Pathways
materialized af… Read Full Bio ↴Evolution of the John Orr Franklin Band
Pathways
materialized after many years of John’s musical experimentations at his home studio in Austin, Texas. John spent more than 20 years writing, recording and perfecting his production skills before ever releasing and marketing any actual music. It wasn’t until 2007 that John formed his own record label, Blue Room Digital, and released his first album entitled “Pathways”. The 14 songs featured on the “Pathways” album were written, recorded and performed entirely by John. He performed all of the instruments himself and even programmed the drum loops in order to create the sound he was looking for.
Transformation
The next step in the evolution of the band was the album “Transformation”. John decided to bring in other musicians to play on this next album because he felt this new music would benefit from the use of live performers. Using “Pathways” as a good representation of his personal musical style, he was able to attract several musicians interested in playing on “Transformation” that fit the bill. Once the recording sessions were complete, John found himself in a position of having two albums under his belt and no real way to perform the music live. So, he began the task of finding live musicians in the Austin area.
Playing Live
John decided to retain Rob Palladino on drums after the “Transformation” recording sessions and then discovered local Austin bassist, Ryan Redfern, on Facebook. John moved his new trio into a series of rehearsals where they jammed together on some of the songs to see whether or not their “vibe” worked. They quickly discovered that the arrangement of a three piece group was not going to be sufficient to reproduce the lush extravagant mixes John created in the studio. Luckily, Ryan suggested friend and keyboardist, Chris Cribb, who added the missing keyboard parts and ultimately filled out the group’s sound. At the same time, John began developing complex visual elements to enhance the experience of the live performance. He produced video shorts to run in rhythmic and visual synch with the live music. These videos are projected behind the band and provide the audience a complete musical and visual experience at their live shows.
Not just a Live Band – A Full Show Production
John elaborates on the pros and cons of adding this visual element to the live show, “Essentially it’s really an awesome thing visually, but as a musician and especially a drummer, it can be a bit constricting as well. In order for the visual elements to stay in sync with the music, the drummer must play to a click track, which means the show is prepared in a pre-production environment. This gives the show an interactive visual element that doesn’t require anyone on staff to run it, but it does mean that we really have to stick to the script and there’s no real room for improvisation or altering tempos to the songs. Personally, I think the visual spectacle is worth the trade off, but that’s just my opinion. Who knows, we may find another way to do it that’s a bit more liberating at some point”.
Once all the pieces came together, the group staged their debut performance at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin, Texas in 2009. The concert was videotaped and many clips of this performance can be found on Youtube and various promotional websites online.
After the “Transformation” release and during the process of forming a live band and the live show, John continued writing and recording in his studio. Much of this new material, the band has been performing live, even though there’s been no official release. In April 2010, John decided to go ahead and release the demo version of “Soldier On parts 1-5” to show where the group was heading. Although still a just demo, the piece received critical acclaim and generated some additional buzz around the band.
Soldier On
John continued writing throughout 2010 and a portion of what materialized is a conceptual album that is certain to take the music and the band to a new level of focus and determination. The album Soldier On has evolved into a science fiction based story that follows one soldier through his personal trials as he discovers his true identity within the grandeur of a universe that has suddenly gotten much smaller.
In an effort to take “Soldier On” to the next level, John brought on Gavin Harrison, drummer from the band Porcupine Tree, as a special guest on this new album. “Gavin is the drummer I had in mind when I was writing the demos for this album. So naturally the end result is a perfect fit that stays true to my original vision.”
Lighthouse
Also simultaneously in production throughout 2010 and early 2011, John was busy readying another release that is hitting the streets in June of 2011. The album Lighthouse has materialized as a much different album than Soldier On. An album with more of an overall ambient & trance production quality placed over the top of the same rock stylings we've heard on prior releases. Lighthouse stands on it's own as a unique addition to the discography of the band and it features 11 new songs including the song Hypnotized, which is also featured on the There is Hope Records release entitled Strength that benefits the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan.
