I know I’ve been quiet lately but just you wait until you see what I’ve got cooking on these hard drives of mine. I’ve been slaving over some new and some old material. It is on its way to you soon. As a friend of mine said to me recently, it will be UNPREDICTABLY COMPLEX!

For this next release, I am pulling together some dark, orchestral-driven tracks that are dense with sound and rich with production, similar to “Fade” in some respects but more representative of my scores and instrumental tracks which you can listen to over at www.audiocatharsis.com/media.htm. On this release I’ll be including instrumental versions at the end of the album as well as the full mixes.

Stay tuned!

I recently uploaded a song called “WAS” to iLike. This song is a quick little melancholy number that will appear on my upcoming “Shapes In A Waste Of Space” album. Check it out when you get a chance. If you like watching paint dry, you will enjoy this song.

I’ve included the song in my PODCAST. You can also listen to it in the sidebar of my website or on iLike: http://apps.facebook.com/ilike/artist/Living+Machine

 

 Was [1:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Title: GYPSY LOUNGE XMAS ACOUSTIC CHARITY SHOW

Location: The Gypsy Lounge

THE GYPSY LOUNGE
23600 Rockfield
Lake Forest, CA
Start Time: 19:30
Date: 2009-12-18

Description: I will be playing at a small set (literally like 3 songs) at \”The Fourth Annual GYPSY LOUNGE XMAS ACOUSTIC BENEFIT CONCERT!\”   I am currently set to go on at 1:45 in the morning. So come on out and have a few drinks. This year will be the biggest xmas show to-date.  With TWENTY-FOUR singer/songwriters from the OC & LA area, all proceeds going to the children\’s charity HOLLYWOOD HEART, and a big toy drive!  Drink specials, great music, festive decor, friends, food… etc etc.

This annual show has always been a Xmas highlight for everyone involved, and this year\’s will be amazing.

The Lineup includes:

Pawnshop Kings
AJ Degrasse
Cory Joseph
Adam Watts
Mike Vitale
Chris Paul Overall
Chris Karn
Danny Maika
Kurt Hunter
Joe Denges
Skee
Living Machine
Gayle Skidmore
Sarah Nicole
Mike Peralta
Robin Orr
Shaw
Alice Wallace
Paulie Pesh
Brenna Whitaker
James Below
Natalie Watts & Scott Harrah
Julie Bell
Josh Mohr

Anyone who knows me won’t be surprised that I am going to make another change to my upcoming album. This time it is to the album name. This whole time I have been using the title “Storm Chaser EP” but I just can’t hang with that anymore. It is far too generic and to top it off there are too many albums from other artists with the same name. So I am ditching that title for good. I am toying with the idea now of calling it “We Chase Storms.” What does everyone think about that?

WE CHASE STORMS

I’m looking forward to Apple’s new “Cocktail” concoction. The project, code-named “Cocktail,” is supposed to launch in September of this year. They are “collaborating” with EMI, Sony Music, Warner Music, and Universal Music Group to basically offer fully interactive features that are an extension of the iTunes software, basically emulating the old-world method for browsing/discovering music.   I am interested to see what it is all about.

I have released the song “Storm Chaser” on iLike and MySpace prior to the launch of the album.  For the next couple weeks you can hear it there until it is available for purchase.  Enjoy! Please add it to your pages to help fan the flames and induce relentless frenzy.

http://www.myspace.com/livingmachine

http://ilike.com/artist/Living+Machine

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I can’t believe my new Dreamscreen album went live on Rhapsody after only 4 days. Thanks Tunecore.

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 Dreamscreen - FREE DOWNLOAD [3:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Dreamscreen (Instrumental) - FREE DOWNLOAD [3:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Album:

Dreamscreen

Release Date:

February 8, 2009

Summary:

Dreamscreen is a dark and brooding piece of music. Primarily orchestral in scope but accentuated with sound design and set against a brush kit and bitcrushed kit as the backbone.  The music and lyrics were written in the middle of the night, based on – inspired by – a dream. The dream was a screenplay for the song; in turn, a “dreamscreen.” Fans of artists like David Bowie and those with a more gothic sensibility will appreciate this music.  This is not a mainstream pop release. For those who care, I used a pair of scissors for the majority of the percussive elements. It’s not a good idea to run with scissors but they sure are fun to produce with. An instrumental of the piece has also been included on the album.

Track(s)

Album Artwork

It’s official, there is now a dedicated artist page on Facebook for Living Machine.  Fan it up and spread the w3rd.

