Saturday 29 April 2023

Finding your voice

All for Nothing on PLAYFIO's second album

As an undiscovered music artist, the journey to finding your voice and creating meaningful songs can be challenging. Rob Playford's track "All for Nothing" is a testament to the frustrations and concerns that many musicians face in the modern world. The song speaks to the overwhelming noise in the music industry, the decreasing attention spans of listeners, and the loss of appreciation for full-length albums.

"All for Nothing" is one of the tracks on Rob Playford's second album, "Arcadian Resonance," and its creation was a collaborative effort. Playford wrote the song, Claude Etienne contributed on guitar, and Adam Titmuss mixed and mastered the track. Each of these artists brought their unique talents to the project, working together to create a thought-provoking song that resonates with listeners.

The music video for "All for Nothing" features footage from the 1970s film "The Conformist," directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. The film is based on the 1951 novel of the same name by Alberto Moravia, and stars a talented cast of actors from Italy, France, and West Germany. The use of this footage adds an additional layer of depth to the song, offering a visual representation of the conformity and lack of individualism that the lyrics address.

While the challenges faced by independent musicians in the modern age can be daunting, Rob Playford's "All for Nothing" is a testament to the power of perseverance and artistic collaboration. It is through the creation of such powerful and introspective music that artists like Playford can continue to make their mark in the industry, and inspire listeners to seek out and appreciate their work.

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.

Adam Titmuss https://linktr.ee/amtaudio

Claude Etienne https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/

Friday 6 November 2020

'Friday Itch' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

There often comes a time when writing lyrics, that you just go with what sounds right rather than firming up a whole theme or storyline.

This song would be a good example of that, I had no real subject in mind but rather let the song take the lead and fit pieces around the ensuing puzzle. The following video also came later after a lot of trial and error.


Like a couple of tracks on 'Arcadian Resonance', they have been written over the course of a few years and picked up and put down at various points - added to - reworked.


As I write this I've just been re-listening to this one and just when I think I'm there with this album I find a missing tweak that will help. This truly is a dangerous cycle as something that sounded good to me 6 months ago now sounds different and so it is with this track it's thanks in part to some fairy dust from my dear collaborator Claude Etienne that has breathed new life into the song giving it a whole new dimension.

This track signals the end of my #ONEaWEEK music video effort and possibly time to focus on some other projects for a while....

To be continued ..



Links/ Credits:

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar, Dan Gallardo on drums and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.

Rob Playford http://www.playfio.com/
Dan Gallardo  @danieljgallardomusic - www. DanielGallardoMusic.com

Friday 30 October 2020

'Little Soul' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

'Little Soul' features on 'Arcadian Resonance'
To those we never met
Who lived before a breath
We'll not forget

This song was written in the aftermath of some heart-breaking news my wife and I received a couple of years ago. We were due our second born and full of expectation, made our way to hospital for the first 12 week scan, unfortunately that little soul had no heart beat. Nothing really prepares you for such a switch of emotions -  we both vowed we must move on but  never forget.

Not to dwell on this sombre topic for too long, but our general experience was quite mixed and this is an issue that seems to divide - the statistics read that an occurrence of this type happens to  1 in every 3 women, although no one ever seems to talk about this topic - it is almost frowned upon and to share. With a third of the female population experiencing this kind of  loss, it seems quite tragic so much of this suffering goes on hidden away. If this song could even help just one person share their feelings or likewise, if this music could provide solace to someone in a similar situation I would feel honoured.

 

Since then life has been kind to us and we've been lucky to have a new healthy baby.   

The original music video for this song was some low lit footage from inside Pirate Studios that I decided to replace with something slightly more engaging and hopefully appealing. If you want to watch this version it's still available on Playfio's Youtube channel: Little Soul - PLAYFIO

This official version of the video for 'Little Soul' looks to the heavens towards the moon in 
the stunning film by Wylie Overstreet and Alex Gorosh, which captures that moment of awe and amazement as passing people take a moment to stop and peer through a window to space.

