Archive for October, 2009

Since NewAgeMusic.nu readership extends around the world and Halloween is practically an international tradition celebrated by a wide variety of customs, we wanted to offer a holiday oriented YouTube video release from Salva Moreno of Psicodreamics.  This video just shows the album art, but has a lengthy sampling of audio excerpts from  Theatre des Vampire.

Living in Valencia Spain, Salva’s fantasy and mythological inspired music offers some intriguing desiger music throughout the entire year and his  Theatre des Vampires album has the thrill and chill musical effects to keep you in suspense during the Halloween holiday.  Naturally, we wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween.

Click here to find our Interview and Review Pages dedicated to Salva Moreno, then click here to visit his modern day fantasy and mythological website of psicodreamics.com

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – Solarseven

In preparation for the release of The Very Best of Enya November 23rd Enya.com has been redesigned. The white And Winter Came look has been replaced by a blood red/black design, which matches the “best of” cover artwork.

The futuristic Trains and Winter Rains video has received a very prominent placement on the new page. You can also choose from a wide selection of other Enya videos as well.

NewAgeMusic.nu is proud to present an interview with one of the finest artists in new age music: Paul Heinerman. He has just released the album Oases, which you can read our review of here. The interview was done by BT Fasmer.

BT Fasmer: Seven years have gone since the release of Private Sun. Please describe the process behind your new album, Oases. Has your approach to music changed over these last seven years?

Paul Heinerman: The similitude in approach in composing the albums Private Sun and Oases, is intuition. For me, composing a song or an album is not a systematical process. Most songs arise by intuition and associations on themes I discover in the process of composing a song.

The difference between the two albums is that Private Sun is more or like a compilation of songs I composed over a certain period and Oasis has a special theme. From the album Private Sun, I was touched most by the atmosphere created in African Forest and Spirits of India and decided to compose an album with tracks like these. Intuition is not only inspiration from within, but also a result from external influences and possibilities. In the seven years between Private Sun and Oases I started working with new studio equipment. The new possibilities andhigh quality samples have inspired me a lot.

BT: You chose to release a single from Oases, Chimengu, long before the release of the album – and it became a massive hit on web radios. This must have been an inspiration when finishing the album? How do you feel about it now?

Paul: The first result, of these new technical possibilities and inspiration from the ‘world songs’ on Private sun, was Chimengu. A combination of modern western beat, synths and Chinese (sample) vocals. It is a quite different song, compared to my work up to then. I was curious how this style would be appreciated by listeners and therefore I sent the song to several web stations, as an introduction / teaser for a new album in this style. The great success on the internet radio stations surprised and cheered me. It also convinced me that the musical integrative path I chose was not only the right one for me but listeners approved of it as well.

BT: Oases is like a musical journey to many parts of the world, from the Far East to the West and back again.  Please tell us about your inspiration for using so different cultural expressions?

Paul: During the ‘70 and ‘80 I made several journeys, to India, Thailand, Turkey, Tunisia etc. I was touched by the atmosphere and local music in these countries. All this has influenced my feelings and thoughts and through that, my music. Music is a way to express yourself as an individual and besides that, musical traditions give expression to culture. I found that music, by itself finds a way and cross borders to touch people. The synths and samples gave me tools to compose musical journeys and bring cultures harmonious together.

BT: On Oases there are voice samples on the first eight tracks, while the three last are without samples and more like your “old” style. How have you worked with samples?

Paul: I presume ‘my old style’ will always be present. It is like my basic musical language. It will be there as a base line in every song even if specific styles are more prominent, like the more up-tempo beats and voice samples in Oases. These samples are from special sampling CD’s. I selected these because they pleased me and they were suitable for the ethnic concept and atmosphere of the album. I composed the music around the voices.

BT: One cannot avoid thinking of Enigma when one hears Gregorian chants and synths. Please tell us about your inspirations for Oases. Do you listen to new age music – or other genres as well?

Paul: Associations of my music with Enigma feel like a compliment, I like this music very much.

My first steps on piano keys are the result of deep appreciation of the music of Elton John. As I am told, people regularly recognize his style in my play, especially in my first album Ancient World.

My musical interests are wide. I like various types and styles of music.
Major examples in past and present are: Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Vangelis, Steve Winwood, Deep Forrest, the Beatles, Kate Bush and lots of others. But I do value classical music as well, with Sjostakovitch undoubtedly as my favorite composer. And of course I listen to New Age music and appreciate in this genre Yanni and Suzanne Ciani.

