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Soulwire Newsletters are free monthly e-mails that keep you updated on the latest songs, thoughts, give aways, special discounts and events. All you have to do is click below and enter your e-mail address.

You can read the Newsletters below, but any free songs, discounts or give aways are not included, as many of them are limited time and exclusive to those that sign up.

Soulwire Newsletter 12
April 15, 2008
Welcome back! It's a cold, cold February, and we have plenty to talk about...

Welcome back! Finally, I can say it! It's WARMING UP. Feeling good! :) Let's jump right in...

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- Updated -

The web page ( http://www. soulwire. com/ ) has been updated. I've included a date stamp on the main page to let you know when updates have occurred. Stop on by.

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- Restocked! -

Retail versions of "A Radiant Nothing" have arrived! It looks amazing.

The colors on the booklet, and especially the CD, are incredibly vibrant. Visit the soulwire website to order. You can also get a copy at CD Baby ( http://cdbaby. com/cd/soulwire2 ). iTunes and other online digital distributors coming soon. :) If you've ever thought about getting the album, this is a perfect time because there are specials available for a limited time...

All orders will give you full access to the MP3 album, as soon as I receive it. Orders are shipped within 24 hours.
Visit the main page ( http://www. soulwire. com/ ) for more details.
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- Soulwire - Live Omaha Performances -

Sunday, May 11th 2008 (Mother's Day) at 1:00 PM
Next Millennium Bookstore
3141 North 93rd ST Omaha, NE 68134
Cost: Free

All the original live tracks will be performed. The new material will be performed at Sokol. I'll have the Sokol tickets as well as CDs available at this performance... Save on shipping charges and stop by! :)
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May, 24 2008 at Soulwire Live at Sokol Underground
2234 South 13th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68108
Cost : $8 preorder or $10 at the door

Watch Soulwire live, performing at Sokol Underground! ( http://www.sokolunderground.com/ ). Tickets are $8 or $10 at the door. Visit the soulwire web page to purchase tickets.

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- Broken Threads -

Have you seen the performance of "Interpolations" on piano?

Here is another live recording, "Broken Threads" with the bamboo flute.

Expect more of these videos in the future. Enjoy! :)

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- Q&A -

A few responses to questions I've had over the past month...

Q: What ya doin with next album?
A: The new album has only just begun. The Silent Division will be the first song of the new album, and possibly the name of the entire album. It has a more globalized theme than "A Radiant Nothing"... but I let albums write themselves...so I cannot reveal too much. I have ideas...but write and let the music go where it needs to go.

Q: How long have you been spinning?
A: Haha, if you're on my myspace, you've undoubtedly seen me post videos of nunchaku spinning. It's what I do when I'm not doing music, or playing with my son. :) I've been spinning on and off for years, but only taking it more seriously recently. Spinning the chucks gives me a similar feeling as when I am playing guitar... there is a zone that we slide in to... it's strangely invigorating yet relaxing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7CRI4K-7BE

Q: (regarding the ARN Storyline) I don't quite understand...
A: The storyline was written with symbolisms and poetic words. In a sense, you might be able to decipher the story as one would be able to analyze and interpret a dream. There are literal references, but these are for you to relate to in your own way. The beauty of symbolism is that I can express a story, thought or feeling, you can read it, and get something entirely different... yet we both have connected with something important, individually within ourselves. Pretty cool trick huh? ;)

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- Musical Philosophies -

I was thinking about this yesterday. Why am I writing music? What is my drive? I know it's not for the fame... I'd have stayed in my rock band for that one. ;)

I love how music can permeate the boundaries of language, race, and customs. You could just be having the craziest day, hear a song that reflects the way you feel, and for that moment..you are connected to that song... Everything disappears...for that moment. You and this song are the only thing that is alive. Music is amazing like that. It cuts straight through, and vibrates through the undertones. And for those that can relate to the undertones, they connect with something within themselves... it can be very deep or profound.

For me, I look for inspiration...and it usually doesn't come from listening to other songs. It usually comes from something Seth says, someone I meet, an experience I've had. And then I sit down and begin to try to translate those feelings into notes. I can say that Soulwire is an honest expression of myself and my life, translated into notes, and written with symbolisms that reference those times in my life. And if I can open this up for others, and they connect with the music..then I feel like I've also done something really good for the world...even if it is subtle. I made a ripple and will never see how far it truly extends. That's awesome.

You might wonder if that means I am generally a sad or melancholic person, since many songs carry those vibrations. The theme is almost always about beauty or sadness. And the answer is, not even close. :) I'm usually chilled out or having fun. I have thought about this...wondering why the way I express myself has tones of struggle or being in awe of something... I think it has to do with inner honesty. Sadness can bring down the guards of even the most defensive people... it may be the only time in our lives that get to a point of clarity about ourselves...and it creates a change in us...something meaningful that will stay with us for the rest of our lives... it just depends on how we react to it.

Beauty brings about inspiration... a new beginning. Sadness usually signifies the eventual closing or ending of something. Somehow they cycle back and forth and create these patterns and circles that I call my own life...perhaps you call it your life too. I think it is some of our most honest times in our lives...and so when I think about things I want to learn in my life, or ways that I can find balance and harmony...I feel driven to write, and think about those times. I don't need to make my happier times happier. It's like a millionaire looking to get richer. No, I'd rather visit the poverty stricken areas, get a feel and understand why it is so. Maybe it is simply because I had been overlooking it this entire time.

You'll notice my albums are mostly about dealing with changes...because those are the times that define our character... it ripples and resonates even to our happier times, later in life.

What challenges (or growth) would we have if there were no need to change? If people didn't let us down, if we didn't make mistakes, if everything stayed exactly the same, if we always stayed within our securities... Would that even be a life worth living? Really?

And so I write...

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- Ending -

The cold weather just reminds me...Endings..beginnings...cycle back to more endings... more beginnings... Somewhere in between lies the most predictable and secure section... the middle..heh heh... but it's not really as secure as we think, because change is inevitable. Winter was a time of solace and introspection. It was a time to reflect and to learn what it would take to truly begin anew. It wasn't an easy winter, but it was worth it. And now, it can only get warmer from here on out.

Hope you enjoyed the newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to write me back soulwire.music [at] gmail. com

February 21, 2008

Welcome back! It's a cold, cold February, and we have plenty to talk about...

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- Soulwire Performance -

Performance night was packed. We had 4 venues with musicians/artists playing in all venues. All I can say is that it was packed, and loud.... So loud, I actually could not play any of the songs involving flute because it was feedbacking from the bleed through of the other artists. But as we say, make do with what you got, and I was still able to give a good amount of time performing. That night, I was feeling strangely relaxed. There was barely an ounce of nervousness, and I think the performance went along nicely. The whole night was a great experience overall, and it has only solidified the decision to continue many more live performances.

There was an awesome vibe the whole night, but I was completely exhausted by 2:00am. I definitely want to pull more late nighters!

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- ARN, second wave-

I should have a new order of "A Radiant Nothing" CDs placed by the end of next week (and should be back in stock in 2-3 weeks). It has been silent recently, but a subtle momentum is building. ARN is about to get blown open to the world in a much bigger way. It's a matter of timing.

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- Soulwire Myspace Group -

Do you have any questions or comments about a particular song? Want to share your thoughts with other like minded people? The Soulwire Myspace Group is for you. Many thanks to Melissa for creating the Soulwire Myspace Group. Please stop by and chat with other similar minded friends. :) I'll stop by occasionally as well, and might put up new songs or b-sides exclusively to the group. Stop by today!

http://groups.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=groups.groupProfile&groupID=106807651

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- Sonic Frontiers-

Looking for some new music? Sonic Frontiers did a compilation album of many great artists from all around, including a soulwire track, "Refractions of Yesterday". The compilation is available as a free download, check it out!

http://www.sonicfrontiers.net/php/compilation-2.html

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- New song -

It's been 6 months since the last song... and it's time to return. There may be some minor reworkings, but it is something I wanted to share with you all this newsletter. This song is for that somone that knows how to make my life shine out and bring out new colors that I haven't seen before. Thanks Colleen. ;)

Spheres of Inertia -- drop me a line and let me know what you think. ;)

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- Asking the right questions (Philosophy) -

As always, these are merely my thoughts. Take it with a grain of salt if you feel otherwise. We're all so different, most of you are supposed to. ;)

Seth (my 5 year old son) was telling me about school yesterday. He was a little wistful, so I asked about that. He told me that he has friends that pick on him. I asked how exactly he felt that he was being picked on and he says that there is a girl that steals his crayons. I asked him if he talked to her about it, and he said that she insists that they are hers, and she takes his crayons without asking. So I ask him if he told a teacher and he responded with a "No".

For a moment, I wanted to tell him "You should tell a teacher when these things happen", but I instead posed the question "why not?" ...yet internally I was setting up the response already... but then he told me that he feels bad to hurt her feelings by telling, and then my answer flew right out the window.

Have you ever noticed the questions that are posed to us in the name of communication, but not really questions at all? Where questions are spoken, but it is not really to discover an answer together, rather to lead the other person to a predetermined answer that was already decided? It's more of a pop quiz than a conversation, and while that may (or may not) work to help it hinders one important aspect...we both stop learning from the other. I feel that it is not up to me to have him see the world as I see it, nor to have him respond to the world as I have responded to it...rather give him to tools to have him see himself in the relation to how he interacts with the world.

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- Closing Statements-

Another months has flown by. I hope you've enjoyed the Newsletter. New songs, new gigs are coming up. A.R.N. is going to come back bigger than ever... lots of things are in the mix... Seth turns 6 years old next month! :) 2008 is going to be a great year. Hope you all have a wonderful February, and I'll speak to you all in March!

Questions...comments? Message me

Ken

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- Soulwire performing in California -

Soulwire will be flying out to to San Francisco, California to perform at Temple on February 9th. This place looks extremely chilled out and terrific. (check on the website -- http://www.templesf.com/venue ) Not only will Soulwire be played, loud and clear on a crisp, clean audio system, there will be choreographed dancing to the music.

This is going to be a night full of electronic/world music and dance from 10pm - 4am Saturday night. This event is to celebrate the CD release of a new Cheb i Sabbah album. Who is Cheb i Sabbah? He has been a nationally recognised DJ since the 60's, and was recently nominated by BBC for a "World Music" award in the "Club Global" category. Check out his music at http://www.myspace.com/chebisabbahji

Temple
February 9th 10 PM - 4 AM
540 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105
Artists included: Cheb i Sabbah, Karsh Kale, Bobby Friction, Janaka Selekta, Riffat Sultana, Salar Nader, Mitch Hyare, Unmata, Binah, Dj Dragonfly, Dj Funkminsta Fulla, Dj Mozaic, Dj Amar, The Luxury Tax (electronic music), Soulwire, Nick culp & company (cello and piano), Jewel of opar (belly dancers), Summer Sahar (belly dancer), The Sacramento Fire Spinning, Music and Dance group, and Drum Sum
Cover charge $18

Description of Temple: "Venture to the ancient past in Temple's Catacombs, a seductive and secluded chamber located in the deepest recesses of the venue. With stone sculptures that line the walls, wooden carvings invite closer inspection. Cave-like pillars surround the dance floor, enveloping the dancer with their mystic energy. Enjoy the service of two bars, a large dance floor and the best Martin Audio sound system in San Francisco."

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- Soulwire Myspace Group -

Do you have any questions or comments about a particular song? Want to share your thoughts with other like minded people? The Soulwire Myspace Group is for you. Many thanks to Melissa for creating the Soulwire Myspace Group. Please stop by and chat with other similar minded friends. :) I'll stop by occasionally as well, and might put up new songs or b-sides exclusively to the group. Click here and stop by today!

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- ARN CDs sold out! -

A Radiant Nothing has been sold out! These CDs were limited edition copies to help fund the next batch of commercial CDs. Please be patient, as I get the shipment of new CDs... estimating mid February. Anyone that has the Limited Edition copy, and would like to trade it for the retail copy may do so. There is no major change between the CDs, except the retail CDs may be more durable. Send me a message as soon as they arrive. :)

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- Spread the word -

As you may have noticed, I recently have started over on Myspace. The 16,000 friends have been reset to a few hundred. It's just going to take some time to rebuild, so I am asking that you spread the word. :) The site is still busy as ever though..For the 300 friends that have returned, there still has been over 2000 hits in the last month.

If you would like to put the soulwire player on your page, click on this link below.
http://www.soulwire.com/index4.htm

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- Awards -

If you haven't read the "Rewriting Destiny" review from New Age Reporter, it is definitely a good read. It was given great praise.
http://www.newagereporter.com/recording/viewreviews.asp?rvwbrd=4&rvwbrdpstn=7&rvwbrdcmmt=538

Soulwire was also recently given a "Best of 2007" award from "Radio Mystic". The entire netcast can be found here...
http://www.radiomystic.com/netcast/030.asp

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- Favorite comments of recent -

"Hello Ken! I received the second CD (A Radiant Nothing) yesterday. I love it! The story that you included brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sending it to me so quickly."

"I've wanted to tell you that a couple of weeks ago I was listening to your new album on my mp3 player, and it inspired me to draw! Now, I have no artistic ability whatsoever, but I gave it a shot. Through your entire album, I drew a picture of a cherry blossom branch with the blossoms of course, and two japanese cranes surrounding it. ( I feel it represents peace, tranquility and beauty) If I had more talent, it wouldn't look so bad, but I am working on it. Once, I get it right, it may be the next tattoo I get. So, thank you for inspiring me."

