New Age Music World

One Man’s Dream – Yanni World Concert Tour Dates: Yanni and his elite orchestra scheduled to perform in China for the start of their 2015 – 2016 Concert Tour.

Yanni and his group of vocal and instrumental professionals have posted a list of venues in China to be the beginning framework for the 2015 and 2016 concert season headlining as “One Man’s Dream.”

There are a limited number of engagements scheduled at present, but fans expect to see more concert dates added as the year progress.

The world famous team of artist’s first live concert performance in 2015 was opening the Vadfest Cultural Event Festival in Vadodara, India on January 25, 2015.

Regardless of a concert venue’s historical significance, Yanni and orchestra perpetually stun audiences with their vocal and instrumental solos and performances as a world-class orchestra.

To give you examples of the fortitude this musical act possesses, Yanni and the orchestra are leading international concert artists with around one billion admirers worldwide. To this day the concert Yanni Live at the Acropolis remains the top fundraising program for PBS. This single live concert event alone was seen and heard by an astounding 500 million television viewers from 65 countries.

The Taj Mahal in India and The Forbidden City in China concert are more examples where PBS television viewership reached a television audience of 250 million people. Celebrating thirty years as a professional entertainer, excitement to see the Yanni and each concert performer is in high demand, consistently attaining sold out shows each season.

If you would like to read more about Yanni and his elite team of musicians; New Age Music World blog host John P. Olsen recently published an exclusive interview with Yanni. This recent interview with the music celebrity gives considerable insight into Yanni’s life, the orchestra members, and his plans for the future.

Find current music news and 2015 – 2016 Concert Tour information at Yanni.com and read my Yanni Interview. Please note the tour dates shown below are subject to change. For complete updates and the most accurate concert info check the Yanni 2015 Concert Tour schedule at Yanni.com.

Photos and concert schedule courtesy yanni-wake entertainment.

Yanni – One Man’s Dream World Concert Tour Dates 2015:

March 17, 2015 – Shanghai, China – Mercedes Benz Cultural Center

March 19, 2015 – Beijing, China – National Stadium

March 21, 2015 – Guangzhou, China – International Sports Arena

November 6, 2015 – Sharjah, UAE – Al Majaz Amphitheatre

Yanni Concert Tour Schedule 2016:

February 10, 2016 – Nashville, Tennessee – Adrew Jackson Hall

February 13, 2016 – Orlando, Florida – Dr. Phillips Center, Walt Disney Theater

February 14, 2016 – Melbourne, Florida – Maxwell C. King Center for Performing Arts

February 16, 2016 – Greenville, South Carolina – Peace Center Concert Hall

February 18, 2016 – Lafayette, Louisiana –  Broadway in Lafayette

April 1, 2016 – Morristown, New Jersey – Mayo Performing Arts Center

April 4, 2016 – Newport, Virginia – Ferguson Center for the Arts

Yanni and his Orchestra – World Concert Tour Dates for 2014.

International concert and recording artist Yanni and his orchestra have released new tour date information for the 2014 concert season. Following a successful “World Without Borders” Tour in 2013, and recent Brazil Concert Tour, Yanni and his elite orchestra again take the stage to bring professional live entertainment to many parts of the world.

This year the Yanni 2014 World Concert Tour converges around the globe, touching down in the countries of Chile, Argentina, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, Czech Republic, and United States.

More concert venues and dates will be added as the year progresses, so hopefully you will have a chance to see the professional team of entertainers perform. The quality of musicians and vocalists he selects for his tours each concert season are unsurpassed and legendary, recognized as some of the world’s finest artists.

If you have ever read one of many Yanni concert reviews, you know the atmosphere and song playlist for a Yanni concert is unique each season, but classic songs favorites can be expected this year too. There will be additional melodies performed during the 2014 concert season, including songs from two of his most recent albums.

Songs from the album Yanni-Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico from 2012, and an original studio album composition from 2011 titled Truth Of Touch will be performed this year too.

The Yanni Concert Tour for 2014 is designed to showcase the international artists and talented professionals that perform with the celebrity and complete the ultimate concert experience.

If you would like to read more about the leading musicians and vocalists who perform live in concert with Yanni, there is a page at Yanni.com where you can read the biography for each artist.

The orchestra member’s name credits are: Charles Adams: drums, Benedikt Brydern: violin, Jason Carder: trumpet and flugelhorn, Yoel Del Sol: percussion, Victor Espinola: harp, Ming Freeman: keyboards, James Mattos: French horn, Sarah O’Brien: cello, Mary Simpson: violin, Dana Teboe: trombone, Gabriel Vivas: bass, Samvel Yervinyan: violin, Alexander Zhiroff: cello. The vocalists are; Lauren Jelencovich, and Lisa Lavie.

In every sense concertgoers can expect to see something new this concert season, yet unchanged for 2014 is the fact Yanni and his elite orchestra remain one of the most popular international new age music artists in the world! See you there!

For news and information visit Yanni.com. Shown below is the current Yanni concert schedule. Please note the dates shown are subject to change. For complete updates and the most accurate concert info check the Yanni Concert Tour 2014 page. For more information read my concert reviews, album reviews, and webcast Yanni interview in my pages dedicated to Yanni. Photos and concert schedule courtesy Yanni – Wake Entertainment.

Yanni World Concert Tour 2014:

March 15, 2014 – Santiago, Chile – Movistar Arena

March 18, 2014 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Luna Park

March 20, 2014 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Ginasio Do Ibirapuera

March 21, 2014 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Ginasio Do Ibirapuera

March 22, 2014 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Ginasio Do Ibirapuera

March 23, 2014 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Ginasio Do Ibirapuera

March 25, 2014 – Porto Alegre, Brazil – Teatro do Sesi

March 27, 2014 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Vivo Rio

April 23, 2014 – London, United Kingdom – Royal Albert Hall

April 26, 2014 – Dusseldorf, Germany – Mitsubishi Elctric Hall

April 28, 2014 – Berlin, Germany – Tempodrom Berlin

April 30, 2014 – Munich, Germany – Circus Krone

May 2, 2014 – Prague, Czech Republic – Tipsport Arena

May 12, 2014 – Odessa, Ukraine – Opera Theatre

May 16, 2014 – Saint Petersburg, Russia – BKZ Oktyabrsky

May 19, 2014 – Krasnodar, Russia – Music Theatre

May 21, 2014 – Rostov-on-Don, Russia – Music Theatre

May 24, 2014 – Minsk, Belarus – Sport Palace

May 26, 2014 – Kiev, Ukraine – Palace Ukraine

May 28, 2014 – Moscow, Russia – Crocus City Hall

June 4, 2014 – Tel Aviv, Israel – Nokia Arena

August 13, 2014 – Englewood, NJ – Bergen Performing Arts Center

August 19, 2014 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre

August 20, 2014 – Morristown, NJ – Mayo Performing Arts Center

For news, information and complete tour schedule updates visit Yanni.com.

Karen Olson: International Musician (viola), Recording Artist, Composer and Sound Healer releases her newest album, Convergence.

Karen Olson is an internationally recognized violist, recording artist and composer. This skillful and talented artist combines her unique background as a instrumental musician, Reiki master, and intuitive holistic healer, by providing interactive, fun and inspiring concerts and programs.

Based in New York, this music professional’s newest album Convergence follows like minded official album releases; Elemental Journey, Timeless Being, Seasons of the Soul, Earth Angel, and Ellypsis feat. Karina O. & Christobal Jacques. Her music has been described as a wonderful blend of classically oriented jazz fusion that has instrumental New Age and World Music influences.

Karen Olsen is a music professional who holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree from The Juilliard School, a Master’s Degree from Yale University and a Ph.D. from New York University and she is a certified practitioner and teacher in several healing modalities including Theta Healing.

Performing for audiences all over the world, Karen Olsen is a member of the New York Pops. Her CD Timeless Being ranked #1 on multiple charts, and she edited a top-selling viola scale book for ECSchirmer. During her stellar music career Karen Olsen has performed with famous music celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr. and Liza Minnelli. Karen plays on Thomastik-Infeld strings.

There are other renown artists who have commented about Karen. Dr. Michael Brant DeMaria, a 4-time Grammy Nominee, Sound Healing Artist and Integrative Psychologist had this to say about Karen and her abilities:

Karen Olson is much more than an extremely gifted composer and musician, she is a sound healer and visionary artist. Her compositions and music are beautiful, heartfelt and always a soulful healing balm for body, mind and spirit.       Dr. Michael Brant DeMaria

Find out more about this talented international artist by visiting Karen Olson.com. During your site visit you may sample and purchase Convergence and earlier album releases and learn more about this talented artist, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter social media pages. You may likewise schedule concerts, private instruction, and music workshops by request.

Press photos are courtesy KarenOlsen.com.

View Inspiring Videos at YouTube Olympic Video Channel.

If you are a fan of the Olympics and Paralympics then you know there is already a lot of news and information available to everyone prior to the official start of the upcoming 22nd Olympic Winter Games on February 7, 2014.

The first worldwide music fest planned for the Opening Ceremony begins on February 7, 2014, with televised coverage up to the games end and Closing Ceremony on February 23, 2014. Until then, videos with inspiring songs as the background music are available on the official Olympic Channel at YouTube.

I listened to many upbeat songs among the videos with music I sampled. Some video categories to watch include Countdown to Sochi 2014, Olympic Records, 90 Seconds Of The Olympics, Olympic History, Higher Faster Stronger, Olympic Quizzes and Athlete Profiles. There are also past event videos with background music, sponsor and information about the IOC.

Music is an important aspect of the Olympics so watch for more news on the artists and songs selected for the 22nd Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Visit the official Olympic Video Channel at YouTube. Big Stock Photo credit – Chrisroll.

Olympic Tribute Music to Sochi Winter Games performed by Karl Jenkins and his new age music group Adiemus.

In light of the dramatic news coming out of Russia lately, anticipation for the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia outshines the dark news of late. For the athletes that will be performing during this historic event their opportunity to achieve excellence and rise above will be a bright visible test of the human spirit.

The official music to be performed during the Opening, Closing and Medal Ceremonies has not been announced by the International Olympic Committee yet but more news about the artists and their songs to be played during the ceremonies will be coming soon.

New age artist Vangelis and his inspiring Chariots of Fire song was a key song played during the London Olympic Games in 2012, so given the inspirational fortitude of the genre, new age music compositions may again be selected for this year’s ceremonies.

Interest in the Olympic Games has never been greater, and for many people the official music is likewise a point of interest. There are tribute songs available you can listen to right now. One tribute song is by Karl Jenkins and his new age group Adiemus. Composed and conducted by Karl Jenkins, Adiemus is a fusion of new age and world music, with choir vocals in many songs.

Adiemus is often compared to Enigma and Deep Forest, and I always felt the young boys choir Libera, directed by Robert Prizeman, should be included too. Regardless of the comparison, Karl Jenkins and the group Adiemus perform uplifting songs designed to rekindle the human spirit, fitting of the athletes goal and their upcoming challenge to light up the world. The self-titled song video by Karl Jenkin’s group Adiemus is one of nine from the Songs Of Sanctuary album.

For more information about the inspiring music of Adiemus visit KarlJenkins.com.

YouTube song video produced by MrFryDeep. Big Stock Photo photo credit – HelleM.

U.S. Army Soldier Peter Jennison plans newest release Coming Home, an album dedicated to military families and personnel, and follow-up album to Longing For Home.