A musician that inspired me specifically in respect to Oases, is Harry Gregson-Williams. Several years ago I heard his ‘All hell breaks loose’, the soundtrack for the film Spy Games. This and the other songs in the movie affected me. The western synth with world vocals were the combination I was working on as well and he created the atmosphere sphere I was looking for.

Most songs arise by intuition and associations on themes I discover in the process of composing a song.

BT: Your first two albums had much of that analogue synth sound. Will there be more of that in the future?

Paul: I am quite sure this sound will stay present in my work. Personally I am very fond of songs like Across The Ocean. Of course I like to develop as a musician and enter different musical pathways, but I expect this will continue to be alternated and interlaced with basic analogue synth sound.

BT: Your music has been used in many different settings, from boardprograms on airlines, to TV shows. Do you plan to do more of this kind of work – or will there be more albums like Oases? Or both?

Paul: As for me, both kinds of work will continue. For this specific moment I am busy to make library music again (for film, documentaries and commercials). One moment you are engaged in a lounge music song and some time later you compose a pop- or Latin song. This is very fun to do and it guarantees that you will not keep on composing in a fixed style or routine. While composing these library tracks I am concentrating on and exploring specific styles in music. In these pursuits I often find inspiration and possible combinations with my own basic musical style for new songs. So probably in the future a new album can be expected.

BT: Thank you so much, Paul, for giving us this interview. I know I speak on behalf of many new age music fans out there; keep creating great music. We love your work!

Be sure to check out PaulHeinerman.com Oases is available on all major digital music outlets.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – Himalaya Images

Below is a new music video produced for Marc Enfroy’s Wistful Visions by one of his many fans, Truus Kok.

JeanMichelJarre.com has received a massive face lift in preparation for the 2010 world tour. After this years’ success, which debuted six months ago to full houses in the United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Holland and Poland – it is easy to see that J. M. Jarre’s millions of fans have a lot to look forward to in 2010. The show continues with concerts in France, Belgium, Germany and Czech Republic. See all the tour dates here.

You only have to click the link to be taken into Jarre’s world of sound and light. The opening video gives a great impression of how it is to attend one of his concerts. If you sign up to the newsletter, you get a free mp3 live recording of Oxygene 5.

Each music genre has its own set of atmospheres that artists more or less adhere to. Even in experimental genres like psychedelic, post-punk or soul-jazz, artists rarely create something that has a totally different atmosphere. They create music with different expressions, but the underlying atmosphere stays the same. This is also the case with new age. Here we usually have an ethereal and meditative atmosphere that is both loved and hated for its simplicity.  

But there is a hidden world of sound here too, that is being presented to us by the band Transcend with Time (TwT). It has the atmosphere of progressive rock and the sound of new age. Now TwT has released a new album entitled A Haunting Presence. Read on, and get to hear about a hidden world of sound!

Transcend with Time is a one-man band by Mark Mendieta from Brownsville, Texas. His previous projects all have thoughtful names, which beautifully show the duality between light and darkness in his music: A Voice of Calmness (2006). Reflections of the Soul (2007) and Through Memory’s Perception (2008). Mark Mendieta also has a progressive rock project called Subject to Thoughts, which is also highly recommended by this reviewer.

The brand new TwT-album, A Haunting Presence, opens with a song that is called Hourglass Falls. It is a perfect introduction to TwT’s music; it is as beautiful as it is eerie, as complicated as it is simple. When listening to it is like stepping into a scary old house, filled with things that belongs in children’s nightmares – stuff that aren’t really scary, but still give you a foreboding feeling. Hourglass Falls is a new hit from TwT. It is Halloween music you can play all year round.

The ingredients in TwT’s music is a mix of piano, analogue sounding synths and drums. Note that the foremost beauty is not in the arrangement, but the atmosphere. Therefore it is too easy dismiss TwT as “synth music” (which I have seen other reviewers do in the past) – but this is not the case at all. Just beneath the sequenced synth are layers of heartfelt musical poetry.

The title song is, as implied, haunting, but in a good way. The songs flows away, like a dark undercurrent, taking you on a 7min18sec long journey.