"What a huge blessing it is to have you back! Your music was always one of my favorites to listen to and always has been deeply inspiring."

"It's wonderful to hear something local and beautiful. Thanks for the refreshment."

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- Closing Statements-

2008 has already begun as a great year. I truly believe things are going to continue to move up. My thanks to all of you, especially the ones that have been there since the beginning. I really appreciate it. :)

Soulwire Newsletter 9
October 16, 2007

It's here! The ninth SW Newsletter has arrived...and it is brimming with the big news:

"A Radiant Nothing"...It's here, let's celebrate!

Guess what we will be talking about all newsletter? :) Questions...comments? Message me : Soulwire [at] gmail.com

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- Where do I buy it? -

This is the new page for the Soulwire store. Bookmark it!

* Purchase MP3s or CDs
* Purchase "A Radiant Nothing", "Rewriting Destiny", and yes, even "Two Moons"
* Savings bundles available. Buying all 3 albums saves you $16.98.

Click above for information on buying the album(s) (or in a discounted bundle with "Rewriting Destiny").
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-A Radiant Nothing CD Party-

The online CD release party turned out excellent. Although there were only a handful of online chatters, we almost peaked out with the amount of listeners. Everyone that participated in the chat room, received a free MP3 download of "Circles".

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-An Exerpt-

Go ahead and visit the http://www.soulwire.com/ site. Fast forward the player until you reach "Sleepless Dream". Be sure to read the description below, as the melody plays...

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-Questions and Answers-

Q: What is the status of "A Radiant Nothing"?
A: MP3's and Limited CDs are available right now. There are "savings bundles", where you can save some money if you buy two or more different albums together. Click Here for full information.

Q: What are Limited Edition CDs? What's the difference?
A: Limited Edition CDs are available now, for a limited time. L.E. CDs feature the same music, story booklet and nearly the same artwork. Here are the main differences...
* LE's are autographed on the inside cover, standard edition will have print as to how to best experience the CD.
* LE's print method is with high quality, full color laser printing on CD labels and inserts.
* LE's not shrink wrapped

Q: What about the 16 page booklet?
A: The booklet is too large to fit within the CD. As long as you purchase the CD directly from the Soulwire.com site, you will always receive the booklet (free) alongside the CD. Anyone that buys the MP3 editions, will have 3 ways to view the storyline - online, Microsoft Word, and an Adobe printer friendly PDF. The PDF is set up to print like a double-sided fold out booklet that can be stapled. Those that buy the album from elsewhere (Amazon.com, CDbaby.com, etc.) will have an online link to the storyline - just like the MP3 edition.
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-Closing Thoughts-

Just as "Circles" describes, as one chapter ends, another one begins. Be sure to listen to the Soulwire player, there are 4 new songs from the album. ARN is a movement into what I feel is the essence and future of Soulwire. It's some of my best work and I feel it brings an added element that is not too often experienced in music. I hope you consider picking up a copy to experience it for yourself.

It's here! The eighth SW Newsletter has arrived. We have quite a lot to talk about. Questions...comments? Message me.

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-ARN Release Date-

Thank you very much for being patient, while waiting for the release of the new album. Without a record label to purchase and distribute the CDs, everything is out of pocket. I have recently moved into a house, and that is part of the reason for the delay. You should see the home studio now! I’ll post pictures soon. It looks great by the fireplace.

Don't worry, it won't be long.

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-A Radiant Nothing CD Party-

You know the album is right around the corner. Have you heard about this yet? Read on! I am going to have Mystic Soundscapes broadcast the entire album very soon… probably within the next couple of weeks. There will also be a chat room where I will post up each song description, and we can talk. I will e-mail you as soon as the date becomes established. Be sure to stop by and experience what this new album is all about.

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-Transition to Eternity-

A gift to you for being so patient. It is the second song on the album, titled "Transition to Eternity". Simply right click on the link below to save it. Be sure to read the description slowly while you listen. Try to envision the scenes the music and words create in your mind.

Right click and choose "Save As" to save this song.

Sign up for the newsletter to get these types of special downloads ;) ]

(00:38) The dark obscurity of rain and night speaks with the deafening sound of absence. He is alone... walking directionless… retracting from the inevitable.... He knows he must return, but needs a moment to escape, pulled by the force between what the mind knows and what the heart resists.

(1:43) He is back at the hospital, unsure when or how he had arrived. The innocent song of her voice beckons him. And there she is. He clasps her hand tightly, so cold. He grips tighter, to keep her warm, to protect… Tender but desperate words stumble from his mouth as her complexion draws silent. Senses are muffled by a torrent of raging thoughts. Her hands are so cold.

(2:40) Time ebbs nearly to a standstill. It aches to breathe. He grips her hands tighter to his chest, letting hope communicate wordlessly… but the words fall away.

He closes his eyes, bracing against the rushing tide of every cherished memory. The pane of sanity shatters.

(3:31) Away you drift...
I drown.

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-QuantumDisc-
http://www.quantumdisc.com/

Many thanks to Quantumdisc, who has showcased Soulwire as a featured artist. Quantumdisc has an excellent vision, to bring out the lesser known artists (such as myself) out into the open. Their mission is to expose and showcase artists that they feel should be heard. Many thanks. :)

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-Live Performances-

September 1, 2007 was the debut performance of Soulwire. I was very pleased with how it turned out. I would talk more about it, but I wrote a blog all about it. Read at your leisure…

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=15653982&blogID=306746232

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-Q&A-
Q: How are things over there in Soul-land?
A: Heheh, September has been one of the busiest months ever! :) From the first performance, 30th birthday, moving into a house, to finishing the story to the album... this has been the busiest month all year. But seriously, things are really great over here! I am looking forward to having some extra time where I can sink my teeth into the beginning of the third album.

Q: Have you been writing any new tracks lately?
A: Not in the last couple of months. I miss writing actually. But I'm taking everything one step at a time here. First priority is getting ARN out there.

Q: What was the easiest hardest song to compose?
A: The easiest songs are actually some of my favorite songs as well. Inspiration was flowing and I never got snagged. These songs came out with inspirations flowing: Dream Empire, A Radiant Nothing, Circles, Ripples of Doubt, Hollow Trenches of Memory.

Here are some songs that took a while to compose. I would write them, think they were done, but always felt like it needed a little more. I am proud of these songs, because as I continually came back to them, I would bring a different idea to the melody. These songs took several months before they were completed: Transition to Eternity, Lavender Heart Ashes, Lonesome Snowflake, Emerging Consciousness

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-Every action is a response-

Feel free to agree or disagree. I don’t mind. ;) I’m just sharing my thoughts as always.

