New original Celtic song inspired by Autumn that belongs to the series “Incantations”. Autumn is one of the most romantic seasons… the colours, the misty mornings, the productive working days indoors, sipping hot tea while it rains outside… It has always moved and inspired me. What’s your favourite thing of Autumn?
Song is available for download on my patreon (free for patrons)
You can also support purchasing from my shop (digital format)
Or you can purchase it from Bandcamp
Above: new music video click play to listen while you read 🙂
I know I post only scarcely lately but these take me long time, more now that my computer is so outdated, so I literally took almost a month since last video (last post) to get this done! 🙂
Some impressions of my recent trip to the sea and a moody poem inspired by the Ocean.
Return to the sea
I was born in an oceanic island, La Palma (Canary Islands) but I live now inland… Still I miss the ocean so much… It has taken me one year though to return to salty waters… The foam and spray helped me so much. This beach is Zumaia one of famous “Game of Thrones” locations. Sea water is warmer than the usual river ponds were I bathe now. As I explained some posts before this Summer has been a “challenge” for me and it’s been kind of a healing journey.
Amphitrite was the wife of Poseidon, Greek God of the seas… one of
the many Nereids (Ocean Nymphs). Are there legends of water spirits in
your area?
Venus, representation of “Womanhood” was also born from Sea foam
The first book I ever read was a compilation of Hans Christian Andersen tales including The Little Mermaid I always found tragic how she ended up becoming sea foam, but it was also a tale of transformation
I spent hours and hours last Tuesday… absolutely mesmerized as the
low tide grew back in and covered all the exposed Flysch (a special
geological formation). We stayed until sunset, when the seagulls joined
the moody skies to greet us.
The Sentinel (Poem)
So here I little poem I wrote
When the winding path leads my weary feet back to the shore
and the tidal waves are lifting as they make the oceans roar
as they lash against the rocks
and the seagulls are squalling over my head
against clouds moving swiftly
Then If you ask me to ride on the foamy edge
and get caught in the undertow
I will carry with me your unspoken vows
and dive to hide them deep
fathoms below
Finally here a mosaic of impressions of that day where you can
appreciate the amazing geological formations in the Guipuzcoan Coast
that lead down into the sea, formed through the erosive action of water
and movements of land over the course of 50 million years, in fact they
include fossil evidence of the massive extinction of the dinosaurs due
to a meteorite. These whimsical have always been of interest to
geologists on account of their fossil remains. The cliffs are
impressive and the Flysch is only exposed at low tide so you must plan
your visit accordingly not to be trapped by the tides. Overall an
amazing day.
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A tribute to THE DARK CRYSTAL: Gelfling Song (Voice, double Ocarina) and excited about Age of Resistance TV series.
The Dark Crystal (1982) is my favourite movie and soundtrack of all time. Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, this movie was pure magic! I am now a musician and I am forever grateful to the magic JIM HENSON created for the children of my generation. This is a fan tribute, a cover of cover of “Gelfling Song” from THE DARK CRYSTAL original movie score performed by myself singing and with a double Ocarina. We also recorded all the critters and audio sound FX ourselves. Recorded in Navarre, Summer 2019.
One of my biggest influences as an artist
As some of you know, I’m currently a fantasy artist, I compose music
and also do fantasy illustrations. One of my major influences was this
movie, when I was barely a child. For me it was always the most magical
movie, where there were no humans but just otherwordly amazing little
creatures. The music composed by Trevor Jones was a mix of folk and epic
symphonic soaring the motifs that were with me as I grew up. I had the
vinyl which remains for me “my desert island” album.
I grew up being a fan of all things Henson, from The Dark Crystal,
Labyrinth, Fraggle Rock, Storyteller, The Muppets… He infused my
childhood with magic and wisdom and a wish to be a better person, and a
creative one. Still among all his works, this was my favourite, because
the meaning is deep and rooted even deeper in my mind. We are light and
darkness, and we must seek BALANCE.