But there are brighter segments here as well, like the song In Loving Memory, which includes a wonderful vocal by Brandon Strader. It is 11 minute long, and the atmosphere rises and falls naturally, like if it was not a song but a stage play about the loving memories of a now lost family member. One of my favorite songs on the album is A Silent Lullaby. It is like an early Tangerine Dream-song, with its analogue synths, flutes and sharp strings. It is an ambient jewel; very meditative, and filled TwT’s usual mix of melancholy and joy. Another song I would like to mention is the faster Beneath. It could have been the sound track to an action movie.

On A Haunting Presence Mark Mendieta takes everything that is great about new age and adds, what he calls, “a twist of Dark Progressive”. It creates a totally different atmosphere, unlike anything else you are likely to find in this part of the forest. TwT is not easy listening, and that is also the case with the new release. But if you give is some time, you will for sure be amazed of the richness in sound.

After all, a haunting presence is not something you are likely to notice right away. The new chapter in TwT’s history is a very rewarding listen.

You can sample and buy the album on Melodic revolution. Also be sure to check out TwT’s page on MySpace.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – Dip2000

NewAgeMusic.nu is proud to present an interview with rising new age star Joel Kanning, who recently released the album Ubiquitous Frequency Oscillation (UFO). Read BT Fasmer’s review of it here.

Joel Kanning: Thank you very much for having me!

When I was nine, I was trying to decide whether I wanted to play the electric violin (because I thought they looked so cool!), or the drums. At that time, one of my brothers was giving guitar lessons down at the local music shop. One day he got an old drum kit as payment for guitar lessons, and he gave them to me. That was it. I would practice every day after school, listening to the radio through headphones, and playing along on the drums. I essentially learned on my own, listening to classic rock and 70’s & 80’s pop music and trying to work out all the fills and tricky bits. Later on, my cousin (who played guitar) and I spent most of our teenage years jamming, recording, and learning old Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Hendrix – you know, all the good stuff It wasn’t until after my high school years that I began experimenting more with guitars and keyboards, and recording my own ideas.

Joel: My oldest brother listened to a lot of Alan Parson’s Project, ELO, Genesis, Tangerine Dream, etc, while I was growing up and I believe that music, on a subconscious level, influenced me to some degree – although I was mostly interested in rock music at the time. But the pivotal moment was experiencing Enigma MCMXC a.D. for the first time, because it literally changed my musical direction. Up to that point I had been drumming in various bands and was determined to “make it” as a rock-and-roll drummer. But when I heard this Enigma music, my entire perception of music changed.

I had been drumming in various bands and was determined to “make it” as a rock-and-roll drummer. But when I heard this Enigma music, my entire perception of music changed.

Joel Kanning

Joel: It was crazy because at some point in the fall of 2008, I was working on remixes of Eric’s tracks, and working on my remix for the Enigma contest – at the same time! It was very surreal to be working with their tracks, and since I had never done remixes before, the whole experience was just a lot of fun. As it turned out, Eric contacted me and said that he really liked what I was doing with my tracks, and that he had actually featured one of my remixes, “Africa Brasil Chuva Remix,” on his MySpace page.

Then, a couple months later I was informed that Michael had chosen my remix, “Downtown Silence (Past Lives Mix),” as one of the winners of his contest. It was beyond surreal at that point. To have my own work acknowledged by both of these great artists was a tremendous honor! As a result of some connections I made doing those remixes, I ended up remixing a track for Arman Behdad called “Crimson Skies (Joel Kanning Remix),” which was just released this summer through Bonzai Elemental.

Joel: I think it really depends on what your objectives are. It is truly amazing what can be done these days with a laptop and a few hundred dollars-worth of software. The Internet has now become an extremely viable outlet for selling your own music. There really is no better time to be an independent artist than right now.

That being said, if I were approached by a record company that actually believed in my music as much as I do, then yes, I would definitely consider it. I think the chances of successfully reaching the intended audience would be much greater. However, thanks to the wonderful efforts of people like you here at NewAgeMusic.nu, and all the internet radio stations and websites around the world that are introducing people to new music and really getting it out there, I think independent music might just stand a chance

We are happy to inform our newagemusic.nu visitors about an Artist Interview on the horizon with American musician John Adorney. John P. Olsen will serve as host by preparing the interview questions to this widely celebrated musician.

Mr. Adorney is a well respected superstar, having  5  award winning albums to his credit, an impressive gathering of loyal fans, and a just right feel to his discography that is enchanting and pleasing to everyone by the contemporary instrumentals, flowing melodies, along with elegant vocals.

Topics will include his just released album  The Fountain, his early biography up to present day, and secret to success formula for always supplying everyone with musical favorites year after year.