The Future
John has signed with Melodic Revolution Records and is working in conjunction with them on releasing and distributing "Lighthouse" and soon “Soldier On”. Many great things are on the horizon as the team works to deliver the music and take things to yet another level of evolution.
The John Orr Franklin Band is currently booking live shows in the US and aspires to play for audiences in Europe and South America.
The evolution continues!
Disappear
John Orr Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will we know when we get there?
Well is it showing?
Would you think we even care?
And anyway of knowing?
Is there really time to spare?
There's only one world
All that we love and hold so dear
Well will it disappear
Well are we sinking?
Could we turn this boat around?
What are we thinking?
Have we finally run a ground?
And can't we hear the meaning?
As a million voices sound?
There's only one world
Only one world
All that we love and hold so dear
Well could it disappear
Where are we going?
Well is it showing?
And anyway of knowing?
Is there really time to spare?
There's only one world
Only one world
All that we love and hold so dear
You better keep it near
But do not live in fear
May your worries disappear
In John Orr Franklin's song "Disappear," the lyrics reflect on the state of the world and raise questions about its future. The first verse begins with the uncertainty of our destination and whether we will recognize it when we arrive. It questions whether the signs of change are evident and if we, as individuals or society, even care about these changes. The underlying theme here is a concern for the world and its overall well-being.
The chorus emphasizes the concept of there being only one world. It highlights the importance of what we love and hold dear, implying that our actions and decisions can have a significant impact on its existence. The repetition of "Only one world" emphasizes the preciousness and uniqueness of our planet. It implies that if we don't take care of it, there is a risk that it might disappear.
In the second verse, the lyrics continue to question our current path and whether it is leading us towards negative consequences. The mention of sinking and running aground implies that we might be nearing a point of no return. The question of "What are we thinking?" suggests that our actions and decisions may be misguided or short-sighted. The mention of a million voices sounding brings attention to the multitude of opinions and concerns, but it questions whether we are truly listening to the meaning behind them.
The second chorus reiterates the idea that there is only one world and the importance of what we hold dear. It raises the possibility of its disappearance, suggesting that our actions or lack thereof could lead to irreversible changes. The fear of potential loss is highlighted, but it is countered by the hope that worries can disappear. This implies that by addressing the global challenges we face and taking responsibility, we can alleviate our concerns and create a better future.
Overall, the song's lyrics express a deep concern for the world and emphasize the need to pay attention to the signs and voices that call for positive change. It urges listeners to recognize the fragility of our planet and to take action to preserve and protect it. The lyrics also underline the importance of letting go of fear and worries and embracing hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Where are we going?
What is our ultimate destination or purpose in life?
Will we know when we get there?
Will we recognize our destination once we reach it?
Well is it showing?
Is our purpose or destination apparent or visible?
Would you think we even care?
Do we truly value or care about our purpose or destination?
And anyway of knowing?
Is there any definite way to determine our purpose or destination?
Is there really time to spare?
Do we have enough time to contemplate our purpose or destination?
There's only one world
There is only one planet Earth
All that we love and hold so dear
Everything and everyone we cherish and value deeply
Well will it disappear
Will they vanish or cease to exist?
Well are we sinking?
Are we in a state of decline or moving towards destruction?
Could we turn this boat around?
Is it possible for us to change course and reverse this decline?
What are we thinking?
What is our mindset or thought process in this situation?
Have we finally run aground?
Have we reached a point of complete failure or irreversible consequences?
And can't we hear the meaning?
Are we incapable of understanding or comprehending the significance of our actions?
As a million voices sound?
With numerous people expressing their concerns or opinions about our actions?
You better keep it near
We should hold onto what we value and cherish closely
But do not live in fear
We should not allow fear to govern our lives
May your worries disappear
May your anxieties or concerns dissipate
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: John Orr Franklin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind