Anya M. Wassenberg's Blog: Art & Culture Maven, page 35

February 7, 2021

A Romantic Single: Optacure - Mingaw (Independent / 15 September 2020)

A Romantic Single:
Optacure - Mingaw
(Independent / 15 September 2020)

Stream It On Spotify

Written in both 5/4 and 6/4, indie singer-songwriter Optacure's Mingaw has a nice soft swing to it, if I can call it that, the rhythms overlapping in a hypnotic effect. The vocals are airy and ethereal, the harmonies sweet. It's an unabashedly romantic track.

Optacure

Interestingly, the song was written, recorded, and produced in 3 different cities over 2 countries during the pandemic, primarily in the Sunshine Coast, Australia where Edmund resides. Debb was in Cebu City, Philippines to record vocals, while producer Emmanuel Aguila was located in Quezon City, Philippines.

Optacure is a fabricated word which means Optical Cure. It encompasses Edmund Gemelo Jr philosophy of presenting different perspectives to ponder on. According to his bio, "The vision for Optacure is to be a constant collaboration of artists organised by Edmund to further explore perspectives using different genres."

Edmund Gemelo Jr - Vocals and Guitar; Guest: Debbie Acebu - Vocals

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/optacure/Instagram: @optacure
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Published on February 07, 2021 20:57

Storybook Pop: Keen Garrity - Get Big (Independent / January 29, 2021)

Storybook Pop:
Keen Garrity - Get Big
(Independent / January 29, 2021)

Listen/Download The Album

Keen Garrity's Get Big is an imaginative album of pop with a retro flavour. Sweet, nimble vocals are the strong thread that runs through the tracks, with lovely harmonies on songs like Shotgun, an upbeat synthpop song with storytelling lyrics.


"The word I always come back to is "storybookish." Each song on Get Big is about a creature or character, and there's a little story around each one. But there's a common theme: all of these songs are about creating a mythology of the self, about flaring your ego out when you're faced with a situation that makes you feel insignificant," she says in a media release.

"So, it's fanciful and (somewhat obnoxiously) high-concept, but it's my hope that it's also fun, listenable, and relatable."

Keen plays with over the course of the album. Casting You Out has a retro jazzy flavour, and Walkabout has clever lyrics about becoming someone's monster with a spooky musical vibe that reminds of the 50s classic Monster Mash.


Broken One is a standout of the release, a cabaret-ish piano ballad with a syncopated rhythm. Get Big, the title track, is a country roots song. The variety, quirky lyrics and lush vocals keep it interesting.

Keen handles almost everything on the release - vocals, piano, organ, synthesizers, bass, and drum programming (with lead guitars by Will Malone) - and that's the one quibble I'll register with the album. The canned percussion could sound better, and was too prominent in a couple of the songs.

When she's not writing and recording music out of her home in Toledo, Ohio, she is working on one of her two podcast projects. She is co-creator of Curdle Holler, a scripted audio comedy series about a Halloween afterlife town, and she co-hosts TWN Champions, a countdown podcast that explores character archetypes across the pop culture landscape.

Tracklist:
Shotgun; Casting You Out; Walkabout / Stroll On; Broken One; Get Big; Gold Digger; What You Put in It; Statuesque

Stay in touch:

Official Website: https://keengarrity.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/keengarritymusic/Instagram: https://instagram.com/keengarrity
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Published on February 07, 2021 20:38

Crystal Pite's Body and Soul with the Paris Opera Ballet Streaming Only In Canada February 17 to 23 2021

From a media release:

Digidance Presents the Canadian Film Premiere of
Crystal Pite's Body and Soul
with the Paris Opera Ballet

Online exclusively in Canada February 17 to 23 2021

Buy Tickets

DanceHouse, in partnership with Digidance, announce the exclusive Canadian film premiere of Body and Soul, from internationally-lauded choreographer Crystal Pite and performed by Paris Opera Ballet – streaming online February 17-23, 2021. 

Paris Opera Ballet by Julien Benhamou Paris Opera Ballet by Julien Benhamou

Filmed live during the November 2019 world premiere performance at Palais Garnier, Paris, the work marks Pite’s second full-length creation for the eminent French company – following 2016’s acclaimed The Seasons’ Canon. 

Canadians will be the first international audience since its premiere to experience the work, due to the coordinated effort of Digidance, a new initiative formed in response to COVID-19 between four of Canada’s leading dance presenters: DanceHouse (Vancouver), Harbourfront Centre (Toronto), the National Arts Centre (Ottawa), and Danse Danse (Montreal).

