Backup singer for Josh Groban, Melissa Manchester, Sarah Brightman, Sarah Vaughan, Pete Townshend, Billy Idol, Diahann Carroll, and others.
Johnny Schaefer is a Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter of eclectic music. He has a BA in Music (Composition and Voice) from California State University, Fullerton. He has sung backup for Josh Groban, Melissa Manchester, Sarah Brightman, Sarah Vaughan, Pete Townshend, Billy Idol, Diahann Carroll, and others. He is a winner in Melissa Manchester's “Fanchester Video Cover Contest” for his mashup of Melissa’s “Midnight Blue and Lights of Dawn.” He has collaborated with Producer Stephan Oberhoff (Heartbeat Brazil), Bram Stoker Award-winning author and lyricist Elizabeth Massie, best-selling author Marianne Williamson, Carol Robbins-jazz harpist, Christoph Bull, Paul the Trombonist, Chad Ellis, and composer Lynn Kowal. He has been a cantor at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood, CA since 1981.
Johnny’s new single “Unflown” is an uplifting, inspiring, emotionally-charged pop ballad with a timeless message about finding our own inner strength to rise above our circumstances using the analogy of someone discovering they have wings and being afraid to use them.
Says Johnny, “‘Unflown’ is a musical pep-talk I wrote to myself and those around me as we all grapple with the new paradigm brought on by COVID-19. None of us is the same as we were before the pandemic, but many around me are finding new ways to soar.”
Don't let fears mean flights Unflown Have you forgotten that you're free
Quincy Jones affiliate Stephan Oberhoff produced the sumptuous track in his Pasadena, CA Creation Station. Oberhoff has worked extensively with artists such as Brenda Russel, Melissa Manchester, Jason Gould, Roslyn Kind, and many others. He also has his own band, Heartbeat Brazil.
“Unflown” begins intimately in the first-person, then opens up musically and narratively as the narrator shares what he is learning for himself. The beautifully crafted video utilizes double exposure imagery to depict what’s going on inside Johnny as he muses about having wings and what that would mean for him, and ponders what happens when we let our metaphorical wings “fold and waste away.” A man’s regret-filled tear becomes a detached feather hitting the water. In other sequences, two babies are depicted. The first looks over his shoulder at the sun and we flash to an image of him walking into that same sun years later as a graduate, “navigating his pathway,” The second lifts her arms an infant playing with a hat, then it’s seen lifting her arms in joy as her new husband and their happy guests raise theirs.
The video is created by Schaefer’s husband Paco Silva along with his business partner Daniel Henri-Smith. Together they form Siren Arts Productions.
Says Johnny, “Every step of the process was from writing the song, to recording it, to creating the video was a passionate endeavor to communicate as clearly as possible what I was thinking and feeling. We all took our time with it and I think it comes through.”
Watch the video:
“Unflown” is available on most download and streaming platforms beginning August 27, 2020, which is also the official video release date on YouTube.
Along with promoting his new single, Johnny has been creating new music. “I've been writing a lot of music and have several tracks in various stages of production. I plan to release a series of singles with accompanying videos. I am very eclectic. I let each song tell me what world it wants to live in. If I have a box of crayons, I like to use a LOT of the colors. Music is the same for me. I have been honing my craft, so this is my first release in a while. But there will be more. I hope to build an audience and begin touring when that's a thing again and it’s safe. My husband and I are also producing and filming a documentary film involving a well-known individual, but that's all I want to say about it right now. It’s very cool, though.”
Backup singer for Josh Groban, Melissa Manchester, Sarah Brightman, Sarah Vaughan, Pete Townshend, Billy Idol, Diahann Carroll, and others.
Johnny Schaefer is a Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter of eclectic music. He has a BA in Music (Composition and Voice) from California State University, Fullerton. He has sung backup for Josh Groban, Melissa Manchester, Sarah Brightman, Sarah Vaughan, Pete Townshend, Billy Idol, Diahann Carroll, and others. He is a winner in Melissa Manchester's “Fanchester Video Cover Contest” for his mashup of Melissa’s “Midnight Blue and Lights of Dawn.” He has collaborated with Producer Stephan Oberhoff (Heartbeat Brazil), Bram Stoker Award-winning author and lyricist Elizabeth Massie, best-selling author Marianne Williamson, Carol Robbins-jazz harpist, Christoph Bull, Paul the Trombonist, Chad Ellis, and composer Lynn Kowal. He has been a cantor at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood, CA since 1981.
Johnny’s new single “Unflown” is an uplifting, inspiring, emotionally-charged pop ballad with a timeless message about finding our own inner strength to rise above our circumstances using the analogy of someone discovering they have wings and being afraid to use them.
Says Johnny, “‘Unflown’ is a musical pep-talk I wrote to myself and those around me as we all grapple with the new paradigm brought on by COVID-19. None of us is the same as we were before the pandemic, but many around me are finding new ways to soar.”
Don't let fears mean flights Unflown Have you forgotten that you're free
Quincy Jones affiliate Stephan Oberhoff produced the sumptuous track in his Pasadena, CA Creation Station. Oberhoff has worked extensively with artists such as Brenda Russel, Melissa Manchester, Jason Gould, Roslyn Kind, and many others. He also has his own band, Heartbeat Brazil.
“Unflown” begins intimately in the first-person, then opens up musically and narratively as the narrator shares what he is learning for himself. The beautifully crafted video utilizes double exposure imagery to depict what’s going on inside Johnny as he muses about having wings and what that would mean for him, and ponders what happens when we let our metaphorical wings “fold and waste away.” A man’s regret-filled tear becomes a detached feather hitting the water. In other sequences, two babies are depicted. The first looks over his shoulder at the sun and we flash to an image of him walking into that same sun years later as a graduate, “navigating his pathway,” The second lifts her arms an infant playing with a hat, then it’s seen lifting her arms in joy as her new husband and their happy guests raise theirs.
The video is created by Schaefer’s husband Paco Silva along with his business partner Daniel Henri-Smith. Together they form Siren Arts Productions.
Says Johnny, “Every step of the process was from writing the song, to recording it, to creating the video was a passionate endeavor to communicate as clearly as possible what I was thinking and feeling. We all took our time with it and I think it comes through.”
Watch the video:
“Unflown” is available on most download and streaming platforms beginning August 27, 2020, which is also the official video release date on YouTube.
Along with promoting his new single, Johnny has been creating new music. “I've been writing a lot of music and have several tracks in various stages of production. I plan to release a series of singles with accompanying videos. I am very eclectic. I let each song tell me what world it wants to live in. If I have a box of crayons, I like to use a LOT of the colors. Music is the same for me. I have been honing my craft, so this is my first release in a while. But there will be more. I hope to build an audience and begin touring when that's a thing again and it’s safe. My husband and I are also producing and filming a documentary film involving a well-known individual, but that's all I want to say about it right now. It’s very cool, though.”
