shows their ability to compact a vast array of influence and experience into a signature sound with substance, style, and soul.
“Having released two songs already, 'Holehearted' and 'Special' it is now apparent just how good that chemistry is. Funk rock grooves and infectious backing vocals are just the first things to jump out at you. These guys can play. Of course when you carry the last name of rock royalty (Lukather and Porcaro) or come from a massive band like One Direction (Devine), people expect good things. These guys deliver that in spades.”
As serendipitous as the making of the band may have been, ZFG runs with a different mindset when approaching the music they write by not restricting themselves to purely rock-style songs. ZFG's music is infused in alternative, pop, R&B and a hybrid of other styles.
ZFG's radio campaign recently launched for their single “Special” and was officially released on April 26th on Spotify and all platforms via Cleopatra Records. “Special” landed #2 MOST ADDED spot on the Billboard (BDS) Mainstream Rock Indicator Chart and grabbed the coveted #1 MOST ADDED spot on the Foundations (SMR) Chart. “Special” lands among the Top 10 Greatest Gainers on BOTH the Billboard Indicator & Foundations Chart!
The band is currently on their first tour with Adelitas Way and The Winery Dogs. Fans can get a taste of their upcoming EP with the release of a lyric video for their single, “Special.”
June 25 - OPERA LESNA - SOPOT, POLAND with TOTO June 27 - BUDAPEST ARENA - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY with TOTO June 29 - BOERDERIJ - ZOETERMEER, NETHERLANDS - HEADLINE June 30 - HEDON - ZWOLLE, NETHERLANDS - HEADLINE July 02 - TOLLWOOD FESTIVAL - MUNICH, GERMANY with TOTO July 03 - PIAZZA DEGLI SCACCHI - MAROSTICA, ITALY with TOTO July 04 - AUDITORIUM CAVEA - ROME, ITALY with TOTO July 05 - PIAZZA NAPOLEONE - LUCCA, ITALY with TOTO July 06 - BALADIN OPEN GARDEN - PIOZZO, ITALY July 10 - MTC - KOLN, GERMANY - HEADLINE July 11 - NOCHTWACHE - HAMBURG, GERMANY - HEADLINE July 12 - MUSIK AND FRIEDEN - BERLIN, GERMANY - HEADLINE July 13 - BLUES GARAGE - ISERNHAGEN, GERMANY - HEADLINE July 14 - GELSENKIRCHEN AMPHITEATER - GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY with TOTO July 16 - Z7 SUMMER NIGHTS OPEN AIR - PRATTELN, SWITZERLAND with TOTO July 17 - BAROCKGARDENT - FUSSEN, GERMANY with TOTO July 18 - SCHLOSS OPEN AIR - SALEM, GERMANY with TOTO
Free Launch Show on June 6th at Old Queens Head, 44 Essex Rd, London N1 8LN
London - Blurred Vision are pleased to announce the digital release of their new single, “Magdalena.” It will be available on all major streaming and download platforms on 10th May and will be accompanied by a lyric video on Youtube.
Watch the lyric video here:
An official music video will be released on 3rd June to be accompanied by a free show to take place at the Old Queens Head in Angel on Thursday 6th June.
An effervescent, foot-stomping, club rock anthem of a track, “Magdalena” comprises the first offering from the band's forthcoming second album.
Inspired by the call of the collared dove, “Magdalena” is about an eponymous superheroine who breaks the chains of inhibition and mediocrity to free her subjects from the shackles of their mundane world.
Band founder/songwriter Sepp Osley said, “For anyone, if lucky, there is that individual, that free spirit, who comes into your life and completely liberates you from the things that hold you back. Conceptually it really appealed to me as a super power figure. Musically it all started with the call of the collard dove - one of those fortuitous moments where nature gives you that wild ear worm you really want to sing.”
Blurred Vision has been working directly with graduate students from London's MET Film School to create concepts for both the lyric and the official music videos. Students have submitted original material covering all aspects of animation, editing and post production with a view to bringing a young, fresh approach to the interpretation of the song.
This is not the first time that Blurred Vision have been involved with creative video concepts. Their first video to accompany a re-titled remake of Roger Waters' “Another Brick In The Wall” was directed by award-winning director Babak Payami. The song went viral and the video was cited as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Pop Music Videos of All time by Televisor Germany/MTV Europe.
Blurred Vision's “Dear John” video, in celebration of John Lennon, brought together artists and fans from across the world while the stark “Democracy (Beckett cut)” employed a strong monochromatic, confrontational approach which was both moving and compelling.
With the recent announcement of a new live lineup, Blurred Vision are on the verge of releasing their second album. Like their first, it is again produced by Terry Brown.
The new lineup sees the addition of some of London's hottest young musicians. Joining Sepp Osley are Bentley Levy on bass, Jake Bradford Sharp on drums and Jake Libretto on guitars.
Blurred Vision's “Magdalena” is available for purchase and streaming from the band's official website.
New York-based progressive rock ensemble, IZZ, is set to release their new studio album Don't Panic on May 21, 2019.
Centered around the 18+ minute epic, “42,” Don't Panic bears all the hallmarks of what has made IZZ one of the brightest lights in the US progressive rock scene. The band's 9th studio album reveals a fresh, new energy evidenced immediately by the title track's driving bass and catchy hooks to the unpredictable musical twists of “Age of Stars” to the instrumental tour-de-force that is “Moment of Inertia” to the exquisite classical guitar piece, “Six String Theory.” Don't Panic represents a step out of the ordinary and into the unexpected.
The 18 minute-long “42” displays the band in full force as all four vocalists, Anmarie Byrnes, Laura Meade, John Galgano, and Tom Galgano, create melodies and harmonies around the intersecting and connected sections of the piece while guitarist Paul Bremner, and drummers, Greg DiMiceli and Brian Coralian bring the song's powerful, dynamic, and emotional arrangement to life.
Watch the promotional video for IZZ's new album Don't Panic: Don't Panic will be available for purchase on iTunes, at Amazon.com, and at your favorite online retailers as well as on all streaming music services on May 21, 2019.
IZZ will be performing in support of the release of Don't Panic at the Terra Incognita Festival in Quebec City the weekend of May 18-19 and at the New Jersey Proghouse the weekend of June 15-16. More information on these live performances is available on the IZZ website: www.izzmusic.com
Track Listing:
1. Don't Panic 2. 42 3. Six String Theory 4. Moment of Inertia 5. Age of Stars
IZZ:
Paul Bremner: Electric & Acoustic Guitars Anmarie Byrnes: Vocals Brian Coralian: Electronic & Acoustic Drums and Percussion Greg DiMiceli: Acoustic Drums and Percussion John Galgano: Bass Guitar, Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Vocals Tom Galgano: Keyboards, Vocals Laura Meade: Vocals
France - Less than 2 years after the release of “Karma Obscur,” which had brought him all over Europe (Norway, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Slovaquia, France) for more than 30 shows (NattJazz w/Cory Henry, St Emilion Jazz fest w/Maceo Parker, Boerderij/Zoetermeer, MAI/Nancy, Bordeaux w/Greg Howe…), Shob is back with “Solide,” 11 Fusion/Afro/Funk tracks which will be released on May 3, 2019 (Inouïe distribution/La Route Prod). On April 15, SHOB and his musicians will be playing at London's famous Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club opening for guitarist Scott Henderson.
“Solide” showcases 11 tracks with Afro/Punk colors (Hostile, Vertige, la Brèche), Hip Hop moods with heavy brass riffs (Totem, Mémoire), or even Electro/80's sounds (Solide). The whole thing led by the powerful and precise drum parts of Morgan Berthet (Myrath, Eths, Kadinja), who also performed on the first two albums.
Rocky and funky guitars are amazingly played by the two newcomers: Johary Rakotondramasy & Jean Lou Siaut, who are also on stage for live performances. There is even some New Orleans color with the really fresh track “Cure,” which reminds one of John Scofield's best moments (guitar played by Christophe Maroye).
Brass section with FM Moreau & PJ Ley gives the album a strong Funk and Afro beat influence, reminiscent of Fela Kuti, Maceo Parker, Trombone shorty or Ibrahim Electric.
Finally, the wild and groovy percussion played by Ludo Lesage bring a real “back to the roots” ambiance.
Except two tracks with vocals (“Solide” w/Célia Marissal & “Totem” w/Lyne & Hugo Senbei), the album is mainly instrumental and leaves a great space for improvisations, with solos on every track. The songs on “Solide” were specifically written to be played live.
Again, it's a really mixed variety of music that SHOB and his friends will be playing on stage from April 2019 through an European tour which will bring them to Germany, UK, Austria, Latvia, Poland and France.
Tour line up: SHOB (bass), Simon Renault (drums), Tony Lavaud (key), Johary Rakotondramasy/JL SIaut (guitar)
SOLIDE tour 2019 : 24/02/19 FR – Bordeaux - Le café brun 16/03/19 FR – Carignan – Salle de la mairie 15/04/19 UK- London – Ronnie Scott 24/04/19 DE – Fûrth – Kofferfabrik 25/04/19 DE – Karlsruhe – Kohi 26/04/19 AT – Hard – Kammgarn 27/04/19 DE – Mainz – Jim 30/04/19 FR – Nancy – MAI 19/07/19 LV – Saulkrasti Jazz Fest 27/07/19 DE – Herzberg - Burg Herzberg Festival
“More Solide than ever” - Bassiste mag
“Best fusion album of the year” - Planet Waves
“Not only for bass players, those who look for groove and various musical colours will be pleased.” - Pavillon 666
“This kind of album is timeless and in 50 years from now, we still can play it, it won't get old at all” - Metal is the Law / Webzine
Featuring drummer Gavin Harrison (King Crimson, Porcupine Tree)
The Pineapple Thief will be heading out on an eagerly anticipated tour of North America in November 2019. The band, now complete with full-time drummer Gavin Harrison (King Crimson, Porcupine Tree) will be heading to the USA, Mexico and Canada for the first time ever.
Frontman Bruce Soord says: “People have been clamouring for us to bring our show to North America since I can remember. We've completed 4 tours of Europe with this lineup with Gavin. And now we are finally able to bring it over the pond. I for one cannot wait!”
Tour Dates: Nov 19 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse Nov 20 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre Nov 21 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage Nov 22 - Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer Nov 23 - New York City, NY - Sony Hall Nov 24 - Boston, MA - The Sinclair Nov 26 - Quebec City, Canada - Palais Montcalm Nov 27 - Montreal, Canada - Corona Theatre Nov 28 - Toronto, Canada - Mod Club Nov 29 – Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom Nov 30 – Detroit, MI - The Crofoot Ballroom Dec 1 – Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge Dec 3 – Guadalajara, Mexico - C3 Stage Dec 4 - Mexico City, Mexico - Lunario del Auditorio Nacional Dec 6 – Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre Dec 8 – Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom Dec 9 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre Dec 10 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's Dec 12 – Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre Dec 13 – Vancouver, BC, Canada - Rickshaw Theatre Dec 14 – Seattle, WA - Neumos
The band will once again be offering VIP upgrades which proved so popular during recent European tours. Fans will get the unique opportunity to hang out with the entire band, take photos, get stuff signed and ask questions. Numbers are limited to keep the event intimate and special.
The band's 2016 album, “Your Wilderness” produced 4m+ album streams, a #7 in the UK Independent Charts and two extensive headline European tours culminating at London's Islington Assembly Hall where the concert was recorded for the live release “Where We Stood.” Their recently released album “Dissolution” has seen the band propelled to even greater heights, having gained a #1 position in the UK Rock Charts and #22 in the German national album charts. The band have garnered high praise across the worldwide media as can be seen in the small selection of review quotes below…
Prog Magazine – Album Of The Month - “a varied album that pulls together the band’s diverse styles into nine cerebral but very accessible songs” Kerrang Magazine - “Its existence makes the world a slightly better place” Total Guitar - “this is essential listening for fans of contemporary prog” Slam (DE) - “Just a beautiful, melancholy record, powerful and full of hymn-like harmonies” Lust for Life (NL) - “Dissolution ticks all the boxes” RockTribune (BE) - “an album to cherish” Rockerilla (IT) - “a beautiful album from the beginning to the end, where every track is a piece of a mosaic of enchanted sounds”
The Pineapple Thief are: Bruce Soord - vocalist, guitars Gavin Harrison - drums Jon Sykes - bass Steve Kitch - keyboards
Portland, OR - Following his acclaimed CD “Parting Is,” Jon Durant returns with a new solo album “Alternate Landscapes.” While both records are solo guitar, that’s also where the similarity ends.
Alternate Landscapes expands the idea of solo guitar to include MIDI guitar triggering old school synthesizer sequences and breathy wind instruments alongside Jon’s signature cloud guitar textures. The result is a strikingly original blend of highly unusual sounds and textures with the additional context of vintage synthesis all translated through the guitar. In addition, each of the four expansive tracks take the listener on an extended sonic journey through a multitude of aural landscapes.
Durant commented: “For my entire musical career, I’ve steadfastly refused to wear my influences on my sleeve. If I ever do something that sounds too much like someone else, I have always discarded it. This time I allowed myself to let, for example, my Tangerine Dream influence come to the fore, and decided to make a statement that offered homage without being too derivative.”
Continuing, Durant spoke of the very different nature of how he approached his guitar playing on “Alternate Landscapes” relative to his previous work: “I’ve always had a great love of melody, and on all my earlier work whether solo or with Burnt Belief my lead guitar was a centerpiece of what I did. The cloud guitar textures, for which I have gained a certain reputation, were usually placed in a context underneath a more obvious lead guitar melody. On Alternative Landscapes, however, I have almost eliminated the lead guitar voice in favor of letting the cloud guitar textures become the dominant theme.”
“Two of the songs, “Aragon” and “Ciel du Cheval” are solo guitar pieces, performed live in the studio with no overdubs. All the percussive elements on “Aragon are a loop played on guitar, over which I played my fretless guitar. “Ciel du Cheval” is solo cloud guitar piece all played on guitar with an E-Bow. Listeners might be reminded of the landmark work of Fripp & Eno in it’s scope and approach, though not necessarily in the sounds that emerge.”
The other two tracks involve the use of guitar synthesizer, and also include sounds of voices and trains recorded on an iPhone and played back through the pickups of a guitar and processed through Durant’s complex effects rig to render those sounds completely indistinguishable from where they began.
Guitarist Jon Durant brings a unique sense of texture and melody to his instrument. His distinctive “cloud guitar” soundscapes and engaging lead work have graced numerous CD recordings and film soundtracks. His 2018 release “Parting Is” was nominated for “Best Ambient Album” in the Zone Music Reporter awards. In 2019, several highly regarded recordings feature Jon’s work as a session player, including Stephan Thelen’s landmark “Fractal Guitar” on which Durant can be heard alongside David Torn and Marcus Reuter and many other innovative guitarists.
As executive producer of Alchemy Records, he produces recordings for internationally acclaimed artists in his small home studio. Alongside Durant's six solo albums and three Burnt Belief records (with Colin Edwin of Porcupine Tree), Alchemy has also released albums by artists Michael Manring, Gary Willis, Leni Stern/Wayne Krantz and others.
Is this a 10cc reunion? Well, sort of.... Former band member and legendary director Kevin Godley has created 2 new videos for Graham Gouldman's touring version of 10cc. This is not the first time the two founding band members have collaborated. Godley and Gouldman created some fascinating new music back in 2006 under the guise GG/06, in which the track used for one of the videos “Son of Man” was created.
In 2006, for the first time in over three decades original 10cc members Godley and Gouldman reunited to record new music. Best known for such classic 10cc hits as “Rubber Bullets,” “I'm Not In Love” and “The Dean & I,” as well as Godley and Creme's hit “Cry,” Godley and Gouldman recorded six new download-only songs which received rave reviews from fans and critics alike worldwide! The music has recently been released on a limited edition CD only available at 10cc shows!
Kevin Godley, who has directed some of the most successful music videos in rock and roll for such artists as Peter Gabriel, Duran Duran, U2, Herbie Hancock, Hozier, Elbow, The Beatles, Paul McCartney and The Police to name just a few, graces all six tracks with his tremendous voice - arguably one of the great vocalists in music today!
Says Kevin, “I made this film of the GG/06 (that's me and Graham Gouldman) track 'Son Of Man' for the current 10cc touring band. It's a musical documentary about how 10cc started so it works as a kind of intro to the show. I ripped lots of stuff, shot everything on my iPhone X off my desktop screen, generated text, became a throwback using the MSQRD app and edited it all on Adobe Premier Pro. Tech head.”
Watch the video for “Son Of Man”:
Record Collector magazine described “Son Of Man” as “a tongue-in-cheek account of how a trio of studio-bound hermits called Hotlegs became the 70s chart-topping quartet known to all as 10cc. The song that was neither music nor art was Hotlegs' 1970 one-hit oddity, 'Neanderthal Man,' while 'Graham on bass' was none other than Graham Gouldman. And so, the 10cc story has come full circle.”
Kevin created a second video for 10cc's mega-hit “I'm Not In Love.” Kevin explains, “I directed and edited this film to visually enhance the current 10cc touring band's live performance of 'I'm Not In Love' and it was a 100% labour of love.”
Watch the video for “I'm Not In Love”:
“I'm Not In Love” was written by band members Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman and is known for its innovative and distinctive backing track, composed mostly of the band's multitracked vocals. Released in the UK in May 1975 as the second single from the band's third album “The Original Soundtrack,” it became the second of the group's three number-one singles in the UK between 1973 and 1978, topping the UK singles chart for two weeks. The song was also the band's breakthrough hit worldwide, reaching number one in Ireland and Canada and number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, as well as reaching the top 10 in Australia, New Zealand and several European countries.
“I'm Not In Love” was originally conceived as a bossa nova song played on guitars, but Kevin Godley and Lol Creme disliked the track and it was abandoned. However, after hearing members of their staff continue to sing the melody around their studio, Stewart persuaded the group to give the song another chance, to which Godley replied that for the song to work it needed to be radically changed, and suggested that the band should try and create a new version using just voices.
Along with the 2 new videos, Kevin Godley created and starred in a previous innovative video for the song “Somewhere In Hollywood” which 10cc have used in concert during the past couple of years.
In other news, Kevin Godley recently started recording his highly anticipated new solo album “MUSCLE MEMORY.” What makes this album special, along with being his very first solo album, is that it will be comprised of collaborations between Kevin and a cast of musicians he has only met via email or Skype, who have submitted instrumental tracks that he has chosen to turn into songs. Kevin is also in the early stages of pre-production to direct his first feature film, “The Gate,” based on Orson Welles' adventures in Ireland circa 1931.
The long awaited debut album by Steve Rodgers released in 2017 was well worth that wait! With eleven tracks in total, Steve opens with his first single “I Will Grow” and his second single, the title track from the album, “Head Up High.” As you listen through all the tracks you will find this album is both uplifting and emotive at the same time. Steve Rodgers writes from experience and from the heart so expect a truly personal experience.
“Great singing and songwriting – I'm impressed” - Roger Taylor of Queen
Steve Rodgers, singer songwriter, completed recording his much anticipated first album, released in 2018 and produced by Ken Nelson (Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini) mixed by Adrian Bushby (Foo Fighters, Muse). His songs reflect his passion for life’s depth, mystery and wonder, recorded with his band of like-minded musicians. Critics compare his music to a mix of Jack Johnson, Paolo Nutini and Cat Stevens.
“Steve Rodgers has a sweet, soulful pop voice... His songwriting is also very pop-oriented with lots of wistful piano and subtle guitar. 'Head Up High' is a solid debut by a talented artist.” - Blues Rock Review
At 14 he began to write his own songs on guitar and piano. He started a band with his friends at 17, Lost Sons of Davros. From the Lost Sons came Boa who created two great albums – their first single “Duvet” was the title track to the Japanese multi award-winning animation series Manga “Lain – Serial Xperiments.” They toured the States, the UK and after much enjoyment, Steve decided to follow his own path.
“Blessed with a powerful, melodic Bluesy voice, Rodgers kept the ever growing crowd transfixed throughout his set!” - Metro Arena, Newcastle
“Steve Rodgers was exceptional! His acoustic and electric guitar playing is inventive and rhythmic. His songwriting is thoughtful, intriguing and at times simply joyful. His voice is superb – expressive, soulful, powerful, subtle and effortlessly dynamic. His pitch and inflections impeccable…even when weaving in and out of complex cadences…” - Mick Burgess Chronicle Live
Steve has 'guested' at Wembley for Bad Company, Aerosmith's Joe Perry and the Robert Randolph Band. Tours have included support slots for Bad Company in the UK and Japan and his own headline dates in the UK and Canada. Along with Joe Walsh, Steve has also supported The Deborah Bonham Band and Midge Ure on their respective tours in the UK and Europe. In 2014 he supported Bad Company again with Lynyrd Skynyrd for their coast to coast US tour and in September 2015 he joined Stackridge for a three month tour of the UK.
Steve has headlined solo shows in the US and is planning to tour the US and the UK later this year.
Steve is currently completing his second album which is slated for release in 2019! He has also collaborated with his father Paul Rodgers on the song “This Place Called Home.” All proceeds from the single will be donated to Zoe's Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough. More Information:
Los Angeles, CA - After suiting up as the Space Gypsy in 2013, blasting off on an epic Space Fusion Odyssey in 2015 and enjoying Life In Space in 2017, pioneering musician/songwriter Nik Turner is now set to venture to the outer reaches of space rock with his awe-inspiring new studio album The Final Frontier! Picking up where his last album left off, Turner brings another set of psychedelic freak-out grooves that will take listeners on a journey they won’t soon forget! Standout tracks include the album opener “Out Of Control,” a super-collider of rollicking psych rock that unites saxophone and guitar in spectacular fashion, and the dramatic space ballad “Interstellar Aliens.” Once again joining our intrepid traveler Turner is Nicky Garratt of UK Subs and Hedersleben, Jürgen Engler of Die Krupps, and Jason Willer of UK Subs and Jello Biafra’s band as well as special guest appearances by Hawkwind alumni Simon House and Paul Rudolph. Available on CD in a digipak case as well as a gorgeous limited-edition yellow vinyl in a gatefold jacket! The Final Frontier will be in stores everywhere starting March 8.
Check out the video for the first single “Out Of Control”:
Track List: 1. Out Of Control 2. Interstellar Aliens 3. Thunder Rider 4. The Final Frontier Part 1 5. Back To The Ship 6. Calling The Egyptians 7. Strange Loop 8. The Final Frontier Part 2 9. PAD4
Follow-up to the critically acclaimed Instrumental Progressive Rock Album “Out to Sea”!
“Out to Sea 2” is the sequel album to the critically acclaimed Instrumental Progressive Rock Album “Out to Sea” by Fernando Perdomo, guitarist and bassist of The Dave Kerzner Band.
The album was recorded to meet the growing demand from fans for Fernando Perdomo’s music and in response to the tremendous reaction the first “Out to Sea” album received.
Guests on the record include Joe Deninzon, Joe Cass, Mark Murdock, Jamison Smeltz, Eddie Zyne, Eric Matthews, Tom Bones Malone and The Out to Sea Band.
