Songbook by Adam Simons

 

A captivating journey through the meandering paths of life, set to a backdrop of relaxed melodies Songbook by musician Adam Simons is like a page from a storybook, weaving tales of adventure, self-discovery, unrequited love and the beauty of a simple life.

 

From the dreamy guitar riffs to the provocative and soothing vocals, every aspect of Songbook invites listeners to embark on a musical voyage. The album opens with “Out on the Weekend” a gentle reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of embracing the present moment.

 

“Into The Mystic” is set against a backdrop of acoustic guitar strums and gentle harmonies with the song telling a tale of simple moments and heartfelt connections.

 

 “Blues Run the Game” paints a vivid picture of how the blues can haunt you no matter where you roam. The lyrics speak to the common experience of feeling lost and alone anywhere, the inescapable blues being a constant reminder of life's trials and tribulations.  A haunting ballad with somber strings 

 

“Dead Flowers” explores memories of love and features poignant lyrics with the soulful accompanying vocals of Austin Plaine.  

 

Breathing new life into Bruce Springsteen’s classic “I’m on Fire” Adam Simon’s strips the song down to its raw essence with delicate guitar work and haunting vocals.  There is an intimate atmosphere drawing the listener into the depths of the song.  The interpretation infuses the track with a sense of vulnerability and longing, adding a fresh perspective to the familiar lyrics.  

 

“Friend of the Devil” delves into the turbulent life of a scoundrel on the run, weaving a tale of deceit, love, and inevitable downfall.   Evocative lamenting vocals explore reckless choices and the consequences they result in.  The song considers charm and charisma as well as inner turmoil and regret against the melancholy of a man grappling with his own demons.  

 

“Don’t Think Twice (It’s Alright) featuring Reeve Power, reverberates with raw emotion as it delves into the complexities of a relationship, where one partner’s apathy becomes the catalyst for the other to leave. Heartfelt lyrics and haunting melodies underscore the bittersweet journey of letting go.  

 

The cover of “Fire and Rain”, while paying homage to the original James Taylor version, infuses the song witha fresh, contemporary sensibility. It's a soul-stirring rendition that showcases the timeless appeal of James Taylor's songwriting while offering a unique interpretation that stands on its own merits.

 

“Tomorrow is a Long Time” is a compelling ode to the human heart's deepest desires, reminding listeners of the transformative power of love and the profound sense of completeness it brings. With its alluring melody and emotive lyrics, this soul-stirring ballad is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever longed for true love.

 

With gentle instrumentation “These Days” the final track on Songbook, mirrors the ebb and flow of hope, evoking a sense of longing and determination. With acoustic melodies and mesmerising vocals the track paints a vivid picture of someone navigating through adversity with an unwavering sense of optimism. 

 

One of the highlights of the album is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously celebrating the unknown. Songbook seamlessly blends melancholy with hope, creating a poignant soundtrack to life. 

 

Overall, Songbook is a masterfully crafted album that captures the essence of wanderlust and the beauty of embracing the mysteries of life. Whether you're embarking on a physical journey or simply seeking solace in music, this album is the perfect companion for the wandering soul.

Links :

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Vqs6hVAFb5U9KjHBxr2py?si=XW9R_XfFQ8-Y03K07tLtIQ

YouTube : https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCP47nSbyvKuaAWu0n9s5yQw?si=gGRm_kcCETyDcvPg

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/adamsimons?igsh=MXh2ODlzZ2lkMnJxbw==

 

Dom Louis

 

For Canadian Indie Folk musician Dom Louis growing up in Southern Ontario played a part in his love for the genre.  “This genre always spoke to my soul, I always felt some connection to Bob Dylan, Neil Young. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door will still stop me in my tracks to this day. “I suppose a lot of that music came from Ontario, the midwest hillbilly sound - Duluth Minnesota is actually closer than I realized.” Dom explains. 

With a very early passion for music, in grade five Dom didn’t make the school soccer team so he started to take his guitar to school to play at lunch time.  He says “Not many kids could play an instrument yet so it was still quite a novelty, even some of the Gr.6 guys thought it was pretty cool that I could play a Red-Hot Chili Peppers song. So, I started writing my own songs immediately and I would perform them anywhere from Arts Centres to the annual County Fair.”  

