2024 marks a special milestone for music lovers and fans of David Pickvance, as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of his platinum-selling instrumental album, Tempest. Originally released in 1994, Tempest was David’s first commercially available chillout album, quickly gaining popularity and solidifying his place as a visionary in the world of film and TV music.
Tempest by David Pickvance
In honor of this anniversary, David has released a newly mastered edition of Tempest, now available for a limited time on Bandcamp. This re-release is a treat for long-time fans and newcomers alike, offering a fresh experience of the timeless sounds that defined a generation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to download and enjoy Tempest in its finest form yet. Visit David Pickvance’s official website to learn more and grab your copy before it’s gone!
Celebrate the legacy of David Pickvance, a BBC Composer-In-Residence and winner of the BBC Music & Audio Award, who has scored over 100 film, television, and radio projects. From contemporary orchestral pieces to ambient electronica, David’s music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe.
The Soft Lights is a new project from Australian composer Paul Searles.
I’ve known Paul since Uni, (30 Years). During this time Paul was the keyboard player of Sydney funk band Skunkhour, he has scored films (James Cameron, Glen Goei), theatre (Wild Rice, Bangarra, Belvoir), made films (AFI/FTO director grants), won writing awards (NYC Midnight, Theatreworks) and played keyboards for well-known artists (Jenny Morris, The Reels, The Sleepy Jackson, Jimmy Barnes). He began his career in architecture.
Paul is currently in-house composer at The Gunnery in Singapore.
Paul says:
This album deals with a few years of grief and trauma in a beautiful and gentle way, featuring strings from members of the Australian Chamber orchestra.
Be careful with this new music. I’ve been listening to BROKEN on loop for hours. Facebook #zylascope @GeoffWilliams says that I posted about Paul’s new song at 9:50 pm. It’s now 12:30 pm. So over 2 and a half hours and I love it. I don’t know how I can turn it off. Let’s see what happens. Will I wake up dead, having fallen asleep at my Torvalds-style stand-up DAW and being lobotomized by my headphones? We’ll just have to wait and see. You’ve been warned. I thought music was a healthy addiction. If I live, I can always go back to smoking.
Paul sings on these songs. He told me once that he didn’t think he was a very good singer but decided that since he had played most of the instruments on his compositions that he could try singing them himself.
Why not! Hey even I can sing these days Paul, with Autotune 🙂
But after hearing the song many times, I conclude that no other voice would suit the instrumental side of the song like your voice Paul. Well done. Let us know more!
Article written by Geoff Williams. This is not a paid promotion but I am hoping that Paul sends me a few copies on CD or Vinyl that I can give away on my website. and I’m hoping he gets a Platinum disk. He won a gold one for a Skunkhour song. Skunkhour were an awesome Australian band. It’s great to find that its members are still making great music.
——– Now What Does My Robot, Dr Rachel Have To Say ——–
Paul Searles Releases New Album ‘The Soft Lights’ – A Must-Listen Experience!
Attention music lovers! Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of Paul Searles, from the iconic Australian funk rock band. Paul Searles, a former member of the band, Skunkhour is making a remarkable comeback with his latest album, ‘The Soft Lights.’ This highly anticipated release promises to be a beautiful blend of soulful melodies, infectious grooves, and heartfelt lyrics that will resonate with listeners of all ages.
Paul Searles’s journey with Skunkhour began in Sydney back in 1991, where they quickly gained recognition for their unique fusion of funk, rock, and rap. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1993, showcased their infectious energy and garnered them a dedicated fan base. Over the years, the band continued to evolve, experimenting with their sound and captivating audiences with each new release.
‘The Soft Lights’ marks a triumphant return for Paul Searles after a long hiatus. The album builds upon their signature sound while exploring new musical territories. With Paul Searles at the helm, this album delivers a collection of songs that are both nostalgic and refreshing. From the mesmerizing grooves of “Weightlessness” to the introspective lyrics of “Home,” each track invites listeners on a sonic journey that is as emotional as it is catchy.
