Tag Archives: New releases
Diana Anaid – Better Girl(Official)
Diana Anaid – The Better Girl Tour
The Better Girl Tour
UPDATE MAY
Diana Anaid’s Better Girl East Coast Tour is well underway
Starting with a couple of out of town shows north of Brisbane last weekend including the huge ‘Rockin for the Homeless’ benefit at Redcliffe Leagues the shows are rolling out…heres some reviews already…
“Diana Anaid was up next, shes been around a long time now
I remember hearing stuff years ago and thinking she was
very much like Ani Difranco, I didnt get that last night
she has found her own voice and its one of a kind
It was a great performance
Shes playing a few shows up here including one at the
milk factory in west end on the 4th of may
and the stones corner festival on the 6th”- striped sunshine blog Rockin for the Homeless review
and
“On My Queen (Diana) presents a soundscape that traverses everything from art-rock (Into your Heart) to jagged Alt Country(Can’t Apologise) to Reggae Ska(Mortify Me). Braveheart boldly veers into electronica…The current single the classic rock Better Girl manifests the albums theme of gender identity and empowerment.” Cyclone Werner- The Music
The Better Girl Tour takes in venues from Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Sunshine Coast
and more. (See dates below)
Openers include Ben Camden, Rosie Burgess, Kristy Coote, Meg Ripps, Essie Thomas and Dreadlock Cowboy.
Diana’s lineup will vary from 3 piece to unplugged mode depending on the venues and the tour also takes in The Brisbane Stones Corner Festival and The Rockin’ for The Homeless benefit.
One of the very special features of the tour is the album’s Producer Steve James(Toyah Willcox, Skunkhour, The Saints, Screaming Jets)
will be guesting on select shows in a Question and Answer session with Diana.
Complete dates
The Better Girl Tour – Presented by TheMusic
April Fri 20th Nimbin, ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY Nimbin Bush Theatre, NSW (w/Essie Thomas and special guest Steve James ‘Q&A’) $10 Tix at https://nimbinbushtheatre.co
April Fri 27th Eumundi, Imperial Hotel, Sunshine Coast QLD
$15 + bk fee presale & $20 on night Tix from Venue or http://www.
April Sat 28th Redcliff, ROCKIN’ 4 The Homeless, Redcliff Leagues Club QLD (w/ Hoodoo Gurus unplugged)
$57 Tix from Venue or https://www.
May Fri 4th Brisbane, The Milk Factory, QLD w/ Meg Ripps and Dreadlock Cowboy
$15 + bk fee presale & $20 on night Tix from Venue or www.oztix.com.au
May Sun 6th Brisbane, Stones Corner Festival, QLD, w/ Custard, the Mavis’s, Screamfeeder and more
https://www.
May Fri 18th Melbourne, The Caravan Music Club, w/ Rosie Burgess
Tickets $15 + bk fee presale & $20 on night. Tix from venue Ph (03) 95681432 or www.
May Thurs 24th Newcastle, Hotel Cambridge w/ Ben Camden and Kristy Coote $12/15
Ticket link for Diana Anaid – https://events.ticketbooth.
May Fri 25th Canberra, Smiths Alternative, ACT, 10pm w/ Ben Camden
$15 + bk fee presale & $20 on night Tix from Venue or https://www.
May Sat 26th Sydney, Factory Floor, w/ Ben Camden and Steve James (‘qna’) $15 + bk fee presale & $20 on night
Tix from Venue or http://www.factorytheatre.
Link to Tickets just click the image-
Link to New Single Better Girl (OUT NOW) MGM
Better Girl is the second single from Diana’s current Album My Queen(MGM).
The culmination of 7 years of writing and Co-written with longtime guitarist Nathan Correy, produced by Aria Award Winning Steve James the album has already earned praise such as
“Diana’s a rock ‘n’ roll firecracker… a totally passionate one-off'”- Michael Smith – Rhythms
“My Queen’ has all the heartache, wit, poetry and honesty of her most well-known work.” – MJ O’Neill-TheMusic
Current Album
My Queen(MGM)
Out Now
100% Rock Magazine full review
With comparisons to Liz Phair, P.J Harvey and Ani DiFranco, Diana Ah Naid (as she was known until changing it to the palindromic Anaid) in 2004 cracked the U.S market with Last Thing and her ‘No Boys Allowed’ campaign, which saw the single climb into the Billboard Top40.