Award-winning artist Peter Jennison is set to begin final recording of his new album in 2014 titled Coming Home. Due to be released this summer in 2014, Coming Home is  an album dedicated to service members and their families like his first piano instrumental album Longing For Home.

If this newest album is anything like his earlier album Longing For Home the interest in Peter Jennison’s new music in 2014 will be significant.

Coming Home is unique in its own way musically, but both albums are produced in theme to Peter Jennison’s recollections of his experiences as an active U.S. service member serving his country at a time of war.

The funding for Coming Home is being held at Kickstarter which establishes a platform for the project’s funding, so be sure to help make this important album a reality.

While on active duty, Peter Jennison’s earlier tours of duty were performed in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan as a U.S. Army Captain and MEDEVAC helicopter pilot. Both albums were composed from his first hand perspective of his two tours of duty.

On Peter Jennison’s Facebook page Peter states he recently spent 3 weeks of studio time with award-winning record producer Will Ackerman at his Imaginary Road Studio.

Longing For Home is a piano instrumental album produced by the production team of Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton so expect Coming Home to be a high quality album too.

Visit the Peter Jennison Music Facebook Page and learn how to help with this project honoring the nation’s military personal by visiting Peter Jennison at KickStarter.com.

Photo and album cover art courtesy Peter Jennison.

New Age Music News:  Award-winning music group 2002 delivers an impressive live concert performance during the 10th Annual Zone Music Reporter Music Awards Ceremony.

The Billboard Charting band 2002 gave an impressive performance at the 10th Annual Zone Music Reporter Awards. The ZMR Music Awards Ceremony, and live, on-stage concert by the group 2002 was held on May 17, 2014 at the Joy Theater in New Orleans, Louisiana.

2002 performed several songs from their newest album Trail of Dreams, and played a couple of songs with David Arkenstone and Charlee Brooks. During the feature presentation by the group 2002, Pamela and Randy Copus’s talented 10 year old daughter amazed Zone Music Reporter concertgoers with her abilities as a vocalist and harp instrumentalist.

Sample the newest 2002 album Trail of Dreams at 2002Music.com. Portrait photo courtesy 2002music.com.

ZMR Music Awards – 2002 Live in New Orleans

The Eversound Record Label Company Profile: Read about the award-winning artists of Eversound Records and their newest albums.

It is our pleasure to introduce you to EverSound, a record label committed to producing heartfelt, timeless music by talented artists from around the world.

EverSound’s variety of new age music ranges from instrumental to soft rock, including world and smooth jazz. The label’s versatile artists have produced cinematic music for television and film industries as well.

The lineup of popular artists includes John Adorney, Diane Arkenstone, Ron Clearfield, Michael Whalen, John Mills, Curtis Macdonald, Lino, Manuel Imán and other talented artists.

John Adorney, the label’s top-selling act, is an award-winning composer and producer whose solo albums have garnered glowing reviews by music critics around the world.

John Adorney began studying music at the age of 9. Although his first instrument was the cello, within two years he’d also learned the guitar, profoundly influenced by the Beatles and British Invasion they launched.

He additionally learned the piano and went on to study classical music. By the 1990s Adorney was composing contemporary instrumental material.

John Adorney went on to release several solo albums including Beckoning (1998) and The Other Shore (2002), many of which laid the foundation for the genre through the 2000s as they quickly rose to the top of the New Age radio airplay charts. Adorney’s latest release, The Wonder Well, shows no sign of the composer slowing down anytime in the near future.

EverSound also recently signed the youngest new artist in the genre, 21-year-old wunderkind Nitish Kulkarni. Kulkarni is a rising artist in the instrumental scene and his sound has been likened to that of Yanni.

Influenced by his Indian heritage and American upbringing, Nitish’s music incorporates musical instruments and styles from all around the world. Kulkarni and Adorney teamed up to produce his debut album Synesthetic, which blends together electronic and acoustic sounds from over 50 different musical instruments!

The music critics have been raving about the new album Synesthetic. “This is an artist that has the potential to become a star,” New Age Music Odyssey’s BT Fasmer writes. “Kulkarni’s debut album Synesthetic shows exceptional talent. Without a doubt the most promising debut album in the New Age music genre since year 2000.”

Music reviewer Michael Debbage from Mainly Piano writes, “Synesthetic screams sleeper hit for 2014. By the end of the year, many will be speaking highly of Kulkarni and his solo debut album.”

Read more about Eversound Records and the quality label artists at EverSound.com. You may listen to samples and purchase EverSound’s newest albums and visit EverSound’s YouTube Channel. Photos courtesy eversound.com.

The YouTube video below covers the history of the Eversound Record Label from the very start, all the way through to the popular EverSound 15th anniversary concert CD and DVD album performance recorded before a live audience in Santa Barbara, CA:

Publicist and blog host John P. Olsen had an opportunity to interview famed singer, harpist and instrumental recording artist from Ireland, Moya Brennan.

During this interview taking place during the summer of 2013, a variety of in-depth topics are covered. Included is a conversation about her new vocal and instrumental album with professional harpist Cormac De Barra titled Affinity. Moya Brennan also details aspects of her life and solo career, and of the Celtic music group Clannad.

Recognized as the First Lady of Celtic Music, and The Voice of Clannad, today I am pleased to present an informative interview conversation with the famed Irish musician, Moya Brennan.

John P. Olsen: Thank you for accepting my interview invitation Moya! Interest in your music has grown tremendously over the years, and you have a wonderful story to share. Like your fans, I am a longtime admirer of the music you have produced too, so it’s a privilege to host your newest interview for fans and visitors in 2013, here at New Age Music World.

Shall we begin our conversation with the topic of your brand new album with Cormac de Barra titled Affinity. Your newest album is now available at your Voices & Harps website, and currently available at major music stores like Amazon and iTunes. I have been listening to Affinity non-stop, and consider it to be one of your best albums yet. It makes me curious to know if others share the same view as I. What is the feedback you have received so far on your newest album, and is the response what you expected?

Moya Brennan: John, thank you for your kind words about Affinity and I’m so glad you are enjoying it. You’ll be pleased to hear that you are not alone in reacting to Affinity in such a way. Feedback has been really positive (and sometimes verging on the superlative!) To say that this is what we hoped for would be spot on but what we expected? I’m not sure.

Of course we are supremely proud of the album but I have been working for long enough to know that you can emerge from the bubble of the studio thinking you have redefined the musical universe, only to discover that the rest of the world doesn’t necessarily share your feelings. All I know is that the musical partnership I have developed with Cormac is far greater than the sum of the parts and that our song choices, arrangements and performances are of the best we both have to offer.

John: Affinity is the follow-up album of your earlier release with harpist Cormac De Barra titled; Voices & Harps. Another fine release I might add. What would you say are the distinctions in theme and melody in comparison to your newest release?

Moya Brennan: To give you some background, Voices & Harps was recorded on an inspired whim! That’s not to say we didn’t put our hearts into it. More that it was something we’d been talking about doing for several years and a little three-week window opened up early 2011, which we jumped through and emerged with our first V&H album. We sat back and listened to it in the cold light of day and were thrilled to have achieved so much in such a short space of time.

As with Affinity, I think we surprised a few people – and ourselves. Cormac has been quite a significant force for me rediscovering the beauty and purity of my traditional roots. In my solo work I have explored quite a lot of contemporary forms along with musical influences from around the world – for instance Eastern Europe and Africa. Cormac’s repertoire and knowledge of the Irish tradition is incredible so this was always our starting point.

The theme of Voices & Harps was as simple as the title. I arrived with my voice (and harp) while Cormac arrived with his harp (and voice). Sounds funny but we both came to each other with the same skills, albeit with different emphasis respectively. We chose some songs and tunes that we both had been performing already, some which we had always wanted to record and we wrote others which encompassed my approach to atmospheric vocal layers with a harp foundation.

When we came to record (what turned out to be titled Affinity) the approach was similar but with attitude made bolder by our happiness and reaction to our first album. We were actually going to call it Voices & Harps II but realized that the title, Affinity, once again, summed up our performing relationship and the blending of our musical skills.

John: What is the creative drive behind your newest album composition Affinity?

Moya Brennan: Echoing what I said previously, our creative inspiration is a bringing together of what we do well! Maybe, more than anything though we let ourselves go a bit more than before. Sure, there are absolutely beautiful songs which we both of learned from our grandparents – Ardaigh Cuan from my grandmother and Seoithin Seo from Cormac’s – but we felt we had the confidence to write new songs as well.

While we both grew up surrounded by traditional music we have also been open to a wide range of musical influences. So there is the dreamy, trancy ambience of song Suas Sios, and a contemporary slant to Worlds Collide and I Feel You Breathe.

I should also mention The Lass of Aughrim, from Affinity. I was invited to perform at a Galway alumni dinner in New York last year. The Galway Association were to honor Angelica Houston as part of the ceremonials. I had always been moved by her part in the John Houston movie, The Dead, based on a James Joyce short story.

This song appears at one of the most poignant moments in the film and I heard that she loved the song. It brought her to tears at the dinner and afterwards she said that we must record it. So we did and have her to thank for encouraging us.

John: The chart topping hit song Sailing by Christopher Cross is a lead single on Afffinity. I read in a press release the cover song Sailing holds special meaning to you on a personal level. What is the personal significance of the song Sailing?

Moya Brennan: Hey, I think what I said is that it was part of the soundtrack of my youth. So in the respect that it will forever bring me back to that stage in my life I’m not saying it has any emotional or cosmic significance! It’s a beautiful song and an unusual song. Cormac and I had been toying with the idea of doing a cover song and we were nearing the end of the process of choosing our final selection.

I was driving back from a concert in Cork and just as I pulled into the house in Dublin Sailing came on the radio. I had my daughter, Aisling (my band guitarist and album studio engineer), in the car and we sat and heard it out. I wondered how it would translate to harp and vocals but when Cormac came in the next morning he played around with the intro on the harp (some devilish key changes) and eventually broke through to provide the song with familiar, but new, bedrock.

Lyrically, it’s a song of hope and dreams – subjects that I love to visit in songs anyway. As you can imagine, our cover of this song has surprised a lot of people but nobody has said that it feels out of place among the others.

John: Harpist and television host Cormac De Barra is also a member of your band and the group Clannad. In addition to the numerous albums you and Cormac have produced together you each have achieved successful solo careers. How did you and Cormac meet and form a professional team Voices & Harps?

Moya Brennan: In 2004 I recorded my Two Horizons album. This, more than any other recording I have made, was a concept album. Starting with the Thomas Moore song, The Harp that Once Through Tara’s Hill, I developed a story line bringing a mythical harp through the ages, through slavery in Africa and emigration to the wilds of an American desert populated by native women played the harp in their traditional ceremonials.

My (then) musical director Fionan De Barra, introduced me to his brother, Cormac, whose harp playing instantly provided a fullness to my stage setup. We have worked together ever since and discovered an interesting fact that less is more. It is such a resonant and powerful instrument that often, very little else is needed.

John: During the course of your music career you have toured extensively in many parts of the world. Would it be fair to say you simply adore the personal interaction with an audience while performing live shows?

Moya Brennan: I absolutely love it. My father spent his life on stage – firstly in a traveling show band and then as host in his own music pub in County Donegal – and I’m convinced that I take after him. I love the way that you can engage an audience and draw them into your world – even if they are unfamiliar with your work. I love bringing people to another place in shows (even for ninety minutes) and hearing how afterwards how they were able to shake off their stress and troubles for that short period as they became absorbed in what was coming from the stage.

