SoundClick artist: The Lower Third - A wide array of sounds combining dark electro ,ethereal, alternative/goth rock.

The Lower Third is James Crane, a visual artist who has been composing music with assorted music software on the computer since early 2003....in 2005 and early 2006, he developed and completed material for his first CD.
Coming from various reviewers, the album has been considered warm and organic, a blend of retro and modern, from 70's-esque ambient analog synth pieces to rhythmic new wave/electro dirges with comparisons to Bowie's "Crystal Japan" early Pink Floyd and Jean Micheal Jarre. Comprised of many genres of music, most notably dark ambient - ethereal and alternative/gothic rock, the majority of the sound is instrumentaly energenic & dreamy, with "take you away to another time and place" resonances, creating a spiritual "trip" full of flights of fancy for the listener. In addition to the ethereal instrumental sound are songs which are rock oriented, all with shaded toned lyrics examining the fundamentaly murky nature of the human condition. The work is ever evolving, moving in many directions with priority given to dark emotional soundscapes which will be the core element for the forthcoming CD.

Do you play live?

Since I compose all my music with computer, with the exception of additional guitar and keyboards ,do not produce a live show .

How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?

It has changed the music industry immensly since in the not so distant past ,only bands or individuals who could afford studio time had the opportunity to produce an album whereas now anyone who produces music of any sort is capable of uploading their sound onto assorted websites where the intention to gain an audience which can be listened to worldwide is possible.....

Would you sign a record contract with a major label?

Probably not, for once you have signed with major labels come situations where most aspects of your music are out of your hands and I much prefer the ability to be in control of my work...

Band History:

I've played guitar in my teens and twenties, been working with music software since 2003..near the beginning of 2005, I became serious about getting my sound heard which resulted in my first CD release, the self titled "The Lower Third" in January of 2006.

Your influences?

My influences are widely varied from the sounds of the city at night, the many voices of nature, surrealistically exaggerated and soundtracks of thriller-horror movies. As for other musicians, the jazzy improvisational sounds of Frank Zappa and Jean Luc Ponty, the new age artists such as Kitaro and the Windam Hill musicians, the electronics of Ultravox, Depeche Mode, Brian Eno, the darker tones of Midnight Syndicate, Dead Can Dance, Aphex Twin, The Cure, guitarists such as Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai and the genius of Pagannini and David Bowie.

Favorite spot?

There is a place deep in the mountains which I feel I can call my own..to reach it involves a 5-6 mile hike where I camp for a week or two and enjoy the wonders of Mother nature. It is stimulating , isolating and provides me with an escape from the chaos and destruction of todays society....

Equipment used:

Reason 2.5, Acid 6.0, Sound Forge, a host of other computer software devices, a gibson SG, an Edirol PC-50 keyboard as well as soundbytes taken from nature, my own voice and numerous things I find which make interesting sounds.

Anything else...?

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