Merlinmoon

March 17, 2010

Tags: Merlinmoon, music, sound check

By Kelly Moreno

Kelly Moreno, contributing reporter


Front man Alex Deep of Merlinmoon says he aspires to create songs that have an intimate connection between the listener and their discovery of true happiness. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Jimenez.
Alex Deep, lead singer of the new band Merlinmoon, found his love for music while he was a DJ. His talents as a DJ had not gone unnoticed, however, he found that lyric-less music didn’t provide him the proper outlet for his music aspirations.
Kelly Moreno, contributing reporter

“As a DJ I wasn’t satisfied with the music I was playing because I couldn’t find the music I wanted to play, so I decided to make my own,” said Deep.

After learning some cords on the guitar, and mixing in some piano, “the stars aligned…” and he had found his calling.

Deep’s main inspiration for the creation of his songs was to create an intimate connection between the listener and their discovery of true happiness.

“I use music to massage people’s minds so the lyrics can find a place to tattoo themselves inside their conscious,” he said.

The origin of the name Merlinmoon goes back several years. While Deep was going through some personal problems, and struggling to find his muse, a wizard made his way into Deep’s dreams.

Merlin, or the wizard, gave Deep instructions on what he should do, and take each of the problems that he faced at the time and use them as inspiration. As the problems that Deep faced had begun to disappear, the wizard did as well—and in memoriam the song “Stoned by Dreams” was written.

Although Deep was never inspired by his parents to become a musician, he found solace in music. And although he enjoyed listening to all genres from classic rock to reggae, it never connected with him.

Instead, it taught him how to “put music to my poetry and how to build a mood, where my message flows into people’s lives,” he said.

Several music styles can be found in Merlinmoon’s hit single, “Yesterday’s Gone”—which is currently making a large impact in college crowds. “Yesterday’s Gone” has a few hints of Pink Floyd, but has a very unique approach to the arrangement; with inclusions of piano and guitar solos, and haunting harmonies.

The song definitely displays Deep’s talent and passion for music making. This hit was written after he had spent the last night with the love of his life. The corresponding music video has also received positive reviews.

Merlinmoon’s debut album, “Stoned by Dreams,” can be found on iTunes, and a second album is in the works.

The second album, which contains acoustic versions of some of their songs from their debut album, has just been produced. Entitled “Stoned by Wood,” this album has been recorded using completely vintage 1940s instruments.

“Can’t wait to share it with the world” Deep said toward the production of the vintage acoustic EP.

Merlinmoon is planning for a tour for the west coast area. They are scheduled to perform March 24 at Skinny’s Lounge located at 4923 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601.
- Daily Sundial

By JOSETTE CANILAO


Published: Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Updated: Wednesday, February 24, 2010



Merlinmoon is the indie, psychedelic rock creation of 27 year old, Venezuelan musician Alex Deep, and has been taking the college scene by storm for the past five years.
Inspired by the works of Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin and various others, Deep, a former business major at Boston University, resolved to abandon that career path and pursue a life of creating music.

After college and a year long trip exploring various parts of the world, he drew on his experiences and subsequent insights to create the music of his rock alter ego Merlinmoon; the result of which is his first and, currently only album, “Stoned By Dreams.”

“I have been a big fan of music all of my life,” said Deep, explaining how he chose music as the means to express his literary musings. As a DJ in Venezuela, Deep could not find any songs he wanted to play. This prompted him to first consider the type of music he craved and to ultimately create it.

“Rainy day music, for people to think, relax and enjoy a bottle of wine,” is how Deep describes his music. His goal is to evoke a very specific ambiance for his listeners. Deep hopes his sounds will cause a meditative feel, a triggering of the unconscious wrapped in the comfort of relaxation. The foundation of his musical aesthetic is built upon his poetry.

“My background comes from my poetry. I put sounds to my poems. Every song I write has a purpose and my mission is to make that purpose very clear. I write lyrics so that they make sense, so that people understand what I am talking about.”
For Deep, the meaning of his music is in the effectiveness and comprehension of his constructed lyrics. The actual music, therefore, he insists on forming around the words. This method of creation is the reason why he has no definitive band to support and help him create songs.

He confesses that he has had a hard time finding musicians to support his poetry and not overpower it. This struggle to create a band was resolved by his publicists who convinced him to get this idea of having a band out of your head. You are Merlinmoon.” He, since, has decided to carry Merlinmoon solo.
Deep, however, has settled with friends as band mates who execute and sometimes aid his musical goals. But he is still the sole creator and controller of his sound. Apart from being lead vocals to Merlinmoon, he has learned to play the guitar and piano.

“I hope to get to a level where I can call myself a true musician. And I am getting better and better each day. It is the beautiful process of growth.”
Currently, Deep is in the process of creating a second album he predicts will be titled “Bohemian Side of the Sky.” This album incorporates his past experiences of love, friendship, passion into the construct of a story. Each song will be a vital component to an overall narrative.
“If you take out one song, the whole meaning will not make sense.”
He is also in talks with theater producers about a possible rock opera going along with his ideas for his next album. This is being debated alongside another possibility to, instead, tour after releasing the second album.
Deep has also released versions of five songs from “Stoned By Dreams” and done them acoustically, compiling them into “Stoned By Wood.” This compilation is meant to highlight the lyrics to better understand the words; which might be drowned out by the distraction of their originals’ electronic sounds.
Lyrics and his listeners are Deep’s main concern. His aim is to authentically “build an atmosphere” with each song so the audience can: “interpret it your way and make it your song.” He pushes himself to be vocal so as to communicate his overall message.

“Defy your unconscious. Free the chains in your mind. Be yourself, but try to be someone.”
- SONOMA STATE STAR