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.
This track, I Could Almost Cry Now, is a mid paced pop/dance track that is quite an epic at over five minutes, but justifies its length easily as the music builds gradually throughout the song. Starting with Dean’s distinctive vocals and piano, it progresses to a sparse verse of a four to the floor kick drum, hi hat and deep, pulsing bass.
Dean has a warm, charismatic and distinctive voice that gives the music a strong sonic identity. Singing in the lowest part of his range for the verse, he switches to an octave higher for the song’s main vocal hook, ‘Where was your heart when I needed it most?,‘ which makes for a good contrast with the verse. Around the two minute mark a full beat develops, and Dean is joined by some soulful female vocals that compliment his voice well. After the track breaks down briefly it builds up for an uplifting final minute, with all the song’s elements coming together.
Overall, this is a very strong pop/dance track that ticks every possible box in terms of commercial potential, perfect to take to radio (though a shorter version might increase chances of airplay) and an ideal track to try to get played in clubs. To my ears, it sounds like a huge hit in the making, possibly worldwide.
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.
Listen to “I could almost Cry” being played on Kiss 104.7 FM
Exclusive Interview:
Exposed Vocals: First, let me say welcome back for round two with EV. Let’s talk about your new track “I could Almost Cry”. What was your inspiration behind that?
Dean: It actually began life back in 1993 as a song called, “Nowhere”. There was another verse that had this lyric in it but I was never really 100% sure about it and we eventually discarded it. The song evolved over a long period and was rerecorded numerous times. I completed a more rock version of the song about 6 years ago with veteran producer Nick Tauber (Thin Lizzy, Toni Bazil,Spear of Destiny) & Jack Ruston but it never saw the light of day. I always loved that version but we wanted to go in a more dancer direction this year so it was remodelled again. Mind you, I’m very happy with it now for sure.
Exposed Vocals: Your video is starring “Star Wars – The Force Awakens” actress/model, Hannah Levitt – Collins. Why her?
Dean: Working with Hannah the first time for the video of SHOW ME was such a pleasure. Hannah is really hardworking, polite and above all professional. I think she’s definitely going places, that one! I used her again because I loved it in the 80s when bands like Duran Duran would use the same model again in a video. They did it Save a Prayer and Lonely in Your Nightmare. And of course, Bryan Ferry used Jerry Hall a lot in his early videos. I think that kind of continuity really works and people not only recognise you for your music but your style of video.
Exposed Vocals: How’d you end up with hooking up with Hannah for this video?
Dean: It was pure luck. Hannah was only available for 1 day to film so I had to hop back on a plane from Greece pretty quickly. It was quite a stressful few days as the original location fell through and then we had to wait for confirmation of Hannah and a new location. Logistic nightmare but we got through it so I can’t complain. Mind you, I didn’t half look a wreck afterwards. LOL!
Exposed Vocals: We’ve done quite a few national and international radio plays for you here on Kiss FM and the feedback from the programmers are pretty much the same. They all love your music. How does that make you feel given the amount of work you put into production?
Dean: It’s very humbling actually. Hearing it on the radio and the acceptance it has had is a great thrill. It’s also a relief. We spend a lot of time in the studio reworking things. It was never that easy for me in the studio but I have a great team around me now (Steve Emney of eMotion in Sound & Jack Ruston – my two co producers) and it’s made all the difference in the world.
Exposed Vocals: Tell me, what’s it like hearing your track on FM Broadcasted here in the U.S and overseas in the U.K?
Dean: I adore hearing it on US. DJ Smokey (KISS FM) is so passionate about music and he has really helped push the records. He also makes me smile with his anecdotes and his cues to the music are generally spot on which I know is an art form in itself.
UK – it’s a bit quieter to tell you the truth. However a new station Phoenix FM are playing it now and they will be interviewing me shortly and funnily enough the BBC contacted me today…
Exposed Vocals: What can we expect from you in the future? Any collaborations in the works?
Dean: Recording sessions are finished for the album. We are just in a production period now working towards final mixes. The album should be ready in the Autumn.
With regards to collaborations, I may be linking up with my good friend and fellow musician, Jona Lewie to record a Christmas record. It’s something we always talked about as I was a huge fan of his 1980 Christmas song, Stop The Cavalry.
Exposed Vocals: Is there anything that you’d like to mention or talk about?
Dean: You asked me last time, what would i be doing if I was not making music. I drew a blank but then it hit me afterwards. Acting was a passion of mine in my younger years. I had an agent for a long time, Doreen English (who sadly passed away) and I’ve done the odd commercial over the years despite constant rejections from castings in general. I always took it very badly. If I was an actor or had the opportunity, I would love to play Doctor Who. it was always a lifetime ambition of mine!
Exposed Vocals: Thanks again for sitting down with us and we’re looking forward to new music from “Quiet Storm”
Dean: Yes, yes, more coming soon. Here’s the scoop, the next song up for release (and it’s a ballad) entitled, “YOUR WORLD”.
