This single is the first in a six-single series leading to the release of the preview soundtrack album for 'Equinox the Musical.'
Royal Oaks, CA (May 12, 2023) - Armand Ruby and Julian Colbeck of Karmic Neighborhood just dropped a new alt-pop single, "Song of Wonder," on May 12th, as the initial track showcasing the music from the upcoming feature film, Equinox the Musical. In "Song of Wonder”, the film’s principal female protagonist, Katie, rises up in defiance of her past and present troubles to declare her determination to live life on her own terms, as a force for good in the world.
Equinox the Musical is the story of two young homeless lovers who discover - throughout a tumultuous day - that forgiveness, gratitude, and love can be the keys to surviving even the most chaotic life circumstances. Prior to "Song of Wonder" being performed in the musical, the audience has watched flashback scenes from the disturbing events that led to Katie becoming homeless and hospitalized with pneumonia, before being admitted to the relative safety of the homeless shelter. In an earlier scene, Katie learns that her beloved, the young Jason, later in the day will be kicked out of the shelter, throwing their lives into uncertainty and turmoil.
“Song of Wonder” features the vocals of newcomer Kristen Trayer, who channels her inner Bjork and Kate Bush in her inventive harmonies and vocal delivery. The track was produced by Julian Colbeck and Armand Ruby, composed by Armand Ruby, and arranged by Julian Colbeck, with guitars by Andrew Synowiec and keyboards/synths by Julian Colbeck. Colbeck describes the song as "A hauntingly beautiful kaleidoscope of natural sounds and harmonic vocals that immediately reels the listener in while lingering in the mind."
"This is a song about the resiliency of the human spirit, rising up to overcome adversity."
Armand Ruby, Karmic Neighborhood
About Karmic Neighborhood:
The west coast-based team are strangers-turned-neighbors, turned rhythmic alt-pop collaborators. Armand Ruby and Julian Colbeck are two life-long musicians in their 60's who met by chance when they moved to the same neighborhood on the central California coast. Julian was formerly a London-based rock star and lifelong music industry veteran, while Armand was professionally an environmental scientist who stayed involved in music as a part-time musician and songwriter. Armand and Julian formed a strong bond through their shared passion for music and the painful yet hopeful life experience of surviving cancer. The two found inspiration within the harmony of their own respective life journeys, and a mutual interest in musical innovation.
About Armand Ruby:
Armand spent most of his childhood in the northeastern US, during which he discovered two of his main passions: science and music. Although he dreamed of pursuing a career in music, Armand accepted an Ivy-League scholarship out of high school and went on to become an environmental scientist. Over the course of his university studies, throughout marriage and children and his science career, Armand continued to tap into his musical talent by songwriting, performing in bands, recording demos, and in many other ways. Armand also channeled his songwriting abilities through the creation of a musical play, Equinox The Musical, which he presented to audience acclaim in 2011. After surviving a prostate cancer scare and difficult separation from his partner, Armand moved to the rural Monterey Bay area community of Royal Oaks in 2019. There he discovered that one of his neighbors, Julian Colbeck, was an experienced music arranger, producer and keyboardist. The pair recorded a preview soundtrack of the songs from Equinox the Musical and collaborated on production of a short musical film, “I Said I Will." The award-winning film featured the original version of “I Don’t Want to Walk Away,” produced by Armand Ruby and Julian Colbeck, with final mix by Alan Parsons. Karmic Neighborhood's new single from Equinox the Musical, "Song of Wonder" will be available on all streaming platforms May 12.
About Julian Colbeck:
Julian Colbeck grew up in the south of England, where he learned how to play the piano and ultimately pursued his dreams of being in a London-based rock ‘n’ roll band in his late teens. Julian’s music career took off with the band Charlie, with whom he scored several US Top 40 singles including “Watching TV” and “LA Dreamer." Over the span of a 40-year career, Julian worked and toured as a keyboard player/producer with Yes alumni group Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, Charlie, John Miles, and more. In 2008 Julian began work with his long-time friend, Alan Parsons, on the award-winning instructional video series: Alan Parsons’ The Art & Science Of Sound Recording. Julian also has written for many esteemed music industry publications, and has authored many music and music technology books. Beginning in late 2019, and interrupted by intensive treatment for stage 4 cancer, Julian saw something of value in his neighbor Armand Ruby’s songwriting and his Equinox film project, and worked as arranger, co-producer and keyboardist on the Equinox preview soundtrack recordings. Armand and Julian's collaboration on this work led to the production of their recent release, the radio remix of “I Don’t Want to Walk Away." Karmic Neighborhood's new single from Equinox the Musical, "Song of Wonder" will be available on all streaming platforms May 12.