STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION’s latest single, “HIKARI”, marks another stunning release from R.O.N. highlighting his signature blend of electronic and pop elements.
The song was written as the theme for the HIKARI Festival 2024 in Poznan, Poland, and it perfectly embodies the festival’s ethos of connection and unity through music. Influences from both Poland and Japan are brought together to create a sound that is truly unique:
The production is immaculate; the song opens with an atmospheric intro that layers various sound recordings captured in Poland. It immediately sets the tone and evokes the excitement and anticipation of a live performance. As the track progresses, R.O.N. mixes a mid-tempo electro-pop beat with a dreamy melody. It’s a subtle, soothing track, yet its emotional gravity is undeniable.
The chorus, with its repetitive “la-la-la-la-la” chant, stands out as the heartbeat of the song. This simple, yet evocative refrain elevates HIKARI, giving it a haunting, ethereal quality that’s hard to shake.
“HIKARI” reflects on themes of connection and distance, resonating with R.O.N.’s comment that “Even though we are far apart, we are still connected.” The song’s message is universal and timely, making it especially powerful in a world where music is one of the few things that can truly bridge gaps between people and cultures.
HIKARI is a beautifully composed and thought-provoking track that embodies STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION’s ability to craft music that can connect with its audience.
STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION is the music project of R.O.N., an acclaimed producer known for his sleek, digital-forward sound.
He has composed theme songs for internationally popular anime series like Beyond the Boundary, Food Wars!, Moriarty the Patriot, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. R.O.N.’s distinct style, blending electronic elements with a modern, stylish edge, has earned him a strong following both in Japan and abroad.
In the realm of music videos where elaborate sets and high-tech effects often dominate, Gretta Ziller’s latest project for her single “Hell’s Half Acre” offers a refreshing departure with its raw, organic appeal.
As a celebrated Americana artist, marking a decade in music, Ziller’s new video is a deeply personal and evocative piece that reflects both her artistic evolution and the story behind her song.
“Hells’s Half Acre” is a track that holds special significance for Ziller as it represents a pivotal moment in her career.
The video, which has been created with a distinctive DIY approach, mirrors the song’s themes of departure, regret, and self-reflection through its earthy, vintage visuals. Rather than presenting a straightforward narrative, the video subtly suggests the song’s story, allowing viewers to interpret and connect with it on a personal level.
We caught up with Ziller to find out more about the creative process behind the video, the inspiration behind it and the innovative techniques used.
1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?
“Hell’s Half Acre” holds a special place in my heart as one of the first songs I released when I began my musical journey a decade ago. The song is about getting out of a ‘bad for you’ relationship, the person in the beginning was attracted to the wild/rebelliousness character but in the end it wasn’t who they were and they had to leave.
Although it’s technically a fictitious story there are elements of truth in it. I wrote the song when I was moving from a regional area to a city, a friend of mine was going through a messy divorce, I did know someone in a bike gang, and the Shady Pines Saloon is a real bar and Hell’s Half Acre is a real place! I didn’t get to make a music video for the original recording so this time I wanted to create something that hinted at the story but also allowed the watcher to make up their own about the song.
2. What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
For the release of the new video, I really wanted to create an organic, earthy, vintage feel that complemented the themes of the song. The inspiration was to suggest the story in “Hell’s Half Acre” without being too literal, using subtle visuals like packing a bag, a dirt road that becomes asphalt, the view outside the car and glimpses of chapels. The idea was to provide hints that evoke the feeling of leaving, regret, and that lingering sense of “I’m old enough to have known better” rather than showing every detail.
I wanted layered visuals to further the idea of memory flashbacks with the feeling of moving forward. Most of all I wanted the clip to allow the watcher the freedom to connect emotionally while imagining the storyline for themselves.
3. What was the process of making the video?
For this video, I took a more DIY approach, which was really exciting and different from how I’ve worked before. I had the concept in mind, and I shared it with my videographer, Arlo Dean Cook, who has done most of my music videos. However, this time, my partner and I decided to film it ourselves.
We spent a day on the west side of Melbourne, capturing the landscape and beautiful Catholic shrines using just our phones. Once we had all the footage, I sent it over to Arlo, and he worked his magic and put it all together. It was a really fun and creatively liberating experience—filming, exploring new parts of my creativity, and having a more hands-on role in bringing the vision to life!