Acclaimed artist Paul Whitehead painted the cover image. Other covers by Whitehead include “Trespass”, “Nursery Cryme” and “Foxtrot” by Genesis.
“'Out to Sea 2' is a continuation of my journey exploring the magical world of instrumental prog rock. I had some wonderful people join me on this journey. This album is all about emotion and beauty. The wide range of styles will give you a better idea as to who I am as an artist.” - Fernando Perdomo
Tracks: 1. TWO 2. SUPER WOOFER 3. BOING! 4. THEME FROM “DR. LEISURE” 5. BEAUTIFUL 6. FIVE FOUR 7. STAIRWAY TO THE SEA 8. YOUR PRECIOUS ECHO 9. SATURDAY NIGHT 10. THE ANGELS OF ARDENT 11. SEVEN STARS 12. ARTURIUS 13. THE STRATOSPHERE 14. FLYING TO UTOPIA 15. THE VICTORY
LIVE BONUS TRACKS 16. ANGEL 17. THE ARCHITECT (TRIBUTE TO PETER BANKS)
Released by The right honourable recording company
Featuring Simon Phillips, Matt Bissonette, Greg Howe, Jeff Babko, Dennis Hamm & others!
“We Have 12 years to Limit Climate Change Catastrophe” Warns the United Nations IPCC
“Earth’s Carbon Dioxide Levels are Likely the Highest They’ve been in 15 Million Years” University of Texas at Austin, Jackson School of Geosciences
“Technologies built for our survival,
Back on Earth made us a dominant rival.
Working as one, we conquered all nations,
All networks now under our communications.
Resources rationed, ideas controlled,
An intelligent regime to save our souls.
Children of the future,
Return to the light,
Saving our Planet from our self-inflicted plight.”
— DarWin, For Humanity
“The Revolution will come in waves.”— DarWin, Artificial
Welcome to the near-future: the world of DarWin. An intricate musical fantasy concept that launched in November 2018 in the UK only with the ambitious single release of “Escape The Maze,” followed by the full length album “Origin Of Species.”
The album is now available internationally on all major digital distribution platforms, with an epic cinematic video of “Escape the Maze” available on YouTube, Facebook and iTunes. More DarWin videos can be found on YouTube and Facebook.
Who is DarWin?: An Introduction to the “Escape the Maze” video saga.
It’s roughly ten years from now into the future, 2028. An exhausted ecology, and global conflicts, have led to a huge upheaval of the world order, straining and diminishing human populations. The lives of everyday people and families have been turned upside down by the intense ecological pressures related to climate change. No longer just a theory discussed by scientists and politicians, climate change is wreaking havoc on the world. Chaos and confusion reign as fighting for basic resources continuously escalates. “Day Zero” has occurred, when nuclear attacks punctuated what had for many years been a civility between nations and people. As Earth rejects life, those of us who remain struggle to survive.
“Escape The Maze” is the first installment in an evolving saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era. It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. The story of “Origin Of Species” is represented through music, graphic storytelling and videos.
A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A narrative that demands attention and imagination. With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses.
The music seeks to capture the listener in the spirit of the greatest concept albums that have helped to define the history of rock. Heavy riffs and killer grooves lead way to delicate ensembles, only to pick up the pace again with searing guitar solos. The genre is decisively Prog Rock, but DarWin begs to be appreciated by a large global audience of music enthusiasts. Key tracks to discover the narrative include: For Humanity, Walk Away from Earth, the Last Chance and Artificial. Emotionally powerful songs for a wide audience include One Horizon, Cosmic Rays, and Forever.
It’s time to enter the saga. It’s time to join DarWin on his journey…
The “Origin Of Species” album features legendary drummer and producer Simon Phillips, who, in addition to playing drums, percussion and keyboards, also engineered, mixed and drove the production on the album. Veteran bass player and singer Matt Bissonette performed a rich array of lead and background vocals and bass. DarWin himself drove the songwriting and conceptual vision while playing various guitars.
The album features guest performances from the likes of Jeff Babko (keyboards and quartet arrangements), Greg Howe (blazing lead guitar solos), Dennis Hamm (keyboards), Ernst Tibbs (bass), Katisse Buckingham (Flute, Soprano Sax), Samuel Sim and Peter Nickalls (orchestral and quartet arrangements), The Origin of Species Quartet (Los Angeles), The Reykjavik String Quartet (Iceland), and The Chamber Orchestra Of London (Conductor Matt Dunkley)
The album was recorded at Simon Phillip’s Phantom Recordings, Sherman Oaks, CA, with additional recording at Abbey Road Studios (Studio 2, the “Beatles Room”), London, United Kingdom, Sundlaugin Studio in Reykjavik, Iceland, The Doghouse, Woodland Hills, CA, Rose Lane Studios, Carpenteria, CA, and Megatrax, Ventura, CA.