Diana’s career highlights include US Billboard Top 40 placement, 5 ARIA nominations, 2 inclusions in Triple J’s Hottest 100 and sets at the BDO, Falls, Vans Warped, Woodford and Byron Blues Fest.
“…wistful and edgy, rebellious and arty, relentlessly creative..with an amazing voice.” 100% Rock
“The spirit is honest, heartfelt and pleads with listeners to, well, listen…'” MusicLove
“The Australian equivalent of Alanis Morissette, the alternative rock/pop on display is world class.” OverDrive
-Social media links
https://twitter.com/dianaanaid
https://www.facebook.com/dianaanaidmusic
https://www.instagram.com/dianaanaidmusic/
-Official site
https://www.dianaanaid.com
YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p0p7ppxY20&list=PLqyZpey416YThLG8Apq43uYsJ32UNU7J0
Flow with their self titled Debut Album
FLOW: A DYNAMIC NEW AGE IN MUSIC
Will Ackerman, Fiona Joy Hawkins, Lawrence Blatt and Jeff Oster Take a Open Approach to Musical Discovery, Embracing Friendship While Building Organic Songs for their eponymous new release–FLOW.
Forty years after Windham Hill became a catalyst for the global musical phenomenon, its bountiful legacy of best-selling solo works (George Winston, Liz Story, Alex DeGrassi, Michael Hedges) and Grammy-winning ensembles (Shadowfax)–extends into a truly new age with FLOW–a new four-piece ensemble comprised of Ackerman and three of today’s most acclaimed independent artists, Australian pianist Fiona Joy Hawkins, acoustic guitarist Lawrence Blatt and flugelhorn master Jeff Oster. All in, FLOW members have accumulated literally dozens of accolades, from GRAMMY® Awards, ZMRs, IMAs, IAMAs and a catalog of #1 albums in the genre.
FLOW, on Blatt’s LMB Music label, came together to record deep in the West River Valley in Southern Vermont, at Imaginary Road Studios, the longtime creative home base of legendary Grammy-winning acoustic guitarist Will Ackerman, the original founder of Windham Hill; the 282-acre property in Windham County has become a hotbed of acoustic excellence over the past 25 years.
Ackerman shared his thoughts on the process of recording with FLOW, saying – “There was a moment in the process of making FLOW with Fiona, Lawrence and Jeff when I felt a hint of panic that my pieces were being altered and transformed into something very different from what I would have done with them on a Will Ackerman record. It was in the moment just after this thought that I realized that FLOW was actually working… that I was experiencing real synergy. The group had become a creative entity unto itself and four dear friends had gathered to create something beyond anything they could have created on their own.Experiments don’t always work. This one worked!?”
As officially announced, the concept of FLOW had its origins in 2015, when Blatt invited Fiona and Oster to join him at Imaginary Road to create an album inspired by the iconic Windham Hill sound and ensembles. Ackerman had already produced several of Fiona Joy Hawkin’s and Oster’s albums plus Blatt’s recordings The Color of Sunshine, Emergence, and Latitudes and Longitudes featuring Oster on horn; Blatt and Fiona met while recording a special project on Blue Coast Music.
Oster remembers that each of them brought two or three songs to the project to which they added their parts under the guidance of Ackerman’s longtime production partner at Imaginary Road, Tom Eaton. The group likens Eaton’s multi-faceted role in the success of the project as that of The Fifth Beatle.
Reflecting on FLOW’s debut project, Oster says, “If you look back into any time of human existence, this need for peaceful breathing and listening has always and will always be deeply important. It’s not only New Age music, it is EVERY AGE music!”
