Feature: Mélodie- "The Space Between The Notes"

FEATURE:

Mélodie:

"The Space Between The Notes"

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Music means different things to different people; affecting them in ways that cannot be explained. I examine the effect it has on me as well as countless others. In my view, Bob Marley summed it up best: "One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain".

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THIS is going to be a long one, so please stick with me...

Prelude: The Curtain Rises.

It has been said- by someone with more patience than me- that everybody has a novel inside of them. I dabbled with the idea of novel-writing a few years ago and hit upon an idea. It was going to be called The Palookaville Bible; it would follow the 'plot' of the Old and New Testaments, yet be set in a modern-day Texas town. It would have a striking and gorgeous front cover, and be have a story arc that would include everything from action thriller, romantic comedy to Breaking Bad-style drama. I abandoned the idea the moment music really started to take a grip on me, deciding: everyone has an album inside them. I think this is true, and I have been wondering what it is about music that so utterly compels and unites people; why it hits them and how it remains such a potent and awe-inspiring force. There is an entire science dedicated to the study and effect of sound perception- Pyschoacoustics- and is a word that really struck me. I have long wanted to open a central London music bar/cafe (a two-storey affair) with its own recording studio; something and somewhere that is dedicated to music and enjoyment of it- where it can not only be listened to (via jukeboxes) but recorded and enjoyed (via a music website that would project onto walls on the upper level of the complex). It may seem pie-in-the-sky but fills a real need; the obsession and need to embrace music in all its form is a never-ending quest for perfection. Before I go into more depth, I want to tell a parable. I was in London last week, and- after walking around the capital for hours- dropped in for a coffee somewhere need Shaftesbury Avenue. Having sat down a stranger asked me what song was playing over in the particular branch of Costa Coffee- it was Blue Hotel by Chris Isaak, if you're curious. Where I live and work- in and around Surrey- that would never happen. No one would ask that question, and nobody would- after having asked you that question- allow you to enjoy your coffee- in an environment with no screaming children; just well-behaved adults. Inspired by this act of human connection- via a few scribbled notes- I have decided to write this missive; to try to figure exactly what it is about music that connects humans; inspires them to open up and how it affects your early memories. London- on that day- was inspiring. After listening to Blue Hotel I began to scribble some words; as the song's melody and energy compelled me to write lyrics (in accordance with the song's time signature and structure); Champagne Supernova came on and again words flowed. After listening to Your Woman (by White Town), scribbling continued unabated ("Your brain and your mind are transposed/Your heart and your soul exposed..." were the first thoughts); Black Horse and the Cherry Tree (by K.T. Tunstall) then came on, and... well you get the idea. Suffice it to say that by the time I had drained my cappuccino, I had lyrics and ideas for several songs. I felt my mind had been cleared; yet by the time I reached Green Park tube station I heard a busker sing, and my brain was off again...The proximate cause of my blog is that connection with a stranger; we get here, to the ultimate causation...

Can't Get You Out of My Head: Why Music Sticks In The Mind.

John Lennon said that music was "everybody's possession"; Plato claimed that it gave "soul to the universe"; whilst Marilyn Monroe stated that it was "the strongest form of magic". For me, music gripped me from a young age. I have been curious whether it is upbringing and your formative year that enforce a love of music. For me- being born in 1983- I was exposed to a myriad of genres, including New Romantic moves and Michael Jackson's best work; as well as my parents' music as well. In so much as I have fairly dim recollections of childhood and key events, it is the music and songs I was exposed to that have remained firmest. At the age of 5-or-so Rubber Soul (by The Beatles) was a permanent fixture on the family stereo. I guess the quality of the music on offer compelled me to concentrate my life to its pursuit, yet the fact that I was subject to it at such a tender age is the most vital point. There have been studies and papers written about how music affects children, and its importance in future years. Music and its effects were some of my happiest early memories, and encouraged me to pursue it as a future career. One-off songs, that I would not usually adore, became firm favourites. The likes of Iron, Lion, Zion by Bob Marley; Song For Whoever by The Beautiful South; as well as A Good Heart (by Fergal Sharkey) have all remained in the brain- because they scored childhood scenes. I am not sure- if my mother were no such a music obsessive and devotee- that I would have the love for it that I do. Music years such as 1994 are especially vital as I was a schoolboy when they happened. Amidst some tough and rather dull times of my life, the likes of Britpop and Grunge were circulating my brain- providing an escape and realistic portal for release.