Musicians’ musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Jobson, best known for his virtuosic violin and keyboard work with Roxy Music, Frank Zappa, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and supergroup UK, brings us a compilation of live performances from Poland, Russia, Japan and the U.S.A. with his all-star ‘U-Z Project.’
Jobson’s live concert recordings feature guest musicians Marc Bonilla, Alex Machacek, Marco Minnemann, Mike Mangini, Greg Howe, Simon Phillips, Trey Gunn, TJ Helmerich, Billy Sheehan, Ric Fierabracci, Tony Levin and special guest appearances by John Wetton.
The twenty-one tracks include:
Alaska (UK) - Perm, Russia The Only Thing She Needs (UK) - Los Angeles, USA Awakening (Mahavishnu Orchestra) - Boston, USA Nevermore (UK) - Tokyo, Japan Rendezvous 6:02 (UK) - Tokyo, Japan Theme of Secrets (Jobson) - Bydgoszcz, Poland In The Dead of Night (UK) - Tokyo, Japan Presto Vivace (UK)- Tokyo, Japan Bitches Crystal (ELP) - Los Angeles, USA Red (King Crimson) - Perm, Russia Starless (King Crimson) - Tokyo, Japan Caesar’s Palace Blues (UK) - Tokyo, Japan Forever Until Sunday (Bruford) - Tokyo, Japan Carrying No Cross (UK) - Krakow, Poland
Musicians’ musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Jobson, best known for his virtuosic violin and keyboard work with Roxy Music, Frank Zappa, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and supergroup UK, brings us a compilation of live performances from Poland, Russia, Japan and the U.S.A. with his all-star ‘U-Z Project.’
Jobson’s live concert recordings feature guest musicians Marc Bonilla, Alex Machacek, Marco Minnemann, Mike Mangini, Greg Howe, Simon Phillips, Trey Gunn, TJ Helmerich, Billy Sheehan, Ric Fierabracci, Tony Levin and special guest appearances by John Wetton.
The twenty-one tracks include:
Alaska (UK) - Perm, Russia The Only Thing She Needs (UK) - Los Angeles, USA Awakening (Mahavishnu Orchestra) - Boston, USA Nevermore (UK) - Tokyo, Japan Rendezvous 6:02 (UK) - Tokyo, Japan Theme of Secrets (Jobson) - Bydgoszcz, Poland In The Dead of Night (UK) - Tokyo, Japan Presto Vivace (UK)- Tokyo, Japan Bitches Crystal (ELP) - Los Angeles, USA Red (King Crimson) - Perm, Russia Starless (King Crimson) - Tokyo, Japan Caesar’s Palace Blues (UK) - Tokyo, Japan Forever Until Sunday (Bruford) - Tokyo, Japan Carrying No Cross (UK) - Krakow, Poland
Musicians’ musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Jobson, best known for his virtuosic violin and keyboard work with Roxy Music, Frank Zappa, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and supergroup UK, brings us a compilation of live performances from Poland, Russia, Japan and the U.S.A. with his all-star ‘U-Z Project.’
Jobson’s live concert recordings feature guest musicians Marc Bonilla, Alex Machacek, Marco Minnemann, Mike Mangini, Greg Howe, Simon Phillips, Trey Gunn, TJ Helmerich, Billy Sheehan, Ric Fierabracci, Tony Levin and special guest appearances by John Wetton.
The twenty-one tracks include:
Alaska (UK) - Perm, Russia
The Only Thing She Needs (UK) - Los Angeles, USA
Awakening (Mahavishnu Orchestra) - Boston, USA
Nevermore (UK) - Tokyo, Japan
Rendezvous 6:02 (UK) - Tokyo, Japan
Theme of Secrets (Jobson) - Bydgoszcz, Poland
In The Dead of Night (UK) - Tokyo, Japan
Presto Vivace (UK)- Tokyo, Japan
Bitches Crystal (ELP) - Los Angeles, USA
Red (King Crimson) - Perm, Russia
Starless (King Crimson) - Tokyo, Japan
Caesar’s Palace Blues (UK) - Tokyo, Japan
Forever Until Sunday (Bruford) - Tokyo, Japan
Carrying No Cross (UK) - Krakow, Poland
DarWin's new single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams” from forthcoming Album “DarWin 2: A Frozen War”features a video directed by the legendary Nigel Dick (Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard).
“I started working on this (Nightmare Of My Dreams) shortly after we finished the first ‘Origin of Species’ album. Our drummer Simon Phillips, his home burnt down in a tragic wildfire, and we had been thinking a lot about all the themes of the first album dealing with climate change. Those events actually affected our own lives very directly. I’d been working on some ideas for this song and one night it all seemed to come together. The video was shot in Australia, where we wanted to shoot in an area that had been affected by wildfires and climate change. We really want this song to be a tribute to those dealing with the challenges of wildfires around the world. We hope that people can think about the dangers facing many parts of the world and the challenges of the families who have to get their lives back together after these events.” - DarWin
Following the release of debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin has now released a new single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams”.
The epic 7 plus minute “Nightmare Of My Dreams” builds on the themes set out by DarWin on “Origin Of Species”. The video directed by Nigel Dick (Guns N Roses/Band Aid/Def Leppard/Britney Spears) showcases the talents playing on the track - Guthrie Govan (guitar, Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Simon Phillips (drums, Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr) and Billy Sheehan (bass, Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs).
Of the 400 plus videos Nigel Dick has directed this is the first video he has directed remotely. The shoots took place in LA, Nashville, Iceland and Australia - with Nigel himself being in Colorado. Nigel provided the Australian crew with a 27 page storyboard to follow for the shoot in the Blue Mountains, Australia, an area that had been ravaged by fire at the end of 2019. Ironically the fire blistered landscape had begun to grow back green shoots when they filmed, so they had to hide those. Nigel also had to use a real family as actors so that they could work around social distancing. And for the final shot the teddy bear had to be flown across the world to be filmed beforehand had to be quarantined before coming out of its box. A curious tale for these curious times…
Once more DarWin has assembled a stunning ensemble of musicians. “DarWin II: A Frozen War” continues the core collaboration with Simon Phillips, Matt Bissonette and DarWin. Joining them are powerhouse players Billy Sheehan, Guthrie Govan, Greg Howe (guitar, Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (keyboards, Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) and more…
“Darwin 2: A Frozen War” was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips and recorded primarily in Iceland and the USA. The “DarWin 2: A Frozen War” album will be released later in 2020.
DarWin’s critically acclaimed debut “Origin Of Species ” was the first installment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era. It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination. With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in.