John: Even today you perform live concerts, and recently gave a Voices & Harps Workshop last month. Could you tell everyone about your live performances and provide details about the workshops?

Moya Brennan: Cormac and I do the workshop every June and have just completed our third year running. This year was a sell out! We keep to limited numbers in order to give everyone direct and personal attention. I work through a choice of songs with some and Cormac works on harp tunes with others. At the end of the weekend the two meet in a thrilling showcase. I say thrilling deliberately because I see people who have walked in on the Friday with virtually no experience singing and playing on stage for the first time and literally going through a life changing experience.

John: What song selections can a concert attendee expect to hear during a live concert with Moya Brennan?

Moya Brennan: I think I gave a taste of that in an earlier question. I like to create an atmosphere which frees the mind and spirit of an audience. But in a more practical sense Cormac and I obviously play much of our Voices & Harps repertoire, I have a number of solo favorites and, of course, I do visit some of the Clannad classics from time to time. There’s a bit of everything – from quiet atmosphere to rousing Irish trad sets.

John: Music has been a part of your life from the beginning, with many notable achievements along the way. What would you say was the turning point where you knew you were a career musician with a professional career ahead of you?

Moya Brennan: You’re right, it started early! I used to go off to Scotland with my father’s band at the age of seven to perform on St. Patrick’s Day. There were two significant moments in our (Clannad’s) career which convinced us that we had this calling. In 1970 we came first in the prestigious Letterkenny Folk Festival. The prize was to record an album which turned out to be Clannad 1.

Our music was almost exclusively in the Irish language and, strange as it may seem now, nobody in Ireland wanted to listen to songs in their native language. So we’d go off to Germany in a battered van and drive up and down the autobahns playing to audiences who couldn’t get enough of it! Yes, bizarre!

In 1978, during a German tour, we received a standing ovation in the classic Bremen Town Hall. As we glowed in the dressing room after the show we suddenly realized we could do this as a career and returned to Ireland as a professional band.

John: There are a number of original songs on Affinity sung in Gaelic, which is the native Irish language. It is in part a reason for the surge in popularity taking place during your solo career, and of the group Clannad, in which you are a founding member. What is it about the Gaelic dialect, blended with melodic themes that have generated so much interest?

Moya Brennan: As I said above, there was a time when we were actively discouraged from singing Gaeilge songs. Ireland of the seventies was only forward looking and chose not to think about its traditional culture. Thankfully, things changed slowly and we are so pleased we stuck to our principles and language. Irish is a very different to other European languages.

It allows us to reflect images of our natural surroundings in a true way. Many of our songs celebrate the sea, mountains and ruggedness of our native Donegal. I’m so proud of my language and it combines beautifully with my music.

John: Clannad’s influence on the merging of traditional Celtic and pop music, including Celtic Fusion in the 1980s and 1990s cannot be overstated. I read at the Clannad.ie website that a new follow-up album to Clannad at Christ Church Cathedral CD & DVD is scheduled for release in September of 2013. Can you provide any news or information regarding the new Clannad album for 2013?

Moya Brennan: I do believe we were pioneers in bringing Celtic music to a wider audience with contemporary influences and instrumentation. Although it didn’t make us popular with the trad community at the time, it’s interesting to see how the form has been followed, imitated and developed into a distinct musical genre. We have just finished recording a new Clannad album – the first studio album since 1997. It will be released in September this year and the title is under wraps for now.

John: You have enjoyed a stellar music career with many successes, awards and recognition along the way Moya. What do you find most rewarding intrinsically as a professional concert and studio musician?

Moya Brennan: It has to be winning the Letterkenny Folk Festival in 1970. I know there have been many other incredible moments but this probably changed my life more than any other.

John: Would you like to tell us about your charitable endeavors and work as a goodwill ambassador, and why is philanthropy important to you on a personal level?

Moya Brennan: I hope that what I do comes from my heart and in that applies equally to my music and my charity work. Like anyone else, I am seriously humbled by those who dedicate their entire lives to helping the disadvantaged and downtrodden. I do get asked to be involved in far more than I am able to take on so one thing I have chosen is to broaden awareness of the disability charity, CBM.

Although they originally set out to work with blindness they have come to realize that lack of sight is just one of a number of common disabilities in the developing world which leaves its sufferers as marginalized and hidden in their communities. As a Goodwill Ambassador I have traveled in Africa and South America to see CBM’s amazing work and bring back my experiences to remind people how fortunate they are and how much needs to be done to provide decency and respect for the disabled.

John: I know for a fact that artists at various stages of their music careers will read our interview Moya. One question I always like to ask a highly successful artist like yourself is; would be willing to offer any helpful suggestions about the music business, or offer some words of advice to artists just beginning their music careers?

Moya Brennan: The music business has changed so much since I started. There was once a time when we could survive quite well just on record sales. Those days have gone and it has become far more important to get on stage and engage your audience in a live setting.

But the universal truths still remain: Believe in what you’re doing, don’t be discouraged by rejection, remain true to your art, practice your instrument (or voice), share ideas with others you trust and learn how to express them to a wider audience.

John: As a publicist I like to report on current music news information when I can, so I would like to ask if you have any press information you would care to pass along about additional album projects or upcoming special events you plan to make public soon?

Moya Brennan: I am currently planning a Christmas tour in the USA in December. Final details have yet to be settled but will appear on my website in due course. I recorded a Christmas album a few years ago and, amazingly, it hasn’t dated over the years. I normally tour it in Europe so this will be the first time American audiences will experience An Irish Christmas.

John: I look forward to providing more information when available Moya, and must say you have experienced a fascinating life and career. It has been a privilege to host your newest interview in 2013 and I wish you continued success in the years ahead. I hope we have a chance to visit again to update everyone on the current news about you. In closing for now, is there anything you would like to express to our readers, and fans that have supported you throughout your career?

Moya Brennan: Nothing but immense thanks and appreciation for letting me do what I enjoy and share it with fans. Their loyalty, friendship and encouragement are what keep me going.

Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra’s new album Affinity is currently available in physical CD format and Mp3 format, or single song downloads at VoicesAndHarps.com. You may sample and purchase the 12 songs on Affinity at Amazon.com and find the album or single song downloads for Affinity at iTunes.

Find albums and concert info at MoyaBrennan.com. Interview photos courtesy moyabrennan.com & voicesandharps.com.

Affinity Album Review: New vocal and instrumental album by legendary vocalist Moya Brennan and harpist Cormac De Barra.

Two legendary international musicians, Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra, have proven yet again the unification of top Irish talents is assured to become an endearing vocal and instrumental album like no other.

Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra are gifted musicians of the highest caliber from Ireland, each with successful solo careers and so in this respect their enduring careers as music professionals have without surprise, emboldened the lovely melodic songs they convey to the world.

Recognized as the First Lady of Celtic Music, and The Voice of Clannad, Moya Brennan brings her skillful vocal talent to the forefront, while brilliant harpist Cormac De Barra delivers a divine instrumental fusion on their new release for 2013 entitled Affinity. Their newest release follows another exceptional vocal instrumental album from 2011 titled Voices & Harps.

Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra both are famous for their proficiency as vocalist and harpist respectively, which is unmistakable on their newest. Together the Voices & Harps team is supported by a specialized lineup of professional back-up singers and orchestral artists performing on keyboard, guitars, flutes, fiddle, cello, percussion, and more.

While some tracks of 12 songs total contain song lyrics performed in English, including a cover song by Christopher Cross titled Sailing; several songs are performed in their native Gaeilge language, similar in style to songs heard on albums by the group Clannad.

As one would hope Affinity by like minded definition of the word itself, shines by its beauty and refinement, embracing the wide ranging cultural influence of world music and the beloved Celtic melodies of Ireland that have transported them into the limelight of international fame and prominence.

If you are looking for one of the finest vocal instrumental albums fulfilling a wide range of musical tastes, especially in the Celtic and world music category look to the professionally driven leaders, and their new album named Affinity.

The 12 songs on Affinity are: Intro (Suas Sios), Sailing, The Lass of Aughrim, Worlds Collide, I Feel You Breathe, Cruiscin Lan, Captain O’Kane, Seoithin Seo, Stoirin Rua, When the Morning Breaks, Ardaigh Cuan & Suas Sios.

Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra’s new album Affinity is currently available exclusively in physical CD format and Mp3 format, or purchase single song downloads at VoicesAndHarps.com. Prior to the June 25th release date sample or pre-order Affinity at Amazon.com or sample and pre-order Affinity at iTunes.

Visit the artists at MoyaBrennan.com and CormacDeBarra.com. Photo and cover art courtesy voicesandharps.com.

New Vocal and Instrumental Music in 2013 – The Affinity Album by Superstars Moya Brennan & Cormac De Barra.

On June 7, 2013 international music celebrities Moya Brennan and Corma De Barra released their new album Affinity at the Voices & Harps website. Pre-orders are currently being accepted at major online music stores for their new album Affinity which will be released on June 25, 2013. Moya Brennan and Corma De Barra are both highly acclaimed artists from Ireland, and their newest release does feature the beloved Celtic melodies of their homeland that have brought them international prominence.

After sampling all 12 songs on Affinity, I can say the famed vocalist and harpist, both of whom are revered professionals in the field, have produced one of the finest vocal instrumental albums of the Celtic and World Music marque this year. I would imagine both artists are likewise pleased with their newest combined effort, which is the follow-up to their earlier releases Voices & Harps, and Music of Great Irish Houses.

It’s an honor to be among the first to tell fans and visitors about this new release by Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra, but more good news is on the way. I plan to write an album review for Affinity prior to the release date, plus arrangements are taking place for an exclusive interview with the esteemed Moya Brennan, so check back soon.

The 12 songs on Affinity are: Intro (Suas Sios), Sailing, The Lass of Aughrim, Worlds Collide, I Feel You Breathe, Cruiscin Lan, Captain O’Kane, Seoithin Seo, Stoirin Rua, When the Morning Breaks, Ardaigh Cuan & Suas Sios. Below is the vocal instrumental song video Sailing, which is the first single from Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra’s newest album.

Moya Brennan and Cormac De Barra’s new album Affinity is currently available exclusively in physical CD format and Mp3 format, or purchase single song downloads at VoicesAndHarps.com. Prior to the June 25th release date sample or pre-order Affinity at Amazon.com or sample and pre-order Affinity at iTunes.

Visit the artists at MoyaBrennan.com and CormacDeBarra.com. Photos are courtesy voicesandharps.com.

New Age Music World is a popular music blog featuring a wide-ranging variety of publications related to many of today’s top artists and producers of the best electronic and instrumental music.

Along with the presentation of interviews and album reviews, current concert tour information and music news articles, are featured at this blogspot, including a compiled selection of the best song videos produced by many of the artists I written album reviews for or interviewed over the years.

Examples of recent song videos by popular artists I have represented by written publications at this site include Alphaville, Susan Boyle, Sarah Brightman, Randy Edelman, Jan Hammer, Trevor Jones, Vangelis, Yanni and Hans Zimmer. Plus I feature a variety of artists who have produced some outstanding song videos to accompany their newest album.

YouTube song videos are an easy way to sample music produced by artists featured at this site. In addition they are an excellent way for an artist to demonstrate the cinematic aspects of their music, and in most cases, create a memorable visual impression for the viewer.