On that point, music sticks in the mind, as it allows the listener to escape. At this very point in time, there are a number of emotions rustling around my mind. I have an uncle not long for the world, whom I am running a half-marathon for- and preparing for now. Physically, it is going to be an incredible struggle and every 'training' run I am completing is leaving its marks on my heart and body. I am leaving my job of nine months in a couple of weeks, and am scared of the future. There are words and thoughts I should be communicating to particular people (in my life); afraid to do so, aware of possible ramifications. There is a lot to take on board: possible romance; a frightening transition and planning the future. I am not sure how each of these facets will resolve themselves, yet in music (as a listening experience and possible career) there is escape and a friend. It is a marvellous art form that allows one to get away from their troubles and immerse themselves in something that will not judge or ask for anything in return- it is like a family pet. There is barely a person I know that does not use music as a form of comfort; of rehabilitation and medication. I know how f****** scary the next year will be for me. I am not sure how my plans for a music career will play out; how romantic endeavours will play out- and just where I will be in the world. In spite of some potential turbulence and unpredictability, music will always be there and provide warmth and a sense of reassurance. It gets into your mind, because it should. It gives a stability and constancy that human relations do not provide; the effects are never-ending. Music compels me to be kind to others; buy gifts and show that I care; to connect with people I will never usually have met or encountered- I shall touch more on a particular case study, later.

Before I examine my favourite music, and why it means so much to me, there is another vital aspect of music: visual representation. A lot of music lingers in the mind, because of music videos. Videos allow actors to become involved with the form, and the video as an art form, is a vital asset. Most of us will listen to a song- whether it has a video already created for it or not- and imagine scenes and scenarios. The best music has the power to allow your mind to drift and wander; to speculate as to what the author(s) are imagining. For me, songs such as (The Smiths') Sweet and Tender Hooligan are begging for a video; such is its (the songs) evocative-ness and humour- I will figure a way of making a video for it, mark my words! Great directors such as Jonathan Glazer and Michel Gondry have cut their teeth making the sort of music video that you cannot easily forget. Consider Glazer's videos for Street Spirit (Fade Out) and The Universal; Gondry's efforts for Lucas With The Lid Off, Fell In Love With A Girl and Human Behaviour- watch them and be amazed. Such if the kinship and fraternal bond between music and film, that there is a cinematic element involved. Practically every new song has its own video, and the most impressive of the breed can give music new life. I have written a blog dedicated to the art form, and how a wonderful video can elevate a song and give it a lease of life that it (often does not) deserve.

My Favourite Things: Artists and Albums That Have Meant The Most To Me.

Music, as much, as anything is a personal thing. There is a degree of subjectiveness when it comes to selecting the best albums and songs of all-time. For this piece, I made lists of my greatest songs, albums and singers- trying to find what makes them remain in my mind, and constantly compels me. For me, it is the vocal side of things- the singers- that stoke a fire in my heart. For different people, different aspects of music are most important. I am attracted to voices and vocal nuance, and as such, a lot of my favourite albums and songs are delivered by some of the greatest vocalists ever. To my mind, Freddie Mercury is the epitome of a vocal legend, as he brings music to life. Queen's songs are not amongst the best and most memorable (with notable exceptions) yet Mercury have such power and conviction to them all, that you cannot help but be spellbound. It the operatic quality; the range and sheer power that gets to me. Similarly, singers such as Michael Jackson and Kate Bush have that similar range. Jackson has a child-like softer edge, yet has incredible lung power. His unique tics and idiosyncracies enliven his music, and albums such as Bad and Dangerous remain in my regular rotation due to his compelling pipes. Mercury and Jackson, to me, are two singers whom have no real equals. Because of the way they project and pervade, means that their music and legacy has remained- they are icons everyone should be inspired by. Kate Bush is a timeless voice that is like no other. Some of my earliest memories revolve around The Kick Inside and the weird and wonderful moments within. There is just something seductive, comforting and exciting in Bush's voice that I cannot really explain. Jeff Buckley and Thom Yorke are two singers whom inspire me hugely. Buckley is my music idol, and a man whom makes sensitivity and purity inspiring. If you listen to his live album Live at Sin-e, it is an intent and stunning work that shows the young master taking his first steps. Grace is such a vital album for me, as Buckley scores every track with his gorgeous voice. Tracks like Hallelujah haunt and stun; Last Goodbye is a stirring tale of romance; whilst the title track is a huge and powerful vocal performance. It is debatable whether Thom Yorke would have been the singer he is, were it not for Buckley. The album, The Bends changed direction because of Buckley; the falsetto nature and predominance of some of Radiohead's best work is a direct correlate of the late American- it seems that Yorke is the most worthy incarnation of Buckley that we have. It is the voices that- to me- make music come alive. Albums like Superunknown are synonymous with Chris Cornell's extraordinarily powerful roar; songs such as Wuthering Heights are Wicked Game seem polar opposites: each song deals with romance but in different and striking ways.