“Dance, perhaps more than other disciplines, faces an uphill battle with the challenges presented by COVID-19. Yet despite the hurdles, the pandemic has also acted as a powerful catalyst for change born out of necessity. Digidance was formed out of such a need – to contribute to the sustainability and longevity of dance in Canada,” says Jim Smith, Artistic and Executive Director of DanceHouse and Digidance Partner. “We’re immensely grateful and proud to be officially launching Digidance with Crystal’s extraordinary work, Body and Soul. We look forward to sharing many more presentations with our audiences, while building a rich legacy of dance in Canada – and internationally – for future generations.”

The company in rehearsal with Pite:

 “While the pandemic has brought deep challenges to artists, it has also encouraged all kinds of innovation and creativity in our industry,” says Pite. “I’m heartened to know that Digidance is providing an opportunity for people to experience dance on screen. The creation of Body and Soul was a significant chapter in my creative life. It was an honour to work with the sublime dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, and a thrilling challenge to face the history and possibility of the institution itself. I’m so happy to be able to share Body and Soul with my fellow Canadians.”
Body and Soul is a work in three distinct parts for 36 dancers that immediately captivates with its force and virtuosity. The work articulates Pite’s ongoing fascination with conflict, connectedness, and the embodiment of the human spirit. The performance begins with voice-over text that describes, in purely physical terms, a scene of conflict between two individuals. Paris Opera Ballet by Julien Benhamou Paris Opera Ballet by Julien Benhamou
As the work progresses, the script’s meaning morphs and deepens with each iteration: conflict creates a vital, compelling tension between individuals, between groups, between species. The Paris Opera Ballet’s mastery as an ensemble is evident in Pite’s complex choreographic swarms; individual dancers are virtuosic in breathtaking solos and duets. The dancers evoke scenes of epic protest, profound personal struggle, and collective survival. Body and Soul is a portrait of the human condition that is timeless, vast and heartbreakingly intimate.
The full-length film (85 minutes) was produced by the Paris Opera Ballet, directed by Tommy Pascal, and is presented with English and French subtitles. Before the streamed performance, there will be a 15-minute pre-recorded interview with Pite and the Kidd Pivot creative team, all of whom contributed artistically to the creation of Body and Soul: Owen Belton (Composer), Eric Beauchesne (Assistant to the Choreographer), Nancy Bryant (Costume Designer), Jay Gower Taylor (Set Designer), Jermaine Spivey (Assistant to the Choreographer), and Tom Visser (Lighting Designer). The interview was produced in Vancouver by Collide Entertainment and Kidd Pivot.
Paris Opera Ballet Alexandre Gasse and Julien Guillemard by Julien Benhamou Paris Opera Ballet Alexandre Gasse and Julien Guillemard by Julien Benhamou
In addition to the online screening of Body and Soul, February will feature the return of DanceHouse’s popular Speaking of Dance event series. Taking place Feb. 26, the online edition will continue the format established this past fall, featuring interviews with four past DanceHouse artists giving video presentations on inspiration and plans for the future; answering questions around creative practice; and engaging with online audiences directly via live chat.For tickets and information on Body and Soul and Digidance, visit: dancehouse.ca.Stay tuned for details on a host of Digidance presentations to be announced this spring. Further information at: dancehouse.caAbout DigidanceDigidance is a new joint initiative of Canadian dance presenters to deliver exceptional, full length Canadian and international dance content online to patrons across the country. Created in July 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Digidance consists of the following leading dance presenters: DanceHouse (Vancouver), Harbourfront Centre (Toronto), the National Arts Centre (Ottawa), and Danse Danse (Montreal).
Body and Soul
Choreographed by Crystal Pite | Performed by Paris Opera Ballet
Dates: February 17–23, 2021 (Link Available for 7 Days)
Streaming in Canada Only
Price: From $15 + applicable taxes
Event Link: dancehouse.ca/event/body-and-soul
  
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Published on February 07, 2021 17:17

January 25, 2021

LAMC 2021 | Latin Alternative Music Conference May 4-7 2021 - Free. Online.

From a media release:

LAMC 2021
Latin Alternative Music Conference
May 4-7 2021 - Free. Online. 

Registration Now Open! Click Here to Register for Free

Following the success of last June's conference in its first-ever virtual form, and knowing that things are still up in the air as far as in-person events, we are once again hosting the conference digitally. This year, the LAMC will take place online the week of Cinco de Mayo (May 4-7th).