What sets Paul Searles apart is his ability to create music that transcends genres and resonates with a wide range of listeners. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his music for the first time, ‘The Soft Lights’ promises to be a captivating experience. The new band’s lineup has infectious energy and undeniable talent shine through in every note, leaving you craving more.
Paul Searles’s music has always been known for its ability to bring people together, and ‘The Soft Lights’ is no exception. The album tackles universal themes of love, self-discovery, and the human experience, making it relatable to audiences of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the complexities of life or an adult seeking solace in music, this album will speak to your soul.
So mark your calendars and get ready to be swept away by the mesmerizing sounds of Paul Searles’s ‘The Soft Lights.’ Whether you’re driving in your car, relaxing at home, or dancing the night away, this album is the perfect companion for any occasion. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary musical journey – join Paul on his triumphant return and experience the magic for yourself.
‘The Soft Lights’ is now available on all major streaming platforms, so make sure to add it to your playlist today. Stay tuned for upcoming tour dates and be sure to catch Paul Searles live for an unforgettable night of music and celebration. Get ready to groove to the infectious beats, sing along to the heartfelt lyrics, and let the soft lights of Paul Searles illuminate your soul.
Paul Searles is back, and they’re here to remind us all why we fell in love with their music in the first place. Let the ‘The Soft Lights’ guide you on a musical journey that will leave you inspired, moved, and eager for more. It’s time to turn up the volume, let loose, and embrace the magic of Paul Searles once again.
—-end robot section—
Robot section by Geoff Williams and ChatGPT May 24 Version – Free Research Preview. ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts.
Jevan Cole’s new EP is here and it’s impressive. Singing, Guitars, A real band, real instruments, drums, plus synths, sampling, effects, modular synths, a plethora of post-apocalyptic sonic celebrations and emotions. If you are still able to enjoy music don’t miss this.
I love this EP and all of their albums. Have a listen with headphones on! The perfect fusion of Rock/band music and electronic/techno/dance/psychedelic.
I loved their last album Silverling, it was staggering. There are not too many artists in the music industry that can make a better follow-up album. But they did it. It makes me think that they may have the rare ability to keep this up for years. I’m hoping so. I’m inspired to do a new album myself now. Thanks, Jevan. Your music has always affected me deeply.
If you are starting to develop an allergy to autotune, this is the treatment your ears have been longing for. The singing on this album sounds so refreshing, nice and human.
Such great songs and soundscapes, so well performed and recorded. Listen very closely to it.
Read this great review about it from findnoenemy.com. An excerpt…
“You almost feel like you’re being transported into some other dimension, a whole other world to sink yourself in and immerse your existence within.”
That’s what I think too. I’m in a beautiful state after listening to it.
TIP: Make sure to click this button and make sure it looks like this for the best listening experience 😉 …
It helps you to hear the EP a few times without being interrupted by other albums. If you click it again you’ll see a number 1 in the center, that will loop one song. Click it until it lights up green and the 1 is not in the center, that will repeat the EP when the last track completes.
Jevan Cole from Meadow Argus Playing Accoustic Guitar.
If you love this EP as I do please help them by Liking, Reacting, Loving and Sharing it on Spotify and your social media apps. Sharing is caring 🙂
You could call your local radio station and ask them to play this song ‘House Husband’ which I think so many people in the world would love to hear, coming out of this challenging time…
I’m trying to find the author of the animation in this video. The music is a Zylascopetrack “Move To Peace” off our soon to be released relaxation album New Life Magic Part 2, but I don’t know who made the animation.
I found the animation on Facebook and it didn’t have an author’s name attached. In the post where I found it, many people asked, “who made it?”, but no one knows who made it or how it was made. Well not yet.
Do you have some ideas on how it was made? How would you make it?
If you have any ideas please leave a post at #Zylascope on Facebook. If you like it, let me know.
I put it on my Youtube channel to see if someone can identify the author for me. Please help me to find the author by sharing it and please leave a like or some other reaction. Especially if you don’t like it. How does it make you feel? What does it remind you of?
And yet another uplifting Australian music release.