“At the end of it all, DarWin has saved the concept album as well as the planet.” – Classic Rock review of debut album “Origin Of Species”
“…a smorgasbord of styles, dripping in YES pomp, melodic pop and riffy modern day rock” – Prog Magazine review of debut album “Origin Of Species”
DarWin's new single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams” from forthcoming Album “DarWin 2: A Frozen War”features a video directed by the legendary Nigel Dick (Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard).
“I started working on this (Nightmare Of My Dreams) shortly after we finished the first ‘Origin of Species’ album. Our drummer Simon Phillips, his home burnt down in a tragic wildfire, and we had been thinking a lot about all the themes of the first album dealing with climate change. Those events actually affected our own lives very directly. I’d been working on some ideas for this song and one night it all seemed to come together. The video was shot in Australia, where we wanted to shoot in an area that had been affected by wildfires and climate change. We really want this song to be a tribute to those dealing with the challenges of wildfires around the world. We hope that people can think about the dangers facing many parts of the world and the challenges of the families who have to get their lives back together after these events.” - DarWin
Following the release of debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin has now released a new single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams”.
The epic 7 plus minute “Nightmare Of My Dreams” builds on the themes set out by DarWin on “Origin Of Species”. The video directed by Nigel Dick (Guns N Roses/Band Aid/Def Leppard/Britney Spears) showcases the talents playing on the track - Guthrie Govan (guitar, Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Simon Phillips (drums, Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr) and Billy Sheehan (bass, Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs).
Of the 400 plus videos Nigel Dick has directed this is the first video he has directed remotely. The shoots took place in LA, Nashville, Iceland and Australia - with Nigel himself being in Colorado. Nigel provided the Australian crew with a 27 page storyboard to follow for the shoot in the Blue Mountains, Australia, an area that had been ravaged by fire at the end of 2019. Ironically the fire blistered landscape had begun to grow back green shoots when they filmed, so they had to hide those. Nigel also had to use a real family as actors so that they could work around social distancing. And for the final shot the teddy bear had to be flown across the world to be filmed beforehand had to be quarantined before coming out of its box. A curious tale for these curious times…
Once more DarWin has assembled a stunning ensemble of musicians. “DarWin II: A Frozen War” continues the core collaboration with Simon Phillips, Matt Bissonette and DarWin. Joining them are powerhouse players Billy Sheehan, Guthrie Govan, Greg Howe (guitar, Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (keyboards, Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) and more…
“Darwin 2: A Frozen War” was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips and recorded primarily in Iceland and the USA. The “DarWin 2: A Frozen War” album will be released later in 2020.
DarWin’s critically acclaimed debut “Origin Of Species ” was the first installment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era. It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination. With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in.
“At the end of it all, DarWin has saved the concept album as well as the planet.” – Classic Rock review of debut album “Origin Of Species”
“…a smorgasbord of styles, dripping in YES pomp, melodic pop and riffy modern day rock” – Prog Magazine review of debut album “Origin Of Species”
DarWin's new single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams” from forthcoming Album “DarWin 2: A Frozen War”features a video directed by the legendary Nigel Dick (Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard).
“I started working on this (Nightmare Of My Dreams) shortly after we finished the first ‘Origin of Species’ album. Our drummer Simon Phillips, his home burnt down in a tragic wildfire, and we had been thinking a lot about all the themes of the first album dealing with climate change. Those events actually affected our own lives very directly. I’d been working on some ideas for this song and one night it all seemed to come together. The video was shot in Australia, where we wanted to shoot in an area that had been affected by wildfires and climate change. We really want this song to be a tribute to those dealing with the challenges of wildfires around the world. We hope that people can think about the dangers facing many parts of the world and the challenges of the families who have to get their lives back together after these events.” - DarWin
Following the release of debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin has now released a new single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams”.
The epic 7 plus minute “Nightmare Of My Dreams” builds on the themes set out by DarWin on “Origin Of Species”. The video directed by Nigel Dick (Guns N Roses/Band Aid/Def Leppard/Britney Spears) showcases the talents playing on the track - Guthrie Govan (guitar, Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Simon Phillips (drums, Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr) and Billy Sheehan (bass, Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs).
Of the 400 plus videos Nigel Dick has directed this is the first video he has directed remotely. The shoots took place in LA, Nashville, Iceland and Australia - with Nigel himself being in Colorado. Nigel provided the Australian crew with a 27 page storyboard to follow for the shoot in the Blue Mountains, Australia, an area that had been ravaged by fire at the end of 2019. Ironically the fire blistered landscape had begun to grow back green shoots when they filmed, so they had to hide those. Nigel also had to use a real family as actors so that they could work around social distancing. And for the final shot the teddy bear had to be flown across the world to be filmed beforehand had to be quarantined before coming out of its box. A curious tale for these curious times…
Once more DarWin has assembled a stunning ensemble of musicians. “DarWin II: A Frozen War” continues the core collaboration with Simon Phillips, Matt Bissonette and DarWin. Joining them are powerhouse players Billy Sheehan, Guthrie Govan, Greg Howe (guitar, Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (keyboards, Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) and more…
“Darwin 2: A Frozen War” was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips and recorded primarily in Iceland and the USA. The “DarWin 2: A Frozen War” album will be released later in 2020.
DarWin’s critically acclaimed debut “Origin Of Species ” was the first installment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era. It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination. With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in.
“At the end of it all, DarWin has saved the concept album as well as the planet.” – Classic Rock review of debut album “Origin Of Species”
“…a smorgasbord of styles, dripping in YES pomp, melodic pop and riffy modern day rock” – Prog Magazine review of debut album “Origin Of Species”
A blend of musical genres from electronic, jazz, ambient classical to experimental rock
Elliot Nelson is a British born instrumental solo artist, composer and producer from the north of England. Son of Be-Bop Deluxe frontman ‘Bill Nelson’, Elliot has grown up his entire life surrounded by music and creativity. His sound blends and bends musical genres from electronic, jazz, experimental rock, folk and classical. Pushing his music to the brink of sonic creativity in his debut album “As He Now Appears”. A journey taking you through warping ethereal melodies into the depths of dark and atmospheric soundscapes.
Says Elliot, “‘As He Now Appears’ is centered around the experiences we have in life which evolve and change us into who we are now. I used to observe how people around me changed in particular situations, around different people or different environments. I think it shows how susceptible we are as humans to everything, it’s like a cycle of change but somehow we always return to the same point, with more life under our belt.”
Elliot has played guitar and drums in numerous British underground bands in the past, namely ‘Honeytone Cody’, where he also collaborated in a joint writing venture with his sister Elle Nelson. The band quickly became one of the most popular underground bands in Britain, receiving airplay from John Peel, a remixed track by BBC Radio One DJ Kissy Sellout and a photoshoot with Mick Rock for a ‘Tommy Hilfger’ clothing range. Honeytone Cody disbanded in mid 2015 after 16 years.
