Melodic Machination is going on the road and yesterday I did an eight hour round trip to the beautiful monastery in New Norcia to meet and interview Father Robert Nixon OSB.
In the tranquil confines of the secluded monastery in New Norcia, Western Australia, where ancient wisdom intertwines with contemporary pursuits, resides Neo-Classical musician Father Robert NixonOSB. Joining the Benedictine Community of New Norcia in 2013 Fr Robert Nixon OSB is a classically trained musician, who in his time has earned a number of qualifications including a Diploma in Music and a Masters in both Theology and Education. He also studied composition, literature and philosophy. After working as a professional musician, composing music in various genres from Classical and Gothic to Experimental Fr Robert entered the diocesan Seminary in Queensland where he studied theology. The former educator is a Fellow of Trinity College of Music, London and the London College of Music (University of West London) and an Accademio ad honorem of the Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna. He has served as an Advisor to Arts Queensland and a Board Member of James Cook University.
For Fr Robert the realm of Neo Classical music provides a canvas to blend the timeless elegance of the past with contemporary creativity. He creates music that resonates with the human experience while serving as a vessel for spiritual awakening. When composing his music Fr Robert finds that when inspiration comes, he uses it as a way to “get things out of his heart and system”.
Fr Robert explaining his composition process
Through his musical pursuits Fr Robert composes Neo Classical music that touches the heart, bridging the gap beautifully between the ethereal and the earthly realms. He endeavors to embrace and enhance his spirituality and his music acknowledging how each is complimentary.
In the future Fr Robert hopes his music will reach a wider and more diverse audience. Through his music he believes he can bridge the gap between the secular and the sacred.
Fr Robert performs live at many events and regularly in New Norcia.
“It’s always difficult to identify the source of inspiration for not only an album, but even for a song or a line/word in a song. I tend to let the mystery remain a mystery when it comes to the question of inspiration. I wouldn’t wanna anger the Gods by presuming to know how these things work.”
Fred Abong on the inspirations for his song “Fear Pageant.”
“Fear Pageant” by Fred Abong transports the listener on an existential journey through nuanced texture shifts and intricately layered instrumentals. The slightly off-kilter rhythms and the beautiful gravelly vocals create a masterful blend of complexity and introspection. “Fear Pageant” is a mesmerizing odyssey through a complexed soundscape leaving the listener wanting more.
Musician Fred Abong’s interest in music began in childhood. He explains “some of my earliest childhood memories center on music. In particular, I had much older half-siblings who played guitar (steel string and classical). I remember being 4 or 5 years old and lying on the carpet listening to my sister emotively singing folky, Joan Armatrading type stuff, or my brother stoically rehearsing a Bach piece on classical. In either case, I recall being totally transported by the music in the air … very dreamlike and intense. I’ve never really lost that sensibility and am hopefully still being guided by that foundational experience in my own work.”
Currently calling New Orleans home the singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist grew up in the Northeast. With experience in various hardcore Punk bands as a drummer/bassist/guitarist, Fred has been an bassist for Throwing Muses, then Belly as well as a bassist for KH Electric Trio. With a PHD in Humanities Fred also spent time as a professor before returning to music. He describes his journey as having “taken me a long time to find my ‘voice’ as a songwriter/musician. But everything I’ve done before ‘going solo’ has undoubtedly contained something that would figure into my own work. I don’t think I could provide an itemized list of those things, but I *can* say that I always knew/sensed that I was heading in the solo direction. I also intuited that late blooming was likely”.
Not really comfortable classifying his work as a set genre or style, Fred explains “I am only interested in songs, which transcend genre or style. The mode of delivery is, or should be, secondary to the substance of the song (lyrics, rhythm, and melody). Genre and style are ephemeral; real songs are sturdier than that. This is my focus”.
