by Jane Lambert

“Crash Course Vol. 2: Tickets To Dreamland” – A Deep Dive into Animals In Denial’s Revolutionary Sound

Christian Imes, the mastermind behind Animals In Denial, epitomizes the transformative power of music in both personal and artistic realms.

Through his candid revelations, it’s clear that music is more than just a career for Imes. It is a lifeline, a profound means of communication, and a canvas for expressing the depths of his soul.

The evolution of his song “Inside of Me” from a love song to a dedication to music itself underscores his deep connection to his art, using music to articulate emotions that words alone cannot capture.

Imes’s journey is marked by the unique way he uses music to communicate, likening himself to BumbleBee from Transformers, expressing emotions through melodies and lyrics rather than spoken words. This approach has not only defined his relationships but also helped him navigate complex emotional landscapes, as seen in his poignant interactions with his mother through songs like “Disarm.” Music has been his voice, his therapist, and his saving grace, especially as someone on the spectrum who finds verbal communication challenging.

In the brand new album, “Crash Course Volume 2: Tickets To Dreamland”, Animals In Denial takes the unique sound to new heights.

Embracing technology, Imes integrates AI into his music production process, viewing it as an invaluable tool rather than a threat. His innovative use of AI for mixing, mastering, and even generating musical ideas shows his forward-thinking approach, proving that technology can enhance creativity rather than hinder it. This pragmatic view of AI as a team member has streamlined his production process allowing him to achieve a polished and professional sound more efficiently.

Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, and Smashing Pumpkins, Imes has meticulously crafted a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. His music embodies the self-sufficiency and innovative spirit he admires in these bands, from using drum machines unapologetically to creating dynamic guitar-driven compositions. This deep dive into their work has not only shaped his musical style but also fueled his passion to inspire others through his creations.

“The way I integrate it is to keep it natural and to treat it like a member of the team. I have used it for all of the cover art for the Revisited Series, as well as mixing and mastering for this series of releases. I tend to start with a base mix and have the AI take a listen and make suggestions. It’s really like having mixing and mastering engineers in the room with me from demo to finished product. It has made finishing much faster and we don’t have to take 15 mixes out to the car to check only to still not be happy. It tends to be only one or two mixes now and mostly being the first round through the AI. I have just recently started letting AI suggest a part for a song. So, I’ll have it generate a base beat, or a bass line and/or drone type of texture. I may elect to tweak it or add to it, but it’s something to trigger a response from me. I’ll then just build and build like I do with anything else. I would do this same kind of thing with a Kaos pad, or a sequence on a synthesizer. It’s really not so different from hiring a session musician to play something you’re directing them to play, as you can also direct the AI to play as you want it to.“

As the newest entry in their “Revisited” series, “the album “Tickets to Dreamland” immerses its listeners in a rich and layered musical sound that melds hypnotic melodies with innovative production techniques. Sophisticated mixing which makes use of dynamic shifts in volume and texture, creates an engaging listening experience. Tracks “Inside of Me” and “No Enemy” epitomize this approach, balancing intensity with subtlety and captivating listeners with their intricate soundscapes.

Imes’ own songwriting journey began with personal experiences, evolving from tales of past relationships to exploring a myriad of subjects that affect and intrigue him. This fearless exploration into various themes has allowed him to write over 100 songs, each reflecting a piece of his life and thoughts.

Collaboration has also played a crucial role; his long-standing friendship and collaboration with Steven Seibold of Hate Dept and Pigface shows his willingness to learn and grow from his peers. This partnership has not only enhanced his production skills but also opened new creative avenues, blending industrial sounds with diverse musical elements.

Looking ahead, Imes remains committed to keep developing his music with a distinct approach. With plans to release more music through the Revisited series and new projects, his creative journey is far from over. His dedication to reviving live performances, despite logistical challenges, underscores his passion for connecting with audiences directly. Additionally, his side projects, MOD CON and The Search Merchants, Imes enjoys exploring diverse genres.

Keep up to date with Animals in Denial here:

Website // Facebook // Instagram // TikTok // Spotify // Soundcloud // Apple Music // YouTube Music

06.04.24

by Jane Lambert

George Collins Brings Upbeat and Joyful Vibes with his New Single “Saving the Best for Last”

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George Collins has recently released his latest single, “Saving the Best for Last”!

This is the last single written for his second EP “Songs for Grown Ups” which is scheduled to hit the airwaves this summer.