FLOW made their official debut with an album release celebration at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall on October 6, 2017. The group is booking concert dates this Spring, including a featured performance at the Zone Music Awards on Saturday May 12th at Roussell Hall in New Orleans; they are nominated for both Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
AXS Review
“By Sari Cohen”
“These are four musicians who are all self-sufficient in their talents. They’re brilliant at making albums that are unique and musically successful as soloists. The lovely surprise is that they, we, all managed with grace and ease to come together and create something new and different from anything any of us had ever done before,” Grammy-winner Will Ackerman explains.
World Music Central Review
“By Angel Romero”
Flow is a supergroup of musicians who have been involved with New Age music for many years. The term New Age is used to describe a wide range of genres, from easy listening acoustic music to electronic meditation music. In this case, Flow performs peaceful and ethereal instrumental music with smooth jazz, folk, gliding ambient sounds and classical music elements.
Website Link
Link to USA Tour Dates and Tickets
FLOW hope to tour Australia at select locations in 2019
The Sheyana Band – New Single BIG LOVE and a chat with singer Sheyana
With their first single BIG LOVE just released from the forthcoming album of the same name due out mid March we managed to get hold of the bands singer and founder Sheyana all the way down in the deep south of Australia – Tasmania to be exact. The interview reveals theres a lot more to this rocking blues band and Sheyana’s influences than you may think – London, Sri Lanka and even Keith Richards earn a mention……
What inspired you to become an artist and who are your early influences?
“Born in the UK, I was inspired by the British 70’s era. Raised in London, watching “Top of the Pops” and listening to music by David Bowie, Jimmy Hendrix & The Jackson 5, we would often go to concerts at Hyde Park to see our favourite band, The Rolling Stones. The feeling was overwhelming and I knew back then, I wanted to write songs and play music. I come from a musical family. My Nan was a mezzo soprano champion and my Pop hand-crafted acoustic guitars. After my Pop passed away and my Mum & Dad separated, we migrated from the UK to Tasmania and I found inspiration in our local chapel listening to the beautiful harmonies from my mother’s family choir. David Bowie, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, Renee Geyer, The Beach Boys, AC/DC & Alice Cooper, and Kiss were all constant on my record player.”
Your Bio Mentions Keith, tell us the story?
“My Tasmanian mother and my Sri Lankan father met in the late 60’s on a ship bound for England. I was born in the UK, living in London in the early 70’s. We were living in an apartment at Ivor Court in London, two doors down from The Rolling Stones. I used to ride my tricycle up and down the hallway, and Keith Richards took a shine to me. He used to always take the time to talk to me and pat me on the head as I rode by, learning to ride my first bike. I have early memories of being drawn to him, often talking with him as they were going in and out of their apartment. This is a memory I will never forget. I went on to begin my music career in the late 90’s, with my song “Wash me in the Water” being selected to feature on “Bloomers One” – Australian Women’s Singer Songwriter’s Album. Following with my debut album “Firehorse” in 2002, and EP “Sweet Honesty in 2010, which received an International songwriting award. During this time, my Dad who was now living in Sri lanka reconnected with me after all these years and we set up a Sri lankan tour with a promoter in Columbo, which included MTV appearances, live shows, radio interviews and airplay, and I made my first video clip for the single “Undone”. It was a successful, exciting, emotional time for us all. The missing piece in the puzzle was found. I also found a new fanbase for my music and a second island home. The 2nd EP release, “Keep the Change” ( first release with The Sheyana Band), hit the charts in Columbo at Number 6, and The Sheyana Band were nominated in the Top 5 Band’s in Sri Lanka 2015. We were invited to their awards night, so I headed to Sri lanka to make my second video clip, along with TV & Radio appearances and some shows. This has been the journey, which has brought me to the release of the latest album “Big Love”. I’m hoping that my Father will be around to see my new music, as he is battling with cancer. Im planning to meet him in the UK later this year and play some shows. So it has come full circle, as I will return to the UK for the first time since I was a child meeting Keith.”
What current Australian acts inspire you and why? What international acts?