The easy to use music player on his website provides ( 1: 09  length samples ) for you to hear his classic albums and newest release.

For those who like a memorable video experience, the YouTube video below offers an ocean tide sunset with dolphin scenes as visual backdrop to the song  Neverending to make one very impressive music video.

Visit  johnadorney.com website to sample his music right here.  His just released  The Fountain CD can be purchased at Amazon.com right here.

I can’t think of an artist better suited than Deuter to release an album entitled Atmospheres. Released in January of this year, Atmospheres has been well received by reviewers and audience alike. Atmospheres has also been submitted for consideration in the 2010 Grammy Award process.

Deuter released his first album back in 1971, and has since that been known for his atmospheric albums – but this years’ new addition to his already impressive discography must be one of his best.

Atmospheres contains ten tracks that simply are named 1-10 in different languages.

This is one of those albums that you just have to discover for yourself. Put it on, and you’ll get the perfect atmosphere.

You can sample it here. It is available at your favorite digital music outlet.

The conservation minded  11.05  Revival release from Mars Lasar is the most recent project in the Eleventh Hour Series to make a significant statement in both the trademark designer music Mars continues to envision and next in series dedication to protection of our planet that arrives with just in time precision.

The Eleventh Hour Series relies on an Electronic Instrumental infrastructure to get the message out, and it now appears clear Mars was just ahead of his time with the series. His deep exploratory music touches the senses while beating a constant rhythm in music lover’s hearts, exactly when a new resurgence in conservation is suddenly thrust into the forefront of the next generation’s minds.

11.05  Revival on the Sound Manipulation label approaches every aspect of Eclectic, Electronic, Instrumental & New Age Groove, canvassing the inherent beauty and peaceful serenity of our magnificent planet in an epic and colorful illustration drawn from one man’s timely musical perspective.

Earthbound exhibits a strong opening by first reaching out to grab, and then capture your attention by a distinctive percussion rhythm that steadily glides into full keyboard environment, giving a pulsating melody in motion testimonial.  During refrains, choral vocals announce a clear message while swaying melody acts like a pendulum to once again move in countermotion behind the energizing concept.

Parallel Worlds permits you to breath again while navigating at a gentler pace during orchestration crescendo that nicely revolves around lighter percussion, woodwinds, and twinkling effects, giving brief moments of interlude during this unilateral event.

Some of the introspective songs heard on  11.05  Revival  could be perceived as a warning for our ecological in-actions and resulting consequence to humanity, since several songs have a deep perilous atmosphere that rightfully command your attention.

Globalization conjures up equally deep and lighter emotions by modifying sound images in this majestic song that uniquely articulates the projection of imagery during his compositions. The deeply integrated keyboard and vocals are centered by a twinkling sequence to mirror the bright reflection of a full moon and resulting tidal effect.

Ancient Astronaut  &  Final Countdown take giant leaps onto the planetary surface of ambience, having an audible feel of intensity in their own domain.

While one song is geared to a constant percussion countdown timed to the precision of a second hand with far reaching melody, another explores rich orchestration by engaging brass, winds and strings that seem to defy gravity by dynamic theatrics alongside intertwined lighter and deeper orchestra concertos.

Next Millennium has a design of the future piano melody with counter beat notes and intriguing voice box dialog that likewise competes for your attention. Moderate patterns then return with several songs set to a mid tempo pace and feel like heard in  Evolution.

Graceful Orbit has a cycling pattern by the static effect, strings, and choir vocals, while  Celestial Challenge has a voice box dialog along with flute in an engaging improv sequence and  Guide To The Ozone shows a nice blend of instrumentals drawn into softer melodies that float along accordingly.

By The Sea ushers in the pleasingly relaxing voice of Cadence Spalding, where Contemporary Jazz is introduced to softer classic vocals alongside piano and saxophone accompaniment, lending a soulful and poetic touch which nicely compliments  11.05  Revival and newest release in the  Eleventh Hour Series.

Mars Lasar has truly made a bold testimonial in this timely masterpiece, renewing the true spirit behind the  Eleventh Hour Series while also personifying his dedication to conservation music legacy. The positive aspects of our world worth saving are clearly shown in unison with the extreme challenges ahead, exactly when the music of today’s generation and inherent staff of conservation awareness is carefully relayed into the open arms of the next generation.

Visit  marslasar.com to sample or purchase right here or visit CDBaby here.

