New Age Music World

Archive for the ‘Electronic Music’ Category

Just like an orchestra conductor standing on a podium, one New Age artist first held his raised baton in hand, and began to cue the first downbeat gesture for his debut album.  What emerged after the final cutoff gesture was made, led to an upbeat direction for his first album’s achievements, and proclaimed admiration for this relatively new artist.

David Wahler is the musician orchestrating Antiquus in a like manner, where his time signature expertly directed a unique phrasing in tempo, dynamics, and articulation, leading to welcoming salutations of praise during the final reception at the end of his first orchestration.

Antiquus  is a greatly applauded 2009 album surprising many by the paramount success granted to such a relative newcomer in the New Age music industry.  The consistent airplay and high ranking in Zone Music Reporters charts is widely recognized, along with pending nominations for 2009 in 4 categories, yet to be decided.  Likewise you will find Antiquus is held in high regard with our own NewAgeMusic.nu Best Albums of 2009 Awards, so these merits do speak clearly.

Music itself is not new to David since he began playing piano by ear at age 7, then formal music studies in college academics before directing several theater productions, performing with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra & New American Theatre, while also teaching music appreciation to disadvantaged and handicapped children.

David again steps onto the conductor’s podium for a second time.  With all eyes watching, and with several decisive taps of the hand baton, he confidently cues in his current 2010 release  A Star Dances, in an encore performance notably holding great expectations. 

Composed, performed, and arranged solely by David Wahler, this album represents a heartfelt narration surrounding his family circle past and present, where resolution of personal life challenges are reflected as a unique source of inspiration for his music’s identity, lovingly embraced by his close family heritage. 

A Star Danced is New Age, Contemporary, Electronic, Ambient, Neo Classical, and Orchestration, nicely displayed by his directing hands, where it becomes apparent this second release sharply manifests a sweeping one and two and timing, in relation to the precision delivery of his already admired discography.

The song Quest is the Epic alpha and omega heralding in 14 classics of A Star Danced, and perhaps a fine talking point of those like myself giving their own conclusions about his second release.  To me, this sensational wonder is a revelation to behold, given the heavenly virtuoso trumpet intonation with pronounced percussion taps unveiling moderate rhythms while keyboard and tenor vocals gently mesmerize.  Having these bold dynamics and a contrasting sheer ambience of lightly drawn out vibrato notes, it could be telling of a more calming and peaceful resolution made during some of our most challenging moments.

The atmosphere in the Title Song by soft soprano and tenor vocals echo nicely behind droplet-like keystrokes and percussion rhythms blending into one relaxing starlit entity.  The Seeds of Time are generously sown by guitar soloist Brent Gunter, where his evolving impressions are backed by moderate keyboards and celestial choir. Come Gentle Night has a light sway led by beautiful keyboard bell tones similar to Peaseblossom & Reverie.  Sigh Away Sunday & Vespera are new images holding a conforming poise from the well conducted Antiquus album, giving fresh ambient patterns to the ensemble of songs.

Yvonne is a heartfelt rendition where harp and piano melody embrace to portray a positive affirmation when keys changes bravely touch on an optimistic tone. It is this song where piano, strings, and harp join in a tribute to a special person, and where the significance of someone dear to David is personified.

Missing You is first composed in singular piano notes where a solemn melody gives a peaceful and serene placement of solitude in the earliest moments while nicely responding with a graceful tribute.  Piano notes resolve in a most dignified phasing, giving rise by a reverent conclusion, where ordained notes of respect and solidarity become intertwined in the loving arms of melancholy. 

Quest ( Reprise ) makes a return odyssey to the dynamic opening impressions, becoming the concluding exodus to again reveal the bold aesthetic testimonial of David’s second album.  Devoted to his unique signature which retains your interest and imagination from the first cue to the final cutoff note, I do expect honorable recognition will be given to David Wahler & A Star Danced, pending this album’s overall final reception.

Visit davidwahler.com to sample and purchase or at his CDBaby.com page.  You may read our own NewAgeMusic.nu Best Albums of 2009 Awards and my review of Antiquus on our pages dedicated to David Wahler.

Picture copyright Big Stock Photo – pressmaster.

Canada is a country currently making the news daily by hosting the XXl Olympic Winter Games and Like B.T. Fasmer said in his recent article, New Age Music for Driving, listening to calming music to relax with while driving in Vancouver or surrounding areas, is a great idea.

Julian Ray is a Canadian citizen and member of SOCAN, Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, active in theater, psychology, and philosophy and award recipient as a design artist. In addition to keeping up with current events in his country, Julian is promoting his 2010 release In Flow of Light, placing well in a winners circle of New Age, Electronic, Ambient music categories.

In Flow of Light is a lighter form of easy listening ambient music, with the title song In Flow of Light and second track The Call, a mid tempo blend of synthesized ambient music, with abundant keyboard effects affable for relaxation while also exhibiting a more pronounced upbeat rhythm I would classify as distinctive.

Silence & Mountain Air are toned down in tempo to a more atmospheric level, in a more casual presence, keeping up a measurable level of his individual style, likewise felt in the abundant runs on keyboard based Soaring.

This ambient music with a more casual tone of 10 uplifting melodies makes one relaxing album, great for travel or winding down right at home.  His prior releases Saga, Wonderful Life, & Seashell Stories give you much to choose from too, with all having an individualistic tone that indirectly tells you it was produced by Julian Ray.

Between Earth and Sky has a windswept beginning before keyboards entertain a lighter melody, and the synthesizer background gives an enticing angle in tone by the voice box impressionism.

Towards the Sun reaches a higher peak of performance on percussion, along with upbeat rhythms, where New Morning takes off with a slower start, only to increase in speed, gaining momentum by the smooth flowing keyboard melody.  Percussion rhythms happily dance along with a more mid tempo theme as the song progresses, making a fine finish at the end.

New Age Music and Canada seem to have a natural presence, and music from Canadian teams has always made the grade with me.  Julian who resides in Toronto, likewise goes the distance with current In Flow of Light by providing a measurable amount of relaxation with his individual freestyle of ambient music.  Since several new projects are on the way, and I am now more familiar with his music, it should be easy to recognize his freestyle compositions at any event.

Visit julianraymusic.com to learn more.  Sample / purchase on his website album page, or at Amazon & iTunes.

Cover design copyright Julian Ray Music courtesy of Katrin Ray.

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

Valencia Spain is where Salva takes the stage to portray his principal role as Psicodreamics master of ceremonies, and into the hypnotic realm of the dark unknown. He exploits this select style of fantasy music cloaked in an intriguing shroud of mystery every time, as if he were a music magician pulling another album out of a black hat.

