Life and It's Meaning

Life can be short and life can be long. Often it depends upon your point of view. To us the life of a bee seems rather short, but not to the bee. The length of life however should not be a concern, more to the point, it ought to be the way we live it that matters. The bee does exactly as it is programmed to do by nature and knows no more and desires nothing more because of it. We on the other hand are conscious beings – we know more and so paradoxically we desire more, thus causing strife and striving. Our life is a multi-faceted and intricate web of individualities, both exoteric (outside of our selves) and esoterically (within ourselves). We are many different people, affected by many different people. This complicates our life yet further, but so do other things such as fear.

Fear is a prime mover in our lives. We may not be aware of it, but it is a fact. Until we overcome our fear we shall not be truly free – so say almost all mankind’s wisdom texts. But first we must come to recognise this fear and its many faces. Fear can be as simple as worrying about how the bills are going to be paid or as complex as the subconscious notions of our position within our immediate peer group. It is a strong and subtle element of our psyche that is used against us by those who would manipulate us. The Church has for generations utilised fear in all-manner of ways to cajole the sheep into the pen. So too have governments and today we have the added bonus of the commercial world adding extra fear on top. Now individuals get stuck by their fears and run frantic on the hamsters wheel of greed, envy, lust, desire and all-kinds of other “sins.” The companies use slick advertising to convince us that we mustn’t miss out on the next big thing and so we run off to the bank, borrow huge sums of money and spend all our lives working to pay for the things we now cannot enjoy. Nature is free, it is there waiting for us to rejoin it. Unfortunately we are too busy running away from the hell of the Church, the taxman of the State and the overdraft manager of the bank, to enjoy it. Do not think that you are reading this objectively, you know that you are subject, as we all are in one form or another. No man is free, unless he frees himself. The question is, do we even know that we are in chains? And that is the first move we must make to find true freedom – we must look long and hard in the mirror of our life. In the end, these are our fears and are not owned by religion, state or company.

Whether we are talking about alchemy, gnosticism or just plain spirituality the fact is that we are told again and again, sometimes in arcane language and sometimes not, that we have to burn off the bad stuff. We have to reduce ourselves down to the original core, to the seed that started it all, because most of what we think we are is really somebody else.

Once we have worked out that we are not “James Bond” or anybody else, and that we are unique individuals then we can move forward with our lives properly. Now we can look in the mirror and see who we are we must also understand that we do have connection to others, but that we must not “become” others. We are in fact natural beings, connected to nature, to the landscape, the beasts, the sea and the wind. All these things touch our lives and we touch them. It’s free, it doesn’t cost us anything and so we don’t have to run around the Hamster’s Wheel like a crazed rodent.

I know, there will be people mumbling to themselves saying “but I have kids, a job, a car to pay for….” And yes, most people do these days, but the question has to be – how much “stuff” do we really need? Just because some marketing man has told you to buy something because Mr and Mrs Jones next door have already ordered one doesn’t mean you should. That scenario is playing on our fears – that we won’t be as good as our neighbours. One less thing of no worth bought is one less worry and fear. I don’t need a new lawnmower, my old one still works. I don’t need a television, it’s full of rubbish, sells me more crap and keeps me fearful. As author Tim Wallace-Murphy said to me recently, “it’s a bloody one eyed monster.” I don’t need a new computer, this one is good enough. I only need to know who I am, to see the glory of nature and be awe inspired by the fact that I am part of it.

A small example of how innocent our connection to nature came to me when I visited my sister on her land in Wales. She lives in an old stone cottage in deep countryside. The lane to her home is winding, steep and perilous in winter. But it is a place of solace and a world away from the bustling streets of London or New York. I took a day out with my two small children and we ventured off for a day in the fields, woods and to picnic by her stream. I allowed the children to run wild – to know no boundaries, like the ones they have in suburbia. For the whole day they played in the stream, climbed trees, ran in the fields and fed the goats. It cost nothing and yet they were elated, well-behaved and we drove home tired and yet refreshed. On other occasions I have taken them to fun parks, which cost a lot of money, were full of people, sights, sounds and smells. We have driven home tired, but certainly not refreshed and it affected the children’s psyche, causing more arguments and confusion. To my mind, this is an evolutionary connection. It is contact with the ancestral genes within us – the path of thousands upon thousands of years of man and his tuning in with nature. This contact has only in the last few hundred years been eroded, so that now we do not even realise what is wrong with us.