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.
In a world fraught with division and conflict, Steven Chesne’s new album, ‘Descendants (in 79 Languages)’ offers a refreshing reminder of our shared humanity.
Set to release worldwide on July 19, 2024, “Descendants” (on Brahmasong Records) is an eclectic concept album.
Bringing together World-Beat, Electronica, New Age, and Neo-Classic styles, the core message of “Descendants” is encapsulated in the phrase “We are the descendants,” which is presented in 79 languages, including French, Portuguese, Igbo, Khmer, Xhosa, Korean and Ukrainian.
This ambitious project took Chesne four years to complete—a journey that involved meticulous translation work, unique musical compositions that interweave the 79 languages, and global collaboration with vocalists. The first year was spent obtaining accurate translations from native speakers and crafting melodies for each phrase. Another year was dedicated to recording sessions with vocalists from diverse locales such as Madagascar, Albania, Kenya, and the Netherlands. The remaining two years focused on composing additional tracks and refining the production aspects.
Chesne says, “While there are countless things that various people and cultures disagree about, even to the point of violence, one thing that all of us accept in common is the fact that we all descend from a common source, whatever that may be.”
The lyrics are simple: “We are the descendants,” which function as the unifying building blocks of the songs. The music has an otherworldly beauty, sometimes joyous, other times deep and profound, exploring an eclectic diversity of world beats and contemporary experimentation, without becoming fully ensconced in any style. It excites the soul and nourishes the spirit, honoring cultural heritage worldwide and presenting it in a modern context.
An impressive lineup of artists is featured, including Platinum recording artist rapper Fredo Bang, Uyanga Bold (vocalist in Disney’s “Mulan” and Marvel’s “Spiderman”), Christina Hals (vocalist in Disney’s “Frozen 1&2” and “League of Legends”), Chhom Nimol (lead singer of “Peter Gabriel presents Dengue Fever”), members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and two-time Grammy award-winning vocalist Hila Plitmann. These fantastic collaborations bring a rich, authentic sound to the album.
It feels like Disney’s “It’s A Small World” but for the modern age. Descendants (in 79 languages) is a sophisticated, complex, contemporary work that takes the listener on a journey through sounds as unique as they are captivating.
Steven Chesne’s music career spans more than three decades. From scoring prime-time network shows to creating “Sapient: A Cantata of Peace,” Chesne has an extraordinary talent and dedication to fostering unity through music.
The upcoming album “Descendants (in 79 languages)” promises to fascinate listeners worldwide, starting July 19th, 2024.
Check out the album’s video tour here and discover more about Steven Chesne atwww.chezworks.com.
Paul Hashemi, the frontman of Faint Halos, has released his new single “Skyline Hill.”
This is the second single from his forthcoming album I Can See a Million Lights, due out in August 2024.
This track beautifully captures the tranquility of a summer evening at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and reflects Hashemi’s inspiration drawn from the city’s unique blend of intimate locales and expansive views.
During his time at the Mann Center, Hashemi observed the city from a distance, gaining a fresh perspective. He remarked on how Philadelphia’s small, familiar places contrast with the vast, unified view seen from afar, which inspired the song’s lyrics.
“Skyline Hill” features a deliberately simple arrangement with acoustic and electric guitars, keys, bass, drums, and vocals. Lead guitar, played with an eBow, highlights Hashemi’s innovation, using a “fluttering” technique to create a unique sound.
This technique involved playing a trill with his left hand while manipulating the eBow to control volume, a process that required extensive experimentation and multiple takes to perfect.
“Skyline Hill” was recorded, produced, and mixed in Hashemi’s home studio in Berwyn, PA, with additional vocal recordings in North Carolina. As one of the first pieces written for the new album, it stands out with its airy, minimalist arrangement and haunting guitar melodies.
Paul Hashemi’s musical journey spans classical training, touring with rock bands in the ’90s, followed by a hiatus to focus on career and family.
The pandemic really reignited his creativity, leading to the formation of Faint Halos and the creation of I Can See a Million Lights. This debut album delves into introspective themes with poignant lyrics and dynamic arrangements, marking an exciting new chapter.
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.
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