We Are Not Alone...

The Coherent Alliance - “Forest Child” preview

A review by mAncient

Sometimes you can tell.

Tell that there is a story behind the song.

‘cause - let’s face it … there are some songs that seem to be made by an algorithm rather than a human being.

TCA (Twitter: @coherent_music) creates electronica. And here is the story behind his, as yet unreleased, track (premieres on www.radio-dark-tunnel.net on NYE - 22:00-00:00 CEST, and later the same day on his YouTube).

What will you get to hear?

ASMR is a fascinating thing. “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response” - aka “Brain Message”, it comes in different forms. The tingly, pleasant feeling you get with specific sounds and frequencies - or the horrible feel of a shovel scraping tarmac.

The intro of Forest Child, with the LoFi-sounding treble combined with a thunder blast, sets the song up perfectly. Then a vocal line drives through your body. Makes your fingers want to dance.

Actually, that goes for the whole track. I am typing this in beat with the rhythm, and my fingers are searching for the keys of my Yamaha.

This is so complex, yet so seamless. Spiritual voices that soar, perfectly placed arpeggios, a bass that grates and moves … wow.

Since I can’t share the song, here is the story behind Anthony’s track. And if you get chills reading this, just wait until you hear “Forest Child”!

"I was woken up by a brilliant white light shining through my window when I was 9 years old...

I ran to the window and witnessed a giant orb of light moving seamlessly through the dense forest that was behind my house.

I knew instantly that this was some kind of profound event, because the forest was so thick that it was difficult even for a person to walk through easily, let alone a vehicle.

I watched the orb come to a stand still in a nearby field, and after about 10 seconds the orb vanished and everything went pitch dark again.

I went back to sleep and what followed were what I can only describe as lucid dreams of the event replaying over and over, each time revealing more details that I did not quite understand. In the dreams, I was visiting the field that the object was sitting in...

So the next day I went to investigate. What followed from that day on were many mysterious events and experiences that some find difficult to believe. You will be able to find out more about this event and what followed on my website soon”.

Here is his website: https://thecoherentalliance.carrd.co

The Coherent Alliance is also a part of the Minds Behind the Music-movement.

Art by Esoterica Art Agency 

Haakon Rian Mancient Ueland (@mancient_com om Twitter) is a Buddha. This was his Bodhisattva vow: https://songwhip.com/mancient/c-@-shangrila
He can be quite dense at times. According to his daughter Anna.

Rainbow Emotions

A Review by mAncient

I have heard it said, that rainbows are God’s love crystallised.

A corollary would be that music is emotions put into action.

MP Clarke (Twitter @mpclarke5) just released his solo album, “Drawers through the Ceiling”. Martin is also a part of the art prog pop duo Those Men, and has had a long career in music.

I have been singing for many, many years. Being a professional musician, I have developed some criteria as to what makes a “good song”.

And I could talk for hours about tonal quality, scales, chord changes, the advantages of ABACAA vs. ABABA song structure, and all the other ways we try to put music into words.

But actually, it is simpler than that. Does the song make my body move, my heart beat and do I start singing along the second time I hear the chorus?

Besides “Mystery Girl”, the song on this album that really got to me was “Someone in this world loves you”.

Here, Martins voice truly shines. The transition from chest to head voice is lovely, the simple instrumentation augments his voice perfectly, and the lyrics speak of a deep longing for release from all that scars us in this world - and compassion and hope.

Thank you, fellow pilgrim MP Clarke. Keep shining your light!

There is a video available of one of the songs, “Mystery Girl”. Somehow it reminds me of Scandinavia … visit his profile to see it.

mAncient (Twitter @mancient_com) loves music. For healing, dancing, sharing & caring. His music can be heard here: https://www.songwhip.com/mancient.

Get A Grip of Yourself

IMAGE CONSCIOUS!

One of the biggest issues I see as I come into contact more and more with indie artists is the lack of clear marketing. The fact is, the next "big thing" in music will be pushed upon us by the marketing machines of big labels. It won't have anything to do with good music. 

So, what do indies need to think about? Firstly image. Yes I know, folk will be screaming at the screen now and say it's the music. But for this article, we are assuming there is an audience out there for your music already, you just need to find it. 

This article is not a list of things to do, more, it's a things to think about. Image is really important. It has to come from the core of what you are about. Not created to fit with what the people want. If you are honest with your image, your target market will come. 

Marketing is all about selling a product and your music is more than "art" it's a commodity that you want to sell. 

First thing to think about is a "unique selling point". This is what makes you different. What makes you stand out and what makes you different to all the others? Seriously, it matters. It's what made people like David Bowie stand out. A genius of recreation. But always honest to himself. 

Secondly you have to understand the basic marketing premise of AIDA. This is simple really, but hard to do.

A = Attention.

How do you grab the attention of your prospective listener? Image, colours, music, movement. All these things are "natural" elements used by marketing men for generations. 

I = Interest.