There is nothing of faith in this concept, it can be explained scientifically. Just as man’s skin alters pigmentation in different climes, or as stature has altered according to diet, so too man’s emotional and psychological state merges with his surroundings. For a longer time than we can imagine mankind has been as one with nature. He has understood her cycles, walked with the herds, swum with the schools and followed the ebb and flow of the seas and rivers. He tested the foodstuffs and found balance with his diet. All the anthropological evidence points to a distant past whereby man lived in relative harmony, hunting and gathering for a small percentage of his day. His teeth and bones were strong and there are no signs of warfare or unrest. Of course there were fewer people on Earth in those days and our success at survival knew no bounds. Mankind grew, but it was not until he began farming and claiming land and possessions that unrest seems to occur. Dairy farming brought disease. Destroying huge tracts of forests brought changes in the environment. Greed and hunger brought jealousy and the rot set in.

Now thousands of years later we live on islands too small for our population and force the natural world into our way of thinking. We destroy more than we mend. Fear drives us like never before – a fear derived in the evolutionary world of survival.

And because we do not understand our past we ruin the future. Many times we have all heard historians say that we need to know where we came from to know where we are heading and yet this is a frightening thought, for even now in the 21st century we still do not properly comprehend. Our past, we believe, is strewn with the wreckage of human failure and some success. We have the brains to create nuclear energy and then turn it into a bomb. If this is the past we see, then the future we predict for ourselves will be ever more troublesome. Instead we should look further into our past and to the point where we were intuitive of the natural world. This past lasted for a much longer period than our relatively modern settlement scenario. Is it too late? Are there now too many people on the planet? A hundred years ago there were one billion, now there are six billion. The future looks grim for the human race unless it does something soon. Will man awaken to this understanding? Will he realise what he has done in his race to nowhere?

Even now there are growing numbers of people who feel empty and isolated, even though they live amongst thronging crowds. A city is not a community if it does not have a spirit of oneness and our cities, towns and even villages can be places of high technology, fast paced, dog eat dog styled nightmares. Many of those who recognise that something is not right about the way we live are moving back into the countryside. Some take their modern ways of living with them and so also their hamsters wheel in-order to pay for it. Others feel a stronger urge to understand where we came from and to reconnect. What stops us all doing the same thing? A great many things and mostly all rooted in fear.

At the end of the day, whatever our circumstances, we will be better off within ourselves if we understand that we are creatures of the planet earth and not some machine sent to do the bidding of the corporations. We should decide what we want and we can only do this if we know our own minds – our true self. For millennia man has sought this “source” and in every culture it has come to the same conclusion, that the self is the aspect of the human psyche that is intuitively in-tune with nature. To deny this aspect of ourselves is to invite division and turmoil into our lives. The unconscious mind strives for what it has been developed over thousands of years to do – to connect, and yet the conscious mind desires all-manner of things and denies its true role. Our attraction to certain colours, shapes and smells used today to entice us into plastic products and useless insurance are all within us because of evolution. Colours of fruit, shapes and smells of healthy food are all now so long forgotten that we only see, feel and smell the poison of the burger or candy bar, cleverly mocking their natural “alternative.” And this word is an indication of how far we have walked away from our natural state – that we call good wholesome food “alternative” and have to label it “organic” because we genetically engineer and dose our selves up with chemicals. Most people try not to think about it, in the same way they do not see into the beautiful dark eyes of a cow or lamb for fear of being put off their meat. It is a self-defence mechanism, in the same way that our brain turns off our muscles when we go to sleep, to stop us beating ourselves to death.

However far mankind has walked away from his Earth Mother, he has remembered many things and over the course of human history hundreds of individuals have secured their knowledge within texts, symbols, art, structures and ritual. It is to this sacred knowledge that we now turn.

We very briefly touched upon the connection of man’s inner psyche to the natural world around him. How this is part of our history and forged by our evolutionary instincts. In fact we are following patterns, mathematical equations that simply did not predict that consciousness would create a world like the one we now inhabit. In fact, it was not part of the mathematical equation to predict, but to survive and to be strong. But that does not help our conscious mind, which has to deal with the situation we find ourselves in. How can we be healed of this scare we have created?

Well, me and you are not the first people in existence to comprehend these issues. In fact in every generation there have been men and women who have grappled with the complexity of our disjointed societies. The powerful imagination of mankind has created all-manner of answers to the dilemma. One of these is religion, but in creating these so-called sources of wisdom and spirituality man has created yet more chains. Alpha dominant individuals muscle their way into these well-meaning groups and sects and turn them into grand imperial armies that set out to destroy the weak and collect the chosen ones into the fold. Those individuals who comprehended the truths were simply not numerous and powerful enough to fight and so used intellect and cunning to pass the word. These we know in many names and even some of these groups have been taken over by more powerful ones. Gnostics, Sufi’s, mystics, underground streams, alchemists, Cathars and heretics – their names are many and widespread, but within their philosophies and texts we can discern methods of overcoming our conscious issues to life and find ways of helping even us today.