“Meg Mac, Gang of Youths – I recently saw both when I performed at Party in The Paddock. They have become favourites. I love their stage presences. Both send clear messages with great vocals, loads of soul, with catchy riffs and good hook lines.”
“Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age – these International acts have been a huge inspiration for me, with their clever songwriting, high energy & big guitar sounds, and I”m really inspired by the way they have always done what they believed in without wavering or selling their soul, much like Tom Petty did throughout his career ”
Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show?
“The songs and our live shows are exciting, edgy & accessible. Featuring great musicianship from my band, there is something for everyone in our music, From heart wrenching acoustic ballads, to rocking dance songs and catchy riffs, rooted in the blues, we cross over into rock, country and pop.”
Whats your favourite Place?
” Laurel Creek – in the midst of a NW Tasmanian rainforest by a babbling brook. This is my property with 50 acres of wilderness. Its a magic healing place with naturally formed hexagonal sandstone rocks and crystals, which I built my house from.”
What are your future plans for 2018/2019?
“Developing songwriting skills and collaborating with other artists. Going back to my roots to Perform in the UK & Sri Lanka. Going back into the studio to record some new material with The Sheyana Band & to record a stripped back solo album.”
Thanks Sheyana , finally what shows have you coming up ?
“We’ve just been asked to do a big sports event -
Sat February 24 – It’s an AFL Match with North Melbourne and Carlton, at Twin Ovals in Kingston, Hobart.
I’ll be appearing on Roots of Rhythm
PBS 106.7FM in Melbourne with Helen Jennings on
Wednesday Feb 21 at 10.15am talking about the Album.
We also have a couple of smaller Tassy gigs:
Fri Feb 23 Prickly Mos Wineries Eugenia, TAS
March 10 Cradle Forest Inn – Moina, TAS
Then we’ll be launching the album on
Stream, buy, connect –
The Sheyana Band – Big Love
Hussy Hicks Are Back – New Album On The Boundaries
New Review Just In – 16 November
“Review of Hussy Hicks new album On The Boundaries . Another brilliant release for 2017.This great scorched land has birthed 3 remarkable albums this year & we are now joined by a 4th.Hussy Hicks join the elite company of Charles Jenkins , 19Twenty & Woodland Hunters with the delivery of On The Boundaries. You don’t lose sheer talent like you lose the flavour of chewing gum , and Leesa Gentz & Julz Parker are blossoming & blooming from album to album. Leesa’s soaring voice of evocative, volcanic velvet is like honey for your soul & the fretwork of Julz is fire & brimstone one minute & yet the epitome of controlled restraint the next. Co-conspirator Raph White adds the sonic soundtrack like an idiosyncratic Daniel Lanois or Mitchell Froom , and his brushstrokes are an embellishment to be revered.I first saw these ladies support Turin Brakes in Fremantle & my ears were converted & prised wonderfully wide open.Are they a cult secret ? I’m not certain , but we should all join hands , buy this stunning offering and make these ladies wealthy. It would only be justice for the riches this album conveys.
Cheers Duncan Smith Top Shelf Music 89.7FM So much music so little time.”
With their new single Mutiny recently Premiered with repeat plays on Triple J Roots N All the Hussy Hicks are well pleased with their collaborative efforts on the new album. Teaming up with long time friend London based Producer Raphael White the girls have created a stunning new album that will surprise some but still maintains their folk and blues roots.They are currently on tour in the USA and head home this month to drop the record and head out for their Australian dates starting in WA (listed below)
Almost 10 years after the release of their debut album Hussy Hicks
are back with their fifth full length offering, On the Boundaries. A
departure from their trademark live recordings, this album sees the
Hussy Hicks experiment with their sound and production to create
something familiar yet fresh. It’s the Hussy Hicks embracing a
creative approach and the results are nothing short of stunning.
The Gold Coast based band has made a name for themselves locally
and on the international stages the old fashioned way – not through a
Youtube video gone viral or a Facebook post shared thousands of
times, but by playing their music and connecting with audiences
one passionate performance at a time.