Being a prolific writer, lyrics and imagery are reasons why music gets to me. I look at lyrics and songwriters and try to get inside their heads- which in turn has inspired me as a writer. Bob Dylan is a particular hero of mine, and find him to be without earthly equal. Albums like Blonde on Blonde and Blood on the Tracks are paragons of quality and memorable tableaux and contain some of the finest words ever penned. To my mind, Dylan's finest album is Highway 61 Revisited. As well as genuine classics such as Like A Rolling Stone, there was an even more impressive song in its midst: It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding). As much as I adore Dylan The Romantic Poet, when the master lets his stream-of-consciousness mind take over, the effects are mesmeric. It's Alright Ma spits out words and lines; fractured and dark scenes; vivid and strange side streets and wandered. Words are vital in order to make a song remain in the mind, and the likes of Bob Dylan are synonymous with this- he is a genius of song. John Lennon and Paul McCartney are rightful icons, and between them have written some of the finest tracks of all time. Lennon may be the stronger songwriter of the two, yet the pair are strongest when they wrote together. Some of my favourite albums include Abbey Road and Rubber Soul, and it is not hard to see why. Rubber Soul looks at childhood memories and past friends (In My Life); upbeat and quintessential '60s songs (Drive My Car) as well as tender love ballads (Michelle). Abbey Road had harder moments and tough edges (Come Together for instance) yet also wore its heart on its sleeve. The best songwriters make you feel better about your own life; share their experiences of failed love as well as introduce you to their childhood scenes and sights- Lennon and McCartney did this in spades. The vocal performance is elemental, yet when you pen songs filled with delight and imagery, then you draw in the listener and ensure the track lodges into your brain. I have spent most of my adult life writing lyrics, in the pursuit of fruitless perfection- trying to rival my lyric legends. We all have our favourite lines and songs which best explain my point- think about what yours are. I have compiled a list (below) that tabulate my favourite songs, albums and singers, and each are synonymous with one or two (or both) facets: great lyrics and/or brilliant vocals. It is clear that past examples enforce our tastes and passion for music, but unless a new band of musicians keep the fires burning, then there is a danger our deepest passions will begin to wilt.

Time For Heroes: The New Wave of Future Wonders.

I will look at a few music examples, who I think will represent some of the best and brightest acts of the future. I will begin with one of my most recent subjects, and someone whom illustrates another point I will bring up: geographic location. Jen Armstrong is someone I featured a week ago, and one of the most impressive talents I have surveyed. In spite of being drop-dead gorgeous (sorry...) there are multiple elements that strike me about her. I shall touch on geography very soon, but it is clear that Armstrong will be a huge future prospect. Her voice appeals to me because of its sheer range. My love of Kate Bush, Eva Cassidy and Freddie Mercury are all within Armstrong's lungs. In her songs, covers and E.P.s (such as 60) there is such a range and force. Her voice at once is sweet and cooing- quite coquettish and come-hither. At the other end of the spectrum, huge vocal belt and prowess score tracks- her voice is such an impressive instrument. Seek out her music as much as possible, but here is a talent whom does not rest on her laurels or restrain herself. There is a conviction in all of her performances, and this is coupled with a skillful and memorable set of lyrics- that perfectly support her voice. In last week's feature, I investigated some of Armstrong's songs and was impressed, not only by the intelligence and stirring nature of some of her tracks, but also the humour and wit that was abound. 60's title track is charming and piquant; funny and alcohol-strewn; her most romantic numbers are tender and heart-felt- she is a mistress of all trades. Her recent tour of the U.S. introduced her to new scenes, but also gave her inspiration for new material. I am going to be watching Armstrong closely, as I truly believe she will be a big fixture of the festival scene; a name and face to behold- someone whom has inspired recent mobility and inspiration in me. I hope to meet her one day and experience her personality and music first-hand; ask her what inspires her musical mind and creations. Before I surmise another key talent, I want to bring up a subject: geography within music. I have wondered whether a location, or particular cities breed the greatest music- or whether it is dependant on other factors.