With what Fred describes as a “Taoist” approach to songwriting he says he “flips between the polarities of light/dark while maintaining an awareness of the unified whole. Themes: see comment above on Taoism. Messages: I wouldn’t do that to anyone”. Though of course appreciating the musical work of others he doesn’t set out to emulate anyone else’s music but instead makes music that is overtly shaped by experiences and engagements in his own life. Fred says that “basically, with every song I am just paying attention to the words and sounds that are coming through … it’s a kind of simultaneous discovery/creation event”.
In order to stay creatively inspired and continue to grow musically Fred explains and advises “The only thing I, or anyone, can do in this regard is pray. And remain humble. Or pray to remain humble. No guarantees, but it’s the best shot one has”.
Describing live performance as a “battleground of appearing and disappearing”Fred doesn’t necessarily think enjoyment figures into it for him. For Fred live performance is “a major spiritual test … one of the biggest, really. It’s a situation wherein the relationship with one’s ego (too much or too little) is foregrounded or highlighted. Passing the test means getting one’s ego properly modulated so that the force/sacrality of the song is evident. Easy to say … difficult to execute”.
When asked about his hopes musically for the future Fred says “My ability to see into the future, musically speaking, is limited. I do generally have one or two projects in motion simultaneously and have a pretty solid picture of how each of those will develop. But the next thing is always a mystery … until I get a strong intuition and I all of a sudden just *know* what it is going to be. This has happened with every project … for example, I am currently working on a record of piano/keyboard-based songs. But I *knew* I was going to be working on this record at least a year before I even owned a keyboard”. Ultimately Fred wants to create more music which he can faithfully deliver while surviving as a full-time musician.
To those interested in listening to Fred’s music he suggests “I would say that my music might not grab you immediately, or that it might even sound unusual, but if you spend a little time with it, you will find it slowly but permanently revealing its rewards. Try It!”
“This is an amazing song written by Greg Critchley Music and Allison Kaplan. It is exploring the perfect relationship that’s been dreamed up- in a crazy world where nothing but everything makes sense. I think we all feel like we are in wonderland sometimes.”
Apricity
“Allison Wonderland” is a captivating fantasy Punk Pop song by Canadian based performer Apricity, that transports the listener to a world of whimsical wonders, beautifully contrasting the protagonist of the songs harsh reality. The track seamlessly weaves a powerful narrative of a woman trapped in a tumultuous relationship, but finding solace and strength in her imaginative dreamland. The dynamic vocals and the clever lyrics coupled with the juxtaposition of the Punk Pop genre leave an indelible impression. The song beautifully serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times there is a glimmer of hope in ones imagination. With its infectious energy, poignant storytelling and fusion of Punk Pop and fantastical elements this song will undoubtably leave the listener with a yearning to escape to their own world of wonder.
“Warmed by the Sun”, from the Latin word apricitas is the meaning of the musician Apricity’s name and its a perfect metaphor for the sun in the Canadian winter. The Scottish born, Canadian singer Apricity, has support from talented musicians such as Derek Cox on drums, Craig Laws on guitar and keys, Shawn Johnson on lead guitar and Craig Tschirhart on bass.
Appreciating all sorts of music Apricity’s love for Rock/Alternative, 80s and 90s was inspired by music she listened to when she was growing up and has since had its own influence on the music she creates. Influenced by many different artists such as Kate Bush, Blondie, Alanis and Evanescence to name a few. Apricity finds these performers lyrically strong and relatable.
When it comes to creating music Apricity explains “ has been very lucky to work with a few amazing writers, taking the song and making it my own. Lyrically it has to fit. I need to feel it and be able to paint a story in my head with the song”.
With a strong sense of where she started and where she is now Apricity finds it inspiring to watch other musicians. To stay creative she says “as an Artist I am always looking to grow and keep my imagination and ideas flowing. Although new to live performances Apricity enjoys the connection it’s the audience. She describes live performing as “nerve wracking and a rich of adrenaline at the same time”.
Claiming social media has been a huge part of being able to engage with fans Apricity enjoys that she can “connect with people all over the world which helps with touring and releasing music”.
