New Age Music World

Archive for May, 2009

Depending on who you talk to, Vampires Do Exist in modern society.  It is a known fact that there is a very small segment of people living today, who either believe in vampires or practice vampirism using the typical rituals, and everyone is aware of what those rituals embody. Most people find this extremely unnerving and even more frightening by having this knowledge, than from their viewing any fictional vampire movie at the theatre.

I find it fortunate that our friend Salva Moreno from Valencia Spain, having the artist title Psicodreamics does not believe in real life vampires, but only conjures up fantasy and mythological inspired music for our entertainment purposes only.

Theatre des Vampires from 2006, on his Witches on the Radiowaves label, provides the creative blueprint to project intriguing images into the darker realms of the supernatural.

Theatre des Vampires is laid out as a psycological thriller, portraying these images in classic form by a fine mixture of New Age, Ambient, Chill Out, Neo Classic and Gothic formats. This is not a rare occurrence for this composing musician who has 9 projects specializing in fantasy and mythology tales, all of which are well done.

This album portrays a mystic cloak and dagger sound design with all of the thrill and chill musical effects to keep you in suspense, along with some of the sharp pointed edges you would expect from an album having a mysterious theme about vampires.

Theatre des Vampires is laid out as a psychological thriller. Psicodreamics portrays these images in classic form by a fine mixture of New Age, Ambient, Chill Out, Neo Classic and Gothic formats.

The album title song Theatre des Vampires goes directly to the throat by injecting a heart throbbing tempo with a hypnotic feel using a duel guitar and piano arrangement. This song is laced with theatrical drama by the eerie piano strokes that appear to compete in a battle of wills with the rival guitar melody, parlayed as if reaching out for every strained note within reach. The synthetic percussion effects of woodblock, tenor and bass drums, share character roles on the stage with the tympani drum’s surprise entrances that occur when you least expect it, but in perfect timing given the songs unsettling subject matter.

The song Daylight Belonging is Classical Goth, transporting you back to a period in antiquity when the world was believed to be flat, and physicians prescribed bloodletting as standard medical practice. This piano and guitar piece conjures images in this fictional fantasy world.

When veiled choral vocals echo through out their nightly refrains, an apparent struggle of give and take between piano runs, strings, and pipe organ instrumentals occur at the least expected moment. Bold percussion with cymbal entrances give off a dark hissing sound behind pauses in the primary piano melody, as tympani drums lightly pulsate in a cardiac like rhythm during this eventful episode. Each of the 11 songs in this project embrace musical elements full of surprise and drama as described by their individual cryptic titles.

Salva Moreno of Psicodreamics has a unique approach for producing designer mood music using a macabre blueprint, all with an abundance of theatrical effects shown in a dramatic way that will leave you breathless.

Discover the fantasy by reading our recent interview, a recent review of Fantasynth and Ambiethernum, which by the way, is a compilation of Psicodreamics best Ambient and Space music from previous albums. Visit are Psicodreamics.com and cdbaby.com/all/psicodreamics. Picture copyright Big Stock Photo – DanTe.

John P. Olsen, New Age Music World host and contributing author for newagemusic.nu, has conducted an interview with Salva Moreno of Psicodreamics about his New Age music projects. Salva Moreno is the composing musician behind the notably mysterious and out of this world music of Psicodreamics. Salva’s electronic New Age music projects are best described as Ambient, Chill Out, Neo Classic and Gothic to name a few.

Salva Moreno of Psicodreamics is the predominate musician widely recognized in Continental Europe, the U.K. and overseas markets, where his unique form of fantasy and mythology inspired discography easily creates a magical divide apart from many New Age artists.

Valencia Spain is where Salva takes the stage to portray his principal role as master of ceremonies for Psicodreamics, and into the hypnotic realm of the mysterious and unknown, crafting his select style of fantasy inspired music cloaked in an intriguing shroud of mystery every time. Salva Moreno of Psicodreamics creates this unique divide by producing designer mood music using a macabre blueprint with theatrical effects shown in a dramatic way that will leave you breathless. Today we are pleased to present this interview to Psicodreamics fans and our site visitors.

Interview with Psicodreamics;

John Olsen: I am glad to have this chance for our visitors to learn more about the man behind the music of Psicodreamics. After doing my recent reviews of your Fantasynth and Ambiethernum albums, it is great to talk with you again Salva. You are recognized as the emerging New Age artist in Spain. How and why did you begin your career in New Age music?

