After moving from Chicago to California at the age of ten, he was involved in various high school bands playing guitars and keyboards, playing baseball in his spare time. He studied music in college and started a progressive rock band named after himself, but he soon discovered the music of Kitaro and was heavily influenced by it. Arkenstone was influenced by writers such as J. R. R. Tolkien and Ian Fleming, and grew up listening to bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Deep Purple, and Yes, as well as listening to classical music.
Arkenstone went solo and found his own sound in New Age music. He says that has been greatly aided by technology: "Technology has produced some wonderful tools for making music. The computer allows me to fully orchestrate my pieces and really fine tune them". His music is primarily instrumental. His albums, typically fantasy themed, often come packaged with literature and art. He worked with fantasy novel writer Mercedes Lackey on a few of his albums. Arkenstone and his ex-wife, Diane, created their own record label called Neo Pacifica. In addition to releasing their own music on the label, they have included other bands such as Earth Trybe, Enaid, and the Marquis Ensemble.
He has also composed music for television; channels such as the History Channel, the Discovery Channel and NBC Sports include his music. He has also written music for trailers and film soundtracks, including the independent film PRISM, as well as computer game soundtracks such as World of Warcraft, Lands of Lore 2 and 3, Earth and Beyond, and Emperor: Battle for Dune; and Starlight Inception. He also features on 20 Years of Narada Piano.
Arkenstone has earned four Grammy nominations for his work: In the Wake of the Wind in 1992, Citizen of the World in 2000, and Atlantis in 2004. 'Fairy Dreams in 2020.
Arkenstone has learned to play a variety of musical instruments, including bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, bass guitar, harp, cello, flute, electronic keyboards, piano, Turkish saz, pennywhistle, melodica, and pan pipes. He also plays drums and percussion and has performed some vocalizations on his albums.
Arkenstone is also involved in the band Troika; their sound is similar to his solo work. The band members like to remain anonymous, although the compositions are credited to Arkenstone.
His theme "The Journey Begins/Kyla's Ride" was used for the FIFA World Cup France '98 broadcastings intro by the Mexican television network Azteca.
His song "Papillon (On the Wings of the Butterfly)" is used as background music in Future World at Epcot in Walt Disney World. His song "The Palace" was once used as background music in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom as well. "The Palace" also used to play in Tokyo Disneyland's Tomorrowland, and another one of his songs, "Valley in the Clouds" was also used.
He signed with Domo Records and re-released the album Echoes of Light and Shadow in 2010.
Arkenstone was a member of the composing team who developed the music for Blizzard Activision's World of Warcraft videogame's Cataclysm expansion. Along with Arkenstone, the team consists of Derek Duke, Glenn Stafford, and Neal Acree.
Prelude: Tallis the Messenger
David Arkenstone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
live inside your mind.
Why don't you set them free?
Let your visions breathe.
Windows to the mystery
open your eyes and see!
Jewels in a turqoise sea
spark your memory.
You will awaken now.
Let your heart be strong.
You will finally understand
he power you hold in your hands.
Your journey begins tonight!
I am the Messenger, listen to me.
The words I bring are your destiny.
I am the Messenger...
The song "Prelude: Tallis the Messenger" by David Arkenstone is an introspective and evocative piece that urges the listener to let go of thoughts that hold them back and encourages them to embrace the mysteries of life. The first two lines set the theme of the song, which is about acknowledging ancient ideas or memories and giving them free expression. In a way, the song asks the listener to be bold and listen to their inner voice, which could hold the key to unlocking hidden dreams or talents.
The songs' lyrics continue with an invitation to open the windows to the mystery of one's life. The invitation is to see the bigger picture and take all the dreams one needs. The line "jewels in a turquoise sea" implies that the dreams are plentiful, and there is abundance all around us, and we should not limit ourselves. The song then goes on to ask the listener to awaken and let their heart be strong. It is a call to start on the journey of self-discovery and take charge of one's life. The final lines of the song, "I am the Messenger, listen to me. The words I bring are your destiny. I am the Messenger..." leave the listener with a feeling of encouragement to trust that voice within themselves and embrace their destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
Echoes of an ancient time
Memories of a long-gone era
live inside your mind.
Exist subconsciously
Why don't you set them free?
Why not bring them to the surface?
Let your visions breathe.
Allow your dreams to manifest
Windows to the mystery
Gateways to the unknown
open your eyes and see!
Become aware of the possibilities
Take all of the dreams you need.
Pursue your aspirations unhindered
Jewels in a turqoise sea
Treasures amidst a placid ocean
spark your memory.
Stir up a recollection
You will awaken now.
You will become aware
Let your heart be strong.
Be confident
You will finally understand
You will eventually comprehend
he power you hold in your hands.
Your inherent abilities and talents
Your journey begins tonight!
Your adventure commences now
I am the Messenger, listen to me.
I represent a message, heed it
The words I bring are your destiny.
What I communicate is predetermined
I am the Messenger...
I bear a directive
Contributed by Chase T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@RWSProductions55
This is one of my all time favorite songs, one that inspired me when I was at a real dark place and wanted to check out. My husband found this album, put head phones on my ears, turned on the CD and after a good cry, it brought me back to life! Thanks David! Your music is truly transforming!
@fantasztikusmrjames
David's music is so inspiring. I didn't realise how good his voice is.
@keyboardkomuso
One of my favorite artists, especially his older works, and a major influence musically. Thanks for posting!
@timelordlarry1962
For anyone that's wondering, the song itself is an edited version of Prelude: Tallis The Messenger. It's from the album, Quest Of The Dream Warrior.
@marioadriano7552
Love this album. Thanks
@BarefootBran
That's awesome! Never heard him sing before. Good voice! Continues to amaze...
@donmcspadden
❤
@AgentPendragon
This is such an awesome song. You would be amazed just how many people I have got to listen to his stuff by starting this up at some event or other. I have yet to get all of his albums..but I am going to. We can hope he puts out new stuff soon.
@AeriaGl0ris
That was Arkenstone singing? Nice voice there. And I like the music.
@keyboardkomuso
It's the opening track on "Quest of the Dream Warrior". An awesome album.