All the groups I just mentioned and several others are linked through time by a thread. This thread has been worn thin by the religious States of times past, but has nevertheless remained connected from the very earliest groups in a time before Egyptian empires, right through the rise of Christianity and into the modern world. Carl Jung the psychoanalyst was one modern writer who discovered the thread and showed how it had been kept alive during the inquisitorial periods of Catholic Europe by the alchemists. It was the thread of Gnosis – the knowledge of the connection, the Divine element of mankind within each and everyone of us. The language of the alchemists was so obscure that it wasn’t seen on the whole as a threat by the Church and so they either ignored it, or even joined in with it – often hoping to be friends or have influence over the one who discovered gold. Of course, the discovery of gold is an esoteric terminology and not a literal element, but that was lost on the profane.

The alchemist, in simple terms, tells us what to do, in-order to discover the Philosopher’s Stone – the source stone of all, of ourselves. Once we discover this stone we can build again. This stone is the core of our true selves. We have to reduce the body down in-order to find it. This means that we have to get rid of all the things in our lives that do not represent who we really are. All the issues we are carrying with us, created by other people and planted in our minds awaiting a bad harvest. These seeds grow within our minds until we can no longer see ourselves within the weeds. We have to chop down and destroy these weeds in the mind and what we shall reveal will be the seed stone of the Philosopher’s. In modern terms it’s like this: when we watch a television program or go to the cinema we see the modern gods of celebrity world. Whether we like it or not these stars affect us and we take on their personas as if our own weren’t good enough. We are in effect trying to become a character created from within the mind of another individual – it is not even a real person we are trying to emulate. There are evolutionary reasons for this – it revolves around children copying and learning from parents – but we must grow up and realise that we are who we are and we need not become a Hollywood clone. Over the course of a lifetime and to differing degrees, we all clone other people and take on the attributes we like. We all start wearing “badges”, whether this be a Rock t-shirt or a Freemasonic apron. It is as if these badges help us to become who we think we are and eventually we no longer know where we came from. Imagine if you can all the people and influences on your life and how you have developed because of all those influences. Now imagine trying to burn them all out of your mind – what would you be left with? Does this scare you? It does most people and so you may be among good company. This is why alchemy was hard, not for the feint hearted and was seen as the Great Work. The same was true of the Cathars, some of the Gnostics and all-manner of groups who understood these concepts, albeit in different form and language. To be “perfected” and “pure” meant not to have any of the impurities of this world. It is a job we must undertake if we are to discover ourselves properly and it is a job that cannot suddenly happen over night – there is no red or blue pill.

How do we go about beginning this work I hear many ask? Well, in fact we are all individuals and so there are many ways, but the truth is that we are all pretty much alike at the core too. We all have to take a serious look at the esoteric mirror – at what lies within. We have to start with the mundane and work through the layers we have built up. I often tell people to begin with actions, because they speak volumes about an individual. Think about what you do and how you react and then ask yourself if you are reacting intuitively or are you acting in a specific way that you have learned from another clone? Do you smile peacefully because you saw the Dalai Lama do it? Or do you smile because your inner psyche tells you to? We all have many actions and reactions in life and so there will be a lot of hard work here, but do this as part of your everyday life. Put up a sticker somewhere that says “was that YOU?”

Eventually and with effort you will begin to understand your own mind and recognise in yourself and others when these clone-like spectres are talking. It will not be easy – that is the only certainty I can offer. But the rewards are manifest in the freedom of mind. You will obtain for yourself the freedom not to be fearful.

Once we have begun this process and stayed the course for some time there are other things we must learn. I know I keep repeating this in my work, but the truth is, it is of such profound importance that I will probably still be repeating it on my death bed. We must learn, on every level of our inner and outer lives the art of balance. Only once we have discovered that balance is important will we understand the truth of this statement. If I try to walk into a Temple by walking into one of the entrance pillars I will hurt myself. If I walk in the centre, between the pillars, which hold up the Temple, then I shall enter the holy place. The pillars are male (positive) and female (negative) aspects of ourselves and the Temple’s holy place holds the stone that fell from heaven – the Philosopher’s Stone – the source – our selves. Balance out our lives and much more will follow.

Article by author, Philip Gardiner

 
 

5 out of 5

The radio is so filled with mindless pop these days. You turn on any of the hot channels of the day and what you will hear is the same song over and over again. I know many might think I am exaggerating and perhaps I am a bit – guilty as charged! Yet, it’s quite remarkable how everyone is tapping into the same hooks, production gimmicks and sounds. In other words, pop and rock have become very generic and mediocre.