In comparison to the music I select for album reviews each year, nearly every one of the song videos posted on my main pages are music samples selected from the newest albums available at the time.

The top song videos of every artist I present to visitors can now be found at the YouTube social media channel for this site. In addition to the song videos posted on my social media channel, select videos and the written content of the artist’s I represent can be found throughout my main pages, top video tab and YouTube song video category.

View the top videos at New Age Music World at my YouTube Video Section. Big Stock Photo – SSilver & Scanrail.

New Age Music Review: Sounds from the Circle V – 2013. Fifth CD/MP3 album by New Age Musik Circle Artists.

Sounds from the Circle V is the fifth New Age Musik Circle album, and newest compilation release for 2013. For the past 5 years Suzanne Doucet, founder of the international social network, New Age Musik Circle Forum, and her associate Beth Ann Hilton have released a MP3 compilation album that is boldly unique.

Sounds from the Circle V, which consists of 40 electronic and instrumental songs, and over three hours of music, is yet again one of this year’s most significant releases in the new age music genre and sub-genres, including ambient, chill out, instrumental, meditation, nature, solo piano, space, world music, and many more.

The New Age Musik Circle Forum is an online community of over 1500 artists and fans worldwide. The 40 songs by international artists are in MP3 format, and available as song downloads at iTunes.

For more information about SFTC V, and to become a Circle member visit NewAgeMusik.Ning.com. Visit promoter and publicist Beth Ann Hilton at TheBCompany.com. Sample and purchase the new Sounds from the Circle at iTunes. Album art is courtesy newagemusik.ning.com.

The artists performing on the newest Sounds from the Circle V release for 2013 are: Trine Opsahl, Laura Sullivan, Lia Scallon, Steven Halpern, Omar Akram, Heidi Anne Breyer, Pamela Jamian, Eichstaedt, Fiona Joy Hawkins, Liquid Mind, Michael Hoppe, Hennie Bekker, Ron Sarja, Aleix Riera, Tron Syversen, Clarelynn Rose, Vibeke Sonora, Al Conti, Myristica, 4th Eden, Arun Shenoy, AOMusic, Christaal, JS Kingfisher, Natascha Wilczek, Suzanne Doucet & Tajalli, Aum Orchestra, Jane Winther, David Vito Gregoli, Paradiso, Sabine Van Baaren and Mark Joggerst, Glenn Main, Hollan Homes, Conni St. Pierre, 2mGamma, Louis Colaiannia, Asher Quinn, Sensitive Heart, Timothy P. Orr, and Zamora.

Instrumental & Vocal Music Review – New Dreamchaser album by international music celebrity Sarah Brightman.

International music superstar Sarah Brightman is one of today’s popular artists who clearly shines brighter than all other vocal artists in the same category.

Even when compared to the crowd of mainstream celebrity vocal artists, Sarah Brightman has excelled as a classical crossover artist, earning the respect of untold millions during her stellar career as a professional vocalist, actress, songwriter and dancer.

When describing the life and career of international celebrity Sarah Brightman, one can describe her amazing career of singer, actress, songwriter and dancer as an out of this world superstar in every respect.

Over the course of her professional career, Sarah Brightman has acquired 180 Gold and Platinum awards in over 40 countries worldwide, and reached over 30 million in album sales throughout the course of her stellar career.

Dreamchaser is Sarah Brightman’s newest album nearing official release worldwide in April 2013. The songs Angel & One Day Like This are two full length song singles released earlier to the public. As one might expect, both early song releases were met with resounding admiration for her exceptional new release for 2013.

After listening to all 10 songs the beauty of Sarah’s vocals with contemporary lyrics and instrumental backing made it easy to see why this artistically driven vocal instrumental release is certain to be a popular, best-selling album.

There are several official release dates given for various countries around the world, but most importantly, her twelfth studio album with 10 vocal and instrumental songs are going to be available soon to everyone in either audio CD or digital downloads format.

The 10 songs on Dreamchaser are: Angel, One Day Like This, Glosoli, Lento E Largo, B612, Breathe Me, Ave Maria, Eperdu, A Song of India & Venus & Mars.

Special versions of this album is available as a CD/DVD combo, and includes the two bonus songs So Long Ago So Clear & 7th Heaven. Also available at iTunes is an accompanying digital booklet.

Already a brilliant star in every sense by the accomplishment of many firsts during her professional music career, her newest album, intercontinental World Concert Tour in 2013, and upcoming travel destination of the International Space Station gives new meaning to the expression superstar!

You may pre-order Dreamchaser and find World Concert Tour information and read a new interview at SarahBrightman.com. The Amazon store in the U.S. has an official release date of April 16, 2013. Sample and pre-order a special CD/DVD combo for Dreamchaser at Amazon.com. Cover art courtesy sarahbrightman.com & Big Stock Photos by Zootog & Wtolenaars.

Interview in 2013 with contemporary artist Diane Arkenstone.

New Age Music World interview host and publicist John P. Olsen had a recent opportunity to interview the popular, multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter, and contemporary instrumental recording artist Diane Arkenstone.

During this interview taking place near the spring of 2013 a variety of in-depth topics are covered. Included is a conversation about Diane Arkenstone’s soon to be released album titled Union Road, and the contributing artists who have helped transform her newest vocal and instrumental release into one of her most captivating albums produced to date.

Diane Arkenstone also replies to questions about her experiences as founder of the Neo Pacifica Recordings Label, and the meaning behind the formation of artist titles she has released in a variety of music styles.

Today I am pleased to present an informative and lighthearted conversation with one of today’s leading, and most beloved producers of contemporary music covering a wide variety of instrumental styles.

John P. Olsen: Thank you for accepting my interview invitation Diane! It’s a privilege to host your newest interview for fans and visitors in 2013, here at New Age Music World. I can honestly say I have been a fan and admirer of the music you create for years so our interview is especially rewarding to me!

Diane Arkenstone: Hi John! Thank you so much for your very kind words, I am smiling! And thank you for this wonderful opportunity to connect with everyone here!

John: Let’s begin our conversation with the topic of your brand new album Union Road, due for release next week on March 26, 2013. Earlier this year I wrote a pre-release review for Union Road, I believe it’s clear by what I wrote, I felt your newest release of contemporary Folk ballads is indeed special! Beautiful in every way, Union Road is a uniquely personal album with special meaning to you too, isn’t that right?

Diane Arkenstone: Yes, this is my most personal album yet because the lyrics I wrote are of stories and observations I have personally experienced. I am a story teller and have always loved to write about life which made this album a great joy to create. And a even greater catharsis.

John: Who are the instrumental artists performing with you, and what are their individual contributions which have helped make your release an exceptional album?

Diane Arkenstone: Mader, who is a wonderful film composer from France, and has scored two films for Ang Lee, among many others, produced most of the album with me, and played a wide and wonderful variety of instruments such as mandolin, bass, keyboards, accordion, various percussion instruments and guitar.

MB Gordy, who is a wonderful percussionist and studio musician, played beautiful and exotic percussion on quite a few of the songs as well. Chad Watson, who  has played with many, many well-known artists, played bass, and I watched spellbound, as his hands danced all over his fretless bass on several songs.

Eric Rigler, who played the pipes in the film score, The Titanic, added magic with his penny whistle on the first song, Little Cup of Coffee.

David Arkenstone played guitar, bass, keyboards and percussion magnificently, and helped produce a couple of the songs with me for the album. Charlee Brooks and Jane George added beautiful background vocals on two of the songs.

And then, Bruce Watson played some amazing guitar on a couple of songs and has played with many well-known artists for quite a while himself. They are all truly unique and gifted artists in their own right and I am deeply grateful for each and every one of them.

John: Union Road is an instrumental and vocal album with lovely poetic lyrics. Would you like to tell us the point of view you are expressing by lyrical verses?

Diane Arkenstone: Very simply, thru lyric and song, I am telling the stories of situations that I have personally observed in life.

John: Album reviews from other sources and press commentaries are coming in, plus you have given a number of new interviews including Blog Talk Radio and KSBR 88.5 FM Jazz. How is the reception of your new release been so far?

Diane Arkenstone: Oh my gosh, it has been a huge happy welcoming committee! I wrote 77 songs for the album and truly just grabbed a handful of songs that seemed to fit well together and am pleased and elated by the reviews and press!

John: I am not surprised but that’s great news Diane! Union Road is a brilliant album in every way, unique to your earlier releases, and I read there is an earlier first album of contemporary folk songs too. Would you please tell us all about this earlier first album?

Diane Arkenstone: Thank you John for saying that about Union Road! And yes, I released an album in digital format called, Stories. It is a cross between my earlier releases and the Folk/Americana feel of Union Road. It also is an album that sings of stories of life’s observations.

John: In addition to the studio albums you also perform live concerts. This must be an exciting time for you since you are about to begin an extensive tour this spring. Would you give us the details like the concert venue locations and artists who will be performing with you?

Diane Arkenstone: Right now, I am finishing up a number of music projects, so touring may be a bit delayed.

John: Do you have a song set list selected, and in terms of atmosphere and setting, what can a concert attendee expect to experience during a live concert with Diane Arkenstone?

Diane Arkenstone: The songs will be from Union Road of course, plus a few unreleased songs where I play some interesting and exotic instruments and sing. And the band is a group of dear friends who are wonderful studio and touring musicians. Lots of beautiful music, good energy and love, will be present for every show!

John: The artist titles you have either founded or performed in are; Ah Nee Mah, Earth Trybe, Enaid, Adventure Cargo, Marquis Ensemble, Middle Earth Orchestra, and naturally as the duo with former husband David Arkenstone. What are the distinctions of these artist titles?

Diane Arkenstone: ‘Ah Nee Mah’ is our Native American music, inspired by my Cherokee heritage and our love of playing Native flutes and percussion. David and I lived in the Southwest for a few years, next to several reservations and lived a very interesting and beautiful life there.

We wrote several ‘Ah Nee Mah’ albums during that time, which are still selling quite well. And ‘Earth Trybe’ is beautiful world music where we had fun writing and playing many unusual and interesting instruments from around the world. And ‘Enaid’ is Celtic music, and I came up with that name by reversing my first name and then surprised to find out that is means, life/soul in old Celtic/Irish.

‘Adventure Cargo’ is more world music, with more wild instruments, and beautiful songs. The last album for ‘Adventure Cargo’ is called, Following The Equator and it has songs on it that represent the countries along the Equator. It was great fun for me learning about all the countries along the Equator then writing songs for a special place or landmark in each country.

‘Marquis Ensemble’ is lovely, sweet piano music. Reflections from the Wine Country was the first album under the alias, ‘Marquise Ensemble’ and was inspired by my family’s winery. And ‘Middle Earth Orchestra’, is music inspired by the book, The Hobbit.

John: In the 1990’s you founded Neo Pacifica Recordings Label. Would you tell us some aspects of owning your own record label, including the advantages and obstacles to this business venture?

Diane Arkenstone: It has been a great advantage for me, to have my own record company; it is a lot of work but stretched me to new heights in terms of experience and knowledge.

I appreciate the work the major labels do, which is tremendous, but I navigate these waters quite successfully, and prefer knowing what the expenses are and what is going on with manufacturing, distribution, licensing, marketing, publicity, publishing and especially royalties. It is a great sense of accomplishment and freedom, to truly own your music, and do with it as you wish.