From 2017-18, Elliot went on to form an avant garde musical project under the guise of ‘The Wolf and The Ape’, again another musical endeavour which received high praise from critics and musicians alike.
The Wolf and The Ape solely produced music for old silent films which included a 1920’s art film by Dziga Vertov, “A Man with a Movie Camera” and also Lottie Reininger’s short animation, “Cinderella”.
Now Elliot is releasing his first instrumental solo album, “As He Now Appears”, which encompasses an eclectic mix of music, using jazz, classical, folk, electronica to alternative rock. From track to track, it shows no bias to one particular genre. Stretching and pulling the music to sculpture an emotional narrative about the transition of time, change and life.
Says Elliot, “The album was incidental, instead of using something such as a journal or diary, I would use my music to express a certain point of time or event that would be happening in my life, I guess I used a similar motif to Sergei Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and The Wolf’, I would use a particular instrument to represent a person or creature within the narrative of what I was feeling, or an event I was experiencing. It was recorded over a course of 2-3 years, mainly using a laptop equipped with Ableton Live using various acoustic and electric instruments. The drums were recorded in old industrial mills in West Yorkshire, I’d either use a guide guitar or play against a drone or a sample of some sort. It would be all instinctive to how I felt, once the tracks took upon a certain emotional shape, everything else fell into place.”
Tracks:
1. As He Now Appears 2. Crusade of The Marionettes 3. Land of The Forgotten 4. Cats and Otherwise 5. Pierrot 6. Internally Set to Zero 7. The Ethereal Ballon 8. God's Pythons 9. From The Blonde to The Beast 10. The Black Dot 11. Beach Waltz
All music written, performed and produced by Elliot Nelson Mastered by John Spence Illustration and design by Elle Nelson
A blend of musical genres from electronic, jazz, ambient classical to experimental rock
Elliot Nelson is a British born instrumental solo artist, composer and producer from the north of England. Son of Be-Bop Deluxe frontman ‘Bill Nelson’, Elliot has grown up his entire life surrounded by music and creativity. His sound blends and bends musical genres from electronic, jazz, experimental rock, folk and classical. Pushing his music to the brink of sonic creativity in his debut album “As He Now Appears”. A journey taking you through warping ethereal melodies into the depths of dark and atmospheric soundscapes.
Says Elliot, “‘As He Now Appears’ is centered around the experiences we have in life which evolve and change us into who we are now. I used to observe how people around me changed in particular situations, around different people or different environments. I think it shows how susceptible we are as humans to everything, it’s like a cycle of change but somehow we always return to the same point, with more life under our belt.”
Elliot has played guitar and drums in numerous British underground bands in the past, namely ‘Honeytone Cody’, where he also collaborated in a joint writing venture with his sister Elle Nelson. The band quickly became one of the most popular underground bands in Britain, receiving airplay from John Peel, a remixed track by BBC Radio One DJ Kissy Sellout and a photoshoot with Mick Rock for a ‘Tommy Hilfger’ clothing range. Honeytone Cody disbanded in mid 2015 after 16 years.
From 2017-18, Elliot went on to form an avant garde musical project under the guise of ‘The Wolf and The Ape’, again another musical endeavour which received high praise from critics and musicians alike.
The Wolf and The Ape solely produced music for old silent films which included a 1920’s art film by Dziga Vertov, “A Man with a Movie Camera” and also Lottie Reininger’s short animation, “Cinderella”.
Now Elliot is releasing his first instrumental solo album, “As He Now Appears”, which encompasses an eclectic mix of music, using jazz, classical, folk, electronica to alternative rock. From track to track, it shows no bias to one particular genre. Stretching and pulling the music to sculpture an emotional narrative about the transition of time, change and life.
Says Elliot, “The album was incidental, instead of using something such as a journal or diary, I would use my music to express a certain point of time or event that would be happening in my life, I guess I used a similar motif to Sergei Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and The Wolf’, I would use a particular instrument to represent a person or creature within the narrative of what I was feeling, or an event I was experiencing. It was recorded over a course of 2-3 years, mainly using a laptop equipped with Ableton Live using various acoustic and electric instruments. The drums were recorded in old industrial mills in West Yorkshire, I’d either use a guide guitar or play against a drone or a sample of some sort. It would be all instinctive to how I felt, once the tracks took upon a certain emotional shape, everything else fell into place.”
Tracks:
1. As He Now Appears 2. Crusade of The Marionettes 3. Land of The Forgotten 4. Cats and Otherwise 5. Pierrot 6. Internally Set to Zero 7. The Ethereal Ballon 8. God's Pythons 9. From The Blonde to The Beast 10. The Black Dot 11. Beach Waltz
All music written, performed and produced by Elliot Nelson Mastered by John Spence Illustration and design by Elle Nelson
A blend of musical genres from electronic, jazz, ambient classical to experimental rock
Elliot Nelson is a British born instrumental solo artist, composer and producer from the north of England. Son of Be-Bop Deluxe frontman ‘Bill Nelson’, Elliot has grown up his entire life surrounded by music and creativity. His sound blends and bends musical genres from electronic, jazz, experimental rock, folk and classical. Pushing his music to the brink of sonic creativity in his debut album “As He Now Appears”. A journey taking you through warping ethereal melodies into the depths of dark and atmospheric soundscapes.
Says Elliot, “‘As He Now Appears’ is centered around the experiences we have in life which evolve and change us into who we are now. I used to observe how people around me changed in particular situations, around different people or different environments. I think it shows how susceptible we are as humans to everything, it’s like a cycle of change but somehow we always return to the same point, with more life under our belt.”
Elliot has played guitar and drums in numerous British underground bands in the past, namely ‘Honeytone Cody’, where he also collaborated in a joint writing venture with his sister Elle Nelson. The band quickly became one of the most popular underground bands in Britain, receiving airplay from John Peel, a remixed track by BBC Radio One DJ Kissy Sellout and a photoshoot with Mick Rock for a ‘Tommy Hilfger’ clothing range. Honeytone Cody disbanded in mid 2015 after 16 years.
From 2017-18, Elliot went on to form an avant garde musical project under the guise of ‘The Wolf and The Ape’, again another musical endeavour which received high praise from critics and musicians alike.
The Wolf and The Ape solely produced music for old silent films which included a 1920’s art film by Dziga Vertov, “A Man with a Movie Camera” and also Lottie Reininger’s short animation, “Cinderella”.
Now Elliot is releasing his first instrumental solo album, “As He Now Appears”, which encompasses an eclectic mix of music, using jazz, classical, folk, electronica to alternative rock. From track to track, it shows no bias to one particular genre. Stretching and pulling the music to sculpture an emotional narrative about the transition of time, change and life.