When a problem arises in our minds, I believe that whatever action that follows is a response to that problem. That is why I believe perception is so incredibly important – perception is what has turned it into a problem, and perception is also what can either avoid or solve that self-created problem. Before we can do anything, we should first be honest with what the problem truly is. What is the perceived problem, and what is the actual problem that lies beneath the surface? Secondly, how are you solving your problem through your actions? That’s what I would ask every time.

First, what is truly the problem?
Many people attempt to solve their problems outwardly. For instance, let’s say I am afraid of looking foolish – I want to be respected, appreciated as a great human being. Someone says something that threatens that perception, and now I am very upset at this person. If I don’t look at my need for others to appreciate me, then I will ever be defending it. I will be pointing fingers at everyone else that says differently, as a way to justify and prove to myself that I am not what they say I am. Sometimes I will fight aggressively…but for what? To prove a subjective perception? What for? So my problem is that someone has insulted me. The underlying problem, the reason why it upsets me is because I (in some form) need the security and appreciation of that person (or from people in general) to feel good about myself.

Secondly, how are you solving your problems through your actions?
Do we get upset? Do we withdraw? Do we confront them? Do we tell them how they have made us feel? Do we take a moment to understand ourselves? Do we attack them? Do we ignore and repress those feelings? Many of these reactions are to protect the aspect that we feel has been threatened. But with every action, I would consider this… “I tried to solve this problem by…” (add whatever action you have just done).

With each action, I would just ask – has this solved the problem? If it has, then great. If not, then I would look at how you have reacted, and try a different approach next time… for your own peace of mind.

Life is one great perception. Without it, we have no basis to understand anything with meaning. Meaning comes from desire, there is definitely nothing wrong with that. But do realize that desire and creating purpose can trap us up, and when those moments come, if it is possible to shift perception, even if momentarily, we may be able to effortlessly glide through whatever issues may arise. The intuition to see ourselves, our motivations, and how our current situation reflects both of those, is the foundation to what I would call wisdom.
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-Closing Thoughts-

Well, I wish I could have announced the album was here right now, but I will say that it is right around the corner.  It will work out nicely. What better way to listen to songs like “Lonesome Snowflake”, than when the weather starts getting a little cooler. I love Autumn. It’s my favorite season. I hope you all have an excellent October, and I will talk to you soon.

Ken Hill

I'd like to close this newsletter with an excellent review from New Age Reporter.

SOULWIRE
Rewriting Destiny
Self-released (2006)
Websites: CDBABY http://cdbaby.com/cd/soulwire

Artist: http://www.soulwire.com/

One of the more rewarding aspects of reviewing music is finding that jewel in the rough, an album from an independent and relatively unknown artist which displays an uncommon artistry or vision. Rewriting Destiny by Soulwire (Ken Hill) is one such CD. I last crossed paths with the artist when I reviewed his earlier CD, Two Moons (under a different pseudonym, Torchlight Creek). That earlier album revealed he had talent for crafting music featuring (from my review) "…electronic keyboards with acoustic guitar and flute in evocative, almost cinematic soundscapes." That was back in 2003. I figured that Ken Hill, sadly like many others, had dropped out of site. I was excited when I found out otherwise and was equally enthused when Rewriting Destiny showed up and I played it the first time. Hill delivers on the promise of Two Moons with a vengeance, elevating his technical abilities (better electronics and production standards) and artistry as well, while allowing elements of downtempo and electronica to flow into his cinematic melodic compositions (played on an assortment of synths, acoustic guitar, and a variety of flutes). The resulting hybrid is a blend of dark, melancholic new age music with energetic beats (although part of the album features no rhythms). There is a reflective essence which runs throughout the CD, as Hill himself relates on his website "Rewriting Destiny is about finding strength and purpose in life, watching it shatter, and through picking up the pieces, understanding and finding freedom."

The fourteen tracks on Rewriting Destiny kick off with a great downtempo track, "Dream Empire," unspiraling slowly from a subdued opening of muted piano, folding in twinkling keyboards, a shuffling downtempo rhythm, adding bell tones and mournful sounding synths. At the midway point, intensity increases as Hill layers in strings and other overt electronic FX. "Weave the Soul" blazes with synthesizers galore but has that same undercurrent of forlornness, even when the trippy midtempo snares enter the song, counterpointed by delicate acoustic guitar. The bridge of the song quiets things down before the reemergence of the main musical theme. "The Dawning of Symmetry" lightens the mood somewhat with swirling "fog-hornish" keyboards, analog synths, piano, guitar, and beats all combining their sounds. "Emerging Consciousness" has a haunting quality to it, with trace elements of glitch on the surface juxtaposed with a flowing melodic aspect and gentle bell tones. "Synergy of One" displays the influence of artists like Amethystium and Australis, perhaps, with its echoed piano, layered synths, flute, and contemporary beats, including snares and high hats.

As mentioned earlier, some tracks are rhythm-less, emphasizing Hill's guitar or flute work, such as "Wishless Star" which reminded me of the duo Within (a one hit wonder from the late nineties). "Ripples of Doubt" is sparse and sad, with just echoed piano and some subtle flute in the background. "Echoes of a Fallen Dream" unites acoustic instruments with electronic keyboards but sans any kind of beat. Broad sweeping keyboards ebb and flow under guitar while wooden (Native) flute contributes some lovely but lonely melodies.

Rewriting Destiny isn't perfect (e.g. "Lavender Heart Ashes" has some drum kit beats which should have been ditched), but there's nearly always room for improvement on most CDs I review. When Rewriting Destiny clicks (much more often than not) it impressed me greatly. I liked how effortlessly Hill integrated beats and electronics with the guitar and piano, crafting melodies that were "pretty" and accessible yet shrouded somewhat in shadow. The songs don't come across as melodramatic or mushy, but sincerely somber and introspective, music borne of the artist's own pain and growth, tinted with darkness but also filled with a driving sense of energy and forward momentum. I solidly recommend it.

Bill Binkelman

New Age Reporter
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It has been busybusy over here, so let's dive right in! Questions...comments? Message me : Soulwire [at] gmail.com

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-ARN Release Date-

I am doing my best to get "A Radiant Nothing" released on my 30th birthday (September 19th). No guarantees, it's going to be close. I'm sure I'll have some sort of online performance or other special festivity to celebrate the new album, as well as celebrating the big 3-0. More details in the next newsletter. :)

Regarding the storyline, it is going to be a thick booklet! When you get the album, be sure to wait until you have a nice quiet hour, start the CD and read along with the songs. Try to see if you can catch the elements of the descriptions that mirror in the music. I think it will a new, fresh element to the music if you experience this and read the booklet with much attention and awareness, like you would watch a movie.

