Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?
Carmina Formosa #10
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If you think the answers to these questions worth the knowing . . . watch the sneak preview of our new vidéo lyrique:
Well, what say you? Does “Rondo Polynésien” convincingly explain the mysteries of existence? Is the track a plausible example of what the Police would call “reggatta de blanc”? Or does it have more of a Red Hot Chili Peppers vibe? Have [ai] successfully revived the rondo as a musical form (like Genesis tried to do with “Abacab”)? And can you identify the painter whose life and work inspired this song? Let us know, dear subscribers, in the comments below!
Playlists and shout-outs
[ai] spent the better part of May pitching songs from the new album to Spotify playlisters again. Here are the results:
“Dirty Old Man” briefly appeared on Glasse Factory’s “Shattered Glasse” playlist and is still to be found on Awake’s “Fresh Finds.” (The hard-rocking track also received a shout-out from Recording Artists Guild on IG.)
“You’re So Lame” may be heard on Given to Rock’s “Rock On!” playlist.
“Nemesis” appeared for about a week on Music On The Moon’s “80s New Wave Vibes” playlist. (The art-rock track also received a shout-out from American Pancake).
“Ji-Woo Says” may be found on Alex M. Montilla’s “Best Classic Rock” playlist.
“The Subway Song” also appears on the “Best Classic Rock” playlist, and it is featured on Jelle Ravesloot’s “Soothing Songs to Save the Soul” as well.
If you’re keeping score at home, that’s 7 songs from No Cure for the Princess Disease that have now been playlisted (the 5 above + 2 others mentioned in Carmina Formosa #7)! [ai] will continue to seek suitable homes on Spotify for the other two tracks: “Rice King” and “I Don’t Belong To You.”
Meet the Band – Part Three
This month we are pleased to introduce you to [ai]’s resident keyboard virtuoso, Tewei Chou!
Tewei contributed KB tracks to Carmina Formosa Deluxe and is currently working on arrangements for Still No Cure for the Princess Disease (the forthcoming remix of No Cure for the Princess Disease). Inspired by Hong Kong artist Sam Hui, Taiwanese songwriter Bobby Chen, and Japanese producer Komuro Tetsuya, Tewei studied classical music at Chinese Cultural University in Taipei, where he majored in trumpet before switching his focus to the keys. A well-respected session musician and live performer, he has written jingles for Taiwanese TV commercials, composed a theme song (in Japanese) for a Taiwanese movie, released a solo piano album of hymns, and played with the sitar-band SiyuLand. For a sample of Tewei’s work with [ai], check out his organ arrangement on the remix of “Now I Know You”!
[ai] miss you, Bandcamp!
We released our first album, Carmina Formosa, on Bandcamp in 2016. Since that time, however, we have more or less neglected the platform, focusing our attention instead on YouTube, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and the other partners of our distributor Symphonic. This “either/or” approach we now consider a mistake. As newly converted advocates of a “both/and” strategy, we plan to redirect some of our promotional energy to Bandcamp. Follow our Bandcamp page and stay tuned for the imminent re-release of Carmina Formosa Deluxe and No Cure for the Princess Disease!
A blast or two from the past
[ai] never fail to find musical inspiration and spiritual nourishment in the sounds of the Sixties. Of late, we have had the great Nina Simone’s tribute to (parody of?) the Beatles’ “Revolution” (and “For You Blue”?) on continuous repeat. We urge you to “clean your brain” with it too.
And if you’re looking to enter a trance state, may we recommend Brian Jones’ field recordings of the Master Musicians of Jajouka? The Rolling Stones guitarist was introduced to this hypnotic, ritualistic music by the artist Brion Gysin (friend and collaborator of William S. Burroughs), and he then used his fame and influence to share his discovery with the world. Experience the ecstasy of Bou Jeloud, the Moroccan Pan!
Coming in June . . .
Next month, [ai] will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about “collision music” as we premiere the new lyric video for “Dirty Old Man”! Until then, remember: [ai] 愛 you all!
Great song! There’s definitely a bit of RHCP in the break. As for the painter, I’m gonna guess Gauguin?
And that Nina Simone track. Whew! Fantastic.