While some may argue that the line between fantasy and reality is blurred, the fact is that there are times where they overlap and today we introduce you to a project where that is exactly the case. Originating from the USA but currently calling New Zealand home, Parabola West is back with new music with ‘Hannah’, the lead track from her forthcoming album ‘Stars Will Light the Way’. This is a mesmerizing ethereal tale of the thin veil between the physical and spiritual worlds and recalls Dead Can Dance’s rendition of ‘I Am Stretched On Your Grave’. Dark and deep, haunting and intriguing, rooted in a sound full of tradition and ancient soul. With a certain mystical element to it, The mood is heightened by the use of the medieval hurdy-gurdy and the haunting Swedish folk instrument Nyckelharpa. ·
Slated for release on April 29, this highly creative artist (real name Amy Tucker West) will not settle for just releasing this album digitally. Although it will be available on CD for those just wishing to have the disc, she will also be releasing a special limited edition deluxe package that includes the CD with a 48-page hardcover fantasy book of lyrics and images. Exclusive indeed, limited to 100 copies – a unique artistic offering that sees the artist transformed into a different character to represent each song – Features: Frozen Heart, Haunted Hannah, Moon Witch, Sky Painter, Melancholy Mermaid, Dreaming Dryad, Winged Warrior, Memory Mirror, Steampunk Sorceress, Flower Girls, and Nephilim’s Daughter.
Parabola West is the artist persona of New Zealand-based American singer & songwriter Drawing inspiration from Celtic and Nordic folk, as well as electronica, her organic sound is a lush soundscape of layered melodies and piano with a dash of fantasy. Parabola West released her debut ‘Did You Hear?’ EP in 2014. More recently, she also released the single ‘No One Can Get Me Here’.
This is the soundtrack of Middle-Earth, mixed in with elements of Loreena McKennitt and female-fronted synthpop / indietronica. Living completely off-grid in an eco-home up a misty mountain, Parabola West is entirely self and fan-funded as a 100% independent artist with no label affiliation.
“‘Hannah’ was a song that came to me very quickly. It started out as a very sparse arrangement, but there was this brooding energy and spooky intensity around it. I had a strong visual of this character Hannah in my head, and it was as close to being haunted as I’ve ever experienced,” says Amy Tucker West.
Originally from Springfield, MA (near Boston) and currently based in Raglan, New Zealand, Amy began songwriting on piano as a teenager and, at age 21, she was recruited into London-based trip-hop band Dreamfield. With two critically acclaimed releases to their credit before splitting in 2003, West relocated to New Zealand, taking a 10-year break from music to work in IT and engineering recruitment, returning to her musical roots in 2013 under the moniker Parabola West.
The concept behind ‘Stars Will Light the Way’ is a multisensory experience – a feast for your ears, eyes, and energy. Each track was recorded at 432Hz to create healing frequencies within the soundscapes, and a visual character was created for each song to enhance the experience.
Amy Tucker West explains, “This album has been collecting inside of me for a long time, and across a lot of different emotions. I didn’t realise it as I was writing the songs, but there is a theme that emerges about the night sky and trying to find your way in the dark.”
Produced by Scott Newth (The Datsuns, System Corporation) at BLKHUS studio and co-produced by Andrew Newth, this album was mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studio.
On April 29, Parabola West ‘Stars Will Light the Way’ will be released everywhere digitally, including Spotify and Apple Music. While the download can be pre-ordered via Bandcamp, the deluxe package is available exclusively throughher Paraboland store at https://bit.ly/38wxXFh. Digitally, it can also be pre-saved or pre-added on various platforms at https://bit.ly/3Kqzs66
CREDITS
Produced by Scott Newth at BLKHUS studio
Co-produced by Andrew Newth
Mastered by Chris Chetland at KOG Studio
All songs written, arranged, and performed by Parabola West
Rachel Moxham on violin (New Moon)
Nathan Bregmen on percussion (No One Can Get Me Here)
Alex Slap on flute (Calling Your Name, No One Can Get Me Here, The Best Thing)
Adam Casey on hurdy gurdy, nyckelharpa, and timpani (Hannah), Scott Newth on additional keys and drum programming
Andrew Newth on additional keys and programming.
Video produced by Andy Duggan
Photography by Trinitynavar
