REVIEW: David Helpling's New Single "This Burning Sky" feat. Nidhi Bhatmuley

Last Friday, David Helpling released the second single from his highly-anticipated new album, IN, dropping 4.15.22 on Spotted Peccary Music. "This Burning Sky" features vocalist Nidhi Bhatmuley singing expressive wordless vocals conveying the story of a being who sacrifices herself to save her world. In listening to the music and Ms. Bhatmuley's singing, one wonders if she may have the power to elevate consciousness to the level of the divine. 

Helpling creates this new world on guitar and synthesizer, hand drums and percussion; he is joined by Matthew Stewart on drums. Ms. Bhatmuley's vocals interlace with the instrumentals. The music soars and dives, shooting upwards again; we imagine the sun is high and bright as the vocals become evermore passionate. One imagines a phoenix. New textures emerge and vanish again, and we experience breathlessness. Is this Rebirth?

Listener reaction to "This Burning Sky" (7:20) has been highly positive, judging from commentary on social media. It seems we are, collectively, ready for intense journeys and adventures again even if it is through the safety of our headphones for now. We desperately want, even need, the being for whom Ms. Bhatmuley speaks to be triumphant. We ride musical waves of emotion as we empathize with her struggle, and her sacrifice. 

Cosmic energy is at play. Helpling seems to be communicating with worlds far beyond ours. In this track alone, his music echoes across the ether, uplifted by Ms. Bhatmuley's soulful callings. This unforgettable anthem of loss, hope and rebirth told in Helpling's signature cinematic style is a strong choice to follow the lush electronic first single, "Waves Dream of Breaking."

Helpling says IN was created during the span of a decade, and we cannot wait to see what the rest of the album will deliver! Preview the music and the limited edition bundle with vinyl exclusively at Bandcamp.

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Music Review: Healing Music Volume 2

Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Valerie Romanoff has succeeded in delivering the ultimate two-disk relaxation album. Comprised of seventeen tracks, Healing Music Volume 2 is a two-hour serenade rife with delicate textures and brilliant guitar work. Most clocking in over five minutes each, these songs are designed to keep the listener in a peaceful mindset from beginning to end. The free-flowing nature of this music promotes a sense of openness and clarity and promote an uplifted state of mind.

Having studied music since childhood, Romanoff has always been driven to create atmospheres with her extensive knowledge of different instruments and genres. She categorizes her work into a spectrum that she likes to call “STILL, CHILL, THRILL,” all of which she uses to determine what kind of "life" or vibe each track will take on. She describes “STILL” as music for times of reflection and relaxation, while “CHILL” encourages active thought, and “THRILL” ignites energy during energetic peak times.

Staying within the realms of STILL and CHILL, disk one of Healing Music Volume 2 features eight of Romanoff's full-length compositions. “Pink Skies Over Still Water” showcase Stevin McNamara’s beautiful sitar playing as well as Tom Rossi’s ethereal flute. Paired with Romanoff’s guitar work, this trifecta comes together to create a piece with plenty of space, atmosphere and overflowing joy that continues on into “Pink Skies Over Waves.” Further down the list, “Om Shanti Shalom” has more of a groove than most of the other songs do. It is carried by solid percussion and her guitar playing layered on top of some ambient synthesizer work.

Disk two offers nine tracks which are radio edits of the songs on disk one, providing a compact version of the compositions from the previous disk. Concluding the second part of the collection is the bonus track “Prelude Went Beyond.” A celebration of love, it includes Tom Rossi once again on the kora as well as McNamara on sitar. Loaded with layers of strings and a variety of ornamental flourishes, the listener is left with a warm glow of motivation and positivity.

With this second album -- and a variety of notable singles including one with beloved yoga master Tao Porchon-Lynch -- Valerie Romanoff emerges as an exciting new voice to follow in the arena of World and New Age music. Her lively social feeds, especially Instagram, offers a daily dose of positivity and good energy.

For more information on Romanoff and a list of her upcoming talks and live performances, visit www.valerieromanoffmusic.com. Healing Music Volume 2 is now available anywhere music is sold or streamed, as well as on her Bandcamp page.

- Samantha Garcia

MUSIC REVIEW: A TRICK OF THE WIND

            Erik Scott has taken full reigns of his creativity and showcased the extent of his abilities on his latest release A Trick of the Wind. Celebrating ten years of a positively successful career in the New Age music universe, Scott’s latest album resonates with the sounds of a man sure of himself and his creative vision. With his last release In the Company of Clouds winning two ZMR awards, it seems he used that success to fuel his next work and take it to the next level.