LAMC on Zoom

The LAMC was one of the first music conferences to go digital, and the first one in the Latin space, and many feel that we helped set a standard for what these sorts of events should aspire to be.  We had an outstanding turnout last year for our first fully digital experience, and we hope you will join us once again for four days of panels, workshops, showcases and networking.

As many in our industry continue to face financial challenges, registration will be free again this year thanks to the wonderful support of our sponsors and supporters. 

In addition to our schedule of panels, workshops and showcases, the LAMC is proud to announce the return of the Wonder Women of Latin Music recognitions, presented by Amazon Music, celebrating women making a difference in our industry.  

"Amazon Music LAT!N was launched to connect us through music and to shine a light on the many genres and artists that make Latin Music a creative and driving force," says Rocío Guerrero, Global Head of Latin Music for Amazon Music.  "As part of that mission, we are thrilled to join LAMC again this year in presenting the Wonder Women of Latin Music awards to recognize the women who are spearheading that growth and creativity, as well as paving the way for more women in the industry." 

As we finally see some light with vaccines being administered, the world needs music now more than ever and the entertainment industry must continue to join together as we face our new challenges.

Jose Tillan and Pop Garage (producer of Latin GRAMMYs, MTV Music Awards, etc.) has come back on board once again to work with our team to undertake this week-long adventure. We will be sharing more info shortly.

We hope you can join us. No travel, hotel plans or budgets needed.

LAMC on Zoom

LAMC Digital Panels
Attendees will have access to virtual panels that will include featured speakers from major global and indie entertainment companies. 

LAMC Virtual Showcases
LAMC attendees will get the opportunity to watch their favorite (or soon to be favorite) artists from the comfort of their couch. Over the past 20+ years, a multitude of artists have graced LAMC stages. Past performers include Manu Chao, Pitbull, Gustavo Cerati, Julieta Venegas, Mon Laferte, Bomba Estereo, Fat Joe, Cafe Tacuba, Calle 13, Zoé, Mala Rodriguez, Carla Morrison, Ana Tijoux, Natalia Lafourcade, ChocQuibTown, Guaynaa, Residente, Ivy Queen and many, many, many more.

Interactive Workshops
Interactive workshops hosted by key partners to connect with LAMC attendees through unique experiences. 

Networking
LAMC's Discord forum will be back, offering attendees a place to chat and develop new contacts in what we like to call our virtual lobby bar. 

Visit www.latinalternative.com for more info and to register for the conference.

LAMC 2020 from LAMC on Vimeo.

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Published on January 25, 2021 12:53

Artsy Electronic/Poetry/Song Project Lingua Franca Collective

Artsy Electronic/Poetry/Song Project
Lingua Franca Collective

Lingua Franca is an experimental electronic-acoustic music project I'm involved in that we hope will blossom one day into a multi-media performance project. 

Music is produced & performed by César Correa / lyrics, vocals & flute (Potion) by Anya Wassenberg.

Drawing by César Correa

We've been working on it for a couple of years now. I'll leave you with a few of our tracks. The most recent one is called Potion.

Lingua Franca Collective · POTION
Ambitious City is the title track of our 2019 album:  
The most recent video is for A Place In This World.
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Published on January 25, 2021 12:46

Cuneiform Records: The Albums of 2020 Sampler PWYC

From a media release:

Cuneiform Records: The Albums of 2020

Listen and/or download the album, Cuneiform Records: The Albums of 2020, right here

While 2020 was a challenging year for many, a few good things did come out of it. Cuneiform Records released twelve albums of jazz, rock and beyond music that we hope helped brighten your days.  We’re happy to now present our annual compilation album, Cuneiform Records: The Albums of 2020, which is available at Bandcamp for a price of your own choosing.

This special "Name Your Own Price" compilation album features over an hour of creative and fun music throughout the course of 12 tracks all of which was released by Cuneiform Records in 2020.

We invite you to listen to Cuneiform Records: The Albums of 2020 and explore the wide spectrum of music we recently released over the year. Each track by each artist is unique; we invite you to sample all. And then, if you've not already done so, we encourage you to listen to the full albums by the artists whom most appeal to you.