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-Live Performance-

I know many of you do not live locally (in Omaha, NE) but there are quite a few of you that do. Soulwire's first live performance is right around the corner. It will be held at the Benson Grind on Saturday, Sept 1, 2007 starting at 8:00 PM. The set is going to include many songs from Rewriting Destiny, and a great deal of songs from the new album as well. What a great way to hear many songs on new album before it comes out, loud and clear! :)

So mark your calendars and stop by if you can.

Saturday - September 1, 2007
The Benson Grind
6107 Maple St.
Omaha, NE 68104

Songs included in the set...

Interpolations, Weave the Soul, Sleepless Dream, Lavender Heart Ashes, Hollow Trenches of Memory, Dream Empire, Collapsing Eclipse, Circles, Struggle from Within, Broken Threads...

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-Q&A-
As always, feel free to e-mail me any questions at soulwire -at- gmail.com and I will put a few of them in here.

Q: When will T-shirts become available?
A: T-shirts have fallen on the back burner, while I tie up loose ends with getting this live performance ready (as well as the album). I'm hoping to have a selection by the end of this year. The live performance and new album have been taking all of my spare time, and I'm very excited to say that I see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

Q: Hey did you guys win that contest?
A: No, but I came close. Last month Soulwire was in the Ourstage music contest and ended up in 3rd place for Electronic with "Interpolations". ( http://www.ourstage.com/ ). Another contest that Soulwire is in, is Garageband. "Dream Empire" is holding tight in Electronic at 16 with 4.9 out of 5 stars. ( http://www.garageband.com/song?|pe1|S8LTM0LdsaSlZFe3ZWo )

Q: Where have you been lately?
A: Lol! half of my time is huddled (like a hermit) in my basement, getting the new set ready. Only 2 people have seen the live set so far. :) The other half is spent with Seth, friends and family -- making sure I make the most of the summer warmth! I've been a bit of a ghost on myspace, but will return soon.

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Radio Mystic
http://www.radiomystic.com/

A couple of weeks ago, Radio Mystic's Pete Havey conducted an interview with me about "A Radiant Nothing". What's nice about this interview is that we were both communicating from our studios, so the interview is nice and clear (as opposed to a phone.)

The interview should come up some time this month, so be sure to check Mystic Soundscapes to get the podcast of the story behind "A Radiant Nothing".

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Thoughts : A Good Life...

I think a good life is not about always getting what we want, but actively making the most out of what we have. It's like the "grass is always greener" analogy, and the worst place we can be is dwelling on how much we wish we had a different life or set of circumstances. If we have a problem with your life, I just think the worst thing we can do is strengthen the problem by wallowing in how bad of a problem it is. Just change it. It's not always easy, sometimes it is scary to make a change, but being able to break dead cycles keeps us from getting stuck in the same problems for years and years...

Cycles repeat because we give it continuity. I say the only cycles we should keep are the ones that make our lives better. I think often we get caught up in the same patterns so much that we no longer know how to function if we lived any other way. Then as those cycles turn into cages, we become scared to lose it, and end up depending on this way of life. Perhaps we refuse to see when we tarnish something good like this... just know the moment we emotionally depend on something to keep us happy is the moment we take it for granted. And why should we take anything or anyone, that we care about, for granted?

Dead cycles should be shattered. Old cycles should be shattered. Keep life full of vitality by thinking and actively doing things to better your life. Learn to be able to change your perception so you don't get trapped in your own methods, and realize the scariest part of change is mostly taking that first step. One day, you might look at your life and wonder how in the world you got to where you were. It was because of all those little steps you took way back when. I hope yours is one that you can be proud of, smile, and say you lived the best life you could. No regrets. That's all I wanted to say.

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That's all for now. :) Seth has been on a Batman trip lately. I was shocked to find out that TMNT got knocked out of his number 1 spot after so long! Next week will be his first day in kindergarten. These are definitely some good times over here. This year has been moving too quickly though. I hope yours is going just as well!

So enjoy that weather out there, and I'll talk to you next month. September is going to be an exciting month! Quite! It celebrates 3 things; the second album, my 30th birthday and the first live performance at a venue in about 6 years. Onward and upward!

Ken

Soulwire Newsletter #6
June 21, 2007

Welcome to the sixth official Soulwire newsletter. Number 6, that means a half a year of newsletters, wow. Time flies! So onward and upward we go. I encourage you to send me a message anytime or drop me a line on my Myspace page. Always great to hear feedback and comments.

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-The Big News-

Here is the big news... "A Radiant Nothing" is done. Yes, it's done! Time for a celebration! 14 songs have been composed, mixed, mastered and finalized. I should say, it is done musically. I still need to finalize the storyline, artwork, press CDs, submit to stations, magazines and record labels.

So how does it sound? Take "Rewriting Destiny", vamp it up with more professional synths, add more chilled out, tighter drum rhythms (ie. Dream Empire, Weave the Soul, Interpolations), add more cinematics (strings, cello, violins, etc), add much more ambient and electronic elements, take the woodwinds down a notch, add a storyline that ties this album together where the genre does not (the lines are blurred between Electronic and New Age moreso than RD) and you have ARN.

From a musical standpoint, it crosses over a wide scope of emotions, bleeding through the genres of electronic, symphonic and new age in quite a unique way. A storyline ties every song together, like scenes of a movie. From the story standpoint, it is a sad, love story - where a man just wants to see his wife, that died, one last time. From a philosophical standpoint, it shows a broken man who is battling his own thoughts, becoming his own worst enemy and trying to come to terms with all of it. From a personal standpoint, I feel it is a work of art, an album for dreamers, artists, romantics, creative minds, gamers, philosophers, for those that place honest expressions as the most rewarding form of art.

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- MP3 of the Month -

Shine through the Stars

Right click here to save it

This is one of those songs that has been locked away in the secret SW vault (heheh), almost slipping into Rewriting Destiny, and was considered being recreated for "ARN"...it just kept slipping by... until now. :) The song is called "Shine Through the Stars", it's not about reaching for a star, but shining past all of that and finding your own inner light. Right click on the link above and enjoy!

Also, please consider signing up for the monthly newsletter if you haven't already. :)

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- Message Board -

Be sure to drop by the message boards, say hello, talk about a song or what's new in your world.

http://www.soulwire.com/news

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- Rewriting Destiny Special Price-

We're celebrating the 1 year release of Rewriting Destiny. Yes, July 2nd marks the first year of the first Soulwire album being out. With over 72,000 plays between the myspace, the Soulwire page, and the distributable SW Player, there is a lot to smile about. :)

I'd like to offer Rewriting Destiny as a special price. It will be $9.98 + free shipping if you click on the link below. Or you can just copy and paste this url. This special price will only last until July 2nd, so if you've been thinking about getting the album, now is the perfect time.