Says Elliot, “The album was incidental, instead of using something such as a journal or diary, I would use my music to express a certain point of time or event that would be happening in my life, I guess I used a similar motif to Sergei Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and The Wolf’, I would use a particular instrument to represent a person or creature within the narrative of what I was feeling, or an event I was experiencing. It was recorded over a course of 2-3 years, mainly using a laptop equipped with Ableton Live using various acoustic and electric instruments. The drums were recorded in old industrial mills in West Yorkshire, I’d either use a guide guitar or play against a drone or a sample of some sort. It would be all instinctive to how I felt, once the tracks took upon a certain emotional shape, everything else fell into place.”
Tracks:
1. As He Now Appears
2. Crusade of The Marionettes
3. Land of The Forgotten
4. Cats and Otherwise
5. Pierrot
6. Internally Set to Zero
7. The Ethereal Ballon
8. God's Pythons
9. From The Blonde to The Beast
10. The Black Dot
11. Beach Waltz
All music written, performed and produced by Elliot Nelson
Mastered by John Spence
Illustration and design by Elle Nelson
UK Music Legends The Pretty Things Share New Single "Bright As Blood"
New Album ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ Due September 25th
Credit: Judy Totton
The Pretty Things have shared new single "Bright As Blood" from their upcoming album ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ out on the 25th September through Madfish Music.
Taken from the new, entirely acoustic album, which the band had been working on right up until the sudden and tragic passing of Phil May in May 2020. The band, led by guitarist Dick Taylor, is sharing this new music in tribute to their iconic, fearless and trailblazing front man.
New single "Bright As Blood" see’s Phil May and Dick Taylor embrace moving new folk, Americana and bluegrass overtones, coupled with Jon Wigg’s rootsy fiddle and Sam Brother’s hillbilly banjo that sit alongside writer, George Woosey’s hypnotic, driving guitar and a vocal performance from May that is as open and vulnerable as we ever heard from him.
Dick Taylor, The Pretty Things “Bright As Blood” was written by the band’s long-time bass player – George Woosey - and it’s typical of his incredible work, it captures his fascination with Roots and Americana music perfectly and was a perfect fit with the album and even gave us our title…”
The new single will be available on all streaming platforms from Friday 7th August
‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ is the culmination of the work the band had been doing, following lengthy discussions about whether they could actually create meaningful new music in a stripped back, acoustic-driven format following their retirement from electric performances on health grounds that saw them bow out with an incredible three hour, sold-out performance at The 02 Indigo in London in December 2018 with guests David Gilmour and Van Morrison.
Deciding that they could, Phil May and Dick Taylor, together with long time manager and producer Mark St. John, began work on this new album, their first in an entirely acoustic format and set about laying the foundation of what The Pretty Things would be next.
The new album, the product of these sessions, is the sound of authenticity, hard experience and the pain and longing of two artists in the unknown territory of old age. The sound of two long, long lives, lived in art and music that have always lived at the cutting edge, and that have always worked as they did at the very start, in their teenage years, with absolute honesty and total integrity…
Track listing: 1. Can`t Be Satisfied [03:04] 2. Come Into My Kitchen [04:17] 3. Ain`t No Grave [03:58] 4. Faultline [04:22] 5. Redemption Day [05:22] 6. The Devil Had A Hold Of Me [04:16] 7. Bright As Blood [04:44] 8. Love In Vain [04:17] 9. Black Girl [02:37] 10. To Build A Wall [04:25] 11. Another World [03:56] Bonus Track: I`m Ready [03:43]
Press Quotes: "Mr. May’s snarling vocals and rebellious persona helped make his band, the Pretty Things, an influential part of the 1960s British scene.” - The New York Times
"The man David Bowie listed as God in his address book stuck two fingers up at rules about music, sex and life itself – and made the most glorious noise doing it” - The Guardian
"May’s yowling vocals, were as ferociously potent as anything recorded during the 1960s British beat boom.” - The Times
"Although the Pretty Things did not achieve the fame of many of their peers in the UK rock scene, they were beloved by musicians, including Aerosmith and, most famously, David Bowie” - Pitchfork
UK Music Legends The Pretty Things Share New Single "Bright As Blood"
New Album ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ Due September 25th
Credit: Judy Totton
The Pretty Things have shared new single "Bright As Blood" from their upcoming album ‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ out on the 25th September through Madfish Music.
Taken from the new, entirely acoustic album, which the band had been working on right up until the sudden and tragic passing of Phil May in May 2020. The band, led by guitarist Dick Taylor, is sharing this new music in tribute to their iconic, fearless and trailblazing front man.
New single "Bright As Blood" see’s Phil May and Dick Taylor embrace moving new folk, Americana and bluegrass overtones, coupled with Jon Wigg’s rootsy fiddle and Sam Brother’s hillbilly banjo that sit alongside writer, George Woosey’s hypnotic, driving guitar and a vocal performance from May that is as open and vulnerable as we ever heard from him.
Dick Taylor, The Pretty Things “Bright As Blood” was written by the band’s long-time bass player – George Woosey - and it’s typical of his incredible work, it captures his fascination with Roots and Americana music perfectly and was a perfect fit with the album and even gave us our title…”
The new single will be available on all streaming platforms from Friday 7th August
‘Bare As Bone, Bright As Blood’ is the culmination of the work the band had been doing, following lengthy discussions about whether they could actually create meaningful new music in a stripped back, acoustic-driven format following their retirement from electric performances on health grounds that saw them bow out with an incredible three hour, sold-out performance at The 02 Indigo in London in December 2018 with guests David Gilmour and Van Morrison.
Deciding that they could, Phil May and Dick Taylor, together with long time manager and producer Mark St. John, began work on this new album, their first in an entirely acoustic format and set about laying the foundation of what The Pretty Things would be next.
The new album, the product of these sessions, is the sound of authenticity, hard experience and the pain and longing of two artists in the unknown territory of old age. The sound of two long, long lives, lived in art and music that have always lived at the cutting edge, and that have always worked as they did at the very start, in their teenage years, with absolute honesty and total integrity…
Track listing:
1. Can`t Be Satisfied [03:04]
2. Come Into My Kitchen [04:17]
3. Ain`t No Grave [03:58]
4. Faultline [04:22]
5. Redemption Day [05:22]
6. The Devil Had A Hold Of Me [04:16]
7. Bright As Blood [04:44]
8. Love In Vain [04:17]
9. Black Girl [02:37]
10. To Build A Wall [04:25]
11. Another World [03:56]
Bonus Track:
I`m Ready [03:43]
Press Quotes: "Mr. May’s snarling vocals and rebellious persona helped make his band, the Pretty Things, an influential part of the 1960s British scene.” - The New York Times
"The man David Bowie listed as God in his address book stuck two fingers up at rules about music, sex and life itself – and made the most glorious noise doing it” - The Guardian
"May’s yowling vocals, were as ferociously potent as anything recorded during the 1960s British beat boom.” - The Times
"Although the Pretty Things did not achieve the fame of many of their peers in the UK rock scene, they were beloved by musicians, including Aerosmith and, most famously, David Bowie” - Pitchfork
Billy Livesay, best known for his work with E Street Band legend Clarence Clemons as his Guitarist & Vocalist, is releasing a new album with his group The Livesays, independently. The majority of The Livesays' new album “The Rhythm of Love and Dysfunction” was recorded in 2018 and was set to be released early in 2019. Tragically, on November 2nd, 2018, the band experienced unimaginable sorrow when their drummer, Eddie Zyne, passed away from a heart attack. Eddie, who began his illustrious career as the drummer in Hall and Oates, was an original co-founding member and integral part of The Livesays.