Once you have caught the gaze of the listener, you need to keep them interested. This is basically smaller "attentions", movement, colours, sound. It all depends on you and your music. More of the core revealed. 

D = Desire.

Once you have their attention and you're keeping them interested, you need to build a Desire to buy. Often this is by "association" whether that's you being played by Lady Ga Ga or your political opinions etc. Association is massive and all encompassing. She's eating that chocolate bar and she's sexy so I need it too!

A = Action.

This is the most simple one. How do they now get your music (or chocolate bar - vegan of course)? These are now more often than not links to where to download. Make sure you have a linktree or something similar because people buy from all different places and if they don't see iTunes they might not buy. Twitter is a big promo tool these days and SO MANY bands and singers don't have a pinned tweet with links. It's madness not to use this facility. 

All of the above relates to your website, your videos, twitter, instagram and even press releases. Try to think like the newspaper man and come up with a grabbing headline! Journalists don't want to have to work too hard, give them the ideas! 

So, there's a brief overview of the basics of marketing. The complexities all come from breaking these elements down and that's where a lot of people fall down. Understanding who you are and portraying that well, in a clean, crisp and uncluttered way. 

I'm always open to helping so if you need help, just say! 

Our website is HERE and our twitter is HERE. 

All About the Bass

Eva Gardner – Bass legend - Speaks to Minds
Excerpt from the book, Minds Behind the Music (HERE)

In 1993 the legendary engineer/producer Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton) took a Pignose amplifier and bass guitar to the Hollywood Hills home of British rock bassist, Kim Gardner. Kim was a member of The Creation and The Birds with Ron Wood, was surprised when Johns handed the bass guitar to his 14-year-old daughter, Eva. Johns then goes to turned up the volume on The Kinks’ classic “You Really Got Me” and proclaimed, “Now this is a solid bass line!” Eva never looked back.

Eva began performing with live bands in her home town of Los Angeles at the age of 14. She decided to further her musical studies and attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and then at UCLA, graduating with honours. Her professional career began when she toured and recorded as the original bassist in The Mars Volta in 2001/2002. Since then, Eva has performed and toured with numerous artists worldwide, including Pink, Gwen Stefani, Cher, Tegan & Sara, Moby and Veruca Salt.

In 2014, Eva became the first female artist to have a signature bass with Fender. It has been released for public purchase and is available worldwide. So there, now you know! And then to even greater acclaim, she put down the bass and answered my questions.


If you could be any other musician past or present, which one would it be and why?
I would be Chopin! He had such a distinct and individual style. His music is intimate and delicate, conveying so much emotion.

If you had to name one song from any genre that really speaks to you, which one would it be and why?
Jimi Hendrix, “Bold as Love.” As Harry Shapiro’s says, “Love comes in many hues, love is hard work and to get properly involved takes commitment and courage.” Like a shift in the axis of the earth, love can change everything.

What was the happiest day of your life and why?
Happiest day of my life - playing at the Isle of Wight Festival in the UK - it truly felt like I “had arrived” as a musician. It’s such a legendary festival and I met Paul McCartney backstage, as we were opening up for him (with Pink). I was introduced as Pink’s bass player and he proceeded to sing a walking baseline to me and proclaimed, “Us bass players gotta stick together!” A momentous day all around!

As an expressive artist in the music industry, how does the state of the planet make you feel?
The state of the planet often makes me feel very overwhelmed and heartbroken if I allow myself to go there. I’m very interested in history and I realize that humans have always been this way - it’s all about “survival of the fittest,” “divide and conquer,” etc. Human nature can be quite cruel and selfish which, in turn, wreaks havoc on the planet and those inhabiting it. It feels so heavy.

Excerpt from the book, Minds Behind the Music (HERE) with over 80 music stars speaking out on aliens, God, the meaning of life and the environment!

Tears of Joy

SMILE!

by mAncient

This last week has been horrible. I’ve had to grab the corners of my mouth and drag upward to smile, and would’ve preferred to have a back bracelet to keep my back straight.

I work 17 hour days, seven days a week, which has been my life since 2018.

As a healer and coach, with 22 years of social work in my baggage, I do know a little about picking myself up. So, I got to work. Meditation, nutrition, connecting with good people.

But … there was one special key that became especially important.

I was waiting for my weekly Zoom with Neale Donald Walsch. On Mondays, it starts at 02:30am, and as I was waiting, all the struggles and battles I am in, caught up with me.

Feelings of inadequacy, imposter syndrome, and all the darkness I have accumulated as a social worker and empath, working with people whose lives were plagued with darkness … I felt like a pressure cooker with no safety-valve.

I sat down to find songs for my show on @RDTVF (Twitter), and this song came up…

I had only listened to it for a few seconds, before I started crying.

Tears of joy.

It is said that monks are HEB (Highly Evolved Beings).

I am a monk. Can’t say I feel highly evolved; just another dude doing his life.