Learn to love your shadows
Above: Me with an “Skeksis” because they’re not all that bad you know
The movie involves a crystal cracking and two races appearing, cruel
Skeksis represents our sins and vices, gentle Mystics or UrRu represents
peacefulness and crafts but are also a bit alienated from the world.
The whole movie revolves about “healing” the Dark Crystal which results
in the need of “merging” them into a balanced Primeval Race again the
Ur-Skeks
Of course I have some pieces of memorabilia :). Above me with Gelflings Jen and Kira dolls.
Among lots of memorabilia and merchandising hahah 🙂
I had a dog Fizzgig and a dog called Kira… that pretty sums it up 🙂
Netflix will release a prequel Series next 30th of August
I’m so excited!!!
Age of Resistance is a series based in this movie that will premiere
later this month. For me it’s exciting because many people from the new
generations will re-discover the magic of the old film. I have many
friends involved artistically in it including the Frouds who were the
original designers of the movie. I’ve had the honour to meet them as
guests of many conventions we’ve both attended and in fact I have
performed The Dark Crystal snippets for them when they attended some of
my concerts. They designed the puppets and overall look of the original
movie and they’re on board for the series so I trust it’s gonna be
AWESOME!
Are you excited about the prequel series reboot? I hope many
rediscover the magic of the original movie too. If you haven’t watched
it I urged you to do and check the making of. It was an amazing effort
at the time it was made all with practical FX.
If you haven’t watched this movie I urge you to investigate about it,
overall as I mentioned earlier on it is a story of BALANCE.
Filming locations
The video is entirely filmed in Navarre (Spain) most of it barely some weeks ago 🙂
Most of the video was filmed in a very secret pond I often visit. It’s
hidden in the middle of the woods and despite what it looks deep enough
for a comforting swim. Additional scenes were filmed in other more
stagnant waters to mimic the original “swamp” vibe from the original
movie. We visited some more stagnant ponds and swamps for the matter for
some additional takes and sounds.
I tried to included close ups of different creatures, because even
if they are “earthy” if you look very closely some creatures look
otherwordly… you all reemember “Kokeneli” and that I had a pet isopod
right?
Recording the audio
Above: Backing vocals by the creatures of the pond
All the Nature Sound FX were also recorded using a portable Zoom
microphone and that included general pond ambience, water gurgling,
frogs and crickets. We (@hedac
and I) layered all the sounds to create a “swamp” sonic soundscape
similar to the one featured in the original movie. It was one of the
funniest parts of the making of.
I tried to sing in a way my voice would recall a little bit to Kira’s intonation in the original.
In the original movie the song is performed by two Gelflings, Jen playing a double flute or “aulos” and Kira singing.
Above: Double Ocarina with my “yidneth” logo engraved
Cosplay : Recreating a Gelfling Look
I had previously recorded a cover from this very movie “Jen Play his
pipes” so this is my second tribute to this (my favourite) movie. This
time though I tried to evoke the looks.
The wings were a courtesy from my friends at El Costurero Real, they
are based on Cicada wings which are similar to the ones Gelfling girls
have. I also thank Folk Owl for the green capelet. The rest of the
look was layering greens and using and styling a wig with bangs and
braids.
Easter Eggs : Find “Fizzgig” and the “fufunchi”
As in almost every video I do there is a rat or “fufunchi” hidden.
Even if my “fufunchis” have been gone a while I still composite them
into the videos (so they’re still with me) and it has become kind of an
“Easter Egg”. Let’s see if someone can spot her. :). You can find a
ratty also in other videos like Flame, A Blooming Heart, Haunted,
Ethereal among others.
Dare to find Tuula in the video?
