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The American Dream?

by Simon Roberts (aka Classicalbanksy)

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about

The American Dream?

Imagine if Ronald Reagan came back, and was with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, how might the conversation go…?

As Simon Roberts was watching the vicious American Presidential campaign of 2016, the idea for “The American Dream?” slowly began to form. It wasn’t that he was particularly anti-Trump, or for that matter pro-Hilary Clinton (Trump’s opponent). But that brutal campaign brought into sharp focus how we had always expected our Leaders to sound and conduct themselves. And perhaps within that expectation lay an increasing unease, for many, that those sent to represent us were increasingly failing to do so. As the year drew to a close, and to everyone’s amazement Donald Trump won, it was clear that things were beginning to change, and change fast.

“The American Dream?” tries to capture a fleeting zeitgeist moment, the point at which the old unmistakably becomes overtaken by the new. "The American Dream?" is an example of "Operatic Pop" - a genre the Italians used to call "Melodica." Composed and produced by Simon Roberts, himself a former opera singer, "The American Dream?" is his debut commercial recording, as artistic alter-ego Classicalbanksy.

lyrics

On the Operatic-Pop stage, created by "The American Dream?”, an epic encounter between Presidents Reagan and Trump takes place, using sampled sound-bites taken from historic speeches given by both men. And as President Trump dismisses The American Dream as “dead,” President Reagan appeals on behalf of its spirit and nature, seeking to redefine the real meaning of The American Dream. But is he too late? Once all the rhetoric and political mud-wrestling is over, what is the real fate of "The American Dream?"

credits

released February 12, 2017
Production Credits:

Written, performed and produced by Simon Roberts, except:
Lead Guitar solos: Andrew Keeping (keepingmusic.co.uk)
Trumpet Solo: Oliver Preece
Final Mixing / Mastering: Aliki Rodgers

This was a joy to put together, and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to everybody who has helped along the way. A very special thanks to my two Royal Academy of Music alumni and friends, Andrew Keeping (Guitar solos) and Oliver Preece (Piccolo Trumpet solo). Guys - your playing on this record is sublime, and the fun we had putting it together was unforgettable. We have done the RAM proud!

In addition, I’d like to acknowledge some legendary names, established artists and executives who have given generously of their time and expertise, and in all honesty without whom this debut, and the planned album which follows, would not have been possible: The one and only Man Parrish (for everything!), Aliki Rodgers (for the beautiful Masters), Alan Bailey (grizzlymedia.co.uk for technical advice), Ian Tregoning, Chris Carvalho, and special thanks to Jonathan King and Tom Robinson.

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Simon Roberts (aka Classicalbanksy) image

Simon Roberts (aka Classicalbanksy) London, UK

Opera Singer - turned Composer, Producer and label-owner. I bring the Classical and Contemporary together, creating music in a variety of styles and media, that tries to reflect the cultural and generational diversity of modern life.

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