*  The Eleventh Hour Series  11.05  Revival has a  10  %  donation to  conservation.org  with your album purchase.

Picture Copyright Bigstockphoto.com – karmaamarande

New Earth Records has released their catalog for year 2010-2011. They give us this foreword:

As concern over Global Warming grows and becomes daily front-page news, our whole planet seems to be in danger of overpopulation and rapid depletion of our natural resources. We are sensitive to these concerns, especially as our home is in the high desert near Santa Fe, New Mexico, where we are constantly at risk of water shortage. It is clear to us, as individuals and as a company, that we must all take steps to challenge the course of climate change and raise consciousness about the risks to, and beauty of, our planet.

And more:

We at New Earth Records are dedicated to doing our part to combat the adverse affects of Global Warming. In 2006, we began the transition to printing all New Earth booklets and tray cards on fully recycled paper, using only soy or vegetable inks. By Autumn of the same year, we were proud to be able to say that all New Earth products were ‘green’! ‘

Read the beautiful, 33 page long catalog here. Fans of New Earth Records – and fans of new age music in general – have a lot to look forward to

While 2008 was a year when the biggest names in new age music – Enya, Enigma and Mike Oldfield – all released new and fresh material – 2009 has turned out to be a “best of” year. It began with Mike Oldfield releasing yet another Tubular Bells-version. In November both Enya and Enigma will too release new “best of” albums. Below on our page you can read about the new Enya compilation, while we here give you information about the upcoming “best of” album by Enigma. According to Enigmamusic.com:

One month before the 20th anniversary, “The Platinum Collection” of ENIGMA is a look back on one of the most successful musical projects of the last years. With over 50 million records sold worldwide, more than 100 platinum and gold awards and over 50 #1 chart positions, mastermind Michael Cretu is eclipsing twenty years of a musical journey with a 3 CD-Box Set release.

While the new Enya album contains no new tracks, Enigma gives us one remix CD and an additional CD called “The Lost Ones” which delivers a never before allowed insight into the creative sound laboratory of ENIGMA. “Everything starts with trial and error.” Michael Cretu explains. “Sometimes it’s a sound, then a melody, a harmony or a mood. The “Lost Ones” are my way of instrumental drafts developed from a boiling cauldron full of unordered, naive und carefree musical ideas.” It will be released on November 20th.

See the track listing here.

It is with joy we bring you the track listing of upcoming title The very best of Enya – which is to be released on November 24th! Sadly there are no new “bonus” tracks composed for the collection, but it contains the Lord of the Rings song Aníron, which has not been on an Enya release before. The tracks have been selected by Enya and her good friends Nicky and Roma Ryan.

A special edition DVD and a documentary regarding the album will also be available at the same time.

CD version:

1. Orinoco Flow
2. Aniron
3. Storms in Africa
4. Caribbean Blue
5. Book of Days
6. The Celts
7. Only Time
8. Wild Child
9. Water Shows The Hidden Heart
10. Anywhere Is
11. Cursum Perficio
12. Amarantine
13. Aldebaran
14. Trains and Winter Rains
15. Watermark
16. Boadicea
17. A Day Without Rain
18. May It Be

CD/DVD version:

1. Trains and Winter Rains
2. My My Time Flies
3. Stars and Midnight Blue
4. Amarantine
5. Sumiregusa
6. The River Sings
7. If I Could Be Where You Are
8. Wild Child
9. Only Time
10. Drifting
11. Flora’s Secret
12. Fallen Embers
13. One By One
14. Pax Deorum
15. Athair ar Neamh
16. Anywhere Is
17. Orinoco Flow
18. Watermark
19. Boadicea
20. May It Be
21. Caribbean Blue
22. Aniron

Source: Enya.com

Usually we don’t comment digital music outlets, but for our dear partner Mog.com (where our articles also are published) we today make an exception.

According to Wired.com:

The social music network MOG, one of Wired.com’s ten hottest music sites last year, has signed deals with all four major labels and indie aggregators to launch an unlimited on-demand streaming service that will cost $5 per month starting Thanksgiving Day, November 26.

You can read the whole article here.

At Wired you can also read about the obstacles for making a free, ad-based music service in the US. In Europe people can enjoy Spotify.com (contact me if you want an invite) which is free to use, but in US you apparently must pay at least 5 bucks.

Some of the artists we write about find their inspiration by discovering the scenic wonders here on Earth.  Natural compositions having both peaceful and majestic themes recalled from an individual and local perspective can be very inspirational indeed.