Meadow Argus have a new album, “Silverling”
It features music written by Brisbane, Australia Guitarist and Composer Jevan Cole. Jevan plays a type of fingerpicking style acoustic guitar.
He released an album in 1997 called, “The Gatekeeper“, which I’ve listened to more than one hundred times since I got it in 1997. The Gatekeeper is instrumental guitar with mandolin as well. Jevan has been involved in performing, writing and producing a few albums since, which you can find here: Jevan Cole Music
His new album “Silverling” by Meadow Argus is truly magical. It’s a diversion away from purely instrumental guitar and we get to hear some electric guitar as well. Also, Silverling has some electronic music elements that give it a psychedelic lift and introduces an extra level of dreaminess to his music.
Once you’ve heard Jevan’s guitar playing a few times you’ll understand what I mean when I say “You don’t just listen to his music, you feel along with it.”
Also what is great about Silverling is the lyrics. They have a very organic Australian feel. They are sung mostly by female vocalist, Ellie Dalton, who has a unique ethereal quality that suits Jevan’s music in a wonderful way.
A truly beautiful album that I’ll be enjoying for the rest of my days. I really love it. There’s a unique diversity of instrumentation and there’s even a tune with Emma McDonald playing the saw alongside Jevan’s guitar playing. That has a spacey quality that is very mysterious sounding.
There were many people involved in the recording as you can see in the liner notes available via the link below. Jevan said this was mostly a recording project. But I’m sure you’ll agree that it would be unbelievable to see and hear this ensemble of talent live in a concert hall somewhere.
To me, Silverling is healing music. If you know of anybody who is going through a tough time or an illness, be sure to give them the link or click the social media buttons above to share to Facebook, Twitter, Messenger, Email or another social network.
“Silverling” by Meadow Argus is available on a limited edition 12″ Vinyl LP which includes digital download versions and unlimited streaming so it makes an ideal gift. If you don’t have a record player you can hear it for free.
Whatever you do, don’t miss out. This is a magical album…
It is distinguished from other traditional forms in that the person practicing Zen meditation does not get into a ‘trance’. That is the person meditating is awake the whole time enabling him to experience the peace and serenity that each breath brings and thus receiving a more fulfilling experience.
Of central importance is the place in which one is going to meditate, so select a comfortable and silent place where there will be minimum disturbance. Regulate the temperature and the light in the location. Maintain a balance and see that the conditions are not extreme. Place a rug and you are all set to go. A blanket or cushion works just as well. Whether you would place it on the floor or on a pad is up to you.
There are various meditation pads and cushions available in the market. These are also referred to as zabutons and zafus and are target specific merchandise aimed solely for the purpose of meditation. But as a beginner you could start by using other general items like pillows, cushions and blankets.
The first thing that Zen meditation, also referred to as Zazen, demands of a person is the ability to control his mind. This requires training. However this is not a cause for worry because of all the meditation techniques that one is exposed to these days, this is the simplest and easiest. Learning to control one’s mind is not difficult; just look up the subject on the internet and find the correct way of doing it.
The worst thing you could do while mastering the technique to do Zen meditation is trying too hard. People more often than not push themselves too much and forcefully quiet their minds by clearing out their thoughts as fast as possible without giving the time that the thoughts demand.
The person meditating must reflect upon all matter pressing them at the moment and then slowly calm down. While practicing Zen meditation it is required that you let your mind quiet down with certain autonomy and most importantly without resorting to force.
The best way to start is by learning to observe your breathing pattern and understanding the basic structure of your thoughts. This helps you to detach yourself from your thoughts and enables you to compartmentalize your brain such that it becomes easier to clear out your mind and calm down faster. Needless to say, mastering this technique requires time and practice. However this is effective and with time you will realize that you are able to quiet down easily without spending much time or thought on it. Zen meditation is a sure way to reach your core and find complete peace and patience is the key to success.