            The thing that I most admire about this collection of songs is that they are unpredictable. They keep a similar theme throughout but fearlessly mix things up to keep the listener intrigued. Right off the bat, the opening track, “Wings,” flows in gracefully with the use of delayed fretless bass and soft percussion. As the song progresses, the layers of synthesizers, added percussion, and female vocalizations start to fill in the blanks until a gust of wind welcomes in a sitar and additional male vocalizations. Just like that, the song goes from a jam to a full-on celebration of various sounds. “Ghosts of Storyville” is another piece that takes unexpected turns. Starting off with a simple pulse and some understated vocalizations, the song transforms into something much more jazzy. It’s reminiscent of something that would be in an old noir movie but with Erik’s New Age twist.

            The title track, “A Trick of the Wind” is a song that incorporates a lot of traditionally New Age elements yet still remains entirely unique to Scott’s style. The tinkling synthesizer and his use of delay emanate a feeling of projecting through the astral plane while his masterful work on the bass provides a grounding element. Though it is one of the more straightforward songs on the record, it still succeeds in conveying a strong mood. “The Invisible Wand” focuses on flow and feels more so like a jam between a group of kindred spirits. The breezy structure of the song is reminiscent of gentle waves, accented by a beautiful female voice. Keeping the same spirit, “Born Dreaming” is another beautifully flowy song that progresses into a dramatic crescendo. The album closes with a very playful track titled “A Child Remains.” Erik introduces new sounds such as synthetic wind and string instruments that help to guide the element of lightheartedness into the final track.

            Without a doubt, Erik Scott is a truly creative soul who has managed to produce yet another uniquely-individual contribution to music. With his trademark vision and dedication to the craft, one can only imagine what he will dream up next. For more information on Erik, visit his website at www.erikscottbass.com, and enjoy the video for "Salooka" on YouTube.

Samantha Garcia, Being

MUSIC REVIEW: MOSAIC

Award-winning composer David Wahler has created a minimalist body of work imbued with peace and tranquility. Having been immersed in music since the age of seven years old, Wahler’s approach to his arrangements displays a true understanding of what music should be: something evocative. He removes all the frills that are displayed in a lot of modern music and simply presents his audience with solid melodies and serene nuances.

Composer David Wahler

            
Nearly a decade ago, David Wahler’s debut album, Antiquus, was released and met with critical acclaim. Now with his latest release of Mosaic, he tactfully melds the two worlds of piano melodies and electronic soundscapes into an album reminiscent of the 80s and 90s. 

The title track of the album showcases that ability perfectly well. What seems like a simple song is so much more when put under the microscope, with every little individual sound coming together as a collective to create something much greater and larger as a whole. Following, “Afterain” comes in with a far more laid-back and relaxing vibe. Birds sing and wind chimes tinker along with some gentle vocalization. This track is less of a song and more so of a mood. It isn’t until “A Promise to Keep” that Wahler comes in with his trademark piano melodies. They aren’t the most complex melodies but they definitely serve their purpose in setting a pleasant atmosphere. Hitting the midway point of the album, “August Cloud” explores more of the same territory utilizing simple piano melodies and subdued electronic nuances to create a sound that transports the listener out of their head and into a different world, high above the clouds.

            
In an unexpected twist, the track “Elysian Dawn” comes in strong with mesmerizing angelic operatic vocals layered on top of a pleasant harp melody. Gentle sounds of the outdoors help to evoke the sensation of being out in a lush garden on a sunny day. “Sakura” is laden with subtle Japanese influences that evoke the memories of a spring bloom. Similar in tone, “Lone Sky Night” and “Fou D’Amour” go heavy on the 80s-influenced synthesizer, giving off a more stylized vibe than some of the other pieces. Ending the album with a question, “Why?” is one of the simplest, most pensive of the tracks. After taking you on a mystical journey, Wahler leaves you pondering.

A true example of modern new age music, Mosaic does a great job at putting the listener at peace. It takes true skill to be able to evoke emotions using a minimalistic approach and David Wahler accomplishes just that. To read more about David, go to his website at www.davidwahler.com and make sure to purchase his latest album, Mosaic, available on most music sites; you'll also want to check out his innovative design-inspired SounDecor playlists on Spotify.

Samantha Garcia

AWARDS

BEST MUSIC DEBUT of 2017! 

The highly-regarded experts and music curators at New Age Music Guide released their Top Music Picks of 2017!  Among the Best New Age Music are our friends at FLOW, winning for Best New Age Music Debut!  Congratulations to Fiona Joy (Hawkins), Lawrence Blatt, Jeff Oster and Will Ackerman on the launch of their new ensemble!

Enjoy their official video here: FLOW - Official Album Trailer (2017)

Interview: Beth Ann Hilton

Beth Ann Hilton

We've all heard stories about scoundrels in the music business for decades. Beth Ann Hilton of The B Company strives to break that mould with her "conscious PR" approach to the entertainment businss...get to know the lady behind the Burbank, CA-based firm, now featured as Copy Central Burbank's spotlight interview.