Links/ Credits:


Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar. Mix and Master Engineer was Jhankar Singh

Rob Playford http://www.playfio.com/
Claude Etienne https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/
Jhankar Singh: jhankarsingh143@gmail.com

Video footage:

A film by Wylie Overstreet and Alex Gorosh

Friday 23 October 2020

'Reading and Righting' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

Reading and Righting from Playfio
If I were to pick a track from this album that doesn't need much explaining, yet explains a simple truth, it is 'Reading and Righting'. 

Writing lyrics, as with any creative process takes time and patience, yet sometimes you strike a lucky break and things just work - these words just flowed straight onto the page. It's a great feeling when a song comes together like this one, I'm not being arrogant or too assured, just quietly confident that this seems (to me anyway) a timeless song that could have been written a hundred years ago and would still hold true. 


Reading and Righting - written by Rob Playford

Yes the old ways are gotten
and the new ways are tread
Just remember your momma and pa

Reading and righting
and filling your time in
sleeping and drinking the course

Yes I know what they'll tell you,
I know what they say
If you're happy, can't take it away

Paying your taxes,
herding the masses.
Another tall tale told today.

Feeding us nonsense,
believe what you want to.
We just ask you to empty your room.

Another dimension,
I'm paying for heaven,
so I'll write you a card from the shore.

Stealing your feelings,
melting your soul.
Pretending, extending your life

Leaving the lights on,
a flame in your heart's gone.
To lead us to paradise falls.

Yes the old ways are gotten
and the new ways are tread
Just remember your momma and pa

Reading and righting
and filling your time in
sleeping and drinking the course


Links/ Credits:


Written by Rob Playford with mix and master engineer was Karol (Caught in Joy).


Friday 16 October 2020

'Diamond' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

Diamond features on Arcadian Resonance
Imagine the first few days of a long holiday, relaxing on a warm summer's evening watching the sun set over the sea, your favorite cocktail in hand with not a care in the world.

Hopefully some of these feelings come through in this laid back song - written as it happens on holiday last year. 

The video has is not all it seems and if you can/ want to watch throughout, I hope you appreciate this mis-leading calm.  





The lyrics are below for the first couple of verses:

Come walk with me tonight,
And help me find another world.
Come talk to me tonight,
Let's discover a better world.

Come hold my hand, it's fine
Take a stroll out, cross the line.
Reach out into your soul,
Make the feeling never go.

Tonight..tonight…

Nothing ground breaking here lyrically, yet I think this slow song with simple structure does what it sets out to with  possibly more poetic magic in the following lines:

Step out into the night,
Fly through clouds and winter skies.
Chase angels passing by,
on a sleigh ride back in time.

Come sit with me tonight,
Missing music, skipping life.
Look round and take it in,
Feel the magic creeping in.

Tonight..

On writing this, I think the title 'Tonight' might have been more apt - for some reason Diamond has stuck.

The music video, I urge you to watch all the way through - all seems peaceful enough, yet is everything as it seems!? Enjoy if you can spare the time. 

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.


Video credits:

To The Beach - Short Film To The Beach - Short Film

Directed and Edited by: Alexei Mizin and Ryan van Dijk


Helena Bendixen's short film 'Beach'

Friday 9 October 2020

'Broken Peace' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

Broken Peace features on Playfio's latest album
Stirring strings to open this song with melancholy vocals to boot.  I guess this is all about not taking life too seriously and  appreciating what we've got.

We're not going to be here for ever and (although hard at times) should try and savour precious moments with the ones we love, as they'll not be around for long.

Forget, if just for a minute, about your worries and forget about it all.

Few verses in:

The smell of dry dust loosens,
A memory of yester year

Every so often I'll come across a certain smell that will take me straight back to a memory of my childhood. This one the lyrics touch is the smell of dry dust after a really hot day, not too dissimilar to that  aroma you get just after it starts raining after a dry spell. On the rare occasion this happens, it's like an old synapse connection in my brain is suddenly switched on and the connected memories of that grey matter become clearer.

Another masterpiece of visual art, I'm honoured to be able to put my music to, this time by Israel Garcia. This short film perfectly describes the loss we all feel sometimes and is aptly titled 'Memories'.

Links/ Credits:

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.


Film credits:

Memories - a short film by Israel Garcia: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLk2hBnq4mjEmBnqlFUt23A/videos

Friday 2 October 2020

'The Score' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

'The Score' features on 'Arcadian Resonance', the second studio album from PLAYFIO.
There was a character in my mind when writing this track, the tale of someone in inner turmoil, experiencing feelings  of anguish and struggle  - perhaps written with a biographical eye towards my past. My words to a younger self if you will - I often wonder what advice I would give my younger self if I could go travel back in time? 


This song is about losing your way... losing your mind, losing touch, perspective -  as we all do from time to time. Never more has mental health been so acknowledged, and rightly so – I honestly belief everyone at some point in time is afflicted by this inner turmoil and the more we understand the better for our future generations.


Many thanks to Claude Etienne on this one - the guitar nicely balances the piano and vocals to provide just the right ingredients of mystery and intrigue. This is echoed by the thought provoking Playfio music video 'The Score' - tortured by his own thoughts, a quantum physicist battles to uncover a breakthrough. I have to say the formulas are some what over my head, but I’d be very interested to hear whether the video can be backed up by authoritative science and there’s some other joke going on there that only a physicist would get!  (A funny way to explain Quantum Superposition.)

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.


Video footage:
The Scarf Solution - Award Winning Quantum Science Fiction Short film



Friday 25 September 2020

'All for Nothing' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

All for Nothing on PLAYFIO's second album

As an undiscovered music artist, it can often be hard to pinpoint that moment or reason for writing a song - although often looking back and listening helps crystalize perhaps what was the driving force behind a track. 

'All for Nothing' was born out of a desperation if you will, about the state of the world/ modern life/ materialism/ capitalism/ music industry and the sheer amount of noise out there - the inability for anyone to be heard for more a few seconds. Attention spans decrease as we consume ever more.




Part of me craves for a time when music fans would go out and buy an album and listen to it start to finish and appreciate the full story of the album - I know that will never happen again, although it shouldn't force musicians to cater to an audience who will click away in 3 seconds unless they don't like the first chord played.  

I'm very proud to have written this and all the tracks on 'Arcadian Resonance' and not in my wildest dreams would I think this possible if you'd have told me I'd be releasing a second album a good few years back.

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.

Adam Titmuss https://linktr.ee/amtaudio

Claude Etienne https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/

Rob Playford http://www.playfio.com/

Video footage curtesy of the 1970's film 'The Conformist' directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, whose screenplay is based on the 1951 novel The Conformist by Alberto Moravia. The film stars Jean-Louis Trintignant, Stefania Sandrelli, Gastone Moschin, Enzo Tarascio, Fosco Giachetti, José Quaglio, Dominique Sanda and Pierre Clémenti. The film was a co-production of Italian, French, and West German film companies.


Friday 18 September 2020

'Foolish Thinking' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

the second studio album from PLAYFIO
Dark dystopian visions of the future or even a stark version of our present day for that matter! 
Foolish Thinking encapsulates the slightly darker side of our obsession with technology or at least acts as a warning of where we're heading. Are we all walking off the edge of a cliff?  as expertly illustrated by the talented Steve Cutts in this Playfio music video.

Technology with all so many positives has a clear and ever present dark side - not to mention the actual dark web. I came across this short animation film  "Are You Lost in the World Like Me" by Steve Cutts, and it really struck a chord and I wanted to combine this with 'Foolish Thinking' from the new album 'Arcadian Resonance'.




A common sight in the western world is a busy public space adorned with people with eyes firmly locked down, transfixed to their various devices oblivious to the world around them. Perhaps the recent Covid Pandemic has allowed everyone to appreciate the natural world  and take time to reflect on our relationship with consumption, consumerism and cultural obsession with appearance.

Having investigated this video more and thinking what a great fit it is for this song, it seems Moby got there before me (some 4 years before me) and put one of his tracks over this Moby & The Void Pacific Choir - Are You Lost In The World Like Me? (Official Video) ah well, you can decide your favourite! I've got this far now with this one and not changing the video! Enjoy


Links/ Credits:

This track was originally released in 2019 at 120BPM and with synthetized guitar parts without decent mastering - since  then, the track has improved tenfold with the introduction of  studio recorded rhythm and lead guitar work from Claude Etienne and finally re-mixed and mastered to perfection by the upcoming BBC mix and master engineer Adam Titmuss.