Salva Moreno: In the 1980’s I was excited about Fantasy tales, Legends and Mythology and I enjoyed the excitement involved with these themes. In addition I discovered musicians like Constance Demby, Enya and Vangelis, and I realized this kind of music was like a soundtrack that made myself imagine adventures in a world of fantasy. Then I decided to create my personal fantasy music world taking New Age music like a seed in my music career. New Age was an interesting starting point, but during the last years, I have been developing my own style closest to Ambient and Chill Out with a little bit of Goth flavor.

John: You have projects with artists around the globe. Who are the artists, and what are the projects you did together?

Salva Moreno: I have collaborated with many musicians all over the world. I remember my first one with the USA artist Frances Lyons, a.k.a. Godot, in the track The Gift, included in my album Eternal Angel. She composed a beautiful piano melody in her studio for me. I was mysteriously charmed by this incredible track when I listened to it for the first time. Then I requested a midi file of the song to develop with ethereal choirs and effects. We both enjoyed the final result after airing in the radioshow Blue Water Drift Dive, hosted by Darrell Burgan. I will never forget that experience.

One year after, I collaborated with Gothic songwriter Priscilla Hernandez in the track Morning Light, and electronic artist Alidan with the track The Garden of Strange Beings, both songs are included in my album Azhdark Passion. Finally, in my 2006 release Theatre des Vampires, it was an honor to include Ramon Mendigorri, playing the electric guitar on the track Theatre des Vampires and Nestor Mora, a.k.a. Rosten Jim, collaborating in Daylight Belonging.

John: The Theatre Des Vampires and Ambiethernum albums have both received considerable air time with online radio stations, even before their actual release. Are they your most successful albums to date?

Salva Moreno: Yes they are. Theatre des Vampires and Ambiethernum are what I consider the best ambient space music of Psicodreamics, and have been a great success in radio air time, magazines, and sales. For instance Ambiethernum was included in the charts of New Age Reporter during six consecutive months and the long running New Age radioshow Hearts of Space, hosted by Stephen Hill aired one track of each album last year. Recently my brand new album from 2009 Fantasynth, has debuted in many radioshows like John Diliberto’s Echoes, and many more. Now I am waiting anxiously for my first debut on your station New Age Stars, for feedback and opinions from your listeners.

John: Many other people have tried to describe your music, including myself, so what would be your own description of your music when describing to another person?

Salva Moreno: This is the million dollar question John. I have always had a problem defining my own music. I use one or two brief sentences to define my music very quickly: Discover mythology through the music, and emotional melodies for dreaming. I could make an even more accurate definition: An Ambient music soundtrack inspired by Fantasy tales and Mythology, with a light Gothic touch.

John: What imagery are you trying to get across in your music compositions?

Salva Moreno: I usually compose music inspired by fantasy themes. Each album has a title or a main theme that makes people know an initial idea or a first approach to the album. Nevertheless, music is a mysterious language that a listener can experiment in different ways. I think the music is a vehicle to set the imagination free, and I want the listener tho have all the freedom there is to imagine.

John: When you compose an album, do you have your mind set on the material first, or do you compose the album during production?

Salva Moreno: Sometimes I have a general idea before starting a music project, then I develop it during the production process. With others, I can find inspiration when I play the keyboards and then listen for some ideas to develop. There is not a systematic way to create an album. The creative process is a mysterious thing and you know how I enjoy mysteries.

John: You said that you create Fantasy and Myth inspired projects like Theatre des Vampires, that I will review soon, so what first influenced you to compose Fantasy and Myth theme oriented music?

Salva Moreno: Like you and I have discussed, I am a great fan of fantasy and mythology themes, and years ago I decided to create my own music world to feel fantasy in a personal way. For example: I have composed albums inspired by mythological beings like angels, as in Eternal Angel 2003, and vampires as in Theatre des Vampires 2006, all inspired by fantasy books like Tanith’s Lee’s Night’s Master, evident in my 2004 Azhdark Passion album.

John: You currently have 9 great albums, and have told me about using video material soon, and plans for changes on your already beautiful website. Could you give us some details about your future projects you have planned?

Salva Moreno: I have many projects in mind but not much time to start them. Recently I have released a new album titled Fantasynth and now I want to take a brief parenthesis in composing music until the end of 2009. During the rest of the year, I have scheduled development of my visual art, creating some music videos. I have also planned some projects for 2010 or 2011, of J.R.R. Tolkien, Silmarilion, and other books inspired by fairies.