Music Review: In the Company of Clouds

         

         

          Erik Scott is certainly no stranger to the music world. Throughout his career, he has played with such names as Alice Cooper, Flo & Eddie, Pops Staples and many more. This rocker, multi-instrumentalist and composer has opted for a radically different, laid-back sound in recent years. Though mostly known for his performance on bass, Scott takes his expertise up a notch and shows his chops on keyboards, drums, mandolin, percussion programs and even incorporates some of his own vocals. Adding to the depth of In the Company of Clouds are Jeff Pearce on guitar, John Pirruccello on steel guitar, and Chris Cameron on piano.

         Inspired by King Arthur, the tracks on this album are meant to set a mood and tell a story. “Nine Lives” begins the tale in a powerfully soulful manner with the vocal talents of Sandy Griffith, Larry Batiste and Brian Dyer crooning along with the twanging of the steel guitar and earthly percussion. There is complexity within the simplicity of this track as the layers come together like a finely woven cloth warmly leading the listener into the album. Following is the trance-like “Seven Veils.” The progression of this track leads the listener into a short spiritual journey. It starts off with just some delayed percussion and works up the energy into a mystically hypnotic experience.

         In an unexpected twist, the track “Waves” brings in a little 80s sensibility with the wavering steel guitar. Much like the ebb and flow of waves, this track swells and breaks until finally dissolving into calm sea foam. The subtleties of this track marvelously paint a picture without saying a single word.  Furthermore, “Open Door” allows Chris Cameron to showcase his piano skills. The piano is beautifully laced in with an array of atmospheric sounds that lead the hopeful and soothing tone of this beautiful track. 

Erik has said that music mirrors the mood of the musician playing it, so one can only image the uplifted state of mind he was in when he wrote it. It brings to mind a sense of peace, light, and healing. Granted Erik Scott is a cancer survivor, it is apparent that this song is a way for him to pass on the torch of hope to anyone who may need it.

         Reaching the number one spot on the ZMR Airply Chart, Erik Scott proves that he can gracefully apply his rock and roll sensibilities to the New Age genre. His compositions are technically sound, subtly complex and never pretentious, proving there is nothing Erik Scott can’t do. In the Company of Clouds is a wonderful contribution to the world of New Age music; it was recently chosen by programmers as Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Instrumental album at the ZMR Awards 2017.

          Erik Scott's album is available through his website, CDBaby, iTunes, Amazon, and most streaming sites.

            -Samantha Garcia, BEING

MUSIC REVIEW: ORIGIN

Musician Elise Lebec has grown up with travel in her blood. From New Zealand to Australia and England back to the states, Lebec has soaked up inspiration from every corner of the globe. Her latest release, ORIGIN, is a sonic interpretation of her spiritual trip to Egypt, the first in a series of adventurous cross-cultural albums under the One World Turning Project umbrella of music, videos and merchandise.

               The cultural richness that is entrenched within the sounds of traditional Egyptian music is something that can be felt within anyone. There is something so raw, spiritual and passionate that spills out from the sounds of this most ancient form of music.  The opening track “Taaly Maaya: Come With Me” focuses on Lebec’s smoothly sensual voice setting the stage for what is sure to be a mystical experience. She guides the way into the journey that later disperses into a musical medley of sorts. The following “Queen of Light” begins with a frenzy of doumbek drums and various string instruments driving a memorable melody, and Lebec's voice has a haunting, retro-cinema quality. “Cairo Morning” takes the concept of this album in a bit of a different direction by fusing the old and the new. The iconic Egyptian instrumentals are coupled with a man rapping in Arabic while Elise harmonizes softly in the background. 

               Moving into the midsection of ORIGIN, the song “Bolero” is a mesmerizing and mysterious love song that’s painted over with a slight air of melancholy. It is a song from a lover longingly calling out to her other half. “Rumi Song,” much like “Cairo Morning,” incorporates some more modern musical influences. It throws in some electronic beats on top of the traditional Upper Egyptian instrumentals and couples those sounds with a woman passionately singing in conjunction with a man's hip hop-influenced vocals.

               Remarkably different from the rest of the songs on her album, “Sekhmet: The Goddess Awakens” is an empowering chant that is uses minimal instrumentation but rather relies of layers of vocals and chants to convey a message of strength.  Furthermore, “The Jam: Luxor, Egypt” is a belly dancer’s delight that offers an infectious rhythm section that would be perfect to dance along to. Continuing with the experimentation, “Sufi Dance” incorporates some very obvious funk elements and offers a very strong message about love, compassion and having an understanding for all walks of life. There is an element of gospel in the female vocals in this track. As beautifully as it began, ORIGIN ends in the same light. “Hob Elahy: God is Within” sends the final message of Lebec’s spiritual journey. We are all one and we are all empowered from within.

               Whether you are seeking a musical journey, a spiritual awakening, or just curious to try something new, ORIGIN provides all of the above. With Lebec’s beautiful voice, wonderful Egyptian music, and powerful message, it is certain to bring meaning into your day.  

ORIGIN releases July 21st, but is available now for pre-sale on iTunes, with one early download to enjoy, and on Amazon.

                       

- Samantha Garcia