Summary.

The sound of “Storm Chaser” is dark and brooding, with orchestral elements to accentuate the syncopation and groove of the song. “Storm Chaser” is an eccentric song, akin to more a Radiohead experience, with a plethora of instruments coloring the mix and as usual my chorus of multiple vocal parts. In contrast to my other stuff, I would say this track really digs in on the hybrid style of production and songwriting. You’ll see what I mean when you hear the middle break part where the song deviates for a bit to explore the feeling and attitude of the song.

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You can now help spread the word about Living Machine via the iLike network.  Please become a “FAN” and “iLike” songs.  Thanks. 

I am excited about the way the new album, FORLORN, is coming together. There is a lot of cohesion in the songs, even though they are each unique. I will be previewing a couple of the tracks on MySpace at the end of the month. I hope to release the album mid-February. Stay tuned my friends.

Cheers,
E

I just acquired ElijahShepard.Com.  For the time being it is being redirected to my LivingMachine.Net site but I will soon be launching it as an aggregated blog which will include much more personal and off-topic posts as well as primarily serving as my composer profile so that Living Machine can have its own space here and to afford AudioCatharsis.Com to become the hub for Audio Catharsis Records (my label) and Audio Catharsis Productions (my music production business).  Additionally, I plan to soon archive my design work under my EccentricPixel.Com portfolio site.

…lot of URLS and so little time. 

Summary.

The sound of “Some Cage” is melodic and rich with texture. The writing is introspective and indulgent, in typical Living Machine fashion.  The subject matter in the lyrics is perhaps best summed up as dark and elusive while somehow still honest and familiar. Fans of artists like Chris Cornell and Jane’s Addiction will be satisfied with this track.  It is the perfect opener to a rather intense and hyper melodic album. Read more »

Summary.

The sound of “Parasite” is mellow and groovy yet with a strong rock vibe.  The song reintroduces the guitar+Reaktor sound prevalent on the Arm Chair Delusions recordings but in a more minimal way and as a sort of thread in the sound.  The refrain is haunting and intense as 8 harmonies lament the title “Parasite.”  Fans of bands like Sigur Ros will find something here for them while the choruses are far more edgy. Read more »

So I found this old review of my “Echoes of Repression” CD. I thought I would archive it here. Mike Ventarola, if you are out there anywhere, I would love to hear your articulate review of “Arm Chair Delusions”. Thanks again for this great review.

——————————–
Catharsist
“Echoes of Repression”
~reviewed by Mike Ventarola, Starvox (August, 2000)

It is a rare occurrence to be in the company of musical genius, especially in light of today’s studio gadgetry which can make something from nothing at the touch of a button. I contend that Catharsist, a.k.a. Elijah Shepard, falls within the parameters of said genius and will rank among the greats in the halls of music before long. Shepard does not conform to any genre boundaries and by doing so, he releases the wild muse who constantly haunts his psyche to lay down the next refrain of a melody. Despite the harmonious touches his songs convey, there is always a pensive, deeper level beneath the tune. True to the name he has chosen as an artist, he takes the listener on a purge like journey to remove the cobwebs of one’s mind. Catharsist doesn’t just play and sing a song, he becomes the song, pouring his entire being into each note in an effortless fashion. His vocal range and intensity is somewhat akin to Chris Isaak and like Isaak, can utilize understatement to hit the listener over the head with intense poetry and poignancy.

“Echoes of Repression” starts off the disc with mesmerizing notes suffused with gentle percussion. The vocals and guitar work seem to cascade across our nerve fibers to pull us into a reverie. Shepard croons “only another sees what covers your eyes/if we knew what we were looking for- we could move on.” This is a bittersweet song that depicts that thought process of a new born cynicism and disappointment which leads many to the doorway of mid-life disenchantment. Read more »

As no one really knows, I have written hundreds and hundreds of songs over the years. As I spend time to go and actually finish some of these, I have been thinking about revisiting some that I once called complete. Though it means getting out the VS1680 and porting all the tracks into Logic (quite a bit of work), I am resolving today to resurrect a number of songs that I wrote in the late 90s. Most of them are the songs I put on an early release entitled “Echoes of Repression” which I will re-release with these new versions. Some of you may remember that back in those days, I went by the artist name “Catharsist.” I have moved on of course but left quite a bit of material behind. That said, I am thinking of remixing and/or re-recording the following songs:

Echoes of Repression
Shallow
Somehow
Oblivious
We Never Say
Before You Lie
Take My Memories
To Be Making Us Happy
When You’re Ready

Though it was a favorite of many, I think I’ll leave “Sometimes Vain” in the past, as it was just far too ’80s in feel. While “When You’re Ready” was as well, I have plans to do more of a NIN remix style of it.

