Hedonism - Track By Track
Soundwaves – Scientific fact - when an object vibrates it produces a longitudinal wave which
travels through air to your ear. My view - our world would be a boring place without them….A
rolling, layered piece of music that builds and builds with some nice chord progressions,
underpinned by some complex melodies underneath. An upbeat way to start the album.
How Will I know – A song about long distance friendship, co-written by DJ Geneieve (Jenny
Thomas) from Melbourne who also provides the excellent vocals. Languid grooves with a
memorable chorus. It’s music for sunny days – think Ibiza Beach House Vibes. The first video
single to be released from the album.
Hedonism – Some might say it’s two different tracks that are poles apart, awkwardly segued
together. I say it’s the story of a night out clubbing. A journey of anticipation, expectation,
excitement, contentment and eventual wild abandonment with an abrupt ending (as in the way
most nights end…..).
Kodachrome – I once saw a film of the same name which inspired me to write this song. It’s
about the demise of “physical” photos and its impact on our memories past, present and future.
Pure Synth Pop in its nature, with guest vocals provided by the ever present MizzKitt who has
featured on all of my previous albums.
The Space Between U & I – An attempt at producing something totally different. Laidback,
futuristic sounding RnB but underpinned with some luscious chords and twinkling synths. A less
is more approach, where the space in between the music is just as important as the actual
music itself. From my perspective it works.
Severed – Partly inspired by a band called Factory Floor (check them out). A spikey, angular
piece of dance orientated electronica. Deeper grooves for the dancefloor and the mind alike. To
echo the TV programme Severance, does your “innie” have the same personality as your
“outtie”…..? The track reflects this scenario as it moves from a rigid, very much off centre
approach to a melodic crescendo.
I Was In Once In Japan – A true story (or is it……). Authoritative and distinctive vocals provided
by ROS, who previously guested for me on “94” and “Vox-Pop”. An atmospheric, reverb
drenched track that is a time capsule of a man’s past. Blade Runner influences a plenty. It was
probably the most complex track on the album to record and ultimately mix, with numerous
versions produced.
Where We Long To Be – Inspired by a trip to Berlin and a visit to Tresor, the second most famous
Techno orientated club in the city. A cavernous, pulsating place where sub-culture is the norm.
Lyrically, it’s also a paean to nightclubbing in general. The “in the moment” experience that
people crave from week to week like a drug – it’s hedonism personified. Some guest vocalists
form a secret choir towards the rear of the track……
Transcendence – That moment on the dancefloor when the world stops for you alone and you’re
firmly locked into the groove. Seconds feel like hours. Lasers fire above your head and around
the room. The neon illuminates your face. Transfixed. You are totally oblivious to others - there is
no one else on Earth but you. Structurally, harsh metallic rythmical beats against building layers
of drones provide the escape for your ears.
Age Of Destruction – A song about the end of days. Lyrically bleak. Musically a three part act –
bombastic,almost air raid like sounds that morph into a delicate melody and then a verbal
warning of what’s coming and there is nothing we can do about it….This track first appeared on the Generation Blitz 4 – Mutant Electro compilation, published by the State Of Bass label earlier
this year. It was a honour to have this track included on such a revered series which received
very positive reviews from the music press.
MACH 2025 –An energetic, Electro tinged track with a melody that constantly shapeshifts and
propels itself forward as a metaphor to reflect how fast our lives move thesedays (hence the
title). Essentially a remix of a Synth Pop track created for my live set and released as a limited
edition 12” in 2023 in it’s original guise.
Into The Light – Picture this scene. You exit the club in the early hours of the morning. Unbelieveably, you find a Taxi directly outside. And as you’re heading home you’re thinking about the hours spent beforehand and what a great time you’ve had with friends and strangers alike. You’re now feeling tired. You half shut your eyes. Can’t sleep properly – you reopen them again. Then you casually turn your head and peer out of the Car window and see the sun beginning to emerge on the horizon in all it’s glory…. Contentment reigns. This is the soundtrack to that feeling.
The Longest Day – Have you ever been stuck in a place and unable to return home ? This track
was initially started (Drum and Bassline) in a Hotel room in Ibiza based upon that exact
scenario. Move it forwards many months later and after several iterations it eventually evolved
into a very melodic Synth Pop track
