Music Review – The Basque Prince – The Lonely Queen
The Basque prince is an artist in many ways, a photographer as well as a song writer and musician, and this creative nature is evident throughout this particular song. It’s an unusual track in a number of ways, partly the way in which the whole thing has a fairly haunting sound and presentation to it, yet there’s this comforting kind of wonder in there, this strange kind of beauty in the softness and the lyrical exploration. The music itself is fairly gentle, but with the occasional sound or moment where everything seems a little darker, more intense, and this effect actually builds and builds as the track progresses. The lead vocal seems to spiral down this chaotic path of sound and rhythm, disappearing almost into the abyss of thought and reflective poetry. The sound becomes distorted, the vocal maintains it’s peaceful expression and the simplistic vocal effect, but everything together continues to become darker and more piercing.
Spotify:
https://play.spotify.com/track/0LohJTlm15i3qTSaXmwyov
Apple Music:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-lonely-queen-single/id1089838248?i=1089838253
TIDAL:
http://tidal.com/#!/track/57943942
The experimentation within the music and the sound is hugely unique, the vocal part too, plus the break towards the very end gives you room to actually sit back and think more deeply about the whole thing. I really like the way the vocal is placed within the track, it has the effect of being like a sort of narrative alongside this intense musical story or piece of art. The feeling of loneliness is hugely apparent from the very beginning, a strange effect, but really quite powerful. The creativity and the freedom within the recording reminded me of the earlier days of Placebo, the exploration and the newness, the poetry too. There are some real moments of beauty and absolution in the track, some real sounds of optimism, but they are fleeting – they don’t last, the darkness returns, without blatantly altering the chord progression or the melody lines of any of the instruments or voices involved. It’s a clever effect, really unusual, really quite compelling to listen to. It’s the kind of track that would fit well in some breakthrough new movie or short, artistic film. The art is the key, this work has been created by means of thought and passion and artistic freedom, and it achieves it’s uniqueness and originality without question.
By Rebecca Cullen
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
The Basque Prince: I grew up in South Florida. I learned to play the keyboard when I was 10. There have always been certain melodies and chords that resonate sonically with me, and I try to express that in my music. I started off with BMI as a songwriter and composer. I wrote the lyrics to ‘The Lonely Queen’ in about 10 minutes from a spark of creativity, which I experience frequently. Originally, I went through with recording the song as a demo with the idea of having someone else in mind from the industry singing it, but in the end I decided it would be best releasing it myself.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
The Basque Prince: To be honest I never knew what my heritage or ethnic background consisted of in my family, you know, so I ended up doing multiple DNA tests. It turns out that my heritage is mostly Basque. So, naturally, when I found that out I told a few friends, and they responded with calling me “The Basque Prince” in a joking manner. I absolutely love the Basque Country and I have a lot of respect for the people, language and ideals.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
The Basque Prince: Online music sharing? There’s a difference between streaming and sharing. I don’t agree with sharing unless it’s material that you know has some type of potential value, in terms of the content of the song or something. In general, just no….
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
The Basque Prince: You never know what can happen! Keep your eyes open and your chin up high.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
The Basque Prince: I always get my inspiration and creativity either in the studio or at the beach. It’s a weird mix. Usually after the beach I’ll be in that creative but calm thought process where the creative juices flow naturally. The ocean, sand and sun soothe me and put my inspiration at an all time high.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
The Basque Prince: I have my website, thebasqueprince.me which I still use. I originally had a photography blog using this name, so you can see some of my work there. You can also find me on facebook by typing in my name. Follow me on instagram @thebasqueprince
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
The Basque Prince: Everything mid-late 90’s playlists. It’s my go-to music when I’m having a horrible day, haha.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
The Basque Prince: Wow I feel flabbergasted to even consider that….dead or alive? That’s a tough call.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
The Basque Prince: I have my second song coming out this week, called ‘Rendezvous’. It’s a little bit different than the first song, but I hope people like it!
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
The Basque Prince: More songs that I have written and recorded! I hope my listeners and fans find the music interesting and enjoy it.
