Here's one of those things that escapes all of us.  

Sometimes, we find out about a person way later than we feel we should have. It's odd to be so active in the business of music and discover artists that have been changing the ground under our feet yet were keenly unaware of until recently.  

My good friend Andreas Ballnus, of Philosophobia, hits me up and asks me if I've heard of this incredible music by something called 'Silent Skies.' I tell him that I have not. He proceeds to tell me about the project and link me to the music and it's quite literally everything I like in music.

It's perfect for listening.
It's perfect for dreaming.
It's perfect. 

Trust me, in that you've heard this man's music or you've seen his performances.  He just came back from a Hellfest performance with Pain of Salvation, for goodness sake. 

Redemption. 
Lux Terminus. 
Threads of Fate. 

He's a truly connected and inspiring musician of the highest caliber, who's music is so potent that it draws the best artists back to him. He's a busy busy man, and yet he's found the time to chat with me today. 

Ladies and gentleman. All the way from NC or wherever he is at the moment, Vikram Shankar!

Time Codes:

2:00 Showing up in times of need
6:30 Introducing Vikram Shankar
8:00 Being noticed online
10:30 Helping Simen Sandnes get the Evergrey gig 
15:00 Being your own promo company
19:00 Why does Silent Skies exist? 
24:00 Listening to the music while driving
27:00 The basic toolkit of talent and chops 
31:30 Falling in love with Dream Theater
36:00 Rediscovering music as you age 
40:00 Looking at music through an arrogant lens
44:00 Walking through the challenges
49:00 The artists we talk about
53:00 Making Schizophrenia accessible 
58:00 Expressing hidden emotions
1:02:00 Drawing what you hear
1:07:30 TED talk by Victor Wooten
1:12:30 Shattering boundaries
1:18:00 The special ability to communicate 
1:22:00 Listening to new music every day
1:26:30 A great boyfriend?
1:30:00 Spiritual cues in life

THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

In 1955, Bill Haley and the Comets 'ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK' tops Billboard, which changes the face of modern music forever.

WEIRD TRIVIA OF THE WEEK:

The UFO thing has really ramped up over previous years, and it seems there is a new oddity every week... even every day. Even though last week was the anniversary of the Roswell incident, I admit to almost constant curiosity. Silent Skies seems to me to be a musical metaphor for 'what's possible' in this world... this universe. Evidence abounds, yet some of it has to be false, but I'm sure, like all things, there is a nugget of truth in finding bodies, etc. What's your take?

SONG OF THE WEEK:

This week, I present Cardinals from UK. They have a new release called Clarity, which came out on Dreambound. If you're like me, you are looking for moody metallic leaning rock... metalcore. Heavy stuff, etc. but it has to have a melodic center. It has to have a competent singer and songwriting that piques my interest. Bands like Cardinals deserve our attention and today, we are going to either react or dream to this, but indeed it's happening. Enjoy!

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I'm a former professional drummer hosting challenging conversations with other artists/creatives about mental health, new music, weekly news, and spiritual truths. My goal is to entertain you and encourage you to enjoy life in healthier ways. The truth is hidden inside every one of us.

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