John: Fantasynth is your current release. You have said it is designed for persons who are non-conformists to commercial music. What does Fantasynth have to offer, and what thoughts or emotions do you want to allow a listener to feel?

Salva Moreno: Yes, that is right. Fantasynth is an album that fuses genres and styles as different as Ambient, New Age, Down Tempo, and Chill Out, mixing not only Ethnic and Symphonic instrumentation and orchestration, but synthesized sounds and effects on a more actual and innovatory musical outlook. This album is specifically indicated for non conformists that refuse commercial tendencies and look for something more in their music.

This album is an invitation to dive into a new world of fantasy and imagination, where contemporary instrumental music blends with rhythm and percussion in a feast of sensations and emotions. I try to surprise fans on the musical adventures of Psicodreamics, and hook those people listening for the very first time. It is not just a musical adventure for dreaming while you are awake, but a festival of emotions and fantasy where sound and rhythm will seduce your inner soul in a frenetic dance with a unique purpose: Recovering the innocence lost since our childhood.

John: Thanks you Salva for finding time to give everyone insight into your music. I have enjoyed our past conversations, and look forward to writing about your music in the future.

Salva Moreno: Thank you for this interesting interview and your great website devoted to New Age music, and your visiting fans.

John: Is there anything you would like to comment on that I didn’t ask in the interview Salva?

Salva Moreno: I would like to invite your readers to visit my website psicodreamics.com and myspace.com/psicodreamics and discover more about the musical projects of Psicodreamics. They are also welcomed to listen to all of my albums on the website. Purchases can be made through CD Baby, and the best digital download sites like iTunes, Amazon mp3, Napster, eMusic, and Rhapsody, among others. Photos are courtesy psicodreamics.com.

Salva Moreno is the composing musician behind the notably mysterious and out of this world music of Psicodreamics. Salva’s electronic New Age music projects are best described as Ambient, Chill Out, Neo Classic and Gothic to name a few. I reviewed his Fantasynth album so I have given you an idea of what this artist from the beautiful city of Valencia Spain is capable of creating.

Psicodreamics has achieved a dramatic ambient theme on the 12 tracks of Ambiethernum. Intended to arouse the imagination, Salva Moreno’s synthesizer music gives the listener a chance to sit back, close their eyes, then drift along with the music to any imaginary realm they choose to fathom.

The Ambiethernum album, on his Witches on the Radiowaves label, is a thought provoking score strategically designed to place the listener in a picturesque state of mind. One could even imagine a celestial theme encounter by picturing a NASA Space Shuttle Voyage to the $ 1.5 Billion Hubble Space Telescope 360 miles / 575 kilometers away, presently undergoing enhancement.

During your imaginary journy please use caution upon your arrival to Hubble, since one complete orbit circling the globe every 97 minutes, equals a speed of 17,000 mph/28,000 kph. Those brave enough for an expedition may venture an astounding 93 Billion Light Years towards the outer edge of our universe.

The Ambiethemum album gives you this opportunity in imagination by the surreal spatial sound effects, exploring with a point of calm and composure in your virtual musical travel through the galaxy without ever losing your equilibrium.

Salva Moreno of Psicodreamics has achieved a dramatic ambient theme on the 12 tracks of Ambiethernum. Intended to arouse the imagination, Salva Moreno’s synthesizer music gives the listener a chance to sit back and drift along with the music to any imaginary realm they choose to fathom.

The ambient aspects of his earlier electronic projects are also present by abundant chill out that permit an emotion to be felt. Guided mostly by the deep, dark extended note overtones, keyboard compositions, and synthesized presence of woodwind, string, and abundance of unique percussion effects which are strongly emphasized.  The timely appearance of a Symphonic and Orchestra music only adds to the depth and dimension that is light and airy at one moment, only to reappear as a dark and heavier tones in the next phase, increasing the overall intensity.

Synthesizer animal effects make their voices known, adding to character involvement during this make believe encounter.  Another thought in utilizing this mysterious music could be as a documentary or soundtrack background score for science fiction, mystery, or even horror themed movies, since the atmospheric content would enhance nearly every movie in those genres. Ambiethernum Track 10 in particular makes a theatrical eerie presence known quite dramatically, and could easily be pictured as an excellent horror movie score, if used in that context.

Salva Moreno has agreed to an artist interview, and judging by our recent discussions together, this interview promises to give everyone a chance to better understand his point of view, and why he has chosen electronic multi-dimensional ambient music as a means to express himself. I am certain Salva is well prepared to answer your questions related to those close encounters involving relative time and space.

