City: from Beppu to Brussels
Country: BE
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January 26, 2010 - Tuesday
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Category: Music
n°18, 28th of January,
2010
Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,
I don't see any better way to depict the year 2010 as it began than by
a title of a Yes' song: RELEASE RELEASE! Two weeks after Awaken's new
single, it's Snowcat's turn to release a new EP (see the news). And as
we know some of you are a bit disapointed that our music isn't free
anymore, there's a special present for you. Here in Awa-news.
OK, time to jump into Awa-news number 18!
Artists
sometimes say very
smart sentences, with or without knowing.
It's
rock'n'roll philosophy time!
Great spirits have
always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. (Albert Einstein)
What
are the hottest news
in Awaken's Universe?
SHOP
FOR HOW MANY 'L'
ON CD BABY
AND HEAL
WITH MUSIC FROM KYÛSHÛ
You may have waited for this
moment: How Many 'L'
Were In Your Name? is available! Our CD BABY shop
page
made it easy for you to become owner of the newest release of AWAKEN.
We already told you much about the unexpected return of AWAKEN, so it's
now your turn to take the plunge and enjoy the delights of a
psychedelic experience, a soulful introspection and a hi-NRG explosion.
Soulful,
did we say soulful? Actually, right after finishing to record the
AWAKEN single, the sleepy Snowcat decided to go further in mixing
emotions, sensations from Kyûshû with his own music. The result is a
new EP, Yanagigaura,
featuring two relaxing, smooth, hypnotic, spiritual tunes, based on two
recent compositions of Mr Snowcat: "Yanagigaura" and "Chase Around Ôita
Eki".
The ‘satin caress of the Neko
mix’ of “Yanagigaura” departs from the lo-fi electro take you heard the
album This Mouth (nha.c
cho em Mèo), to spread some jazzier, more organic waves.
Thanks
to a brand new ‘warm hypno Neko mix’, “Chase Around Ôita Eki” reaches
here a higher level of introspection, relaxation, meditation, rather
different from the breathtaking speedy version that you knew from the
B-side of “My Last Evening In Ôita”.
You can expect to hear it
online in the beginning of February 2010.
Our
interview:
Hey, the Cat, it's your turn!
Let's
reverse roles today: instead of interviewing other musicians,
it's sleepy Snowcat's turn to be asked a few questions by the
Vietnamese indie webzine M!osaic.
You can read it in English and Vietnamese.
What
happened on January
some years ago?
Let's
jump into Awa-news' time machine...
24/01/1941:
Neil Diamond says hello
again to the world. He's then headed for the future...
20/01/1984:
Tarzan actor Johnny Weissmuller dies. Uh, not related to music? And
Tarzan's yell, isn't it music in its own way?
23/01/1989:
David Crosby, shortly after CSNY's American Dream,
releases his own Oh
Yes I Can.
You
like Awaken? You *will* like these
albums:
DAVID
BOWIE, Diamond Dogs (1974)
Bowie was there
before fashions, and he made his music turning raw before the Sex
Pistols would ever think of doing anything. Bowie plays here all the
guitars, doing a great job, proving that if his collaboration with
Ronson was fruitful, he was also able to handle everything by himself.
And what do you think of his "Sweet Thing"
covered by your beloved Awaken?
BOB
JAMES & DAVID SANBORN, Double Vision (1986)
Cool smooth jazz,
featuring Marcus Miller and Al Jarreau, to name a few. Some great
melodies ("Maputo") and stunning playing from the band of Sanborn, who,
should we remind you, used to play with Bowie too.
No Awa-news next week, but news when they come! Which might be quite soon.
Take care and see you!
© AWAKEN-Awanews-
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January 20, 2010 - Wednesday
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Category: Music
n°17, 21st of January, 2010
www.awaken.be
[downloadable
pdf version here]
Dear friends, fans and
passing smiles,
full
moon inspires some artists. Full snow inspires bad cats. Therefore, a
bunch of news await you on this 17th issue of Awa-news. By the way, everyone talks about it:music business has changed quite a lot these last years. One can
say it's going back to the time of classical composers such as Mozart,
who were paid by patronage rather than on the sales of their records,
for the good reason that there were no records then. :D
Now, the tangible records (vinyls, CDs) tend to vanish and artists need to find sponsors again to make a living with their work. You
too can become a sponsor of the Awaken Galaxy, and becoming a part of
the magnetic mission of Awaken / Snowcat / Nekokawa. Just click on the donate button and make your choice :
How exciting it can be to feel that the next release will have something to do with your donation! :)
Well, more news are waiting for you on the Awa-news 17, so...
... go!
What
are the hottest news
in Awaken's Universe?
More
than watching the wheels
On a snowy Wednesday
of January, Snowcat was kindly invited to sing and play live at the
radio show Comme Sur
Des Roulettes.
After an interesting discussion
with the journalists and the airplay of "How Many 'L' Were In Your Name?"
+
the It's Oh! Music
version of "Wasabi
Kiss", it was time for a piano-voice minimalist live set
to experiment visions and feelings music can bring in an unusual
place.
The
songs were sometimes supported by the team who used several objects to
pretend a drummachine. Amazing! An improvisation based on team member
Annette's poetry started the show. Thereafter, the setlist was:
-They Burn The Mountain
-Diamond Ring Department
/ Riding The Yellow Line
Gives Vibrations
-Excerpts from:
~ A´o Dzài Màu Hô`ng
~ My Last Evening In Ôita
~ Don’t Worry Em Mèo
~ Nha.c Cho Em Mèo
~ The Blue Hanger
-Beppu Nights
Comme
Sur Des Roulettes used to air on Radio Si, but now they spread their
shows on internet and sonn back on air. We'll tell you the frequency
once we know it.
Obviously...
It is out! The double
compilation album Evidence(s)
is the result of a long process that started 2 years ago. The idea was
to gather indies musicians whose common ground was to be members of the
forum of Genesis-fr,
the official French site dedicated to English band Genesis.
Despite
a common passion for Genesis, it was not planned to do yet another
tribute album, but most likely an original compilation with
contributors' own pieces. And don't expect clones of Banks, Collins,
Rutherford, Wilson, Phillips and c° either: Evidence(s) has
surprisingly little to do with the style of the band of Invisible Touch, Calling All Stations
or Nursery Cryme.
As you can
guess, your beloved Awaken recorded a song for the album: a brand new
take of Blurping The
Blurp, for those who remember the acid ice cream era.
Awaken's brother artists like Sousbock, Nicolas Leroy, TrustNo1 and Zoé
de York are also part of the project.
CD1
1. Amanyth A Town
Called Kill (07.14)
2. Matis Journey
Through the Mind (07.06)
3. Salmacis The End
(04.17)
4. Big Gremlin Catwalks
(14.34)
5. Owl Geezer Tree
Mantra Sardonique (06.53)
6. Squonk 66 Back To
Life (10.00)
7. Qurtis Oriane
Express (04.36)
8. NicOzark Tightrope
Walk (13.08)
CD2
1. Sousbock Le vide et
l'imparfait (07.48)
2. Le Nobre Le sourire
de Chaplin (03.11)
3. Phil VSD Piano
Sound (03.42)
4. Lord Sinclair Ode à
la mer (10.17)
5. TrustNo1 Atlas
(17.38)
6. Zoé De York Face The
Change (05.53)
7. Awaken Blurping The
Blurp (09.43)
The two CD's are available online here: http://www.genesis-fr.com/evidence(s)
Briefly...
Artists
sometimes say very
smart sentences, with or without knowing.
It's
rock'n'roll philosophy time!
The more I can learn about music, the more I learn about other things. (Pat Metheny)
What
happened in January
some years ago?
Let's
jump into Awa-news' time machine...
14/01/1938:
Producer Allen Toussaint comes on Earth to start his journey.
