Shut Your Eyes – Philip Sheppard’s new Album: I am thrilled to announce the release of my latest album, “Shut Your Eyes.” It’s been a while since my last album! I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for postclassical music and electronica with you through this collection of seven tracks recorded with my friends at Abbey Road Studios. Each piece is an expression of my love for music and my unwavering dedication to my craft. This album was created with my friends at Audio Network – and if you sign up… you can download it from them for free!
Shut Your Eyes
One of the highlights of the album is the titular track, “Shut Your Eyes,” which has been described by critics as a “mesmerizing piece” and a “lullaby that feels like undulating waves across a sea of sleep.” To capture a sense of ebb and flow, I asked the musicians to breathe extra deeply while recording this track. As musicians, we are often inclined to hold our breath in..! The result is a hauntingly beautiful playing that I hope will take you on a journey to the deepest recesses of your subconscious.
Rain Begins
Another favourite track is “Rain Begins,” which has been lauded for its “gentle ode to a pastoral landscape that incorporates an electronic bouncing pattern in the background.” This fusion of genres is just one of the ways that I strive to push the boundaries of classical music and create a unique sound that is entirely my own. This trip hop vibe is deeply inspired by my work with UNKLE.
Walking in the Lodge
“Walking in the Lodge” is piece that tries to capture the feeling of awakening to the smell of jasmine and honeysuckle on the morning breeze. The use of long glissandi tunes, created through experimenting with writing solos entirely from slides, adds an uneasy ethereal quality to the track.
The Dock On The Lake
“The Dock On The Lake” is an attempt to paint glass-like water disturbed by the smallest ripples in an inspiring landscape. The use of a cycle of 5ths in the harmonic structure is thought to provoke a positive physiological reaction in listeners, which I hope makes this track the perfect antidote to a stressful day.
Komorebi Sunburst
“Komorebi Sunburst” takes its inspiration from the Japanese word for the effect of sunlight on – and through – leaves. This delicate and intricate piece showcases my love of soundscapes, and nature at balance with the weather.
Amber Sky
“Amber Sky” was inspired by a hike I took in Montana and captures the colour of twilight as day turns to night, with a melody designed for dreams.
I Give You This Earth
Finally, “I Give You This Earth” offers a contemplative journey through the rotating night sky, dotted with satellites and little meteors. I’ve been fascinated with space since working with the Apollo astronauts on my first movie – In the Shadow of the Moon
in conclusion….
I hope that “Shut Your Eyes” is a serene and contemplative experience for you. As one reviewer put it, “put on your headphones, close your eyes, and let the music take you away.” I hope this album will transport you to another world and leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
For those interested, the album is available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. [Links to Philip Sheppard Shut Your Eyes Album] Thank you for taking the time to read about my latest work, and I am deeply grateful for your support.
See below for a live performance of part of the album.
In short: Shut Your Eyes – Philip Sheppard’s album – Multiple Emmy and Grammy-nominee Philip Sheppard shares a hybrid orchestral set spanning moods from pensive to optimistic. Joining a mix of plucked and legato strings are synths, piano, harp, electronic patterns and minimal tuned percussion.