Eddie had been so excited about the upcoming release of The Livesays’ fourth album, particularly the new songs which showcased his solid metronome-like drumming style. Losing Eddie was not only a tremendous setback, it caused the band members to cancel all of their upcoming shows and contemplate calling it quits. Instead, the band persevered and, in turn, decided to dedicate this album to their fallen musical brother Eddie Zyne.
Finding a replacement for Eddie would prove to be no easy task as he left tremendous shoes to fill. In the Spring of 2019, along came Howard Goldberg, formerly of the indie funk band “Rudy.” Says Billy Livesay, “Howard knew us from playing around South Florida through the years. He was a tremendous fan of Eddie’s, knew of his passing, and asked if he could audition for us. Much to our surprise and delight, he turned out to be a great fit. He brought a revived energy to our band. We were back up and running in a few months."
The songs were recorded in Billy Livesay's home studio in Pembroke Pines, FL, mixed by Grammy nominated engineer Steve Gordon and mastered by Grammy winning engineer Mike Fuller at Fullersound in Ft Lauderdale. The original plan was to have the song “The Rhythm of Love” be the title cut, and the album was to include songs written and recorded over a two year period after the release of The Livesays' 2016 release “Hold On…Life Is Calling.”
Circumstances changed after losing Eddie. Turmoil set in due to ongoing political unrest, the upcoming election, protests, the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment, isolation, and having to quarantine. The general feelings of uncertainty and uneasiness, and the ever-changing dysfunctional social and political climate, inspired some fresh new songs and a reevaluation as to which songs to release. Armed with twenty songs, the band narrowed it down to thirteen that reflected a congruent theme, which gave birth to the adjusted title “The Rhythm of Love and Dysfunction.”
Billy explains the meaning and inspiration behind the songs… “When I Dream” - Everyone has some sort of aspiration; being successful playing music has always been mine. Even when the odds seem stacked against me, I have never given up on my dream. 'It may be a leap of faith but it's a leap I’m going to take, when I dream'. I’d be remiss if I did not mention that I wrote this song while mourning the loss of my bandmate Eddie Zyne who I know would be disappointed if his passing had led to the demise of the band and the end of my dream.
“Another Mile” and “Better Than You” - Many couples are quick to dissolve their relationships after disagreements. I view relationships as a constant work in progress. It’s hard for people to admit when they're wrong. Admittedly, it took me awhile, but I have learned to take the blame when I realize that I am wrong. I wrote the song "Another Mile" for my wife. It was my way of apologizing after an argument over something petty. My wife, Vicki, is also the inspiration behind the song “Better Than You.” She has stood by me and supported me throughout my career. Her mother once said that our “love affair was hanging on by a wing and a prayer.” To this day, I’m glad my wife “took that dare.”
“Can I Have (What You Have)?” - This song was inspired by a newspaper article I read about a man convicted of armed robbery. In his own defense and to lessen his sentence, he blamed his own reprehensible behavior on having been raised by a father who beat him and a mother who was a drug addict. With pen in hand as I began crafting the lyrics, I happened to look out the window and noticed the sky had turned gray. I wrote down the line “looked out my window storm clouds coming, I don't know how long they will last.” I tasked myself with writing this particular song without a rhyming pattern, which is something that I don’t normally do. We ended up recording this song at Power Station Studios, in Pompano Beach, FL and released a video of the recording session filmed and edited by Miami-based award winning film maker David Liz. Watch the video here:
“Book Of Rules” - One evening, while at a restaurant eating dinner, I witnessed a group of people acting asinine and causing a ruckus. The line “a jester holding court is something that I ain't” popped into my head and I wrote it down on a napkin. I went home and wrote a “Book of Rules,” a dark rocker with verses that are vignettes about how people seem to have their own codes by which they live.
“That's The Trouble With Love” actually started out as two separate songs. I was working on a song about a guy who experienced love at first sight after offering an umbrella to a girl in the rain, and another song intended to be called “Whole Lot of Trouble,” both of which included lyrics sent to me by a Nashville artist named David Graham with whom I have co-written multiple songs in the past. The concepts were similar in nature in both songs and blended together nicely into one acoustic song which sounds a bit Santana-esque.
“Better Than He Ever Was” is autobiographical in nature, but more so, it's a shout out to my musical peers who, like a fine wine, have improved with age. Too often in the entertainment industry, we are cast aside as we grow older, when in many cases, our maturity lends itself to a better, more polished performance.
“Let It Flow” is a song about addiction, inspired by a close friend’s father who was a train-riding hobo who was always down on his luck as a result of his alcoholism.
“The Rhythm Of Love” is a bluesy dance song about the magic and emotional power of love that sometimes takes control of our senses.
“There’s Something Coming Now” - My drummer and I co-wrote the lyrics to this song, inspired by the current dysfunction of our government, the upcoming election, the country-wide protesting, and overall sense of turmoil we are all feeling during the pandemic. With so much misinformation circulating, we’re all left wondering what’s coming next.
“How Can I Be?” was inspired by a close friend who went through a painful breakup with a domineering woman who cheated on him. It’s a song about love-gone-bad in a dysfunctional relationship that left a man questioning his own self-worth and trying to rediscover himself.
Billy explains why there are two cover songs on this album: “Woodstock” - When the virus hit and I found myself quarantined, I was reflecting on how I was feeling about the current political state of the country. When the “Black Lives Matter” protests began, it reminded me of the vibe of the 60's movement and the public demand for civil rights and equality. This feeling prompted me to start noodling around with Joni Mitchell’s classic tune “Woodstock.” During a rehearsal, my bandmates and I put our own creative spin on the song. In celebration of the life and legacy of Ms. Mitchell, and because its subject matter fit in nicely with our other songs, we decided to record our version for our album.