 23/01/1978: Terry Kath, from Chicago fame, goes to his final destination, with a little help with a toy in shape of a real gun.
 25/01/1988: The Cross releases the album Shove It. All songs are written by Queen's Roger Taylor.
You
like Awaken? You *will* like this
album:
PHILIP
GLASS, Music With Changing Parts (1973)
Remasters
are in many cases a good way to make some more money (which is not a
bad thing in itself), but on an artistic point of view, the new mix is
in many cases unnecessary and sometimes even worse than the vinyl
version (cf Deep Purple's 3rd album). The only interest in remasters is
in the bonus tracks -when there are some. Vinyl albums are still
unbeatable for those who are old enough to have grown up under their
protection. There's one exception though: Phil Glass' long hypnotic
pieces that were rudely interrupted by a fade-out at the end of each
side of the record. Do you remember the double vinyle of Music With Changing Parts?
Not only were there three cuts in the opus, but also the sides were not
following each other in the right order! Now, thanks to the CD era, we
can enjoy Glass' unusual music and get our full hypnosis session
without moving from our bed/seat/etc...
Music With Changing Parts
This open score performance could last up to 2 hours, following the
group's inspiration. was written in 1970 and played several
times
by the Philip Glass Ensemble in the first half of the 70s. A version
was recorded in 71 and released two years later. is known as being a
bit more psychedelic than Glass' usual work at the time, but there are
all the characteristics of his music during the 62 minutes of that
masterpiece. Is it a good album to discover the Philip Glass Ensemble?
Although it is not the most accessible, you'll surely be caught by the
hypnotic human loops: everything is played from A to Z.No sequencer, no
tape. Humans with fingers.
Next issue of your beloved Awa-news will tell you more about Gilles
Snowcat's solo single. If you please. :)
Take care and see you!
© AWAKEN-Awanews-
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January 8, 2010 - Friday
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Category: Music
n°16, 09th of January, 2010
Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,
should we wish you a happy 2010? May the Magnetism be with you during these 12 new months! Awa-news
takes a new rhythm, something you can call 'cool', 'relax' or just...
'lazy'. You'll receive your favorite e-zine not every week but
when you least expect it. Be aware! 2010 starts with the brand
new long awaited Awaken single (see "Inside Awa") and more projects:
Nekokawa, Snowcat and a few unexpected collaborations.
 OK, time to jump into Awa-news number 16!
What
are the hottest news
in Awaken's Universe?
HOW MANY 'L' WERE IN YOUR NAME?
1. How Many 'L' Were In Your Name? 7:34
2. My Last Evening In Ôita (Awaken version) 4:36
3. How Many 'L' Were In Your Name? (hi-NRG mix) 8:19
So
what? Is that all? Be patient, my friend... And if you click on the
artwork, you may be able to listen to a teaser of the single. You bet?
Links:
Yours
truly Gilles Snowcat will be revisiting a few of his songs on Radio
(Facere, previously Radio Si), on an acoustic piano/voice set, and
discuss with the team about this and that and more or less. You'll be
warned of the time of airing, of course. Take care and see you!
© AWAKEN-Awanews-
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December 16, 2009 - Wednesday
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Category: Music
n°15, 17th of December,
2009
Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,
it's been 3 months that you read Awa-news every week. Thank you for
your faithfulness. Awa-news takes a little break for Xmas and New Year,
then will be back in January. In waiting, why not telling Awa-news what
you think of it, what you would like to read, what you like, what you
hate...?
Feel free to send your opinion here!
OK, time to jump into Awa-news number 15!
Artists
sometimes say very
smart sentences, with or without knowing.
It's
rock'n'roll philosophy time!
Cherish forever what
makes you unique, 'cuz you're really a yawn if it goes. (Bette Midler)
What
are the hottest news
in Awaken's Universe?
AWAKEN
IS BACK
I see your surprised face: "Awaken is back? But Awaken never
ceased to release songs! We're overwhelmed by Awaken songs! How dare
you say it's back?".
Calm down dude! The
last official record of Awaken was in early 2008, it was the
single I Know
Time Is Passing By... and since then, no new release has
been seen around. Capito?
"What about the album This Mouth then? And
the Yellow Line?
And the Blue Hanger?"
Yep, but this isn't Awaken, this is Gilles Snowcat from Awaken.
Awaken, as a band, has
been sleeping until September of this year. And now we have a
new single
currently on the mixing process, if ever we can say there is a mixing
process in Awaken. It will be available soon online on pay-per-download
only.
You will be delighted to
hear musicians begged, borrowed or stolen from the cream of
the indie scene.
Our
interview:
SASTIEN: I don’t have a boss anymore,
it’s useless.
The
online market brings its lot of discoveries, even some bands having
split for years. How to describe Tertius' music? Can we say it's based
on jams and sounds like a punk band with progressive influences?
Hmmm... the saxophone brings a touch of jazz too. But let the stickers
go to hell, and let's ask Tertius' drummer, Sastien, to tell us more.
-Nice to meet you, Sastien.
Please use three words to introduce yourself.
-Sastien: My
first boss nicknamed me: hunger, tiredness and stress. I don’t have a
boss anymore, it’s useless.
-What brought you to
become an active musician?
-Sastien:
Phil Collins. I was a fan of his career as a drummer and wanted to
become one. I always think there is magic in the air when he seats
behind a kit.
-You were drummer of the
Tertius, a band that seemed to love to jam. Can you tell us more about
that experience?
-Sastien:
When we started, we were suffering from a big lack of technique. So we
jammed a lot because it was the only thing we were able to do. As time
passes by, we improved a lot and finally began to write structured
pieces.
-Among your work, what is
the piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
-Sastien:
One of our last tunes was named “La tête du batteur”. Very fast and
groovy, very complicated, with a lot of changes. I guess we were a
progressive band who ignored it. I was the only one in the band who
liked progressive music, I kinda liked the idea that we were making
that kind of stuff.
-Any song you’re ashamed
of, and why?
-Sastien:
No, I am not ashamed of anything we played during almost 15 years. Even
of the song “Sexy woman”. I have written the lyrics and was the one who
sang it. It was a crying shame but it was a lot of fun to sing (while
drumming).
-If you had a magic wand,
in what band would you play right now?
-Sastien:
Hard to tell. I mean, when I really like a drummer, I don’t see why I
should replace him! Maybe Awaken, this band really needs a drummer…
-What would you say to
Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to
your albums?
-Sastien:
I am proud of that music, but unfortunately we never got the chance to
record an album properly. We were a live band, and now we have split.
It’s a shame.
-In the 70’s, drummers
like Ian Paice, Carmine Appice, John Bonham, Bill Ward or Peter Criss,
who had the ‘hard-rock’ label sticked on their forehead, were usually
influenced by jazz and classical music, which made their style so rich
and tasty. Nowadays hard-rock drummers seem to be influenced by those
hard-rock musicians only. Therefore, do you feel that their style lack
of something?
-Sastien:
Sometimes, the groove is missing. They also sometimes beat their drums
to strong (even if like that very much!), forgetting that a drum kit is
also a musical instrument. You have forgotten Vinnie Appice in your
list, the guy has a great sense of musicality, like his brother.
-Last but not least,
would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
-Sastien: Of
course, I even thought of playing the drums with that band!
What
happened on December
some years ago?
Let's
jump into Awa-news' time machine...
07/12/1984:
Foreigner releases the album Agent Provocateur.
09/12/1984:
Razzle, drummer of the glam band Hanoi Rocks, dies in a car crash which
seriously injured two other innocents. The driver of the car survived
and is hopefully still haunted by the loss of his friend.
19/12/1941:
Maurice White says hello to the Elements. Mainly a drummer from the
Chicago scene, he creates Earth Wind & Fire in the beginning of
the
70's and gradually becomes the lead singer of the band, until recently.
