QUIET STORM – The Music of Dean Aslett – Review and Interview

Quiet Storm is largely the musical vision of vocalist/musician and songwriter Dean Aslett. He started playing piano and organ aged eleven, and as a teenager growing up in the 80’s he absorbed a lot of the popular music that of that era. In 1984, he met John Harlow, who he wrote songs with over the next twenty years, a partnership which ended in 2006.

“SHOW ME” by Quiet Storm VIDEO starring STAR WARS – THE FORCE AWAKENS actress/model Hannah Levitt – Collins.

“SHOW ME” written by Aslett/Emney

This track, Show Me, is a classy piece of 80’s-influenced pop which opens with a subtle rhythmic piano motif and effect-laden vocals, making it effective when the main lead begins. The instantly memorable hook (“Lady show me your love, show me love…”) is sung over a simple four to the floor beat and an atmospheric soundstage of synths, both rhythmic and melodic.

Dean’s vocals are the song’s main focus, with a smooth, easy on the ear croon that brings to mind Simple Minds’ Jim Kerr or Midge Ure from Ultravox. You can hear the influence of both these groups on the music as a whole, as well as shades of Duran Duran, The Human League and other artists of the New Romantic era. By the second chorus the beat has become a full kick and snare, with female backing vocals acting as a counterpoint to Dean’s voice. There is another short section similar to the intro, before driving home the chorus once more.

Overall, this is a very well written and performed song with a strong 80’s influence, but produced in a modern way that makes it contemporary and suitable to take to radio. The 80’s sound has come back in a big way in recent years, so now seems the perfect time to push for success. With a great video to go with the song (starring the British actress/model Hannah Levitt-Collins, soon to feature in the Star Wars film The Force Awakens), it has all the ingredients for a huge hit.

By Alex Faulkner

I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.

Radio Play via Exposed Vocals Broadcast Partners.

Exclusive Interview:

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals?

Quiet Storm: via TWITTER

Exposed Vocals: What made you decide to signup?  
Quiet Storm: To gain QUIET STORM international exposure.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Quiet Storm: Croydon, South London as a child to young adult.
Namely two inspirational albums I listened to as a 15 year old in 1985, Songs From The Big Chair by Tears For Fears/Boys & Girls by Bryan Ferry

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Quiet Storm: I was working a junior assistant (19 years of age 1989 9n Mayfair, London) for Antony Price ( a leading designer to rock stars and VIPs) when Graham Ball, a club promoter came in and invited me to his new club called QUIET STORM. I loved it there. It played eclectic soulful dancy stuff, really cool. Alas, the club closed in 1991but I loved the name and it stuck with me ever since. I have a Daily Express (British Newspaper) interview by David Wigg (showbiz correspondent) who wrote a tiny piece about my band, QUIET STORM in 1992 to prove it if anyone thinks otherwise, as since then a lot of firms use it. I don’t mind, it never stopped OASIS! (there a drinks company called Oasis and ladies’ fashion brand)

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Quiet Storm: If you’re a new act trying to build a profile, you have to get yourself out there. It’s vital. I use SOUNDCLOUD. People have told me the dangers but music sharing has always been there in the ANALOG (pre digital age) as well with bootlegs etc.

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?

Quiet Storm: Take your time to get the best product you can do. Choose your producer wisely for sure!

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Quiet Storm: Not really (TOUCH WOOD) as I only do PAS with live vocals and maybe live guitar.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Quiet Storm: Well my PA performances in Mykonos sometimes incorporate drag queens to help support me!

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Quiet Storm: Well, I always carry a little book, just to catch words, phrases and jot them down. I like to write in the evening mainly as it’s more mysterious and has atmosphere. I write on Garageband on my mac now and just plug a keyboard, drum machine and mic and just groove in to it. The simpler the process to write, the better for me. My guitarist Matt may then come round and we try out a few ideas with him jamming. Sometimes nothing happens but when it does, it usually happens really fast and we can have the outline of a song together (rough sketch) in 5 minutes. I then usually work on the lyrics and refine melody afterwards. But I don’t labour over melodies for too long. If it’s not sounding natural then it is never going to work. Lyrics though can be a real pain and take forever. One song took me 15 years to complete the lyrics!!!

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Quiet Storm: For sure, quietstormusic.com (one “m”)

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Quiet Storm: I don’t have an MP3 player. I’m not a massive fan of the format as it has a tendency to squash/compress the music too much.
But embarrassing songs, I don’t know if it’s embarrassing but the first record I bought as a seven year old child was SILVER LADY by David Soul. LOL!

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Quiet Storm: I am happiest when I am making records so I’d be back in the studio in a heartbeat.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Quiet Storm: Logic pro X mainly now. We are always looking at new equipment. My producer has to hide them from his Mrs (it’s like her hiding Christian Louibiton shoes and Givenchy handbags from him) LOL.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Quiet Storm: I have a wonderful girl, Ellie Wright from Conversari who organised/maintains all my social media platforms and helps me push the record. She’s really tidied it all up and it now looks well, very me – neat, polished and refined LOL!
For SHOW ME, I am personally trying to meet every DJ at every bar, club in Mykonos to get it played.I even gave it to a SuperMarket opposite Mykonos airport because they always play chill out music in there.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Quiet Storm: Oh I don’t know. Probably Modern Talking -they make me smile!!!

Exposed Vocals: So, what�s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Quiet Storm: Well, here’s the scoop, there’s a second single planned for end of July called, “I COULD ALMOST CRY NOW” followed by the album in the Autumn.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Quiet Storm: Probably still working in the dreaded fashion business. Such dreary business now. Not the fun it was in the 80s and 90s.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Quiet Storm: DANCE by GARY NUMAN (I was eleven) and had my first love, a girl called Becky Ley in Summer 1981(she used to write me love letters). I loved that romantic slant to that album. My brother had his previous one, TELEKON, the year before which was a lot darker in tone but still adored also.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Quiet Storm: Just try to be as organised as possible. “Don’t leave to tomorrow what you can do today!”

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?

Quiet Storm: QUIET STORM – THE ALBUM