Julz Parker and Leesa Gentz possess a special connection and an
innate understanding of each other musically. Their unique sound
spans many genres from boisterous blues and roots, to
contemporary folk, alt country and power ballads.
For this album they joined forces with long time friend and musical
collaborator Raphael White. Their trust in him as a producer allowed
them to expand on their live sound and conduct some sonic
experiments in his London studio.
“Stylistically I guess the biggest difference between this and our
last albums would be the layering; more vocals, more guitars, more
time spent on production” says Julz. ““We tried not to be beholden to our live
sound, to keep the tracks open to be able to grow in any direction.
The way we found was best for that was to start each song by
Leesa laying down a couple of shaker tracks (as we do live) so that
we all had a solid foundation groove that we were all comfortable to build upon. We then sang
and played all the different ideas we had for each song and left
Raph with a bit of a sonic smorgasboard to play with.
It’s not a folk album, its not a blues album, its
not an alt-country album but it still has bits of all our influences
wrapped up in there and we’re super happy with the result.”
On The Boundaries (Funk/Fauna)
Release Date November 10 All Platforms
Radio Amrap/AiritALBUM PRE ORDER LINK-
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/on-the-boundaries/id1293275790
The Hussy Hicks are also pleased to announce their upcoming Tour DatesNov 8 – WA Redcliffe on the Murray
Nov 9 – WA Settlers Tavern
Nov 10-12 – WA Bridgetown Blues Festival
Nov 14 – WA Perth Blues Club
Nov 15 – WA Clancy’s Fremantle
Nov 17-19 – NSW Mullum Music Festival
Nov 25-27 – VIC Queenscliff Music Festival
Dec 1-3 – NSW – Sydney Blues and Roots Festival Windsor
Dec 8 – NSW Tintenbar Hall
Dec 9 – QLD House with No Walls Eumundi
Dec 15 QLD Summertime Sessions in the Village – Gold Coast
Release Date November 10 All Platforms
Radio Amrap/AiritALBUM PRE ORDER LINK-
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/on-the-boundaries/id1293275790
The Hussy Hicks are also pleased to announce their upcoming Tour DatesNov 8 – WA Redcliffe on the Murray
Nov 9 – WA Settlers Tavern
Nov 10-12 – WA Bridgetown Blues Festival
Nov 14 – WA Perth Blues Club
Nov 15 – WA Clancy’s Fremantle
Nov 17-19 – NSW Mullum Music Festival
Nov 25-27 – VIC Queenscliff Music Festival
Dec 1-3 – NSW – Sydney Blues and Roots Festival Windsor
Dec 8 – NSW Tintenbar Hall
Dec 9 – QLD House with No Walls Eumundi
Dec 15 QLD Summertime Sessions in the Village – Gold Coast
Jan 19-21 – NSW Thredbo Blues Festival
Checkout the stripped back version of current single Mutiny (premiered on Triple J) captured live in the European Winter for Youtube
Fearlessly independent, Hussy Hicks are making their own way in
the musical landscape. This album cements their reputation as
musicians who are dedicated passion, courage, creativity and a
distinct refusal to compromise their vision.
While the band have a tried and true formula for making amazing
music, they’re not afraid to change it up, challenge themselves and
try new things. Like the best artists, they are always looking for
ways to grow and this album represents a new and exciting chapter
in the good book of Hussy Hicks.
-Social media links
https://www.facebook.com/hussyhicks/
https://twitter.com/hussyhicks?lang=en-Official site
http://www.hussyhicks.com/en/newsYouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBEJG9RXjBiENJNWFeM–eg
https://www.facebook.com/hussyhicks/
https://twitter.com/hussyhicks?lang=en-Official site
http://www.hussyhicks.com/en/newsYouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBEJG9RXjBiENJNWFeM–eg
Carol Albert – New Album and a chat
Carol Albert releases her new album ‘ Fly Away Butterfly, a Jazzy, Soulful offering with some modern twists and talks to us about her early influences-
Tell us about the moment you decided to become a Songwriter and Performer?
