Under the Influence

“Born Too Soon” is the latest CD by singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ken Glaser, who records under the moniker Glaserbeam. The 14-song progressive collection incorporates elements of classic rock, folk, and alternative rock, flavored with pop, classical, and minimalism.

Though primarily a solo effort – on half the songs Ken performs all the vocal and instrumental parts – guest performances round out the sound on seven tracks. The 14 tracks embody Ken’s singular vision as an artist and producer, and reward the listener with 65 minutes of pure Glaserbeam.

Ken's carefully crafted lyrics cover topics ranging from relationships (Under The Influence, Let’s Resonate, Logical Conclusion), commentaries on modern society (Born Too Soon, It Doesn’t Make Sense), and fantasy (For A Day, Cradle To Grave, Old Blue Ridge), to spirituality (Another Lap Around The Sun, Variations On A Theme), empowerment (Sermon On The Mount), and simply fun (I Dream In Stereo). Instrumentals provide a breather midway (As Is) and at the close (City Storm).

Included with the physical CD is an 8-page booklet featuring complete lyrics, and for most songs the lyrics are annotated with guitar chords so musicians can play along. Ken says “I taught myself guitar at age 9 by playing along with my favorite albums, and refined my technique over the years by incorporating a palette of chord inversions and advanced strumming patterns integral to the progressive rock I enjoyed. Instead of making interested listeners search for chord notations online, I decided to include them.” Ken’s influences include Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, King Crimson, The Beach Boys, The Who, Electric Light Orchestra, Depeche Mode, George Harrison, Hawkwind, and Nektar.

Whilst recording the CD, Ken also made concept videos for three of the songs – the lo-fi stop-motion I Dream In Stereo, the computer-animated Cradle To Grave, and the mixed-media It Doesn’t Make Sense. The videos have been warmly received at dozens of film festivals worldwide. The first two are publicly available on his Youtube channel GLASERBEAM1, while It Doesn't Make Sense is currently in-play on the film festival circuit and as such cannot be shown on the internet until 2015.

Please take a listen to the Glaserbeam clips and grab some mp3s or order a disc today.