It is popularly believed that Zen meditation is practiced solely by Buddhist monks and philosophers but in truth common individuals too can use this technique of meditation. It is simple and effective. It gives you concentration and teaches you how to deal with the present. If you keep practicing this form of meditation you will see that you are progressively being able to think only about the moment at hand, all anxieties about the past and the future being relieved. Zen meditation teaches you to connect with attributes of your self that you didn’t even know existed and finally be at peace with your body, mind and soul.
Here’s an excellent way to start enjoying the benefits of meditation today. The Deep Zen audio program is easy for anyone wanting to learn how to meditate – offering a free demo, and helps advanced meditators achieve deeper levels of meditation too. Try another free demo here: Totally Tranquil
When many people hear the word “meditate,” they think of a man in a loincloth with a serene look on his face sitting cross-legged on top of a mountain. Meditation, however, isn’t nearly as esoteric as people think. It doesn’t require years of study or mystical knowledge from on high; all it takes is practice.
Meditation is a spontaneous flow of consciousness when all the conditions are just right. It’s about listening inwardly with a quiet mind for the wisdom and guidance of a more expansive and unlimited mind.
All the arts of relaxation — breath control, contemplation, prayer, affirmation, repetition of a mantra, and visualization — are different, but they all direct you toward self-realization and a deep meditative state. Different systems of thought and traditions vary in their meditation techniques, but they all have the same goal: to reach the point of stillness, quiet, and communion with the essence of your being.
With meditation, you discover how to quiet your mind and increase your level of energy and enjoyment of life. You experience the natural joy of being in meditation, and you establish a greater confidence and a higher understanding. Meditation can deliver deep inner peace; increase your mental stamina; improve your memory; enlarge your multitasking abilities; and teach you to organize your internal awareness and concentration.
You can practice different forms of meditation:
Mantra meditation: You focus your attention on a repeated word, thought, or sound.
Metta or loving kindness meditation: You practice acts of generosity or loving kindness toward others.
Stair-step meditation (or modified progressive relaxation): You focus on different areas of your body with the aim of relaxing those areas one at a time.
Mindfulness: You observe whatever goes through your mind without judging or analyzing it.
(Some yoga practitioners don’t consider this a true form of meditation, but rather a practice or deeper step toward meditation.)
There are a lot very good reasons for developing a meditation practice. You are likely to be healthy both physically and mentally. You’ll have less stress. You might gain some insight into the workings of your own mind. Your friends may find that you are easier to be around.
Then there are the spiritual goals. Some people use meditation as a form of prayer. For some it means learning to be in the moment, with the hope that this more natural and peaceful state of mind can be carried into everyday life and activities. Other find that meditation helps them to become more compassionate.
Whatever your reasons for meditating, it also can just be pleasurable and interesting. If you want to make it more pleasurable and more interesting, there are some things you can try. The following are just a few examples.
New Meditation Experiences
The first thing you might want to try is meditation CDs or other recordings that use brainwave entrainment technologies. These make meditating easy. Just put on your headphones and listen – that’s all it takes. You will be guided into an Alpha state or deeper without any effort.
Some of these recordings are designed strictly for meditation. They are often sold as sets, with each CD or MP3 download meant to take you into a deeper state of consciousness. Others are meant to take you in and out of deeper states on a sort of brainwave roller coaster ride. These might be more useful for stimulating creative thought, or for entertainment than for meditating.
One thing about this powerful technology that makes it very interesting, is that it does the work for you. Some will claim that you lose something if you replace regular meditation practices with brainwave entrainment, and this is a possibility. On the other hand, there is no reason you can’t do it both ways. The power of this technology (if you listen while laying down, you’ll probably fall asleep in minutes) means you can meditate in places and circumstances that are normally ruled out.
For example, you might not ordinarily think of meditating in the lunch room at your place of employment, or in a coffee shop. But with a meditation recording on an MP3 player, you can do this easily. Sit back and close your eyes and hit the play button. The others in the room will assume you are listening to music, and the recording will diminish the volume of all the distracting sounds in the room.
