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Roman – Roman Rising

New Song: Apis Azuli

I made a last minute submission to the Forever Now project, which promises to “work with the international community to research, curate and create a contemporary golden record” to launch into space. My music video is dedicated to the vanishing bees.

View the Apis Azuli video on Forever Now and feel free to add a comment encouraging a launch.

New Song: Molten Glass Factory

Check out my new instrumental song, which was completely inspired by the new Korg MS-20 synth I recently added to my arsenal.

The synth came in as a DIY kit, so I decided to film a time-lapse of the assembly process.

As ever, I welcome comments and feedback. Interested in picking up a copy of the tune for yourself? Buy “Molten Glass Factory” as a digital download.

Why I Loathe Concerts

A few years ago, I was at a Sufjan Stevens show, and I found myself distracted and disappointed by several audience members in my vicinity texting throughout the show.

The entire show.

C’mon, people. If you’re going to use your phone the whole time, you might as well have stayed at home. To add insult to injury, many modern concertgoers seem to operate under the illusion that capturing a video of a concert will look or sound anything like the actual experience.

I’m not alone in my dismay, apparently. Rolling Stone compiled a list their ten greatest concert annoyances, albeit a few years late. These behaviors, among which include taking photos/videos, incessant interaction with social media, and inconsiderate chatting, are now considered acceptable by the droves frequenting concerts. It appears people treat the music as a backdrop to social interaction, whether physical or virtual. Throw in a few drinks and some drugs, and things get really out of hand.

What happened to diggin’ music for the sake of music?

Given the option between braving the modern brouhaha and staying home to play guitar, I choose the latter.

Presenting: Wonderland

Wonderland is here. What an effort it’s been!

While Wonderland is a solo album, it is unmistakably a collaborative effort. Featured on the album are twenty-six other musicians, most of whom I’ve worked with in other groups. These performers are: Carlos Adames (cajon, percussion), Glenn Asch (viola), Kaita Bliffert (vocals), Michael “Bootz” Bootzin (guitar), David Burda (hurdy-gurdy), Stuart Dove (guitar), Jahmes Finlayson (claps), Aaron Gardner (sax, flute), “Doc” Jeff Green (guitar), Emily Jansen (vocals), Kirsten Jermé (cello), Matan Koplin-Green (drum kit), Jeremy Kuzniar (drum kit), Marie Kuzniar (violin), Annan Lomotey (organ), Augustin Magdinier (drum kit), Colin O’Brien (banjo, shoe-clad feet), Julio Pabon (percussion), Dumah Saafir (claps), Oumar Sagna (percussion), David Stocker (throat voice, percussion), Kristin Urban (vocals), David Wake (organ), Holly Wake (vocals), Jodi Westmore (vocals), and Matthew Wilson (guitar).

Give it a listen below!