What inspired you to reimagine “Walking In A Dream” with guitar?
I had been inspired by fellow acoustic folk guitar artists from hearing their incredible sounds and felt that the original piano version would work well for a guitar version giving it a different feel to the original.
How did the collaboration with Strings Of Light come about?
Lawrence Libert originally approached me and we both loved what each one was doing and I loved his sound so we decided to come together to work on walking in a dream guitar. I sent him the original and he then recorded it beautifully adding a very special delicate touch to it.
What emotions or scenes do you hope listeners feel with this version? Complete relax and wind down perfect for a summer backdrop. Morning sunrise or evening sunset.
How does “Walking In A Dream Guitar” differ from the original?
It is similar to the original but with a few subtle layers going through the piece and a beautiful ending. However, it changes the way you feel and what you can imagine – the original piano solo was a love song feeling while as the title says you feel like walking in a dream. Whereas the guitar version is more meditative.
Why is this piece a perfect addition to a summer soundtrack?
It makes you envision the warmth of the summer sunshine – the evening sunsets or early morning sunrise with cicadas in the background. Perfect for playing in the background with a meditative feel.
I think we have all probably experienced being in the company of someone who asserts “My way or the highway”. Sometimes this can be a strength, an ability to know oneself well and to preserve healthy boundaries. At other times, where collaboration is required, a lack of flexibility and an inability to compromise can be self-limiting.
Working in different bands and song-writing set-ups over the years, I have observed both ends of the scale. I have also seen similar issues played out in the work place of family and friends as well as in romantic relationships or families with their children. When I wrote this song, I was thinking about people who have particularly fixed rigidities/rules about what they will do or won’t do for a variety of different reasons. I was interested in exploring the fine line between someone’s will and their capacity when it comes to change. Some people have the will but not the way and vice versa.
I was also interested in the question of influence and how far a positive relationship can go towards expanding a person’s window of tolerance. Sometimes, we experience people who appear to be great enablers of change in others. In contrast, we can experience other examples where there is still no leg room, even in emergencies! It takes time as well as different settings to learn where the boundaries are. It is easy, however, to either over-estimate or under-estimate a person’s capacity to be either fixed or fluid.
How does “My Rules” fit into the theme of your album “Near Life Experience”?
The ambition to really live as opposed to nearly live, is not about fulfilling all your dreams, travelling the world or bungee jumping. It is about living life consciously. Whilst there is much that we cannot control, by being as self-aware as we can, it means that the choices we can make are more likely to be authentic. This extends not only to ourselves but in interaction with other people. When applying this within the context of “My Rules”, I am reminded of the Serenity prayer “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.
What message do you hope to convey with this song?
To bring out the complexities of these issues so that people can reflect further on their own experiences. To encourage thinking around when and whether self-imposed or external rules are either helpful or a hindrance.
How did you approach the song-writing for “My Rules”?
Like the majority of songs that I write for myself (as opposed to commissions or songs for other artists), it literally wrote itself very quickly. When I have been thinking about something for a long time, it is always brewing like a tea in the background. By the time I come to sit at the piano, it usually means there is something I am ready to express. Once I have found the chords that fit the emotion I am feeling, it won’t be long before a few useable lyrics pop out in-between random words that I sing whilst focussed on the melody. When I pay close attention to what words do emerge, I am then able to filter out the important ones and grasp what the song is about. From this point on the rest of the words will follow quite easily.
What can fans expect from the official video for “My Rules”?
A lot of fun and humour! When adults become stubborn or blocked in their thinking, whether in a band, board meeting, or political battle, they can appear regressed, much like playground antics! Just as there is a difference between a healthy challenging of authority, versus complete inability to take direction, there is also healthy artistic integrity, versus a devaluing of other people’s contributions. Humour can be a useful way of gaining perspective, so I thought this would be a good way of telling the story. We interchange the same dynamics (a figure of authority, alongside a rule breaker and a bystander) within two different settings commonly associated with rules and hierarchy. There is also the backdrop of a literal tug of war, which is also the metaphor running through the song and video. It illustrates the central premise, which is the underlying question of whether any movement will be possible with someone who struggles to compromise.
Julia Thomsen and Strings of Light are proving to be the perfect musical collab with new release, “Walking In A Dream Guitar”. This new cover version is an acoustic guitar escape with all the hallmarks of a standout release.
Award-winning Julia first brought this track to the forefront of neo-classical back in 2022 and the new work by Strings of Light reminds us of its beauty. The track is easy to listen to as the guitar tones lead us on a relaxing trip.
U.S based R’n’B star B.U.d! is flying the flag for top quality soul with his new release ‘No More’.