AzhDark Passion is a project based on a novel by Tanith Lee titled Night’s Master, and although composed years ago, the project is relevant today as it was yesteryear.

In a surreal form of Ambient, New Age, Neo Classical, and Chill Out, with symphonic interludes, the 12 songs offer one a chance to make their own conclusions about his openly mysterious music, performed to the beat of her chilling adventurous novel.

Title song AzhDark Passion is a perfect example since the first few measures in music immediately place you in a past century, watching a cloaked figure on a black horse drawn carriage that steadily travels past you on a cobblestone street, before disappearing into the night.

Psicodreamics beautiful array of mysterious albums make a great contradiction in sound and effect, becoming like a roller coaster ride of sensations, where you are taken close to the thrilling edge, but without the danger of losing your grip and falling into complete darkness.

The Sweetest Gift is gentle like a soft lullaby making you feel safe and sound, but a hint of mystery lurking in the shadows is waiting behind each note. Song of the Living Night conjures up much of the commingled fight verses flight feelings also, since woodwinds lull you into a relaxed state of mind by the bright melody, while symphonic undercurrents make you suddenly realize that creatures of the night may actually live under your bed.

The Forge places an emphasis on choral vocals harmonizing in unison, while percussion timpani drums add precise measurements of rhythm as if an alchemist were adding ingredients to a copper caldron.

Morning Light features Priscilla Hernandez in contrasting female vocals to become the silver lining in this song, blending with generous percussion and sound effects full of mystery, in a rhythmic pace that balances together quite well, considering colorful vocals are encased by darker images from the distant past.

Electronic in New Age music plays many roles, and the select role of mystery and imagination Salva Moreno performs as a musician, is composed using an effective sleight of hand that magically transports you into a world of fantasy.

The Ambiethernum album is a compilation of Psicodreamics best Ambient and Space music from his many projects to date, and is a great way to discover more about the magic behind Salva Moreno. You can also read my album reviews and my recent interview with Salva Moreno by visiting my pages dedicated to Psicodreamics. Visit Salva at Psicodreamics.com and sample or purchase albums by Psicodreamics at Amazon.com. Picture copyright Big Stock Photo – DanTe.

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. It now appears clear Mars Lasar 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 counter-motion behind the energizing concept.

Parallel Worlds permits you to breath again while navigating at a gentler pace during orchestration crescendo revolving 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 ambiance by 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 competes for your attention. Moderate patterns return with several songs in a mid tempo pace and feel like heard in Evolution. Graceful Orbit has a cycling pattern by the static effect, strings and vocals. Celestial Challenge has a voice box dialog with flute in an engaging improv sequence and Guide To The Ozone shows a blend of instrumentals drawn into softer songs that float along accordingly.

By The Sea ushers in the relaxing singing of a new age vocalist, 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 11.05 Revival and other new age albums or visit Mars Lasar’s CDBaby page. Picture Copyright Bigstockphoto.com – karmaamarande.

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

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

Michael Stribling is an award winning New Age music composer who readily embraces change having already made many positive adjustments in his lifetime.

The newest album release entitled 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.

His 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.

Michael Stribling’s story gets even better since after becoming a successful Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering help to those who needed a hand with their transitions, he returned to his love of music and formed Leela (Divine Play) Music.

Michael Stribling’s return to music is beyond more than just promising since Michael’s first album release Songs of Hope and Healing made it to #1 on the Top 100 in the Zone Music Reporter 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 Zone Music Reporter Lifestyle Music Award in  2007. Another Day in Paradise  is indeed praiseworthy, while Love, Light, and Water, earned ZMR 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 Stribling’s newest album 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 like the positive vibes given in  Angular Reasoning  and the uplifting theme projected during All In Good Time. 

Like many songs in his earlier projects, The Promise 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 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 and sample The Promise at CDBaby.com.

Recently I announced an interview with Mars Lasar. Today let’s explore Mars Lasar’s best New Age album with a beautiful Jazz influence. Its a great album whose tonal qualities set the stage for a memorable Jazz experience.

Mars Lasar has a diverse discography ranging from New Age, Electronic, Contemporary Instrumental, World, Jazz, Ambient, Chill Out, Classical, and a host of sub genres that are so unique they have yet to be classified. This revered man of many talents has touched the lives of millions of people with his diverse music while showcasing his innovative abilities during his lengthy career as a professional musician, along with his many related artistic endeavors.

At The End Of The Day creates a wonderful example since Classic Jazz music is introduced to New Age music in a manner that I felt lends itself to a high society level of sophistication, yet it is delivered in an easy going approachable manner that gives one a relaxing right at home feel of comfort.

This should give you some insight about what is in store for you, and how effective Mars Lasar is with creating beauty from contrasting images, yet there is so much more to discover from this album, plus the full scope of his vast discography.

Mars Lasar layers his mixing production talents to full advantage on every song in this Contemporary Jazzy 10 track album that highlights his artistic abilities in a just right, toast of the town in house feel. His fans will adore this release, being such a strong example of what they love, recognize, and have come to expect from Mars. Here we find soulful saxophone driven melodies, considerately subdued from completely stealing the show while keyboard, flute, and guitar melodies prove themselves just as capable while taking a turn in the solo instrumental spotlight. The song Uptown is a favorite among his fans who already own the album. Perhaps they recognize this fine song as one of his best since fusion between old school Jazz and Contemporary Jazz are intertwined to reach a playful commingling of the two styles.

Mars Lasar has an enduring ability to captivate an audience with his music by personal adaptability, mindful at using technical leverage, while also generating a creative spark of imagination. I believe these skills, plus his strive for perfection is how Mars can offer a higher level of versatility simply not present with many artists within many genres.

The song Warm Nights is a mid tempo, Jazz festival of fun, where guitar and percussion first set an atmosphere like a playful night in a downtown club. Just like we are there on location, I can imagine an illustrated solo saxophone player sharp and colorfully dressed, playing a warmly lit tune that contrasts well with the darker shades in note phrasing heard in the beginning measures of tonal imagery.

The colorful music is noted by the upward raised saxophone and soulful eyes closed expression made during the opening woodwind solo.

If you try you can imagine the seated piano player is all smiles while making their keyboard runs in distinct counter beat with saxophone while upper octave piano notes twinkle in unison, exactly as our solo performers glance at one another to give a quick nod and wink of approval.

Come And Join Us is a nicely done new age jazz mix with an inviting tone that keeps the momentum going in a positive upbeat direction.

When the bass cello player starts this in house session with a resonating pluck of the strings and then several spins of the cello, the rhythm is set by the warmer tones and expertly delivered bass runs that capture the crowd’s approval right from the beginning.