Click here

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- Requesting a favor for Amazon.com -

Soulwire just signed up for Amazon.com. If you have a moment, would you be so kind as to share your thoughts (write a comment/review) about the music, so total strangers that visit the site can read what SW is all about. :) If you can help, you can either go to amazon and type "Soulwire" in the search field or go to this link.

Click here for Amazon link

Thank you very much either way. I appreciate it!

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-The end of number 6-

I hope you have enjoyed number 6. I was going to put in some philosophical thoughts, but...I have been busy jogging by the lake, barbequing, swimming and I just bought a new pool table..it's not really time for me to sit and think but just be out and enjoying life (when I'm not huddled around ARN, heheh). It's just a great time to be out, so maybe some thoughts next time! As always, please feel free to write or comment if you have any questions or comments. Enjoy the summer warmth and have a happy 4th of July. Stay safe. :)

Talk to you in a month if I don't hear back from you soon.

Ken Hill

Welcome to the fifth official Soulwire newsletter. The next album is starting to tie up, and I've decided to take this issue and tell you what goes in to finishing an album, from the mastering to the production. I encourage you to send me a message anytime: soulwire [at] gmail [d0t] com or drop me a line on my Myspace page.

The new Soulwire website is up. You can read up on the FAQ or blogs while Rewriting Destiny plays in the background. I've been working hard on this website since last week, and finally happy that I have something that offers more than the Soulwire Myspace page. It is still being updated in minor ways, and I'm always open to further suggestions as well - so contact me if you have an idea, or if something is not working. I hope you enjoy!

* Music - for a limited time, all songs from Rewriting Destiny will be on the player

* New Soulwire miniplayer with the option of having autoplay on or off when putting it on your site.

I have been working on a song called "Broken Threads of Light." It will be the only song on the new album that uses my bamboo flute (like Lavender Heart Ashes, Echoes of a Fallen Dream, etc.) I really think it's turning out to sound amazingly beautiful though...I don't want to give away too much.. just know that I am taking my time to make sure it conveys the image I have in my mind for the song. What's going to be even more fun is playing this live. With that said, there is only 1 more song to write, and 2 more songs that are near complete, but just need a few minor additions.

So what happens after the album is done? The next process is going to every song until the volume levels are all relatively the same. That way you don't pop in the album and get blasted by one song, and barely hear another. It is basically a mixing/mastering process, where I no longer focus on the harmonies, but just how loud the songs are and adjust the texture of the instruments. It's like fine tuning and polishing the finished product. It's where I bring out certain elements, make guitars more airy, or soften the sounds of a string, and sonically make all the songs balanced as a whole.

After that, I'll begin to put together the pieces and create the final draft of the story line. Right now, the story is like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, and I just have to add a little cohesion to bring it all together. Finally, the artwork. I'll spend a week or two finalizing the pictures, graphics, style, and incorporating it into the booklet, which I am hoping to have an 8 page (instead of 4) booklet for this album. So that is what's left with ARN. :) Getting the CDs manufactured is a different story. I'm still weighing the options... What do you think?

Digipaks instead of plastic casing. Digipaks are those CDs that you get that use a hard cardboard casing

Cheaper per CD but will take extra months to save up and buy (minimum quantities of 1000)

Have you wondering why many independent artists sell their CDs at around the same price as the major releases from record labels? It all boils down to numbers really, it's like comparing a family owned shop to Walmart. Walmart can invest massive money in bulk, so they receive substantially discounted prices. Family owned stores cannot rely on a massive quanitity of people to buy, but what they can (and usually do) offer is something a little more personal. Big stores like Walmart usually rely on greeters and posters with happy faces to give the feeling of warmth, but many family owned stores will get to know you as a person by name. In a sense, it is a little more up close and personal.

Here's something interesting to think about...selling my Rewriting Destiny from CD Baby equates to $9.20 of expenses. So that means with a $12 CD -- 23% of the sale goes to the artist and 77% goes to manufacturers and distributors. If the price was lowered to $10 a CD, 8% of the profits would come back to the artist.

The dream I have, is to eventually spend my life writing and reflecting with music. There are three things that can realistically make this dream a reality. The first is to find ways to let the world know that I am here, and what I am about (exposure). The second is using Paypal as it is significantly cheaper than CDBaby, and the third is ordering a massive amount of CDs instead of short runs. Anyways, just some financial food for thought. If you are considering supporting this music and buying an album, please consider using paypal first. :)

* Write a new vocal album, likely under the name of "Soulwire X". I enjoy singing but don't want to include it directly with Soulwire.

Please stop by and introduce yourself on the new message board. Let me know who you are and a little background. :)

If there is one thought that I wish I could convey to everyone, it is this... Understand the things that you can change, and accept the things you can't. It sounds so simple, and yet most of the time we are trying to control and change things that we have no power over, and it leaves us feeling helpless and/or frustrated. Just about any time you are feeling frustrated, you are probably putting energy into shifting something you have no control over. The past is dead and gone, we cannot change that. If we have a problem, we only give the pain longevity when we dwell on outcomes we should have had, or how much the past has hurt us. The sooner we accept the past, the sooner we can adapt and create a change to restore our own inner balance, in sync with the world.

I am just suggesting that long lasting happiness is not always having the circumstances you want, but always making the most out of the circumstances you get.

In martial arts, you are going to eventually take some hits. The adept martial artists do not become so because they have always been that way - it is likely they have learned to understand the mechanics of their body in action, and have learned to take every sparring match (win or lose) as a lesson for the next time they spar. In my opinion, the best martial artists are the ones that remain adaptable to any opponent and environment in the moment. They are survivors, and even when the tides turn against them, they are always seeking opportunities to change those circumstances around. You see, some fall on their backs, while the opponent gets ready to finish the game, one quick movement can turns the tide around.

Understand the limits of what you can control and who are are as a person as a martial artist understands the limits of the human body and his own physical prowess. With that understanding, you can then an action to really make a change to those circumstances.

I wanted to send you a free MP3 this month. I'm going to try to incorporate these more, as a thank you for staying up to date and reading these. :) With A Radiant Nothing up, be prepared to get some beta versions of songs, or to get songs that didn't quite make it on the album.

Anyways, this song is actually from way back when, "Torchlight Creek". The title is "Solemn Sky" and was one of my favorite songs of that album. It's quite an uplifting song actually, I had meant to convey a feeling like sunlight beaming through a darkened sky. It was the last song that I wrote with a real physical keyboard (Yamaha Motif). After "Solemn Sky", I had to sell the keyboard to pay bills-- and bought a software synth (synthesizer emulated by a computer) to "tide me over" until I could afford the Motif again. Boy did things shift on that one. I ended up writing 90% of Rewriting Destiny with that softsynth. :)

I hope you have enjoyed number 5. A Radiant Nothing is near completion, I think you will be very pleased with the album..it is some of the best material that I have written. Weather is getting warmer, me and Seth are ready to hit the swimming pools! Have a great month, and as always, please feel free to write or comment if you have any questions or comments.