Leaving high school early to pursue his passion for music Dom started playing on street corners and in bars making his way from Toronto to Nashville.  On the way he recorded music with new musicians he met along the way.  Of these times Dom says “Mostly they were playing empty rooms or failed attempts at recording sessions for years and years and years. I think that has informed my gratitude towards anybody taking an interest in the songs I write, and certainly built up my tolerance of my relationship with myself through it all. At the end of the day that’s the person I struggle with whether there are 10 people or 1000 in the audience.”

Over the years Dom has had a number of influences on the music he creates including Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Coldplay and Bon Iver.  He admits that in his earlier days “I was always stealing tricks along the way. If I learned to put the 4 chord over top of the 5 chord from a Carole King song, I would implement that into whatever I was working on.”  With the realisation at eighteen that he felt his voice didn’t suit Pop/RnB Dom began to experiment with voices he felt were more like his own including the vocals of the Beatles and Bob Dylan.

Initially playing the guitar from around 2002 because guitar bands were still the most predominant his love for Coldplay encouraged him to also play the piano.  Dom explains “We had a piano in the house so naturally I learned some of those songs. The two instruments kind of complimented my learning and being self-taught I could slowly transfer the chords from one to the other.”

Dom has always written songs and the process has always been a mystifying one to him. He admits “I’ve never pinpointed how to go about doing it, writing a song, and I’ve really struggled with being too conscious of it, either from a business or artistic standpoint.” Dom believes that the songwriting process doesn’t necessarily have to be observed but instead is one he comes at personally with love and honesty.  He humbly says about his song writing “I don’t feel I’m any good at it to be honest but what I lack in skill I think I make up for in passion and excitement.”  In order to stay creative and inspired Dom has to create a balance between “needing to keep picking up the guitar and putting the pen to paper.” He also believes that he needs “to be physically active and do things entirely not cerebral, just for my health and sanity if nothing else.”

Dom has been extremely involved in creating his own aesthetic as a musician.  “Well, I suppose initially its happenstance, the aesthetic, just doing what you feel, the age old cliche of “be yourself”.   Being an independent musician Dom has been involved in every aspect of his music including “editing my own music videos and making posters and producing my own recordings.”  Dom believes that the lyric of his songs are also very much a part of his aesthetic.   Although he says at times it can be intimidating and daunting, he feels ultimately “it’s a balance between being an artist and taking seriously your relationship with people who are going to give you and your music a chance.”

Dom engages with his fans firstly through his music.  His music is how he most naturally is able to connect with his outer and inner worlds.  For Dom music is less stressful than other aspects of life.  He also works on connection with his audience by trying to “message every person who listens to my music and even if from a distance or through a song, I think we are in some capacity involved in each other's lives, and I think that is of far greater importance than the pragmatic implications of a “music career”.

Despite having originally hated live performances because Dom felt “they are never perfect and never what you envision, and I used to live in that place, infinite perfectionism and escapism” he realised that this attitude was not conducive to his music.  He has now developed a healthier attitude towards live performances and says “I love them now for precisely that - they are just human and they happen quickly before you have time to process and make a judgement and I enjoy the communal ceremony aspect with everybody.”

Currently Dom is working on his second full length project, which has the working title “Life In The Making.”  He is trying to be open and not only share the process but really enjoy it.  He says of the project “There are songs from a decade ago I need to put down and address, much like versions of myself I need to give a hug and then put to rest. It might be chaotic or messy but it’s unfolding, much like the way life unfolds before we’re ready for it.”

 In the future Dom hopes to keep building the live performances and create a set that has the capacity to be what he describes as “larger than life and exciting”, while continuing to incorporate the raw materials of indie folk that had its beginnings on county fair stages. 

To those new to his music Dom says of his music “I would say that it is honest, that if there ever was a song I didn’t believe in I didn’t finish it, and that maybe if I’ve done my part then there just might be a thing or two they can relate to and find some refuge in listening. Thank you so much for tuning in.”