“The Heart Of The Matter” - I have been told countless times over the years that my voice was reminiscent of Don Henley. By chance, shortly after Eddie’s passing, while The Livesays were on hiatus, I was asked to fill in for a few months with a touring Eagles tribute band called “The Long Run,” assuming the role of Don Henley. After I finished my stint with the tribute band, we had added Howard to our lineup and began playing out again. The guys in my band decided that we should cover “The Heart Of The Matter,” and it instantly became a fan favorite. It fit the theme of the songs we were compiling for our album, so we decided to record it. Since it has been thirty years since the original release of this monumental song, we opted to stay true to its original composition instead of putting our own spin on it.
Here's what the press has said about The Livesays:
“There is some exceptional music here. The sound of this really channels a lot of old school classic rock textures, but at times brings some modern elements to it. I really like this album a lot. There are no bad songs here at all.” - G. W. Hill Music Street Journal
“The kind of commercial classic rock that doesn’t make hipsters feel self conscious for liking this stuff, the voice, the tunes and the moves all merge into a swell stew of the rock we grew up with and still think is out there. Not only do you get some eloquent melodies on this disc, but you also get some thought- provoking material that will no doubt make an impact on you as a listener.” - Chuck Dauphin, Music News Nashville
“As singer/songwriter, lead guitarist and frontman for The Livesays, Billy Livesay, takes the pop-rock music art form to new heights with The Livesays 2016 Springsteen influenced release “Hold On … Life Is Calling.” - Robert Silverstein - MWE3.com
“Hold On… Life Is Calling” delivers 13 chewy hunks of pop rock bliss. Without a doubt Billy Livesay has a terrific voice, impassioned and dramatic, and when it coincides with a suitably vast tune, the results are mesmerizing.” — Rocktologist.com
“Billy Livesay's soulful voice and deeply heartfelt lyrics make “Hold On …Life Is Calling” a must-have in any self-respecting classic rockers music collection” - Exclusive Magazine
“Melodic rock fans should eat this one up. It’s an enjoyable album from a group of veteran musicians who have been around the block a time or two.” - SeaOfTranquility.org
UPCOMING PLANS- The Livesays will release “The Heart of the Matter” as a video single on their YouTube channel and their Facebook page with a link in the caption to direct viewers to purchase a digital download of the song with a “name your price” option. Proceeds from the sale of the single will benefit the MusiCares Foundation, a charity that has provided more than $60 million in health, financial, and rehabilitation resources to fellow musicians in times of need. More info on the foundation: https://www.grammy.com/musicares. The video link is here:
A pre-sale of the CD (signed hard copies and digital downloads) will begin on Monday, Aug. 10th, 2020. The official release date of the CD has been set for Sept 20th, 2020. As soon as it is safe for music halls and concert venues to reopen, The Livesays plan to tour in support of the release of “The Rhythm of Love and Dysfunction.” The band anxiously awaits getting back in front of live audiences where they shine.
In closing, Billy has this message to impart: “During these times of turmoil, isolation, quarantining, anxiety and uncertainty, what has pulled us through is love and music. While we all have our own problems, dysfunctions, shortcomings, and varying opinions, we are all human beings who basically have the same needs and desires. Hopefully the issues we have been facing lately will lead people to take less for granted, apologize quicker, listen more and talk less, smell more roses, and just be better, kinder people. Love may sometimes be ‘a whole lot of trouble,’ but love is definitely worth traveling ‘another mile.’
The Livesays’ lineup: Billy Livesay - Guitar / lead vocals Jorge Laplume - Bass / vocals Howard Goldberg - Drums Victor "Cuqui" Berrios - Organ / vocals Tim Murphy- Piano / vocals
Billy Livesay, best known for his work with E Street Band legend Clarence Clemons as his Guitarist & Vocalist, is releasing a new album with his group The Livesays, independently. The majority of The Livesays' new album “The Rhythm of Love and Dysfunction” was recorded in 2018 and was set to be released early in 2019. Tragically, on November 2nd, 2018, the band experienced unimaginable sorrow when their drummer, Eddie Zyne, passed away from a heart attack. Eddie, who began his illustrious career as the drummer in Hall and Oates, was an original co-founding member and integral part of The Livesays.
Eddie had been so excited about the upcoming release of The Livesays’ fourth album, particularly the new songs which showcased his solid metronome-like drumming style. Losing Eddie was not only a tremendous setback, it caused the band members to cancel all of their upcoming shows and contemplate calling it quits. Instead, the band persevered and, in turn, decided to dedicate this album to their fallen musical brother Eddie Zyne.
Finding a replacement for Eddie would prove to be no easy task as he left tremendous shoes to fill. In the Spring of 2019, along came Howard Goldberg, formerly of the indie funk band “Rudy.” Says Billy Livesay, “Howard knew us from playing around South Florida through the years. He was a tremendous fan of Eddie’s, knew of his passing, and asked if he could audition for us. Much to our surprise and delight, he turned out to be a great fit. He brought a revived energy to our band. We were back up and running in a few months."
The songs were recorded in Billy Livesay's home studio in Pembroke Pines, FL, mixed by Grammy nominated engineer Steve Gordon and mastered by Grammy winning engineer Mike Fuller at Fullersound in Ft Lauderdale. The original plan was to have the song “The Rhythm of Love” be the title cut, and the album was to include songs written and recorded over a two year period after the release of The Livesays' 2016 release “Hold On…Life Is Calling.”
Circumstances changed after losing Eddie. Turmoil set in due to ongoing political unrest, the upcoming election, protests, the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment, isolation, and having to quarantine. The general feelings of uncertainty and uneasiness, and the ever-changing dysfunctional social and political climate, inspired some fresh new songs and a reevaluation as to which songs to release. Armed with twenty songs, the band narrowed it down to thirteen that reflected a congruent theme, which gave birth to the adjusted title “The Rhythm of Love and Dysfunction.”
Billy explains the meaning and inspiration behind the songs…
“When I Dream” - Everyone has some sort of aspiration; being successful playing music has always been mine. Even when the odds seem stacked against me, I have never given up on my dream. 'It may be a leap of faith but it's a leap I’m going to take, when I dream'. I’d be remiss if I did not mention that I wrote this song while mourning the loss of my bandmate Eddie Zyne who I know would be disappointed if his passing had led to the demise of the band and the end of my dream.
“Another Mile” and “Better Than You” - Many couples are quick to dissolve their relationships after disagreements. I view relationships as a constant work in progress. It’s hard for people to admit when they're wrong. Admittedly, it took me awhile, but I have learned to take the blame when I realize that I am wrong. I wrote the song "Another Mile" for my wife. It was my way of apologizing after an argument over something petty. My wife, Vicki, is also the inspiration behind the song “Better Than You.” She has stood by me and supported me throughout my career. Her mother once said that our “love affair was hanging on by a wing and a prayer.” To this day, I’m glad my wife “took that dare.”