Visit:  Psicodreamics.com and cdbaby.com/all/psicodreamics. Photo is courtesy of Salva Moreno.

Never in the history of our world has there been a time for greater concern and action needed over energy, environmental, and social issues, that lie before us at present. The hope for a better world is foremost on millions of peoples minds.

The recent 40th anniversary of Earth Day held on April 22, 2009 had an estimated 1 billion participants worldwide which is truly an astounding number when compared to the 20,000 million people first participating in the first event held in 1969.

Earth Day events are held each year to demonstrate what multitudes of people around the world can accomplish together in unity, but retains the core existence of relying on each of us as individuals, and the power of one.

Cadence Spalding is one person doing their part as role model for bringing about a greater awareness of these concerns by her Save The World 2009 album release on the Sound Manipulations label.

The 11 songs on Save The World pertain to the noblest of desires in conveying a message of what one person alone can accomplish by caring for mother earth, caring for those who cannot help themselves, and by caring for one another as a family unit.

There is also a top new age music artist doing their part by co-producing Cadence Spalding’s solo release. His technological production talents and artistic skill in layering and mixing hold the key elements that enable Cadence to excel in the music she has primarily written and presented by her own hand. While Cadence has regularly performed on many of his albums, this first solo release exemplifies her individual talents as a soloist, and overall illustrates the individual talents of these well known new age artists.

Save The World is a classical New Age and Popular music release that hosts a pleasant mix of ballads finely tuned to perfection in the purest sense. The classical touches of Cadence Spalding’s soft angelic vocals sound like lullabies at times, gently rocking you into a contented state while anthem stanzas increase in momentum and passionately rise above to greet the occasion.

Trust In Love is one musical anthem given as a heartfelt lyrical message pointing to the glorious possibilities for peace and love that await every boy and girl if only we would just let it be a reality. This soulful song is rich in vocal tone combined with personal statement through meaningful lyrics. The piano phrased beat is surrounded by a deep percussion rhythm like persons marching lock step in tandem, proposing that we trust in love and give peace a chance.

The harmony of choral effects were arranged by layering her beautiful vocals to share the message of love, peace, and harmony to all who possess the same logic, devotion, and mindful perspective.

Save The World (title song) offers an upbeat instrumental expression of the bountiful rewards we receive when we let our conscience be our guide and do our part.  The repeated message is framed by a pounding drum beat, while piano and guitar instrumentals ring out a clear tone during moments of pause between vocals.

This CD album has a bonus DVD which is really a treasure in itself. This professionally captured DVD photo gallery is extraordinary and stunning in visual effect while highlighting the serene music of Candace Spalding. The magnificent photos show landscapes, wildlife subjects, and touching scenes capturing people in everyday life.

Cadence Spalding’s Save The World CD/DVD collector’s edition is a beautiful performance and powerful statement, shared with the world after this initial spark of talented inspiration was ignited solely from the power of one.

Visit Amazon to sample and purchase Save The World by Cadence Spalding. Bigstockphoto.com – Adrian Grosu.

The 12 Months in a calendar year can easily be described as having twelve lunar cycles annually, but complex mathematical problems arise when translating into precise calendar months since each month is technically 29.53 days long. When calculating a yearly calendar an astronomer’s calendar legend has 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds, or 365.242199 days in twelve lunar cycles.

David Mauk from Las Vegas Nevada has provided everyone with a more desirable solution to resolving this complex calendar problem by introducing his 12 Months album on Thera Records label.

The twelve songs on the 12 Months album describe the time period and seasonal change for each month as musical recollections David experienced during his personal childhood growing up on his grandparents farm in rural Ohio, in a location where the yearly seasons are well defined and pronounced when it comes to changes in weather.

The 12 Months album is David’s first New Age, Ambient, Electronic release which translates into a relaxing and tranquil repertoire where each of the musical months and seasons are likewise distinct.

Everything balances together nicely by a well defined mood and a serene transition of atmospheric changes in his musical adaptation also featuring individual song notations for monthly related weather events.

David Mauk has composed the official music for the National Geographic King Tutankhamun, Golden Age of the Pharaohs, and Real Pirates museum exhibits. His music has been heard by over an estimated 7 million people in several international museums, art galleries, and other televised venues around the world. Currently David Mauk lives in Las Vegas Nevada composing music, writing a Broadway styled musical, and performing as a musician at the Paris Hotel and Casino.

David Mauk has made an impressive introduction into the New Age market with his classic ambient descriptions of the yearly seasons.  The 12 months album supports a fine balance of well defined movements in ambient phrasing that is composed with a beautiful recollection for each month.