Radiating positivity and a lively vibe, “Saving the Best for Last” wraps up the album’s themes with a hopeful twist. It reflects on the passage of time and the shift into a new chapter of life, where past lessons pave the way for a fulfilling and joyful future.

“I knew I wanted to end this collection with a positive, upbeat, exuberant anthem. For this song, I was inspired by the works of George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison and Neil Diamond. The song summarises the themes explored in the previous tracks of the EP and reaches the hopeful conclusion that, As I continue getting older and enter into a new phase of existence, I can bring all the lessons I have learned to bear to create a fulfilling and joyful later stage of life.”

Collins shares, “I’ve always believed that, regardless of age, my best days and work are yet to come – and this song is my way of expressing that belief. It’s a counterbalance to “Stop the Sun”, urging listeners to leave regrets behind and embrace life to the fullest within the constraints of being human.“

What sets this track apart is its infectious energy, packed with catchy hooks and a nod to 70s-style modulation that adds a surprising twist to the lyrics – a rare find in today’s music scene.

Inspired by Edward Said’s reflections on “Late Style,” the album delves deep into the theme of creativity flourishing in later years. By drawing parallels between legends like Springsteen and Harrison and timeless figures such as Bach, Yeats, Matisse, and Picasso, Collins celebrates the richness of experience and wisdom that comes with age. It is the idea that these iconic artists have a message that can serve as model for us all.

The horn arrangements on the track were crafted by Canadian musician Lou Pomanti, known for his work with Michael Buble. Pomanti’s touch added a special dimension to the song.

Production, mixing, and mastering of “Saving the Best for Last” took place at Sundown Sessions Studio in Nashville, Tennessee with Collins recording his lead vocals at a studio in Prague, and engineering by Derek Saxenmeyer of ENEM Productions.

Connect with George Collins:

Website, // Facebook // Instagram // Spotify

05.23.24

by Jane Lambert

Galactic Monk Releases Ethereal Pop Anthem “Secretly Admire”

Galactic Monk has released his ethereal new single, “Secretly Admire,” out now!

The track invites listeners to embrace self-love and overcome insecurities, delivering a powerful message wrapped in an ethereal pop sound with hints of Tropical House.

“The inspiration for writing and recording this song stems from my anticipation of a relationship with my Twin Flame. My intuition tells me we will have a fiery relationship supported by the divine. This song is a manifestation of the reality I want to create. As a writer and artist with roots in Hip-Hop, exploring singing vocals was a new venture for me,” says Galactic Monk.

He adds, “Recording, mixing, and mastering the track myself was crucial in achieving the ethereal and upbeat energy I envisioned.”

The story behind “Secretly Admire” is one of true perseverance. After prioritizing his mental health with a leave of absence from work in 2015, Galactic Monk rebuilt his recording studio from scratch in 2022.

“Secretly Admire” is the first song completed in his newly equipped studio, symbolizing a return to his creative roots.

Accompanying the single is a new lyric video. Galactic Monk plans to release one song each month until the full album is unveiled. The aim is to empower listeners to step into their authentic power and shine unapologetically, blending ethereal pop, catchy beats, and lyrical magic.

Galactic Monk has dedicated himself to an unwavering pursuit of self-mastery, honing his skills in recording, mixing, mastering, writing, and producing to develop a unique sound.

Starting as a recording engineer, he wrote and recorded his songs during studio downtime, creating each track as a vessel for powerful mantras, affirmations, and manifestations.

At the heart of his art is a profound commitment to his “Star Mission” – a crusade to save planet Earth and activate enlightenment in all who encounter his work. Galactic Monk’s music is a vehicle for transformation, awakening dormant potentials and unlocking inherent power within each listener.

In an increasingly disconnected world, Galactic Monk stands out as a beacon of hope, showcasing art’s transformative power and the human spirit’s limitless potential.

When not in the studio, he shares daily doses of motivational wisdom on social media platforms and plots world-changing initiatives with fellow truth seekers.

Keep up with Galactic Monk here:

Website / X / Spotify / YouTube Music

05.23.24

by Jane Lambert

Discover the Awakening: Tataetano’s Debut Album “MaloKhali Rising” Redefines California Sound

Solo artist and singer-songwriter Tataetano announces the release of his debut full-length album “MaloKhali Rising.”

Hailing from the Bay Area in California, Tataetano is the stage name of Antonio Palazzo. This new album of songs features a blend of Indie and Adult Alternative music.