It’s a pity that this mediocracy is celebrated so widely on the commercial radio because there would be so many wonderful artists to choose from, artists whose music isn’t getting the recognition it deserves, artists like CS Hellman, whose new song, “The Fear I Felt” is eclectic and catchy, artistically challenging but yet familiar enough.

The song’s got it all: great guitars, poetic lyrics, wonderful breathy vocals and enough structural changes to keep the listener interested. Anyone who likes Editors should check this out. It’s got the same vibe as their music but displays perhaps more crossover mass appeal. All in all, “The Fear I Felt” is a great pop/rock track and CS Hellman is definitely an artist to follow and to keep track of. Brilliant stuff.

Listen here: ”The Fear I Felt”

Review/post by Tom Tikka


A CUP OF STRAVINSKI WITH SOME BEATLES ON THE SIDE: AN INTERVIEW WITH MICAH SHEVELOFF

Micah Sheveloff has had a long and intriguing career in music spawning from Boston rock clubs of the 1980s to the brilliant Voodoo Jets in the early 2000s and beyond. Sheveloff's lates solo single, "Stand Me Up Again" is as a brilliant piece of art pop that feels like a breath of fresh air in today's congested cookie-cutter pop scene. We had the pleasure of interviewing Micah to learn more about his illustruous career that includes working with some rather big names such as Gary Cherone of Extreme.

Your father was a music professor. Was music ever-present in your childhood?

Music was present from birth, predominantly classical music and classical piano lessons until I discovered the Monkees and Partridge Family on TV. But my music-everywhere childhood certainly became the foundation for my journey in popular music. My father was a mean SOB, so that darkness is part of who I am as well.

When did you become interested in music?

As a child, I was interested but of course, turned off by long lessons and hours of practice. My parents also enrolled me in a serious children’s choir in greater Boston called Youth Pro Musica, which still exists today. But I’d sit in the basement and hammer away rock chord changes on an old upright to the dismay of my parents.

How would you describe your music?

I struggle to describe my music and my genre. I have had influences from Stravinsky to The Beatles and some 70s TOP 40 pop. I guess my music strives to blend pretty, melodic compositions with often dark or serious lyrical content.

Who are your favorite artists and why?

I love the bands Dada and Cheap Trick. I love Crowded House. The Beach Boys captivated me on an emotional level. Those artists blend pretty and dark, they draw me in. And the writing is so thoughtful.

Your bio says that the 1980s was your “baptism into the world of rock". This is when you played with some big names, such as Gary Cherone. Can you tell us a bit more about that period in your life?

How great is the new Extreme record?!? I got to play with Gary for about a year pre-Extreme in the Boston scene, and wow was it fun! But I was just crawling out from under the crushing weight of classical piano and finding my way with modern music. Gary was, and is, an inspiration. But it was such a trip to play loud rock and roll for enthusiastic crowds back in those days. I played in a band called The Detours as well, and they had a local hit called "Stuck In My Car" (on YouTube), and I am wearing a polished cotton women’s blouse. Gotta love the 80s!!

Your song “Stand Me Up Again” is a fantastic indie-pop number. What inspired the song?

I have been standing side-by-side with dear friends who have battled addiction, and the song was written as a nod to their strength and perseverance to forge ahead. I played with several artists who did not make it I think we all have, sadly. My producer these days, a gifted chap named Jason Pennock, helped me bring this version of the song to life.

The debut album of your band The Voodoo Jets was produced by the indie-rock legend David Minehan, who has played guitar with Aerosmith and The Replacements, how did that happen?

Ha! Sir David is indeed a legend and part of the Boston scene I am so proud to have emerged from. I remember playing the same bill with his band, The Neighborhoods, back in the day. I was hunting for a producer and two people suggested that I reach out to Dapper Dave. I am so glad that I did, he is a gem of a human and a heck of an artist.

Why did you decide to go solo after The Voodoo Jets?

Excellent question! I was the primary songwriter in the ‘Jets, and I had a deep hunger to try and sing my own shit, though I don’t have near the range that Perrouna does (Voodoo vocal genius). It can be hard to write a song and hand it over to another singer, though Francesco was certainly graceful about it! So it was just a matter of making another leap of faith and working hard. My first solo record, called Exhibitionist, is full of vocal moments that make me cringe. But without that first step, I’d not be the artist I am now.

You’ve produced Beth Patella’s solo album, “Lines In My Fingers”. How is being the producer different from being the artist?

Another great question! I was working at that time with New York City guitar monster Marc Shulman, and when I heard Beth’s demos, I felt she was headed down the wrong path. So, I gathered my amazing band and we learned her songs, recorded them, and I produced each one, including writing out cello parts, arranging harmonies, etc. But the moment from those sessions that sticks in my head is when Shulman produced my piano work on one track that had me stymied for a moment—he stopped me, gave his input, and made the song better for it. Love the muse, love the gift!!

