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Exclusive Interview With Vincent Poag, The Man Behind Masquerade [LP]

Vincent Poag’s multiple releases have been watched millions of times on YouTube, with “America,” “Stress,” and “This Christmas.” His latest album, Masquerade, is bound to follow a similar trajectory. We had the chance to chat with Vincent about his latest album, upcoming projects and more!

First of all, we really want to congratulate you on the release of the album Masquerade. What drove you to release such a vast genre collection?

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Thank you. Many of these songs were already in the works. I usually develop the songs/ideas as they come to me. Some are prompted by feelings, others by events. In the last two years we had challenges to our country’s freedoms, a presidential election, and an insurrection, all amidst a worldwide pandemic which closed down and changed all of our lives.  Talk about food for thought…Thus the songs “America”, “La La” and “How Lucky Am I.” “America” is a love song for our great country which I felt had lost its way. “La La” is a satirical, perhaps ironic, look at life as well as the heroes through this pandemic. “How Lucky Am I” is just about appreciation of being alive.

We see that the piano, among other instruments, truly shined on this album. Why is that?

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Most of these songs were written on piano. I decided to try to learn to play piano just before the pandemic to stimulate my ears to new sounds. I only took a few lessons before everything closed down. Nevertheless, this expanded my hearing to new creative ideas. If I could play I’d really be dangerous.  Fortunately my talented conductor/arranger Kathy Sommer is an accomplished pianist who performed and expanded upon the simple songs/melodies I had written on piano.

The names of the albums are truly interesting. What was the thought process behind each name? Do they have a connection to one another?

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Let’s see, “Circling back” my first album was my foray back to music and songwriting which I had abandoned years ago to make a living and support my family. “For the Girls”, this one’s dedicated to the girls. How much of what men do is for the girls? Much of what I did was, but I can only speak for myself. We also had some beautiful violinists play on that album.  “Heroes and Demons” refers to the continuing struggle between good and evil. The songs on that album travel to many personal places. I think my song “And the Ocean Rolls” sums it up. “Masquerade ” the title of this album is taken from one of my songs on that album “La La” which resonates with me but doesn’t seem to appeal to anyone else I’ve played it for. Ha. It’s also a play on this new “masked” era. I think all the albums are unique. The only common thread is me.

Tell us more about the design behind the album cover. We see a lot of colors and monuments happening

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It’s all a comical depiction of these last two years of isolation. The artwork was a process. The initial attempts were not artistic enough. We ultimately decided to hire a cartoonist and gave them specific visuals to work with. After a few rounds of new ideas we signed off on it. Comedy can be an effective therapy. We could all use more laughter.

How would you say this latest album differs from your first one “Circling Back”?

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My first recordings were simpler, mostly me on guitar in one session. We brought in a few other musicians for a few additional sessions. These songs were expanded upon by Kathy Sommer. My knowledge of musical arrangements, instruments and orchestrations has grown exponentially, allowing me to experiment with different genres. I prefer not to be pigeon-holed into one category.

How do you think your musical upbringing—being born in the 50’s—differs from other new musicians today?

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I was a fan of standards, Broadway musicals, the 50’s AM radio rock and roll, then the 60’s FM radio generation of singer-songwriters. I was certainly inspired by Bob Dylan, The Beatles and all the great singer-songwriters. I believe we are all influenced by the times we grow up in, by what we’re exposed to and what we gravitate to.

What artists have influenced you the most and you can truly see their mark on your work today?

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Too many to count. Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Tom Waits, the Standards, Broadway and so many more.

Are there any upcoming projects on the horizon?

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I’m always working on new material. Mostly, I just can’t wait to get back to being free to resume a normal social life. We’re getting there. We’ll get there.

Vincent Poag links: InstagramYouTubeSpotifyWebsite 

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Artist Spotlight

“An Invite” by Carmen Braden stirs an ethereal sonic ode of memory woven in empowering choice

Carmen Braden

There’s a cinematic feel to “An Invite,” the second single from acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Carmen Braden’s new album, ‘A Hard Light,’ offers an enchanting amalgamation of sound and emotion. This stunning track encapsulates the feeling of looking back on a significant moment in life, eliciting a sentiment of nostalgia intertwined with the strength derived from choices that ultimately define our identities.

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The song features a distinctive marimba melody, which Carmen created in collaboration with producer Mark Adam. This introductory sensibility set the stage for a narrative centered on a young woman grappling with essential decisions while being distant from home. The composition evocatively highlights the gravity of those moments and the empowerment they can facilitate, allowing listeners to revisit a personal memory in conjunction with Carmen’s experience.

Carmen’s vocal delivery is spooky yet beautiful, making it feel like she’s sharing a personal tale from the past. She works alongside Cas Palmer from Nova Scotia, creating a warm, friendly vibe that resembles an honest, heartfelt conversation, mirroring the intimate dialogue accompanying profound decision-making. The marimba’s consistent rhythmic beat underscores the cyclical essence of memory while integrating diverse musical styles, generating an enjoyable auditory experience that is both calming and energizing.

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Each note reflects her experiences, celebrating vulnerability and courage in the face of life’s crossroads. This song invites listeners to reflect on the importance of our choices and the strength we possess, especially during uncertain times. “An Invite” showcases Carmen Braden’s exceptional talent by merging storytelling with an innovative soundscape. For anyone who has faced difficult decisions, this track is relatable, eye-opening, and profoundly impactful.

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For more information about Carmen Braden, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Carmen Braden’s An Invite on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Carmen Braden | Instagram | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Remy Reilly Brings Soulful Fire in New Anthem ‘Dirty Work’

Remy Reilly

With every notice she sings, Remy Reilly makes you experience like she’s lived one hundred lives, and her ultra-modern launch, “Dirty Work,” isn’t any exception. Reilly’s one-of-a-kind pop-rock sound paired with her uncooked, soulful vocals makes “Dirty Work” an emotional rollercoaster that doesn’t let you off till you’ve confronted every bit of ache from past relationships—and come out more potent on the other facet.

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“Dirty Work” is a candid confessional, deepening into the aftermath of betrayal. Reilly’s lyrics, steeped in vulnerability and self-reflection, explore the fear of intimacy and the relentless questions we ask ourselves after being harmed: “Am I enough?” “Will I ever be enough?” Her honesty creates a poignant reference to anybody who has discovered themselves lost in self-doubt and insecurity. But it’s now not all bleak—Reilly crafts an anthem of resilience, showcasing her journey to reclaim her self-confidence after heartbreak.

The effective manufacturing from John Pedigo at Modern Electric Sound Recorders enhances Reilly’s narrative superbly, enveloping her raspy, emotional delivery with a soundscape that propels her message forward. Each notice appears like a step taken towards the last purpose of self-attractiveness and personal empowerment. Todd Pipes’ studying of “Dirty Work” is the final contact that gives this tune its polished side, making it now not just a tune but an experience.

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Whether you’re restoring from a past date or, in reality, want a reminder of your very own strength, “Dirty Work” hits its subjects. Remy Reilly’s honesty, vulnerability, and unapologetic resilience are precisely what we need to close out the 12 months—proof that even if others fail us, the work we do on ourselves is never in vain.

 

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