Merlinmoon

Multi-instrumentalist psychedelic rock artist Merlinmoon releases his debut album, Stoned by Dreams, today on iTunes. The album’s sound suggestChanges the intersection of the psychedelic rock of the Grateful Dead and Porcupine Tree with a sexy Latin edge.

Mastermind Alex Deep, the man behind Merlinmoon, has crafted a work that synthesizes his two loves – the music of 70s rock and electronica and spiritually-based philosophy – into a cohesive whole that echoes the best aspects of his influences.

After moving to Los Angeles following the completion of his first EP, Poppy Dreams, Merlinmoon commenced work on his full-length debut with accomplished producer Ronan Chris Murphy. The result is the epic Stoned By Dreams, which mines the stars for inspiration. The music is psychedelic-electro-rock to be performed in arenas for fans that listen to albums through headphones.

The opus of the album, closing track “Days of Rage Into the Light,” which clocks in at nearly 20 minutes, is layered deeply with sounds reminiscent of Pink Floyd that are sobered by Merlinmoon’s philosophy, before an upbeat coda returns the song to a celebratory climax. One can picture Deep as a whirling dervish onstage, hypnotizing the audience into following his path. Elsewhere, Deep showcases his songwriting versatility – tracks such as “If I Could Be the Wind,” “Fall Into Place,” and “Under Next Year’s Sun” deal with love and loss with traditional song structure. The themes may be familiar to fans of classic rock, but the direction that Merlinmoon takes the songs is more cerebral. He wants you to listen to the philosophy in his lyrics as well as the guitar solos and lush instrumentation that round out the music, all of which is always recorded in analog on vintage gear to capture the magic of ’70s rock.

“This record has a great equilibrium between my philosophy and my life,” says Deep. “I know what I want to listen to in a record, and I don’t want the record to be talking about the same thing because it would be like a day without a night.”

Merlinmoon is already in pre-production for a sophomore effort; explains Deep, “I have so much energy that I can’t stop writing.” The band will be touring the record, with dates to be announced soon. With Stoned by Dreams, Merlinmoon welcomes you to come along and experience his adventure of epic psychedelic tunes with melodies that inspire in a whole new way.

www.myspace.com/merlinmoon
www.merlinmoon.com - Skope Magazine

The loss of a dear friend may be considered a blessing in disguise for Alex Deep. If his friend hadn’t passed, it’s possible that he’d be well on his way to CEO of some business just as his friends and family had hoped for, instead of literally pursuing his dreams as he is now; as the front man of the 70s inspired rock band known as Merlinmoon.

After his friend’s passing, Deep experienced a recurring dream of a wizard beckoning him under the light of the night moon. For years, the same dream ate at Deep and as he trudged on through college. He wondered if refusing to acknowledge whatever message was being conveyed was the right thing to do.

With the help of a philosophy teacher, Deep began to explore the dream and reflect upon the lifestyle he was living. Upon graduation, Deep was convinced he needed to travel to figure out his life. When he returned from his three year hiatus, he abandoned his business degree and pursued his dream full time—he never saw the wizard again, but Merlinmoon was born from his ashes.

Merlinmoon’s style is often described as a meld of 70s psychedelic electronic rock, but the description leaves much to be desired. Watching them perform live this past Thursday at the famous Whiskey A Go Go, I feel like it just doesn’t prepare you for the great amount of emotion in the performance; and really, the immense depth of the philosophy behind the music. Feel free to take a look at a clip of the performance below. At times, it felt like a spoken word performance that asked us to question our lifestyle rather than a rock concert. Were we taking advantage of each day? Living in each moment to the best of our ability? Not only for ourselves, but those who would have but could not?

Merlinmoon’s first EP was “Poppyfields” and its tracks are included on the second album, entitled “Stoned by Dreams”. Set to drop on the 22nd of this month, the album really illustrates Deep’s penchant for concept records and the title track makes that clear.