If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Wow … I suppose I would tell myself to write and sing my songs starting at a younger age. Hit the circuit way before I actually did as a solo artist. But I also realize that the journey has brought me gift after gift and so much perspective, so I truly have no remorse. I had a dream one day. I’d play a song with Cheap Trick … and now Gary Cherone has done that, so I borrow parts of his journey from time to time. I am making music, I feel super fortunate.

You can find out more about Micah Sheveloff' here: https://micahsheveloff.com/

And you can stream his latest single here: "Stand Me Up Again"  

Review by Tom Tikka for The MBTM music blog

mAncient's Ep "Love" is out NOW! available everywhere!

About mAncient

Born 56 years ago, mAncient got into music at the age of four. The accordion. Since then, he has learnt to play keys, percussion, harmonica, a little sax & trumpet, but his foremost love is vocals. He creates healing music in the Earth House genre, and was born a healer.

He has taken his Bodhisattva vows. Which means that he is in for another round on the Earthly plane.
In 2018 he said “Enough” to his normal job, and started traveling. Since then, he has been more broke than not, but happy.

In 2021, he passed 6 million streams of his music.
With a global network of 200.000 or so, he uses his network for positive change.
His aim is to leave a better Earth for his children and grandchildren, and his best friend is a dog. They fight a lot, but that is OK. She is a trained bodyguard.

Websites:

www.mancient.com

www.earthhouse.church

www.surroundtherapy.com

Music:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Y5ymzQugwRy2i8kLpNpTg?si=KdlFTifUS-Sg7zA2FsnJ6g

https://soundcloud.com/tunafish

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNLprZBqmImHO3Clki9aIagSiw8BsdkPh

Networks:

Haakon Rian Mancient Ueland Artist
https://linktr.ee/mancient

References:

CLEAR THE 13 CHAKRAS IN 7 SECONDS
BY HAAKON RIAN MANCIENT UELAND

The Review


I will be reviewing mAncient's EP "Love". The original track and the remixed track. So, Lets get started!

The original is as good as the Remix..Let me tell you readers these are totally amazing tracks from start to finish. If you like tribal beats then this is for you.These tracks are 3rd eye opening! with mantras and harmonic synths that swirl around in you ears,accompanied by amazing tribal rhythm that gets your soul moving.

OK, the original starts out like almost a trap beat that leads into house beat. Then comes in the synths playing a melody in unison the rhythm along with vocals that overlap mAncient's signature Wolf howl! Truly outstanding sounds in this track. At the break the riser gets you ready for a wall of sound that will get you dancing in your seat.

Now for the remix. This track starts with the mantra along side the vocals just like the original but with added flavor!This track is truly like a spiritual experience. On to the house rhythm. The beat is absolutely ground breaking with a kick that stomps. Along side the kick there is a shaker that gets you moving.

At the break more vocals come in that leads to the rise that has an incredible burst of sound! Wow, hats to you mAncient! With every single sound play at once in unison along side the rhythm. This is soul shaking beats with mantras, vocals, synths, and arps, all going at once is truly amazing sound. Reader, I urge you to check out mAncient's EP "Love", you will be transcend to a another level!

In conclusion, I personally love this EP. It opens your sense to another world. A world of sound that awakens your soul. With mAncient mantras to his harmonic sound that accompanied by his tribal rhythm. I really enjoyed his tracks from start to finish. Nice work mAncient!

Review by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic

Minds interviewed The Americans', See What Their Frontman Patrick Ferris Had To Say!

Q&A Answers From The Americans' Frontman Patrick Farris!

My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?


I like to think we've invented our own approach to rock & roll, in the same way bands did back in the '50s and '60s. Like many of them, we started out with traditional blues and folk music; everything we write goes through that prism.


What are some of your influences?


Charley Patton, Skip James, Tom Waits, Joanna Newsom, Bob Dylan.


What’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?


It's more common than ever been for people to hear only the views they subscribe to. And the most extreme ideas appear more popular than they actually are. It's a distorted reality.


What has been your greatest achievement so far?



Opening for Dr. John before he died.


If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?


Consider opinions other than your own.


Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?


I guess so. I hope I do the right thing.



What’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?


I think there's good stuff and bad stuff, just like always. A lot of the music we love is in the past, so we tend to focus on that. Sometimes I wonder what we're missing from contemporary music.


Why do you think music and words seem to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?


I don't know. A song is a translation of an abstract concept. It enters the ears, and is translated back to the listener. It's like a foreign language that only you speak.