John: On the subject of record labels, I read your biography at the Eversound Music Label website where it states; “Diane Arkenstone wrote her first song at the age of three, played piano at five and picked up her first guitar at the tender age of seven.” I am curious to know if you aspired to become a musician at a young age too, or in other words, what were the circumstances surrounding your decision to pursue a career in music?

Diane Arkenstone: I loved writing music at a very young age, but also had a great desire to be an Olympic runner. I worked extremely hard at running but could not keep up with anyone. Music came much easier, and I learned that if you have to force something, it is not right to begin with.

As it turned out, after I kept passing out, we discovered I was born with a ‘special heart’ that required a lot of surgeries to fix things. And along the way since childhood, I have had six pacemakers. The seventh pacemaker and more surgeries are due in a few years. Life is precious.

John: I didn’t realize the challenges you face Diane, and we all wish you well. The music industry as a whole has greatly changed since you began producing music early on to the present. What observations have you made over the years, and what changes in the music industry have affected you most?

Diane Arkenstone: My observations come from a unique vantage point. Having my own label and releasing dozens of albums under different aliases and different genres, I created a lot of niche markets for the music in the mainstream and alternative markets, and it is all still going strong today. And for me, the digital world has been a great success for so many reasons.

John: You have enjoyed a wonderful and successful music career for many years Diane. You are a source of admiration for millions of fans and even colleagues in the music industry alike. What would you say is the best part of being a highly successful, contemporary artist?

Diane Arkenstone: You are so sweet John to say that, thank you! Truly though, I am unaware of such a thing because every day I put one foot in front of the other and focus and do my very best with whatever project is at hand.

John: Well Diane, fans truly adore you, plus you are a role model for many artists. Knowing artists at varying stages of their music careers will read our interview; do you have any words of advice to artists just beginning their music careers?

Diane Arkenstone: If you have a dream, follow it! Be prepared for long hours and depend on yourself as much as possible, and then all that energy you put into your career, will reward you greatly in countless ways. When you are passionate about something, every door you need to walk thru will open, even the ones you have no clue about.

John: Being a prolific artist Diane you have an extensive collection of excellent albums to choose from. I have my favorite albums and songs, and your fans likewise have their favorite albums.

I realize this is a never an easy question for an artist, but for persons new to your music, what 3 albums other than Union Road is a starting point to begin sampling your many outstanding releases?

Diane Arkenstone: Oh my goodness, I love them all! Let’s see, Jewel In The Sun, The Healing Spirit & Aquaria: A Liquid Blue Trancescape, which are all so very different from each other.

John: I would like to thank you again for your generosity by giving fans and myself this opportunity to find out more about you, and your newest projects Diane.

I hope we can get together by another interview someday. Before we close our conversation for now, is there anything you would like to express to the fans that have supported you over the years?

Diane Arkenstone: First of all, thank you again from my heart, John, for this wonderful opportunity to connect and share with everyone, it means the world to me. And I very much look forward to more interviews with you!

And to every beautiful soul who has supported my music, I am deeply grateful beyond words. A million thanks, and a million blessings. And please always be compassionate and loving towards yourself and towards others, it is our most valuable currency and reason for being, for truly, we are all one.

Visit DianeArkenstone.com and discover a great selection of albums in her store download section. Sample and purchase albums and songs by Diane Arkenstone at Amazon.com & iTunes.com. Photos & artwork courtesy dianearkenstone.com.

New Age Music World interview host and publicist John P. Olsen had an opportunity to interview songwriter, recording artist, and Liquid Mind Musical Healthcare® experience developer Chuck Wild.

John P. Olsen: Thank you for accepting my interview invitation Chuck. It’s a privilege to host your newest interview in 2013!

Chuck Wild: Hi John, thanks for the insightful questions, I appreciate the opportunity to talk about my journey in musical healthcare.

John: My admiration for your work began when you were a member of the phenomenal new wave pop band Missing Persons, and years later when you transitioned to the highly successful artist title Liquid Mind. Let’s begin with your earliest experiences as a musician Chuck. How did your music career begin prior to joining Missing Persons?

Chuck Wild: I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and began playing piano at age four. I was diagnosed with a congenital hip problem (which was completely resolved by age eight), but back in the 1950’s the only cure was to remain off my feet for a full year. My parents hired a wonderful caregiver for me for that year, and she used to carry me down to the piano every morning and teach me how to play.

By the age of five I was permitted to walk with a brace for about a year, but the piano already had me hooked. By age six, I was mobile, and my heart’s desire was to sit behind the church organist at our church, so my folks arranged for me to spend all morning most Sundays with our organist, Gladys Hamilton Combs. After services, Gladys would sometimes let me play the giant Kilgen organ which had 39 ranks and five keyboards.

My formal music training started as member of the kids’ choir at church and also in grade school, where daily music was part of the curriculum. At age 6, I began studying classical piano privately with various teachers until age 16. During high school, I played organ for youth services every Sunday for about four years, where I gained lots of experience improvising and playing the type of meditational music that eventually became Liquid Mind. I also sang in an award winning male octet, and played piano for our high school concert choir at times. Though I have a degree in Business Administration, I studied and performed music all through college as well.

After graduating from college I served four years in the Navy. The captain of our ship had sung in the famous Robert Shaw Chorale, and when he found out I was a piano player, we made the rounds together of Naval and local clubs all over the Pacific. He would sing, I would accompany on some of the most colorful pianos I’ve ever played on, and in some of the most exotic places I’ve ever been. After serving in the Navy, I went on the road with various bands for 11 years, “paying my dues” as the saying goes. I played in almost a dozen such show and cover bands prior to coming to LA (1979) and joining the band Missing Persons in 1980.

John: What factors led to your decision to begin a career as a musician?

Chuck Wild: The very first water color I painted as a child was a picture of me sitting in front of a large pipe organ, so perhaps there was some early predestination about the career. I remember telling my parents when I returned home for the Navy that I wanted to be a musician. My folks, realizing that the life of a musician can be very challenging, were not encouraging, and suggested I might try it for just a couple of years. Two years has turned into 40 years now…

I wish I could say I had a grand design back then, but the truth at that point in time was much shallower. I just enjoyed being on the road in the many bands, and did learn a lot about life and music. The “road” is also the “tuition” a new musician pays for better musicianship. There have been many ups and downs, I remember in the early days sleeping in the back of my van with a pillow on the pedal board of my old Hammond B3 organ. Still, they were generally happy days, as friends were generous with their couches when our bands ran out of money!

John: Missing Persons became a phenomenal chart topping band with international success with hit albums and songs like Walking In L.A., Words, Destination Unknown, & Mental Hopscotch, just to name a few. In addition to massive radio airtime, Missing Persons was a favorite group played nearly non-stop during the early years of an American television channel and cultural game-changer named Music Television, otherwise known as MTV. A lot of people have varied tastes in music like me so would you please tell us all about your music career while you were with the popular Capitol Records group Missing Persons?

Chuck Wild: On September 22, 1980, I received a call from singer Dale Bozzio, asking me if I’d like to audition for their band. Dale had found me through the Musicians Contact Service in Hollywood. I said “no” as it was my birthday, but maybe another time. Dale said, “Oh, since it’s your birthday, if you’ll come audition, we’ll buy you dinner after the audition!” I agreed, and went to the audition, and they bought me a wonderful Italian birthday dinner.

However, when I arrived for the audition, I found out that they needed a keyboard player who had the coordination to play left hand (very fast) bass parts in odd time signatures, while at the same time playing keyboard parts in the right hand in different time signatures!

I had no problem playing either hand alone, but had never played keyboard bass & keyboard parts at the same time. So, I failed the audition but we still had a fun birthday dinner that night. During the course of the audition, they played four songs for me which they’d recorded with producer Ken Scott (The Beatles, David Bowie, Supertramp) up at Frank Zappa’s house.

I really loved the tracks they’d played for me, so the next day I made the decision to get up at 5 am every morning and practice the new technique of left hand bass and right hand keys, in odd time signatures, first in slow motion, then very fast, until I was proficient enough to audition again. After a couple of weeks I asked for another audition, and this time got the job.

That turned into a whirlwind of activity – Missing Persons started playing live in late 1980 and we sold out 40 shows in a row in Los Angeles prior to getting signed, primarily because the other 3 members of the band had worked extensively with Frank Zappa, who had a big Los Angeles following. I must say it was an extraordinary experience. Terry Bozzio, arguably still one of the greatest living drummers, Warren Cuccurullo, an amazingly creative guitarist who went on to play with Duran Duran for twelve years, and Dale Bozzio, a fashion leader long before Lady Gaga and Madonna, and myself played gig after gig for those first 18 months.

In 1981, once the band had some label interest, we were joined by the talented bassist/composer Patrick O’Hearn, who is a wonderful artist in his own right. Although we were initially rejected by some labels, our manager/producer Ken Scott persisted, and decided it would benefit us to tour in Canada, and then play some dates in New York City area to prove we could attract fans outside of California. Capitol Records staff in NY heard us, on that trip, where we played three sold out shows, the Peppermint Lounge, the Ritz, and a live concert recording for the venerable rock station, WPLR-FM Long Island. When we returned to Los Angeles, Capitol Records signed the group.

One of my fondest memories from those days was taking a copy of our 4-song EP (phonograph record in those days) to radio station KROQ in 1980. It was very difficult to get music to KROQ, so I waited in the parking lot after everyone left, and as one of the employees was leaving, I propped open the back door with a twig. When the lot had cleared out, I went in and gave our EP to the on-air DJ, Freddie Snakeskin who happened to be program director for KROQ. About 2 weeks later we were riding in a car to rehearsal and heard our song Mental Hopscotch on the air. That song went on to become #1 song of the year in LA before we were even signed. From that point on, our Los Angeles gigs were often introduced by Dusty Street, Jed the Fish, and Freddy Snakeskin (program director for KROQ).

During that same period, Les Garland, an A & R person from Atlantic Records had become a fan of the band, and though Atlantic didn’t sign us, Les went on to become Senior VP of the new Music Television station, MTV, and once we were signed to Capitol, we soon had six videos in heavy rotation, which helped enormously.

John: Fascinating Chuck! In addition to being a band member for Missing Persons you were a session musician on albums for many music celebrities including Paula Abdul, The Pointer Sisters, Frank Zappa and the late Michael Jackson to name a few. Would you like to tell of your experiences while working with famous celebrity artists?

Chuck Wild: In the mid 1970’s I was playing in a blues band in Zebulon, NC, and actually lived in a studio called Mega Sound Studios in nearby Bailey, NC. I traded a place to live in return for playing sessions and keeping the place clean. My initial training in recording arts came from a wonderful engineer by the name of Richard Royal, who was one of the studio owners. So I got a lot of early studio experience in those days. As I mentioned, Missing Persons’ producer on our first album was Ken Scott, and I sat behind Ken whenever possible to learn as much as I could. Missing Persons’ second full-length album, Rhyme and Reason, was produced by legendary five time Grammy-winning engineer/producer Bruce Swedien who had been Quincy Jones’ engineer for over 35 years, including having engineered Thriller and most of the other Michael Jackson albums. Over the years Bruce and his wonderful wife Bea have been mentors for me, and were instrumental in encouraging me to begin the Liquid Mind® series.