If you'd like to stream/ download/ read more about this and other music by this upcoming music artist, please head over to www.playfio.com and have a browse.

Video footage: Short animation film  "Are You Lost in the World Like Me" by Steve Cutts

Friday 11 September 2020

'We' music video release [Arcadian Resonance]

Playfio's second studio albumI distinctly remember writing this song as it was one of those times when everything just falls into place - I'd got a full song structure in place but had no lyrics. In addition, I was under time pressure as I'd booked a producer room for a 12 hour slot at Pirate Studios in Glasgow and wanted to record the vocals while I had decent gear. It's never quite the same recording at home trying to make a DIY vocal booth inside a wardrobe!
Prior to this I'd just put to music some spoken prose that my brother had sent me of the poem 'If' by Rudyard Kipling - you can read about Playfio - If or  watch the Playfio If - 3D video here. So with that in mind, I quickly scoured the web to find some inspiration - his writing is certainly that with perfect rhythm and flow.


I came across 'The Prairie' which was first published on April 16th 1908 in the article 'The Fortunate Towns' in the Morning Post  - one of eight 'Letters to the Family' on Rudyard Kipling's visits to Canada.

I have taken a certain artistic license with this poem and deviated from some of his lines and word choice to help create the required rhythm to match my melody but this is nothing new and goes on in all forms of artwork. The original poem can be found here: http://www.kiplingsociety.co.uk/poems_prairie.htm

My favourite verse:
“Take heed what spell the lightning weaves—what charm the echoes shape—
Or, bound among a million sheaves, your soul shall not escape.
Bar home the door of summer nights lest those high planets drown
The memory of near delights in all the longed-for town.”

The verses took inspiration from the above and  subsequently, I added a kind of interlude stroke chorus after Claude had added this easy, laid back guitar that fits the mood of this one just right.

The music video couldn't be further removed from the prairie country of Western Canada which Kipling so admired, but takes place in a dark dystopian vision of Bangkok. This contrast of music and video tone seems to fit and the later addition of  chorus lyrics provided a suitable match to this wonderfully macabre and dangerous view of our future.


Links/ Credits:

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.

Rob Playford
http://www.playfio.com/
Adam Titmuss https://linktr.ee/amtaudio
Claude Etienne
https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/

Video Credits: A Futuristic Short Film  True Skin by - N10N  TheCGBros : A Futuristic Short Film : "True Skin"  by - N10N | TheCGBros
  

Friday 4 September 2020

'Paper Wait' music video release [Arcadian Resonance]

Featured in PLAYFIO's second studio album
Waiting for the day..This track never started off with the path it's taken me on but then for the vast majority of tracks I write, I never know where it'll take me - that's the sheer beauty of music creation.

Years back in Sheffield I attended and filmed a demonstration that a friend was taking part in. It was 'One Billion Rising' against violence against women:
Sheffield Flash Mob - One Billion Rising - Women Rising Against Violence - 14th Feb 2013.

I guess the thought behind that experience brought about this track in a very round about way some 7 years later. In the past years, this has taken a much needed hold on popular media and rightly so. 



Being lucky enough now to father a daughter myself, and seeing the inequality that besieges these times, if I can in some very small way enforce that message and get more people thinking about this topic then the world of tomorrow will be a better place for gender inequality.

Just finally, as pointed out by a number of my female friends listening/ watching this song/ video - the lyrics 'Keep on running sister' by no means relate to 'running away' rather 'keep on going - keep striving/ fighting/ being' - the lyrics keep on 'going sister' never quite had the same ring about it - the feeling and substance is true nonetheless.  

Links/ Credits:

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.

