Review – Quiet Storm’s ‘Beautiful Chaos’
Quiet Storm, the moniker of Dean Aslett, has released a new single this last week, ‘Beautiful Chaos.’ The piece is an atmospheric endeavor through intense emotions and poignant production. Before we delve into the tune, though, let’s learn a bit about Aslett’s body of work and Quiet Storm…
Quiet Storm is one of Aslett’s later collaborations, one that began nearly a decade ago with John Harlow, Aslett’s musical partner. Since 2006, however, Aslett has forged the way with the stage name without Harlow, and thus, the project seems to be his creative baby more than anything. From Roxy Music to Neil Young, Aslett boasts an impressively diverse set of influences. All of those are abundantly apparent on ‘Beautiful Chaos.’
‘Beautiful Chaos’ seems to defy genre, at least, to some degree. There’s electronic influence, soul vibes, and pop sensibility scattered throughout. What begins as a sparse piano piece evolves into a multi-faceted soundscape of electronic musings and haunting composition. The lyricism is incredibly good as well, and it is paired with a remarkable music video.
I actually need to devote a paragraph to talk about this music video. I cringe at most independent music videos; they’re generally terrible. Man, though; this one is solid. Directed by Dan Hagon, this distressingly emotional video is one of the best independent videos I’ve ever seen. I ended up spinning the video half a dozen times to dissect it for myself, and I’d argue it’s one of those pieces that’ll mean something slightly different for each viewer.
‘Beautiful Chaos’ is quite literally beautiful chaos. The hodgepodge of influence works majestically well, crafting a sound that’s wholly unique and immensely enjoyable. Aslett is an incredible talent, and if ‘Beautiful Chaos’ is indicative of the rest of the new Quiet Storm project, very good things are in store for his fans.
By Brett Stewart
I’m a professional writer and editor, a journalism major, and I have extensive experience in musical review. I worked for two years as the Editor & Chief of an arts magazine, Strike Magazine, where I worked closely with writers and musicians. Through this, I was able to interact with dozens of acts including Heart, Holly Williams, Robert Cray, John Hiatt, and more. The magazine printed thousands of issues and was even recognized by Rolling Stone’s founder, Jann Wenner.
Exclusive Interview with Dean:
Exposed Vocals: Welcome back, Dean! We’ve got a lot to cover so let’s get right to it. For a musician that is teetering on the line between upcoming and successful, how do you feel about your tracks “I Could Almost Cry” and “Show Me” being played alongside Tayler Swift and Ed Sheeran, both with very strong chart positions in the U.S and the U.K?
Dean Aslett: I’m thrilled to know that my music is being aired amongst today’s most popular and biggest current selling artists globally. A dream come true!!!
Exposed Vocals: Let’s talk about your new single “Beautiful Chaos” due out in Mid-October! This is exciting news, what can you tell us about it?
Dean Aslett: We wrote it back in 2011. The initial recorded version was very different to the version you are hearing now. In fact, it’s become an entirely different song. No matter how much I liked it, I always felt the original version had a very traditional rock song structure like something from the late ’70s. It did begin to jarr on me. It eventually became apparent that the song didn’t fit in with what I was doing now, although I knew it was very strong melodically. It then evolved (like so many of my songs) over a long period of time.
When I finally gave the song to my producer Steve Emney to work on it, (I had been working on it on and off for around 3 years) he played inversions of the verse chords which altered it to such a degree that it inspired me to come up with a new lead vocal line and lyrics. This naturally gave a different emphasis to the chorus which has also now changed quite dramatically. It’s a different record now. However, the message is still the same –
The song is about looking back on a doomed relationship but with vivid colourful memories.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you want to be with your music career in the next five years?
Dean Aslett: I just want to be in a position where I can continue making records comfortably. However, I would also love to be globally revered and adored by women all over the planet! I wouldn’t mind if the men gave me a second look as well!
Exposed Vocals: When I interview songwriters, I often ask them to quote a song lyric that means something to them. It can be quite revealing. Something you’ve written or anything else that comes to mind?
Dean Aslett: A lyric by Vinnie Reilly of the Durutti Column, “you don’t say what you mean, you don’t mean what you say”. Never a truer a word spoken, that’s for sure and one that has haunted for me for years!
Of my own lyrics, they also tend to come from the heart. I would never commit to paper otherwise. Far too embarrassing! Whilst an inspirational and instant lyric is fantastic when it works, I tend to spend a lot of time thinking about lyrics before committing to paper. I am drawn to vivid or lucid imagery in my lyrics.
I suppose I did read quite a lot when I was younger, the classics – Keats, Wordsworth, Dickens, TS Elliot – there’s a richness to the English language that is very romantic. There’s a song I wrote called “You Make Me Feel Alone”. The song didn’t make it in the end on this album but it maybe on the next release. I was very pleased how the lyrics turned out for that one. They also took me a long time to complete -15 years eventually! A relief to have completed them.