You
like Awaken? You *will* like this
album:
NEIL
DIAMOND, Lovescape (1991)
Released
in 1991, Lovescape in another proof that many singers are like good
wine: they get better as they grow older. Neil Diamond releases a
rather modern album, although less obviously high-tech than his records
from the 80's. Some pieces are quite easy FM songs but are enhanced by
Diamond's unique voice ("Mountains Of Love", "Don't Turn Around"),
while other are nothing but jewels ("Fortune Of The Night", "Lonely
Lady #17", "Someone Who Believes In You", "When You Miss Your Love" or
the lively cover of "One Hand, One Heart"). Kim Carnes was around for a
duo ("Hooked On The Memory Of You") and fans of the classic Diamond
won't be disappointed with the opener "If There Were No Dreams". A
must-listen. Can you swear you resist to "Lonely Lady #17"?
Awa-news
takes some vacation and will be back with a new serie of interviews and
more news about the Awaken Galaxy. Enjoy your end-of-the-year parties
and if you're still alive, we'll surely meet again.
Sayônara!
email:
awamail(at)hellokitty(dot)com
© AWAKEN-Awanews-
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December 9, 2009 - Wednesday
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Category: Music
n°14, 10th of December, 2009
Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,
are you shopping in some
depaato, expecting some snow to fall? The Christmas songs are now
everywhere, till the point you start to puke. You thought you could
escape them in the Awaken Magnetic Universe? Missed! Here they are too.
But... in a magnetic way. OK, time to jump into Awa-news number 14!
Artists
sometimes say very
smart sentences, with or without knowing.
It's rock'n'roll philosophy time!
In writing songs I've learned as much from Cezanne as I have from Woody Guthrie. (Bob Dylan)
What
are the hottest news
in Awaken's Universe?
XMAS WON'T BE THE SAME THIS YEAR
What!?
After more than 20 years, Awaken-Nekokawa-Snowcat-whatever still hadn't
release any Christmas album!? Sad but true. This old dream now comes
true. Well, this is not an album, but a virtual 45-rpm. And to be
included in the bootlegs collection. Yep, only true fans will receive
it, this is a very special private present.
You Make It Feel Like Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year features two Xmas classics covered by the old cat Snowcat: Neil Diamond's "You Make It Feel Like Christmas"
and the Jackson 5's "Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year". But would
a Snowcat Xmas record be complete without an original tune? Well,
that's why a special mix of "The Blue Hanger", the 'Merry Xmix', is closing the single on a disco mood.
You can download for free the single here. And enjoy your Xmas, whatever you do, wherever you are.
Our
interview:
MARCO MARIANI: C'est mon esprit qui rêve
Anam...
Anam.. Anam... Peut être entendras tu ce nom, chanté par la pluie ou
soufflé par le vent. Peut être te sera t'il susurré par le feu ou crié
par la terre. Peut être l'entendras tu si tu tends l'oreille dans la
forêt ou le verras tu inscris dans les étoiles. Peut être ton âme le
percevra t'elle au plus profond d'elle même... Ouvre ton coeur et
laisse toi porter par ce nom ancestral... Car Anam arrive et espère te
combler te paix.
These
French words are the mysterious introduction to Eirenya and Marco
Mariani's band Anam, an interesting project exploring the fields
of celtic music with the passionate spirit of Marco, whom we
interviewed today.
-Nice to meet you, Marco. Please use three words to introduce yourself.
-Marco: Italien
du côté du père, espagnol-pied noir du côté de ma mère. J'ai 21 ans,
presque 22, je suis brun aux cheveux légèrement longs et je fais 1m73.
J'aime la vie, les grands paysages, les amis et bien sûr la musique.
-What brought you to become an active musician?
-Marco: Hé
bien c'est la musique, tout simplement. Le fait d'écouter en boucle la
live 93 de Laurent Voulzy, les vieux disques des Who, ainsi que Dire
Straits m'a donné envie d'acheter ma première guitare. Ce n'est que
depuis que j'ai commencé à être fan de Genesis que je me suis mis à
composer.
-What's the meaning behind the name of your new band, Anam?
-Marco: C'est
tout simplement le mot "âme" qui se trouve ici dans sa consonance
gaélique, la seconde langue de l'Ecosse et de l'Irlande. Nous l'avons
choisi ainsi car avec Eirenya, nous sommes grands fans de musiques
celtiques, en particulier d'Enya, et nous voulions leur rendre hommage.
Ce sont des musiques qui, selon nous et bien plus que d'autres,
s'adressent directement à l'âme.
-Among your work, what is the piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
-Marco: Pour
l'instant, nous et même pas moi tout seul n'avons pas une oeuvre très
conséquente et je dirais que chaque chanson que j'ai composé me
ressemble à un moment ou à un autre de ma vie, aussi bien les
"dépressives" (même si elles ne sont plus d'actualité) que les plus
enjouées, celles qui parlent de voyage (c'est mon esprit qui rêve) et
les plus romantiques.
-Any song you’re ashamed of, and why?
-Marco: Pour
le moment, il n'y en a aucune. Mis à part peut-être celle que j'ai
écrite sur mes amis, parce que je n'ai pas pris la liberté de tous les
citer et du coup elle ne sera même pas enregistrée, je l'ai laissée
tomber.
-If you had a magic wand, in what band would you play right now?
-Marco: Je
ne suis pas assez pro pour jouer avec n'importe quel groupe de mon
choix malheureusement. Mais si j'y arrivais, ce serait bien sûr Genesis.
-What would you say to Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to your albums?
-Marco: Je leur dirai "Laisser reposer votre esprit, laissez-le se promener pour cette nouvelle aventure".
-You have a strong admiration for Camel and Phil Collins. How do they influence your own music?
-Marco: Phil
Collins, ce sera surtout pour les ballades, et tout comme Camel, j'en
retiens principalement les ambiances et les mélodies, ainsi que la
sensibilité contenue dans toute cette oeuvre.
-Last but not least, would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
-Marco: Pas pour le moment, car je ne connais pas assez bien l'oeuvre d'Awaken. Mais ce n'est que partie remise !
What
happened on December
some years ago?
Let's jump into Awa-news' time machine...
18/12/1938: Chas Chandler says hello to the world, without knowing that he would become a famous Animal years later.
 16/12/1988: Sylvester says bye-bye to the world, but is still alive in the hi-nrg disco mind. Mighty unreal?
 15/12/2006: Awaken releases the " Beppu Nights" EP. (hee hee hee).
You
like Awaken? You *will* like this
album:
AL STEWART, Russians & Americans (1984)
The
80's were such an interesting era. The last really creative period for
modern music. Nowadays music just recycles previous decades and plays
it a bit too safe. That's why it's great to jump into the heart of
those underrated albums like Al Stewart's Russians & Americans. Famous for his Year Of The Cat
and labeleld 'folk singer', Al Stewart is much more than that and was,
in the 80's, at the peak of his creativity. Follwing a rocky 24 P/Carrots, Russians & Americans
changes direction to cover grounds of more synthesized music ("Rumours
Of War"), sophisticated melodic pop ("Lori Don't Go Right Now"),
introspective acoustic songs ("Accident On 3rf Street"), grandiloquent
cabaret rock (the slightly pinkfloydish "Cafe Society") or new-wave
("Strange Girl", typically 1984). Stewart doesn't forget his stylistic
habits either: some Spanish guitar ("The Gypsy & The Rose"), some
folk (the superb "Russians & Americans") and a funny cover of Len
Barry's "1-2-3", with a funky touch. The album ends with a stunningly
beautiful dark tune, "The Candidate", putting a melancholic mood in the
air and leaving us into a bitter-sweet spleen like ir was the case with
1978's "End Of The Day". Stewart's voice is as unique as ever and his
lyrics always clever or ironic or most likely both.
Nota #1: Awaken fans already know that "The Candidate" has been covered on Party In Lyceum's Toilets (and if you don't, it's time to remember, don't you think?), but other songs from Russians & Americans were awakenized on other tapes and on the You Should Have Listened To AsmL tribute albums.
Nota #2: The American edition features, for no reason that I know, a different track-listing.
Next week is next week. And to quote Al Stewart: you'll be a movie star... next time. Take care and see you!
© AWAKEN-Awanews-
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December 2, 2009 - Wednesday
|
Category: Music
n°13, 3rd of December,
2009
Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,
here we are, the last month of 2009 is here. While most of the projects
are still on their way (new song from Awaken, solo album from Snowcat
and even -yeah- some new Nekokawa pieces in sight), we will close this
year with a special present for you fans. What? To know more, just...
...jump into Awa-news number 13!
Artists
sometimes say very
smart sentences, with or without knowing.
It's
rock'n'roll philosophy time!
One of my
mottoes is that if you want to get unusual results, work fast
and work cheap, because there's more of a chance that you'll get
somewhere that nobody else did. Nearly always, the effect of spending a
lot of money is to make things more normal. (Brian Eno)
What
are the hottest news
in Awaken's Universe?
SOMEDAY AT XMAS?
Are you a true Awaken fan? If so, you will
soon be able to get your own copy of the online 45rpm from Snowcat
himself. Let the sleighbells rock! In waiting, why not refresh your
magnetic mind by taking a new trip into Awaken's Parallel World? Ah,
and if you look closer to the selective discography below, you may find
the Xmas record too.
Our
interview:
KEVIN
SHAKEY: Strange,
Radical and “Hitchhiker”.
Once
upon a time, there were the 70s. Creative. All excesses were permitted.
Music was a large field of experimentations, some that remained
obscure, some that gained credibility to the eyes (and ears) of an
underground audience (Gong, Can, just to name a few), and some that got
the huge success they deserved (David Bowie, Tangerine Dream). Then
came the 80s, with their electronic rhythms that were, if you look
closer, a commercial recognition for what we still can call
'experimental', although the pop format kept those creations into an
underrated mold. Yes the 80s were money-related, but still flamboyant,
creative, excessive. Then, to our big misery, the 90's saw music
started to play it safe.'Safe' is the worst sticker that can ever be
put on art. Kevin Shakey definitly doesn't play it safe at all: having
a wide range of inlfuences covering Neil Young, Léo Ferré and the
German Kosmische Musik,
Shakey records and spreads his quite personal style without seeming to
care much of pleasing the average audience. Having recently releasedan
album with Ted Melvins, and still working on several projects, Shakey
kindly replied the Awa-news interview.
-Nice to meet you, Kevin.
Please use three words to introduce yourself.
Kevin Shakey: Strange,
Loner and Electric.
-What brought you to
become an active musician?
Kevin Shakey:
Music herself.
-Kosmische Musik is a
strong influence of yours. Do you think of bringing it to a further
step, making something revolutionary with it?
Kevin Shakey:
Oh no, the KM is just one of my influence, but I don't (and I don't
really want) to make it.
I am very electric in music, and I heard many different style of music.
I think I make "indie music", because I record many different things,
like folk song, or drone, electronic things, rock, and other.
I don't want any label for my work, I record all that I want, I got no
limit in my brain and in my heart.
-Among your work, what is
the piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
Kevin Shakey:
Very difficult question, I got just one album and a side project (Ted
Melvins), and I record many things for the next album. But I don't got
the answer, excuse me.
-Any song you're ashamed
of, and why?
Kevin Shakey:
Good question: I don't know too.
-If you had a magic wand,
in what band would you play right now?
Kevin Shakey:
With the Climax Golden Twins or Shellac.
-What would you say to
Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to
your albums?
Kevin Shakey:
Let me sleep, let me dream.
-Would you like to live
in a specific place just to be influenced by its atmosphere, like David
Bowie did in Berlin?
Kevin Shakey:
In Bordeaux, because this is a very beautiful place, and the musical
scene is very good.
Or maybe record in Quebec city, because I love this place, and I really
want travel in Canada one day.
Barcelona too, to record music about Antonio Gaudi work.
-Last but not least,
would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
Kevin Shakey:
When I listen to "Beppu Nights" and "I Know Time Is Passing By..." live
at Radio SI, I want to cry, because Snowcat got a beautiful voice, and
an very important emotion through it. I love to me magnetised by Awa'
record, that's a real pleasure to discover new records, and Gilles is a
very cool guy, and I love it.
What
happened on December
some years ago?
Let's
jump into Awa-news' time machine...
01/12/1988:
Jerry Garcia, from the Grateful Dead, releases his "Almost Acoustic"
album.
 31/12/1948:
Hello Donna Summer!
 18/12/1987:
Bye bye Conny Plank, producer of Kraftwerk, Killing
Joke, Gianna Nannini, and a bunch of others...
You
like Awaken? You *will* like this
album:
SIEDAH
GARRETT, Kiss Of Life (1988)
Suddenly
famous thanks to her contribution to Michael Jackson's Bad, Siedah
Garrett seized the opportunity to record her album on the
following year: Kiss Of
Life. Although released on the Quincy Jones'
label Qwest, the Dude doesn't produce here. However, it sounds like if
he had been there: tasty digital synthezisers, strong drumprogramming,
amazing synth-bass lines, well, that kind of high-class electro-funk,
with inspired songwriting
and the great voice of Mrs Garrett. Some sounds seem to come directly
from Jackson's Bad with a slice of Thriller's Rod Temperton unmistakable style,
but Kiss Of Life
has a life on its own and is strongly
recommended by yours truly. No filler to regret, only strong and
quality-oriented songs, like the swinging gem "The Legend Of Ruby
Diamond", the powerful "Refuse To Be Loose" (what a beat!) or the
smooth sexy "Nobody Does Me"... On the trivia part, it's fun to hear that
her "Baby's Got
It Bad" is actually Michael Jackson's "Got The Hots". Copyrights,
anyone?
What's hot on
the web side? Awa-net surfed for you and found this:
DIAGONALE
With the decline of record companies and the easy access to the
internet, underground labels flourish everywhere on the web. This is a
kind of revenge toward a system that ignored artists through the years,
like the punk revolution in 1976. Diagonale Music is a kind of
label created by Kevin
Shakey (see our interview above) and Matt
Reen to release their own side-projects, in order to gain more and more
freedom in their music.
Wotnot and Ted Melvins are the first ones on the list.
Feel free to visit Diagonale, listen to their artists and, why not, submit your own work. Who knows?...
Marco Mariani will tell us about his musical visions and projects,
while you'll find a way to discover the Xmas 45rpm from Snowcat and
know if Xmas will be the same thus year... or not.
Take care and see you!
© AWAKEN-Awanews-
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November 25, 2009 - Wednesday
|
Category: Music
n°12, 26th of November, 2009
Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,
time is time, time is passing by, every year it's getting shorter... so, time to... ...jump into Awa-news number 12!
Artists
sometimes say very
smart sentences, with or without knowing.
It's rock'n'roll philosophy time!
An audience is like a dame. If it ain't sincere, it's over. (Frank Sinatra)
What
are the hottest news
in Awaken's Universe?
Awa-news library
Our
interview:
MUZ: I'm a big fan of Awaken!
If you like to put labels and stickers on the music you listen to, I
wish you good luck when it comes to define the style of Muz. Like some
early King Crimson or late Talk Talk records, Muz doesn't seem to
follow any rule and takes you where you least expected. It can make his
albums sometimes difficult to understand, but when everything seems to
have been said in music, they're suddenly refreshingly
challenging. The newest one is Hidden Tracks, and is, believe it or not, easier to access for newbies.
-Nice to meet you, Muz. Please use three words to introduce yourself.