Joining in the session, piano and flute quickly step forward to contribute their fragrant ambiance by taking turns during moments of improvisation while the crowd waves their raised hands back and forth to the beat.

I can even picture everyone moving closer to the stage as our saxophone player once again steps into the spotlight with a dramatic solo while flute makes note filled runs, then several trills during each refrain as percussion places their cymbal taps and well timed snare beats with exacting precision.

While listening to this album it’s easy to visualize every instrument sparkling brightly under the lighting while all players make their runs through the scales in this album having an uptown beat, capturing the moment and memories for the entire evening in the final closing notes. Then, as everyone slowly starts to leave and the band begins to pack, it is pretty clear the audience was captivated by the sights, sounds, and sensations, after just having heard this Jazz influenced album produced by Mars Lasar that mirrors the very ultimate in the downtown Jazz experience.

Let me introduce the players who performed on this (studio produced) album on the Sound Manipulations label. Let’s give a big round of applause for Mars Lasar, Nicholas Gunn who played flute, and the vocalist. The guitarists include Winslow Crockwell, Jeff Burak and Carlos Villalobos. Greg Vail played the saxophone and flute. This is a list of the artists homepage: Visit nicholasgunn.com, carlosvillalobos.com and gregvail.com.

Visit MarsLasar.com and sample or purchase at Amazon.com. Picture copyright Big Stock Photo – mhurwich.

One man’s personal dream of a world symphony has become a reality by the release of his second album through the AMAdea Records label based in Bulgaria. There are around 6.7 Billion people living on our planet according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimate.

Bryan El is the New Age artist with a current release entitled Out Of This World. Taking into account the out of this world number of people on the planet, Bryan has now begun counting a large number of people to his quickly multiplying fan base.

After listening to his Out Of This World album for the first time, Bryan can count me in as a member, adding to his total tally of electronic symphony fans. I have always loved electronic music like Tangerine Dream so his release re-enforced the sound of distinction great synthesizer music produces. Those who like to indulge in the atmosphere of premium electronic projects that challenge the vast boundaries of synthesized music with classical music influences, can also be added to the register if you sample some of his carefully arranged numbers.

Bryan El began composing symphonic music with a master plan of sharing his New Age Electronic projects with the masses in a calculating manner. Speaking a universal language by translating his thoughts and feelings in total music harmony, Bryan El has a great start with his beautiful symphonic release titled Out Of This World.

Belgium is the geographical location where Bryan was educated and currently lives, beginning his number one music ambitions after having studied Graphical Arts at Belgium’s Holy Technical Institute. We are fortunate his love of music surpasses his professional career and interests in web design and it sounds like he is well on his way to gather everyone’s attention with his great compositions.

Bryan El has also composed several song videos that are available on YouTube. The wonderful theme settings with his soundtrack scores are truly special and worth taking a look for yourself. The planetary voyage video, and his song score Solaris give you an idea of what is in store for you.

The Out Of This World album is aptly titled, giving the listener an indication of the contents of Bryan’s dreamy music. The synthesizer mixing is very impressive and Bryan leads the way with a Classical and New Age touch, where Electronic, Contemporary, Ambient, and Chill Out, count every beat in unison while examining the incalculable depths of what synthesized music is all about, and what can be formulated from the use of electronic components and just one individual person.

Solaris is the symphonic score for his stunning trip around the universe video that travels past the planets at light speed and then encircle the young star cluster formation Eagle Nebula. Solaris starts the planetary trek at a nice clip and premium up beat tempo, along with a strong atmospheric ambiance that conforms perfectly with the classic space odyssey of a lifetime. While upper keyboard runs first travel beside the lower bass melody in a classic theme, the return melody advances along with a well directed synthesized orchestra, blending nicely with percussion rhythms.

Utopia reaches skyward for the ultimate in beautiful symphony music, creating a divine celestial presentation. Great choir vocals sing in total harmony while the infinite extensions of a synthesizer bend and stretch atmospheric notes far beyond their intended limitations, reaching those lofty sensation textures true connoisseurs of synthesized music know so well, can easily identify when heard, and that recognize the merits of a true art form.

Above and Beyond is also a song title in the 13 tracks on this album, but I reserve this song title to phrase my closing statement of what I expect the future holds for this great New Age artist from Belgium.  From what I have seen and heard,  Above and Beyond is what we can expect, and you can pretty much count on it.

In the short amount of time it took you to read my review of the Bryan El album Out Of This World, around 768 people were born and 324 have died, making the newly adjusted increase of total world population in just these few short minutes to around 443.

Visit Bryan’s website and sample his music at bryanel.com here  or at his CDBaby.com page.  Read his profile page at amadearecords.com here and every great musician showcased at Bulgaria based AMAdea Records.

Picture Copyright Big Stock Photo – sgame.

John P. Olsen, New Age Music World host and contributing author for NewAgeMusic.nu has interviewed composing New Age artist Paul Sills from the United Kingdom. The Interview discussion is focused on Paul Sills early music career, and his 2 outstanding albums, Astral Doorways & Walking Across Heaven.

Astral Doorways was Paul Sills first release that explored the divine and surreal side of music.  His first and second release are symbolic of the outer confines in synthesized ambient music that simply become a natural choice for those who love a memorable journey into the outer reaches of electronic resonances and a deeper realm in relaxing music.

Walking Across Heaven is his release that is crafted like a beautiful sound sanctuary where instrumentals of piano, flute, acoustic guitar, and distant choral vocals rose to transform each song into one having an anthem like quality. Today we present this interview to find out more about Paul Sills, and his unique brand of celestial music.

Interview with Paul Sills;

John P. Olsen: I have enjoyed getting to know you after first introducing yourself to me awhile back and found your music history quite interesting. Could you tell our readers about the earliest beginnings in your music career?

Paul Sills: Thanks John! My family, on both sides, are musical so I was brought up surrounded by people who performed in bands and wrote their own music. My Dad always had a guitar lying around and later purchased a piano and a keyboard. I used to tinker around at an early age, not knowing what chords were but knowing if they sounded nice or not.

I took acoustic guitar lessons in the first year of high school but they didn’t last long. I think I preferred to find my own way rather than under instruction. If my teacher knew that I now had two albums released he would fall off his chair!

In my teens I wrote music with a friend of mine, Michael Poole, and we recorded some tracks. I was designated vocalist! In my early 20’s I moved to Singapore to live with my Dad. He had a whole set-up with a 4-track tape recorder. Over those years in Singapore I wrote and recorded, probably, close to a thousand ‘vocal’ ‘rock’ songs. Listening to them now they are very noisy and I would hate for anyone to hear them! Even though I was recording loud and furious, I always felt there was something in there that was atmospheric. Later, I bought myself a Yamaha PSR keyboard which was great for home recording. I joined an ‘expat’ band called Haze where I played guitar. We were noisy but it was fun. I still preferred the solitude of writing and recording.

It was around this time that I heard Medwyn Goodall’s Clan album. Things took a drastic turn for me as I discovered I had finally found the kind of music I wanted to write. I had previously listened to some of the New Age CDs by Nightingale Records but it was Clan that really took me into the genre. Its still a fantastic album and provides much inspiration to me.

John: Since you were performing in a Rock band, what led you to leave the group and become a New Age music artist?

Paul Sills: We weren’t a serious band, it was more something to do on a Saturday afternoon. We were all friends in a foreign land and just got lucky that we had a bassist, drummer and someone who could almost play a guitar!

Writing and recording alone is where my passion lies. I can lose hours ‘in the zone’. New Age provides a fantastic outlet to express your creativity in so many different styles. It opens all kinds of doors, you aren’t restricted by the genre and there is always something new to explore.

John: What was the specific turning point that finalized your decision to compose your first album Astral Doorways?

Paul Sills: I originally sent Medwyn Goodall (MG Music) a demo in 2004. I did get a reply that was both encouraging and helpful. It wasn’t until my second demo in 2006 (with special thanks to Catherine Young and Peter King, from the MG website forum, who encouraged me to do so) that I was offered the opportunity to record an album for the label. The idea for Astral Doorways didn’t come until I had already written an albums worth of material. This material was shelved and I started again, basing the new material on the tracks Cloud Dancing and Astral Doorways. I found I enjoyed the ethereal landscapes with simple but effective melodies. Once I had this idea in my head I went for it with a passion.

John: After your working relationship and friendship with Medwyn Goodall first began, how did you become recognized as a member of the MG Music family?

Paul Sills: Its an honor to be in personal contact with Medwyn. To be a fan of someone’s music initially and then to have both a professional and personal relationship is amazing. He is a really nice guy who is both extremely honest about your music and encouraging. He never flatly says ‘no’ to something unless he knows it has no chance of working. He will nurture and guide you all the way.

I was initially a member of the MG Music forum and got to know like minded people, both musicians and listeners. I already felt part of that family before I even told anyone I wrote music. To then release albums with the label was a real joy. Everyone was encouraging.

John: Naturally, I have heard Clan : Celtic Journey by Medwyn Goodall, and I agree it’s a great album too. So having drawn inspiration from his albums, and also having played in a Rock band, it makes me wonder how the individual Paul Sills style of composing and performing music developed. Was it always present, or did you have to discover your own distinct brand of celestial music?

Paul Sills: Influences come from every kind of music for me. I like all kinds, not just New Age. I’m a massive U2 fan, so those earlier albums like The Unforgettable Fire, played a big part. Their partnership with Brian Eno brought them into something else and that transition was when I really latched onto them. Those Eno soundscapes were the initial influence on my music and where I wanted to go with it.

Clan : Celtic Journey showed me melody and rhythm (although I have yet to write any drum related albums) working together to produce drama and passion. The followup, The Scroll, has the most beautiful piece of music ever written – A Maiden’s Kiss. Now, that is probably the biggest influence on me, so far as emotion in music is concerned.

Being influenced by so many different kinds of music has to have some unique effect on what you write yourself. However, when I sit down to write and record, all those influences consciously go out of the window. My head is empty of anyone else’s music and its just me and a blank canvas. Many artists will probably cringe when I say this, but the writing and recording process are done at the same time. I will come up with a simple chord sequence first but after that its all done in the moment. Sometimes it takes hours of building with the final melody rearing its head very late. Sometimes I get lucky and the track will present itself very early. I wrote six albums worth of instrumental material from 2004-06 so I’ve had a good amount of demos to draw from.

John: How would you describe the music of Paul Sills to another person?

Paul Sills: That’s a tough question. It would probably be easier for someone who listens to it to answer that. I would probably say its very atmospheric, mystical and dreamy, with simple melodies that you can latch onto and actually hum. I aim to write emotional music but at the same time something that can take you away somewhere else.

John: If you don’t mind discussing the creative side to your music, when you produced the celestial music of Astral Doorways & Walking Across Heaven, do your creative abilities just occur naturally, or do you have to really work at making everything come together while composing?

Paul Sills: Well, I write spontaneously most of the time and things happen naturally. This is sometimes a blessing because you are travelling the journey as a listener, not knowing where its going until you get there! It’s also dangerous because the destination may not be the nirvana you hoped for.

Writing in this manner allows me to be more creative. If I was to follow a strict brief I would probably end up writing a ‘New Age Painting By Numbers’ album. I doubt it would sound as fluid. Some people work best this way, I know, but I work better when I almost let the music show me the way! We do tend to fight a lot but the music always wins! ha ha!

Saying that, I’m getting more structured these days and plan a little more. For the next album I have planned it like a story, each song being a chapter. I know what approach I need for each track. Each page of my ‘book of chords’ has one word written at the top in bold capitals. This one word is my brief for that track.

John: One question your fans and I want to know is will we see another Paul Sills album soon, or in the future perhaps?

Paul Sills: I’m a quarter of the way through the next one and the tracks, so far, have been well received by MG. Its not been an easy year up until now. I wrote and recorded a whole album and had to shelve it. That was where the spontaneous approach didn’t work out. Although tough, it was the right decision. I came out of it with a fighting spirit and knew what I had to do. I settled on a stronger theme and am really enjoying it again.

John: I admire both of your albums equally and honestly would not have been able to tell which one was your first, if I hadn’t known. Do you feel the same about both albums, or do you have a clear favorite, and could you give us insight into some of your songs during their production?

Paul Sills: Thanks John! Its difficult to choose a favorite as I like each for different reasons. From a production point of view I would say Walking Across Heaven. There is more atmosphere on that album and its more structured with regard to its theme. I learned a lot recording Astral Doorways and applied those lessons to Walking Across Heaven. Astral Doorways has its own uniqueness that I love. Walking Across Heaven has a little more drama, whereas Astral Doorways is very pure and innocent. I do, however, think they go hand in hand and I see them as a pair.

The one track on Astral Doorways that really set me on my path is Angelic Radiance. Once I had recorded that I knew what my sound was and where I was going to take it. That track was originally written back in 1996 in Singapore. The chord sequence and melody just seemed to hit the spot. I used the same chord sequence and melody in the track Angelic Grace where the piano takes more of a leading role.