The second Easter Egg I’m gonna give it away, you can spot “Fizzgig” among the other creatures 🙂
I had already recorded another cover of The Dark Crystal some years ago (another theme though)
This is NOT the first but the second cover I do for this movie, many
years ago I had already covered “Jen Play his Pipes” also from the
original movie score, that time recorded live at the Bodmin Forests (UK)
Above: Older cover from another Dark Crystal theme “Jen Play his Pipes”
Final Notes
I know this last month I have not been much around but all August I’m
embarked on a self-care month. It has been pretty rough lately, mostly
struggling to sleep and low spirits, but thanks to whoever enquired,
I’ve not left, 🙂 even if I post little I try to check in and I take
FOREVER to make these but be sure you’ll be updated of my music releases
as always 🙂 I have started meditation and muscular relaxation and I’ll
do a workshop that takes the whole month, but starting to feel results.
Trying to get better in many different levels. 🙂 So a bit off the
loop but “not gone” 🙂 still thanks to whoever was concerned and reached
out.
Earth is a “blue” planet because most of its surface (70%) is covered by Ocean. 97% of the water in our planet is stored in them. Water is life, or so they say. And it’s true Life was born here and is possible due to their existence. Topographically, we know more about the moon than we do about Earth, who knows what great wonders can the oceans still hold?
Me by the Apple Orchard wearing the Empress Dress by Timjan Design (thanks Emelie for the beautiful dress)
As we can know from old Nordic poems Edda, Idunn is a Goddess of the Norse Mythology, the keeper of apples and granter of eternal youthfulness. Apple trees were the symbol of rebirth and beauty. The Apple tree is scared in Norse mythology. Idunn is the goddess of Spring or rejuvenation and the wife of Bragi, who is the god of Poetry. With her apples, gods remain young and immortal.
In this old poem it says that the blood of Idunn was elven
So Walpurgis Night is over and we have woken into Beltane, halfway between Spring and Summer.
When Spring and Summer collides A promise of life as birds and butterflies unfold their wings. Longer, warmer days to grow and rise Splatters of vivid colours over the Spring green canvas.
Above: Me exactly one year ago. My wings are based on the moth species Graellsia isabellae one of my favourite moths, the Spanish Luna
a rare moth that can be found precisely in the area I live, in the
North of Spain. There is even the only sanctuary of this species in the
world that I hope to visit soon as it’s almost the time to hatch out of
their chrysalis. I am so longing for the butterflies… in a few weeks
from now they are going to be everywhere.
This date is linked to the pagan celebration of Beltane in the Northern Hemisphere. Women usually dress in white or light colours that symbolize purity and wear floral garlands. It is thought the May Queen an ancient tree worship. We do not have these traditions in my country, but I still love to celebrate it my own way. This time of the year calls to be joyful and active reverencing the abundance of life.
Have you ever hugged a tree? Does it sounds too hippy let me tell you what you’re missing 😉 and how it works.
One week ago me Héctor and I went out like we do almost every single weekend. A lovely early Spring day, a field full of blooms and there a glorious Evergreen tree all lush green already. It stood out as “King of the Hill” and so I hugged it…
A manificent Evergreen Oak
The Holm Oak (Evergreen or Holly Oak)
Quercus ilex is also known as “Evergreen Oak” Holly oak or Holm (ancient for “Holy”) Oak. They grow typically in the Mediterranean and are quite large in size. This particular one stood in the middle of a field, all crowned in green while the oak trees around it were barely budding their new leaves. That green has endured Winter and it almost felt like a “flash forward” into Summer.
Close your eyes, feel your wings spreading, you’re wandering through
the woods, all cloaked in sunset gold rays… Follow me along The Golden Path
I have edited this the past days taking a little break from a longer
project. I’ve been myself in a bit of a turmoil so was in the mood for
something EXTREMELY chill :). I hope you like it.
Above: Press PLAY to listen to the song and watch the video while you continue reading
Right out from the oven 🙂 I seriously need a better computer to edit
videos though… ! :/ I hope you like it… The mood is very relaxing
almost like walking into a lucid dream (those in which you are aware you
are dreaming)
Daffodils (Narcissus) are the among the earliest flowers to bloom, an herald of Spring, symbols of “rebirth” and renewal and thus perfect to celebrate new cycles and beginnings. This is a picture taken yesterday when I was hiking. Though the forest is wintry and bare, clusters of yellow daffodils brought colour to it. The bulbs have endured the slumber of Winter… they are a sign of the “resilience” of Nature, coming in longer and more vivid clusters every Spring.