What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Oh boy. I once got in a drinking contest with our 300 lb Texan friend at a festival. We were supposed to join Ryan Bingham on stage, but there were hours to go. I blacked out, slept beneath the main stage, woke up exactly on time, and walked on. I have no memory of doing so, but I'm told it went OK.


What would you still like to achieve?


More people to pay attention to our music.



Do you believe in man-made global warming? Or is it natural?


I do.


How do you feel about the state of the world today?


I can't tell if things are crazier, or if things have often felt crazy throughout modern history. I guess we'll have to stay tuned.


How do you think we can come together as one to stop global warming?


We're making some progress, though of course not enough to flatten the curve. Nuclear fusion could solve the problem.


What should we do about animal cruelty? What do you think should be done to the ones that "Sport Hunt" animals in a cage?


I think cruelty to animals in its present form will be remembered as a grave injustice. Not that I'm doing anything to help. We'll probably have to explain to our grandkids what we were thinking.


What would be your message to the world about unity? Do you think it can be done in this day and age?


I think the world is getting better. It doesn't seem that way, but large populations of the world's most vulnerable people have been spared war and starvation, compared to the decades prior. So I guess I have a Steven Pinker outlook. But of course it could always go south.


Finally, If there is truly a God, What would you say about humanity and where it's heading?


Help us out!

 

Review by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic
 

 


Abrasive Trees Live Album Release Nothing Exists For A Second Moment only on Bandcamp!

About Abrasive Trees, From Press- Release.

Experimental rock band Abrasive Trees have announced a Bandcamp-only release of their live album Nothing Exists For A Second Moment.

Amidst waves of psychedelic improvisation, intricate live-mixed visuals, spectral spoken word, howling dogs, delayed cello, and layers of distortion, the album reveals a band shifting from delicate instrumentation to intensity with unnerving ease.

Recorded under the eaves of an ancient barn, the album documents a sold-out show the band performed during 2021 at Hatch Barn in Devon near to where the 5-piece is based.  The title of the album is taken from the Buddhist philosophical concept known as 'subtle impermanence' which explains how within each moment things appear and then cease completely - barely existing at all.

Singer/guitarist Matthew Rochford said "It was an incredibly special night.  Mark Beazley of Rothko came and played a set with us,  Matt & Lucy from Pale Blue Eyes recorded our set perfectly and we had such a wonderful night. The energy in the room is WHY we do this."

Jess Wooler added "Abrasive Trees shows are always immersive processes contrasting meditative, magical and explosive elements.  It was an important moment for us and the album brings this across perfectly."

The band, which features members of Bella Union's Silver Moth are known for their ever-evolving experimental rock which started as a bedroom project and a huge list of collaborators (including Jo-Beth Young, Mark Beazley, Laurence Collyer, Seb Rochford, Steven Hill and Peter Yates) and now centers around Rochford, Ben Roberts, Jay Newton, Will Tyler and Jess Wooller.

The album is available from Bandcamp (release date Friday 16th June) on CD, chrome cassette, and download. There is a launch gig at Hatch Barn, Loddiswell, Devon on the same date.

Bandcamp Link:
https://click.mlsend.com/link/c/YT0yMjM2OTU1OTY4NTczMjgyNzY5JmM9YzFlNCZlPTAmYj0xMTU2NTY2NTYyJmQ9aDlhOWo2dg==.Agvcapnwd17Jd8Xj3xwh13TMR2I_8fN2QpyZFjVqKRU

Launch gig: https://click.mlsend.com/link/c/YT0yMjM2OTU1OTY4NTczMjgyNzY5JmM9YzFlNCZlPTAmYj0xMTU2NTY2NTY2JmQ9aTZvNHA3dw==.Eg4GFbeGvYeRfGoA6OQmVKvNfT1KOOv-b4GgqamLsIg

Track listing:

Before
Now You Are Not Here
Kali Sends Sunflowers
Moulding Heaven With Earth
Replenishing Water
Bound For An Infinite Sea

Album Credits

Recorded and mixed by Lucy Board and Matthew Board
Mastered by Mark Beazley
All songs written by Matthew Rochford

Jerome Hitchens - Drums and percussion
Jay Newton - Guitar and keys
Ben Roberts - Cello, keys, bass
Matthew Rochford - Vocals and guitar

Jess Wooller - Live visuals
Jo Beth Young - Vocal sample on Before; spoken word sample on Moulding Heaven With Earth
Hempston - added howling

Graphic design - Paul Newson
Photos by Sophie Gould
With thanks to Mark Beazley, Christian Murison, Mark Arnold and Ben Addicott.
Recorded at Hatch Barn, Saturday 9th October 2021

Interviews/podcasts/queries: Sophie - shapta@mail.com

The Review

From this album I will review two track that really caught my attention "Before and "Moulding Heaven with Earth". Lets began.