-Muz: Virtual musician contemplative.
-What brought you to become an active musician?
-Muz:
Probably some old vinyl or tape, plus my curiosity to all possible way
to express myself (but music is not the older thing I wanted to do for
that).
-Your music is rather complex and rich. Where are your limits, if you have any?
-Muz:
My limits are just the borders of my imagination... and of course my
interest and/or my capacity to use some instruments and my voice (that
I don't like to much).
-Among your work, what is the piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
-Muz: I
don't know. Most of my songs were made to be a part of an album (I like
to think that an album is not just a compilation of mixed pieces). But
I can say that one of my favorite songs is "Slumber Party" because it's
a good glimpse of my "style".
-Any song you’re ashamed of, and why?
-Muz: I think all my worst songs are already erased, some pieces are not good but there are like a cogwheel of the machine...
-If you had a magic wand, in what band would you play right now?
-Muz: Any. I want to be free to work my own thing even I think it will be nice to work with others people.
-What would you say to Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to your albums?
-Muz: Go listen to my music morons! :) No, seriously, I can just say that I
try to made a "contemplative music" even it's sometimes more odd than
contemplative. It's essentially an instrumental music (but I sing too
since few time) and I try always to vary any of it's component, without
to forget that it is made for listening and not just playing.
-Have you tried to record some covers and if yes, which ones?
-Muz: No never. Maybe I should do that...
-Last but not least, would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
-Muz: Yes for sure, I'm a big fan of Awaken!
What's
hot on the web
side? Awa-net surfed for you and found this:
M!OSAIC: "Find Out Your Missing Pieces In Our Show!"
The indie music scene is no longer only a
counterpower from angry musicians against the establishment, it kinda
became an establishment in itself. The scene grew up thanks to the
arrogance and contempt from profit-only-based record companies. Indies
labels became what majors are not anymore: companies that search for
the balance between art and profit. The
indie scene not only has labels, but also distributors, shops (the
wonderful CD Baby) and online radios. M!osaic is not "just one more
indie online radio", it is a unique site focussing on the Vietnamese
music scene with news, articles, reviews, interviews, a user-friendly
interface and, last but not least, that avoids the annoying gossip that spoils medias nowadays.
M!osaic
started in 2007 through channels like Yahoo!360 (famous among
Vietnamese people) and is now running on its own. Their slogan is
appealing and promising: "Find Out Your Missing Pieces In Our
Show!". So, how about a visit to M!osaic to discover more about Vietnamese music and, why not, find out your missing piece?
URL: http://www.m-mosaic.com/
What
happened on November
some years ago?
Let's jump into Awa-news' time machine...
22/11/1988: Pink Floyd release Delicate Sound of Thunder, their first live album since 1969 Ummagumma.
 25/11/1974: Nick Drake lets the needle do the damage.
 27/11/1959:
Simple Minds' guitar player Charlie Burchill comes to Earth. The
picture doesn't show Mr Burchill, but the unexpected power of his wild
guitar soli on the audience.
You
like Awaken? You *will* like this
album:
GENESIS, Wind & Wuthering (1977)
Music
and autumn are good friends. What other season can depict
nostalgia like autumn? What other music than the melancholic tunes of
Genesis can represent the falling leaves, the smell of the wood under a
storm, and the noise of a fire in a house in mid-November?
Wind & Wuthering
is one of those zero-default albums, where high-technology of the
second half of the 70's is perfectly matching a high level of musical
skills and inspiration. It shows a bunch of beautiful complex ideas
from Tony Banks ("One For The Vine", "All In A Mouse's Night"), a
splendid and moving piece from Hackett and Collins ("Blood On The
Rooftops"), a gentle folk song from Rutherford ("Your Own Special Way")
and great group efforts that shows an alchemy that could hardly get
better. That might be why Hackett left after the tour, leaving the
three remaining members become a strong nucleus that would write many
more great pieces in the future. Banks is at his peak (but he would stay there two more decades, at least until the wonderful Calling All Stations),
Collins gets more and more involved into the songwriting -and his voice
tends to have moments of pure emotion, Hackett is so inspired that he
finds Genesis too restrictive for him, and Rutherford is kind of waking
up, before writing his real masterpieces on the next two albums ("Say
It's Alright Joe", "Snowbound", "Man Of Our Times" and "Alone Tonight"). If
you're looking for beautiful and skilful songwriting, nostalgic British
atmosphere, classy synthesizers, creative drumming yet accessible to
newbies' ears, Wind & Wuthering is for you. If you're more into a kind of gentle violence, you might prefer The Lamb, Duke or Calling All Stations. If the 70's are not your taste, jump on Genesis (1983), the best Synclavier-based album ever! I you'd rather remember the early days with springtime organ, Nursery Cryme is what you need. You want simple songs? From Genesis To Revelation must be in your turntable! Now if you don't like anything from Genesis, I wonder why you're still reading this article.
Is
there a place for experimental music in 2009? Kevin Shakey tells us
everything. What else you want to know? You sure can wait one more
week... Take care and see you!
© AWAKEN-Awanews-
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November 18, 2009 - Wednesday
|
Category: Music
n°11, 19th of November, 2009
Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,
what's the common ground
between John Lennon, dirty toilets, Awanyth, Art Garfunkel and Awaken?
Read this Awa-news n°11 if you want to know! Hmpf!
Time to read!
Artists
sometimes say very
smart sentences, with or without knowing.
It's rock'n'roll philosophy time, the quote of the week!
If being an egomaniac means I
believe in what I do and in my art or music, then in that respect you
can call me that. I believe in what I do, and I'll say it. (John Lennon)
What
are the hottest news
in Awaken's Universe?
Dear Awaken,...
Why should you write letter to Awaken? To win the rare
websingle that included "Seaside Casino Romance", "Sunset On Your
Secrets" and "Summer Clouds Hotel". It was available in 2002, do you
remember? Maybe you don't. Surely you want to hear that rare record. Yes? Really? Read below:
Write a review of " My Last Evening In Ôita" and win 3 rare songs of Awaken! How to do?
1. Listen to the single here: http://bit.ly/3nv4Kt
2. Write your feelings (follow the link under the single or send email at awamail(at) hellokitty.com or write here)
3. I send you a secret link to download the 3 songs! And your opinion will be published on Awa-net.
OK? Start the race now!
プレゼントが欲しかったら、珍しい歌を聴きたかったら、『 My Last Evening In 大分』についてレビューを書いて下さい。
どうしょう？
1. リンク http://bit.ly/3nv4Ktをクリックして、『My Last Evening In 大分』と『Chase Around 大分駅』を聞いて。
2. 意見を書いて、メールsnowcat_the_neko(at)hellokitty.comで送って下さい。 このBLOGで書いても良いよ。
3. 僕は秘密のリンクを送ります。珍しいAWAKENの歌のダウンロードが出来ます！そして意見はAwa-netの中読まれる。
分かりましたか？
レビューを待ってます！
宜しくお願いします。
雪猫ジル
Nếu bạn viết ý kiến về bài hát "My Last Evening In Ôita" thì có thể nhận 3 bài hát hiếm có của Awaken!
Làm thế nào ?
1. Nghe "My Last Evening In Ôita" ở đây: http://bit.ly/3nv4Kt
2. Viết ý kiến rồi cho tôi gửi bằng email (awamail(at)hellokitty.com) hoặc trên Blog này.
3. Tôi sẽ cho bạn gửi một link bí mật để download 3 bài hát hiếm có!
Hiểu chưa? Viết nhé! :D
Our
interview:
AMANYTH: What the fuck?
As a Sousbock or TrustNo1 fan, the name of Amanyth isn't totally
unknown from you. Expert in electro beats, strong sound and modern
beats, the man behind the album Let's Dream To Each Other kindly accepted to reply Awa-news' questions. Let's talk to each other:
-Nice to meet you, Mr Amanyth. Please use three words to introduce yourself.