Adam Titmuss https://linktr.ee/amtaudio
Claude Etienne https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/
Rob Playford http://www.playfio.com/

Video footage:
Pocket-sized Feminism: The Short Film: POCKET-SIZED FEMINISM: The Short Film
Women's March: Massive Protests Across World: Women's March: Massive Protests Across U.S., World


Friday 28 August 2020

'Every Dog' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

Arcadian Resonance is PLAYFIO's second studio album.
A black folder sits on a forgotten shelf in my house collecting dust, where a collection of scrawled lyrics live back from my younger years when i was in my teenage band. I meticulously kept all these written sheets, many are covers from Radiohead, Nirvana, U2, Bush etc. with guitar tabs  and scribbled notes about our performance but the vast majority are original lyrics. (Memory permitting here is our old band 'Brass Monkeys' - Set list' as a playlist on Spotify.

Back then we did actually write and perform a fair bit of our own material, and if memory serves it went down pretty well. The old recordings of these, some on minidisc, are unfortunately barely audible now.
In my last album 'Arcadian Rhythm' I did bring one track back to life from an old recording:  Elizium - and the original song in all it's raw, gritty glory I made into a music video, which I'm pretty sure is still on youtube...leaves the room/ scratches head..ok found it  Elizium

Below is the official PLAYFIO music video:



Anyway, I somewhat digress, the reason for these ramblings, with my recent song writing, I was keen for some lyrical inspiration so took this old folder along with me to the recording studio (sounds v. glamourous I know) the reality is renting out a 5x5m sound proofed room crammed full of gear for a 12 hour stint of zero daylight/ interruptions/ people - quite heavenly as it goes! .

So on one of these half day sessions, I reached for the folder and came across these un-used lyrics, discarded at the time, who knows why - probably young love!  I added  them to this track and never looked back - it was almost like they'd been waiting all this time for this melody!

The video echoes the music perfectly and I can't thank Jack Tew enough for this epic cinematic masterpiece, which I'm very proud to be able to put my music to.

This fly on the wall short film provides an intimate insight into one young couple's ups and downs.

Links/ Credits:

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.

Rob Playford
http://www.playfio.com/
Adam Titmuss https://linktr.ee/amtaudio
Claude Etienne
https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/

Film credits:

Short Love Story
Me & You: Short Love Story Me & You

Director Of Photography - David Wright www.davidwrightdop.com


Thursday 20 August 2020

'Indian Medicine' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

This music video signals the release day for Arcadian Resonance
20:00 - 20/08/20

Massive thankyou to all who made this possible, you've all been incredibly supportive and it's been a wonderful experience.

I'm really pleased with how this one turned out and  feel privileged to work with such a talented dance choreographer, dancer and video editing guru.  Aakash did a sterling job on this music video and a big thanks goes out to him and his dance crew.




This one started off with a very simple idea. A while back I was lucky enough to be passed on my late Grandad's LPs and subsequently purchased a record player. I spent a good while recording these old 78's dance band records into a digital format and audio restoring  them to get rid of all that hiss and crackle - while in this mode, I perhaps got a bit trigger happy on eBay and charity shops buying up more LP's one of which happened to be 'The Sounds of Time - 1934-1949' which contains no end of famous speeches from the time and one of which caught my attention by Jawaharlal Nehru on transfer of power to India. An inspiring speech indeed and certainly one that came to fruition when you look at great pace of development and advancement in India.

The speech by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, delivering his Tryst with Destiny speech on the eve of independence. It is considered to be one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century and hence my title choice 'Indian Medicine'. My sample includes:

"We are little men serving great causes, but because the cause is great something of that greatness falls upon us also. Mighty forces are at work in the world today and in India and I have no doubt we are ushering in a period of greatness for India."

It can sometimes feel slightly wrong just nicking a sample without fully understanding its root - so even though the contents of my track and music video wouldn't have been up Mr Nehru's street, at least I now understand a bit better and can help share that important time in history to another generation.



Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Karol (Caught in Joy).

Guitar - Claude Etienne https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/
Mix/ Master: Karol (Caught in Joy) https://soundbetter.com/profiles/134502-caught-in-joy

Film and dance choreography: Many thanks to Aakash Vyas and his dance crew: https://www.fiverr.com/aakashvyas21

Many thanks also go out to Dan Troop, who kindly provided this tracks artwork.

Wednesday 19 August 2020

Arcadian Resonance [The Official Album Review]

On the eve of the album release - I present one final promotion to get you in the mood for the new album available to stream very shortly.

Playfio - Arcadian Resonance

Playfio is the prog rock music experience brought to us by musician Rob Playford. Playfio’s first album Arcadian Rhythm garnered praise and left listeners wanting more. In the lead up to Playfio’s much anticipated second album, we have seen four teaser singles released to date, “Nameless Man”, “Memory Sweeper”, “Isolation” and “Shrinking Time”, all of which have done well to build hype. The countdown has begun as Playfio’s new album, Arcadian Resonance, is due out on August 20, 2020, and it is to be released with independent distributor Ditto Music. Arcadian Resonance is a sixteen-track effort and the album offers a lot of great experiences throughout. “All or Nothing” kicks the album off as a reverb and passion filled display; it is a track that immediately leaves you wanting more and served well to build my anticipation for the rest of the album. “Paper Wait” follows and utilizes a rise-and-fall method of blending calm and energetic moments to create an excitingly varied experience. These first two tracks did a perfect job of teasing what to expect throughout the duration of the album - an extremely varied experience - and were two quick favorites of mine. “Indian Medicine” stood out as one of my favorite tracks with its distinctive trance-y approach, featuring electronics and an EDM-esque beat; coming in at the 4th spot on the album, it completely subverted what I had thought I could expect from Playfio to that point. I found my expectations subverted quite a few times throughout the album, as the longer the album plays, the more the songs shift and even transcend genre. Another highlight of the album was the way that “Little Soul” transitions into “Diamond”, with the intro to “Diamond” starting like another mid-tempo ballad but progressing into a beautifully crunchy guitar-driven emotional release - I was left truly breathless as I experienced this for the first time.
Arcadian Resonance’s songs range anywhere from giving off 70’s rock vibes in songs like “Friday Itch”, the sweeping guitars of “Foolish Thinking” and the subtle approach on “Every Dog” to spacey vibes with the trance-y “Indian Medicine” and piano ballads “Reading and Righting” and “Little Soul”. “We” even mixed in a jazzy vibe that stood out among the other tracks. All of these songs shifting through different genres did a great job of setting up the genre-bending tracks, which felt like focal points on the album. Songs that feature all of the aforementioned genre elements in one complete package include “Isolation” “Memory Sweeper” and the space-blues masterpiece “Nameless Man”; the way that these tracks are scattered throughout the album makes it always feel like the music is building towards these incredible moments.

Overall, Arcadian Resonance is an excellent follow-up to Arcadian Rhythm. Playford’s vocals shine strong throughout each track, his passionate voice breathing light into each word he sings. His ability to capture both passionate highs and breathtaking calm moments throughout the album allow each track across the album to build in a deeply appealing way. Instrumentally, it is obvious that an incredible amount of care went into each and every note; the guitar playing is always on point, with the guitar solos on the record standing as beautifully artistic marks of musicianship, the bass and percussion always serve to build and fill out the sound in a way that serves the vocals and overall atmosphere well and the piano/electronics add a great deal of flavor and texture to each song they are present in.
There is so much more that I could say about this excellent album but I do not want to spoil what is sure to be a one of a kind listening experience. Arcadian Resonance stands as a testament to the excellent sounds Playfio provides and shines as one of my favorite albums of the year. For the feature check out Which Coast

Friday 14 August 2020

'Shrinking Time' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

Music video release from Playfio as featured on the second studio album
Piano and guitar complement one another as this track 'Shrinking Time' starts painting colour upon this blank canvas. Combined with smooth strings, this introduction effortlessly carries the listener into a world of fleeting time.

This song has had so many permutations that it's quite a pleasure to see how it's turned out. I'd originally written this song around the time of the Grenfell disaster as I was so moved after watching it unfold on tv. That first version never really worked and I didn't want to release something that wouldn't do those who lost their lives justice. For a good while it gathered dust until I gave myself another budge to finish the song for this 'ArcadianResonance' album.



Many of my lyrics and songs somehow always end up revolving about time, maybe I'm slowly realising we don't have as much as we think -  this kind of mindset has helped me battle procrastination and get going with this album. Arcadian Rhythm, my first album, took me 5 years to complete and within that time, you've heard some of those songs to death. This one albeit with more tracks has taken nearly 2 years - as I write this I am only to aware that having 16 complete tracks is only the half of it!

