Soon after I arrived in New Zealand I started collaborating with NZ filmmakers Rajneel Singh and Craig Parkes. A psycho-thriller they were working on caught my attention and I turned the script into a concept album of predominantly atmospheric music. The music combines electronic and neo-classical elements and is inspired by minimalism. It really takes you for a ride and is melodic and relaxing. That is until the showdown. It’s not so relaxing then, but hey, I promised you it’ll take you on a ride.
The idea was to turn the album into the soundtrack for the film. The movie had the working title Seizure, but unfortunately it never got made because the producers couldn't secure enough funding for the project.
Artwork for Seizure by Peter Haynes, courtesy of SPV productions.
So I ended up with an album inspired by a film script. And I'd like to share it with you here. An instrumental concept album might seem like an odd description at first, but it accurately describes the album. Think of it as a soundtrack to a story.
You can find it on all streaming platforms: Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple / Amazon.
The screenplay for Seizure was written by Rajneel Singh and is based on an original story by Craig Parkes and Rajneel Singh. It's the story of a mysterious woman who I call Penny, who suffers from temporary amnesia, caused by a recent epileptic seizure. She finds herself relying on a boyfriend she cannot remember and despite her best effort does not trust. All the while she's trapped inside a creepy apartment complex that holds dark secrets. Secrets pertaining to herself that should not be uncovered. But soon she begins to suspect that her live-in boyfriend is actually a dangerous psychopath who is conspiring against her.
For the most part, the music is quiet and melodic. Ranging from mystical to melancholic moods, it steadily picks up in intensity and builds to an action-driven final show down.
Excerpt from the original storyboard of the movie.
Some of the tracks reflect on the woman’s situation, while other tracks tell certain parts of the story. The track names will give you good clues about what's happening:
1) Loneliness I
2) Suspicion
3) Uneasiness
4) Who is he?
5) Loneliness II
6) I don't understand
7) Penny's song
8) She begins to doubt him
9) Corridor Fight
10) Skeleton in the cupboard
11) Breakout
I've mainly used orchestral instruments and combined them with a range of guitars and electronics. I composed and produced the entire album. Additional trumpets were played by Melbourne-based Connor Jenkinson. It's an understatement to say that creating this album has taken me a long time.
Check it out here: Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple / Amazon
Happy listening!
Adrian