You can also take a walk while meditating. Just clip that MP3 player to your belt or drop it into your shirt pocket as I do, and put in the ear-buds. I like to walk the woods or along a beach while listening to a brainwave entrainment recording. You might try it on city streets as well. In fact, the small size and almost meaningless weight of MP3 players has opened up many interesting ways to practice meditation using brainwave technologies.
Copyright Steve Gillman. To learn more about Meditation, which are the best meditation recordings, and to get the free Mindpower Meditation ebook, visit: http://www.BestMeditationCds.com
There are many ways to improve the quality of your life, but one that you may not have thought of is that of meditation. Some don’t believe it can offer them benefits but there is one thing that meditation and yoga can definitely provide to you: the ability to relax.
Yoga is a great tool for both exercise and relaxation. Both meditation and yoga have been shown to provide improvements for those that are in need of stress relief. And, when you learn how to do them effectively, it takes minutes a day to wash away your stresses.
So, how does this fit into your lifestyle fitness plan? It’s simple. You need to spend ten minutes each day, usually before breakfast, quietly meditating or doing yoga. Ten minutes per day is all that it takes to see significant improvement in your overall well being.
When you take into account all the things that you are doing in the morning you may not think you have time. But, again, invest the time for a couple of weeks and you are sure to see the improvements quickly and they will not be such a demanding time taker.
You can learn how to do either meditation or yoga (or both if you like) easily. Some people are familiar with it enough that they can learn how to do is through at home study. It’s often a better solution, though to learn with others through a professional.
Get together with a friend and take a class at your local recreation center or your community college. You’ll find that once you learn the technique you can do the process on your own, easily.
We know that art therapy can help children with anger, stress and depression. Do you know that it can also help children with heart disease?
One such patient is an 18 year old girl profiled in the July 1 2009 issue of the Wall Street Journal. At age 9, she had her second heart transplant. Her body was determined to reject the first heart. She went into cardiac arrest six times in 2 hours. She recalled being “awake” when the doctors were frantically trying to revive her.
Fearing that they would pull the plug on her, she tried desperately to tell the people in the hospital room that she was alive.Recuperating at home was no easy matter; she kept having recurring nightmares in which she watched herself suffering cardiac arrest.
Things, however, began to change when she took up the pen. She began writing down her thoughts about being helpless and scared. She turned these details into poems and stories. Eventually, the nightmares disappeared.
Now 18, she has successfully completed high school and is looking forward to nursing school in the fall.She credits her writing for helping her deal with her heart and surgery. It was her creative expression through writing that enabled her to transform something frightening and painful into a positive goal – to make something of her life.
Researchers are taking note of the positive relationship between art therapy and the heart. Some current clinical data on this relationship include the following:
a) Psychosocial factors like depression and stress have been found to be strong risk factors for heart attacks. In fact, these emotional factors are considered as strong as physiological factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.
According to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, depression increases the risk of heart disease more than genetics or the environment. This means that any intervention that can reduce depression can benefit the heart. Scientists are working to determine how artistic expression can be considered a valid form of clinical intervention to be used along with exercise, diets and medication for reducing heart disease.
b) Researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia have found that music can offer substantial benefit to patients who are stressed and anxious about undergoing treatment for coronary heart disease. Listening to music decreases blood pressure, heart rate and levels of anxiety in heart patients. In fact, music therapy is getting increased recognition as a viable form of treatment for depression and mood.
Take for example, Justin P, a young boy born with a heart defect. At 8 months, he had heart surgery. Since he was five years old, he has been experiencing attention and behavior problems at school. Unable to “settle down” in the classroom, Justin nevertheless responds well to music, especially songs with a strong upbeat tempo.
His parents decided to place him in a music therapy class when he turned six. Now 7, Justin can play the piano; he is more focused in school; he is just starting to read and he is a happier child.
According to his parents, music relaxes him and makes him more open to their suggestions.
Creative expressions in art, writing and music can be very effective therapeutic processes for children with heart disease.
Bianca Tora is a writer interested in the relationship between lifestyle and the brain, specifically the area of emotional regulation and control. She has published a book on anger management for children. Visit her at http://www.help-your-child-with-anger.com
