This is a metaphorical roadmap of RITUAL, which is a ceremonial piece that plays continuously over 8 parts. I quite enjoyed imagining a story behind the music, and am sharing it here to provide some landmarks for the journey ahead.
part i - altar
people enter the space, and prepare it. candles are lit, participants are moving around, finding places to settle. objects of importance are placed carefully. someone begins a low chant. candles are lit. there is a sense of anticipation, but also a need for grounding. intentions are set and the Ritual is ready to begin.
part ii - palace / illusion
something starts happening, something blossoms. there is a sense of creation, of glittering innocence. a realm where anything is possible. melodies from all around you start to form a sonic palace, or maybe a machine where everything works in perfect symmetry. energetically, this is a bit of a ‘red herring’ section, an illusion. it gives no indication of the mountain we have to climb later. but this is nourishment.. something to build our strength.
part iii - transcend / lament
this is a kind of swansong. the end of escapism and simplicity. a sadness towards the end. musically, the focus shifts to the string section. i recorded many bowed harmonics to create a layered and constantly shifting space, which Vylana’s vocals could then move through.
my oldest friend and main RITUAL collaborator Dan (7RAYS) adds - There is a poignant and beautiful sadness in becoming aware that certain elements of your life must be let go of, to set yourself free - this is in parts both painful and uplifting.
part iv - the veil
the veil falls, and we settle into the drone that carries us through until the end. time to get serious, no more fucking about. we are reminded as we embark on this journey that you can't achieve anything without doing the work. i had an image in my mind here. this is like sailing down a river. we can see vast clouds ahead and know we are sailing directly into a storm. do we have the grit and determination to continue? percussion starts to become more prominent, and melody fades.
part v - evocation
so, back to those figures who entered the space at the start. those who began this Ritual. attempts are made to open a portal. the portal will not open until all the conditions are correct. the machines they are using feel like they could go off the rails. too much unbalanced energy can ultimately destroy everything, and they can feel the danger here.
Dan adds :
The Ritual machine emerges here. Where did it come from and what shall it do? It seems ancient yet futuristic, creaking and hissing, well-used over time, but growing like a plant. It hypnotises us and draws us ever deeper.
Finally the portal is successfully opened.
The portal is an oscillation that grows endlessly and will cleanse the energy of the participants. However, before cleansing and rebirth, there must be destruction of the elements that are no longer needed. The behaviours, habits and energies that linger from an outdated time.
part vi - solar goddess return
through the portal comes the return of the divine feminine to its rightful place, guiding and balancing the universe. unstoppably powerful. cosmic order is restored, transcendence and the next phase of evolution can begin.
part vii - dissolution
a respite. wind quietly blows through trees, we get some time to reflect, ears and hearts get a rest. we have no body in this moment. pure consciousness waiting to manifest as form again?
part viii - nothing is lost
infinite forgiveness and love. in the end the reality of life is just small moments. sitting quietly, a cat purring at your feet. i just had a desire to leave the listener safe and warm.