The first track that I reviewed is, "Before". This track starts out with a zen feel to it. You could get lost in all the different sounds playing in unison. The guitar and vocals are hypnotic, with the guitar's bright sound all though the track with a twist at the end. Everything starts to play backwards. It give the track a unique melodic sound. This track is a instrumental, and an absolutely fantastic track. I really enjoyed this track. and I think readers you will like it too.

The Second track I reviewed is, "Moulding Heaven with Earth" This track too starts out with a hypnotic guitar, bass, creating a melodic sound of unison. The vocals are spoken words that say, "I Tried To Mould Heaven and Earth, My effigies crumble, And My Offerings dispersed." Like the track the vocals are just as hypnotic. This track would make a good good track for mediation for those who mediate. I really enjoyed this track also. Like "Before" it to has a sound that you could immerse yourself into.

In conclusion, This is a really good album to do some soul searching. This whole album has a feel of the mystical to it. Transcends you to a many dimensions of sound. Readers Please give this album a listen. You just might get lost in it.

Review by:
SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic

Robbie Harte Announces the Release of her Fiery Anthem, "Sticks and Stones"

About Robbie Harte,
Words from her press release. 

An empowering female in every sense, Robbie Harte is one of those artists who uses her inner strength and femininity to create music that connects and builds confidence in the listener. She does that once again with this latest offering.

Country music is synonymous with the truth, and Harte isn’t afraid to speak her mind, especially when she’s creating, and with ‘Sticks and Stones’ she expertly flips the narrative on a negative relationship and takes a positive stance against the effects of gaslighting, using it as fuel to create an anthem that is ready to become an instant Radio hit.

Following an incredible journey over the past five years, Robbie Harte, put a stamp on the country music scene with the release of her single ‘17’ in 2020 after deciding to follow her dream of becoming a professional singer/songwriter. Since then she has hit the number 1 spot numerous times, has been nominated for multiple Josie Awards, and in 2022, won 2 ISSA awards.  

Now she is ready to take her career to the next level with ‘Sticks and Stones’, an anthemic and powerful song that will have country fans singing along in full voice. This is a track that is going to ignite a spark in many.


LINKS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbieharteofficial/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robbieharteofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robbie_harte?lang=en
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@robbieandkk2009
Website: https://www.robbieharte.com/


The Review, "Sticks and Stones"

This track starts with guitars being picked along side with the kick pumping as Robbie Harte sings, "Started Out On The Right Track, And I Thought You Had My Back,When We Are On The Same Page..." Wow, what straight forward and bold words. I think I've said that at least once or twice in my life. Perhaps most of us has. as the track moves forward there is a burst of sound kink is pumping, bass playing along side the drum in the same pumping manner. Guitars playing as if they were dancing with every word Robbie was singing.

This is a track about not taking anything form a person that tries to hide the bad part on themselves. Once that was revealed the character in this story put her boots to the ground as she states in the track. She tells the story of how the man that she thought was on the same track as she, started smearing her name all over town. But, Character is not going to be broken down, like the title states, "Sticks and Stones" no matter what the person says the main character will not be broken.

In conclusion, I really liked this track. Robbie Harte has an incredible voice and she tells it like it is. This track has a story line that is relatable to the listener. The band play magnificently. I loved the rhythm really gets you pumping and the guitars sound bright as they played. Readers I ask you to take a listen to her track.You can find it on all major streaming platform's. Like I said before, some of you might just relate to it.


