Journey of The Night Siren - March 2017
The Night Siren solo album
Artwork © Iconphoto
My new album The Night Siren out in just one week from now has been a fascinating journey in more ways than one.
There are influences from many different cultures around the world, and I've been inspired by all the places I've seen on my travels along with the music I've heard and people I've met. The track 'Inca Terra' was inspired by Peru, with its amazing cloud forest, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. The Inca spirit wove its magical way through all these places with an extraordinary connection to nature.
'Fifty Miles from the North Pole' depicts the soul of Iceland, another place with an intense connection to nature.
A trip to Morocco, experiencing the wonder of the Sahara Desert and the incredible sound of the oud, musically inspired 'Behind the Smoke' along with elements of both 'West to East' and 'In the Skeleton Gallery'.
I liken this album to a bird flying across borders, linking many places with a sense of multi-cultural diversity. I'm appalled by the nationalism and lack of empathy in today's world, where borders are increasingly reinforced and refugees are rejected. First track 'Behind the Smoke' depicts the flight of refugees from the threat of persecution and death. Many people today are in that position. Tons of us also have ancestors who were refugees. Some of mine were Jews escaping persecution in Poland in the 19th century. If England had not let them in, I would not be here today.
Penultimate track 'West to East' has a peace message and reflects 'Behind the Smoke' musically. There are singers from both Israel and Palestine on this track. They recorded their parts together. With more compassion, mutual understanding and less greed, the world could be a much better place, and those who are currently starving would be given the chance of a life. Musically the album involves both diversity and a harder edge with more electric guitar. There are similarities between this album and Wolflight, but this is more gritty. I also explored additional progressive elements here in keeping with the drive towards surprise.
I have always aimed for an eclectic approach, which is particularly true of this album. Whilst having a conceptual feel and slant, it also explores many themes and contrasting musical genres. I'm excited by this album and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I have enjoyed the amazing adventure of its creation.
Click here for more on The Night Siren
Steve at partially frozen Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland
Inspired in the Sahara Desert
The walled up gateway, Wimbledon, which inspired 'The Other Side of the Wall'
Exotic temple in the Cambodian jungle... Eastern sounds feature on 'Martian Sea'
Steve at Machu Picchu, high up in the Cloud Forest
The bleak beauty of Scotland, behind the track 'In Another Life'