Above: Daffodils growing on a moody wintry day… advent of Spring
Such frail beauty inspires so much strength. New life growing from the barren land… It tells you life was not gone but dormant.
Daffodils (Narcissus)
In Wales there is a legend that says that if you see the first
Daffodil blooming you will be blessed with wealth for the rest of the
year… These may not be the first and wealth has many shapes and faces
that are not related with money… I have found it in their golden
petals and the lesson they convey, also in the love of people who care
about me.
Daffodils are also a symbol of friendship
In Victorian times they were also used as a symbol of friendship so this daffodil I’m holding is for you my “friends”, the ones that have supported me and make me find my place here.
All pictures are taken by me and my partner Héctor Corcín Has Spring started already where you live? Or maybe Autumn?
A little magical Incantation along with the Ravens… Filmed 9/2/2019 in Zuriza (Spain)
Trying my Christmas present: My A key tin whistle
The flute I’m playing was my self Christmas present, an alto Irish
tin Whistle in A key with an extra G hole. The maker is Shearwater
Whistles and though an affordable brand I was quite pleased with the
result. I bought if for myself on Christmas though I had to wait for it
to be done. I finally could film this video a couple of weeks ago.
Location and Recording
Location is Zuriza (Spain, close to France border) barely a few weeks
ago… It’s incredible how weather can change so drastically, it was
all wintry white and now leaves and blooms are unfurling. The footage
was filmed using a brand new toy, a handheld stabilized camera (Osmo
Pocket) who was gifted to me by @hedac to do more vlogs (yes, yes I know, I must do more!!)
I’m wearing my hat from my friends El Costurero Real, self knitted
mittens and a coat gifted by my friend Wui. It’s not leather but fabric
and faux fur.
The crows and raven sounds were really recorded in place too, they
are not an fx added. We used a portable Zoom recorder. The audio is not
from the Osmo Pocket camera itself. A second round of flute was
recorded to make a duet. Other than that there is only a supporter
drone which is a mix of sounds in the studio, including one pad made
out of the recorded voice of one of my fufunchis (Ritva, my rat) which
sounds New-Age but comes from the sampled squeaks of my rat (now gone) I
have the instrument of their voices so they can be part of my music.
Above, Ritva, an angel now, but her voice is featured as part of the humming drone all through the tune
About the “Incantations” project
Incantations is a little project I have recording outdoors. They are
usually short and improvised, most of the melodies are done in the spot
inspired by the place. Thus this one was called “On your Wings, the
Ravens Incantation” because the crows and ravens were hovering above me
while chanting. The Incantations are made as a way to channel Nature,
they are usually very short improvisations… I hope some of them will
become songs in their own right one day. In a way it is like the birth of a possible song in the simplest way, just letting myself flow and be inspired by my surroundings while I ground in Nature.
Above an image of the previous Incantation (Over the Clouds) which went viral uncredited 🙁
I am wearing again my hat from El Costurero Real and the reason why is because one of the previous Incantations went viral
several times but stolen, cutting my credit and watermark out of the
video and without even mentioning me. With over 4 million plays
scattered among a few groups and countless of shares on facebook, I
stumbled upon my own video without my name on it. I will make maybe a
post about it. Some of those groups even asked for money to restore my
name to my “stolen” video. But I could prove it was mine and some were
finally blocked. Still as in the previous one I was in in silhouette, I
decided to do a similar one wearing the witch hat but this time showing
my face. Let’s see what happens this time, but I am encouraged to
continue these series of short and sweet compositions outdoors.
I have created a playlist on my youtube channel with the Incantations and recordings in Nature
And this was the video that circulated out without control (if you ever stumble upon it)
Filming a new one as soon as the leaves unfold… but shifting my
colours into green… what do you think? Spring is drawing near and a
new Incantation along with it
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