With live shows and a tour of Europe as future plans for Apricity she also says “as an Artist, in short term I am looking to finish my first EP.” For those keen to listen to the music of Apricity she describes it as “touching on the late 90s style into a modern day rock/pop with the essence of story telling.”
Prepare to embark on an extraordinary voyage with solo experimental Electro-Industrial band Nebulae Complex’s new EP Bryozoan Operator. Drawing inspiration from the wonders of peculiar plants and deep-sea life this EP creates a captivating fusion of alien and familiar elements. A unique and immersive audial experience Nebulae Complex have woven together an entrancing tapestry of electronic beats, industrial rhythms and haunting melodies. This surreal and alluring sonic landscape is a testament to Nebulae Complex’s sound design and their creation of a vivid sound palette.
The first track “Airroot” is a hypnotic blend of pulsating electronic beats and retro sounding vocals. “ Horizon Chase”, with its enticing pulse, is an electronica invitation to explore uncharted realms. With a metallic and futuristic soundscape “Bleachburn“is a captivating and immersive track. “Rounded Bolthead“ lulls the listener with its industrialized and robotic sounds punctuated by gritty and assertive vocals and lyrics. The final track on the EP “Operand” builds an electronica industrial crescendo, riveting the listener with startling vocals and an irresistible melody.
A must listen EP for anyone that wants to be immersed and transported into a striking and resplendent soundscape.
“Have No Fear” was inspired by my desire to get away from the computer screen for as much of the initial process of brainstorming and crafting songs for my new record. Having been reliant on computer-based music for most of my career, the challenge in the past few years has been to do more hands-on work. The record was workshopped on bits of synth hardware, and “Have No Fear” started with a drum beat pattern and a bass synth arp that I threw down real time takes just using my computer as a glorified tape machine really. This song probably has the most ‘on-the-nose’ theme of any of my previous songs, you can take it pretty literally if you want, or you can pay attention to the verses and figure out what they mean for you.
Slighter
With a diverse range of percussive elements and the old school appeal of bass synth arpeggios, “Have No Fear” by Slighter, is a mesmerizing dark electronica track. The eerie and almost hypnotic quality of the intricate arps evoke memories of early electronic pioneers. Dynamic shifts and subtle melodic touches add layers to this entrancing and resonate track. One of the strengths of this dark electronica gem is in its ability to conjure vivid, cinematic imagery with evocative lyrics and haunting vocals. “Have No Fear” is a darkly delightful listen.
Although routinely collaborating with other musicians, Dark Electronic act Slighter is primarily a solo act. He describes himself more as a brand than a band and the project as an “umbrella that holds under it my musical ideas”.Slighter started in music as a kid eventually gravitating towards electronic music as a teenager in the 90s. Exposure to 90s acts that were exploring what a lot of pundits and trainspotters termed Progressive music in the time of Electronic Dance music, like Underworld, Leftfield and Fluke, resulted in Slighter realizing that “darker voices like my own, could fit inside Dance tracks.” This in turn inspired Slighter into bringing vocals into his work.
The reason for choosing the performance name Slighter was, according to the musician, “The typography of the word ‘SLIGHTER’ just really popped for me. There’s no real story or anything, it wasn’t a nickname but just a name I could adopt that stood out to me. And again, I liked the way it looks.”
When asked about his style Slighter explains ”Im not sure I define myself by a particular style” He describes his music as having cinematic tones and a cultivated atmosphere. Slighter admits “I really enjoy exploring that side of electronic music. I’ve always gravitated towards darker and moody vibes and that translates across the majority of my work as Slighter.”
When it comes to songwriting Slighter admits he isn’t really interested in telling stories or projecting messages but mostly it’s a form of self-expression for him. Believing that the best art is interpreted by the audience, Slighter says “I write songs that mean something to me, or as catharsis.” He believes that the timeless connection that music provides with an audience comes with writing songs about humans and the human condition.