Track listing:

1. CHEER-ACCIDENT - "Like Something To Resemble" from Chicago XX

2. Thumbscrew [Tomas Fujiwara / Mary Halvorson / Michael Formanek] - "Composition No. 61" from The Anthony Braxton Project 

3. Chad Taylor Trio featuring Brian Settles and Neil Podgurski - "Untethered" from The Daily Biological 

4. Schnellertollermeier - "209 Aphelion" from 5 

5. Ray Russell - "Six In – Six Out" from Fluid Architecture 

6. I.P.A. - "Bashing Mushrooms" from Bashing Mushrooms 

7. Anthony Pirog - "Honeymoon Room" from Pocket Poem 

8. Thinking Plague - "Dead Silence" from Upon Both Your Houses 

9. A Love Supreme Electric: Vinny Golia, John Hanrahan, Henry Kaiser, Wayne Peet, Mike Watt - "A Love Supreme: Acknowledgement" from A Love Supreme Electric: A Love Supreme and Meditations 

10. Stirrup+6 - "Insen for Yonsei" from The Avondale Addition

11. Tatsuya Nakatani & Shane Parish - "Sight Lines" (excerpt) from Interactivity 

12. Birdsongs of the Mesozoic - "Birdgam" from 2001 Live Birds

Cuneiform Records: The Albums of 2020 by Cuneiform Records
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Published on January 25, 2021 12:37

TRANS IN TRUMPLAND A Four-Part Docu-Series from TransWave Films Debuts February 25 2021 on Topic

From a media release:

TRANS IN TRUMPLAND
A Four-Part Docu-Series from TransWave Films
Debuts February 25 2021 on Topic

Executive Produced by Trace Lysette (Transparent, Hustlers), Chella Man, and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy
All Four Episodes of Trans in Trumpland Debut February 25th on Topic

Trans in Trumpland examines the struggles and resiliency of the transgender community under the Trump administration and features intersectional issues such as race, immigration, and poverty. The series, created by trans-owned production company TransWave Films, is directed by Tony Zosherafatain and produced by Jamie DiNicola. Trace Lysette (Hustlers, Transparent) executive produces alongside trans activists Miss Major Griffin-Gracy & Chella Man and Topic's Ryan Chanatry & Jeff Seelbach.

Trans in Trumpland Trans in Trumpland

Each episode of the series focuses on a different trans person who is living in “Trumpland,” states where they face transphobic laws as well as discrimination and violence. Director Zosherafatain travels across the country, shedding light on the trans experience in America and also allowing him to come to terms with his own experience as a trans man. 

The series’ subjects run the intersectional gamut, from 13-year-old Ash in North Carolina, home to the infamously discriminatory “bathroom ban,” disallowing trans people from using the bathroom of their true gender, to Shane from Idaho; a Native American Army veteran who speaks out against the Trump administration’s trans military ban.

About TOPIC
Topic is the new streaming service from First Look Media, curated for a curious and engaged audience seeking smart, provocative and meaningful entertainment. Topic features North American premieres and programming from around the world, complemented by a diverse slate of originals including scripted comedies and dramas, talk shows, documentaries, features and more. Topic is available to US and  Canadian audiences on topic.com, AppleTV & iOS, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android, and Amazon Prime Video Channels, with more coming soon. 

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Published on January 25, 2021 12:21

Senegal at the OSCARS | Nafi's Father

From a media release:

Senegal at the OSCARS
Nafi's Father

The filmmakers toured Senegal with a mobile screen sharing the feature film Nafi's Father with audiences across their native country. Now, they're up for an Oscar.

Nafi's Father Nafi's Father

Senegal only started submitting for the Oscars 3 years ago starting with Alain Gomis’ FÉLICITE that made it to the Oscar shortlist. This was followed by Mati Diop’s wonderful film ATLANTICS that was also shortlisted and now this year with NAFI’S FATHER. Directed by Mamadou Dia, the film was selected to screen at MoMA and won Best First Feature at the Locarno Film Festival and then went on to screen at a number of festival around the world.

Maba Ba, the producer of Nafi's Father talked about the experience in a media release.

“Bitter Sweet, in this case Sweet then bitter. Sweet at first because of course I was and still am thrilled and proud to be chosen to represent my country. That’s huge at any stage of one’s career but especially for a first feature. The bitterness came short after because as a fan of films I could not believe it was only the third submission from Senegal. 

“I thought what about Djibril Diop Mamebety, Ousmane Sembene, Moussa Sene Absa and the few more great Senegalese filmmakers that had done it way before us. These are story tellers whose work is studied in reputable film schools around the world to this day. I am however hopeful, with more access to information and much better/cheaper technologies, Senegal should be able to keep making thoughtful, deep and meaningful human stories that hopefully resonate with the rest of the world and compete amongst today’s great storytellers.” 