May 04, 2007

Welcome to the fourth official Soulwire newsletter. With the weather finally warming up, it was only fitting that my last song was about a snowflake! Haha. Anyways, I encourage you to send me a message anytime: soulwire [at] gmail [d0t] com or drop me a line on my Myspace page.

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- Rewriting Destiny -

It has been 10 months since "Rewriting Destiny" was released. Over the last 12 months, Soulwire has generated a whopping 258 gigs of bandwidth! That's roughly 60,000+ plays. Over the last year, I've bumped into websites with the Soulwire player, and I have to say, that is a great feeling to be surprised by that! :) Thank you to all of you who have put up the player. Don't be suprised if I send someone, who has the player on their page, the new album for free. It's so appreciated, especially since I do not have the backing of a label to get the music out to all the standard outlets. Every little bit helps. :) For more info on how to put the player up, simply go here...

http://www.soulwire.com/index4.htm

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- Lonesome Snowflake -

If you haven't yet, be sure to visit the website to listen to one of the newest songs "Lonesome Snowflake" before it disappears. :)

(0:00)It formed in the sky of a frozen lifeless tundra. The essence of his purity and hope shimmered out, hundreds of new snowflakes radiated like a field of stars. (0:39)They danced down from the clouds, spreading light into the depths of darkness. The snowflakes spun with carefree agility and grace, dancing in the vastness of the open air. (1:05)Innocence measured by time, he slowly began to descend and learn the wonders of the world. (1:29)But his curiosity began to melt quickly as he realized he was descending to his end.

(1:56)And then, doubt. With that doubt, he began to spiral out of control, frantically gripping for any way to pull itself back into the security of the clouds. He clung on to other snowflakes with desperation, crying out frantically to be saved from the inevitable. But nothing could stop the downward spiral.

(2:37)Finally, it was but a moment from the end when time ebbed slowly for one last moment. (3:02) And for that last moment, acceptance beamed inside. For just one moment, he was young again. The loneliness and fear radiated away. (3:27) He felt himself spiral into the ground, and (3:51) gave the world one last smile...as he melted.

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- 2 years ago-

After falling out of Torchlight Creek, I had lost heart in trying to "make it" in the music business for various reasons. After pulling together the financial support of my family to be sharked by a charismatic man that made empty promises, my experience of the music business was grim. Truly, it was my ambition and desire to make a mark that blinded me from seeing clearly. Not only that, I really thought that Torchlight Creek was my musical calling in life, and when that fell apart, I felt like anything that I would write hereafter would just be a watered down version of my former project.

It was May 5th of 2005 when I ordered Soulwire.com. I came to the project unsure of it's direction, or if I would even release it to the public. So I just wrote... there was no large scale dream, there was no ambition to succeed in the business, no desire to make it big or be recognized as the next "big thing"... No longer confining myself to the New Age genre, I merged all of the styles as one unified movement. I no longer concerned myself as to being a successful musician, but simply succeeding as artist, in being able to put what I felt and thought in musical notes... to reach in a level as deep as I could and to pull out and express what is there.

With each succeeding song, the vision only becomes more evident. I don't always know what is going to happen, nor where I am going with music, and I don't mind. I write because I have something to say about life, and I care about the things that are happening around and inside me. When I don't have anything to say, I don't write. These songs are not bright flags to showcase of my abilities, it is simply a colorful mirror, swirling with symbols and concepts of my own...and for those who have reflected off this mirror and seen something of themselves from within it, those people understand the vision as well.
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It is May 4th as I write this, tomorrow it will be a happy 2 years of Soulwire!

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- Questions -
I'd like to answer a few questions I have received over the month. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Q: why did you choose the story of a man losing his love in your new album???
A: The message underneath the entire album is to find your own inner radiance. An album about what a man goes through in about a years time of mourning death, is truly an album about change and the strength of the human spirit.

Q: When are you gonna play live?
A: If things move as they are, probably somewhere in late July, early August. Since I am solo and using a laptop to fill in extra musicians, I am making modifications to the songs, so the live performance will have some variances that make it unique compared to the album. It's going to take a little more time, especially with the focus being on completing "A Radiant Nothing".

Q: Are you going to ever make a pure new age album again again?
A: "Pure" new age? I'm not really sure what style will express itself as I create each new song. I just focus on how I feel about things or some sort of concept (such as "Lonesome Snowflake"), and let my intuitions guide each piece of music. I am thinking very much about writing an album for massage therapists, something completely evocative, sad, melodic and tranquil..but I just focus on the moods, thoughts, and visualizations, I let the genre define itself so-to-speak - it may be ambient, new age, may have electronic elements or rock elements, whatever the songs need. So I can't say for sure what future albums will end up, they will all likely have their own character but share that same signature sound that is Soulwire.

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And now some thoughts I'd like to share. As always, feel free to agree or disagree, this is life as I perceive it.
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- On being an artist -

It truly is a liberating experience when you let your efforts be the reward in itself, instead of focusing what you get from your efforts. I am simply suggesting that we create art mostly for the love of the art, and not what it means to be an artist. When we pull the notion of being an artist into the picture, we can complicate it by dragging all the excess of ego, fame, money, respect, etc. It's not that I don't think we should be proud of our work, simply that the main focus should be on how we make an expression out of life. Being able to connect and create something like that is the reward in itself. Stay with that and you will be the artist without ever having to concern yourself if you are or not.
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- Expectations -

Expectations are blades that can cut the deepest wounds in our lives. Left unchecked, expectation often moves synchronous with what we desire. In other words, when we want something and get it, we have to be very careful not to take it for granted or expect it will happen again. What was the outcome of a failed expectation? From the dad that expects his wife to have a warm dinner for him every night, to the man that expects financial success, to the woman that expects her boyfriend to change..what is the result of these failed expectations? Pain? And how do we deal with pain? Do we go in a rage? Do we become completely erratic and seek to impose hurt on the people we care about? Do we say things we regret? Do we retract inwards blame ourselves and fall into depression?

I think our animalistic natures trickle down into our thoughts. I believe the wolf that is physically cornered and fights to survive is very much the same movement when we have cornered ourselves mentally, and fight others (even those we love) to get out of that corner. We feel trapped and use passiveness or aggression to move ourselves from that... Many times afterwards, there is regret. Aggressors feel extreme guilt and passiveness leads to feeling used and mistreated. So my question to all of those that don't want to do this over and over again, is why look at your anger when you can cut to the root by seeing the expectations, the corners that you have laid out in your mind...the same ones that you get trapped behind. Until that is looked at, I think the cycle will only shift and change into various forms of the same thing.
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-Forgiveness-

When you forgive someone, who is it really for? Forgiveness releases the fires that you have clung on to and continued to burn yourself with. The other person may have already moved on, but if you have not forgiven then who is hurting themselves over that memory? Is it not simply a release of that experience/memory to give yourself more peace of mind? So when people tell me they refuse to forgive, I can only shrug my shoulders in wonder. True, there are lessons to be learned, but what good is holding on to the pain of that lesson?
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-The end of number 4-

I hope you all are enjoying the warm sun. It wasn't too long ago that I was at the zoo spending some great quality time with my favorite people. It won't be too long before winter drops by again too, so make sure to enjoy the warmth while you can. :)

Have a great month, and as always, please feel free to write or comment if you have any questions or comments.