When I first started performing, people would always ask me if I was on drugs. If I had any weed or coke. In this industry, you come by it a lot, but that’s just not me. Being stoned by dreams is about getting on pursuing your dreams in your life, being in your life.

Perhaps, Merlinmoon may not seem that groundbreaking to some, but they definitely struck a chord with me. Deep is an inspirational musician and person, who illustrates the saying that there is a silver lining to every cloud. The honesty in his music is reflected in his life. Already at work on a fourth album, Deep is overflowing with the passion he seemed to lack in school; and, I personally cannot wait to see what more he has in store for us. - http://www.hollywire.com/

(Hollywood, CA) Roberto Cavalli Vodka and Frida Kahlo Tequila endorsed rock band, Merlinmoon, takes center stage as they open for Dave Navarro on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the grand opening of Versus Nightclub in downtown Los Angeles. Navarro has been apart of such recognizable and influential bands such as Jane’s Addiction and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Merlinmoon has performed all over southern California, in such high profiled venues as Whisky A Go Go, The Roxy, The House of Blues on Sunset Blvd., The Viper Room, just to name a few. This is the third time that the band has opened up for such a high profiled artist. Front man for Merlinmoon, Alex Deep, feels so fortunate for this opportunity as the band continues to promote their album ‘Stoned By Dreams’.

“We feel honored to share the stage with such a prominent figure in music industry,” Deep commented, “It will definitely be one of those experiences we will cherish.”

Merlinmoon looks forward to sharing the stage with Navarro this coming Saturday. The event is sponsored by Roberto Cavalli Vodka, Patron Tequila, Encino Mercedes-Benz, 944 Magazine, LA Weekly, and many more. Invited guests will surely leave satisfied as DJ Skribble spins during the night with appearances by J-Mello and Slynkee.

About Alex Deep: The 25 year-old began his musical career in DJ-ing, discovering and sharing music like the preeminent currency. On the rise in the underground music scene, Alex graduated Boston University after three years and traveled the world. Alex refused to abandon music entirely, taking piano lessons and practicing up to four hours each night. He continues to improve his craft by taking vocal lessons.

ABOUT Navarro/ Skribble: Dave Navarro became one of alternative’s first true guitar heroes (with such notorious bands as Jane’s Addiction and The Red Hot Chili Peppers). Skribble is one of the most well recognized DJs to hit the scene. He has spun with the forefathers of Hip-Hop – Grandmaster Flash to one of the best MCs to the Notorious B.I.G. and his face was universally recognized from the half dozen MTV shows he hosted (The Grind, Spring Break, and Sisqo’s Shakedown). Their show together is a rock-electro live remix experience that showcases the genius of each of their talents.

ABOUT VERSUS: Located in the architectural masterpiece, which formerly housed the 1920’s Stock Exchange Building, the mega entertainment center has renovated the historic building to its original foundation, reintroducing the classic marble staircases with a modern design flare. With an exquisite eye for detail, VERSUS has created a multi-level entertainment fortress, encapsulating different social scenes for different types of clientele, on each given night. The venue is an astounding 22,000 square feet and holds a capacity crowd of 1,800 people. Versus is located at 618 Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90014. Phone number is (213) 489-1555. www.versusla.com - streetlevelnine

"A musical cocktail, equal measures pink floyd and coldplay, with a dash of radiohead's electronic bitters, the album is catchy and meaningful.


http://www.merlinmoon.com/press/merlinmoonflaunt.jpg - Flaunt Magazine

The evenings host was Vivica A. Fox, the star of the movie and a European rock group called Merlin Moon treated guests with a live performance before the fashion show. - http://www.hollywoodtoday

The fashion show presented the Spring 2009 Just Cavalli collection. There where elucidating Roberto Cavalli Vodka ice sculptures at poker tables with guest playing poker. The Runway was set up in the middle of the dance floor with bars on each side. With live musical performances by Chaynge and Merlinmoon and KISS FM's DJ Shy spinning mixes on the ones and twos keep guest entertained. - The Corse air newspaper