Visionary artist Gary Dranow has had a fruitful year with a slew of impactful releases, so when we heard that the star was back with Shimmering, we were curious to say the least!
The opus opens with an immersive guitar soundscape, and rolling drums creating a cohesive tapestry of sound, before we experience situational prose, delivered in a charismatic and captivating manner.
Shimmering as a title, is reflected both lyrically and sonically by the composition. We appreciate the timelessness of the piece, as well as the strategic chord progressions, designed to evoke emotion in line with the message of the song.
We learn that Shimmering is about Gary’s first romance with Janine while attending Taft High. The creator confesses that it is about how they met and fell in love and then separated in their senior year. We deeply connect with the vulnerability shared in this instance.
This separation actually marked the first time that Gary experienced heartbreak for the first time, hence the authenticity in the lyricism and delivery. We also learn that Caspar Aesthetic lends his voice on the track, which only amplifies the emotional depth that we experience.
Discussing what inspires Gary Dranow and his bandmates, the Park City based artist tells us, “Our influences are broad, with each member having their own. Jason (Jones) and Chris (Zoupa) have progressive rock influences which can be heard in their side bands, Teramaze for Chris and Unite The Divide for Jason. Gary’s influences are mainly Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the old blues harp players from the 40s to the 60s.”
Now that Gary and his fellow creators have finished their album, Never Give Up, we have it on good authority that Gary and Chris have formed a new project under the name Astralix, and are writing EDM songs! The first single, The Rhythm Fills My Soul, is set to be released within the next month, so keep your eyes and ears peeled!
In the meantime, we have added Shimmering to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our brand new TIMELESS playlist!