The album was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips. They are continuing to work on new music together at an undisclosed location. The saga will continue...
Watch Simon Phillips discuss the making of “Origin Of Species”:
Full tracklisting:
1 FOR HUMANITY 2 THE LAST CHANCE 3 TAKING CHANCES 4 ESCAPE THE MAZE 5 WALK AWAY FROM EARTH 6 GUMMY BEAR 7 FOREVER
Intermission
8 WAR AGAINST MY MIND 9 ARTIFICIAL 10 ONE HORIZON 11 MODERN INSANITY 12 COSMIC RAYS 13 LIFE IS A MYSTERY 14 SLOWLY MELTING 15 RISE 16 JUST ONE MORE DAY 17 PROLOGUE
The album will also feature a stunning graphic comic-style layout telling the story visually. A sample page is below:
The epically cinematic video for the “Escape The Maze” single is available here
Taken from forthcoming new album Ramagehead (Release: Feb. 22, 2019 - Kscope)
O.R.k., featuring Italy's celebrated vocalist, producer and award-winning film score composer Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF (lead vocals), King Crimson's Pat Mastelotto (drums), Porcupine Tree's Colin Edwin (bass), Marta Sui Tubi's Carmelo Pipitone (guitars) have revealed their new single & video for “Black Blooms” which features their collaboration with the iconic System Of A Down frontman, Serj Tankian.
WATCH “BLACK BLOOMS (feat. SERJ TANKIAN)” HERE:
O.R.k bassist Colin Edwin explains how the collaboration with Serj Tankian came about “The involvement of Serj Tankian came about through legendary producer Bill Laswell, who played bass on Lef's 2018 solo album 'Hypersomniac'. Laswell passed a copy of 'Hypersomniac' to Serj, who was impressed enough to also check out O.R.k. and our previous two albums. This led directly to Lef and Serj connecting and discussing potentially collaborating at some point; it was just at the time we were working on 'Ramagehead', so of course a suggestion had to be made. Lef sent him the tracks as a 'work in progress' and from this, Serj himself chose 'Black Blooms' as the song he wished to sing and work with us on.”
Colin continues “The development of 'Black Blooms' took a few unexpected turns as we all contributed along the way, Pat Mastelotto's masterful drumming added an underlying aspect of urgency I hadn't anticipated on the original demo, and Carmelo Pipitone manages to strike a superlative balance between sensitivity and total fireworks as the song progresses. The atmosphere was always going to be a great context for Lef's vocals, but the biggest surprise was Serj Tankian's involvement, which really amazed me when I first heard it, he's added, not simply a great vocal performance, but the exact amount of extra depth to the framework, to turn it into something truly special, and if I didn't know better, I would have thought 'Black Blooms' was made with him in mind.”
The forthcoming album Ramagehead was created from the band's collective vision, unique influences and a multi-layered reflection of their powerful and engaging live experience. The resulting epic contains all the ingredients of a fiery O.R.k. performance with dark and heavy riffing, mesmeric atmospheres. Recorded during 2018 at LefMusicStudio (Italy), The Wormhole (USA) and Nightspace (UK). The mixing for Ramagehead was handled by Adrian Benavides and three-time Grammy-winning engineer Marc Urselli (U2, Foo Fighters, Nick Cave), the mastering by Michael Fossenkemper, engineering by Benavides and Bill Munyon (King Crimson), cover art by Adam Jones (TOOL) and design by Denis Rodier (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman). The recordings, and involvement of SOAD's Serj Tankian on a forthcoming single, solidifies the band's serious intent to use their musical chemistry in exploring the hard-edged possibilities within rock.
Ramagehead tracklisting: Kneel to Nothing (instant download on digital pre-orders) Signals Erased Beyond Sight Black Blooms (feat. Serj Tankian) Time Corroded Down the Road Some Other Rainbow Part 1 Strangled Words Some Other Rainbow
Ramagehead will be released on 22nd February on CD / 180g Black vinyl LP / Digital and is available to PRE-ORDER HEREhttps://ork.lnk.to/RamageheadPR
O.R.k. have an extensive live campaign planned in support of Ramagehead which will begin in February 2019 with a European and UK head line run as well as being special guests on the continuing “Dissolution Tour” from new label mates The Pineapple Thief.
Colin Edwin comments “'Ramagehead' is our most intense, ambitious and accessible work to date and I am really looking forward to exploring the new material in a live environment and sharing our unique collective energy together. For me, O.R.k. is always a completely immersive and unforgettable experience in the live arena, so with new tracks to play and an opportunity to reach places and people we've yet to get to, this tour will be our best yet.”