Exposed Vocals: Let’s talk about your November 2nd Album release. What can we expect?
Dean Aslett: It is my first album release. I think it’s important that it sets out emotionally where I am and how I feel as person now, which I think it does. It’s a very emotionally driven record and whilst the first few singles are aimed for the dance floor, I like to think there’s a touch of melancholy to those releases. The melancholic mood continues as the theme for the album – so it’s important. It may surprise people that the record isn’t strictly uptempo. There’s some slower tracks on the album and also some much darker stuff as well for sure.
It was always my intention was to have a record tailored for the island of Mykonos. I did finish another album of original songs back in February of this year. I was really pleased with it but it was a bit obscure, not really commercial. I took a break in Devon back in the UK and then started recording again with producer Jack Ruston in Brighton UK during the Spring. By that time, the sound was really evolving into something a lot more immediate. It just evolved over a period of time. I then moved the project to Malta where my current producer Steve Emney is based. The sound evolved again and some of the songs from Mykonos and Brighton have ended up on the new album but again, they have changed as to where they were to where they are now with some new songs added in to the mix as well. I enjoyed working in different locations whilst making the record. It kept me stimulated and the changing environments rejuvenated me and spurred me on.
Exposed Vocals: As your music career has progressed – is there anything that you regret not doing?
Dean Aslett: I was in a songwriting partnership with a lifelong friend for years and years. The friendship side of things seriously stopped the music from progressing past our mid twenties. Relationships, marriage, business, divorces and the usual suspects… all played a part in this. It was only when I started working on the music on my own that it’s become a lot more my serious and has now has became my career. Better late then never!
Exposed Vocals: What skills/personal attributes do you feel are most important to being a successful musician?
Dean Aslett: Determination is the vital ingredient. I am always very excited when writing a song, so yes,it’s the energy you bring to it as well.
Exposed Vocals: There is something very special about working from the ground up and building your career slowly so that it is strong and long-lasting in the future. Do you agree with this or have a different formula?
Dean Aslett: Yes I do agree wholeheartedly. Whether it’s writing songs or recording them, I’ve always been knitting away in the background. Many people were unaware I have been making music for all this time (30 years) or if they were aware, thought I had given up on making music a long time ago…
I’m a firm believer that thing happen for reason. I’ve tortured myself for decades thinking what would have happened if my music had become a success a lot earlier. But as they say, hindsight is 20/20 vision. To be honest, I doubt if I would have handled it that well…I’ve seen what can happen now and I am lot more cautious, wary of various aspects of the business…
Exposed Vocals: I strongly feel like most artists need to spend less time looking at what others are doing – if you set your own trajectory then you will be right on schedule. Do you agree that “comparing” yourself to other musicians is a mistake? What are your thoughts on this?
Dean Aslett: I can only speak for myself on this. I would say that it’s important to follow your heart and gut instinct. Many people have told me over the years, why don’t you write a dance hit? Why don’t you write for a BoyBand? Why don’t you appear on The X Factor? From my point of view, you have to do what you feel is right for yourself. I firmly believe if you believe in what you do, you will eventually succeed no matter how bizarre what you are doing may seem!
Exposed Vocals: Personally, I feel that connections are very important. I always try to be aware of who’s around me and the first impressions I give people. What is the importance of the connections you make? How do you utilize them?
Dean Aslett: Well, if you’re going to promote something independently, you have to try and utilise every connection (no matter how important or insignificant). I’m a firm believer that if you throw enough mud at a wall, something’s gonna stick!
Exposed Vocals: It’s hard to start a business relationship within regards to promotional services or exposure outlets. For me, the best way to gauge someone’s credibility is to ask someone else who has worked with them. How do you avoid scams or being ripped off? There seems to be more and more shady services popping up and taking advantage of unsigned or indie musicians.
Dean Aslett: Well, you can always Google for negative feedback regarding the “firm” offering the service. That is what I tend to do.
Exposed Vocals: As for artists who are just entering the game, there is alot of work to be done. You will feel like you are working your butt off any getting nothing in return…maybe for years. But eventually, if you are working hard and consistent, you will begin to see payoff. Do you agree with this? What would you say to musicians just entering music world?
Dean Aslett: P A T I E N C E. When you do make it, everyone will say “you’re an overnight sensation!” LOL!!!
Exposed Vocals: Is there anything else that you’d like to add before we wrap this up?
Dean Aslett: I am heavily involved promoting the new album for the rest of the year and early next. However, I do envisage another album for the end of 2016. Hopefully, it will be a short sprint. Still dancy but I also want it be a bit more rockier and incorporate a few cover versions as well. Any suggestions? Answers on a postcard please!