-Amanyth: Hi! 3 words: Heterochromia, friendship, music.
-What brought you to become an active musician?
-Amanyth: I don’t know, I think it’s natural. I think i have to make music or go in therapy, I prefer music it’s more serious.
-Although
you make a heavy use of keyboards, your music doesn’t sound like
keyboards music at all. What do you think about the fact that
synthesizers became extremely powerful but their role doesn’t seem to
have really evolved since the end of the 80’s?
-Amanyth: I think it’s especially computer in music that became extremely
powerful, not only synthesizers. We can do anything we want, change or
destroy sounds, use samples… Synthesizers are just instruments we use,
but if you listen to a band like Radiohead, you can’t really say that
there’s not evolution since the 80’s, no?
-Among your work, what is the piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
-Amanyth: « A town called kill », when you listen this, you really see me. I
wasn’t really happy in my life at this moment, and make this music was
really a therapy to me.
-Any song you’re ashamed of, and why?
-Amanyth: My remix of « Games without frontiers », a Peter Gabriel song. You just have to listen to Peter’s version, and mine, and…laugh.
-If you had a magic wand, in what band would you play right now?
-Amanyth: Ghinzu, if we talk about active bands, maybe. In my dreams, I often
play for the Pink Floyd! Tony Banks is really too good…I can’t even
dream to play with Genesis!
-What would you say to Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to your albums?
-Amanyth: I’m not sure that words can convince anyone. Just listen to « A town
called kill », this take 4 minutes, and if you like you can listen
others, if not…go to hell!
-Have you asked 100 people what does it mean to be a man in love?
-Amanyth: Yes, of course! I’m a civil servant, and have nothing else to do.
-Last but not least, would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
-Amanyth: What the fuck?
Inspiration
can hide in the most surprising places:
Were high-school toilets *that* dirty?
You all remember your high school days, don’t you ? Some of you are
still in high school, some not yet, and some left loooong ago. But for
most of us, high school remains one of the most important event in our
life. Wherever you are: Europe, Asia, America, Africa, Russia…
Remember the touch of the paper when the pen was scratching it to
copy what the teacher wrote, or just to write a love letter ? Remember
the smell of the classroom, the wooden chairs and overused tables ?
Remember the voice of the teacher trying to keep the class quiet, but
hardly beating the noise of 25 students trying their best to beat Deep
Purple as “the loudest band in the world” ? Remember the sweet taste of
the ice cream you bought between classes, or the glass of beer you
secretly ‘imported’ to drink –but in vain- during the math class ?
Remember the terrific “perfume” of the toilets –probably even worse
than the ones of Shinjuku Station in Japan.
High school days last only a few years. What are 6 years in a 90
years lifetime ? 1/15th! But somehow these days were the most intense
and, despite a bunch of depressing times, the most missed in many
ex-students’ life.
That’s why, maybe unconsciously, I was led to release the album “ Party In Lyceum’s Toilets”
a few years ago. In the parallel universe of Awaken, the toilets of my
high school were a mysterious place, a kind of corridor between real
and unreal, a place to escape reality of scolding teachers and boring
lessons. The smell was horrible, I admit. Terrible. Repulsing. But
still, it was a haven and once the door was locked, one could feel safe
from a world that they imagine scarier than it actually was.
“ Party In Lyceum’s Toilets” is for those who never forgot that part of adolescence, those who still feel slightly wild despite a quieter everyday life. “ Party In Lyceum’s Toilets” is more than just music, “ Party In Lyceum’s Toilets” is the haven that your high school toilets were. Thanks to CD Baby, “ Party In Lyceum’s Toilets” is now easily available online ( cdbaby.com/cd/awakenmusic). The object being rare, don’t miss the opportunity of getting your own copy now!
Ah, before giving you the 9 best reasons to connect to CD Baby to get
your double CD, let me explain you that “lyceum” is an old word that
used to mean “high school” in some countries. Don’t be confused, since
it also can show a cultural hall in some parts of the world. Enough
said, let’s jump to…
9 good reasons to get Party In Lyceum’s Toilets
1. PiLT is a true collector.
Only 500 copies
have been printed in 2001, and most of them have been sold already. The
few copies remaining are now quite rare and will not be reprinted.
2. PiLT is a big part of Awaken’s History.
Since most of you fans have joined the club since “Chú Mèo Ngủ Quên”,
“Cà Phê & Pizza” or “Beppu Nights”, you might not necessary know
our past stuff. This is really a must-have in every Awaken fan’s
Cd-theque.
3. PiLT has been released on Valentine Day!
Though it was due to an unexpected accident from the print company,
this is a sign that the mantra “Every day is Valentine Day” was active
before its creation.
4. PiLT is a real and tangible object.
Not only
it features more than 2 hours of Awaken’s music, but also it offers
what mp3 can’t give you : a tangible piece of collector, with its
12-pages booklet and double CD jewel box wrapped into a delicate film
of cellophane.
5. PiLT is an official commercial release.
Not a bootleg, nor a home-made CD-r, PiLT is one of the rare true commercial releases of Awaken, that makes it even more collectible nowadays.
6. The piece of PiLT you’ll buy is an original 2001 print.
As it has never been reprinted since then, the piece you will get is a true original one from 2001.
7. PiLT is full of Awaken’s classics!
Which past songs could be the equal of today’s favorite “Beppu Nights” or “ Áo Dài Màu Hồng”, if not PiLT’s angry “I’ll Disagree”, danceable “Cold As My Heart”, darkest “Neons Of Lyceum’s Toilets” or sensual “Down The Drain” ?
8. Awaken was a real band to record PiLT.
If
the recent Awaken stuff only features a few musicians, PiLT is the
witness of an era when Awaken was evolving as a band. 4 members and 12
guest musicians have been working on the recording and release of this
album.
9. Awaken, as a cat, has 9 lives.
PiLT
is a part of them. A music experience more than just a CD. Remember, we
all only have 9 lives. Why not spend one of them listening to PiLT ?
Thank you for your faithfulness into Awaken’s Magnetic Soul ~ Love Music
What
happened on November
some years ago?
Let's jump into Awa-news' time machine...
05/11/1941: The golden voice of Art Garfunkel comes to Earth.
 19/11/1983:
Badfinger's bassist Tommy Evans decides to leave this world. Rumour has
it that money was a big part of his depressive state. No wonder...
 14/11/1988:
Milli Vanilli releases "All Or Nothing", an album on which they only
appear on the cover pictures. Wonder if the overdubs have been recorded
by Peter Gabriel or Simple Minds...
You
like Awaken? You *will* like this
album:
VANILLA FUDGE, Mystery (1984)
Vanilla Fudge is the band that heavily influenced
Deep Purple back in 1968. Carmine Appice, Mark Stein, Tim Bogert and
Vince Martell were famous for their creative covers of standards of pop
and soul, full of Hammond organ, heavy bass, frantic drumming and... some guitar.
In 1984, like their "disciple" Deep Purple, Vanilla Fudge came back with a fresh, modern and inspired album, Mystery.
This
ain't a parody of their early days: gone is the Hammond, Mark Stein
focusses on synthesizers only, Carmine Appice is not afraid of trying
some electronic percussions and Tim Bogert slaps here and there, when
he's not hidden by some keyboards. Martell is present on two tracks
where he can hardly be heard. Jeff Beck plays guitar (under a nickname,
you'll find easily), along with Ron Mancuso.
Featuring mostly original songs and only a few covers, Mystery is a great record, totally underrated. "Golden Age Dreams" is a melodic gem (later covered by Awaken) and... why don't you just listen to Mystery??? Mark's voice shine. Great playing, great songs, great covers. What else can we ask? Great great album...