Ken Hill

Welcome to the third official Soulwire newsletter. It's the end of the month, the weather is getting warmer, my son just turned 5 years old... you could say life is really good over here. Well, there are only a few things to talk about this issue. I encourage you to send me a message anytime: soulwire@gmail.com or drop me a line on my Myspace page.

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- Soulwire Live -

4 live songs have been completed since I started this project. Dream Empire, Interpolations, Weave the Soul and Lavender Heart Ashes are ready to perform live. It will only be a matter of time before I have 12 songs ready to go. I am balancing more time with finishing the next album right now, but live performances coming around the corner. :)

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-Dormancy-

March was a great month over here. I had been going through a bit of writer's block and would sit in front of my computer but could not recapture the inspiration that I normally put into my music. I wrote a little bulletin about my block and got a lot of very thoughtful responses. I received a very nice message from someone who had told me to appreciate the dormancy of the cold, and to listen to the calm rhythms of silence -- not in those exact words :). I sat with that, and decided I would just take a break until I felt compelled to write again.

By the end of March, my spirits warmed up with the weather. Just when I was starting to feel the energy return in music, I got hit hard last week with being sick. Haha. :) I still have a migrane as I am typing this right now. I was sick through Seth's birthday, but I made sure we had a blast. Anyways, to put a long story short, I do feel something has returned. It seems March was a month of dormancy, a time to relax, nurture and reflect... but by the end of the Month, as it warmed up, and inspiration is beginning to overflow.

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-Background story on about Rewriting Destiny-

Every month, I will cover a unique aspect about the background of a song, album, etc. Today, the background is brief snippets of information of various songs...

Lavender Heart Ashes: Originally had no woodwinds. I was ready to put it on the album, but it just felt like something was missing. I had to retune (transpose) the whole song because it was in a key outside of any of the flutes that I had. I think the flutes really shined up the song and conveyed the feeling of the piece.

Sleeping Angel: A few songs about RWD were about a person that I met, who changed my life. Sleeping Angel was about her, and the feelings I got when I looked over at her, one late night, and saw her sleeping. Some of the times we have shared felt surrealistic to me and I wanted to try to capture those feelings into this song.

Shimmering Wings from Sorrow: It was originally written to have vocals. I've been wanting to start a side vocal project for awhile. After singing over Shimmering, I removed the vocals because I knew that I wanted this song was very important and had to be on "Rewriting Destiny" as it completes the story. Where did the lyrics go? I actually resung them on an acoustic guitar melody titled, "Of Kings". Right now you can check it out here : http://www.myspace.com/83greenlights If you read the lyrics of the song, you will see it directly correlates with the message of "Shimmering Wings From Sorrow".

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- Did you say vocals? -

Don't worry. :) Soulwire is purely instrumental, although I have juggled the notion of having a female singer. If I did incorporate one, it would be in a Soulwire way, which means the singer would have an important piece in the music, but she would interweave with the rest of the instruments. I am all about balancing and shifting around lead instruments.

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- If you have... -

If you have any stories, questions, comments or suggestions you'd like to share, be sure to send a message and it might get featured on the newsletter.

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- New Song -

So yes, writer's block has subsided. I am please to announce that I put up a brand new song on my Myspace page called "Collapsing Eclipse". It is another piece of the puzzle that fills out the entire story. Just for a glimmering moment, there is a perfect alignment which creates this phenomenon called an eclipse. The song, "Collapsing Eclipse" is when that perfect alignment falls apart. Not literally, but in ourselves. It goes deeper but I want to save some of it for the album descriptions.

http://www.myspace.com/soulwire
(Be sure to turn off the Soulwire Player first.)

I hope you enjoy this new song, it helped me feel reconnected with my music again. :)

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- Bigger pamphlets -

I really want to express the story behind the music with this upcoming album and will likely try to purchase a CD package with a booklet that has twice as many pages than Rewriting Destiny. I have a hope that perhaps a visual artist might listen, read, and become inspired to create a video that sequences with the music.

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- Philosophy -

My mind is a little blank right now. I still have a little bit of a migrane while writing this. So I hope you enjoy the weather and the upcoming April. Be sure to drop by and let me know what you think of the new song, the newsletter, the music, or just say hello! Always great to hear from everyone.

Take care :)

Ken Hill
Soulwire

Welcome to the second official Soulwire newsletter. Hope you have been staying warm in the frigid February cold. Well, there are quite a few things to talk about, this issue. Also, I encourage you to send me a message anytime: soulwire[ a t ]gmail.com

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A very quick update on Soulwire Live...it's happening. I have all of the equipment that I need to perform, and have taken a break from finishing up "A Radiant Nothing" while I put together a live set. I also am going to try to get a live, online performance ready for Mystic Soundscapes radio. More info to come.

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Every month, I will cover a unique aspect about the background of a song, album, etc. Today, the background is on the song "Lous eht Evaew" No it is not French. :) I'd like to give you all a free song with this background story, so you can understand what I am talking about. Download "Lous Eht Evaew" right now for free.

(click here and sign up for the newsletter and I will send you the link )

It is "Weave the Soul" written backwards, and I felt it was the best way to end this album. As many of you know, Rewriting Destiny was a literal journal of my life. When I couldn't find the words to express how I felt, I turned to music. For me, music can sometimes reach deeper than any words that I could write, and I am grateful that I have this outlet. Lous Eht Evaew has much symbolism. Weave the Soul is "the process in which we weave the strands of our experiences and feelings to construct the perception of ourselves and the world around us." The final song is the exact opposite. It is the deconstruction of everything we know until we are innocent again. The song is a tribute to that wisdom that lies in innocence. If you listen very carefully, you can hear snippets of a conversation I was having with him. We were having fun with the microphone. He was 3 years old when we had this conversation.

Here is what was being said..
Me: "What are you going to do with it?"
Seth: "Ummmmm.... I don't know.."
Seth: "Now it's your turn to say it"
Me: "I don't know what you want me to say"
(muffled conversation, I was asking him what he loves)
Seth: "I love my daddy."
---snippet---
Me: "Say something..."
Seth: "I like uh my friends"
Seth: "I love my doggy daddy"

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