Vom Ursprung und dem Ziel des Lebens, der Inspiration und Musik: Für sein Sony Classical-Debütalbum Ocean hat sich Pianist, Komponist und Internetphänomen Dirk Maassen von der Weite des Ozeans inspirieren lassen und Piano-Meditationen über den Ursprung und die Ziele des Lebens geschrieben. In einer Kirche in Herzogenrath erlebte der heute 49-jährige Elektroingenieur Dirk Maassen als Kind zum ersten Mal den Klang einer Orgel. Es war der Beginn einer lebenslangen Liebe zur Musik. Maassen lernte Klavier und Orgel zu spielen und komponiert und spielt seitdem Musik für sich und sein kleines musikalisches Tagebuch: "Alles, was mich beschäftigt, bewegt und beeindruckt, das gieße ich in Musik. Das können Naturereignisse sein oder auch zwischenmenschliche Dinge. Wenn ich am Klavier sitze, trete ich ein in einen Dialog mit mir selbst", erklärt er. Ein Gefühl wie am Ozean: "Du kommst runter, findest zu dir und kannst die ganze Ablenkung des Alltags hinter dir lassen. Das Wissen, dass wir Menschen dem Ozean entstammen, führt bei mir zudem zu einer großen Verbundenheit, zu einem ähnlichen Gefühl wie damals in der Kirche." In seinem Alltag leitet Maassen den Entwicklungsbereich eines Software-Unternehmens in Ulm. Nicht im Traum hätte er daran gedacht, eine Karriere als Musiker zu starten.

For his album "Films", French guitarist Thibault Cauvin has written new arrangements for 18 hits from iconic film soundtracks. "City of Stars" from "La La Land", "Mystery of Love" from "Call Me By Your Name" or "The Imitation Game" are atmospheric guitar pieces full of breathtaking virtuosity. The album represents a special project of the heart for Thibault Cauvin. Cinema has accompanied him since childhood and is for him a place of longing for unlimited possibilities and a source of inspiration. Practically born with a guitar in his hand, Thibault Cauvin grew up in a family of musicians. He studied classical guitar at the Paris Conservatory and graduated with special honors. He is the only guitarist to date to have won 36 prizes in international guitar competitions, setting new standards in classical and modern guitar playing.

The first new album in eight years from Tomahawk. The band features Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle), Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard), John Stanier (Battles, Helmet) and Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle).

The ninth studio album from the Swedish hard rock institution. With a sound based on a wide range of influences, The Quill have released one quality album after another since their debut in 1995. The dynamic interplay between original vocalist Magnus Ekwall, drummer Jolle Atlagic (Hanoi Rocks, Electric Boys, Firebird), guitarist Christian Carlsson and bassist Roger Nilsson (Spiritual Beggars, Firebird) creates The Quill's unique, deep ‘70s heavy rock. No frills, just real rock at full throttle! Packed with catchy riffs, pounding bass lines and a fantastic frontman, this album will once again delight all fans of honest hard rock.

Introducing Norwegian singer/songwriter Marie Noreger and her delightful new single ‘Soulfully High’ which is lifted from her upcoming debut EP. The follow up to previous cut ‘Adore’ sees the newcomer showcase her poetic storytelling and sublime vocals over an uplifting and fluttery soundbed consisting of glittering electronics and warm guitars. Dive into the captivating single here and keep an eye out for Noreger’s debut EP.

During the middle decades of the 20th century, the factories of southwestern Ohio drew hundreds of thousands of migrants from Appalachia, including innumerable musicians. Industrial Strength Bluegrass celebrates the music that these migrants made and loved, and explores a pivotal moment in the history of bluegrass and country music at large. Produced by beloved performer and radio personality Joe Mullins, the collection features many modern legends like Lee Ann Womack and Mo Pitney, plus a stellar lineup including Rhonda Vincent, Bobby Osborne, and Mullins himself, taking on tunes that have echoed across Ohio for decades.

Gilles Peterson has partnered with Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick to reinvigorate the loose, protean energy of the early-80s Brit-funk scene. STR4TA sees them mine new musical possibilities outof that shared formative era. On "Aspects", they revisit that important period and the spirit that guided it: self-taught, DIY vitality, and a raucous energy built on live performance. Bringing a fresh slant to a sound first developed by groups like Atmosfear, Hi-Tension, Light of the World and Freeez - with Maunick, it should be noted, also a member of the latter two bands - it's the first material that Maunick and Peterson have released together in over a decade.

It begins with a hypnotic drum loop leading us into a haunting guitar & the cool echoing voice of Peter Silberman. Speaking on the title track for the new album from the Antlers, Silberman states, “The song is a long contemplation of the passage of time, but with the personal events and judgments omitted. Just a description of what is.” Conceived & written almost entirely in the morning hours, Green To Gold is the band’s first new music in nearly seven years and is easily their most luminous to date.