The Sketchbook I is my first release under the wings of Sonic-E-Scapes.

 

To reflect the raw material the first series of songs by Sonic-E-Scapes represent, they are merely titled “Sketches”, and the album is, therefore, nothing but a collection of Sketches, i.e. a Sketchbook.

 

The starting point of any Sketch starts with the awe and discovery of a sonic sensation, a tonality, an inherent movement that inspires to craft a sonic soundscape. Awe, sound and inspiration may lead to a Sketch. However, the main aim of any further step in the creative process is and remains to protect the innocence, protect the randomness, celebrate the surprises and discoveries – all essential ingredients of this first creative stage. The hardest part is to self-impose restrictions to all songwriting instincts that would - if not retained- neutralize and destroy the stardust that may flow and breathe in an initial Sketch. Any further addition to an initial soundscape is to be applied carefully and in full restraint protecting the essence, the magic and initial sonic qualities – all in order to retain the initial driving energy.

 

By fighting the long applied intrusive instincts of a songwriter, the creative process is directed to discover the full energy and potentials of the sounds and allow this sound to breathe the full beauty embraced by the silence to which the soundscape is invited to join in.  Sonic-E-Scapes invites the listeners to embrace the soundscapes as a sonic soundtrack to their own respective momentary reality.

 

Now that the first Sketches are ready to be shared with you, the outcome shows that - despite my ambient mood and mind-set in their making - I remain still influenced by my DNA as a songwriter, particularly my deep roots in progressive rock. This may explain the musical language of Sketchbook I somewhere between pure Ambient and Cinematic / Neo-Classic music. 

 

This project would not have been possible without exceptional musical instruments such as my personalized ARK Guitars (made by my good friend Andy Margharitis), my Korg Wavestate and Korg Modwave; my beloved Sequential OB6 and all my 2‘000 of VST sounds. Particular thanks go to Marc Barnes, Marco Meier, Dirk Rhode; Ian Dixon (and many more) who have crafted so carefully and professionally marvelous sound-presets which became the basis for my further sound-crafting towards what is now part of this project.

 

But, first and foremost, thanks go to my dear friend Felix Müller (FM-Studio) who with endless patience has introduced me to the world and skills of recording and producing and was a hugely important mentor during the entire creative process. Also, Claudio Muso from Sony Center gave me a robust introduction, guidance and assistance into Video-Production allowing me to complete my Sonic-E-Scapes sketches with a visual language which suites my own thoughts when diving into this musical galaxy. Finally, last but not least, great thanks to Sophie Aigner and Michelle von Ziegler for their support in the set-up of all on-line and social media content and format!