There they are folks. Use them liberally. Put them on your blog. Print em out. Make stickers and put them on your dog (err – scratch that). Make paper airplanes and throw them at your friends. Just do something.

This is the music video I created for “When We Leave.” Most of this footage I shot in New York. The song was released on Arm Chair Delusions.

 

 "When We Leave" music video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Album:

When We Leave (Instrumental)

Release Date:

September 28, 2008

UPC:

859701028352

Summary:

When We Leave has become a fan favorite from the Arm Chair Delusions album.  That said, I made a secondary version of the song available without any vocals.  I love the way the guitars turned out on this – the mix came together and it just made sense to have an instrumental version too, since I think it stands on its own without the vocal hooks.

Track(s)

 

 When We Leave (Instrumental): Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Album:

Arm Chair Delusions

Release Date:

August 30, 2008

Summary:

This debut album thoughtfully crafted by the hands of a talented and extremely prolific artist, Elijah Shepard, is inventive and well produced.  The style of the writing is indulgent yet with just the right element of pop sensibility.  Though the album is short, only 5 songs, it leaves a lasting impression and is clearly not hindered by its track count.  Considering the emotional and commercial feel of this record, expect we’ll be hearing and seeing a lot from this artist for years to come.

Track(s):

I just submitted “When We Leave (instrumental)” for release in digital stores everywhere. Expect it available for purchase within the next few weeks.  This version of the song, as the title suggests, has NO vocals.  Enjoy!.

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That’s right.  You can go and grab the ARM CHAIR DELUSIONS album today almost anywhere you want.  It just became available on the 2 most popular music services out there.  Go take it for a spin or part with $5 (hey – its not much but its a something).  Remember, I get paid everytime you listen to the track on Rhapsody (among others).

Buy the album on iTunes

On August 30th, 2008, I released the first of the three albums I am writing.  The first and DEBUT album is entitled “Arm Chair Delusions.”  Currently it is live on Amazon.Com but it will be a couple more weeks until you see it on iTunes and a handful of other digital stores such as Rhapsody, Napster and so on.

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This is an open call to anyone willing to help. I need help promoting my Living Machine music. I am open to hearing any viral ideas or otherwise. Please let me know if you would like to get involved in helping me gain exposure.

I’m looking for music videos, remixes, fan videos, blogs, etc. Even just adding a song to your MySpace player for a week would help a lot.

You only live once – so thanks in advance.

Summary.

The sound of “Fade” is glassy, layered, dark, and borderline avant-garde.  A well-produced song, it transitions dramatically between a haunting chorus and melodic instrumental sections, then backed up to an epic outro that is highly orchestral and compelling.  This is definitely a song that you can listen to several times and still hear new elements every time.

Release Info.

Fade was originally released on the Arm Chair Delusions album.

Related Video.

none

Credits.

Music: Elijah Shepard
Lyrics: Elijah Shepard
Performance: Elijah Shepard (vocals, guitars, bass, programming, orchestration, piano, pots, pans)
Production: Elijah Shepard
Mixing: Elijah Shepard
Mastering: Elijah Shepard

Lyrics.

It will all fade – somehow

who knows better than I

It will all fade – somehow

make me whole again

Factoids.

The song was originally called “Descendant” when it was written.  At one point, it evolved to be called “Faded” before finally ending up with the title of “Fade.”  The sheer amount of revisions and alternate versions for this song is scary.  Some of the myriad of melodies for it may surface in the future in the form of other songs (TBD). I ditched the vocals for the verses and just made it a song with chorus vocals. This seemed to accentuate the indulgent nature of the song as the end of the track is a wall of sound with full orchestra and guitars as well as my indian/eastern style vocals during the outro.

Summary.

Like the title says, this song is an introspective trip full of melody and a funky groove, all blended together with a pseudo psycho feel.

Release Info.

This song was originally released on the “Arm Chair Delusions” album.

Credits.

Music: Elijah Shepard
Lyrics: Elijah Shepard
Performance: Elijah Shepard (vocals, guitars, bass, programming, orchestration, piano, pots, pans)
Production: Elijah Shepard
Mixing: Elijah Shepard
Mastering: Elijah Shepard

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Summary.