Links:

Webpage: https://www.domlouis.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/domlouismusic?mibextid=JRoKGi

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@domlouis?si=uVd9PEO0sH_SfkzX

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domlouismusic?igsh=MWIzYzM4Y2JjNGIxMA==

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/13vGPMHjEc5xzTS1utb4Ph?si=nZ0Msm44QAejVbJlmbLxTQ

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/au/artist/dom-louis/1451314392

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ghosts Are Coming Home by CR and The Nones

  

“I wrote that song while I was recording my last album, Living in Fear, so it was kind of a weird, dark time for me personally. I had this overwhelming feeling of dread, that darkness was coming soon. And it did. The lyrics kind of came to me while I was driving one night, and I stopped to put them in my phone. The song’s gone through a bunch of different arrangements. But I think there’s a theme of both darkness and acceptance in this song. You’re recognizing that something’s happening, but you’re ready to face it.”

 

CR from CR and The Nones

 

“The Ghosts Are Coming Home” by CR and The Nones is a hauntingly alluring Indie Folk song that delicately weaves a tale of inner turmoil and acceptance.  Ethereal melodies and bright, resonant guitars create an atmosphere of introspection. The beautifully delivered lyrics paint a vivid picture of confronting feelings of dread and darkness yet finding strength to face them.  The verses cleverly create a sense of something unsettling unfolding but the vocals, amidst a gentle swell of instrumentation masterfully captures the essence of accepting life’s darker moments and finding solace and redemption.  

Links : 

Bandcamp : https://crandthenones.bandcamp.com/album/the-ghosts-are-coming-home-2

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/track/5L4QJgQI3YPwzqtIPbCArx?si=IZzG2fh7T9ORrG8oM8tttw

CR and The Nones

With a name suggested by a friend to band member CR, CR and The Nones has a twofold meaning.   CR explains “Yea, so The Nones was a name suggested by my friend Dash. It’s kind of a play on my last name, Gennone, but The Nones is also a real group or a term to describe people that don’t belong to any religion. And I’m not religious at all, but I kind of identified with that general sense of not belonging in society.”

 

The band CR and the Nones consist of CR, James Abbott on lead guitar and vocals, Nicole Abbott on keys and vocals, John Dewitt on Bass and John Gallagher on drums.  CR admits to always having been into music, even as a kid.  He says, “I was really into Neil Young and started writing songs when I was in high school and haven’t stopped.”  When asked to name his biggest musical influences CR states “I’m a huge Neil head. I’ve been obsessed with Neil’s guitar tone, but also his voice. It’s so fragile and real, and that’s something I’ve always tried to emulate. Jason Molina is another big one. But also, Springsteen, Brian Eno, Sparklehorse, Wilco, Kurt Vile, War on Drugs, Sonic Youth. I think all of those artists create a particular feeling and vibe, and that’s kind of what I’ve gone for as well.” 

 

The Alternative Indie band’s style was influenced by CR who grew up listening to folk music and was attracted to the genre when he started writing his own songs.  CR explains “I’ve always just connected with that type of music, the twang, the harmonies, the voice, the lyrics. And later, I grew to love psych rock and ambient music. It’s all just a feeling and a sound that I’ve just really loved and tried to blend the two to form my own thing.”

 

Exploring themes, that change depending on his feelings or current life experiences, CR describes his approach to songwriting as “I usually write whenever stuff comes, whether it’s a melody, phrase, title, progression, or an entire song.”

 

Handling all the social media for the band, CR says that he relies on friends for photos, video and art for the band's aesthetic.  He also explains “I’ll use my own handwriting for a lot of flyers or album art, so I’m pretty involved. As far as appearances go, I don’t really care about that. I’ve always told friends and bandmates to just be yourself and look as cool or uncool as you want. Just don’t wear cargo shorts.”

 

As far as fans of the band go CR reiterates “I’m appreciative of everyone who likes my music. And I think building a connection is driven by communication. Whether that’s through the music, or at a show, or online, or whatever. Keep a dialog going with people, and I just try to show my gratitude for everyone. 

 

Always ready for a new challenge CR keeps busy with various projects including music, cooking and writing. He says, “It keeps me busy, keeps the creative juices flowing, and when it’s time to do something else, I’m ready for it.” 

