COPESESQUE: launch

Darlings, it's time i did something different.
As opposed to my normal rambling, ranting fit about an obscure, ambiguous subject that you don't care about, this will be something I've never attempted before..
You'll either enjoy it or hate it. Either way, I'm not fussed.
My friend, Justin Hunter, who is a signed musician to 'Source Music,' has a *NEW* album out!
So i thought i would try doing an album review for him!
The *NEW ALBUM*
drum roll please~
"Mountains to Masses" by Justin Hunter.

Release date: 12th March 2012
Get your copy here: JB HiFi stores, ITunes
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/mountains-to-masses/id508831984?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
& also here: http://www.vitamin.net.au/albumdefault.asp?ai=512

He says this album '..is symbolic of my leaving my beloved Blue Mountains and moving to the middle of Melbourne City."
His record label says 'Justin Hunter is a passionate lover of life, absolute adventure maniac, marathon runner, electro music fan & instrumental pianist.' And 'His new album ‘Mountains to Masses’ is the musical unification of the two places Justin holds dear to his heart; the dramatic beauty and spaciousness of his home in the Blue Mountains, and the vibrant, chaotic (yet at times lonely) city that is Melbourne.'
That's what they say.. here's what i say:

Now, because of a loop hole, i actually got a copy of the new album months before it's release date.

I was stoked, to say the least, when it arrived in my letterbox unannounced.
Racing inside, i ripped open the package & started listening..

When Track 2 started playing, i instantly got 'X Files' vibes.

For some reason, that was my initial thought.
It was only in the first few seconds but it sounded eerie & it reminded me of something 'X Files'esque. You know that sort of ambient, warped, electro sound? Something like that.

Going through the album, it all seemed a little moody, a little mellow, a little darker than i was expecting & a lot more refined compared to his previous albums.

Each track rolled smoothly into the next.

Until.
Until i got to Track 8.
'Courage.'
I had been going about my boring, daily business while listening to 'Mountains to Masses' playing in the background. I was enjoying it but it hadn't exactly 'grabbed' me yet.
As soon as 'Courage' started to play, i stopped.
It got my attention straight away.
I actually listened to each note.
It's a far more upbeat, uptempo tune as opposed to earlier tracks.
My immediate reaction~ i loved it. It was an instant favourite & always will be.
Imagine watching a pianist's fingers dance gracefully across a keyboard. With faultless precision. Each note more perfect than the last.
That's what 'Courage' is to me.
It's the sort of track you would play if you were racing through the bush~ or the mountains~ on an adventure, trying to reach your destination~ the city perhaps?~ through thick & thin, trials & tribulations until you reach the finish & hit that euphoric sense of achievement.
You made it. Everything will be ok.
Filmed in Amsterdam, watch the music video for 'Courage' here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QuqehepSd4&feature=uploademail
***
Coming from me, someone who is definitely not a muso' of any sort, don't take this as gospel. You are all definitely smart enough to make up your own mind about his musical genius.
And honestly, if i told you i had never cried while listening to his music.. it would be a massive lie.
Even in the toughest of hearts, the most guarded of hearts, Justin's music evokes abysmal emotions that you didn't realise existed.
Let each note wash over you & enjoy the ride.
I must admit, after actually listening to the album properly a few more times, i realised how sophisticated it was.
In a word, the album is: Fabulous.
This is just my rabid opinion.
If you think this review sounds good & you want to keep updated, 'like' his Facebook page at this link: http://www.facebook.com/justinhuntermusic
He has also joined the weird & wonderful world of Twitter~ Follow here:
https://twitter.com/jhuntermusic
xox

So because i like to mix things up & keep it interesting..

~this goes for everything in my life by the way~

I have decided today's blog will be totally different to what i usually do & what you guys are accustomed to.

You see a couple of weeks ago i went away for the weekend to Bendigo.

Ahhhh. Escape.

Totally bliss.

Bendigo.

Quaint town in the middle of Victoria.

What drew me here this sunny weekend? My aunty & uncle live here & they wrote a book.

Yes. An entire book.

I was in town for their book launch.

Ta Daa!

(Yes, i agree with what you are thinking- clearly, my aunty got the brains of the family. Yes. *Sigh.)

Pretty exciting!

I've never been to a book launch before & my aunty & uncle had never had a book launch before.

The book is about Tibetan refugee's who had to escape their homeland~ Tibet, obviously~ when China took over. They travelled on foot over the Himalayan Mountains into India where they have now been living for over fifty years. My aunty & uncle sponsor a family & the proceeds of their book, which they had to publish themselves because no one else would, will go to help the refugees have a 'normal' happy life.

The book is beautiful- full of photos & artwork that my aunt & uncle did all themselves.

It is 100% purely all theirs.

An article in the local paper can be found here:

http://www.bendigoweekly.com/news/heart-to-imagine?Page=2&A=PhotoGallery&PID=6489&Items=4

While i was in town I stayed at this gorgeous lil' bed & breakfast.

Absolutely fantastic. So much character, cosy, homey & good spot close town. http://www.blissb.com.au/

The owner even gave us art supplies, which i took full advantage of.

It has been years since I've sketched/drawn/painted.

It was good to get the arty juices flowing once again.

Theres something peaceful about sketching & being in your 'own little world' while doing so. It has a calming effect & makes you forget about your current woes.

Here's the something different, a whole stack of photos that i took around town.

It's very easy to take beautiful photos here.

I hope you like them.

xox