Ontario Canada is the geographical location of a New Age artist title bringing a beautiful listening experience to a worldwide audience.  Showing a fine music observation of the abundant natural beauty that surrounds everyone each day, here is a nice album where time was given and attention was paid while orchestrating their scenic recollections.

Bruce Mitchell is a composing musician blessed with a natural talent for bringing out the best of what mother Earth has to offer with the just released New Earth Goddess album on the Millennium Label.  His music compositions have a great distinction of being the feature TV soundtracks for Nature Watch & The Global Family in Japan’s multi language International Public Broadcast program ( NHK ) becoming a prime time success in Europe, among other countries.

Bruce first began with albums  Hidden Pathways, Dancing on the Edge, and The Gathering,  relying on rich orchestra movements to translate his natural music abilities.  Celtic Destiny & Celtic Sanctity  are also consistent with his prior work and shown with just a touch of Celtic influence and now leads to his current release.

New Earth Goddess  is a  10  song exploration into the hearts and minds of ten charitable goddesses who provide a ( song subtitle ) depicting the gift endowment held within each individual song.  Bruce once again engages his friend and world class flutist Ron Korb, who likewise solidifies the project playing concert flute, bass flute, and  2  exotic bamboo woodwinds Dizi & Bansuri, with both having ancient origins.

New Earth Goddess by composer Bruce Mitchell and co-musician Ron Korb represent skillful craftsmanship in composition and piano skills of one, plus equally strong woodwind skills of another.  Their performance gives a dramatic looking through the lens glimpse into the naturalistic side of music by powerful symphonic expression, choir entries, and harmony rich vocals.

Flowing song  Athena  grants ( inner wisdom )  by the brass horns that open eyes, ears, and minds to a mid tempo classic presentation of piano and flute melody backed by an orchestra landscape full of strings and winds that exhibit nature as pure scenic ambiance. 

The display of lighter airy moments at times nicely build into full thunderous entries, symbolic that smaller streams do trickle into larger rivers, which then flow with increasing momentum until reaching the greater oceans.

Persephone  vocalizes a moderate pace in ( transformation ) where changing North to South seasonal winds are recalled by moving harmonic vocals,  while gentle peaceful winds are heard by flute and piano duo, whispering in timely unison with the lighter vocals. Brigit  implies a more noble statement in ( stand for your beliefs ) with deeper percussion and melodic piano passages alongside bagpipes, oboe, and woodwinds, while  Aeracura  opens with a much quieter beginning to ( unfold & blossom ) considering the melody soon orchestrates in a dramatic ascension, opening right along in time with fragrant vocals.

Damara  suggests a gentler mindset for ( guiding children )  by lighter tone in flute melody set behind piano chords and soft xylophone runs, implying a gentler hand is always wisest when caring for the younger ones.

Maeve  ( cycles and rhythms ) in an Epic way when piano and flute take on a dramatic performance with one another, creating a natural ebb and flow between the two musicians, leading to the conclusion that Bruce and Ron have succeeded by becoming a constant and enduring source of inspiration while performing their music, much like the Earth itself.

Visit newearthgoddess.net here and sample this album at CDBaby.com here.  Visit the flute specialist ronkorb.com here.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – PosterPuppy

Deuter is for many the very definition of a new age artist.

To celebrate his long career, New Earth Records has posted a nice selection of pictures from Deuter’s career.

On the page is also a great presentation of the artist by Bill Binkelman.

You’ll find it all here (Scroll down)

A fan interview with J. M. Jarre has been posted on JeanMichelJarre.com. Main topic is his 2010 tour, but questions from fans about his past and present career are also answered.

The interview is in French, and no English translation is provided – so if you don’t speak French you have to make do with this Babelfish translation. It is understandable, even though the “Western Southern cat” title is more… well… vague. :)

In this age of advanced digital audio workstations (DAWs), where the artists have access to every instrument and sound imaginable, it is actually quite refreshing to come across an artist that focuses solely on the classical possibilities of “general midi” sounding instruments. Marc Béziat second album is entitled Consolation. It contains 11 songs in an original neo-baroque style that fans of analogue synths must make sure to check out.

Most of the songs are short (the longest being 3min58sec). Consolation is in many ways like classical music, with melodic segments which effectively communicate feelings – and then are replaced by the next segment; each song fill the audio canvas with pictures that are as beautiful as they are interesting.

Sample the album on CDBaby – and also check out Marc Béziat’s homepage.

One of this year’s most exciting new age music releases is the first installment in the Modern Meditations series from CMH Label Group. The first two albums in the series will be released November 17th. They are called Modern Meditations the rock classics and Modern Meditations the modern classics. You can sample rock classics here and modern classics here.

The covers looks like this:

Modern Meditations is, according to their website:

… transforming your favorite songs into meditation music for the rock & roll generation—no pan flutes or wind chimes allowed. Shimmering electric guitars and warm percussion create serene instrumentals to wash away your stress.

On these two first albums you can hear songs like “Imagine,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” “Beautiful Day,” “Clocks,” and “Ray of Light”.

But this is only the mere beginning. CMH Label Group will release albums with new age music versions of songs by Bob Marley, The Beatles, U2, Radiohead and Coldplay – and even one with indie classics!

After listening to the samples of the first two albums, I feel that CMH Label Group has found an interesting niche; there is definitely room for this in the “relaxation music” category. The production is very professional and well done. Many rock and pop fans will for sure enjoy these releases.

But from a new age music point of view I am a little more uncertain. For instance take their version of Madonna’s Ray of light; the original song with William Orbit’s magnificent soundscape is filled with emotions – while the Modern Meditations version (judging by the short sample – the longer version might be more interesting) is just, well, nothing but a chilled atmosphere. But that might be the intention, right?

This is just in: Even before the first albums are released, Modern Meditations has signed an agreement with World-Renowned Luxury Hotel Post Ranch Inn. Read the press release here.

Albums are often released labeled as “sounding like Enigma and Deep Forest”, but this reviewer finds that these albums rarely are on par with masters such as Michael Cretu and Eric Mouquet (the men behind Enigma/Deep Forest) . Some of these albums are quite good, but hardly more than that. But sometimes it happens that a new star is born, and one artist that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Cretu and Mouquet is Joel Kanning. His brand new album UFO, or Ubiquitous Frequency Oscillation, is a true feast for fans of the above mentioned artists.

An Enigma album is, as you know, all about sound design – which also was the reason for Enigma’s enormous MCMXC A.D- success. The sound design was in the album’s beginning, Sandra’s whispering “turn off the light, Take a deep breath and relax… Start move slowly, very slowly, Let the rhythm be your guiding light” – and then the creative use of Gregorian chants.

The overall sound design is also something one must mention about Joel Kanning’s album. Here too is an intro with some interesting samples (UFO-man talking, saying something like “I am a visitor”), and there is also an Enigma-like ending with a Deep Forest-like selection of ethnical samples.

Here I must stress that UFO is not an Enigma/Deep Forest copy. Not at all. Joel Kanning is, as we shall discuss, taking the sound design of these two artists to a new level. Still, it must be said that Kanning is venturing into a world of sound that these two bands created – and then left! Michael Cretu did never return to Gregorian Chants of 1990 (perhaps because of the sampling controversy), and his last release is somewhat influenced by hip-hop beats (Kanning  did, by the way, create a remix of Enigma’s recent Downtown Silence which received 2nd Place in a competition – and he has also remixed some of Eric Mouquet’s Deep Projects songs).

The soundscape we are talking about here is created by synth pads (I would guess sound banks close to Yamaha VL1 and Roland VI), sharp strings & plucks, a lot of reverb, a tasteful selection of ethnical samples and bass drums and hihats close to club/euro dance (but with a lower BPM). This is the soundscape all Enigma fans love, and it has been imitated by many artists. The true art in Kanning’s UFO is the creative reuse of this soundscape.  

The first song on the albums is called Travellers. It has a nice larger-than-life feel and the Gregorian Chants fit perfectly. Next track out, Ashima, has a more chilled approach. The piano and the strings, yes the whole arrangement, sounds divine. UFO is in all respects a very professional release, and the mastering is nothing but impressive; here is a rare attention to details. The best track on the album is in my opinion One World. It is an example of ethnic fusion, with its soulful samples and beautiful guitar melody. It has the intensity of songs like Why!... and T.N.T. For The Brain from Enigma III.

What makes Joel Kanning different from Enigma and Deep Forest is, apart from the lack of vocals, a less complicated atmosphere. It is simply more chilled, without the mixed emotions of Enigma’s Silent Warrior or Deep Forest’ You will be ready. It is just not that deep, not that enigmatic. But that might be a good thing if you are looking for relaxation music. As a new age music radio host I couldn’t have been happier with this album. All of the songs are interesting and have a nice build up.