One interesting article I read a while back and is so very true, is the fact that a music artist never gets to hear their song for the first time - he or she never gets to experience that magical moment that with some songs can stay with people their whole life. I don't think my composition is quite at that level yet but other than loving making music, it's a wonderful thought that your song can affect people in so many different ways and these days with technology, that person could live anywhere in the world.

I've been going on quite a bit on this one (well done if you've got this far!) - I'll leave you to enjoy this song and hopefully you can also experience the incredible CGI Animated Film I'm fortunate to put my music to directed by Quentin DELEAU Lucie FONCELLE, GOUDAL Maxime Julien PARIS, Sylvain ROBERT - further information below in the credits.


Links/ Credits:

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.

Rob Playford
http://www.playfio.com/
Adam Titmuss https://linktr.ee/amtaudio
Claude Etienne
https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/

Film credits:
 
Award winner Animated Chateau de Sable (Sand Castle) Short Film by ESMA - Quentin DELEAU Lucie FONCELLE, GOUDAL Maxime Julien PARIS, Sylvain ROBERT.

See the making of here:

Watch here

Friday 7 August 2020

'Isolation' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

For quite some time this never had a proper title, it'd just been named ArgU on my laptop, after an argument one evening with my other half, I'd skulked off in a huff and proceeded to write this song.

Since then the track has developed into what you can hear/ see today - but I thought I would share this chain of events as it's  funny how certain triggers in our lives can spark creativity - a lucky argument if you will!


Some lyrics and guitar were added during later sessions at Pirate Studios in Glasgow - they seem to help complement this Playfio music video which is  set in another dimension, many years in the future, with two intrepid adventures trying to re-visit the old shell of earth that their ancestors used to call home.

The lyrics I particularly like:

I'd like to know, which way to go,
Which way to look, beyond this show.
If only one, can listen in, and look beyond the state I'm in.

A million miles, a hundred roads,
And only two can make it home.
Listen well, and listen wise
This one's yours, now step inside

I've asked a few people prior to release how they read this story - all being completely different - would love to hear people's thoughts about what they think is going on in this music video.

As always with these productions, I am just a part of the combined work of many extremely talented individuals from the guitar work, the amazing film craft and of course the mixing and mastering.

Links/ Credits:

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.

Rob Playford
http://www.playfio.com/
Adam Titmuss https://linktr.ee/amtaudio
Claude Etienne
https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/

Video footage:
Sci-Fi Short Film “Telescope  DUST: Sci-Fi Short Film “Telescope" | DUST
Sci-Fi Short Film AI-POCALYPSE  DUST:Sci-Fi Short Film "AI-POCALYPSE" | DUST
  

Wednesday 5 August 2020

'Memory Sweeper' Music Review by Spiderhands Productions

Many thanks for Logan (Spiderhands) for taking time out to review 'Memory Sweeper' which features on the new 'Arcadian Resonance' album out 20.08.20.

It's really eye-opening to be able to see Logan's emotions and reactions firsthand on listening and watching the music video.


I suppose one thing as an artist you can never do, unfortunately, is hear your track for the first time. Generally, you've listened to it that many times that it's hard to hear it as a whole.

Please check out Logan's review below and head to Spiderhands Productions who specialise in Music Lessons and Studio Production.



The full version and write-up can be found here > Memory Sweeper Official Music Video

Friday 31 July 2020

'Memory Sweeper' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

as featured on the album 'Arcadian Resonance'There's a definitely an art to life. A fine line between knowing what to leave from your past and what's worth holding onto.

This song is all about letting go and releasing whatever it is that has a hold over you and stops you reaching your true potential.

All life is about rhythm and cycles. Seasons come and go, the sun rises and sets and we will all  eventually meet our final cycle. Although, someone put it far better than I.

You can only lose what you cling to.
-Buddha

This marks the second installment of #ONEaWEEK - I hope you enjoy the journey this Playfio track will take you on - magically brought to life by the hugely talented David O'Donnell (Writer and Director) - please subscribe to David's channel, see credits below.