In 1987 I co-wrote (and played on) a song for the Pointer Sisters called Say the Word with Grammy-winning producer Glen Ballard and the late great songwriter, Marti Sharron. Glen started calling me for some sessions, including a song on Paula Abdul’s debut album. My longest stint in the studio began when Bruce Swedien called me in 1994 to ask if I’d like to program sounds for Michael Jackson’s HIStory album. I said yes, and I continued to create soundscapes, sounds, and do some percussion programming for Michael between 1994 and 1998. The money I earned from Michael those years helped me to start Chuck Wild Records in the early days, in order to distribute Liquid Mind. Suzanne Doucet, a friend and wonderful New Age artist in her own right, was instrumental as a consultant in setting up my label and distribution, and in guiding me through the trials of running a small label.

John: When you were signed as a staff songwriter to Lorimar Telepictures and Warner/Chappell Music, and also in the years to follow, you’ve composed over 125 songs, scores, and compositions for the television and film industry. Who are some of the artists who’ve recorded your songs?

Chuck Wild: After co-writing the above mentioned song for the Pointer Sisters, I was approached by Linda Perry, VP of Lorimar Telepictures Music Publishing Division about becoming a staff songwriter there. My deal continued with Warner/Chappell Music after Warner Brothers purchased Lorimar a couple of years later.

A lot of artists recorded songs I wrote or co-wrote back then including Philip Bailey (from Earth Wind & Fire), Jennifer Rush (I co-wrote a #1 song in Europe for her Passion album called You’re My One and Only), Tommy Page (now a publisher at Billboard Magazine), Glen Medeiros (who sang High Wire from one of the Karate Kid films), Hidden Faces (who sang Hurt So Bad to Love which has appeared in several films), the legendary Japanese band Wink recorded my song One Kiss At a Time.

Thelma Houston, Gary Lemel, Vector, Angela Cole, the Perri Sisters and David Pomeranz are some of the other artists recording my songs back then. In the early 90’s I also recorded two libraries of neo-classical instrumental music, which have had hundreds of plays in dozens of television episodes & films.

More recently I’ve also co-written a number of songs for television & film with the Emmy-winning president of the California Songwriters’ Association, Michèle Vice-Maslin, including Starr X’d Lovers, our Emmy-nominated song in 2011.

John: After leaving Missing Persons you began producing music designed for relaxation under the artist name Liquid Mind®. What was the turning point in your life that led you to begin producing music in the new age genre that is near opposite to the music of Missing Persons?

Chuck Wild: In 1987 while co-composing music with Michael Hoenig for the Emmy-winning Max Headroom ABC-TV series, the filming & post-production of the show got seriously behind schedule, and instead of having 2-3 weeks to score each episode, we typically had only 4-5 days to score, write, arrange and mix 43 minutes of music for each episode, meaning there was little time for sleep. For three months, I slept only about 4 hours a night, usually in the studio. At the same time, a large number of my friends were dying of what was then called AIDs, so I was very stressed out and sleep deprived. I started having anxiety attacks, then panic attacks. The show was cancelled in late 1987 and I went home to rest, and actually became agoraphobic (wouldn’t leave home for several weeks).

At one point during a particularly bad panic attack, co-composer Michael Hoenig and Peter Wagg, the producer of Max Headroom, took me to an urgent care clinic. After examining me, the doctor held up two things in his hands. In one hand was a bottle of anti-anxiety medication, in the other hand was a sheet of paper with instructions on how to do a simple clearing meditation. The doctor said, “Chuck, they both work equally as well for what you have – clinical anxiety. It’s up to you:  Medication or Meditation?

There’s only one letter difference between the two.” I chose meditation over medication that day. The instructions were for a simple clearing meditation, just breathing slowly in and out and counting a number for each breath from 1 to 10, and repeating over and over. To this day, I still have a section at my site for a “meditation break” with those instructions.

The meditation helped quite a bit, but I was still unstable at times. My friend Jeff Kingfisher (composer, recording artist, and inventor of Muzoracle, Musicians Dice, and Muzundrum musical board game) suggested I see a counselor friend of his. The counselor suggested that, as part of my healing from anxiety/panic, I try to compose the type of music that represented the way I wanted to feel.

Liquid Mind was borne of the thought: Music can help heal me, and sonically represented the calm I yearned for. She also encouraged me to increase my meditation time to an hour a day.

Though I don’t meditate that long these days, it was a great help to me at the time, and brought me much peace. My early meditations and slow music efforts (especially Zero Degrees Zero from the first Liquid Mind album), plus some intensive therapy with excellent counselors, brought me some relief, enough to leave the house and start a routine of counseling and weekly acupuncture. Within a couple of years, I was pretty much anxiety free and physically recovered from the harm I’d done myself in those 3 months of sleep deprivation and stress.

John: What would you say are the defining characteristics of Liquid Mind Music?

Chuck Wild: There are several readily identifiable characteristic of my music. First and foremost, the music has no predominant rhythm, and is sometimes called “zero beat” music. One day while sitting on the rocks in Laguna Beach, CA, on a therapist-mandated “mini vacation”, I realized that the sound of the ocean was continuous, low and rich, tonally complex, never stopping, and deeply relaxing. That day I came up with the name “Liquid Mind” (i.e. liquid-ocean was relaxing my mind). I determined that the sonic characteristic of my healing music must be similar to the ocean.

I favor low frequencies, continuous sound, absence of any predominant rhythms, gradual but sometimes complex textural and harmonic changes, moving at about the speed of my breathing, ebbing and flowing at times, and the inclusion of sampled vocal sounds subtly playing chords. Live singers weren’t added until later albums, but I definitely prefer the more organic live vocal textures. Tenors AJ Teshin and Seven Whitfield have sung on almost every album since 2001, and more recently tenor Jimmy Demers as well.

This music is tedious to record, to say the least, since the pieces are long form (many are 10-15 minutes length), and so slow moving. Liquid Mind albums can take 5-7 months to write, arrange, record, mix, and master. Also, as I’ve been caffeine free since 1988, I definitely get drowsy while working on this music, especially during the mixing process and have learned the benefits of a fifteen-minute power-nap!

John: What is sedative or therapeutic music primarily used for?

Chuck Wild: Music therapy, which includes almost every style of music imaginable, is administered by a certified music therapist (who often has a master’s degree in music therapy), and can help most anyone who has a health issue. My sedative music is but a tiny part of the music therapist’s toolbox. The American Music Therapy Association, a wonderful organization which certifies and educates music therapists, says this: “Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well, and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.”

I’m not a music therapist myself, but as a composer of therapeutic music, I’m an associate member of the American Music Therapy Association, and was honored to receive their Presidential Award in late 2009. The terms “sedative” and “stimulative” are used to describe less active and more active music. It’s up to the attending physician and the attending music therapist to decide together whether a patient needs relaxation (as in the case of folks with PTSD, anxiety, pain, grief, emotional exhaustion, sleep deprivation etc.) or stimulation (like some elderly, for example, or someone who’s suffered a stroke).

John: Scientific studies have documented the positive effects of therapeutic music, and in your case the benefits of calming music proved to be successful by relieving your personal medical issues with anxiety and panic attacks. But do you feel music therapy can be beneficial to everyone?

Chuck Wild: Music therapy interventions can be designed to manage stress, help folks learn to express their feelings, alleviate physical pain, improve communication, promote physical rehab, enhance memory, and generally promote wellness. It’s really quite amazing, and most music therapists use music with characteristics that are proven in evidence-based research to achieve a particular healing effect.

John: Of course one doesn’t need to have a specific medical issue like panic attacks to benefit from, and enjoy your music, so what are some of the ways people use Liquid Mind Music other than this particular medical disorder?

Chuck Wild: A lot of folks use my Liquid Mind music to relax prior to going to sleep. Dr. William Dement, the “father of sleep medicine” offered an unsolicited endorsement of my 8th album, Liquid Mind VIII: Sleep as part of a pre-sleep routine. I collated some “sleep tips” from his book and other sources, which can be accessed from my website. Massage therapists and yoga instructors use Liquid Mind frequently. One use I don’t recommend is driving while listening to my music. There’s a warning on every CD & my website about that.

Liquid Mind is also used in dozens of healthcare settings for different purposes. I’ve heard from doctors, nurses, music therapists, state prison counselors, drug rehabs, hypnotherapists, yoga instructors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, psychologists, cancer chemotherapy centers, psychologists and other counselors, ministers, meditation teachers, hospice caregivers, special needs school teachers, and many patients who use the Liquid Mind® music for healing. I’m quite humbled by the over two thousand gratitude emails I’ve received from patients and their families. I never imagined there would be that much interest in my music.

John: Like you stated earlier, Liquid Mind albums are composed using specific techniques based on scientifically supported research to achieve the desired physical responses. Based on these scientific studies, could you tell us the techniques you use when composing your music?

Chuck Wild: Evidence based research does support some characteristics of Liquid Mind – bass (lower) frequencies and vocal sounds are perceived to be relaxing to humans, because when we’re in the womb, a safe place prior to birth, we don’t hear a lot of treble frequencies, it’s more muffled sounds, and we get used to the sound of our mother’s voice, so there is that familiarity. I’ve done some unpublished research myself using a bi-spectral index anesthesia monitor, and determined that continuous slow music (similar to ocean sounds) has a “masking” effect on other environmental sounds, making it much easier to relax.

There is also the effect of entrainment, which in a reverse way, in my own non-scientific opinion, helps Liquid Mind to relax folks. Entrainment is the propensity for two oscillating systems (imagine two pendulum clocks on a wall) to entrain and move at the same time. This happens in biological systems as well. When I hear fast music, my heart rate rises. When I hear slow music, my heart rate falls as muscle relaxation ensues.

My recording process is as follows: (1) I spend 4-5 weeks sketching about 40 pieces, 10-20 minutes each  (2) I choose the best 5 or 6 pieces (3) I spend 6-10 weeks arranging, really the most difficult stage, where I’m smoothing any attacks on the sounds I use (generated from 10-15 synths and dozens of tracks of live vocals).

The music sounds quite simple, but the texture is always in motion under the surface. (4) 6-10 weeks mixing and creating the sonic fingerprint of Liquid Mind. (5) 2 weeks premastering where I reduce certain mid-high frequencies, boost certain bass frequencies and importantly to volume-match within and between the pieces.

I don’t want someone to have to reach for a volume adjustment while they’re listening. (6) 1 or 2 weeks mastering with Bernie Grundman here in Hollywood. Bernie is a legend in the recording industry and he and Joe Bozzi supervise the final touches of the process.

John: Liquid Mind albums are consistent best-selling albums making the Top 25 sales charts at Billboard again and again. In fact your 8th album Liquid Mind VIII: SLEEP was on the Billboard top 25 sales charts for over a year, and has reached #1 on the iTunes USA Top Ten New Age Chart countless times. Were you at any point surprised by the widespread popularity of your work has received or did you “just know” your music would achieve universal acceptance?

Chuck Wild: I never really expected to have the kind of acceptance I’ve had for Liquid Mind®, it was a pleasant surprise when I started charting on iTunes. I’ve always worked hard at making Liquid Mind “pay for itself” as a business, but was surprised when Liquid Mind VIII: SLEEP showed up on the Billboard® New Age sales charts for over a year running.

John: To say your music career is diverse is an understatement Chuck! You have received a lot of recognition for your work as Liquid Mind over the years so would you please tell us about the honors and awards you’ve achieved?

Chuck Wild: I’ve had some recognition from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Emmy® nomination), the American Music Therapy (Presidential Award for advocacy and support of the music therapy profession), Billboard and iTunes USA charting dozens of times (for sales), Coalition of Visionary Resources award for Best Meditation/Healing Album for Liquid Mind VI: Spirit, Northern California Independent Film Festival best score honors for the award-winning short animation film “Horses on Mars” which exclusively used music from the first Liquid Mind album. Most recently, the prestigious Zone Music Reporter, representing US new age broadcasters and program directors, has nominated my new album, Liquid Mind X: Meditation for Best Electronic Album of 2012.

John: You are an artist with most of your albums on the successful Real Music Label, which features a quality lineup of top industry artists like yourself. What are the advantages to marketing your music through the Real Music Label?

Chuck Wild: John, I ran my own label for 10 years (1994-2004), focusing only on Liquid Mind, supervising employees and working seven days a week, with very long hours. That left me little time to create music, and even less time to “have a life.” In 2004, I decided to approach Terence Yallop and his wife Karen Kael, the owners of Real Music, about taking over distribution (i.e. licensing) of my first six albums, and also signing a recording agreement for four additional albums.

I’d met Terence in 1994 or 1995, and by 2004, and knew he and Karen had been meditating to my Liquid Mind music almost daily for ten years, so it seemed like a good fit. Real Music has real integrity, being one of the few New Age labels to survive the mergers of the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s, and to prosper in the downturns that have plagued the music industry. Terence and Karen and the wonderful staff at Real Music have remained true to their mission of bringing the music of relaxation, renewal and healing to everyone on the planet who can benefit from it.

To answer your question more specifically, there are economies of scale from being signed to a label. I get to work less time on administration and more time on music. Real Music has been a respected and established label for over 25 years in this niche, and it’s a relief to have the label administering, promoting and distributing my catalog. BTW, most recently my friend and Real Music label mate Omar Akram won the Grammy for his latest album.

John: What would you say are the fundamental differences in the music you compose versus meditative or made for relaxation albums created by other artists in the same category?

Chuck Wild: There is wonderful relaxation/meditation music by many artists from all over the world. Since relaxation is often cultural, something that may be relaxing in one country or society might not be perceived favorably in another. So, it’s a bit difficult to compare artists. I’d say Liquid Mind has different characteristics than some relaxation music. My music tends to be slower; perhaps more mellow sonically, laced with European classical harmonies, and is notable for the absence of any percussion instruments. I don’t listen much to other artists unless I’m working with them, so don’t consider myself an expert. One of my former students, the talented composer and performer Armen Chakmakian, is fond of saying that all music is relaxing and healing to someone. I fully agree.

John: Liquid Mind albums and songs are available on audio CD, but is all of your music available as digital downloads too?

Chuck Wild: Yes, all twelve albums (ten studio CDs and two compilations) are available both digitally and on CD. 70% of Liquid Mind sales are now digital, fewer CDs are still being sold these days. All twelve Liquid Mind® albums are sold through iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and dozens of digital sites. Real Music also sells all albums, both in digital and physical CD copies.  Liquid Mind is streamed around the clock on Pandora, Spotify and just about every streaming service, as well as dozens of internet radio stations, digital television, and Sirius XM.

John: It’s a well-known fact the music industry as a whole has experienced serious problems with piracy issues. Has there been much improvement regarding piracy as a whole, and have you ever experienced problems with piracy yourself?

Chuck Wild: Unfortunately, the technological advances that enable file sharing have hit our industry (and many other industries) hard. At one point, all my Liquid Mind albums were on nearly 100 pirate websites.

It can be disheartening, but there’s really nothing substantial that can be done about it until music fans grow to understand the harm free file-sharing does to artists, engineers, producers, songwriters, composers, performers, and employees of labels. I think the most devastating effect of piracy is that it has caused the disappearance of several major labels, and destroyed a portion of the major label “farm club” system that used to nurture new artists.

These days, instead of a new artist spending their time on music, they must become musical entrepreneurs, wearing every hat (producer, engineer, publisher, label, PR person, social media expert, marketer, and so forth).  I personally believe that the quality of music has suffered and the majority of new artists are never able to make a “sustainable” living at music now.

Major labels have been criticized for being greedy and taking advantage of artists, which may have happened in some cases, however, it’s estimated that only 5% of artists ever sell enough albums to break even. The other 95% of artists used to be supported by the top 5%. But that system of artist development is no longer in place for the most part.

Individuals and some websites like Kickstarter have stepped in to fill that void, but these efforts require a lot more time commitment to business by the artists, meaning less time to grow musically. Pirate sites do, in a sense, provide some promotional value, as long as folks go on to support artists by purchasing some tracks, but there is no proof that this is happening on a large scale and overall music sales have declined over 50%.

Like every other artist, Liquid Mind has been hit by file-sharing. I’m in hopes that folks are now coming to the understanding that artists, composers, singers, arrangers, engineers, mixers, studios, and label staff spend many months creating an album and preparing for release, and are just asking for fair compensation for their time. Though I enjoy music production, it is a business for me, and every other artist, especially as we grow older. Without support of fans and listeners, many artists will need to turn elsewhere to make a living.

John: During interviews I try to provide the latest press news for my artist and their fans if possible. Can you release any news information or perhaps give us the details if you have plans for a new Liquid Mind album?

Chuck Wild: I have no plans for release of a new Liquid Mind album, having just released Liquid Mind X: Meditation in September 2012. This year, I’m focusing on pop music production, and my classical piano pieces.

John: You have enjoyed several distinctly separate, but highly successful careers in your lifetime. What do you find most rewarding, songwriting/composing, production or being a musician?

Chuck Wild: In my own case, the three are synergistic, and I find reward in all of them. I love what the great writer Pearl Buck said: “The secret to joy in work is excellence.” I strive for (but never fully achieve) excellence.

The process is what keeps me going, especially when working with folks who have high standards and are willing to take the time required for high quality work. I’m producing a young artist now, one of the singers from NBC’s The Voice, Nathan Parrett.

He’s a terrific talent both as singer and songwriter, and it’s one of those opportunities to excel that make me get up every morning with a smile on my face. As well, I’ve written seven short classical preludes for piano, available for free at ChuckWild.com (including pdf sheet music), and am about one-third of the way through a long form (22 minute) piano sonata at the moment.

John: I enjoyed reading more about your fascinating life and career while preparing for our interview together Chuck. I hope we have a chance to interview again in the future. In closing for now, I want to thank you again for giving everyone this opportunity to find out the latest news about you, and the music of Liquid Mind. Is there anything you would like to express to the fans that have supported you over the course of your career?

Chuck Wild: I’m incredibly grateful to fans of Liquid Mind, and the many healthcare practitioners that use my music for healing. There is no greater reward for me than knowing someone’s life is made easier by listening to my music. Thanks so much, John, for this opportunity to be part of your wonderful website. I want you to know how much I and many other artists appreciate your support of the music profession and music creators.

To listen to samples or purchase songs and albums by Liquid Mind®, visit LiquidMindMusic.com. To learn more about Chuck’s non-Liquid Mind projects at ChuckWild.com. To find album and single digital downloads, CDs and song samples, visit Liquid Mind at RealMusic.com. Liquid Mind albums and songs may also be sampled or purchased at Amazon.com and iTunes.com. Follow Chuck at Facebook and Twitter social media. Photo and cover art courtesy Chuck Wild & Glen Wexler.

Electronic Dance Music innovators (We Are) Nexus heralded as one of the hottest new EDM groups by top news organizations.

If you are into the sounds of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and are already informed about one of the finest new EDM groups in recent times, then you know the outstanding new group called (We Are) Nexus is beginning to acquire a sizeable fan following for their ingenious original club mixes.

Composer and producer Nick Gunn and vocalist Carmen Rainier are the names behind the (We Are) Nexus team, both of which are professional artists famous for their albums in the instrumental and world music genres.

(We Are) Nexus is quickly gaining speed in the EDM market by their innovative sound, plus numerous press articles by respected news outlets are publicizing more than positive reviews of the group including articles by CBS News, NBC News, Boston Globe and Miami Herald. These reliable news sources have made a unanimous assessment to the effect that (We Are) Nexus is one of the hottest new groups in Electronic Dance Music.

The first single by the team titled Broken and newest song single named Sound of the Beat features an exciting mix of trendy vocals by Carmen Rainier set to a blend of tech house and engaging world music rhythms. Having produced 14 albums and sales of over 2 million, multi-platinum artist Nicholas Gunn brings a new level of expertise to the EDM market.

While (We Are) Nexus is no way connected to a state-of-the-art smartphone or the newest electronic technology product there is a solid connection, defined by the innovative principles of the artists involved, and the high quality of EDM they produce. Their expertise and success as instrumental artists is clearly reflected in the cleverly arranged songs.

Visit the professional team Nick Gunn and Carmen Rainier at WeAreNexusEDM.com and sample new EDM songs in their music section. Photos courtesy wearenexusedm.com.

Music News: Official Music played during Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games forthcoming.

With the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games less than one year away speculation has already begun on the choice of music selections for the historic athletic games to be held in, and various locations around the host city of Sochi, Russia in 2014.

An important aspect of the Olympic Games themselves is the official music performed during the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony and all events like the Medal Award Ceremony. Interest in the music performed at venues from start to finish is equally popular.

At this point neither the International Olympic Committee (IOC) nor the Sochi Organizing Committee (SOC) has released the Official Music to be played during the games, but there is news of a song compilation album likely to be music played during the Olympics.

The first album titled Hits of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games is 10 song compilation album release based on the Olympic theme. The artists performing the 10 songs were musicians selected during a music competition open to Russian citizens. The songs are being played on radio stations in Russia, but Hits of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games is not yet available.

During the London 2012 Olympic Games the music of new age electronic instrumental artist Vangelis made a grand impression with his famed Chariots Of Fire song, which is a song selected from the motion picture soundtrack score on the Academy Award-Winning movie of the same title.

The song Chariots Of Fire by Vangelis was an official theme song played extensively during the Medal Award Ceremonies and other venues. It’s hard to imagine a song better suited to the Olympic Games than Chariots Of Fire, but it will be interesting to see if music by Vangelis will be included in the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. I will present special music news coverage and updates for the Sochi Winter Olympics so check back for complete information about Official Olympic Music when made available.

The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics will begin on February 7, 2014 with the Opening Ceremony and conclude on February 23, 2014 with the Closing Ceremony. The following Paralympic Games is set to begin March 7, 2014 and conclude on March 16, 2014. The Olympic Torch Relay begins in Moscow, Russia on October 7, 2013. The song video below is by an artist performing an electronic music composition while the video portion details plans and events for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Project.

To read more about the Hits of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games compilation album by artists in Russia visit Sochi2014.com. For music played during previous Olympic and Paralympic Games visit my category section named Official Olympic Songs. Big Stock Photos – Jimbarber & Eskay Lim.

Sarah Brightman News: Listen to 45 second song samples from Dreamchaser at Amazon store in Japan.

Dreamchaser is Sarah Brightman’s newest album nearing official release worldwide in April 2013. There are several official release dates given for various countries around the world for Sarah’ twelfth studio album with 10 vocal and instrumental songs that are going to be available in either format of audio CD or digital downloads.

Sarah Brightman fans who are member of her community fan club may already be privy to this news, but for all other persons the Amazon and iTunes music stores in Japan are two online stores where you can listen to pre-release 45 second song samples of Dreamchaser. In fact persons may also purchase Dreamchaser in either format, but with the April 2013 release coming up, the wait for this exceptional album won’t be much longer.