So sad but so common, this song is thoughtfully elusive.  It is about a relationship where each person realizes the other person is more in love with themselves.

Release Info.

This song was originally released on the ARM CHAIR DELUSIONS album.

Credits.

Music: Elijah Shepard
Lyrics: Elijah Shepard
Performance: Elijah Shepard (vocals, guitars, bass, programming, orchestration, piano, pots, pans)
Production: Elijah Shepard
Mixing: Elijah Shepard
Mastering: Elijah Shepard

Lyrics.

She was the sun
and he was the moon
they never had a chance

I watched them leave
like I watched them come and go

SHE WAS ALL HE KNEW SHE WANTED
BUT HE FOUND OUT TOO LATE
HE WAS ALL SHE KNEW HE WANTED
BUT SHE FOUND OUT TOO LATE

Each on their own unique path
Though they intertwine they’re still separate
We watched them join together
but in self defense they’ll hurt each other

I watched it die
as they died inside

SHE WAS ALL HE KNEW SHE WANTED
BUT HE FOUND OUT TOO LATE
HE WAS ALL SHE KNEW HE WANTED
BUT SHE FOUND OUT TOO LATE

So sad…but so common

Summary.

Epic guitars, lots of harmony vocals, and a lyrical groove bind this song together.  The sound is familiar yet distinctly Living Machine.

Release Info.

This song was originally released on the ARM CHAIR DELUSIONS album.

Credits.

Music: Elijah Shepard
Lyrics: Elijah Shepard
Performance: Elijah Shepard (vocals, guitars, bass, programming, orchestration, piano, pots, pans)
Production: Elijah Shepard
Mixing: Elijah Shepard
Mastering: Elijah Shepard

Lyrics.

Get in and drive
It doesn’t matter where we are when we leave
It only matters where we go

WHEN WE LEAVE
WE’LL START TO FIND OUR WAY
-inside

Its the thrill of the ride
The art of changing lanes
though we’ll never arrive
we keep finding scenery to call home

IF THE ENGINE IS MISSING, YOU CAN TURN THE KEY ALL YOU WANT BUT NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN. NOTHING EVER HAPPENS.

Summary.

“Hanging Around” is an introspective, relationship-focused song with a memorable chorus, served up with crystal textures intertwined with pensive thought and layers of vocals. The chorus lyric says it all: “this could be great or just a great mistake.”

Release Info.

Arm Chair Delusions

Read more »

Summary.

Release Info.

This song is currently awaiting to be released on the “FORLORN” album which is anticipated for early 2009.

Credits.

Music: Elijah Shepard
Lyrics: Elijah Shepard
Performance: Elijah Shepard (vocals, guitars, bass, programming, orchestration, piano, pots, pans)
Production: Elijah Shepard
Mixing: Elijah Shepard
Mastering: Elijah Shepard

Lyrics.

exposed like a bit stream and fragile but true-to-form
you can watch all you want but you’ll never see it
though spots on the picture may trigger thoughts this isn’t fiction

you can diffuse or reflect or color in seek to imitate it
but the shape that it takes is like water forced through pipes
unpredictable but calculated – and truly false -displayed but transparent

this is real
maybe not here
not for me but
somewhere else
this is real
maybe not for me but
for someone else

its dark at the edges
but its light in the center
just be patient
you’ll see it
and the crackle that sparkles through specks in the center
its warm tattered edges make truth feel like fiction

one line stolen but all lines borrowed
stretched like a pixel but never connected
illumination always creates shadows
its hard to accept what’s projected but not to reflect it

I wanted to feel
what the colors depict in pictures
I wanted to trust
what they tell me
I wanted to touch
what it shows me

this is real
maybe not here
not for me but
somewhere else
this is real
maybe not for me but
for someone else
this is real
maybe not for me but
for someone else

its dark at the edges
but its light in the center
just be patient
you’ll see it
and the crackle that sparkles through specks in the center
its warm tattered edges make truth feel like fiction

Its all too bright
but not brilliant like in pictures
time moves too slow
and there is more friction than fiction
still it makes me feel
unfortunate still
we can’t maintain this depth of field

this is real
maybe not here
not for me but
somewhere else
this is real
maybe not for me but
for someone else
this is real
maybe not for me but
for someone else

Factoids.

The machine became self-aware on July 11th, 2005.