The more you cling to the stories of your past, the more of the present moment you lose.

Memory Sweeper Lyrics

Verse

Sweeping up your memories,
Filling up on empty,
Missing how the world ticks by.
Paid your last respects, how
Feeling all regret, now,
Time to let the old ones die.

Thinking about the future,
Dining on your past life,
Enough to make a grown man cry.

Seeping out your feeling,
Writing on the ceiling,
Tell me when the time is right.

Try and reach an audience,
Floating in the chorus,
How to set the world alight.

Chorus

Take my King
Take my Soul
Reach up high
Let it Go

Take my Thoughts
Take my Life
Reach inside - feel alive

Interlude

Inside I know what I should do
Although my thoughts will often stew
If only I could see things through
Who knows the dreams that will come true

Links/ Credits:

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.

Rob Playford http://www.playfio.com/
Adam Titmuss
https://linktr.ee/amtaudio
Claude Etienne
https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/

Film credits:

Short Film “Picture Wheel"
 

Friday 24 July 2020

'Nameless Man' video release [Arcadian Resonance]

'Nameless Man' features on 'Arcadian Resonance', the second studio album.
Very late to the party for this track. For quite some time I had locked in 15 tracks for this 'Arcadian Resonance' album with plenty of tracks half written, not quite making the final cut, after some last minute deliberation I decided to include this progressive rock number.

Nameless Man, although the last song to add to this collection, certainly warrants its place and I'm very glad I gave it a second chance once Claude Etienne had worked his magic on the guitar, it's inclusion seemed a no-brainer.

I like to think of this space odyssey as the theme tune to the Album cover to 'Arcadian Resonance' which took a fair few hours to design and decide on! The album artwork, with it's nod to the first album and my late Grandfather's 1940's Dance band 'Arcadia' is artistically finessed by the fantastic film craft of Adam Stern.

This first music video is my first visual offering of my #ONEaWEEK music video extravaganza!



Namesless Man Lyrics

The nameless man has fallen,
No trace will ever come.
Your clock stops moving forward,
Pull back the setting sun.

The dust and sand will cover,
Your footprints in her mind.
A word that's never spoken,
A sight to rule the land.

They say he travelled sideways,
Skipping star to moon.
A timepiece on his person,
A tool to stop the world.

The nameless man has spoken,
An echo through the land.
The pied piper of Saturn,
Is nowhere to be found.

They say he talked in riddles,
Spoke on higher planes.
Connected to the ether,
And wrote a thousand graves.

The restless never wander.
Their voices never drown.

"A breathtakingly emotional space ride with dazzling effects and true heart." - Starburst International Film Festival


Links/ Credits:

Written by Rob Playford with Claude Etienne on guitar and the mix and master engineer was Adam Titmuss.

Rob Playford http://www.playfio.com/
Adam Titmuss https://linktr.ee/amtaudio
Claude Etienne https://www.facebook.com/Claud150/

Film credits:

"FTL" by Adam Stern
Sci-Fi Short Film “FTL" | DUST

Connect with the filmmaker:
Website: https://www.adamlstern.com/
Website: http://www.artifexstudios.com/

Wednesday 22 July 2020

#ONEaWEEK (New Music Video every Friday)

Playfio is showcasing a new music video every friday
To celebrate the release of Arcadian Resonance we will be showcasing a brand new music video every Friday - 16 videos in total, running  for 3 and half months. We've had the pleasure of working with some extremely talented creatives and each video tells a unique story and touches on many topics.

The first 4 music videos will provide an idea of what's to come, with the official release date penciled in for the 20th August.

Links will be added below as each new video is released:


Week
Date
Title
1
24th July
2
31st July
3
7th Aug
4
14th Aug
5
20th Aug
Indian Medicine (RELEASE 20th)
6
28th Aug
Every Dog
7
4th Sept
Paper Wait
8
11th Sept
We
9
18th Sept
All for Nothing
10
25th Sept
Foolish Thinking
11
2nd Oct
Reading and Righting
12
9th Oct
Broken Peace
13
16th Oct
Diamond
14
23rd Oct
The Score
15
30th Oct
Little Soul
16
6th Nov
Friday Itch