Debut album "A Dream in Static" to be released later this year
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - New Haven-based progressive ensemble, Earthside, has announced "Mob Mentality" as the second single to be released from its upcoming debut album, A Dream in Static. The nearly 10-minute track, which will drop later this week, features guest vocals from Sevendustfrontman, Lajon Witherspoon. "Mob Mentality" began as guitarist Jamie van Dyck's senior thesis while studying music at Yale University; the song also features a full orchestral arrangement composed by van Dyck and performed by the Moscow Studio Symphony Orchestra (MSSO). For further insight, the band has released a teaser video discussing the new song and recording process on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHpxsYs-YUw.
Jamie van Dyck reflected on the experience: "Working with Lajon was surreal to me. Sevendust was my favorite band in high school when I was first finding my identity as a songwriter and all-around musician. Lajon's voice has always moved me. LJ was unbelievably gracious in the studio and dedicated himself to fulfilling my emotional vision for the piece, and unsurprisingly he totally nailed it.
"Before I was even listening to rock music, my parents raised me on Beethoven symphonies and other 18th - 20th century orchestral music and operas so incorporating a full orchestral arrangement into the rock and metal music I love now has basically been a lifelong goal and dream of mine. And myEarthside bandmates were overwhelmingly enthusiastic and supportive in helping me fulfill that dream."
An inherently collaborative cross-continental project - recorded in Stockholm, Sweden under the watch of renowned producer and mix engineer, David Castillo (Opeth, Katatonia, Bloodbath), and additional mix and mastering engineer, Jens Bogren (Opeth, Soilwork, The Ocean, Devin Townsend) - A Dream in Static is due to release later this year.
Van Dyck further elaborated on the album recording process: "New surroundings and collaboration are two of the best catalysts for inspiring creative energy. Living in Stockholm and recording withDavid Castillo was the opportunity of a lifetime for us. We were immersed in such a vibrant musical space and passionate group of people that ultimately made this record what it is. That inclusive spirit in working with David and the guest musicians on the record brought out that energy in each of us."
Through organic layers of living, breathing orchestra (courtesy of the Moscow Studio Symphony Orchestra), and an eclectic arsenal of world music-influenced instrumentation, Earthside fashions an ever-changing sound that is equally engrossing alongside a work of cinematic art as it is resonating throughout a densely packed concert venue.
A Dream in Static, the group's conceptual mission statement, is a story of purposeful sacrifice and existential yearning told across sweeping instrumental movements, interwoven with adventurous vocal compositions featuring premier voices from across the rock and metal worlds.
"Our music aims to evoke the full range of human emotions," van Dyck added. "Having those emotions and themes expressed more directly through the voices of some of our favorite singers and musicians was an unbelievable experience and something we cannot wait to share with everyone."
The first single, "The Closest I've Come," can be streamed on YouTube at:http://youtu.be/AL_v5U2AeIs.
A teaser video for the album can be seen on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG5rMe3KTV4.
Live dates and additional album details will be announced shortly. Stay tuned for more information.
Earthside online...
Earthside is...
Jamie van Dyck - Guitar
Frank Sacramone - Keyboards
Ben Shanbrom - Drums
Ryan Griffin - Bass
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine
