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    Interview w AGE OF DISTRACTION (A Game Of Whispers) w John Cook and Charlie Bramald

    enAugust 30, 2024
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    Podcast Summary

    • Organic formation of bandsThrough serendipitous encounters and mutual respect, bands can form organically, leading to a labor of love and collaboration among friends.

      The formation of A Game of Whispers was an organic process fueled by serendipitous encounters and mutual respect among its members. John Cook, the guitarist, had been writing music at home when he felt it was different from his previous work. He reached out to Charlie Bramald, the vocalist, who had expressed interest in collaborating. Their initial connection was purely friendly, but when John shared some of his music with Charlie, they both knew they had something special. The missing pieces came together when they met Mark Gatlin, a bassist they admired, at a gig. Mark's talent and professionalism fit perfectly with their vision for the band. Through a series of chance encounters and mutual respect, A Game of Whispers was born, and their debut album became a labor of love and collaboration among friends.

    • Collaboration in musicUnique talents and creative freedom of musicians led to a successful and seamless collaboration in creating an outstanding progressive rock album

      The collaboration between Mark, Malcolm, and Dom on the Age of Destruction album was a seamless and successful process due to the unique talents and creative freedom of each musician. Mark's musical mind and expertise brought the tracks to life with his bass playing, while Malcolm's human connection and shared passion for music created a strong foundation for their partnership. Dom's production skills and creative vision contributed to the distinctive sound and cohesion of the album. The musicians' ability to work together effortlessly without egos or friction allowed the project to evolve swiftly and fluidly, resulting in an outstanding and distinctive piece of progressive rock music.

    • Album creation processA collaborative and efficient album creation process resulted in 'Compromise', with unique talents and influences contributing to a cohesive and thematically consistent album within 6-8 weeks

      The creation of the album "Compromise" was a collaborative and efficient process, with the majority of the writing, recording, and production completed within six to eight weeks. The musicians involved, including Charlie, Dom, and John, brought their unique talents and influences to the project, resulting in a cohesive and thematically consistent album. The energy in the studio was positive and collaborative, with a natural chemistry that allowed the music to flow easily. The lyrics were a collaboration between various members, with themes of toxic relationships and the search for serenity woven throughout. The artwork, featuring a human head with a ceasing bursting out, was chosen quickly and naturally through an online platform, aligning with the overall themes of the album. Overall, the process of creating "Compromise" was a testament to the collective talent and creativity of the musicians involved.

    • Music Project Creative TeamFinding the right creative team for a music project can lead to a cohesive and magical final product, allowing artists to do their best work.

      Finding the right creative team for a music project can make the entire process seamless and result in a cohesive and magical final product. The speaker's experience of discovering and collaborating with the album artist, Angela, was effortless and resulted in artwork that perfectly complemented the music. The artist's talent was evident in the unique and stunning canvases she created for each song on the album, which could be viewed on Spotify. The opening track, "Break My Bones," was an example of how easily the music and lyrics came together, with the artist's input making a significant impact. The speaker was proud of the final product and excited to continue working with Angela. The collaboration was a testament to the importance of finding the right person for the job and allowing them to do their best work.

    • Music creation collaborationCollaboration and experimentation led to Age of Distraction's signature sound, transforming an acoustic track into a full band piece with complex, layered sound.

      The creation of Age of Distraction's music involves collaboration and experimentation. The band's signature sound began with the opening riff of the track "Compromised," which drew Charlie in despite his busy schedule. Later, Phil Stuckey and Ruby Jones joined the project, contributing vocals and instruments to "Take Me Down." Originally intended as an acoustic track, the addition of drums and keys transformed it into a full band piece. The process of bringing various elements together resulted in a complex, layered sound that showcases the band's versatility and creativity. The final product, a haunting love song, demonstrates their ability to blend heavier elements with melody and acoustic instrumentation.

    • Toxic relationships, communicationThe album 'A Game of Whispers' emphasizes the destructive impact of unspoken words in toxic relationships and the importance of open dialogue through its title track and other songs.

      The album "A Game of Whispers" explores themes of toxic relationships, personal struggles, and the power of communication. The title track is a standout, with its focus on the destructive nature of unspoken words and the importance of open dialogue. The band made a conscious decision to forego a guitar solo in favor of maintaining the track's heavy riffage and intensity. Another favorite is "Sneak Attack," which showcases the cinematic and apocalyptic elements of the album, with its bone-crunching riffs and climactic feel. Overall, the album is a prog-rock masterpiece that highlights the band's ability to create complex and emotionally resonant music.

    • Song CollaborationCollaborative efforts between band members, each contributing unique talents, can lead to monumental tracks with memorable melodies and powerful finishes. Trusting the creative process is crucial.

      The creation of their song "Sneak Attack" was a collaborative effort between the band members, each bringing their unique talents to the table. Mark contributed the keys and bass, Dom added the choirs, and John improved the guitar solo with a new take. The result was a monumental track with memorable melodies and a powerful finish. Despite initial reservations, the addition of Charlie's vocals in the middle eight section elevated the song even further. The band expressed their desire to perform the song live but face logistical challenges due to the geographical distance between band members. Overall, "Sneak Attack" is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of trusting the creative process.

    • Music ProjectsCharlie tours with CO and Age of Distraction releases second album 'Empires Must Fall', while John works on follow-up to 'A Game of Whispers'

      Charlie and John from the band Age of Distraction have been keeping busy with various music projects. Charlie is currently touring with CO, featuring three female vocalists, while Age of Distraction is set to release their second album, "Empires Must Fall," in the coming months. John is working on a follow-up to their debut album, "A Game of Whispers," which was released just four months ago. They encouraged fans to check out their music on Bandcamp or through various storefronts worldwide, and thanked Robin Armstrong and Bad Dog Promotions for their support in distributing and promoting their music.

    • Authentic relationshipsGenuine passion for what you do leads to positive, non-toxic relationships despite distractions and challenges in the entertainment industry.

      Having a genuine passion for what you do can lead to meaningful and positive relationships, even in the midst of busy schedules and distractions. This was evident in the discussion about a band manager who consistently keeps in touch with her team and has built a strong, non-toxic relationship with them. Her dedication to the music and the band is unwavering, and it shows in the success of their collaboration. Another important point from the conversation was the recognition of the importance of authentic connections in the entertainment industry. Despite the potential for toxic relationships, the speaker expressed gratitude for the positive and supportive relationship they have with the band. Additionally, the discussion touched on the age of distractions and the challenges that come with trying to maintain focus and build meaningful relationships in a world full of distractions. However, the speaker emphasized that despite these challenges, it's essential to keep pushing forward and to prioritize the things that truly matter, such as genuine connections and passions. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of authenticity, dedication, and prioritizing meaningful relationships in both personal and professional pursuits. It's a reminder that no matter how busy or distracted we may be, it's worth investing time and energy into the things and people that truly matter to us.

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