On the Wall

Concept and analysis

You can pin anything to the wall and, lifted from its surroundings, it will suddenly appear like a museum exhibit, or a work of art. 'On the Wall' is a collection of such curiosities, instrumental pieces designed as a sonic art installation, drawing together disparate ideas into a cohesive and captivating listening experience.

The album utilizes a rich and varied palette of sounds. You'll find:

• Sci-fi soundscapes and acoustic guitar compositions.

• Glitchy, electronic textures that evoke the digital world.

• Contemporary synthesizer tracks.

• World music influences, with hints of gamelan and Middle Eastern instrumentation.

The album is designed to jolt the imagination. The music isn't meant to be passively listened to; it's meant to be experienced. As you listen, the disparate ideas begin to coalesce in your mind, forming your own personal interpretations and narratives. The music becomes a canvas for your imagination, inviting you to create your own 'art exhibition' on the walls of your mind!

The opening track, 'Andromeda Express', takes a tight drum and bass line, adds a lazy electronic arpeggiator rhythm, a few synthesizer pads, then hits the interstellar rail tracks, riding the 'Andromeda Express' to the nearest orbiting space station. The resulting combination is infectious. 'Big Sky Ocean' is distinctly New Age in its approach, but hits the spot with music lovers of any genre. A simple drum and bass rhythm quickly builds momentum with the addition of a many-layered synthesizer ensemble, courtesy of the the Korg R3, and Yamaha MODX6. 'She's a Funfair' is both upbeat and exciting, its bell-like chord hits reminiscent of a 1980's composition. 'Incident at Vinegar Gulch' is a Neo-Western soundtrack theme in the style of 'That's It For the Badlands' - one of my more recent compositions, which gave me local radio play. A discordant electric guitar sets the scene, and with the addition of acoustic guitar, banjo, and electric guitar, a stand-off in Vinegar Gulch over is soon unravelled. 'The Mermaid With An Angel's Name' is a beautiful acoustic guitar composition with a subtle Indian slant, and the first of three acoustic guitar tracks on the album. The fact that this composition appears on another album, too, must be testament to its popularity. 'Feel Nocturno' is an extreme excursion into an wild, electronic dream or nightmare. The Korg R3 and M50 both played a part in its composition, but the powerful Yamaha MODX6 was the driving force behind it. 'The Church of Jolene' takes a preachy organ riff and adds banjo and electric guitar, completely dissembling it, leaving something that is both psychedelic and cult-like. 'In Off World Graffiti' I tried to create something like a repeating sci-effects loop that could be used for a film or TV series. I really liked what I achieved. 'Sunny Beach Street' is the second of the album's three acoustic guitar compositions. This dreamy number takes a trip down a typical British seaside promenade, then gets carried off by a colourful schooner into the horizon. 'The Night Service' breathes new life into a snow-bound, country church choir, its breathtaking vocals second to none. The next track, 'Still Life From a Balcony' is contemporary and bright, its catchy piano, strings and trumpet stealing the limelight. 'Lost Valley of the Fire King' is a favourite of mine. Its strong 'World Music' influence shines through the mix, and the percussion beat is to die for. 'Angelino Heights', like my track, 'The Girl From Pacific Palisades', has a smooth jazz-like feel, without ever becoming a full-blown jazz composition. A lone acoustic guitar begins the piece, lush 'Hollywood' strings and a mellow jazz guitar do the rest.' The Piper of Old Detroit' features Irish pips and saxophone, and wouldn't sound out of place on my album, 'Music From Slate Bird'. Finally, the last track is the third acoustic track of the album. 'Once Upon a Spanish NIght' is full of mystery and intrigue, and the 'single release' artwork for this track is one of my favourite covers by artist Toby French.

Instrumentation

• Korg R3 synthesizer

• Korg M50 synthesizer

• Yamaha MODX6 synthesizer

• Epiphone Dove acoustic guitar

• Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar

• Fender electric bass guitar

• Boss RC-10R Rhythm Loop Station

• Boss Dr Rhythm drum machine

Finished product

Excellent cover artwork by Toby French helped made this an immediate top seller on the digital market. I thought the production was very good, and on par with most of my other albums. Many album tracks have been released as singles with original artwork. Check out my complete single discography on Spotify. Although fairly diverse in its material, 'On the Wall' has proved to be a popular album amongst listeners.