Tour Dates: ** show with The Pineapple Thief 15.2 Ravenna (IT) - Bronson 16.2 Lugagnano di Sona/Verona (IT) - Il Giardino 17.2 Pisa (IT) - Lumiere 21.2 Bari (IT) - Garage Sound 22.2 Roma (IT) - Largo Venue** 23.2 Milano (IT) - Santeria Social Club ** 24.2 Pratteln (CH) - Z7 ** 26.2 Stuttgart (DE) - LKA Longhorn ** 27.2 Frankfurt (DE) - Batschkapp ** 28.2 Strasburg (FR) - La Laiterie ** 1.3 Zoetermeer (NL) - Borderij ** 2.3 Hamburg (DE) - Grosse Freiheit 36 ** 3.3 Copenhagen (DK) - Store Vega ** 5.3 Stockholm (SE) - Nalen ** 6.3 Oslo (NO) - Rockefeller ** 8.3 Iserhagen/Hannover (DE) - Blues Garage 10.3 Cologne (DE) - Yard Club 12.3 Munich (DE) - Backstage 13.3 Budapest (HU) - Durer 14.3 Nove Mesto nad Vahom (SK) - Blue Note 15.3 Berlin (DE) - Music & Frieden 17.3 Paris (FR) - Petit Bain 19.3 London (UK) - Borderline 20.3 Newcastle (UK) - o2 Academy ** 21.3 Glasgow (UK) - St. Luke’s ** 22.3 Manchester (UK) - o2 The Ritz ** 23.3 Birmingham (UK) - o2 The Institute 2 ** 24.3 Bristol (UK) - SWX **
O.R.k. are: Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF - lead vocals Pat Mastelotto - drums Colin Edwin - bass Carmelo Pipitone - guitars
Experimental beyond expectations, HOIA is an infusion of musical interests by Prateek Rajagopal. Popularly known for being a virtuoso guitarist, budding film composer and writer/producer for death metal legions “GUTSLIT” & Indian/Amercian prog metal supergroup “The Minerva Conduct,” his interest in genres and art forms beyond metal gave rise to HOIA, inspired by Avant-garde, progressive rock, experimental and industrial music.
After releasing two EPs with HOIA, Prateek is all set to release his debut album titled “Scavenger.” The record has a more sophisticated songwriting approach compared to his previous releases, albeit still very 'prog,' and also features Prateek as a vocalist for the first time. The instruments used on the album are unlike his other projects, using samples of rotating fans and vehicle sounds, analog synthesizers and digital manipulation along with organic instruments like guitars (acoustic, electric), piano and strings.
Says Prateek, “The album deals with human-sentimentality concepts like nostalgia, demise, anxiety and the need to 'scavenge' to survive, bubbled in fictitious concepts as individual stories. It isn't a concept album, but there's a loose relation across the individual stories.”
Although he is the primary songwriter, Prateek approached Colin Edwin of "Porcupine Tree" & Wojtek Deregowski (a reputed session musician from Poland) to perform bass and drums respectively.
“In a world full of guitarists, I am lucky enough to somehow work with a steady flow of really interesting and unique players, so I am very happy to be involved with Prateek Rajagopal's new HOIA album, a solid collection of inspiring tracks across an ever-evolving deep sonic landscape. Lots of unexpected elements which fuse together really well, with a some great twists for the adventurous listener, top stuff.” - Colin Edwin
“Even though I know all the tunes from the new HOIA album really well, I like to come back and listen to them again. It’s just a very good music in which you may always find something new that surprises and catches your attention. Fresh sounds, a lot of space and emotions at the same time. I’m really happy that I could contribute to the music by recording drum parts. Prateek gave me a lot of freedom in expressing my own style of playing so I improvised much hoping to give the music even more feelings and interesting ideas.” - Wojtek Deregowski
HOIA's “Scavenger” has been in the works for over 2 years and clocks in at 33 minutes. The track-list is as follows:
1. Write Across 2. Escape Orb 3. Electric Wizard 4. Part II 5. Scavenger
“An all-out prog fest, going from intricate chilling melodies to odd-time riffs and shattering drum-work.'' - Rolling Stone (India)
In support of the release Prateek has plans to tour and the members are also willing to perform, but his multiple commitments in Mumbai and other projects are holding it back. A music/visualization video (by illustrator/director Aniruddh “Thebigfatminimalist” Mehta) for “Write Across,” a drum play-through of “Electric Wizard,” and an album stream video are all ready.
In closing Prateek has this to say, “The album deals with simple human emotions. However, writing them as stories felt natural and subtle, and thinking about characters/plots made the process very enjoyable. I hope that people understand the metaphors and Easter eggs too, since everyone goes through similar human emotions. So if people relate with the stories, they might feel better and less lonely, and in turn feel hopeful about life and this world.”