by Jane Lambert

Real Stories, Real Songs in George Collins’s Latest EP “Songs for Grown Ups”

George Collins’s EP “Songs for Grown-ups“ is a wonderful exploration of adulthood all wrapped up in the comforting embrace of Americana rock.

This EP, which includes six previously released singles along with a new and exclusive bonus track, offers a profound reflection on the themes of family, love, aging, and gratitude, all delivered through Collins’s signature warm and inviting sound.

The EP opens with the vibrant “I Got What I Got,” a feel-good anthem that encourages listeners to appreciate life’s blessings.

This song has an upbeat tempo and a melody that creates an instant connection, setting a positive tone for the journey ahead.

Following this, “Where Have I Been All Your Life” displays Collins’s introspective songwriting at its finest, balancing the competing demands of personal passions and family obligations – a relatable sentiment for many especially in the busy world of today.

One of the standout moments in the collection is “My Wish For You.” This song is a touching tribute to Collins’s daughter that took almost a decade to craft. This song encapsulates the hopes and dreams every parent holds for their child, that each parent wants the absolute best for their child and this shows true sincerity and love.

“Stop the Sun” is a more contemplative reminder of life’s fleeting nature, skilfully bringing together themes of time and existence into its storyline. This is a track that invites the listener to pause and reflect, and it really adds a lot of depth to the overall message of the EP.

As the journey comes to a close with “Saving the Best for Last,” listeners are treated to a saxophone-infused melody that has a contemporary flair.

What makes “Songs for Grown-ups” particularly remarkable is Collins’s ability to tackle complex themes without becoming overly serious. Instead, he creates an experience that is both introspective and celebratory and invites the listener to revel in the joy and wisdom that comes with maturity.

Overall, George Collins’s Songs for Grown-ups is a delightful addition to the Americana rock landscape.

It shows an artist who has embraced life’s myriad of experiences, as well as looking back at all of the crossroads and paths that took one to where they are, today. Through catchy hooks and thoughtful storytelling, Collins delivers a collection that will relate for anyone navigating the ups and downs of adulthood.

Originally from Washington D.C. and currently based in Prague, George Collins blends elements of Americana rock with the introspection of blues and soul. His music nods to iconic artists such as The Beatles, Elvis Costello, Dire Straits, Tom Petty, Otis Redding, as well as James Brown.

Collins is also an experienced writer, having penned two novels, a screenplay, as well as numerous short stories and poems. His artistic journey reflects a deep commitment to authenticity, making him a unique voice in today’s music scene.

Connect with George Collins here:

Website // Facebook // Instagram // Spotify

09.27.24

by Jane Lambert

Animals In Denial Release Powerful New Single “COI”!

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Christian Imes, the driving force behind Animals In Denial, delivers a potent blend of industrial rock and electronica with latest single “Coi.”

“Coi” is a track that has been a long time in the making. Initially composed in 2003, it began with electronic sequences created using Acid Pro 4, a tool that allowed Christian to stitch together the core of what would become a powerful and compelling piece.

The track was initially intended as a pitch for one of his earlier bands, but the project was shelved when the band’s singer felt there wasn’t enough room for lyrics. However Christian knew there was something special within the track’s groovy, hard-hitting beats and dark atmosphere, so he tucked it away for years until the timing felt right to revisit it.

Listen in here:

“Coi” channels the spirit of Nine Inch Nails and takes much of its inspiration from albums like The Fragile and Pretty Hate Machine. These influences are clear in the driving, industrial beats which are combined with a massive wall of sound created by searing guitar lines that cut through the electronic undercurrent. Imes explains that he wanted the track to be something that rocked as hard as metal but still had a danceable, rhythmic groove.

The result is a track that balances heaviness and energy, perfect for both head-banging and losing yourself in its hypnotic rhythm.

One of the standout elements of “Coi” is its guitar work. Christian used his Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 to lay down both the rhythm and lead tracks, capturing a raw, gritty sound that perfectly complements the song’s darker vibe. His 85 Gibson Les Paul Studio, which was a cherished birthday gift from his mother, was used to add more depth and richness to the lead lines in the chorus, as well as fatten up the rest of the sound to give a sense of power. The guitar parts came naturally, with many of the recordings being first takes.

While the bass lines were created using a sample pack and a keyboard, they blend in and add a weighty low-end that helps to anchor the frenetic energy of the drums and guitars.

Christian’s attention to detail in production, even when using non-traditional instruments, shines through in every aspect of the song.

Recorded with a Shure SM58 microphone and enhanced using the Nectar plugin and a mic modeler plugin, Imes delivers a raw and emotionally charged performance.

The lyrics reflect his feelings of betrayal, frustration, and emotional turmoil after a toxic relationship. Imes recounts how the relationship, marked by manipulation, dishonesty, and infidelity which left him feeling used and lost. Lines like, “I’m sick on the in, you’re sick on the out,” capture the disconnect between his efforts to heal and his ex-partner’s refusal to confront her own demons. At the time, Christian was navigating challenges related to PTSD and ASD, which added to the complexity of the situation.

“Lyrically, this is another one that was about one of my ex-girlfriends. It’s not nice but she treated me about as bad as you can possibly treat someone. From the hot and cold, to endless lies about stuff you should never lie about. She was my first after school serious relationship and I got really invested, and in retrospect the signs, flags, whatever, were there. I was also seeing doctors and therapists to deal with PTSD and ASD and trying to figure out “me” is why I think I missed some clear signals that we would’ve been better as friends.”

Reflecting on the lyrics today, Imes acknowledges that both he and his ex-partner were dealing with unresolved pain, but at the time of writing “Coi,” he was still deeply hurt. He now sees the relationship from a more mature perspective, recognizing that it was a combination of their struggles that led to its unraveling.

Christian Imes, the brain behind Animals In Denial, is an artist who defies boundaries and challenges the status quo. His music merges elements of alternative rock, industrial, electronic, and even pop. As a neurodivergent artist, Christian shares a unique perspective and experience with Asperger’s syndrome, creating songs that speak to the human existence in profound and innovative ways.

A devoted family man, Christian can often be found jamming with his sons, passing on his love for music and creativity. His ethos can be summed up in his own words: “I just want to live my life surrounded by music.”

As the latest addition to the Animals In Denial discography, “Coi” solidifies Christian’s place as a visionary in the alternative and industrial rock music genres.

“Coi” is now available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Stay up to date with Animals In Denial on the Website, and Facebook.

Stream music on Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube music.

09.25.24

by Jane Lambert

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION’s Latest Release “HIKARI” Illuminates Global Connections with Electro-Pop Magic

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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.

Connect with STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION:

Website // Facebook // Instagram // X // Spotify // Apple Music // YouTube

09.14.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH GRETTA ZILLER

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!

Stay connected with Gretta Ziller on her Website.

Stream music on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

06.15.24

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

Composer Steven Chesne Releases New Album “Descendants (in 79 languages)” – an Album Celebrating Unity and Interconnectedness for the Modern Age

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 at www.chezworks.com.