It was never a conscious decision . I grew up with music in my church playing the Organ for Worship Services and Singing with the Oldschool southern “Singing Schools” of the South where we learned Solfege (shape-Do-Re-Mi ) notes which we sang to the music instead of lyrics to Gospel Songs. I took piano lessons as well while I was growing up. I didn’t decide to major in music/piano until my Sophomore year of College. It was after I graduated from College that I decided to play Pop Music in Clubs, Bars and Private Events as well as teaching private Piano Lessons.
How did my family feel about it?
My Dad publicly announced at a family gathering that he would give me 10 cents when I graduated from College because that is all my Degree would be worth. He always thought I should just be a school-teacher.
Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show?
My music is a combination of Smooth Jazz, Ambient World and New Age Music. I intersperse Instrumental Piano and Vocals with other instruments like Saxophone, Guitar, Bass , Drums . With some really upbeat tunes mixed with more introspective Ballads that are Piano driven.
What is the first record you bought and why?
I bought the Album “Close To The Edge” by Yes because it was my 1st Concert to ever attend. I was blown away and listened to the record until the Grooves were worn down. Then Emerson, Lake and Palmer, The Moody Blues and Pink Floyd. The keyboards were so over my head I just listened over and over trying to figure it all out.
You are on stage with Hans Zimmer. What do you say?
i would be awkward and speechless but, having seen him this summer in Atlanta, I think he would be very earthy and friendly. I wouldn’t know what to say except “ I’m in awe of your work! “
What is the one thing you want/need that you think will make you a successful artist? Why?
What is success? is it making enough money to retire and travel around the World or is it having the ability to create music that is so intrinsically satisfying that it doesn’t matter if you ever do anything else? Success for me is reaching as many ears as possible and have people contact me saying “Your music is beautiful . it really touched my soul. We want to hear more.” Of course , making it monetarily feasible is always a challenge and some people equate success with how much money you make/made. Recognition is always a nice validation that your work is successful with monetary rewards.
Click images below for more info
Stream or Buy
Yhan Leal – National Tour Dates
Update: The full length self titled album, featuring the singles Up On The Mountain, Venice and By the Wayside is available NOW and you can get it here: http://yhanleal.com
Yhan is currently on a massive National Tour to promote the album
see dates here
Watch the videos here
Listen to the new tune Venice right here
Heres a recent Interview
Yhan Leal walks the line with light feet. The Colombian born, now Bellingen based singer songwriter dedicates his waking hours to honing his artistic craft. After 20 years of performing Yhan, a truly gifted guitarist and angelic singer, has found his musical identity. Yhan Leal represents a new direction of Folk.
When did you settle in the Bellingen Shire?
I’m sure this is my 6th year, It’s flown by but I’ve had had such a wondrous time here.
- Can you describe your earlier life in Colombia?
Well I was only in Colombia until age 5 so the memories are very dreamlike, enormous white houses, wild rivers, and I remember leaving for Australia in a confused state in the middle of the night.
- Have you always had music in your life?
Yes, my mother sang to me, spanish love songs and nursery rhymes. My three older brothers had very diverse taste in music, from Opera to Metal, and we always had the record player going.
Are you musically trained?
Yes, I started in a Classic Guitar school at age eight for a few years then started learning electric guitar at my local music shop, I loved hanging around in that shop, ended up teaching there myself.
I also started singing pop songs naturally with the guitar at age 8, then took singing lessons at around 17 for many years. I loved learning everything I could about music, I bought countless books and videos and had many teachers, but my high school music teacher will always be my most revered.
Would you describe your music as ‘folk’ based?
Yes, folk means ‘people’ and my ideas for songs are always about the experience of the individual. Intimacy and an acoustic guitar is also very folk, but I also embrace modern sounds like samples and effects, so I call my genre ‘modern folk’.
You can hear those kind of sounds on my new single and video ‘Up On The Mountain.’(premiered on Triple J Monday October 2nd)
- You are performing at the Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival. Is this the first year you have performed for this festival? Can you describe what you are expecting?