Another favorite track of mine is the opening to Walking Across Heaven, Towards Enlightenment. I think I wrote and recorded that in a couple of days. Its one of those tracks that just fall in your lap and when its finished you think ‘how did that happen?’ Compare that to Footsteps in the Clouds, that took two months to complete, and you are never sure how long a track is going to take and sometimes you never quite know when its truly finished!

John: Is there anything you would like to add or tell our readers that I didn’t bring up in our Interview today?

Paul Sills: I would just like to invite all New Age listeners to check out the Medwyn Goodall Music forum. If you like to chat to people who like this kind of music then make your way there and enjoy. The people are very friendly and the topics of conversation vary. You can also get the opportunity to talk to Medwyn Goodall and can ask him anything about his music. All the other artists are also very approachable.

John: Here at our sites we have been playing songs from your albums on our 365 Stars Radio, and they are doing well in ratings, which comes as no surprise to us. I became a fan of your music from the very beginning. B.T. Fasmer and I both Thank You for your time Paul and wish you and everyone at MG Music the best.

Paul Sills: Thank you for your kind words John. All the best to you both… and cheers!

Sample or purchase albums and songs by Paul Sills at Amazon.com. Photos courtesy medwyngoodall.net.

Composing musician Paul Sills of the United Kingdom has a great New Age album dealing with the relevance of our universal perception of the world as it relates to celestial music.

Astral Doorways was Paul’s creative first endeavor that explores the celestial and surreal side of music, where illusion plays a definitive role to permit passage beyond this proverbial threshold. His music seems to arrive at a deeper realm in how we experience synthesizer music.

Paul’s second album Walking Across Heaven likewise explores our inner imagery in a meaningful way, creating a beautiful sanctuary of sound that arrives at a beautiful music experience. Both albums reflect a celestial or spiritual presence about them, easily fulfilling any dictionary definition of perception as it relates to music.

Astral Doorways on the Medwyn Goodall Music label is a truly powerful album, symbolic of the outer boundaries in synthesized music and simply a must have release for those who love a memorable trek into the territory of unfamiliar sounds. There is no doubt that his fans own both albums, since I couldn’t imagine anyone possessing just one album without the second nearby within easy reach.  Both albums are well crafted.

The 12 tracks on Astral Doorways is the metaphorical portal where crossing the threshold of consciousness is achieved through his unique brand of orchestration. This melodic transformation is portrayed by an atmospheric blend of piano, flute, guitar, and choral vocals, where piano key strokes play a primary role in the melody decision making, and choral vocals point out the given steps for safe passage to discover what lies beyond the twilight zone in celestial music.

Perception can be defined as, the conscious neurological process for interpreting sensory stimuli that is derived from intuition or present memory to help resolve or comprehend the present concept in a meaningful way. Like an optical illusion, the music of Paul Sills creates an ever changing phenomenon of sound where what you hear, may be contrary to what your present understanding is of what lies beyond the other side, by skillful layering of synthesized music.

The song Pathway is a monumental first step, starting out with a rhythmic guitar pattern that charts the schematics and steady pace for your journey. The gentle piano melody then starts a graceful stride, reaching a point of calm that resemble secure steps taken along the winding path.

Aglow is a pivotal song where key changes from ivory to ebony are the principal rule, changing mood and thought one keystroke at a time. Gently flowing and deep, peaceful transformation begins to take place during moments of lower octave piano melody, while string orchestra offers an insightful glimpse into the unknown territory ahead.

Angelic Grace is a moving celestial song that gently rises above in tonal qualities. The piano melody is gently released from an earthly grasp, gently floating weightless towards the heavens. Synthesizer orchestration rises into rhythmic flow as strings bring forth what you have just heard into beautiful music upon your arrival into this sanctuary of sound.

An musician interview with Paul Sills is just around the corner. Perhaps he will explain how his personal trademark sound with a powerful yet gentle approach leaves such a monumental impression on everyone.

Sample or purchase music by Paul Sills at Amazon.com. Picture copyright Big Stock Photo.com – truelight.

New Age Music World host John P. Olsen has conducted an Interview with composing musician Cadence Spalding. The topics involve her music career, Save The World album, and news about a project currently in progress.

Cadence Spalding is a multi talented singer, songwriter and performer. Many know about her Save The World release and solo performances with another artist on his albums, but there are so many more aspects to Cadence Spalding we wanted to find out more. Cadence  is a television network host for a Children’s program in California having already performed in a teaching role for years by her Miss Jenny television personality designed to educate and entertain children in the California community.

Cadence Spalding has recorded and performed original music for children’s musicals that benefit renowned charities, including donations of original scores for documentaries, independent films and commercial CD/DVD’s. In 2008 Cadence composed the scores for both the original and the remake of For The Children, a documentary originally narrated by James Coburn for Share Incorporated based in Beverly Hills, California.

The Save The World release is Classic New Age, where her radiant vocals host a lovely mix of ballads finely tuned to perfection in the purest sense. It is on this release where Cadence instills her personal message of peace, harmony, and dedication to the family unit. It is a message in harmony with all people who share the same logic, devotion and perspective. Today I am pleased to present this interview with a popular new age artist.

Interview with Cadence Spalding:

John : I truly enjoyed meeting you for the first time awhile back. It’s very apparent to me that you are a friendly and sincere person. I am asking this half jokingly, but how did you arrive a such a wonderful disposition Cadence?

Cadence Spalding: Thank you John for complimenting my disposition – there are so many jokes for right here! – regarding female disposition in general – meaning my family will tell you just how “human” I can really be – but I’ll refrain and say “thank you – that’s such a nice compliment” – and maybe you are just picking up on how blessed and happy in general I’m feeling these days to even be talking about my music – inseparable from myself – and feeling satisfied that those sounds I’ve heard inside my mind for as long as I can remember are finding their way into my voice and through my playing hands and imprinting onto digital recordings and floating through the airwaves and touching hearts – and if even one, that means the world to me – to be able to express my deepest joy and gratitude – and to share that dialogue with others here on earth.

And maybe too you are picking up on the fact that I use music as a tool to soothe myself and to pray and to meditate, so it helps me to relax and to be inspired and to connect with God (although I’m non-denominational), and I can only wish that it can help do the same for the listeners – to help them to pray or to connect spiritually to a God of their choice.

Okay, I’m also just beyond excited about a project I’ve been working on since my early 20’s as a music teacher in public schools called “Miss Jenny”. I perform music in costumes and as a “one-girl-show” on guitar, vocals and piano – singing rock/blues/country versions of kiddy classics. I’m now doing weekly Miss Jenny shows at festivals near my hometown in the Napa Valley, and just got asked to co-host a local, live! TV show here as Miss Jenny called “The N.A.P.A. Show” with host Arty Party. A new adventure, great people, musical, creative, community oriented and lots of fun!!

John : You have performed as a vocalist on another artists albums prior to your solo release. Has it been rewarding like expected, composing and performing on your own album, or is it more work than you had expected?

Cadence Spalding: I’ve so enjoyed singing on his albums – they are so diverse. He is a wonderful man, a beautiful father, and gifted artist and a true genius in the studio. Can I say that about my own husband? Well, I just did – lol!! I was a fan of his music long before I met him, and obviously we hit it off on many levels, as now we have a beautiful son and we are married. The crazy thing is that we work together professionally as well, and it all seems to work so well. We are blessed and I think we both know it. Truth is that even though this CD has my name on it, my husband and I really recorded this album together, side by side. It has a lot of co-writes, and he is the sound engineer, and plays a lot of the instruments. And YES, great question John, it was a lot more work than expected – but most worthy things seem to be. Our Christmas album was our first official project together called Star Is Born, so we definitely had a taste of the size of this project ahead of time – but we were held up anyways with a new baby and lots of library music work – so working together on this was perfect timing – as we already were in building and recording mode. The layered vocals take a lot of patience and perseverance to accomplish – but again, revealing this fresh sound that we discovered together is so exciting, and sky is the limit. We have a lot more of these projects to do, and that’s a blessing too.

John: Your first project is Save The World, and is a great album I might add. What was the turning point that made you decide to produce your first solo album?

Cadence Spalding: I’ve been playing, writing, performing and teaching music most of my life – so it was a natural progression to record a solo album. My very first album singer/songwriter album was recorded ages ago actually, and just sold in small outlets – “demo” though, as the quality was slightly below broadcast, but a few of the songs did well publishing wise and I toured with my band in the LA area.

I’ve worked hard on improving my vocals the last 5 or so years – singing in professional choirs and studying voice specifically, and finally technology was accessible for my passion for songwriting and especially harmony. I was also ready to record this album at the same time I was ready to perform a sound like this live. The sound when performed live involves back up prerecorded vocals that I sing on top of in full voice, and I think it sounds even better than the album because I also play rhythm guitar on top of it, and it has a stronger acoustic/rock vibe – live that is. It is a TRIP to do this music LIVE! I LOVE it!! I think of songwriting as something so much more than basic composition – it has really kind of therapy for me over the years. When times were tough, I’d stay up late and write shoe boxes full of songs – often scribbled into journals and on pieces of paper in the middle of the night. Teenage and early adult angst – 1A – and I thank God for the writing getting me through lots of hard times in my young adulthood. And again, I have to thank my family for this, as I come from 4 generations of musicians and music teachers – so piano lessons at age 3 wasn’t uncommon.

I was fortunate as a young girl to have mentors to inspire me to be open creatively and to work hard, and they made it fun and interesting for me by praising me for practicing and encouraging the writing throughout my childhood and teenage years. I only wish more parents would encourage their kids to be creative musically. It is a healthy and calming outlet. Just reading notes on a page is so difficult for most children! I wish parents would be more open in general to alternative modes of music education – like for example….uh oh…rock n roll! Aren’t we there yet people? Is this still seen as something “less” than classical music?? How sad. I wish the gift of music for all children in the world. I wish parents would be more open to kids learning rock!!!

John: Your singing abilities are extraordinary. Could you tell us your music background and the instruments you play?

Cadence Spalding: OH my goodness, what a sweet question this is to me, as really most of my life had music as a big part of it, but not as a vocalist. Personally I started piano at age 3 as a result of 4 generations of music teachers behind me – but the ideal age for kids physically, is about 7. Guitar lessons started in high school, and later on that was the perfect instrument for me to teach my students with because of it’s mobility and the fact that kids naturally LOVE rock n roll! In elementary school I was playing in school bands on violin and flute. It was not only just a great hobby – but something that gave me self confidence and joy – and the schools I attended all had terrific programs. Today, it’s unfortunately not available to all children, music education that is, and that truly breaks my heart.

I have always loved to sing, but didn’t study voice formally until well into my adulthood. I had to work very hard to open up my upper register. Once it opened, I never shut up!! I began singing in church choirs as a second soprano well into my adulthood. It was a blast! The feeling of singing music that I love, old and new styles, is euphoric. I can’t get enough. It’s almost like an addiction to be honest…and thank God a healthy one !

John: What were your thoughts behind some of the song lyrics. What is the meaning behind the lyrics in Trust In Love?

Cadence Spalding: Trust In Love is a prayer. It’s meaning to me is as simple as it sounds – and a universal sentiment that is unique to every individual. We all have parts of our lives where trusting in love is the answer. It’s in integral force in nature in a way – love.

Love makes everything grow, pulls us, inspires us – but is often the difficult choice to make in reality. I was thinking about world peace when I wrote this song, hoping that just in general, mankind would trust in love more. The lyrics are straight forward and it is written in classic Celtic prayer form with traditional early American church hymns and chorales as the inspiration.

I was struck by the melody which is almost circular – each verse like a complete thought or sentence – and to you musicians out there – returning to the one cord before you would expect – giving it that “old” feel naturally. Grandma’s Song is more of a traditional Pop! ballad written in 3/4 time or a “waltz” time signature, and was written for my Grandma when she passed away.

I wrote that entire song, music and lyrics, on the night that she actually died. It was a supernatural experience. I am positive that she helped me write it from the “other side”– it was a beautiful journey. I still get choked up by that song, and I perform it at lots of family type of events like birthdays and unfortunately, funerals. It is a song with deep sentimental value to me.

John: What were the song lyrics in Share Your Life about?

Cadence Spalding: Share Your Life was a song off my very first album – ages ago and a different name even…for a documentary for handicapped children for a beautiful organization called Share Inc. in Los Angeles. I was so honored to be a part of that prestigious charity group, a “Share Lady”. We raised nearly a million dollars a year for handicapped children in the Los Angeles area – doing an annual event/live show where we sang and danced on some of the greatest stages with some of the greatest talents in Hollywood. I was asked to write a theme song for their promotional video that was originally hosted by the late, great James Coburn.

The song came to me quickly, after being deeply moved by volunteering at a hospital for severely handicapped children. I was overwhelmed, beyond tears – at the strength and courage of the staff at these hospitals and by the families involved. The words came naturally and straight from the heart – and my cherished “sisters”, the lovely ladies of “Share Inc.” were so inspiring and supportive of my songwriting. Children, along with animals, are part of that family of “voiceless creatures” of the earth that we as healthy adults, are responsible for.

