Do ut des. I give so that you give back. A saying that beyond any doubt sounds familiar to the most, and even if this aphorism is unacquainted to some, it's hard to deny that there lies astounding truth in it. Just think about the meaning of the dictum for a while and you sure will find, it gives an essential insight in people's motivation for initiative, it provides an explanatory approach to one's zest for action. Through contemplation, it becomes apparent that every conduct of ours is stimulated, incited by something, may it be by passion and emotion, may it be by consideration and reason, may it be by encouragement and belief, and is inevitably bound tomore or less decent expectations, hopes. It's (literally) human nature to expect something in return, but this doesn't necessarily mean our motivation for action lies solely within the anticipation of being rewarded, being repaid. In fact, some actions are grounded in altruistic motives, the 'donor' doesn't seek award granted by someone else, rather reaps the very same by courtesy of his own actions. It's common that unselfish deeds are done when people are affected and influenced by sentiment, instinct and ardour, that those who give but don't claim amends are driven by something that exceeds expedient demands: devotion, commitment and fervent enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm, commitment and passion for music is a dispositive and determing incentive for plenty of my actions. Whilst I indulge in songs which have been composed likewise with vehemence, soul and devotion, whilst I come upon melodic attributes, lyrical and emotional depth, audacity and pleasentness in both sound and arrangement, I embrace, approve and hold dear, the strong and fervent desire to share these cherished moments of music mesmerizationripens, grows and blossoms: I depict what characteristics speak to me and how music appeals to me, what is audible and sensible. Listening to and finding, rediscovering true music gems is not only a pleasure in itself but already one's, my reward.
With this being said, it should have become evident that I gladly invest time and energy to promote music I enjoy, I grew and still grow fond of as I also take great pleasure in pronouncing my impression of songs, old and new. Moreover, I'm rather open-minded in respect to the versatile spectrum of music genres, am obviously attracted by some more than by others, speak candidly and abundantly about those to my taste. Thus, it's not uncommon that artists offer free downloads, present snippets of forthcoming songs to me and ask for my opinion on, my estimation of their often already quite elaborate drafts. Neither do I take these things for granted, nor do I expect these generous gestures, these sings of trust and appreciation to happen frequently. I indeed accept them gratefully, but they don't encourage me to continue, the music itself keeps me motivated and inspired to pass the memorable melodies on, the luring lyrics it bears. The artists' obligingness however affirms and reinforces my longing to spend time with proper music and spread it.
The Knievel Dead
It subsequently happens quite often that people ask me why I spend so much time with music after all - why I take time to contact and interact with musicians, to reach out to radio stations, submit songs of artists I think highly of, I reckon as gifted and dedicated ones, why I take time to thoroughly promote music, to decently review it, why I take time to present music on podcasts and thereby arouse attention to the musician(s) behind the compositions that are showcased. The answer is simple: I love it. I find delight and gratification in being outspoken about those musicians I believe in, whose music I feel deeply connected to, whose music I consider genuine, refreshing, artful, cunning and soulful enough to devote myself to, to be involved with. It's not for the free downloads, neither for the previews, it's for the music, the pure essence of music. It's for their music, for the artists' aptitude and ingenuity that I'd like to see some in particular to be successful, to be acknoweleged and respected, want some to be seen as the promising and blessed artists they are, want some to be offered the chances they deserve based on the quality of their music. In line and in due consideration with the artists' skill and creativeness, their compositions should be granted adequate airtime, people should spend money on what those musicians came up with and performed with zeal, the artists should be moreover able to reach out to a wider audience, to eventually tour different countries and make a name for themselves and their music. We obviously have reached a point, where I can't candidly profess that there is no selfish stimulus to be found in my endeavours. There is indeed one, since I want some artists to be successful more than others in order to see my chances of seing them live increase. For every time an 'embosomed' band performs and I can't make it toattendtheir gigs - most often due todistance - being aware that I might never see them perform, it's devastating, disillusioning experience. I surely don't intend to attend every show of a band who is to my liking, just for once it would be great to have the chance to purchase tickets and enjoy amesmerizing, breath-taking evening of live music …
… and that moment has finally come! 2014 has been really beneficial to me already. I was lucky enough to see Kismet Ryding perform- who opened for The Brew within the scope of their european tour - about 2 weeks ago, had the chance to do my first live interview with the psychedelic phenomenon that is the Cleethorpes based brit rock outfit. Fun times I can tell you, amazing presence and quality sound on stage, wittiness and eloquence backstage! An equally attractive opportunity was looming in early 2014, when Odel from The Knievel Dead asked me if the odds are that I come to london to attend one of their live shows. He offered to organize a gig with bands I'd love to see perform - what shall I say, of course I seized this great opportunity - and put immense effort into arranging a line-up that pleases both him and me. As months went by the idea took shape, now has come into being: Odel invited 3 top bands to complement The Knievel Dead's performance, found a fantastic venue for them to play, above that has been all too thoughtful and even advertised my music blog by including it on the gig posters. What a huge honor that is, and actually more than I could have asked for! Comprehending the fortunate run of events, fortuna has smiled on me quite certainly and I'm beyond grateful for Odel's and the other musicans' endeavour and willingness to allow this gig to take place.
Now, with pride and glowing anticipation, I finally get round to announcing 'Nightmares become me presents carpe carmina live' - a collaboration between carpe carmina and the following bands, who gonna perform at The Enterprise in Camden on April 5th:
The line-up
The london based authentic and audacious rock band casts a heavy and possesive spell over you with gloomy and dim, nonetheless haunting melodies, whimsical, bluesy and fierce vocals, an elusive, ethereal sound, coclusively leaves a characteristic and obtrusive audible imprint on you.
Song I hope to see on the band's setlist: Coming After You
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The Unassisted
With the distinctively dark and sonorous, sharply echoing vocal performance of Jason Hughes, the manchester based three piece rock outfit catches one's eye. Piercing and fuzzy riffage, pungent and severe drum beats, an imbuing bass line assist the raw and vigorous sound The Unassisted raise to a fulminant and ponderous tonal forcethat inevitably excites.
Song I hope to see on the band's setlist: Everything
website
soundcloud
No One Sun
The british North West indie quintet combines the best of both (music) worlds: anthemic and melodious pop traits blend imposingly with thrilling and trenchant rock components. Memorable and infectious hooks, rising and absorbing riffage, catchy lyrics, sharp yet also smoothly luring vocals make it hard to resist the vibrant sound and the sing-along-qualities of their music.
Song I hope to see on the band's setlist: Home
website
soundcloud
Vivacious, bracing, electrifying - the dynamic electronic pop duofrom East London overwhelms with an upbeat, fuzzy and perky sound: dashing and energetic riffage meet vehement and emphatically echoing vocals.
Song I hope to see on the band's setlist: How Does It Feel
soundcloud
In order to find out how these bands sound live, you better come along and join me on April 5th. See you then …