The concept of “Malokhali Rising” revolves around the theme of awakening and inspiration:

“I wanted the concept of this album to have a recurring theme of some version of an awakening or an inspiration to achieve something with new possibilities. I decided to name the album “Malokhali Rising.” Khali means space, silence, or empty, as used in Northern Indian music philosophy to describe the pause between two beats. It’s the moment of space (the khali) where rhythm is born. Malo in Tongan means “thank you.” MaloKhali to me, means finding and embracing the empty space between when one part of life (usually negative) ends and another one (positive) begins and being grateful for that. So, Malokhali Rising is the state of mind in which this occurs.”

Most of the tracks on the album have hints of this concept, but the second track on the album, titled “Down Here,” is the most prominent:

A great wide darkness swallows me

There’s a trillion stars above every tree

I’m not yet tame, but I am small

The voice I lost shouts “fuck” em all

A strange new breath I feel

Down here

A sunrise spills light on the night

A spirit’s shook by a thunder strike

Above the ocean of oxygen

Lives worlds our minds have never been

In the first verse, the song depicts a person overwhelmed by the pressures of modern society. They glimpse the awe-inspiring “trillion stars above every tree,” igniting a desire to leave behind their known world in search of something deeper.

The second verse describes the realization of this search, celebrating nature’s beauty with lines like “sunrise spills light on the night” and the awakening of a spirit “shook by a thunder strike.” It ends with recognizing the vast, unexplored realms of existence, expressed in “above the ocean of oxygen, live worlds our minds have never seen.” The chorus reflects a sense of wonder and renewal, presenting a breath of fresh air that feels entirely new to them.

Throughout all of the tracks, Tataetano brings together a delectable blend of alternative rock elements, synths, and electronica. He stands out for his pleasing melodies and thoughtful lyrics, which together create a unique California sound.

Tracks “You Are My Friend” and “A Day In Harmony” carry a more mellow electronica sound, while “The Pain I Take” is punchier, with rock beats and percussion.

“The Joy Will Be Restored” is a standout track on this album for its vocal harmonies, strong rhythms, and catchy refrains.

The album’s overall instrumentation blends modern electronic sounds with organic hand drums and sometimes ancient percussive instruments, creating a really unique sound.

Alongside the album, Tataetano has also released a book of poems titled “Borrowed Eden.” The book echoes the themes of his music’s emotional richness, and the album and poetry work together to show artistic versatility and talent for combining different creative expressions.

Malokhali Track List:

The Next Thousand Thumps
Down Here
Let the Sky Cry
You Are My Friend
Peter Pan Parable
The Pain I Take
Santa Monica
A Day in Harmony
Blossom of Desire
The Joy will be Restored
Wild Freedom

Tataetano wrote and arranged all the songs and lyrics, working with producer Tal Ariel, an incredible musician who helped develop the songs and ensured they sounded their best!

Keep up to date with Tataetano on his Website. Follow Tataetano on Facebook and Instagram.

Listen to music on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud and YouTube.

05.05.24

by Jane Lambert

Wren Astra’s New Single ‘Concussed’: A Musical Journey of Resilience and Social Justice

Wren Astra embodies a unique blend of creativity and academia, seamlessly navigating her roles as an indie blues musician and a respected professor at USC.

Her new single, “Concussed”, is a profound exploration of societal issues, drawing from a diverse range of musical influences to tell the story of experiencing concussion at the hands of an abuser.

It is a powerful and emotionally charged song that delves into the harrowing experience of living through physical assault and the complex dynamics of trauma bonds.

The decision to release it on leap year day adds an extra layer of symbolism, reflecting the disorienting and surreal nature of the events depicted in the song:

“This was a very difficult video for the crew and actors to make. I wanted it to be a graphic and realistic retelling of the very real events that survivors live through. I want viewers and listeners to live through and feel why many of us return over and over to our abuser with hope that things will turn out differently.“

The collaboration with guest vocalist Zero Surico of @for3sthills brings additional depth to the vocals, amplifying the intensity of the message. It’s evident that a lot of thought and emotion went into creating both the music and the accompanying video, making it a compelling and thought-provoking piece of art.

The song also explores the confusing thoughts, feelings, and physical disorientation that occurs in real time of an abuse event. It features Wren Astra reading the legal restraining order for her abuser as she whispers, with haunting melancholy vocals by Surico and the moody strings of guest celloist Christopher McCarthy.