After attending CALARTS for graphic design came the realization for Slighter that music would become his long-term career. His abilities in graphic design have helped shape the aesthetic and image of his albums and music.
To stay inspired musically and grow as an artist Slighter is a fan of music and enjoys listening to artists that push the boundaries and surpass genre trappings. Slighter considers growth as an artist a journey and says “ I don’t think of my creativity reaching a point where it will stop growing. I’m looking at things differently and trying to make sense of myself through artistic expression.”
Wanting Slighter as a project to come across to the audience as art and not a person or persona Slighter does not engage heavily in social media, resolving instead that “if there is something I feel I want to connect with my listeners about, I’ll make a note of it.” Not sure yet how Slighter might evolve in the future he explains “I’m not really sure yet. I am fresh off the album which took up all my creative bandwidth for the last year or so. I’ll get back to you on that! I will say I’d love to do more remixes; those are always fun to do.”
For those unfamiliar but curious about listening to the music of Slighter he says “If you like the darker and moody side of electronic music, I’m your guy!
“This is a song about the loss of a loved person, a very emotive track and an attempt to mirror the fragility of life in the song’s arrangement. Para Lia is joined here by two fantastic musicians – Fady Haddad from Baltimore, who provides beautiful synth parts and also joined us on our last album for two tracks. And Christian Georgi – a classical musician, who has been part of the staff at the Staatstheater Cottbus for many years – who plays the E-piano on this track.”
Para Lia
“Yellow Rose” from the Para Lia album In Clash With The Zeitgeist has gentle and subtle music elements that create a tender and introspective soundscape enhanced by delicate tender vocals. The song is a captivating alternative composition which stands as a powerful testament to the power of music to touch our hearts and help us navigate the turbulent complexities of loss. The evocative melodies and introspective lyrics of “Yellow Rose” make the track an indelible addition to any playlist that is exploring the depths of human emotions.
Alternative Rock duo Para Lia began with duoRené and Cindy Methner but has since become a band of around six. Based in Cottbus, close to Berlin, Para Lia chose their band name in response to their love of Greece. “Born of our love for Greece, the name “para lia” (παραλία) means “coast” or “beach” in Greek is full of mystery and optimism, both having its story and evoking balance between the masculine and feminine” the band explains.
Para Lia describes their style as “The sound of noisy, melodic guitars – and the philosophy that a good song has a good melody. Para Lia’s music is full of references – but with our very own sound and style.” The members of the band developed their love for music in their teens. With René on instruments and vocals and Cindy providing backing vocals they describe their music as a “a blend of our love for late 80’s and early 90’s indie rock with 60’s influences, psychedelic, garage rock and early prog rock elements.”
When describing the themes and purpose of their music Para Lia reference their latest album In Clash With The Zeitgeist. The band explains the songs on the album as being “written in the pandemic days, which were darker and unfree days for most of us. The main theme is ‘don’t let you down’ and ‘look forward’ and so all of them have a touch of brightness, optimism. In terms of music: brighter chords and hooks.”
With an emphasis on staying authentic with their creativity Para Lia began by reaching out with their music on Soundcloud. “When we started we used Soundcloud to reach out to people with our stuff. We still have a beautiful fanbase there and we love it.” The band also uses other forms of social media to stay in touch and inform fans of and about their latest music. René is primarily in charge of the bands aesthetic and although Para Lia primarily began as a studio project the band is moving towards live performances. Para Lia explains “our main goal for now is to form a band which will play a nice live set and we hope to get out the energy we feel in our rehearsals to the listeners. We really are looking forward to the Para Lia live experience.”
In the future Para Lia’s hopes to create a band that plays well live “we hope to get out the energy we feel in our rehearsals to the listeners. We really are looking forward to the Para Lia live experience.”
For those who are unfamiliar with Para Lia’s music the band says “If you love guitar driven, melodic indie rock with heart and soul – you will find this with Para Lia. The new album is a collection of ‘psychalovic sonic songs for lovers and survivors’ – check it out.”