Links: http://www.vanillafudge.com
More or less, all or nothing? Who knows...
Take care and see you on issue 12!
email:
awamail(at)hellokitty.com
Awaken
main sites: www.awaken.be
www.beppunights.com
It's Oh! Music
© AWAKEN-Awanews-
[downloadable
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November 10, 2009 - Tuesday
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Category: Music
n°10, 12th of November,
2009
Dear friends, fans and passing smiles,
what more can you expect
than an interview with Sousbock's leader Sébastien Bournier, a new
collaboration Trust No 1 / Snowcat and more tips to travel in Japan?
Philosophy, reviews and time machine? You got everything here!
OK, time to jump into Awa-news number 10!
Artists
sometimes say very
smart sentences, with or without knowing.
It's
rock'n'roll philosophy time!
After about three
lessons, my voice
teacher said, "Don't take voice lessons. Do it your way. You're a song
stylist. Always do it your way." (Johnny Cash)
The notion is that if you want
to
welcome me with open arms, I'm afraid you're also going to have to
welcome me with open legs. (Gene Simmons)
The difference between a good
performance and a great performance is a nap. (George Burns)
What
are the hottest news
in Awaken's Universe?
TRUST
NO ONE & GILLES SNOWCAT'S COLLABORATION ALBUM
With
something that one full-lenght album a month, Trust No 1 can be
considered as one of the most prolific musician in the indies world.
After
a collaboration with Squonk 66, Amanyth and Sousbock, and before
hearing him on the new Awaken single, Trust No One hired Gilles Snowcat to appear on the new album, "Spoiled By Purity".
As
usual, Trust No One plays all the instruments, while Snowcat sings and
adds a few synthesizers and organ. Two songs were co-written by the two
bad cats: "Spoiled By Purity" and "Once Bitten In Greece".
http://www.myspace.com/treustnowane
Our
interview:
SOUSBOCK'S
SEBASTIEN BOURNIER: Girls!
And Phil Collins.
A
drummer who gradually became singer, doesn't it remind you of someone?
Ringo Starr, Peter Criss or Phil Collins? Or Don Henley? You got it all
wrong. We're talking about Sébastien "bARGIO" Bournier, the leader of
French band Sousbock since 1998. Seb is also known for being
the
first drummer to have recorded a studio track with Awaken, the single
version of "I Know Time Is Passing By...", and he's featured on the
next single to be released this year.
For the new Sousbock album, Lune & L'autre,
Seb decided to hire a bunch of external songwriters -to add to the
Sousbock team Aurélien Bournier and Nicolas Leroy-, instead of
doing all the job by himself. He only contributed to the poems and a
nice instrumental track, "Halo". The result of the whole album is
beyond expectations: the album rocks! It is a fresh, innovative and
daring record taht doesn't deserve the restricted "rock français"
sticker anymore. From the introspective "Ce Coeur Qui Bat" to a
frighteningly depressive "Rechute", the album covers grounds belonging
to classy progressive, pop or hard-rock, with a slight touch
of AOR and even slices of jazz-rock. Amazing!
Awaken
fans already know that "Gouttes De Pluie" is a composition from the ol'
Snowcat, written surrounded by the energizing atmosphere of Beppu City in
the winter of 2008. Nuf said, time to let Seb tell you everything!
-Nice to meet you, Seb. Please
use three words to introduce yourself.
-Seb:
Nice to meet you too (again). Three words. Not about me I suppose, but
about the "musical me". Well, in that case it would be "songwriter" (I
HATE the "auteur / compositeur" thing that is used in French. I'm just
some random guy who writes songs). "Drummer" because it's my favorite
instrument, it's the first one and the one I enjoy the most. And then
"Singer" because, well, I sing on my records even though I hate that.
-What brought you to
become an active musician?
-Seb:
Girls! And Phil Collins. I learned to play the drums because of him.
But that's not "the" instrument to impress girls easily. That's why I
promised myself to learn the guitar on the first occasion.
"Unfortunately" I met my wife to be about year *before* I had the first
chance to learn the guitar. So playing the guitar never brought me any
luck with the ladies. But I'm fine with this. :-D
-Sousbock just released
its 4th album. What’s new compared to older albums?
-Seb:
Well almost everything because it's a concept album. No! Don't run
away. It's not some boring old progressive rock double album concept.
After three albums that I almost wrote alone, I felt that it was time
for something new. So I had the idea to send lyrics to friends. And
they all agreed to write the music for them. So the concept is "one
song, one music writer". And it's a pretty damn good album I believe. A
hard one to make (there is always a problem child!!!) but in the end
I'm really proud of it. And I can say that without problem because I
only write one piece of music for it (which has no lyrics, so it's the
first "real" Sousbock Instrumental). And of course, he is not that new,
because he was there for the previous one, there is Nico who is I
believe, the most important musical encounter that I ever made. Extra
Bonus for Awaken's fans: Mister Snowcat himself agreed to contribute
one song!!!!
-Among your work, what is the
piece that you think represents you the most, and why?
-Seb:
A tough one, but I guess that everyone answer this the same way. Well,
three songs come to mind. Obviously the first one that "is" the spirit
of Sousbock : "Amnesia". Then comes "Veilleur des ombres" which is a 22
minutes song that contains all the emotions that I love. From the
pop-rock of "2h03" to the depressive, more artistic and instrumental
part of "Une ombre". Then there is this song, from the not yet released
fifth album: "Le vide et l'imparfait". It combines both sides (hello
Phil) of Sousbock : the pop-rock and the depressive rock. It will also
be released on the EOAIAO
compilation Evidence(s).
That's why it's hard to name one song,
because there is "Both sides of the Sousbock". Some light, pop, and
joyful songs and some darker, heavier, more depressive ones...
-Any song you’re ashamed
of, and why?
-Seb: Not
really. In the early days, I tried some funny songs. But that's not
really me. That's not what Sousbock is about. I read again the lyrics
from one of my first song (that I'm saving for the sixth album) "Et
puis". And I felt that the lyrics were quite naïve. But I'm not ashamed
of them. I was learning to write. I was learning to express my feelings.
-If you had a magic wand,
in what band would you play right now?
-Seb: I
would say Genesis of course. But I don't have the musical skill
required to play with them. I'd love to play with Jean-Jacques Goldman,
but is not touring anymore... So Marillion I guess... But that almost
already happened!
-What would you say to
Awa-news readers who might not know you, to convince them to listen to
your albums?
-Seb: Well,
if you're looking for nice French music (well, I sing in French, sorry
everyone, but it's Mister Snowcat himself that convinced me to NEVER
record my songs in English again), you might want to try Sousbock.
That's pop-rock. Not clever, not new, not a revolution, but genuine
music, and as I said earlier, there is different kind of songs. So I
would be surprised if you don't find one that you don't like!! (and now
I hope that everyone will listen to Sousbock, trying to prove me wrong,
and that some among will be hooked !)
-You played a gig with Pete
Trevawas of Marillion. How did it happen?
-Seb: He
came for the Marillion French Fan Club's Garden Party. He asked for a
guitar. So I brought two guitars, one piano, mics etc... When he saw
all of this he asked me to play with him. So we chose the setlist
together (Marillion songs, although he proposed me to play some of my
own songs, but I declined), he let me sing on many songs, and he is a
truly wonderful amazing guy. I will never thank him enough for this!
-Last but not least,
would you openly admit that you are an Awaken fan?
-Seb:
Of course I will! Furthermore, I'm the drummer for the band for many
years now (I still have the email from Mister Snowcat when he asked me
to become the drummer!!) even though I only played on two songs and
sang on one. I made a cover of my favorite Awaken song, but I'm not
that proud of it because I made it in only one hour. I really hope that
someday I will have the time to record it again in a proper way.
Thanks for this and love from the planet Sousbock to all Awaken's fans!