I first came across this fresh track having being sent it by his promoter, and I have to say, I have found myself hooked ever since. It is infectious with a vocal charm which is challenging to keep at bay. Vocally, B.U.d! sounds delightful with him providing a performance which is massively piercing. He sings with his heart on his jacket, and he takes a no prisoner approach to songwriting with a message which leaves no room for ambiguity.
Musically, ‘No More’ is exciting, and it has a Prince style vibe popping out of it at times. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of unique qualities which makes it stand out truly on its own with a radiance which many will find hard to fault.
Due to high demand, legendary British reggae group Aswad is excited to unveil the limited edition release of their live album, “Live In London,” available in physical format for the first time. This exclusive release, featuring only one thousand copies of Red, Gold & Green splatter vinyl, will launch on August 30, 2024, and can be purchased only through SMC Records, a division of The Spaine Music Company.
“Live In London” is Aswad’s first major release in over a decade, capturing a key moment in their remarkable career. This album serves as a tribute to the late Angus “Drummie Zeb” Gaye, celebrating his enduring spirit and legacy. Recorded live at the renowned Jazz Cafe in May 2024, it represents the pinnacle of the British reggae movement.
Produced with care by core members Tony Gad and Soloman, and mixed by Christian Cowlin of The Wailers, each track—from classics like “Babylon” to fan favorites like “Just A Little Herb”—showcases Aswad’s exceptional artistry. The album has been meticulously mastered by Mark Gittins at Sensound Studios for an outstanding listening experience.
Seize this chance to own a piece of reggae history and experience Aswad in a whole new light. This limited edition release is both a collector’s gem and a celebration of Aswad’s lasting impact on music.
Cloud, the modern-day guitar hero, is back with a bang, delighting fans and newcomers alike with his electrifying new track, “Overdrive.” This latest release from the rising star in the rock scene is a breath of fresh air, perfectly timed for the summer season. With its high-energy vibe and infectious melodies, “Overdrive” promises to be a standout hit.
“Overdrive” is an anthem for those who crave edgy and powerful sounds. Bursting with explosive guitar riffs and dynamic rhythms, the track is pure ear candy for rock enthusiasts. Cloud’s masterful play and distinctive style shine through, making every note and chord resonate with intensity.
Hello, Accept Cookies, Let’s talk about your new release, ‘Why Are Hearts So Cold’, what is the meaning?
Why are hearts so cold is about the unknowable feelings hidden in another’s heart and how we navigate the distance between our wants and theirs.
Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?
Kendrick Lamar, Christone Ingram and the smile
What is the best thing about being a musician in 2024?
The access to digital recording equipment, it’s wonderful to be able to just experiment on a level that wouldn’t have been possible 30 years ago. It gives a freedom to the ability to try new ideas by being so flexible without loosing quality in comparison to a medium like tape, I still use tape though.
Is there a certain place you often go to write?
Mostly the living room or the bedroom, just those kind of spaces that are comfortable to me, I own the space and that has a sort of protection in it I think.
What is your first memory of music?
Listening to an old Woodie Guthrie tape that my dad put on on a boom box. That was magical I’d definitely heard music before but this is what I remember. The whole experience of getting the tape out, its colour, placing it in to tray and clicking the go button into place and just sitting there listening to a whole album cover to cover
Jejune are back and mighty with new song ‘Have A Nice Day’. The band known for their ‘Boogie Juice’ release are on top form here, proving that good old indie is as alive as ever! Although, could we call this indie? It is in a world of its own this release, there are vibes which could be compared to many genres.
‘Have A Nice Day’, is perfect for the summer! There is a warm quality to it which makes it ideal for those late summer evenings sat in the garden. Although, personally, I could envision this one echoing out of indie halls for a long time to come, even long after the sun has gone down!
Julia Thomsen, the composer with the magic piano hands greets us to her new summer offering, ‘Sweet Aurora’. Charming and elegant as you would expect if you are aware of Julia Thomsen, this new track is blossom for the ears, perfect in texture and amazing to witness.
‘Sweet Aurora’ is one of the many releases we have reviewed here by Julia Thomsen and one thing is true about her as a composer, she is constantly innovating. Yes, she does not sound a million miles away from what others are doing in the current neo-classical scene, but she still finds new ways to be creative and she does that once again.
Marsha Swanson, the progressive-pop artist with countless stand-out releases now under her belt charms us again with new single ‘Homeward Bound’. As a fan of Marsha’s it has been refreshing to witness her growth as an artist over the last few years and her new album, ‘Near Life Experience’ just keeps on giving.
‘Homeward Bound’ is highly narrative driven as are a lot of Marsha’s songs. This is one of her trademark qualities now as an artist because you know with each one there will be a message within it which has a prevalent factor. Moreover the way she manages to incorporate real-life experiences into her music is inspiring.