Nafi's Father – Best International Film
Senegal, 109 min
Writer/Director: Mamadou Dia
Producer: Maba Ba
Cast: Saikou Lo, Alassane Sy, Penda Daly Sy

In a small town in the northeast of Senegal, the local Tierno (Alassane Sy, “Mediterranea”), a religious leader qualified to be an Imam, practices a centuries-old homegrown version of Islam that adheres to Koranic scripture but also incorporates certain traditional animist practices. 

His older brother, Ousmane (Saïkou Lo, “The Pirogue”), on the other hand, has fallen in with a fundamentalist sheikh from outside the region and is throwing money around to draw more people into his circle. 

When he announces one day that his son, Tokara (Alassane Ndoye), will marry the Tierno’s daughter, Nafi (Aïcha Talla), the religious leader is taken aback, arguing that his daughter is too young; the real reason of course is he doesn’t want Nafi to fall into his brother’s orbit.

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Published on January 25, 2021 12:13

January 21, 2021

Theatre, Self-Care & More Online: Next Stage Community Booster January 21 to 24, 2020

 From a media release:

Theatre, Self-Care & More Online:
Next Stage Community Booster
January 21 to 24, 2020

Streaming passes on sale now!

Starting today, and starting at $15, you can access Theatre Shorts, co-presented by TO Live, Storytelling with Steam Whistle, a Self-Care Hub (PWYC) and more.

Next Stage Community Booster

Not sure where to start?

Join Executive Director, Lucy Eveleigh, for an online tour of the Next Stage Community Booster tonight (Thursday, January 21) from 7 - 7:30pm on Facebook Live. Lucy will guide you through the website and all the programming, and answer any questions about buying passes. 

Lacuna Collective Lacuna CollectiveTheatre Shorts, co-presented by TO Live 

- $25 for all 6 performances 

LACUNA
From Lacuna Collective

CHOREOGRAPHY FOR A TRIO
From Nostos Collective

THE KINDNESS OF MURDER
From Minmar Gaslight Productions

BEGIN AGAIN
From Begin Again Collective

MARY HENDERSON
From Act 3 Theatre

IN SEARCH OF
From Animacy Theatre Collective

BUY THEATRE SHORTS PASS

Access all of the Theatre Shorts content above for one easy purchase of $25! Buy now and stream all content until January 31. 

Anto Chan - Love So Far Anto Chan - Love So FarStorytelling with Steam Whistle 

- $25 for all 9 performances

I DIDN’T ASK FOR THIS
Created by Marc-André Blanchard
Performed by Sana Asad

LOVE SO FAR: THE PIN DROPS
Created and Performed by
Anto Chan

THE NIGHT APPLE
Created and Performed by
Tamyka Bullen

 BLIND CONFIDENCE
Created and Performed by
Graham Isador

SOMEONE WILL SAVE US?
Created and Performed by
Aliya Kanani

MIRACLE ON AVENUE DU PARC
Created and Performed by
Thea Fitz-James

FISH WATER
Created and Performed by
Mara Da Costa Reis

THE SEND-OFF
Created and Performed by
Johnnie Walker

THOU SHALT NOT COVID THY NEIGHBOUR’S WIFE
Created and Performed by
Christine Estima

BUY STORYTELLING PASS - $25

Access all of the Storytelling content above for one easy purchase of $25! Buy now and stream all content until January 31. 

Calming Calligraphy Calming Calligraphy
Self-Care Hub 

- Tip What You Can

CALMING CALLIGRAPHY
From former Fringe staffer Cody McCallum.

WAKE UP AND DANCE
From former Next Stage artists Andrea Mapili and Byron Abalos.

CROCHET CRITTERS
From Fringe artist Melanie Leon.

HIP-HOP FOR EVERYONE
From former Next Stage artist Ashley "Colours" Perez.

MOVEMENT MEDITATION
From Edmonton Fringe’s Artistic Director Murray Utas.

In addition to the videos listed above, we are also offering a daily "Live Scream," a Spotify playlist, mental health resources, an outdoor activity book for families, and more!

