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Local Musician Unveils Enterprising Concept Album, “True Believer”
Table of Contents
- 1. Local Musician Unveils Enterprising Concept Album, “True Believer”
- 2. How does Kitch’s academic background in Shakespearean studies uniquely inform his approach to composing music for “The Tempest Reimagined”?
- 3. Shakespeare Scholar Turns Rock Musician: Aaron Kitch’s Concept Album Journey
- 4. From Elizabethan Verse to Electric Guitars: The Unexpected Transition
- 5. The Genesis of “The Tempest reimagined”
- 6. Deconstructing the Album: A Track-by-Track Exploration
- 7. The Role of Music Theory and Shakespearean Textual Analysis
- 8. Benefits of Interdisciplinary Art: Why this Matters
- 9. Practical Tips for Aspiring Interdisciplinary Artists
Portland, OR – October 1, 2025 – A local artist is generating buzz with the release of “True Believer,” a nine-track album boasting a complex narrative, intricately layered instrumentation, and a touch of the otherworldly. Aaron Kitch, the project’s driving force, penned the songs during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving the initial inspiration into a complete, album-length exploration.
Kitch’s creative process began with the title track, “True Believer,” a song about the dissolution of a relationship abruptly interrupted by an alien abduction. This seemingly improbable scenario sparked a larger inquiry: who were these peopel, and what led them to a fateful park encounter? That question catalyzed the development of a broader story revolving around former leaders of a utopian society situated just outside of Las Vegas.
“I came up with the idea to write a series of songs that are loosely connected, many sung by different members of the cult/utopian society,” says Kitch. his dedication to detail is evident in the album’s production. Kitch performs nearly all the instruments but collaborated closely with producer Jud caswell, a prominent musician in the area.Their partnership involved extensive vocal shaping using digital tools and the careful addition of percussion and bass lines within ProTools, with each track requiring approximately eight hours of studio time.
The album also features contributions from the Bowdoin College men’s a cappella group, the Meddiebempsters, providing vocal backing on select tracks. Album artwork was crafted by Mark Wethli, a retired art professor. Notably, the song “Darkly Shining” incorporates and adapts Shakespeare’s Sonnet 43, adding a layer of literary depth.
Did you know? The rise in concept albums has paralleled a resurgence in long-form storytelling across entertainment mediums. According to recent data from Luminate, revenue from albums with cohesive themes increased 15% year-over-year in 2024, indicating a growing audience appetite for immersive musical experiences.
Pro tip: Listening to a concept album in its entirety, as intended by the artist, often enhances recognition for the nuances of the narrative and musical connections between tracks.
| Artist | Album Title | Genre | Release Date | Key Source of inspiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Kitch | True Believer | Indie/Option | October 1, 2025 | COVID-19 lockdown & Fictional Narrative |
“True Believer” is available for streaming and purchase on major platforms. Is this the start of a new chapter for local autonomous music? Will other artists follow with their own iterative creative journeys?
How does Kitch’s academic background in Shakespearean studies uniquely inform his approach to composing music for “The Tempest Reimagined”?
Shakespeare Scholar Turns Rock Musician: Aaron Kitch’s Concept Album Journey
From Elizabethan Verse to Electric Guitars: The Unexpected Transition
Aaron Kitch, a name previously synonymous with rigorous academic study of William Shakespeare, has recently surprised and delighted audiences with his foray into rock music. This isn’t a casual hobby; Kitch has released a fully realized concept album, “The Tempest Reimagined,” a musical interpretation of Shakespeare’s final play. This shift raises engaging questions about creativity, interdisciplinary art, and the enduring power of the Bard. The journey from Shakespearean scholar to rock musician is a compelling narrative, demonstrating the fluidity of artistic expression.
The Genesis of “The Tempest reimagined”
Kitch’s musical journey wasn’t sudden. Years of lecturing on Shakespeare, notably “The Tempest,” sparked a desire to explore the play’s themes – betrayal, forgiveness, and the illusion of control – through a different medium. He felt the inherent musicality within Shakespeare’s language, the rhythm and cadence lending themselves to song structures.
* Initial Inspiration: Kitch initially began composing instrumental pieces inspired by the play’s atmosphere.
* Lyric Progress: He then started adapting key passages and themes into lyrics, aiming not for direct translation, but for emotional resonance.
* Musical Style: the album blends elements of progressive rock, atmospheric soundscapes, and even touches of baroque instrumentation, reflecting the play’s blend of magic and realism. Concept albums are a niche genre, and Kitch’s approach is unique.
Deconstructing the Album: A Track-by-Track Exploration
“The Tempest Reimagined” isn’t simply Shakespeare set to music. It’s a reinterpretation, a conversation with the text. Each track focuses on a specific aspect of the play, offering a fresh outlook.
- “Prospero’s Lament”: Opens with a haunting cello melody, representing Prospero’s isolation and regret. The lyrics draw from Prospero’s famous “Our revels now are ended” speech.
- “Ariel’s Flight”: A fast-paced,instrumental track evoking Ariel’s ethereal nature and freedom. Features layered synthesizers and driving percussion.
- “Caliban’s Rage”: A heavy, distorted track embodying Caliban’s anger and resentment. The lyrics explore themes of colonialism and oppression.
- “Miranda’s Awakening”: A softer, more melodic piece reflecting miranda’s innocence and wonder upon encountering Ferdinand.
- “The Masque of Spirits”: A complex, multi-layered track mirroring the play’s elaborate masque scene. Incorporates elements of classical music and electronic sound design.
The album’s musical interpretation of Shakespeare is a bold undertaking, appealing to both literary enthusiasts and rock music fans.
The Role of Music Theory and Shakespearean Textual Analysis
Kitch’s background isn’t just in appreciating Shakespeare; it’s in analyzing Shakespearean text. This analytical skill proved invaluable in the songwriting process.He applied principles of musical form – sonata form, rondo, theme and variations – to mirror the structure of Shakespearean scenes and soliloquies.
* Motifs and Leitmotifs: Kitch utilizes recurring musical motifs to represent specific characters and themes, similar to how Shakespeare uses recurring imagery.
* harmonic language: The album’s harmonic language reflects the emotional complexity of the play,shifting between major and minor keys to convey joy,sorrow,and uncertainty.
* Rhythmic Structure: The rhythmic structure of the songs often mirrors the iambic pentameter of Shakespeare’s verse, creating a subtle connection between the music and the text.
This intersection of music theory and literary criticism is what sets Kitch’s work apart.
Benefits of Interdisciplinary Art: Why this Matters
Kitch’s project highlights the benefits of combining seemingly disparate disciplines.
* New Audiences: It introduces Shakespeare to a new audience who might not otherwise engage with his work.
* Fresh Perspectives: It offers a fresh perspective on Shakespeare, challenging traditional interpretations.
* Creative Innovation: It demonstrates the power of creative innovation and the potential for cross-pollination between art forms.
* Enhanced Understanding: It can deepen our understanding of both Shakespeare and music. Artistic expression thrives on such collaborations.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Interdisciplinary Artists
Inspired by Kitch’