 

CR enjoys live performances and when performing he expresses that he “really enjoys the moment you let yourself go and forget where you are or what you’re doing. You kinda just black out, and those are usually the best kind of performances. It’s just freeing, it’s a release, it’s expression. It feels good.” 

 

For the future plans of CR and The Nones, CR mentions that he has “been writing some more kind of up-beat songs and some stuff with pedal steel in mind. I think I’m going to continue producing it myself. But I’m just hoping to play as often as we can and continuing to put out good shit.”

 

For those new to the music of CR and the Nones, CR explains “My music comes from somewhere. It’s twangy, spacey, and gritty, but most of all, it’s real. I’m just trying to create a feeling that’s easy to understand and identify with and share that with everyone listening.” 

Links :

Bandcamp : https://crandthenones.bandcamp.com/album/the-ghosts-are-coming-home-2

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/crandthenones

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@CRandTheNones?si=GjeDYDxAV-ag0L-0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Veldt

                                                         Photograph by Teresa Moore

The Veldt found their name, a title for a science fiction story, published in the pages of Ray Bradbury’scollection of short stories, ‘The Illustrated Man’.   An alternative soul and shoegaze band formed in North Carolina in 1986 The Veldt was formed by identical twin brothers Daniel and Danny Chavis.  Although at times having a varying lineup The Veldt’s core members are Daniel Chavis, his brother Danny Chavis and Hayato Nakao.

 

Performing since they were young, Daniel and his brother Danny’s musical roots can be traced back to church and also southern Juke-Joints. Daniel says that what drew them to their particular genre  was motivated by “unwillingness to play in church”.  When asked what factors influenced the bands sound Daniel explains “Of course, it would be the things that were around us during my childhood, but most notably, also music somehow related to England. Of course - that's earlier music from the sixties, but we also draw lessons from bands like Siouxsie and The Banshees, Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, The Birthday Party and harsher sounds like that. By trying to emulate them in our early years, we came up with something completely different. At the time, it was not called shoegaze, but rather "indie".

 

When describing the bands approach to songwriting Daniel says “It pretty much happens out of nowhere and it starts to flow like a faucet. Primarily for me, reflecting on my childhood and an assemblage of words that just seem to fit together like prose or maybe even a children's nursery rhyme. I tend to be more influenced by such things, mostly from my childhood. Like phrases from the Bible - you know how vision is kind of shoved down your throat when you're a kid and it resonates in you somehow and then shows up in our music - mostly lyrically. We don't try to "convey" messages, but they may happen to come through to some folks by osmosis or something. Then I suppose, it's kind of like how, when you make two different sounds, it resonates into some sort of hum and can seem to make sense”.

 

Daniel and Danny are completely involved in the bands aesthetic with Daniel clarifying “If you mean by the look of the band as it is presented via our albums, merchandise and everything, my brother and I are in charge of that 100%. We've never trusted anyone to be in control of the aesthetics or look of this project. They have never understood it and kind of still don't”.  Avoiding social media and TV the band is able to foster and nurture their creativity.

 

Enjoying live performances and in particular having an appreciation for what the band describes as the“people who come to see our music immensely and the fact that they care enough to take time to come and see us” The Veldt also has time for their fans.  Daniel mentions that the band enjoys interacting with fans “By taking the time to say hello, asking what they like, what their influences are, and why they like our music. It is always a very heartfelt experience. And much appreciated.”

Links: 

Bandcamp : https://theveldtmusic.bandcamp.com/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/VeldtThe

Yellow Rose by Para Lia

 

“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.  

Links :

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/track/3kEsKyE0rmC9FA53HRf0By?si=LFNPS6WlSmiAg6kbmx7pCw

Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/au/album/yellow-rose-single/1687520325

 

We Dissolve by the Gleaming

  

We Dissolve is a cathartic tribute to a former self once riddled with depression, habits, partners and friends by Texas based band The Gleaming.  The new EP represents an evolution from the closure of a dark past to a future that is more positive and meaningful.