9 steps
to live your life
more meaningfully:
How
to travel in Japan? (part 2)
 
So
you are in Japan and you wisely decided to avoid those
gaijin-communities
and bars where you would only meet Westerners? Good
idea. Now that you're on your own, your actually not alone at all: you
can always count on Japanese people's friendliness and help, and with a
little vocabulary, you will be able to get into the best part of
Japanese life (the worst being the work, but I assume that you're a
visitor and that you don't have to work). You need to eat (which in
Japan, each bite is an orgasm), wear clothes, read books?
Don't
worry, you can have anything for cheap. And with a good quality. Let
yourself be guided by Awa-news now!
1. Joyfull / Cocosu
/ Sushi Meijin (chain restaurants) ジョイフル
/ ココス
/ 寿司めいじん
 The
name "Joyfull" tells it all: you eat full stomach and enjoy it. Who
said chain restaurants were unhealthy and expensive? Joyfull offers you
an interesting choice of meat, fish, rice and everything Japanese or
Western for a friendly price. As a bonus, you can have a drink-bar
nomihoudai (drink as much as you want) and a soup bar, a treat in
winter. Cocosu has its own specialities and attracts customers thanks
to Doraemon. Then, a chain restaurant for sushi, is it a good idea?
Well, when you taste
the sushi in Meijin, the answer is clear: YES! Meijin is a
kaiten-shushi, which means the dishes circulate between customers on a
moving track, and you just pick up what you want. 1 dish is only 105yen
and features two tasty pieces of sushi. You can always order more by
pushing the bell above you, and a friendly staff will run to take your
order. The green tea is free and you drink as much as you want, useful
to know when soy sauce is rather salty.
2. Family restaurants
A
wonderful way to discover the real Japan is to eat at those small and
friendly restaurants, where you can eat big bowls of raamen with a huge
glass of nama-bi-ru (fresh beer) while answering the friendly questions
of other customers or owners. Never miss an opportunity to eat at a
family restaurant, and don't be shy when it comes to push the door: you
will always remember experiences like that.
3. Ichiban Kan (tabehoudai)
一番官
Tabehoudai!
You eat as much as you want during 1 hour or more (but then the price
increases, be warned!). 1 hour is short, though, since you have to
grill the meat and veggies by yourself. Better go with someone so you
can share the duties. Some crowded days can slow down the process too,
so try to go there before or after rush hours. Ichiban Kan has sushi
too, but not always as tasty as in a real sushi-ya. Drinks and desserts
are without restriction too, which makes me advice you: go there with
an empty stomach!
4. Sanrio Shop / Gift
Gate サンリオショップ / ギフトゲート
Japan
is a paradise for Hello Kitty fans. The cute Cat is everywhere, in
several versions following the part of Japan you live in, and 3 times
cheaper than in Europe or US. Sanrio has official shops with a lot of
Kittychan stuff, from toys to sexy panties, from notebooks to DVD
players, from pens to pillows, from postcards to calendars, well...
everything is there!
5. Tokiwa / YouMe
Town (depaato) トキハ / YouMeTown
Those
big department stores can have different types of customers, Tokiwa
being more traditional and YouMe Town more fashion-oriented, but they
all offer a huge variety of products at various prices, with often a
floor dedicated to a 100 yen shop. Honeys in Tokiwa is a must for
clothes. Usually, the basement is the food department, with the famous
bentou
boxes, that give you a delicious and healthy meal to take away.
6. Marushoku / Daie
/ Cosmos / Hirose (supermarkets, drugstores) マルショク / Ｄａｉｅ / コスモス / ヒロセ
Japanese
supermarkets and drugstores, temples of good food, fresh or frozen, and
a wide variety of drinks including sake and shochu.
7. Daisou & other
100 yen shops ザ・ダイソウ
Although
with the taxes nothing really costs 100 yen but 105, you can really
live for cheap in Japan if you shop in The Daisou or 100-yen-Plaza
regularly. They have absolutely everything, and last but not least most
of the items are sold for 105 yens. The few ones that cost 210yen,
315yen or more areclearly mentioned and even the staff will ask you if
you noticed the difference when it's time to pay.
8. Book Off / Off House
Second hand books, CDs, DVDs, videogames, magazines, clothes,
Hello Kitty, bookcases,
fans, heaters, juicers, toys, tables, bags, chairs, guitars, fridges...
what else? Go there and see. A nice place to visit anytime.
9. 7/11, Family
Mart (Kombini) コンビに
Kombini (convenience stores) are everything you need
to
survive at night. You can compare them with night-shops but with a
wider choice.
On part 3, we'll visit Yamada Denki and take a drink on a
vending machine. Stay connected!
What
happened on November
some years ago?
Let's
jump into Awa-news' time machine...
15/11/1988:
Crosy Stills Nash and Young come back with the modern-sounding
"American Dream".
17/11/1980:
Clarke Isaac Hanson (Hanson) says hello to the world.
Remember Hanson?
23/11/1969:
Donnell Clyde 'Spade' Cooley, swing musician, says bye bye to the world
and probably meets his wife Ella Mae Evans up there, wife that he
killed by himself previously.
You
like Awaken? You *will* like this
album:
LIPPS INC., 4 (1983)
Best
known for the still widely famous "Funky Town", Lipps Inc is
a
project by multi-instrumentist Steven Greenberg and guest singers and
players. There's obviously a Lipps Inc type of sound, from 1979 till
that last LP in 1983. Something thin yet danceable, funky and a bit
robotic, with female voices and layers of synthesizers. The album 4
(which is, could you guess, the 4th one) is a bit darker and
deeper than the 3 previous ones, with great tunes like "Obsessed",
"Never Could Be Sorry" and "Addicted To The Night". "Choir Practice" is
a funny gospel-influenced electronic piece and the closer is a tasty
slow-motion funk. I have no idea if 4 is available on CD and I honestly
don't give a shit: you can find a second-hand vinyl easily, why always
bothering about digital editions? 4 is Lipps Inc's best record and you
can enjoy a 33rpm, no? I swear it won't kill you.
Who knows what toorrow might bring?
Take care and see you!
© AWAKEN-Awanews-
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November 8, 2009 - Sunday
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Category: Music
Viết! Write! 書いて!
Write a review of "My Last Evening In Ôita" and win 3 rare songs of Awaken! How to do? 1. Listen to the single here: http://bit.ly/3nv4Kt2. Write your feelings (follow the link under the single or send email at awamail(at)hellokitty.com or write here) 3. I send you a secret link to download the 3 songs! And your opinion will be published on Awa-net. OK? Start the race now! Gilles プレゼントが欲しかったら、珍しい歌を聴きたかったら、『My Last Evening In Ôita』についてレビューを書いて下さい。 どうしょう？ 1. リンク http://bit.ly/3nv4Ktをクリックして、『My Last Evening In 大分』と『Chase Around 大分駅』を聞いて。 2. 意見を書いて、メール snowcat_the_neko(at)hellokitty.comで送って下さい。 このBLOGで書いても良いよ。 3. 僕は秘密のリンクを送ります。珍しいAWAKENの歌のダウンロードが出来ます！そして意見はAwa-netの中読まれる。 分かりましたか？ レビューを待ってます！ 宜しくお願いします。 雪猫ジル Nếu bạn viết ý kiến về bài hát "My Last Evening In Ôita" thì có thể nhận 3 bài hát hiếm có của Awaken ! Làm thế nào ? 1. Nghe "My Last Evening In Ôita" ở đây: http://bit.ly/3nv4Kt 2. Viết ý kiến rồi cho tôi gửi bằng email ( awamail(at)hellokitty.com) hoặc trên Blog này. 3. Tôi sẽ cho bạn gửi một link bí mật để download 3 bài hát hiếm có! Hiểu chưa? Viết nhé! :D Gilles
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