But if you want to hear what a HEB sounds like, check out this song: Shakyamuni Mantra by Kanho Yakushiji (Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mantra-earth/shakyamuni-mantra-by-kanho-yakushiji)

I could tell you a lot about why this song grabbed me. But I think you will understand, once you listen to it.

May it bring blessings, joy and healing to the rest of 2021, and to all of 2022!

Håkon (@mancient_com on Twitter) is a Norwegian-born monk, expat in Sweden. He lives with his dog, and has three children who live in Norway. They are the light of his life. If you want to learn more about him, visit https://www.linktr.ee/mancient.

Run For Your Life!

JOHN CORABI

Extract from Minds Behind the Music Book. More HERE

They don’t get more rock ‘n’ roll than John Corabi. A legendary guitarist and lead singer for The Scream and Motley Crue. In fact the list of mega rock bands John has been part of is rather long and I’m trying to save money on ink, so I won’t name them all. Needless to say, the dude is awesome. Thankfully he came down to earth to speak to little old humble me.


As an expressive artist in the music industry, how does the state of the planet make you feel?
In a word....WORRIED!!!! Everybody doesn't agree on the "global warming" issue but there was one statement that made sense to me in that documentary that Al Gore did. "From the beginning of time til 50 years ago when Al Gore was 10 years old, we amassed 3 billion, and in the last 50-60 years we've almost tripled that number!!!!" So just looking at that blueprint, common sense says we're using more OIL, WATER, and NATURAL RESOURCES, and putting much more stress on the planet....So yeah, I'm worried...

Do you think as a person of some influence that there is a duty on us to help influence humanity for the better?
Duty???? No.... But as a concerned PERSON/CITIZEN I try to do what I can. I will NEVER tell anyone how to vote. (That's their choice)... I don't believe in telling people how to live their life, but I do believe in doing what I can to change things that bother ME. There's a fine line between entertainment and standing on stage and "ranting" about the state of the world. I think people are paying me to sing, and play music, and escape the insanity of daily life. So the last thing they're wanting is me talking about how SHITTY things are. I look at it like the band that kept playing music on the deck of the TITANIC while it was sinking. But I also understand and RESPECT people that are really vocal about how they feel. And it's their RIGHT to say what they want...That's why GOD invented channel changers...If ya don't like the program...you can change the channel....lol

What one cause would you say you feel most associated with and why? Whether it’s equality, poverty, politics, the environment or other?
I just believe in being KIND to everyone....PERIOD!!!! If you can help someone in need, then help. If you can treat someone with respect...DO SO! Even if they're different from you. So I do TOTALLY support equality for women/people of color/religious freedom. I would love to figure out poverty. I would love to figure out how to make the planet a better place...I just believe in being the best HUMAN I can be each day...It's really not that difficult if you think about it…

Read the rest of the book with over 80 music legends! Available everywhere! Or HERE

Copyright Minds Behind the Music 2021

It's So Much!

Dancing Like It's Studio 54!

by Anthony Hurney (Twitter HERE)

Today I was given the pleasure of being introduced to “Studio 54” which is the 'Retro Nūvō' new dancefloor hit by a funky and upcoming new band from Italy known as SōMuch.

Studio 54 is a bright and uplifting song that pays homage to the classic sound of 70s disco but with a fresh contemporary twist!

Instantly I was presented with a beat and funky Motown inspired bassline that couldn't help but get my body moving. I was then impressed by the steady progression of the uplifting vocals, intricate guitar riffs and brass / strings sections which really gives the song the edge to stand out on the dancefloor!

I pictured being at the disco where the music just makes me want to dance and boogie all night long! This song is sure to get everybody partying and would make a fantastic edition to any playlist for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

SōMuch are made up of:

Valentina Salvi - Vocals

Andrea Giovannini - Guitar

Francesco Carli - Drums

Roby Creazzo - Vocals

Andrea Belloni - Bass

During late 2017, Roby discovered an advert on social media for one-to-one drum lessons with Ralph Rolle who is the drummer for Nile Rodgers and Chic. Roby decided this would make the perfect Christmas gift for drummer Francesco, so in the December they both flew over to Manchester to meet with Ralph.

They built up a good friendship with Ralph and a couple of years later, decided to send him a couple of demos of the band. He was thrilled with what he heard and asked SōMuch if he could fly over to Italy to produce the song.

So, in early 2020 they all entered the studio and started work on the debut EP album. Ralph's valuable input really helped the band to shape their 'Retro Nūvō' sound and the first 2 singles were completed just as the pandemic hit.

Various lockdowns later, Ralph was finally able to return to Italy to finish producing the EP, which was then sent to New York for mixing and mastering.

The band's debut single "Studio 54" was released in November and was premiered by Chris Hawkins on BBC Radio 6 and has already featured on Craig Charles' BBC Radio 2 show and several other stations around the globe. It's a dance floor filler that brings listeners back to the iconic New York nightclub.

The band's mission is simple... To make music that spreads love and happiness to the world. They are set to release a new single in early 2022, followed by the full 5-track EP in the Spring.

Studio 54 is available now on all streaming platforms.

Website www.somuchband.com
Instagram: HERE
Facebook: HERE
Twitter: HERE

Review by Anthony Hurney of The Coherent Alliance and part of the Minds Behind the Music Team.

Web: thecoherentalliance.carrd.co

T'Pau Time

Carol Decker Speaks to Minds

No, Carol Decker is not a Vulcan elder from Star Trek. She is in fact the gorgeous red-head lead singer from T’Pau the band. She’s quite mad, which is why I love her so much. T’Pau had their first big international hit with “Heart and Soul” and followed up with the massive “China in Your Hands”. The album, “Bridge of Spies”, reached number one and in fact went quadruple platinum. See, I can spell. It was a cold March morning when Carol Decker put a spell on me.


If you could be any other musician past or present, which one would it be and why?
I'd be Debbie Harry. She was stunning & sexy but never came across as any man's plaything or a helpless little woman, She fronted her band and was perceived as a strong leader and absolutely essential focal point. I believe that our sexuality is part of our humanity and don't have a problem with a good looking person making that gift part of what sells the band a long with of course credible music and a great voice. Debbie was a big influence on me.

Note: 99.99% of red blooded males have to agree with me when I say Carol Decker is just as hot as Debbie Harry.

Like Debbie, I too was in my late 20’s when i got my break and 30 when 'China in Your Hand' was at number one, but only in my dreams am I that cool!!

If you had to name one song from any genre that really speaks to you, which one would it be and why?
This is hard one as on a different day I might pick another song, but today I pick 'Running Down a Dream' by Tom Petty. The relentless drums, the super cool guitar lick. It’s one of those songs that gets you bopping, you can't not tap your foot! I like the space in the song. There are big chunks with no vocal, but the instrumentation still keeps you hooked. I’ve never been able to write a song like this as I'm not a player, I’m a singer, so I fill a song with words. I always play air drums to this song especially the outro, that just sails on into infinity. I imagine it still playing in the ether after the fade. May I add I was particularly gutted when he died, It was huge loss to music.

Are you a Mulder or Scully? Do you believe aliens have visited planet earth and if so what do you think they think about mankind?
NEVER really watched it! And I know that's like saying I've never seen star wars!!!

Read the rest of the interview and 80 more music stars in the new book, Minds Behind the Music. More HERE

Music Review Time...

mAncient Reviews

Restless Mosaic (@restlessmosaic on Twitter) comes from Seattle, Washington. Location doesn't really matter - what matters is the deep curiosity evident in this statement: "Mosaics are intricate and beautiful and expressive, but they're stuck to where they are. If you were a sentient mosaic and everybody walked on you, wouldn't you be restless? And wouldn't you take in as much as you could when you broke free?

You get it. Welcome. There's much left to explore."

That, and the music, of course.

I was recommended to listen to "There's much left to Explore" and "Desert Scorpion".

The syncopation of the first tracks intro attracts. The 8-bit pad, slightly detuned, keeps it. And then, the dissonance increases, before the arpeggio resolves it. Complex and challenging, as a mosaic should be.

Just as you start to wonder - will nothing more happen? - the beat sets in. And then, there is only beat. That grows and builds. A little world music-ey solo instrument creates tension.

"Desert Scorpion" is another track from the same album, both available on Bandcamp (https://restlessmosaic.bandcamp.com)

This one gave me UK vibe. Olde English instruments mixed with electronic pads. Knights galloping to battle, a little piano that is offset by a French Horn (?), accordion and brass ...

This is not music for the masses, though it should be. It is music that dares, that doesn't care about genres.

Thank you for the journey!

Haakon Rian Mancient Ueland is the father of three children, and the brother of one dog. His music genre is called Earth House, as is his charity, church, and label. His track, Warriors, was part of #MBTM-s first charity albums.
https://www.mancient.one

A Music Legend

Minds Interviews the One and Only Bobby Rydell

Quite simply, Bobby Rydell is a legend. In the 1960’s he was one of the infamous teen idols. It all started in 1950 when he won a TV talent show and became a regular on the show. By 1960 he was touring with The Everly Brothers, Marv Johnson. The Champs and The Crickets.

His first million-selling hit was “We Got Love” and his second was “Wild One.” His success continued with hit after hit and he even appeared on the cinema screens as Hugo Peabody in the movie Bye Bye Birdie with Dick Van Dyke. Bobby had a total of 34 top 100 hits, making him one of the top five artists of the era. He appeared on numerous Tv shows, including he Red Skelton Show, Jack Benny, Joey Bishop, The George Burns Show and The Milton Berle Show.

Basically, Bobby Rydell is a music legend and I managed to catch up with him early in 2021 to throw my crazy questions at him.


If “God” (whatever your idea is on that) were stood before you now, what one question would you ask him/her and why?
I would question why we have so much hatred, suffering and challenges in life and what are we supposed to be learning from all that is put in our path.

As an expressive artist in the music industry, how does the state of the planet make you feel?
I am very disappointed and sad at the state mankind is in today. Money is the main goal, no concern for fellow man-I feel we are on a downward spiral if we as a collective do not wake up.

Do you think as a person of some influence that there is a duty on us to help influence humanity for the better?
I think every person has something to contribute to humanity-not just people with influence. If we all did our part the world would improve dramatically.

What one cause would you say you feel most associated with and why? Whether it’s equality, poverty, politics, the environment or other?

I am involved with Organ Donation. I received a Liver/Kidney transplant in July 2012. I never really paid much attention to how important having donors sign up was-when it involves your own destiny everything changes. At every performance I tell my story and encourage the audience to sign up to be a donor. It truly is the Gift of Life.

If you were stood before the leaders of the world, what would you say to them?
I think most of the world leaders are so corrupt and greedy that they all should resign.

Want to read the rest? It's all in the new book, Minds Behind the Music, along with over 80 other big music stars! Click HERE

Foggy Monday

A Review By mAncient

I am listening to "FOGGY MONDAY feat. Slavin Savin" by The Coherent Alliance (Twitter: @COHERENT_MUSIC) and Svitlana Martínez.

And ... I am sorry to say this, but you won't be able to listen to it before January 16'th.

What immediately struck me about this track is that it has the same vibe as one of my absolute favourites from 1991: Opus III's "It's a Fine Night". The beat drives you forward - dancing; the etheric vocals lifts you up, as does the arpeggio piano line that seems to fade in and out of consciousness, and the drop hits like a green bomb.

I have to concentrate in order to type. My fingers wants to dance, too!

Amazing production. I love it when I notice new details every time I listen to a song.

Trollheads Nessi (Instagram: @Trollheads_Nessi) is not fond of TCA. She felt my joy and heard my feet tappin' the beat - I am typing this at 3am - and woke up.


By Haakon Rian Mancient Ueland (Twitter: @mancient_com) who has a long name. He recently made it even longer by adding H.R.H. to it, as he became Grand Duke in the decentralized sovereign kingdom of https://www.kingdom-of-atlantis.com. His healing music and various writings can be found here: https://www.mancient.one.

The Coherent Alliance

Is There Hope for the Crestfallen?

Today we are taking a closer look at The Coherent Alliance and the debut album 'Singularity' that was released back in October 2020.

In particular we wanted to break down 2 songs from the album that stood out the most, and looking closely both provide a very important message indeed.

Hope for the Crestfallen

This song takes listeners on journey through space and time and follows the story from a group of individuals known as 'The Coherent Alliance'.

They exist within a fictional post-apocalyptic world where the human race no longer communicates by speech, but instead through the expression of dance, connection and emotion.

The music video captures this stunningly, where we can see scenes from a world once forgotten as the last survivors of the human race express their anger and disappointment through various forms of contemporary dance.

The music really takes listeners on a journey that is one of reminiscence, healing and emotion.

We asked Anthony about what inspired him to write 'Hope for the Crestfallen' and here is what he had to say...

"I wanted to capture a story within musical form and started experimenting with different layers of textures and sounds. I really wanted to put emotion into the song and highlight through the use of sound a message of unity and healing...

I was aiming to recreate the voice of the universe and one true source, and as a result 'Hope for the Crestfallen' was born."

The message here is clear, you don't know what you have got until it's gone and the time for action is now.

Take a listen to the song below... Find a quiet spot, focus on your breath and just allow the music to guide you.

SINGULARITY

The second song we looked at is the title release 'SINGULARITY' which aims to expose listeners to the bizarre world of industry, manufacturing, automation and how it is causing the planet to become desolate.

By watching the music video, the message behind the song is unmistakable. As we search for life on other planets throughout our solar system and universe, we are failing to recognise life here on earth and just like when a fuse has been lit, time is quickly running out.

Anthony told us "I was feeling angry about how we constantly consume and pump out toxic pollution into our atmosphere whilst the world around us is falling apart. As much as I advocate and show support for the discovery of other civilisations and connecting with them by exchanging knowledge, I truly believe we have much work to do here first. My message behind the song is simple, think about your actions before you witness everything burning up before you"

Check out 'SINGULARITY' below:

It appears that Anthony and The Coherent Alliance wrote the album as a warning to mankind and the real question is, what can you do as an individual before it's too late?

Support Minds Behind The Music HERE

Follow the work of the Born Free Foundation HERE

If you wish to find out more about The Coherent Alliance and his music, you can follow him on Twitter HERE 

The Genesis of Music

Steve Hackett and Minds Behind the Music

Oh my, where do I start with a man like Steve Hackett? Musician, singer, songwriter, producer and all-round grand chap. Most folk will have heard of that little prog-rock band called Genesis. Well, Steve was in that. In fact six studio albums, three live albums, seven singles and one little old EP. In 2010 he was, with the other members, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (it’s a little place round the back of the Red Lion).

There aren’t many people who can claim to have influenced Eddie Van Halen or Brian May, but Steve’s amazing musical ability is beyond compare, so we won’t go there anyway. His solo work is vast, so vast it would turn this book into Lord of the Rings, so go and do a web search thingy on that phone glued to your hand. Oh, and his biggest claim to fame, he knows me. 

So he’s a god of music and I managed to get an audience with him up in the lofty clouds.

If you could be any other musician past or present, which one would it be and why?
It would be Bach. He was extraordinary skilled as both musician and composer, and ahead of his own times.

If you had to name one song from any genre that really speaks to you, which one would it be and why?
It would be “MacArthur Park”, written by Jimmy Webb and sung by Richard Harris. It’s because of both the power of the sentiment combined with the orchestration, and sensitively sung. An homage to lost love.

Note: Now kids, Richard Harris is a legend in the acting world and he sang this song which took us all by surprise, pleasantly. It’ll be on youtube I’m sure. Have a look.

Are you a Mulder or Scully? Do you believe aliens have visited planet earth and if so what do you think they think about mankind?
I can’t remember the details of the characters, but it was a thought provoking series. I doubt if they have visited Earth, as it would take them so many light years to reach this obscure part of our galaxy. But if they did and if they’d reached a high state of development, I guess they’d see us as flawed, irresponsible creatures, easily manipulated by narcissistic leaders.

Note: I must be an alien, because that’s exactly what I think! Nanoo nanoo (OK so if you’re under fifty you won’t get that).

What was the happiest day of your life and why?
The day I married my wife Jo, because I’d finally found my true love and soulmate, and it was a perfect day.

Note: And now Jo, you have it in print, give the man a hug.

Taken from the book, Minds Behind the Music HERE and available everywhere. 

Copyright 2021 Minds Behind the Music

Why Bother?

Musician, Coen Rhys, Explains Why...

“Through care, courtesy and creativity we can undo the harm, rebuild what we have lost and make a constant change for better”

As an artist who writes music to diaries, my thoughts of this mad yet beautiful world, when the #MBTM opportunity arose to raise awareness and hopefully help the world continue being beautiful (and ideally less mad)… I jumped at the chance.

The idea of collating multiple perspectives through words, music, honesty and heartfelt hope for a better place: with one goal in mind is a simple one. In a world of constant conflict, I also find it refreshing. #forgivewar #praisepeace

I am a strong believer of leaving something in a better state than you find it… through care, courtesy and creativity we can undo the harm, rebuild what we have lost and make a constant change for better! #littleoldyou #littleoldme

I am proud to be part of the #MBTMfamily… and look forward to what we can collectively achieve. Listen to the MBTM album here: ALBUM

“The simplest of things, the hardest to reach: It’s time to start now”- Coen Rhys

They're From a Hardland...

Why Did We Do It?
By AEILKO VENEMA of Hardland

As lead guitarist and one of the lead singers of Hardland I am no stranger to music for charity! I have also released a single to raise awareness and funds to help fighting Alzheimers with my @AjaveMusic project. So when I read one of the Minds tweets about helping to save the planet, it was absolutely a no brainer for me. But since I struggled with a severe burn-out myself, I had asked if Phil had a lyric for me to use and he sent me a lyric.

It had no title yet, that's why you hear all different versions of this lyric with different titles as well on this album!  

Since it's going on two minutes to midnight for planet earth and for all living creatures on this rock that we call Mother Earth, we felt it is important to act NOW! 

Let's be honest...would you treat your own mother the way we treat our environment, our Mother Earth? So in order to put our feelings into song we felt the music had to be dark, moody and stand for how dangerous the situation is. But then....we ARE trying to help in our own humble but heartfelt way to make it a better place...and that tad of hope, had to be in the song as well...so that's how we got to that mega sing along chorus that ya'll can sing along and clap your hands to! 

We are, as I mentioned many times before, humbled, honoured, proud, happy and most of all grateful to have been allowed to be a part of this first fundraising album to benefit the wonderful Born Free Foundation. 

Thanks to everyone involved in this project from Phil and the @OfficialMBTM team, all the participating artists who all gave this first album their most shining performance!! Thank you all and thank you Virginia McKenna and the Born Free Foundation for giving your all!! We love you all! Cheers, @HardlandRocks!

Photos by DCH Photography – Netherlands.

Well Hello Miss American Pie

Don McLean - Interview

From the book Minds Behind the Music

Seriously, do I have to write a bio of Don McLean? If you don’t know who he is then just where the hell have you been? OK, my publisher is looking strange at me now, so I better write something.

Don McLean is a music legend. Who, on planet Earth has not heard the song “American Pie”? Even Madonna has heard of it. Anyway, it’s nearly 9 minutes long and has been called a cultural touchstone about the loss of innocence. It’s genius, go listen.

Of course, this isn’t his only hit. The song “Vincent” was huge too (also performed as a duet with Ed Sheeran for Teen Cancer America). A beautifully melodic song about the life of Vincent van Gogh. And there’s “And I Love You So” which has been covered by Elvis Presley Perry Como, Helen Reddy and Glen Campbell amongst others. Look, there’s just loads of great songs by Don, go and do a search!

In 2004, Don was inducted into the illustrious Songwriters Hall of Fame. The man is nothing short of, and way beyond, the term, Legend. I was humbled to be allowed close enough to ask him my potty questions.

If you could be any other musician past or present, which one would it be and why?
I would be Duke Ellington because he was a beautiful man with exquisite taste.

If you had to name one song from any genre that really speaks to you, which one would it be and why?
It would be White Christmas by Bing Crosby as I heard in the very early 1950s because it brings me back home again to a kind of perfect happiness.

Are you a Mulder or Scully? Do you believe aliens have visited planet earth and if so what do you think they think about mankind?

I am positive aliens have visited planet earth. To think that we are the only life in an endless universe is like believing the earth is flat.

What was the happiest day of your life and why?
That’s a hard one since I have had many happy days. Perhaps it was getting my first Martin D28 guitar in 1963.

If “God” (whatever your idea is on that) were stood before you now, what one question would you ask him/her and why?
As a former Catholic it would have to be the Holy Trinity and I would ask Jesus if since he is God and all knowing, if he knew when he died that he would rise from the dead. Being God he would have to say yes and he would admit that he really, therefore, did not die.

From the book Minds Behind the Music

Copyright 2021 Minds Behind the Music

Why Did He Do It?

Why did I get involved with the Minds Behind The Music Project?

I have been involved in music since the age of 13 when I discovered that I had a talent for producing DJ mix sets and making compositions on my computer. Ever since then music has quite literally been my life but I had never really felt content or comfortable about the direction I wanted to take my career in.

After I had released my debut album back in October 2020, although I had received some really good and positive feedback, I did not feel like what I was doing satisfied me or was making any kind of positive change in the world.

I wanted fame and fortune as a result of my music, but I knew that's not what I really wanted at-all. What I actually wanted was to promote a positive message and have a positive impact on my listeners lives, but never really knew how I could do this.

That is when I was introduced to Minds Behind The Music, and after I saw what the project was aiming to do and how they support the Born Free Foundation I instantly knew I wanted to get involved.

I recognised my talents for creating music that people enjoyed, and decided that I could turn those talents into a way of helping the world and the environment.

So I sat down, wrote a song and then submitted it to the project and the cause. I have since ended up also writing music reviews for their new blog, and for once I feel that my involvement in music is having a positive change on the world, the environment and other people's lives.

The project has given me focus, and nothing can be more important than the world around us and a future that could potentially affect all of us.

There needs to be a change in the world, we can all do our bit and it's helped me to understand that the change starts right here within ourselves.

I feel proud to be involved, and it is something that everybody can get involved with too!

I have since changed direction within my music career and moving forward, aim to promote a message of peace, unity and awareness about the challenges we face as a civilisation on Planet Earth.

Anthony (The Coherent Alliance). 

Find Anthony on Twitter HERE

Find out more about Minds Behind the Music HERE

Find out more about The Born Free Foundation HERE

Get Involved and Write for our BLOG

The Story Behind a Song

Rockin’ Engine - Broken Angel

Rockin’ Engine’s involvement with Minds Behind The Music started out with a simple conversation on Twitter with one of the members of the organization. 

We came across one of the tweets saying they were searching for artists to send songs for consideration for a music video production. Turns out that our song Broken Angel really caught their attention, and we were then contacted in order to plan the eventual project. 

However, what started out as a typical music project became something way bigger than we expected. After a few exchanges with the organization, we were put in contact with some of the most talented artists around the world and we were fortunate enough to have none other than Ric Sanders to collaborate on our rock ballad, adding the most beautiful string section to this track. 

We eventually shot the music video in our hometown (Ottawa, Canada) and sent our footage to the Minds team, for them to edit and add their twist. When we first watched the end result of this production, we had goosebumps all over. We couldn’t believe how beautiful and emotional this song became, and we are absolutely proud of the result. Here’s the story behind the song…

The Song

Broken Angel: This song is based on a true story from someone I (Steve O Leff) met a few years back. In this one, I describe the absolute horror and pain that this person had to go through as a child, and even as a young adult. However, we are offering hope and love to this person, hoping it can prevent her from taking her own life. In real life, I was lucky to be able to bring back hope into her spirit and guide her to a better life, one of love and compassion.

On another note, we are currently working on our new EP which will consist of five songs, based on a classic horror movie concept. This album will definitely be our heaviest one yet, musically inspired by some of the greatest metal bands out there such as Gojira and Lamb Of God. 

We plan on hitting the studio in early 2022 and hope to make our album release in fall of the same year. We are also planning on shooting at least two new music videos with Dark Moon Productions, and we can assure you that they will be out of this world! 

We’re looking forward for the live scene to get back to normal again so we can start expanding our horizons and perform anywhere we can. In the meantime, catch us on social media to stay updated on our upcoming work. Thank you all for your amazing support!

Find out more about Rockin' Engine HERE

The fundraising album is available HERE

The Video

Living in the Past?

Ian Anderson 

The Jethro Tull Interview
Excerpt from Minds Behind the Music book 

Minds Behind the Music

Ian Anderson is an icon of folk-rock music the world over. His voice and flute go together like, well, like his voice and flute. There’s no comparison. For over fifty years he has been entertaining us, but it all started around 1968 when Jethro Tull rose out of the flames of two blues rock bands. Ian’s uniqueness is matched by his ability to play almost any instrument, write cross-genre hit songs and pull funny faces.

Since then Jethro Tull (or Tull for short) have released 30 studio and live albums, sold more than 60 million records, played more than 3000 concerts in 40 countries and have fans in every single country in the world and some on Mars, honest.

So it was with much trepidation that this thick as a brick author managed to ask him a few thick questions.

As an expressive artist in the music industry, how does the state of the planet make you feel?
Despairing. mostly. But I am an optimistic-enough soul to want to believe that humanity may adapt to survive and prosper. Eventually.

Do you think as a person of some influence that there is a duty on us to help influence humanity for the better?
Of course. In our daily lives, in the smallest of ways and through the kindest of acts.

What one cause would you say you feel most associated with and why? Whether it’s equality, poverty, politics, the environment or other?
The environment, primarily, since so many other "causes" have their profound effect ultimately on the physical state of the planet. Animal rights a close second.

If you were stood before the leaders of the world, what would you say to them?
OK - Let's take a vote.

And finally my last question is in fact one written by Freddie Mercury in the song “Is This the World We Created”:
If there's a God in the sky, looking down
What can he think of what we've done
To the world that He created?
He, She, It or whatever the primal force may wish itself to be called, probably needs a good holiday break from all of us. The last verse of a yet unreleased Tull track, "Mine Is The Mountain" reads:

So think of me fondly in spite of the raging,
the ranting, the raving, the threatening tone.
For I am the father, the power and the glory
and now, for God's sake, kindly leave me alone.
Mine is the mountain.

Excerpt from Minds Behind the Music book Minds Behind the Music Copyright 2021

In a Blaze of Glory

Blaze Bayley – Iron Maiden, Wolfsbane, Blaze Bayley Band

Leader of the band, Blaze and the Blaze Bayley Band, he now also performs solo. But Mr. Bayley was also the lead singer of rock band, Wolfsbane, for ten years and lead singer of some small rock band called Iron Maiden that you’ve probably never heard of. So just like a highly bread canine, he has pedigree. Blaze managed to stop screeching over the noise of crashing guitars just long enough to answer my questions.

If you could be any other musician past or present, which one would it be and why?
That is one of the most difficult questions ever in the history of music. I have tried for many years to be happy where I am and with what I have got.

I realised how many great moments I trivialised and did not appreciate. I let things slip by me while me and my ambition looked at the top of the mountain. Now I celebrate every small success and try to squeeze the juice out of the moments. So my choice can only be superficial. I believe that in most cases, great art comes from pain. I do not want the pain and challenges of those musicians I have come to admire but I will take the fluffy nice bits.

Bill Withers for his voice and songs. James brown for his impossible achievements and innovation. Elvis Presley for his influence on popular music and his voice. But the artist whose journey I would be most interested in taking would be Jimmy Page. With Led Zeppelin he created a sound that became the expression of my teenage soul and the sound of my adult passion. The modern equivalent of the Greek god Apollo with all his powers, but with command of demons and electricity as well as the sun and music.

If you had to name one song from any genre that really speaks to you, which one would it be and why?
That question is literally insane. No one who loves music will willingly name one song. It is a wicked question. Songs that bring memories of my first kiss. Songs I clung to as my broken heart tried to heal. Songs that filled me with a dark power that raised me to my aching feet and made me try once more to master my own voice and destroy any predetermined destiny. It cannot be done. But… there is one that takes me to a beginning . A song that changed my life and set me on a path that I still tread. Black Sabbath. Children of the sea. Written in 1979 by Tony Iommi and Ronnie James Dio. Released in April 1980 as part of the Heaven and Hell album. That song.

Are you a Mulder or Scully? Do you believe aliens have visited planet earth and if so what do you think they think about mankind?
I am Scully. They took me away and experimented on me in a laboratory on a train. Aliens are not responsible for any of the technology available on earth. Aliens are time travelling humans. Humanity right now is the most advanced intelligence in this universe. We will be gently side-lined by the silicone and diamond and quantum life forms that are gestating in our phones. The satellites we choke our space with will give the self destructive nature of humanity every assistance in destroying itself. I will be standing on a desolate world looking at Fox Mulder saying… “I told you it wouldn’t be aliens!”

Taken from the book, Minds Behind the Music with over 80 music stars! More here Minds Behind the Music