Angel & One Day Like This are two full length videos and song singles released to the public with resounding admiration for this exceptional release. Today I would like to pass along this news update of this opportunity to listen to 45 second samples of all songs on her newest album prior to the official release date for the majority of countries worldwide.

Dreamchaser has been available for sample or purchase in Japan since January 16, 2013. Like many other online music outlets in various countries, Amazon is accepting pre-orders prior to the April release date, but Japan is one country to offer early samples for you to listen to all songs and to purchase.

Dreamchaser has 10 songs but the Japanese Amazon and iTunes music retailer offers an opportunity to sample all 10 songs plus the bonus song and purchase at the Amazon and iTunes online music stores in Japan. After listening to all 11 songs, the beauty of Sarah’s vocals with contemporary lyrics and instrumental backing makes it easy to see why this vocal instrumental release is sure to be a popular, best-selling album. Check back if you would like to read a pre-release album review for Dreamchaser prior to the worldwide release date.

The 10 songs samples are: Angel, One Day Like This, Glosoli, Lento E Largo, B612, Breathe Me, Ave Maria, Eperdu, A Song of India & Venus & Mars. Also available at iTunes is an accompanying digital booklet.

Pre-order Dreamchaser and find concert tour information at SarahBrightman.com. The release date in Germany is April 5, 2013 and worldwide on April 8, 2013. The release date for Canada and United States is April 16, 2013. Listen to 45 second song samples for all 10 songs before April release date worldwide. Listen to samples for Dreamchaser at Amazon in Japan. Artwork is courtesy sarahbrightman.com.

Interview with Peter Kater in 2013 – Newest interview with multi-platinum selling composer and pianist Peter Kater.

Multi-Platinum selling recording and concert artist Peter Kater is a legendary composing pianist recognized as one the leading new age and instrumental music producers worldwide. GRAMMY® Nominated seven times over the past eight years, along with his own albums he is a consistent producer of cinematic music for the television and film industry.

Peter Kater has composed music scores for over 100 television programs and films, including 11 off and On-Broadway theatrical plays to date. In addition to performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Peter Kater’s music was played during the NBC broadcast of the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games and is recognized for his collaboration work with distinguished actors and celebrities in the film and music industry.

Topics for the newest interview with Peter Kater include a conversation of his GRAMMY® Nominated album Light Body and notable achievements during his music career. Peter Kater also replies to questions about important film directors and celebrities he has worked with, and offers encouraging words of advice to artists beginning their music careers.

Peter Kater Interview – New in 2013:

New Age Music World interview host and publicist John P. Olsen had an opportunity to interview Peter Kater in early 2013. Today we are pleased to present a new interview with the esteemed instrumental music composer and pianist Peter Kater.

John P. Olsen: Thank you for accepting my interview invitation Peter, and for taking time out of your demanding schedule. Recently your piano with instrumentals album Light Body was GRAMMY® Nominated in the 55th Annual Music Awards.

Light Body is your eighth GRAMMY® nomination, which is a significant achievement in itself. Would I be correct by saying even though you are accustomed the prestige and recognition Nomination brings, that the Annual Music Awards Ceremony is always an exciting time of the year for you?

Peter Kater: Yes, it’s an exciting time of year and it’s also a time to stay very close to my center and remain true to the reason that I do music, and to connect with a deeper more intimate and profound part of myself, my experience and others. To get swept up into something as external as a Grammy Award or to look outside of myself for my happiness and contentment would be a mistake. However, having said that – yes, it’s very cool to be Nominated.

John: I imagine you have a chance to visit with old friends and perhaps meet new friends during the Music Awards Ceremony. One GRAMMY® Award winning artist you have collaborated with in the past is American flute performer R. Carlos Nakai. Would you like to tell us about your friendship and projects with R. Carlos Nakai?

Peter Kater: R. Carlos Nakai has been Nominated for a Grammy 9 times and unfortunately has not yet won, although he certainly deserves to. R. Carlos and I met in 1989 after I was turned on to his music and invited him to play on a CD of mine. Our first collaboration was on the album Natives.

We improvised the whole CD in a few short hours. We’ve known each other for decades and have had our ups and downs but whenever we get to playing music together either on stage, in the studio or in my living room it’s literally . . . magic. It flows like a mountain spring. It’s a connection we’ve always had. And yet, sometimes the human personality is not quite as fluid.

John: You have also collaborated with an impressive number of projects with popular film directors and award-winning celebrity actors. Who are some notable film directors and celebrities you have worked on projects with over the years?

Peter Kater: My favorite scoring projects were “10 Questions for the Dalai Lama” cause I really liked the film and subject matter and “How The West Was Lost” because it was such an important series (13 hour mini-series) that really exposed the truth of the settlement out west in the U.S. and what the heavy price our Native American culture paid. It was a very sad and poignant series where I found myself literally crying in the studio as I was playing the visual footage.

I also really enjoyed the work I did on Broadway and Off-Broadway theater productions. I was working with the very best in the business, director Marshall Mason: Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Lanford Wilson and amazing actors like John Malcovich, Joan Allen, Tyne Daley, Ethan Hawke, John Voight and many others. Being in the rehearsal process with these great talents for weeks at a time was definitely a highlight of my career.

I also enjoyed performing in the early years at the Sundance Institute and Film Festival as per the request of Robert Redford who really liked my music. And I have to mention my wonderful 10 years of playing with and for John Denver at his “Choices for the Future” Symposiums in Aspen, Colorado.

I met many famous influential authors and world leaders thru his symposiums. And I would be remiss in not mentioning my work with Kenny Loggins. Actually I could go on and on cause there have been so many amazing experiences but for that I may need to write book.

John: With a list of celebrities like you described I can see why Peter! Earlier releases like Light Body are wonderful arrangements showing your creativity as a composer and musician. Could you describe the theme of Light Body, which is based on seven Chakras?

Peter Kater: Light Body’s theme is of the 7 Chakras starting at the root chakra and working our way up. It was designed to create an experience of acceptance and illumination for people dealing with life changing circumstances from everything from daily stress thru disease and dying.

John: In addition to your superb performance on piano and synthesizers, Paul McCandless and Trisha Bowden have helped you transform Light Body into an outstanding instrumental album that indeed has award-winning potential. Would you like to tell us what musical instruments they perform and enhancements they bring to your recent GRAMMY® Nominated arrangement Light Body?

Peter Kater: Trisha sang some beautiful wordless vocals on the record really giving it a human compassionate feeling. Paul McCandless played oboe, penny whistles and English horn. Paul always adds a lot to any recording project. He is one my musical mentors and heroes.

John: Undoubtedly, a lot has transpired over the years since 1983 when you released your first solo piano album entitled Spirit. At what point during your career did you find the incentive to begin producing serene new age, instrumental piano music made for reflection and relaxation?

Peter Kater: I decided to go into the direction of deeper, more reflective music after I had three National Top 10 Contemporary Jazz albums and was touring playing jazz festivals around the country.

I realized then I definitely wasn’t feeling fulfilled playing that kind of music (even though I wrote and produced it) and wanted my music to fill a need in the world for greater healing, peace, love and compassion.

John: During your career as a music professional spanning three decades, you have released over 60 recordings, and over 100 soundtracks for movie scores for films or television, including off and On-Broadway theatrical plays. Could you tell us about the varying process of composing music for television or theater, verses composing music for an album?

Peter Kater: When you’re working with another art medium like film, theater or dance you’re in an interactive process and need to leave space and room for the other medium. You’re bouncing off each other and as result coming up with material you never would have come up with on your own.

John: Knowing you have lived in the U.S. in the state of Hawaii, has the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands been a stimulus to your music?

Peter Kater: Actually living in Hawaii brought me such peace and contentment that I was actually playing less and less music. Therefore my move back to Boulder, Colorado last year has reignited my burning passion for the piano and for writing and recording music. I’ve always done great work from Colorado and it’s been exciting to feel that part of my “being” engaged once more.

John: Along with easy access you give fans at your website you also have Facebook and Twitter social media sites. Have your social media pages proven to be a beneficial outlet for exchanging ideas and information with your fans and visitors?

Peter Kater: I like being connected to my fans and people of like mind and heart and soul. It’s one of the good things about the internet. I enjoy it but I think it’s important to stay present in one’s life in a real physical and tangible way and not get lost staring at the computer screen.

John: I have a question I always like to ask a highly successful artist like you Peter. Would you be willing to offer any advice for pianists or artists in general who are just beginning their music careers?

Peter Kater: Follow your heart. Trust your instincts. Don’t second guess yourself. Don’t ask for too many opinions from others. Play each note like it’s never been played before in this space and time (cause it hasn’t been) and never lie to your instrument. Play what you’re feeling honestly . . . don’t pretend to be confident when you’re feeling nervous . . . don’t pretend to be happy when you’re feeling sad. Don’t be out going with your feeling introspective and don’t hide from your fears or your pain cause then you’ll never find your joy and bliss. And place “authenticity” before all else.

John: I read while taking piano lessons as a youngster, you struggled with early piano instructors because you wanted to improvise on “the classics.” Do you feel this desire to improvise early in life was an important factor with your success today, and if so, would you advise parents with young children taking music lessons to allow them “creative freedom” to explore too?

Peter Kater: I always wanted to play things my own way. But it was important for me to learn the basics and structure as well. In the early years there has to be that balance of learning and enjoyment. But most importantly, find a teacher that really inspires you and makes you feel good about playing.

John: Along with your numerous studio releases you perform live concerts, plus people can book a live home concert with you to perform during special occasions. Will you be performing live in 2013, and what can people expect while attending a Peter Kater concert?

Peter Kater: I’ll be doing plenty of concerts in 2013. Some solo and some with collaborators. I think people can expect a “real” experience. A lot of people have a “moving” experience and some even have a cathartic experience. I think the honesty with which I approach my music is felt within the listeners and as a result “real” feelings emerge and true “experiences” are had. But it’s a very personal and individual thing. Everyone has their own experience.

John: Your successes and achievements during your career is truly remarkable Peter. Of your many achievements, what would you say are the two most gratifying moments during your music career to date?

Peter Kater: The most gratifying thing about my musical career to date is that I’m still passionate about it. I still can sit down at the piano, solo of playing with someone, and have a real experience of wonderment, honesty and excitement. I’m still curious about what’s possible and I still love it. There’s nothing more gratifying than the enjoyment of making music and sharing it with others in the moment. If you’re attached to the past you’re not living in the present. And the “present” is all we ever have.

John: Thank you again for taking time away from your work for our interview Peter! In closing for now, is there anything you would like to express to your fans that have supported you over the years?

Peter Kater: Thanks for your good wishes. I really appreciate them and I appreciate the opportunity to talk about what’s important to me. And I also appreciate, very much, the people that listened to my music and have a personal experience through it that is there’s. The fact that I can create something, or channel something that can add to the life of another person in a positive and impactful way is truly wonderful. That is a gift to me in and of itself.

It’s an honor to be a musician and it’s wonderful to have a life filled with music flowing thru me and out into the world.

Thank you for listening!  ~ Peter Kater ~

Visit the PeterKater.com homepage for news, and learn more on this great artist on the Peter Kater profile page and visit his music shop for special offers and to sample or purchase his albums. Photos and cover art are courtesy peterkater.com.