We share this burden as humans – it is given to us at birth – to care for these voiceless creatures. The littlest amount of volunteering can do a mountain of good, and it makes us feel alive and content in return. “Time to make it right…share your life…” Seems so simple –but I think many of us want to help more but don’t know where to begin. Thanks John for asking me about that song. I get moved every time I think about all the inspiring philanthropy I have been privileged to witness. I’m talking about such hard work and dedication from ordinary people that is beyond belief.

John: I read you are working on a new project. What can we expect Cadence?

Cadence Spalding: My new album is nearly finished and listeners can expect a release late this year or early 2010 – and I’m thinking of calling it “sessions” as it features an eclectic mix of pop, rock, new age, classical and even a dash of country. A feast of flavors – and a few surprises as well, with even an occasional acoustic version of the Cadence Spalding songs from Save The World that I’ve been getting requests to sing “naked.” Not me LOL, but the songs!! And so I did, happily, after producing them with often hundreds of layers of vocals per song and extensive instrumentation and sound design, it was a true pleasure to record them in their original form – acoustically.

My test for my music, in the beginning, has always been just that. I try to go by the philosophy that if a song is good raw, acapella even, it can then be built into anything and virtually in any musical style. So this new album I’m now creating will be a whole new adventure – evolving and building on the past and continuing to explore the sound we discovered, while revealing a more “raw” side, kind of a glimpse of my “underbelly” as an singer/songwriter – and as a woman too.

John: You had told me that you volunteer your time with children. Could you tell us about your volunteer work?

Cadence Spalding: In the past I have done many years of charity work involving music – often by volunteering my services as a music teacher, choir director, dancer, director – you name it. A music teacher by trade, and as jobs for Art Education in public schools becoming more and more sparse and low paying, I would get involved in all kinds of productions for charity in the beginning, just because I wanted to work and to learn. This lead to more work than I bargained for, but I don’t regret a single day of it.

I have composed songs for a group called songsoflove.org, an organization in NYC that writes and records songs for terminally ill children. I also wrote original musicals for kids for various churches, and even owned a performing arts school for kids at one point in San Francisco that did a lot of volunteering for the community. It’s just so much fun – all of it. What could possibly be more of a gift than sharing music with kids? Amazing. I think I get more out of it that anyone, and when I perform or write music for a charitable cause – the added pleasure of being thanked for my time makes it a treasured part of my life that brings me pure joy. It’s the ultimate high!! Please check the inside of my CD cover for Save The World for a list of charity organizations I’m involved with and how to donate time or money.

John: It has been great to visit with you again Cadence. I look forward to our next visit and doing a review of your next project. Thanks again for taking the time to do an interview with me.

Visit CadenceSongs.com or sample and purchase this album at Amazon.com. Read my Save The World album review. Photos are courtesy Cadence Spalding.

Many artist from all music genres can sometimes resemble a particular tone or feel that sounds like another artist, which can be evident from the very beginning while listening to their music.

With composing artist David Wahler this is not the case. The New Age Antiquus album, officially released June 1 2009, has some personal trademark qualities not heard in projects from musicians established before him. David points out that this album explores our common heritage through classical compositions, and that each of the 10 songs makes reference to an ancient myth, sacred love, or eternal truth that everyone shares.

Beginning music as a young adult, David Wahler moved to formal music studies in college, and then to the theater, directing several productions while performing with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and New American Theater.

The Antiquus album has attracted attention in the Netherlands in particular and is featured on New Age Soundscapes with Music Choice premium services. David also has a sense of giving, devoting himself and his time teaching music to handicap and disadvantaged children, in a worthwhile cause he found personally rewarding, and this is something I would like to recognize about him publicly.

The Antiquus album debut has been described as New Age Ambient, Neo Classical, and Electronic, but let’s also add Orchestra and Chill Out, since they can also be used as reference adjectives to describe his material. Provoking many emotions, the mood is thoughtful and ever changing by the insertion of a light and airy feel at times, that then shift towards deep and mysterious surroundings as the measure bar in the sheet music moves into the next measure of the page.

With this goal in mind, David Wahler has managed to produce a debut album that appears to stand alone in personal style and form, creating a model as an artisan would create a grand sculpture adorned with touches of gold, and crafted entirely out of sound.

The Antiquus album does explore our ancient past to unveil our present in an unfamiliar way by incorporating a layering and mixing of piano, strings, flute, violin, and percussion in a mysterious, yet classical way.

Choral vocals reinforce his approach in style, echoing a graceful and poetic feel, while also shining bright by a deep, thought provoking mannerism that seems to stand out from the very beginning.

With this goal in mind, David Wahler has managed to produce a debut album that appears to stand alone in personal style and form, creating a model as an artisan would create a grand sculpture adorned with touches of gold, and crafted entirely out of sound.

The mood is indeed very dreamlike and relaxing by a modern tempo rhythm that uniquely offers a positive connection by retaining interest and imagination throughout the entire album.

Shifting tempo and key changes are what I believe give this album an effective transition in thought and feeling, linking the valuable bond between our very distant past and our ever changing future.

Visit davidwahler.com to sample this music collectable.

Picture Copyright Bigstockphoto.com.

Oscar Aguayo, having the artist title Australis, is a fine musician I have written about and interviewed in the past.  His 2 albums Lifegiving & The Gates of Reality are both excellent choices for New Age fans who enjoy top quality music.

Lifegiving was compiled from his earlier recollections as a young adult and portrays ethnic pathways leading towards a deep emotional expression, where each of the 10 songs blend into an intricate canopy filled with rich colorful instrumentation.

The Gates of Reality is a mixture in contrasting genres in a fine balance of emotional depth in all 14 compositions.  Based on individual concepts and how perceptions affect our personal understanding of the world around us, this album took 3 years to complete.

The in-depth interview with Oscar Aguayo and my album reviews for Lifegiving & The Gates of Reality can be read at our page dedicated to Australis.  Oscar is working on his third album and songs can be heard when subscribing to his newsletter, plus behind the scenes details about Australis projects can be found daily at his Facebook & Twitter pages.

Visit AustralisMusic.com to sample or purchase  and find at his CDBaby.com page.  Below is my Australis review quote giving you a hint of Oscar Aguayo’s fascinating orchestrations, along with the song video Essentia.

Australis is a New Age artist title that treks into the mysterious sub-genre lands of Ambient, World, Electronic, and Neo Classical, having ethnic pathways with deep emotional expression, where each song blends into an intricate canopy filled with rich colorful instrumentation.