Review by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic

How to Promote Your Music


Promoting indie music can be a daunting task, especially for independent musicians who do not have the resources or budget to compete with major label artists. However, with the rise of digital platforms and social media, independent musicians now have more opportunities to reach a wider audience and build their fan base. In this guide, we will discuss the strategies and tactics that independent musicians can use to promote their music and increase their visibility.
1) Define your brand
Before promoting your music, it is important to establish your brand and identity. Identify what makes your music unique and what you stand for as an artist. This will help you create a cohesive message that resonates with your audience and differentiate yourself from other musicians.
2) Use social media
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting indie music. Choose platforms that align with your brand and audience, such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Use these platforms to share your music, engage with your fans, and promote your upcoming shows.
3) Collaborate with other musicians and industry professionals
Collaborating with other musicians and industry professionals can expose you to new audiences and help you gain new fans. Reach out to other musicians and collaborate on new projects or consider working with a producer or manager to help you promote your music.
4) Use targeted advertising
Targeted advertising can be a cost-effective way to reach your ideal audience. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer options to target users who match specific demographics, interests and behaviors. This can help you reach people who are more likely to appreciate your music and become a fan.
5) Create compelling visual content
In addition to great music, creating high-quality visual content can help increase your visibility and reach. Consider creating music videos, cover art, or behind-the-scenes content that showcases your creativity and personality as an artist.
6) Play live shows
Playing live shows can help you connect with your audience on a personal level and build a loyal fan base. Consider performing at local venues or festivals, and promote your shows through social media and other platforms.
7) Get your music on streaming platforms
Getting your music on streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music can help increase your visibility and reach a wider audience. Consider using digital distribution platforms to help you get your music on major streaming platforms.
8) Build an email list
Building an email list can help you stay in touch with your fans and promote your music directly to them. Consider offering exclusive content or early access to new music in exchange for their email address.
9) Engage with your audience
Engaging with your audience is important for building a loyal fan base. Respond to comments and messages on social media, ask for feedback on your music, and create opportunities for your fans to connect with you.
10) Be persistent and patient
Promoting indie music takes time, effort and patience. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Consistency and persistence are key to building a successful music career.
Conclusion
Promoting indie music requires creativity, hard work and a willingness to try new things. By using social media, collaborating with other musicians, creating compelling visual content, playing live shows and leveraging digital platforms, independent musicians can increase their visibility and build a loyal fan base. With persistence and patience, independent musicians can successfully promote their music and achieve their dreams of a successful music career.

Darren Holland Project - War Machines is being released today! June 1st.

About the Darren Holland Project

The Darren Holland Project is just that, a project with many players involved. The main two are husband and wife Darren and Cheryl Holland from Grain Valley, MO. Darren writes all songs and plays guitar, keys, bass, vocals, and programs. Cheryl plays percussion, keys, drums on some songs, and vocals and flute. On some songs, Barb Wilmoth adds backup vocals and drums, Scott Mitchell on guitar, and JenCat on vocals. Andy Oxman of Sound Works Recording Studio produces and records most songs in Blues Springs, MO.

Darren has been influenced by all he listens to, from the new to the old and in-between. He writes several genres but mostly stays within rock. His songs are catchy but always have a meaning behind them.

Link
https://linktr.ee/thedarrenhollandproject

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/5qwPceNj76IPIvLaHdqMct?si=0c44dbd936d146ec

The Review

This track starts out with guitars, bass and drums playing in unison as if they were dancing with one another. Next, a  Woo! to accent the rhythm bass and guitar. To imply something really cool is about to happen so, brace yourself. Then the lyrics come in singing, "We Know We Both Have Reasons with you, Hang On The Wings Have Seasons, Miss You, Ah Fools or Angels" This is a breakup song and those are some interesting lyric really get your mind peaking to see what comes next. The bridge is rather quite nice with a guitar solo and the vocalist sings along side the solo. The track gets more intense as it goes, and the couple in this situation relies that what they had is really over and its time to bring in the "War Machines".

In conclusion, this is a really good track about breakup. It keeps you interest to see what comes next with the couple in the situation. The guitars,bass and drums were played perfectly setting up the stage for the story line. All the vocalists sung like song birds along side one anther. Readers I really enjoyed this track. And I encourage you readers to give it a listen. I'm sure you will love it!


Review by:
SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic


Willy Kuo's track, "Don't Have A Minute"

 

This is Willy Kuo.

A comprehensively passionate songwriter based in New York.

Willy always has had an exceedingly prosperous desire to make exceptional music. He is strongly experienced with songwriting and music arranging, He thought, "It's time to get musical."

As music is the expression of art, he devotes himself to writing for it, life is art, music is the way of helping people truly get into it!

You can contact Willy at: fefe41412@gmail.com

Links:

WillKuoMusic: https://www.willykuomusic.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxBUpbdLNDYPcgTa03Ckmfw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willykuo_/

The Review - "Don't have A Minute"

This track starts off acoustic, just Willy, his guitar and his camera. Starting off this track with a delightful guitar riff the leads into Willy singing, "Focus, Don't get Distracted...." Willy has this unique way of playing his guitar and tapping his guitar for rhythm, really makes his style of playing similar to that of unplugged Eric Clapton style. Willy plays beautiful chords along with slides and harmonics in his tracks. He has a bright sound for his positive message in this track. Part of his lyrics is, "No Filter, Be true to who you are! Still Shine Bright Like Diamonds..." What a wise statement for everyone! This young man from New York is going to go places in his music journey. Singing tracks about love, being strong, and staying true to who you are.

In conclusion, Willy Kuo never ceases to amaze me with his beautifully played tracks about life, love, hardship and self-confidence. His never give up mentality makes his tracks shine! Readers, Please hit the YouTube links about and find out for yourself.

Review by:
SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic