This is a Q&A from Stephen Astral about him and what he does. At the end of this Q&A there will be a short review of one of his singles on this album. So, here is what Stephen Astral has to say!
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN MUSIC AND WHEN?
I became interested in music a the very early age of 5. we used to go to a local Baptist church and I always liked the hymns best of all.
Later in the early 1960's we heard British groups playing on television. I loved The Kinks, The Hollies, The Beatles, Dave Clark Five
In the early s 1970's I started a band and we played in local pubs. as the months rolled by I started writing and recording my music on a tape machine.
At one stage I wrote to record labels like Swansong and Decca. Meanwhile I had begun to play in a couple of clubs.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAND?
I have several favorite bands but the two the influence me most are Genesis and Pink Floyd.
WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO BE IN THE GENRE YOU ARE IN? PLEASE TELL THE READERS WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO, MEANING WHAT STYLE OF MUSIC YOU DO.
I have always been fond of experimental music notably Prog Rock. My music is more described as Melodic Rock.
I write stories in my music mostly and deliver them in a classic rock style. I aimed from the start to be instantly recognizable and I
think I have achieved that.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING ALBUM, "A DIFFERENT WORLD", WHATS THE STORY BEHIND IT?
The main idea behind the album was a nostalgic view of my early teens around 1967.
I had heard Sgt Pepper and it was just so different to everything else around I wanted to create something based on The Summer of Love.
There are several tracks reflecting that idea. But then I made a song about today's world and asking the question Where are we heading?
The led me to create the album name. Meaning it was a different world back in the 60's and now we live in a different world.
TELL THE READERS WHEN THE RELEASE DATE WILL BE OF "A DIFFERENT WORLD".
I am expecting the album to be available on bandcamp sometime in May '23 but the first single will be out on Spotify and YouTube in March '23
IS THERE A MESSAGE YOU ARE CONVEYING IN THIS ALBUM, LIKE BEING IN ANOTHER WORLD ETC.
No message other than Nostalgia is good but remember to enjoy your life in today's world
AND LASTLY, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO THE READERS?
This album has taken the best part of 6 months to complete.
All songs are written by Stephen W Foster except 'The Narcissist' written by Kim J Russo and Stephen W Foster
Arrangement and instruments Stephen W Foster
Drums Groove Agent by Steinberg, Kicks and snares Stephen W Foster
The mixing was done in my Recording Studio (SWFrecords) coached by Adam Whittakar with a few pointers and tips from Lucas Michalski
Mastering by Bandlab.
Links:
linktr.ee/swfoster
astralrock.bandcamp.com
Stephen Astral let me do a review of one of his single coming out.. "Sha Na Na".
So lets get to it!
The Review... "Sha Na Na"
This track starts out with a guitar hum that leads into Stephen playing the guitar, and singing..."In A Way Every Day Feels The Same" while the Drums and organ is playing the counter melody. What Stephen is singing about is true in a way in our everyday lives. Stephen Astral has a sound that can not be duplicated. It is very refreshing to hear something different from the normal. Stephens tracks takes you on a journey of sound. I just absolutely love his sound it has me tapping my toes. Readers this is a must listen too! Take a journey of sound with Stephen Astral you will not regret it.
Q&A/Review by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic
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