“Can I Have (What You Have)?” -
This song was inspired by a newspaper article I read about a man convicted of armed robbery. In his own defense and to lessen his sentence, he blamed his own reprehensible behavior on having been raised by a father who beat him and a mother who was a drug addict. With pen in hand as I began crafting the lyrics, I happened to look out the window and noticed the sky had turned gray. I wrote down the line “looked out my window storm clouds coming, I don't know how long they will last.” I tasked myself with writing this particular song without a rhyming pattern, which is something that I don’t normally do.
We ended up recording this song at Power Station Studios, in Pompano Beach, FL and released a video of the recording session filmed and edited by Miami-based award winning film maker David Liz. Watch the video here:
“Book Of Rules” - One evening, while at a restaurant eating dinner, I witnessed a group of people acting asinine and causing a ruckus. The line “a jester holding court is something that I ain't” popped into my head and I wrote it down on a napkin. I went home and wrote a “Book of Rules,” a dark rocker with verses that are vignettes about how people seem to have their own codes by which they live.
“That's The Trouble With Love” actually started out as two separate songs. I was working on a song about a guy who experienced love at first sight after offering an umbrella to a girl in the rain, and another song intended to be called “Whole Lot of Trouble,” both of which included lyrics sent to me by a Nashville artist named David Graham with whom I have co-written multiple songs in the past. The concepts were similar in nature in both songs and blended together nicely into one acoustic song which sounds a bit Santana-esque.
“Better Than He Ever Was” is autobiographical in nature, but more so, it's a shout out to my musical peers who, like a fine wine, have improved with age. Too often in the entertainment industry, we are cast aside as we grow older, when in many cases, our maturity lends itself to a better, more polished performance.
“Let It Flow” is a song about addiction, inspired by a close friend’s father who was a train-riding hobo who was always down on his luck as a result of his alcoholism.
“The Rhythm Of Love” is a bluesy dance song about the magic and emotional power of love that sometimes takes control of our senses.
“There’s Something Coming Now” - My drummer and I co-wrote the lyrics to this song, inspired by the current dysfunction of our government, the upcoming election, the country-wide protesting, and overall sense of turmoil we are all feeling during the pandemic. With so much misinformation circulating, we’re all left wondering what’s coming next.
“How Can I Be?” was inspired by a close friend who went through a painful breakup with a domineering woman who cheated on him. It’s a song about love-gone-bad in a dysfunctional relationship that left a man questioning his own self-worth and trying to rediscover himself.
Billy explains why there are two cover songs on this album:
“Woodstock” - When the virus hit and I found myself quarantined, I was reflecting on how I was feeling about the current political state of the country. When the “Black Lives Matter” protests began, it reminded me of the vibe of the 60's movement and the public demand for civil rights and equality. This feeling prompted me to start noodling around with Joni Mitchell’s classic tune “Woodstock.” During a rehearsal, my bandmates and I put our own creative spin on the song. In celebration of the life and legacy of Ms. Mitchell, and because its subject matter fit in nicely with our other songs, we decided to record our version for our album.
“The Heart Of The Matter” - I have been told countless times over the years that my voice was reminiscent of Don Henley. By chance, shortly after Eddie’s passing, while The Livesays were on hiatus, I was asked to fill in for a few months with a touring Eagles tribute band called “The Long Run,” assuming the role of Don Henley. After I finished my stint with the tribute band, we had added Howard to our lineup and began playing out again. The guys in my band decided that we should cover “The Heart Of The Matter,” and it instantly became a fan favorite. It fit the theme of the songs we were compiling for our album, so we decided to record it. Since it has been thirty years since the original release of this monumental song, we opted to stay true to its original composition instead of putting our own spin on it.
Here's what the press has said about The Livesays:
“There is some exceptional music here. The sound of this really channels a lot of old school classic rock textures, but at times brings some modern elements to it. I really like this album a lot. There are no bad songs here at all.” - G. W. Hill Music Street Journal
“The kind of commercial classic rock that doesn’t make hipsters feel self conscious for liking this stuff, the voice, the tunes and the moves all merge into a swell stew of the rock we grew up with and still think is out there. Not only do you get some eloquent melodies on this disc, but you also get some thought- provoking material that will no doubt make an impact on you as a listener.” - Chuck Dauphin, Music News Nashville
“As singer/songwriter, lead guitarist and frontman for The Livesays, Billy Livesay, takes the pop-rock music art form to new heights with The Livesays 2016 Springsteen influenced release “Hold On … Life Is Calling.” - Robert Silverstein - MWE3.com
“Hold On… Life Is Calling” delivers 13 chewy hunks of pop rock bliss. Without a doubt Billy Livesay has a terrific voice, impassioned and dramatic, and when it coincides with a suitably vast tune, the results are mesmerizing.” — Rocktologist.com
“Billy Livesay's soulful voice and deeply heartfelt lyrics make “Hold On …Life Is Calling” a must-have in any self-respecting classic rockers music collection” - Exclusive Magazine
“Melodic rock fans should eat this one up. It’s an enjoyable album from a group of veteran musicians who have been around the block a time or two.” - SeaOfTranquility.org
UPCOMING PLANS-
The Livesays will release “The Heart of the Matter” as a video single on their YouTube channel and their Facebook page with a link in the caption to direct viewers to purchase a digital download of the song with a “name your price” option. Proceeds from the sale of the single will benefit the MusiCares Foundation, a charity that has provided more than $60 million in health, financial, and rehabilitation resources to fellow musicians in times of need. More info on the foundation: https://www.grammy.com/musicares.
The video link is here:
A pre-sale of the CD (signed hard copies and digital downloads) will begin on Monday, Aug. 10th, 2020. The official release date of the CD has been set for Sept 20th, 2020. As soon as it is safe for music halls and concert venues to reopen, The Livesays plan to tour in support of the release of “The Rhythm of Love and Dysfunction.” The band anxiously awaits getting back in front of live audiences where they shine.
In closing, Billy has this message to impart: “During these times of turmoil, isolation, quarantining, anxiety and uncertainty, what has pulled us through is love and music. While we all have our own problems, dysfunctions, shortcomings, and varying opinions, we are all human beings who basically have the same needs and desires. Hopefully the issues we have been facing lately will lead people to take less for granted, apologize quicker, listen more and talk less, smell more roses, and just be better, kinder people. Love may sometimes be ‘a whole lot of trouble,’ but love is definitely worth traveling ‘another mile.’
The Livesays’ lineup:
Billy Livesay - Guitar / lead vocals
Jorge Laplume - Bass / vocals
Howard Goldberg - Drums
Victor "Cuqui" Berrios - Organ / vocals
Tim Murphy- Piano / vocals