Armstrong is a Yorkshire girl, and Issimo- a band for whom I have spent a lot of time listening to- also call this county home. They have an E.P. upcoming and are touring extensively at the moment- bringing their music to Yorkshire crowds are further afield. Most of the best and startling music I have heard in the last year has emanated from this part of the world; Cuckoo Records stalwarts and one-off gems have enlivened my ears and brain. Issimo consist of Marc Otway and Abi Uttley, and have some shared D.N.A. with Armstrong. They pertain to the witty and romantic ends of the spectrum, and have crafted some memorable and brilliant numbers. Otway is a multi-instrumentalist and incredible songwriter; Uttley a superb talent and brilliant singer. In terms of their musical output, it ranges from romantic and heartbroken tales, through to humorous by-play and slice-of-life novellas. They are another act I will be looking to investigate a lot more in the future, and are going to be riding the festival wave alongside Armstrong. I have not heard a bad or mediocre song from the duo, and they seem to have an intuitive and close kinship which has enforced their songwriting output.

Bands have been on my mind recently, and I have witnessed many whom I can see as huge future prospects. Two of the finest are Crystal Seagulls and Los & The Deadlines. I have reviewed both acts, and have been constantly surprised by their quality and ambition. Crystal Seagulls are an act whom have played some prestigious gigs and continue to strive to reach as many people as possible. Their tracks have elements of classic '90s acts such as Oasis, and present epic and uplifting mandates as well as cutting romantic tales. Like Los & The Deadlines, they are based out of London- yet draw their membership from farther afield- and are helping to put the capital back on the musical map. Los' are masters of Zeppelin/The Mars Volta-esque heaviness and quality, and their recent output has seen them grow hugely in confidence. Their tracks are filled with nuance and huge force; their lyrics range from insightful commentary on social media through to drunken local watering holes. Both acts are natural-born performers and ready-made for the best festivals such as Reading and Leeds. Keep your eyes on these two, as in a market that does not define quality- the band realm- here are two examples whom are capable of massive potential and glory.

Before I feature two female solo acts (that are going to be mainstays), I want to mention another band: Universal Thee. These Scottish wonders employ elements of Doolittle-era Pixies; the rambunctious abandon of The Libertines; as well as Teenage Fanclub movements. In spite of all influence, they are their own band and represent a huge originality and flair. The husband-wife pairing of James and Lisa Russell spar and combine wonderfully; Robin Spivey, Andrew Perrie and Kevin Haddow provide a forceful and potent sonic backing- the band are tight and instilled with a close bond. Their Back to Earth album is released on March 28th, and is the summation of years of hard work, scrimping and honing- I know that the results are going to be fantastic. Like Crystal Seagulls and Los & The Deadlines, Universal Thee favourite anthemic and heavier motions, and are Scotland's finest. When we look at new music, there is always a need for something new and exciting- as well as a hint at the past. Universal Thee have some shades of past masters, but offer up the sound of 2014- a fresh and invigorating sound and set of songs. Again, these guys will be kicking arse on the festival circuit, and have the potential to rival current gods such as Queens of the Stone Age.