UFO is in all respects a very professional release, and the mastering is nothing but impressive; here is a rare attention to details.

Yes, UFO is indeed “sounding like Enigma and Deep Forest”. But it also has an identity of its own. To quote the Enigma III title, Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi! (French for “The King is Dead, Long Live the King!”). Except, Cretu and Mouquet are still alive, well and producing music. But they have left this particular soundscape behind – and here Joel Kanning is the new king.

Visit joelkanning.com where you can sample the album and learn more about the artist. Also make sure to watch the below video.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto – Tawng

The webpage CDInsight.com has a nice interview with Jamie Craig who has just released the album Illumination. About his first encounter with new age music he says:

I listened to a certain amount of new age music which often resembled the instrumental passages in progressive-rock. The first new age music I got into was Tangerine Dream, George Winston, Kitaro and Vangelis, and more recently rhythmic acts such as Enigma.

Soon we will give you a review of Illumination. Read the interview here.

Since everyone must make life transitions whether they really want to or not, let me tell you a story about a musician from Fresno California who has a successful history of making transitions and can perhaps offer some insight on the subject of change.

Michael Stribling is an award winning New Age composer who readily embraces change having already made many positive adjustments in his lifetime.  His just released album titled The Promise smoothly arrives at the next stage of his long career in music with a look and feel that confirms and conveys an admirable composite of Electronic and Ambient music.

Michael’s transitions include earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, work as a radio announcer, performing in theatre musicals and playing percussion for Johnny Mathis just for starters.  His story gets even better since after then becoming a successful Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering help to those who needed a hand with their transitions, he returned to his earlier love and formed Leela ( Divine Play ) Music.

I formed Leela Music to undertake a very simple mission :  to help others in their journey towards wholeness through the gift of music, by creating works that inspire and uplift the human spirit.                              Michael Stribling

This return to music is beyond more than promising since Michael’s first album  Songs of Hope and Healing  made it to #  1  on the Top 100 in NAR / ZMR charts, securing the Electronic Lifestyle Music Award in  2006  and  Out of the Darkness, Into the Light,  lit up the #  2  spot on the Top 100 in January having  2  nominations for the Lifestyle Music Award in  2007.  Another Day in Paradise  is indeed praiseworthy, while  Love, Light, and Water,  earned nomination for Best Relaxation / Meditation Album in 2008, making each day even brighter for this independent recording artist with an optimistic outlook toward the challenge of change.

Michael Stribling has clearly made many successful transitions in his musical lifetime, giving him a first hand perspective to help others cope with change.  The positive yes responses shown in his earlier music and in this brand new release only proves his natural composing abilities for bringing hope and inspiration to others.

The Promise  is Michael’s very latest to deliver  14  original songs like his newest composition in musical ambiance is an autobiography of his attitude, comprehension, and inner thoughts drawn from daily observations, then transcribed into beautiful music. 

Beginning with  Bright New Day  a crisp new perspective is announced by abundant keyboard activity that vividly lights the occasion while percussion distinctively beats beside a synthesizer full of energy,  creating much animation by the opening number to forecast what lies beyond in future melodies.  Daily Living  likewise moves right along in style and tempo by the upper register bell tones that counteract with middle range melody and is much like the positive vibes given in  Angular Reasoning  and the uplifting theme projected during  All In Good Time. 

Like many songs in his prior projects this album does take timely breaks into the deeper hues of contemplation and reflection. 

Forgotten Dreams  exemplifies this apparent yin and yang transition to a more down to earth reasoning with a single oboe tone melody bordered by a mesmerizing and hazy background, touching on a bit of sadness which is after all, a valid part of the total human experience.  Love’s Anticipation  also brings a realistic and happier yes response by the lighter melody along side piano passages, much like the easy going natural feel presented in  Distant Shores. 

Title song  The Promise  begins with a quiet moment of solitude in a melancholy horn tone wrapped in sadness,  but this moment gently advances forward in a creative moment of divine intervention nicely provided by the artist.

Changing the piece by one moving sweep in music composition, this percussion backed melody gently makes a beautiful transformation  from an already graceful song into a lovely song of splendor, very much like a caterpillar cocoon would change into a butterfly, keeping the promise of inner peace and harmony everyone discovers in the final stages during each of life’s transitions.

Visit leela-music.com here and then sample at CDBaby.com here.