bob-holroyd

Hidden Voices Unveiled (Parts 1 & 2)

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:30:05 GMT

' Hidden Voices Unveiled (parts 1 and 2)' '

I have a new release out called 'Hidden Voices Unveiled' which I am very excited to share.

The two pieces that make up this new single were originally written for a project that intended to focus on the fact that life in Afghanistan was improving for women – centering on the fact that young Afghan women were able to go to school. For various reasons the film was never made, and unfortunately since then the Taliban have regained power in the country, reversing the good work that it intended to highlight.

It was really disappointing as the film would have a very powerful documentary. However, I was particularly pleased with some of the music I had written for it, and decided to developed these 2 tracks into more finished pieces in their own right.

The first one “Hidden Voices Unveiled Part 1” begins with an ambient backdrop building into a more triumphant orchestral Western classical sound, whereas the second track is has a more Eastern feel and features guest vocals from internationally acclaimed US-based Iranian artist Mahsa Vahdat, who is a strong advocate for women’s rights.

Born in Iran, Mahsa now lives in America because of the oppression in her own country. She has fearlessly defied the bans on music and solo female singers imposed by Iranian authorities after the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979. 'Hidden Voices Unveiled part 2' features Vahdat repeatedly singing “When Will We Be Heard' getting increasingly louder throughout, with the piece finishing with just her voice.

She says about the track "When I heard the music I started to sing like a painter, shaping sound and ornaments. I sang 'my voice in your sky', perhaps a deep desire to fly back to my homeland. When I listen to my voice, and the music in the mix, I felt it emerged little by little like the sun rising or moon appearing.”

As a result of developing the tracks more I also wanted to expand the topic because unfortunately it's not just Afghan women who are in this situation. There are numerous examples of women, and men who are persecuted, oppressed, unheard, such as the Rohingas, the Uighurs, various religious and ethnic communities, the list is unfortunately pretty endless.

The pieces are both ultimately meant to be inspirational – symbolic of the hope for change in the future.

Immersive ambient music by 3 acts - Bob Holroyd, Stolen Owl, and Breachlight

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:10:53 GMT

'Immersive ambient music by

3 acts - Bob Holroyd, Stolen Owl, and Breachlight'

The second show is at The West End Centre in Aldershot on Friday 15th November and will also be an evening of immersive ambient music by 3 acts - Bob Holroyd, Stolen Owl, and Breachlight.

It is a charity concert in aid of Project Konstantin, which is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting the Ukrainian military. They provide casualty evacuations for soldiers, deliver vehicles and other necessary supplies to the military, and provide medical training. Their casevac team operates in the east of Ukraine, and often send supplies to units in other areas. https://projectkonstantin.org/

At the frontline there are many soldiers; brave men, and women who are fighting for their survival in the most dreadful of circumstances. Money is needed for portable batteries, drones, weapons, helmets, and other protective equipment, and charities like Project Konstantin can get it directly there. Tragically, the Founder of Project Konstantin, Peter Fouche, who was helping to organize this concert, was killed in battle during the build-up to announcing the concert. We carry on and perform this small concert in his memory, with the hope we can raise money for his charity.

Every penny from the proceeds will go direct to Project Konstantin. The venue has been paid for in advance and written off as a charitable donation to put this concert on. Thank you so much and we hope to see you there, any support will be hugely appreciated.

Contemporary Ambient Research Symposium

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:01:35 GMT

'Contemporary Ambient Research Symposium'

I am very proud to be invited to be the guest artist at the Contemporary Ambient Research Symposium being held at the UCA on Saturday November 9th. It is a whole day of lectures, talks and discussions from guest speakers and tutors on contemporary ambient music, followed by an immersive ambient music show by me and visual projections by Simon Painter in the evening.

Bob Holroyd - 'Glint' - New EP

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 12:24:59 GMT

'GLINT'

4 Track EP which combines lofi beats and more conventional organic instruments including guitar, piano and bass guitar.

Gig at the Mount Without

Thu, 16 May 2024 09:41:56 GMT

'My Gig at The Mount Without,

on May 9th 2024, in Bristol'

Hi all, just wanted to thank everyone who came down to support my Gig at The Mount Without, and helping make the event a success ��

Also, a huge thank you to Patrick Dunn @patrickdunnmusicvisuals for the fantastic visuals, Simon Painter for all his amazing music production, and The Mount Without for the lovely venue and incredibly friendly and helpful staff ��

I will be playing at the The Mount Without in Bristol on May 9th 2024

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 13:17:12 GMT

'The Mount Without in Bristol

on May 9th 2024'

I will be playing at the The Mount Without in Bristol on May 9th 2024.

Part gig, part art installation, part mindfulness experience, I will be creating an atmospheric and immersive evening of soundscapes and beautiful projections by audio visual artist Patrick Dunn in the crypt of this stunning church in the heart of Bristol.

Please check out this amazing venue here, it really is a special place and would be great to see you there. www.themountwithout.co.uk

Tickets are £15.00 and available now

Bob Holroyd - Sparsity

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 13:57:07 GMT

'SPARSITY'

Description

Minimal spacious emotional soundscapes

Released

2024-01-05

Composer

Bob Holroyd

Description

Minimal spacious emotional soundscapes

Released

2024-01-05

Composer

Bob Holroyd

Bob Holroyd - February

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:35:02 GMT

'FEBRUARY'

I was thinking of calling this track 'Machine Lullaby' as the inspiration, and sound of the track is that of a robot trying to speak or communicate.

I think it is a strange combination of real and machine, and has a sort of emotional coldness to it in some ways. I like the combination of the real played piano, and the automated repetitive samples, I hope you do too.

Released September 22, 2023
Written by Bob Holroyd
Recorded and produced by Simon Painter