In her dedication to inclusivity, Wren actively collaborates with artists from marginalized communities, diversifying the artistic landscape and fostering a sense of representation and belonging.

Crafting the Wren Astra brand as an outlet for pain and trauma through music reflects a courageous and inspired endeavor. Music’s capacity to convey profound emotions serves as a perfect medium for sharing her story and fostering healing, not only for herself but also for others who have encountered similar challenges.

Through her interdisciplinary approach, informed by her background in social justice medicine and medical writing, she brings depth to her music, offering insights into the systemic issues she addresses.

Wren ensures that her commitment to inclusivity extends to her live performances, creating spaces where individuals of all backgrounds and identities feel welcomed and celebrated.

Her work serves as a powerful catalyst for social change, inspiring others to join the fight for justice and equality through artistic expression.

Keep up to date with Wren Astra on Instagram and Facebook

Stream music on Spotify and YouTube

03.27.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3QS WITH GAVIN MCLEOD

At just 24 years old, Gavin McLeod has already established himself as a seasoned singer-songwriter and virtuosic guitarist in the sphere of indie rock music.

From his early days rocking out on video game drums to gracing the stages of festivals and television shows, Gavin’s musical path is nothing short of remarkable.

Driven by a deep passion for collaboration with other musicians, Gavin leads his band of brothers, blending the intimate storytelling of 1970s singer-songwriters with the electrifying energy of modern UK indie rock.

With his debut album, “The Constant Astonishment,” produced by industry veterans, Gavin is poised to captivate audiences with his anthemic melodies and captivating lyrics.

His new single “Things We Used To Do” is accompanied by a brand new music video, which was shot at a live show at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on December 14th 2023.

It features a mix of raw and up close footage from the live show, at what is now a legendary Toronto music venue known for hosting countless influential musicians and bands over the years.

We caught up with Gavin to get the lowdown on the inspiration behind the music video:

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically?

I have been playing live with my band since I was 11 years old. For the first single off of our debut album, it felt natural to shoot the music video at a show, raw and in the moment. There were a million stories this video could’ve told, but ultimately I wanted it to represent the band and the song in a very real way. Recording this song was an incredibly collaborative experience and most of the track was recorded live off the floor with the four of us in a room together.

Recording the music video at a venue was the closest I felt we could get to that original recording session. It was a special night at the Horseshoe Tavern downtown Toronto, and the whole thing was captured and put together beautifully by Connor Scheffler.

2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

I have always taken heavy inspiration from all of the old bands and artists of the 70’s. Neil and Bruce and Petty, those guys always had some great live music videos that always stuck with me. This music video is our attempt at that classic style, with all of the musicians on stage playing the song in real time. It is a raw and messy and chaotic in certain places, but that is how a live show can often be. We stepped out on stage that night with one chance to nail this video shoot, and we are all really happy with the result. We had a great crew filming us that night, and the energy from the crowd in the room was excellent.

3. What was the process of making this video?

For anyone from Toronto, the Horseshoe Tavern is an iconic and storied venue. Many great bands have graced the stage, and it’s always an honour to play in that room. I had booked this show months in advance, and when we began music video discussions, it made a lot of sense to line it up with this night. After some preplanning with Connor Scheffler and his team, we met up before soundcheck and started shooting some footage.

The video contains shots from soundcheck, the greenroom, and the live performance of the song. To keep everything in time, our Drummer Tyler played the song to a click track, and we tried our best to play as close to the studio recording as possible (which proved to be much easier said than done).

Afterwards, Connor put a few cuts together for us to watch and absolutely nailed the visuals and the flow of the end product. We are all very happy with how it came out.

The synergy between Gavin McLeod and his band shines brightly in this single and Gavin’s vision of capturing the raw essence of their live performances seamlessly translates into the recording process, resulting in a sound that feels both intimate and exhilarating:

“I had the romantic idea of recording the album old school style – live off the floor – just like a show. It was a dream come true”, Gavin says.

“Things We Used To Do” is produced by Ross Hayes Citrullo.

On Lead Vocals are Gavin McLeod, McLeod and Patrick Mills on electric guitar, Gavin McLeod on percussion, Tyler Dewar on drums, and Joey DePaiva on bass guitar.

Keep up to date with Gavin McLeod on his website at www.gavinmcleodmusic.com

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Music can be streamed on Spotify,Apple Music, and YouTube.