 

“Run Faster” embodies the dark danceable electronica sound that The Gleaming so artfully composes.  The lyrics are poignant and the entire song gives the feel that there is forward moving energy.  Featuring a collaboration with Vestite “Rat Me Out” is a wonderful blend of dark electronica with ethereal and pulsating vocals.  The melancholic lyrics and atmospheric trance-like beat perfectly build up a sense of looming anticipation.  “The Voyager” starts with a rather buoyant beat giving the impression of sailing along in smooth but unpredictable waters.  The ethereal vocals take the listener on an undulating sound journey accentuated by pulsating peaks and hypnotic whirlpools.  With a futuristic and throbbing soundscape the lyrics of “The Ashes” are a very aggressive tribute to a traumatic past self.  The brooding and intense song perfectly represents the need to shrug off violently aspects of a disturbing past.  “We Dissolve”, the title track of the EP has a sinister and foreboding sound with lyrics and vocals that perfectly express the feeling of leaving the past behind.  The song has a deep and purgative element taking the listener on a journey of redemption.

Overall the EP We Dissolve is an otherworldly, dark and purifying journey through ominous, atmospheric melodies and rhythms.  The musical elements and the bleak and portentous but ultimately purging lyrics, make it a memorable and impactful EP.

Links:

BandCamp : https://gleamingsound.bandcamp.com/

YouTube : https://youtube.com/watch?v=A87UAIflneg&feature=shares

The Beautiful Sanctuary of HAEVN

 

                                                  Image Courtesy of Facebook

Indie Pop Ambient band HAEVN explain that their name is a combination of the word Heaven and Haven. “When we first started making music people said it sounded like heaven and like coming home.  So we combined the word heaven and haven where you feel like you come home after a long boat ride.” The Amsterdam based band was founded in 2015 by singer-songwriter Marijn Van der Meer and film soundtrack composer Jorrit Kleijnen.  

 

Marijn’s music journey started at the age of eighteen with a guitar.  Even a three year illness that kept him bedridden did not stop his passion for music and playing his guitar.  What he did develop during those challenging years was an appreciation and understanding of the healing power of music.  Jorrit’s grandfather gave him a piano and this gift had a huge impact on his life.  He had a passion for capturing emotions on the screen and translating what he saw and translating it into music. 

 

The two met when Jorrit was creating a piano piece for a movie.  Marijn was asked to sing over the piece  of music.  The alliance resulted in the songs “Where The Heart Is” and “Finding Out More” which went on to be used in a BMW commercial.  The soothing tones of Marijn’s voice combined magnificently with the instrumental soundscape created by Jorrit and so they began their collaboration, HAEVN.  The band also includes guitarist Bram Doreleijers (Ape Not Mice, Celine Cairo), bass player Mart Jeninga (Celine Cairo) and drummer David Broeders. 

 

Some sources of inspiration for the band are other music and film scores as well as singers and  songwriters like Hans Zimmer, Sting and Leonard Cohen.   “Life inspires us” the band admits. 

HAEVN is also very inspired by moving images which they enjoy working with when composing new music.   They explore themes such as found and lost love and hope.  

 

When creating new music the band says “we start with sound and the words and the melodies come from our subconscious.”

 

Involved in every aspect of the band they work with a talented group of people to create the artwork and the aesthetic for the band.  All of their efforts have resulted in the creation of their own musical world with specific melodies and lyrics and evocative soundscapes.  

 

Enjoying live performances very much  the band see them as “an adventure with a great group of people and we get to meet our fans after every concert which is also very nice.“ 

Having recently toured Germany and Switzerland they are looking forward to having a European Tour.  Initially they plan to play in twenty five theaters in the Nederlands before working on European dates.  

 

For new listeners to their music Haevn says “our music combines songs with filmic scores.  We heard it can give peace of mind, hope and uncover emotions.  This is for us a great compliment.”

As someone who has been lucky enough to attend a virtual concert held by HAEVN during lockdown, in the midst of the pandemic, I can personally attest to the evocative, transcendent beauty of their music and being allowed into that oasis of a soundscape carefully cultivated by the band. 

Links :

Webpage : https://www.haevnmusic.com/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/haevnmusic