Dreamers,
Last year was strange one. The Infinite Szilence turned out just as horrific as I thought it would. But, it also turned that horror into calm defeat. It ended up being more electronic than expected, but that fit better. Even though I successfully finished it, I felt drained of inspiration and life. The only reprieve was creating and releasing Kaleidanoyse IV. Still, I was able to finish not only Chapter IX: In Which His Lingering Grief Rests At Long Last, but also "Nereus". Kaleidanoyse IV turned out much more alive than I anticipated, full of watery synths and piano and acoustic guitar - the previously planned electric guitar tone only being realised on one song. "Nereus" also turned out beautifully. Chapter IX: In Which His Lingering Grief Rests At Long Last was partly intriguing and partly difficult. Instead of creating the songs chronologically, my inspiration kept jumping around. It was for the best, as I was kept on my toes. I do believe I'm becoming great artist. Each year, I keep surprising myself. This year will be different. For The Silent Boy, I am travelling to the Underworld for a misdventure with some friendly (and not so friendly) denizens. The theme will be jazz and ballroom music, hopefully out in Summer. It'll be my first time welcoming on so many guest vocalists. I'm taking Stars & Constellations to the constellation Leo. The plan is Middle Eastern-infused Drum-n-Bass, and I'm also tinkering with the idea of adding in Disco. To be completely honest, I'm not sure where Kaleidanoyse will go. I've thought about volcano, but I'm thinking more jungle now. I look forward to releasing these worlds to you. See you soon, Azrael
6 Comments
My Precious Dreamers,
2018 was full of realisations for me. I came to see much of the toxicity in my life, and sought to cut it out. I lost those considered to be friends, beloved family, and the biggest love of my life thus far. Despite this, I grew. I came more into myself and discovered the kind of life I want to lead. My goal is to move back to the city of Buffalo and get a day-job, so I can actually fund promotion of my music and writing. And I am determined to be able to live off my creative output in 2-3 years. In the last quarter of the past year, I finally finished and published the book version of my Stars & Constellations album, Chapter I: In Which Our Crystalline Child Travels The Confines Of Isolation. To the few (12 or 13) that received it during pre-order, I met with much praise. I also have to say that I'm relieved/happy that Chapter VIII: In Which The Symmetry Is Restored Once More came out more beautiful than I could've imagined, as I had expected it to be the usual clunky medieval sound. For Kaleidanoyse, I announced my Remnants playlist/collection on SoundCloud. Basically, I'm recording one B-side/rework from each of the Kaleidanoyse mini-albums. This year, there were three because of the three releases already out, but in future years, I will be releasing one new song each year on December 25th. Music this year will be mostly the usual endeavor. But one album has more weight for me to carry, The Infinite Szilence. I wrote the lyrics and narration for this album years ago, before I had recorded any music. It's a tale of cosmic betrayal, unraveling, and imprisonment, as well as a cautionary tale on pride. Doppelgängers, Lovecraftian forces, physical violence, twisted morals. I'm think about using eerie digital synths, analogue synths, drum machine, electric guitar, piano, strings, harp. The plan is to make it more twisted and eerie as it goes on. There will be 16 tracks. The Stars & Constellations album this year will see me in Virgo, traversing a landscape and environ similar to ancient China. I'm thinking of incorporating Chinese and Japanese folk instruments with soft and serene synth pads and flowery sounds. I believe this chapter of the story will be about purifying oneself of grief, but we'll see how the story goes. Kaleidanoyse will be going to the depths of the ocean, with a concentration on bluesy electric guitar, mixed in with the usual dancey goodness. And lastly, I've been working to finish the first draft of the book version of Chapter II: In Which We Drift Endlessly, I'm hoping to catch up in time to release Chapter IX alongside its music album. There is a subscription of sorts on my Bandcamp merch page. Pay $45 one time, and get whichever Chapter books are currently out, as well as each progressive one as they come out. There will be 17 in total, until the end of the Stars & Constellations project, plus a copy of the full novel with all Chapters compiled into the full story. But, if you only want a certain Chapter book, they will run at about $3 each. The Infinite Szilence and Chapter IX will be tentatively released this November, and Kaleidanoyse IV in late Summer/early Autumn. Until then, enjoy the new year, take heart, be kind, and stay strong. Hello, my dear Dreamers.
I hope this finds you fresh for the new year. 2017 was a trial in and of itself. What was planned as a July release for Diurnia got pushed to a November release. Besides the challenge of creating an album and EP with live instruments instead of the usual software ones, my own life was a bit unstable. I went through a rough breakup, jumped between places to live and work, and had quite the adventure in Philadelphia trying to get to my cousin's wedding. But all worked out and I got to give you all Diurnia, Radiated, Kaleidanoyse, and Chapter VII: In Which The Girl Is Ripped Away From Him. It was very much a year of dealing with past and present trauma for me. 2018 is going to be a year of great awakening and reconnection. I've already begun (and am almost finished with) lyrics for The Silent Boy's 8th album. It's going to be very electronic; from chiptune to 70s/80s digital synth. I'm hoping for a Spring/Summer release. Stars & Constellations will be going to the constellation Libra and venturing into medieval-inspired classical music. This time, the Guardian will only be reawakened when the denizens of Their demesne are reunited as one people. Kaleidanoyse will see the protagonist venture into the core of the planet, and an emphasis on Horns. I look forward to giving these worlds to you soon. May you find balance and peace in 2018. |