Chamaeleon (UK)
www.unknown.uk.com

Chamaeleon are based on the South Coast of the UK and produce atmospheric ambient pop that has been likened to Spirit era Talk Talk. Also drawing influence from the likes of the Durutti Column, Nick Drake and No Man, they have recently issued their first promotional CD 'Sound of Rain' as a lead up to their debut album in 2002. The CD contains two original tracks plus their contribution to the proposed David Sylvian tribute CD 'Shadowplay'. Led by singer/songwriter Matt Swanson (voice/guitar) the band also consists of Laura Jackson (voice/piano) and Keith Sutton (instruments/production) together with an array of guest musicians. Chamaeleon are now in the process of completing their debut album for 2002 and revamping their website. Downloads and album orders will be available soon.
 

Matt Swanson writes:

'Oh yeah, the world's turned upside down'. I stumbled across Spirit in a bargain bucket aged 15. A time when my perceptions and horizons on the outside world were open wide, and musically, Spirit was like opening a door to a secret corner of life. The music created a vivid visual and emotional landscape that transported the listener to a place rarely visited. Pure and uplifting it was a significant turning point in the way I approached music and still evokes vivid memories of the time.

'Step right up, something's happening here'. Laughing Stock was released at the point when I had left home and was also attempting to teach myself guitar. I remember playing over New Grass, and suddenly it started to sound good! All the stuff about intention over technique and one note being better than two was exemplified in that moment! Certainly the actual sound and feel in the music I strive to make takes precedence over the number of notes and the technical ability to play them.

'Immerse in that one moment'. Mark Hollis came out at a time when I was recovering from long term illness, and while the band I was in was breaking up. In a period of introspection the fragile perfection of MH very much echoed the way I felt at the time. The songs I was writing at this point became much more personal and expressive and were a better reflection of the sound that I was ultimately looking for. By this point it was no longer a case of striving for the elusive record deal of teenage dreams, the songs would be a reflection of how I felt, existing for themselves alone and benefiting from this more honest intention. The two original compositions on the EP stem from this period, and I think that while not wholly derivative the TT/MH influence can be heard - and not only in the creaking of chairs!...

The depth of feeling and quality of these three works reflects the effort put into them and no doubt leaves a lasting imprint on any receptive listener. They have certainly coloured my own outlook and output ever since. The lyrics heartfelt yet always leaving enough space for the listener, the vocal used as instrument of emotion often portraying meaning beyond words. The music seems to almost grow from the ground, passing through the seasons to regenerate again.  These organic sounds combine to make an almost otherworldly connection with each other, while always maintaining focus and integrity .The recordings beauty and understated strength illustrates the magical possibilities inherent in the medium, they have a natural and timeless appeal and the power to inspire greater depths of deed and reflection.

TT have influenced my/our approach to music in many ways: To focus wholly on the work at hand rather than how it may be received or perceived. To attempt to move beyond conventional structure and approach and try to create something more honest and lasting. On a practical level the way we record perhaps borrows something from the spirit and method involved in making these albums, in as much as we have created our own (limited) home studio where we can record at our own pace, in our own atmosphere and generally with acoustic instruments. The core group will lay down the basic track, while over time friends and musicians will come round and are invited to add to which ever piece most inspires them, adding colour to and developing the original track.

As technology makes music making more accessible and perhaps begins to strip power from corporate bodies, artists with their own vision become empowered. TT provide a certain inspiration in this manner - we can survive without bland mainstream icons, people can and will search out works of more lasting appeal. Work of quality can be produced without (necessarily) the need for financial assistance and hence compromise, and the artist can take control over every stage of the process. To an extent TT can be seen as forerunners in this development, working outside and beyond the accepted norms of their time, and as can be seen from these pages the legacy of their music and approach lives on.