In the very beginning, 6 million square miles of rain forests exist worldwide but because of relatively recent deforestation, only 2.6 million square miles remain. What is really alarming is that this major deforestation took place within the past 50 years. It is estimated that over  85 % of the species of animals, plants, and microorganisms now remaining in these vital ecosystems will be destroyed by the year 2020, with increasing timber losses of 56,000 square miles each year.

Oscar Aguayo is the musician with the artist title of Australis. Oscar is one among many persons who has first hand knowledge and shares this environmental concern about the rain forests, having been born and raised in a tropical rain forest region of the Amazonian Basin in Peru, South America. While Oscar presently resides in America, his 2005 electronic album Lifegiving makes reference to this complex political and social question involving our rain forests around the world.

Australis first album Lifegiving is a New Age music endeavor that steps into a lush undergrowth in the mysterious sub-genre land of Ambient, World, Electronica, and Classical, with Ethnic music pathways.

The electronic music of Australis finds deep emotional expression, where each discovery blends into an intricate canopy filled with rich colorful instrumentation. The 10 songs on Lifegiving which represent his personal insight, are portrayed on this album using careful craftsmanship that in turn introduces a strong emotive content that exists beyond any cultural, political, or geographical limitations.

This unique excursion begins with the title song Lifegiving, where faint chirping of jungle soundscapes ascend slowly into the lush surroundings. The single key piano notes then sketch an image of dew drops from the jungle canopy, falling onto dense tropical vegetation below. The deep recesses of secluded terrain are soon lit by violin and string interlude that together emerge to install thoughts of dusk like visibility. While glancing upward, small fragments of sun beams penetrate the full tree tops above, changing your perspective on the time of day. Slowly as the song starts to fade, total darkness begins to descend around you, bringing with it soft audible animal chants while they return to their nightly song ritual.

The Enchantment is a song rich in orchestral diversity with lively strings and woodwinds engaging in a native dance full of tempo and key changes that both excite and captivate those who have entered this mysterious land of musical enchantment.

Sacred Earth is an upbeat Ethnic song that explores the inner boundaries of this earthly sanctuary largely responsible for our life giving resources of medicine, water and air that we breath. While woodwind, flute, and piano play a colorful fragrant harmony, exotic instruments lend their perspective sovereignty, giving this song a unique essence. The bongo drums, woodblock, and abundant percussion claves enhance this song by an indirect border, giving it a deep tribal influence without overriding the primary melody.

Oscar Aguayo’s brother Alvaro lends his talent by playing an exotic 10 string Charango in this song, adding refinement and warmth to the experience. The song ends by fading into a soft forest rainfall, leaving you with a collective memory of your musical excursion filled with creativity and interest on this album, and our life giving rain forests worth saving.

In a conservative estimate, over 6000 life giving trees in our rain forests around the world were lost during the short amount of time it took you to read my Lifegiving album review.

An interview with Oscar Aguayo of Australis will be published soon, so that you may get the facts behind this amazing artist. You may read about the latest Australis album – The Gates of Reality review and visit AustralisMusic.com. Sample the album at  CDBaby. Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – gtrmtt84.

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.

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.

The epic quest for personal style in composing is pretty evident in a new release entitled The Gates of Realities from South American born composer and producer Oscar Aguayo, who is titled as Australis.

Australis is an artist title taken from the Latin word meaning Southern or from the South, and also symbolic of the artist himself which emphasizes Oscar Aguayo’s early influences he felt during his very first experiences in musical emotion in his home country as a young adult.

The primarily mid tempo music will encompass the listener with rich, deep tones to translate for you what the artist has drawn from his personal conclusions in how New Age music should be interpreted. I can tell you it is simply wonderful electronic music!

Drawing imagination from his homeland recollections and earliest life changing events, the project is a mixture of New Age, Electronic, Ambient, Neo-Classic and Ethnic, in contrasting genres. Together there is a fine balance of emotional depth in all 14 compositions on his second album of individual expression.

Track 4 Promises of Light is a dark and mysterious example of a longing desire for the presence of light in which that wishful song is titled.

Track 5 Paqta Kutemunqa begins with an ethnic quality by the ancient chants, whisperings and woodwind flute which blends together beautifully.

If one closed their eyes they could almost imagine themselves as an archaeologist exploring the inner depths of ancient ruins, and then finding the lost treasures hidden away for centuries. This is an epic quest I found mysterious but inspirational.

Paul Sills latest album Walking Across Heaven, released by Medwyn Goodall Music in 2008, is a beautiful experience which is more like a transformation or angelic journey at times than one would expect from even a great New Age album. Quite a unique and wonderful surprise to this author.

The Walking Across Heaven album title perfectly describes what to expect for those listeners who prefer their New Age music with a medium tempo, yet powerful theme. Those new to Paul Sills will welcome this wonderful creation that is deep, flowing, full of emotion and very spiritual in nature. Persons who already own the previous 2007 release Astral Doorways know the intensity of Paul Sill’s music and will definitely want to include his current release, if they haven’t already made the investment.

Paul Sills album containing 8 songs is consistently powerful throughout, offering a synthesized atmosphere in which piano, flute, acoustic guitar, and distant choral vocals rise to transform each song into an anthem with hymn like quality. My noteworthy song favorites are: Track 2 Footsteps in the Clouds, which begins with a piano sequence upon combining orchestral movements, glide into a heavenly anthem. Track 6 Walking Towards Heaven, has a graceful melody which will raise your spirits throughout the entire song. Track 7 Hall of Voices, is full of distant choral harmony in which one can almost imagine being lifted upward by angels into the final heavenly destination.

Paul Sills Walking Across Heaven album containing 8 songs is consistently powerful throughout, offering a synthesized atmosphere in which piano, flute, acoustic guitar, and distant choral vocals rise to transform each song into an anthem with hymn like quality.

The Walking Across Heaven album cover is appropriate in describing what awaits the listener, having a deep blue cloud filled background and the bold Taijitu symbol or widely recognized in modern times as the Yin & Yang symbol.

The ancient symbolic character Taijitu was introduced in China during the Ming Period around (430 A. D.) by author Lai Zhide and has remained a constant in being adopted worldwide by many different cultures and philosophies throughout the centuries. When translated, Taijitu can be defined as The diagram of the supreme ultimate power. This accurately describes the latest contribution by Paul Sills and I thank him for the latest creation, having enjoyed the experience.

Walking Across Heaven is a collector’s edition for those seeking a celestial journey in electronic music while still residing here on this Earth, but don’t bother packing friends since luggage will not be a requirement.

Sample or purchase music by Paul Sills at Amazon.com.

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