Lydia Baylis and Chess are two artists based out of the south. Baylis is an arresting and stunning artist whom has a brilliant range and ability. Songs such as Ghosts and Mirrors are awash with ghostly undertones, dark majesty as well as cracks of redemption and light- all wrapped up in Baylis' stunning and pure voice. I have reviewed a few songs from our heroine and have always been staggered by her range. Like Armstrong, Issimo and our featured bands, Baylis does not stick to one path. Life Without You had a happy-sad dichotomy, and saw our heroine in emotional and witty guises; putting an anonymous beau to rights. Baylis is also a columnist and blogger and features other artists and touches on various subjects. Here is a multi-talent whom works hard on her craft and has been touring breathlessly over the last year. I am excited to hear what Baylis will come up with in the future months, and will be supporting her all the way. Chess is an act based out of Surrey (but hails from Malta), and she was one of my first review subjects (all that time ago). Recently, I reviewed her second E.P., Tuxedo, and was impressed by her quality, maturity and consistency. Having been familiar with her work, I was expecting some striking goods, yet was not expecting such a great release. Unlike Baylis, Chess has a grittier and harder sound (within a Pop/Soul realm); songs such as Dangerously Beautiful and Vanity are accusatory and forbidding; love and romance are given a new spin, and the nature of self-absorption are given fertile ground. Chess' previous E.P.- Babygirl- was a little gentler and more romantic, bot both releases show an artist whom is growing in confidence and determined to be around for many years to come.

The Extended Drum Solo: A Bit About Me.

Before I dovetail my components, and talk about my musical ambitions, I will speak of two women whom have had a profound effect upon me. The first, is Chloe Jane Sparrow whom is one of the most dedicated music-lovers I have encountered. A while ago- as I was starting my own music blog- I was reading her pages; inspired by the types of music she was listening to- and how she wrote. I have never met her, yet her love of music and infectious work ethic compelled me to press on with my blog and seek out music beyond these shores. Being based in Europe, Chloe has featured a lot of our continent's best and finest- past and present. She has had a brief sabbatical from music blogging, but is returning to it soon- I hope- and is someone whom I turn to when seeking out some great new music. Music and shared interests bring you to the attention of some marvellous people; those whom you would not ordinarily encounter. A shared passion for music- new and old- has connected me with a young woman hundred of miles from me- someone whom has helped to mould my writing and posts. One of the most striking and important events of my life was happening upon Kate Hollowood. I say 'happening upon' as I did get rather lucky. Having been perusing a mutual friend's (Brooke Dibble) art work, I stumbled upon Kate's Twitter feed- back in February of 2011. Having clicked on the link for her blog (mylittleponderings), I started to read her works. The first encounters I had were Kate were via her blog; more specifically music-related posts. She wrote about how much affected her and- in no small part- has inspired my own interpretation on this theme. I was instantly spellbound by someone whom seemingly thought the same way as me; a human that shared the same passion for music and...well, she has been responsible for most of my writing career over the last three years. I shall not be too fawning (to make her blush), but here is someone I have not met in the flesh, yet has unadulterated faith and belief in me. My own family does not encourage my musical ambitions, yet Kate does- the two of us seemingly share a lot in common and have similar ambitions. If was a simple- yet memorable- blog post (from Kate) that compelled me to contact her- it remains one of the smartest things I've ever done. I owe more than I give her- reality, for a start- and have always been so thankful she has stuck with my loyally as a friend. As well as pretty much being my 'ideal woman' she, above all, shares a passion for music and is an actor whom wants to achieve big things. Forsaking a rather banal and everyday life, she has chosen to follow her dreams- in spite of everything. It is her determination, focus and strength that have pushed me to plug ahead with my ambitions- for that I cannot thank her enough; one day I will do it face-to-face. It is not intended as a sort of love letter, more of a valid point: music can connect you with some great people, and similar-minded humans. Some may come and go; others drift away (I have one or two music friends who take a lot more than they give and have made me pretty pissed); yet there are the truly special people who stay with you and make life better-Kate is one of them and the best one of them, too. I shall wrap everything up soon, but my final big point relates to where I am not: my own music and future aims. Everything I have so-far written about has led to the here and now. In the next week or so I will be writing a feature that is essentially a band pitch. I have gone about my music career backwards: songs and ideas completed; all the details in place- just no band! I am looking for four members; hopefully one woman amongst them- essentially 2 guitarists (and maybe vocalist); bass/piano player and drummer. I have cemented all the details (below), so am at the stage where I want to talk it over with like-minded musicians; get the group together and start making big waves:

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