April subtitled as Rain is a lively synthesized tune where an opportunity for rain seems present by the string instrument background. The rhythmic flute tone melody portrays a positive upbeat feeling from this perspective since the temperature is pleasant, a cool breeze can be felt, and the aroma of rain in the air delivers a promise of renewal and growth which naturally occurs in that month.

October subtitled as Change is a slower paced celestial song with piano strokes echoing like bell tones, with time adjustments given as major and minor key changes. This cinematic song is reminiscent of what you might hear in a Vangelis soundtrack.

This piece also gives an acceptable answer for the 23.45 degree tilt of our planets rotational axis, since that is what causes our seasonal changes, only his description is shown as ambient moments in musical time with an equally natural and steady transition.

December subtitled as Snow is a great time of year having an anthem like quality by a classic beginning of single key piano strokes, then build into a full cord melody with far reaching synthesized overtones, and light percussion presence.

The nine remaining months also support a fine balance of seasonally defined movements, mirroring a beautifully composed mixture of ambient instrumentation that is generously light, reflective, and relaxing to the listener throughout the year.

David Mauk has given his first project an impressive introduction into the New Age music market by personal ambient descriptions of the months and seasons nicely composed with a classic touch.

If you find your yearly schedule is becoming too complex, discover this more desireable solution to great yearly planning and visit davidmauk.com to sample / purchase. Big Stock Photo – mpemberton.

Once again we shine the spotlight on the time tested music of Vicki Logan, who has recently revealed her thought and artistic perceptions by my recent interview. You will find that The Ride is one of my all time favorite albums. I hope this will encourage you to listen what this gifted artist is offering the music world.

Vicki Logan has 4 impressive albums to date, with The Ride as the third successful release on her Carvic Publishing label from 2004, winning a place in the New Age Reporter, now called Zone Music Reporter, Top 100 albums chart.

Personally drawn from her self conclusions about the ride everyone must travel during our day to day life experiences, this album has also held positions in some additional top 100 charts and granted impressive online radio airplay attention worldwide.

The Ride is considered inspirational and emotional by recalling the exhilarating roller coaster like moments in life, to times of eminent cross road decisions where one must faithfully reach out for everything life has to offer, or risk losing an opportunity if we choose to remain in the much safer realm of not ever taking a chance at all. There is also a calming and relaxed atmosphere to her music as if acknowledging contentment in knowing that we have tried and are justly rewarded for having done our personal best. This is the easiest way to describe how her upbeat music makes me feel.

Vicki Logan’s own description is related to the passage of time and how she has experienced progress while composing and producing music, so everyone if free to draw their own self conclusions about how this album makes them feel on a personal level, but believe me, you will feel something positive from her music. Incorporating elements of New Age pop, jazz, and R & B music influences, Vicki Logan provides the listener a fresh perspective beginning with a classic piano piece.

This album is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a talented artist shares a part of themselves by putting their heart and spirit into the creation of their music, offering music lovers a chance to also feel something truly special along the way. You will soon find yourself recalling the melody over and over in your mind daily.

The Ride is primarily mid tempo instrumental throughout, enhanced by individual solo performances of saxophone, piano, guitar, and the wondrous flute, which Vicki plays so passionately.  Incorporating elements of New Age pop, jazz, and R & B influences provides the listener a fresh perspective beginning with a classic piano piece. Track 1 The Dance of the Sun has a heartfelt piano melody with background synthesizer starting a new beginning of an adventure into your earliest observations of what to anticipate further down this musical journey.

Track 5 Just to be With You offers a harmonious rhythmic ballad that intertwines electronic and saxophone solo into a singular peaceful existence upon adding the engaging percussion beat for blending everything together dramatically. Track 6 The Ride is one of many favorites being New Age pop in theme. This memorable up tempo song with heart pounding rhythms, unbounded keyboard rides, and perfectly timed percussion is truly something to behold on it’s own. Then upon adding the flowing flute melody, everything fits together so perfectly in the instrumental arrangement, you will soon find yourself recalling the melody over and over in your mind daily.

Track 8 Finding Freedom is a thought provoking song from this spirited American artist, having deep rhythms, driving percussion, and building flute repertoire which inspire and restore your faith in the very notion of individual freedoms in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as if saying, yes we can! with that said, Vicki Logan’s upbeat music is a true winner!

Visit the VickiLogan.com website. Sample the album at CDBaby and read my interview with Vicki Logan.