Yes this is my first time performing at the festival, I’m excited to play to an audience who appreciate that less is more! I’m going to play as stripped back as possible but give my songs everything I’ve got.
- Have you got any exciting plans for your music into the future?
Yes, I will be launching a brand new album this November 11 at the Bellingen Memorial Hall. I’ll be performing the entire album and recreating it;s production with the support of mostly local musicians, including an electronic score. Tix are on sale now via my website www.yhanleal.com and from Roots Records in Bellingen.
I also have a bunch more shows
-Social media
https://www.facebook.com/yhanlealmusic/
Official site
http://yhanleal.com/
Joseph L Young – A chat about his early influences and new album Ethereum
- Tell us about the moment you decided to become a Composer What did your family have to say about it?
Music has been my passion my whole life, it’s always been who I am. I began playing saxophone in 6th grade, played my first sax solo in 8th grade jazz band, and also started composing my own music about that same time. My desire to continue performing and writing grew naturally from there. I also developed an early love of the Native American flute, and composed my first flute song “Shaman’s Dream” before owning a flute. I received a flute as a gift in my mid-20’s, and eventually recorded that song with it, which later ended up on my first album “Pathways.” I’m very grateful that my family has always been extremely supportive of my music interests, and encouraged me to follow my own path. They continue to hold an important place in my life today, and have been vital to my musical success.
2. What inspired you to become an artist and who are your early influences?
My earliest inspirational memory was of Chip Davis’ Mannheim Steamroller. I distinctly remember thinking “I want to write music like that!” I admired the way he combined technology and synthesizers with traditional symphonic instrumentation. Soon after, I discovered Kitaro, who used the same magical combination but with a uniquely beautiful result. Compositions by John Williams, Michael Kamen and Harold Faltermeyer always held my attention, too; I love cinematic music. Other early influences included The Cars because of their complex musical layers, the dreamlike sound of Loreena McKennitt, the synth sounds of Tangerine Dream, and of course David Sanborn and his saxophone, which I listened to obsessively for years. I also listened to a lot of contemporary jazz, 50’s rock, and even classical.
3. What is the first record you bought and why?
The first record I bought was a 45 and I was 9 years old. I bought the J. Geils Band’s “Freeze Frame” because of that catchy keyboard line and of course the horn section. That was back when a lot of popular music had horn sections. I still have that record somewhere. I loved that record store. I could have spent hours in there.
4. Fave film? Fave Book? Fave place?
Favorite film: I’m a movie nut and my tastes vary widely, so I have a lot of favorite films, many of them in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, such as the “Lord of the Rings” series, “The Fifth Element,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Princess Bride”.
Favorite book: “Dancing Wu Li Masters: An Overview of the New Physics” by Gary Zukav, which was my introduction to quantum physics. I’m fascinated by physics, the Universe and nature, and a lot of my music reflects these ideas.
Favorite place: I love water, so anywhere with a waterfall, a lake, the ocean.
5. Tell us a little about your writing process for ETHEREUM,?
My writing process is rather organic and flexible. Sometimes I’ll start with a melody that keeps running through my mind and keeps me awake at night. Sometimes I’ll lay down a bass line or percussion track and build the song around that. And other times it’s a chord progression and the mood or feeling that surrounds it. I love to experiment with sounds and instrumentation that aren’t typically played together, to release myself from what’s expected. I also give myself permission to start over if something isn’t working for me. Most of my music is inspired by nature, emotions, and experiences; it’s how I best express myself — through music.
6. What are your future plans for 2017/2018?
I’m currently working on a new album which will be primarily new age saxophone, due for release in early 2018. I’m very excited about that, it’s something I’ve had on my mind for years. I’ll be teaching again at several flute schools in 2018. And of course I’ll continue performing all of my world flute music, as well as my new sax music next year, in addition to playing with other bands – always more performing!
More At
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/16zSmewOTIVw3Ghnn47i07#
Website
http://www.josephlyoung.com