The Solstice War Defined

A couple months back, I typed up a light overview of my trilogy project The Solstice War, and I thought it would be cool to share it here for anybody who may be interested in reading it.

Below are a couple excerpts from the write-up. If you’re interested in reading more, you can download the full pdf write-up below.

“The Solstice War is a musical journey in three installments that mirrors the maturity and creative processes. While the three installments are laden with concepts, morals, and messages; the ultimate purpose of each individual piece is to solely function as a musical album that can (and will most likely) be seen as a standalone work”

“The story of The Solstice War is told through the medium of traditional ABA’ sonata form : The Exposition (X), the Development (D), and the Recapitulative Reprieve (R). The creative process is executed through XDR, and the 3 chapters of the solstice war also each take on one part of the XDR form.”

“The Protector is the second installment of The Solstice War. It is to ultimately be presented as a 10 song album that represents the execution of the creative process; and, within war, the physical battle. The Protector takes on a heavier tone and statement than that of The Prophecy. While the music of The Protector will follow a story format in certain live performances (a follow up to it’s predecessor), the album also works as a standalone commentary on internal warfare. The Protector is a journey through fear, and how we battle and conquer all sorts of fear. This being so, each song on The Protector represents a different fear, as well as a relationship that most heavily reflects and relates to each fear.”

Download the full write-up here.

A Note About Oslo

A few weeks ago, I went into the studio to work on an incredible session with a full orchestra, recording two of the new songs from The Protector with my very good friend and extremely talented arranger, Paul Dougherty.

The week prior the session, I posted a write-up about one of the songs we’d be recording for the musicians I’d be woking with, as well as for friends to read. It’s kind of an in depth look at the sort of creative process I’ve been working with while writing the music for this upcoming album.

I thought it would be fun to post it here on the site for anybody who might be interested in reading up on it. So, with no further ado…

A Note About Oslo

So, in less than a week I will be spending a full 12 hour day at a studio here in Boston hashing out two tunes that have been put together in a collaborative project with a very talented arranger, and friend of mine, Paul Dougherty. This session is slightly experimental in the way it’s being run, but that is exactly the spirit I want to follow in recording the songs that will be part of my new album “The Protector”.

Under the directing of Paul, we will be recording two new songs (“Hello Apocalypse” and “Oslo”) with our own little orchestra; and we’re doing so with a bit of a motown spirit - It’s more like recording a live session - everybody recorded together. My current intention is to eventually release these two songs as a free EP. An adventure will ensue do doubt.

I thought, in preparation for our big day, that it would be interesting to post a little bit of backstory into the creative process I experienced while writing “Oslo”.

Progress From The Studio!

A few weeks back, I went into the studio to record two songs from the new album with brilliant arranger and friend Paul Dougherty, as well as our very own orchestra! It was an exciting day, and I can’t wait to get those sessions out there for the world to hear!

I’m working on the fourth entry of my Becoming The Protector video series (which has tons of footage from the 12 hour studio day), but I most likely won’t have it done for a couple more weeks. Until then, here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come!