***Rebirth***

Hello all,

First of all, i have undergone a bit of a rebranding. Previously i used the undernightsky moniker to release my ambient black metal, but since that never really got off the ground and i liked the name i am claiming it back to use as an umbrella to release all my solo work. So from now on, if you see anything by ‘undernightsky’ it was made by me and probably just me. I have been trying to think of a name for ages but unfortunately i wasn’t blessed with an awesome name like 'Devin Townsend'. Instead i got 'Michael Alp' and it just doesn’t sound very catchy to me. So 'undernightsky' it is. It also represents the general theme of my music which tends to be a bit dark and a bit gloomy.

And so with that, let me talk a bit more about my new venture. As well as continuing with ‘Five Points Of Articulation’ with Adam. I have put together a few songs on my own which are of a more traditional rock/metal sound. Expect the sort of thing you would have been familiar with in From Great Height but just more Michaelcentric. Heavy guitars lush melodies, the odd synth. My key influnces i suppose would be Jesu, Deftones, Devin Townsend, Smashing Pumkins and bands of that ilk.

 I have posted a link previously to the instrumental of my first single ‘Days Away’. But here it is again regardless.



I have about three to four tracks i am writing and i will release them as they are done until they eventually form an EP of some sorts. But rather than wait until they are all finished i am just going to release them one by one.

On the rant front. I keep seeing a worrying trend appearing on twitter/facebook. It seems more and more bands are having their equipment stolen straight from their van overnight whilst on the road. For any non –musicians reading this. this is quite literally crippling to any band on a small budget (most of them). To lose one piece of equipment is a big deal. To lose it all in one go? I can’t imagine the frustration that causes. The world is in a tough spot at the moment but i wish people would have some decency. Stealing is such a horrible crime. It really bugs me that people feel the need to take other people’s property. Property their victims rely on and have worked hard to earn. Any musician will also know of the sentimental bond you get with your instrument of choice. Even a brand new guitar can’t replace that sentimental value they hold. Stealing of any kind and also this needs to stop now.

Recording tonight so i will post a few pics later. Feel free to come chat with me over on twitter @MikeyUNS the more the merrier as they say. Or if you are more of a facebook(er) ‘Like’ me over at facebook.com/undernightsky

Later on in the week i will blog about me trying to sing and the trouble i have writing lyrics. Until then I shall leave you with a song, and i mighty fine one at that. M

From Great Height - Between The Divide (preview)

From Great Height - Disciple

Here is the trailer for FGH's forthcoming EP 'Disciple'. It's going to be a 5-track(er), so a decent sized EP.

We start recording this Thursday. Head on over to www.fromgreatheight.com for more info, news and videos.





Mikey

***LDNRTS YouTube***

Following on from the track here is a YouTube version of my attempt at some drone. Feel free to spread it around if you like it.

It's also available as a free download from my soundcloud page

Mikey

***LDNRTS YouTube***

Following on form the track here is a YouTube version of my attempt at some drone. Feel free to spread it around if you like it.

Mikey

***Enfield Riots***

WOW so last night got pretty mad around Enfield.

I live literally in the town. With the location of the riots/looting being a 2/3 minute walk from my front door. I am safe and everything turned out okay for me (Not so much can be said for local businesses). I did retreat to my Mums house a bit down the road, mainly because i live above retail and was concerned in case it became a target for rioters. After seeing the destruction in Tottenham the night before i didn't want to take a chance.

The whole situation is pretty crazy. I can't condone the violence and looting but in my opinion it certainly represents the anti-consumerism anti- authoritarian stance that today's governments are forcing today's youth into. And where is Cameron? Who knows. People who say this hasn't been coming are quite blind and perhaps have not been exposed to the anger and frustrations that are held by kids in under privileged areas of London. Perhaps they don't realise what it's like to feel as though you have no voice.

Violence is not the way to solve it. Education, re-education even, and positive action and change for good is the way forward. But  violence and crime is the only way these kids know how to voice themselves. it's society's failing in not giving them the necessary tools to articulate themselves properly. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but lets not forget who was parenting these youths. Every apple has a tree.

Hopefully this will be the start of a positive revolution so that in 25 years my kids won't have to see this in their streets. But unfortunately even my faith in authority has dwindled to the point of doubt.

In terms of song writing i am taking my anger and frustrations and turning them into something positive. New music. I have some lyrics and the bare bones structure sorted for the next 'undernightsky' track. I think i am going to fast track this one and get it out there as soon as possible. For me it represents the whole situation perfectly.

Finally a last thought goes to all those families and businesses affected by the looting and burnings. It's really horrible and something i can't possibly begin to comprehend. I can't sympathise enough.

***Follow me over on Google+***

Hello,

So i am fully on Google+ now. I am all familiar with it's features now and enjoying the site. If your a user feel free to follow me by visiting my profile by clicking the picture below.

Have a Google+ profile? What do you think? Like it?