ACCESS SELF-CARE HUB - TIP WHAT YOU CAN


Audio Offerings- $15 for all 6 performances 

The Chit Chat Never Ends
Join Toronto Fringe’s Executive Director, Lucy Eveleigh, and her daughter in this podcast-style audio piece as they spend some time chatting about life, TV, and virtual schooling in the time of COVID-19.
Featuring Lucy Eveleigh and her daughter

Hot Broth
Ali and Maz have three things in common - they hate each other, they both have massive debt, and they got themselves involved in some shady business in order to clear that debt.
Written and Performed by Troy Sarju and Michelle Paunov

I'm thinking about vanishing
“When we get to a certain point in our lives, we only have the things that are already inside us. I hope that’s enough.” A powerfully written new piece from acclaimed playwright, Julia Lederer.
Written and Performed by Julia Lederer

The Light Goes Round
A new musical that tells the true story of J.P. Radelmuller and the lighthouse he kept at Gibraltar Point on the Toronto Islands. This is the story of the night it went wrong. This is a ghost story.
From Margot Greve, Ben Kopp, Jake Schindler, Ben Yoganathan

Lovingly Yours Olive
A story of love, perseverance, and achievement from a Black family in Toronto. Told through family letters and photos, the story highlights snapshots of Black Canadian History.
Written and Performed by Erin Jones

Nine-Night
A nine-night is a celebration for the recently deceased, often held nine nights after a death. This story is inspired by a funeral the author attended on the island of Jamaica in 2018.
Written and Performed by K.M. McKenzie

BUY AUDIO OFFERINGS PASS - $15

Access all of the audio content above for one easy purchase of $15! Buy now and stream all content until January 31. 

View full listings in our digital brochure. 

Memberships Still On Sale

Want it all?! Become a Member to access all online content in one easy purchase. You will be able to seamlessly navigate through our website to view the following:

Theatre Shorts, co-presented by TO LiveStorytelling with Steam WhistleAudio OfferingsSelf-Care HubBonus! Digital pass to Bake Your Heart Out with Morro & Jasp this Saturday, January 23, 8:30pm

Buy Membership Now


About the Next Stage Community Booster from Toronto Fringe on Vimeo.

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Published on January 21, 2021 09:42

January 15, 2021

Electronic Psychedelica | Ryan Summers: Undo Influence (Independent / 23 October 2020)

Electronic Psychedelica:
Ryan Summers: Undo Influence
(Independent / 23 October 2020)

Stream It On Spotify

Ryan Summers is a multi-talented musician and producer based in Wisconsin. Undo Influence is an inventive and intriguing album of electronic music with a psychedelic twist, and an unusually inventive originality.

Ryan Summers - Undo Influence

The music is strongly rhythmic, and he approaches it by developing layers of sound. Chasm begins with acoustic guitar that sounds familiar, then veers off into a spacey mode with effects and atmospheric sounds. Summers' vocals are urgent and expressive.

Curious Story is a highlight of the release with its cool electronic effects and eerie vocals. It's a spooky and unsettling song that demonstrates Summers' talent for soundscaping. If it reminds me of anything, it's David Bowie's Ashes to Ashes. Follow You delves even further into a spacey mode, something like an acid-tinged carnival.

The musical mood gets into heavy electronic metal in Holy Criminal, and a NIN-reminiscent vibe in Let Us Pray. Osiris Stone breaks the tension with a meditative and hypnotic tone.

Sons of Gallows is another standout track, dominated by a honky tonk piano in an earworm pattern, layered over with vocal harmonies, electronic effects and percussion - although I'd have to say it's most effective when it's just piano and vocals.

Ryan Summers

While the music stands on its own, the quirky lyrics and song titles have a purpose that Ryan explains in a media release.

"My experiences deprogramming from an internet cult about a decade ago is the central theme of Undo Influence. The songwriting highlights what cult experts call 'floating', a phenomenon whereby an ex-member is caught between their original pre-cult identity and a second persona developed as a coping response to the cult environment. It's like slow-motion schizophrenia where you don't know what to believe, but the emotions are enormous. Seeing all the weird cult shit going on this year with this QAnon group, I figured I would relay some of my own experiences." 

No matter what its inspiration, the music is interesting listening with a lot of replay value.

Tracklist:  "Chasm", "The Curious Story of Brad Halsey", "Follow You", "Freezer Burn Sumadhi", "Holy Criminal", "Let Us Pray", "Osiris Stone", "Sons of Gallow", "There Is Nothing For Me Here", "Uncharted Sector", "Warp Coil"

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Published on January 15, 2021 16:56

Art & Culture Maven

Anya M. Wassenberg
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