With a fearless and adventurous approach to music, Oklahoma native – composer Kitt Wakeley – creates an electrifying amalgamation of orchestra, rock, EDM, and piano, resulting in an epic cinematic vibe that ignites both our emotion and imagination. His impressive accolades include: Indie Channel Music Hall of Fame Inductee 2021 and many more besides. When Wakeley isn’t writing and recording for his own projects, he is in high demand producing pop, rock, and country tracks for other artists as well as producing TV & film soundtracks and trailers. His forthcoming album “Symphony of Sinners and Saints” promises fans an elevated orchestral musical experience and features two key track collaborations with rock guitar legend Joe Satriani. The album was released on 21st May 2021.
Expanding on the use of live orchestration in Wakeley’s previous album, 2018’s “Midnight in Macedonia”, “Symphony of Sinners and Saints” is characteristically huge and, like it’s predecessor, includes the London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), recorded at London’s famed Abbey Road Studios, and conducted by Cliff Masterson (Little Mix, Kylie Minogue, Il Divo, Oasis.)
It also features a stand-out musical collaboration with the best-selling instrumental rock guitarist of all time, Joe Satriani, who contributes to two tracks: “Conflicted” (first single) and “Forgive Me”. Wakeley insists Joe put his own unique and incredible stamp on the tracks.
“Symphony of Sinners and Saints” is the product of much time, love and perfectionism.
“I agonize over every note… I don’t want the listener to get bored. I don’t want it to be stagnant, therefore, build ups, transitions, bridges, harmonies, call and responses, and the artistic purpose of the song can take several weeks.”
– Kitt Wakeley
Read his full Q&A below.
Kitt Wakeley Q&A
Hey there Kitt, how are you?
Good! Thank you!
We are almost half way through 2021, how has this year been for you so far?
It’s been fantastic on a number of levels. Both professionally and personally. On a professional level, my music has done really well. The first three singles from the new album hit number one on the Billboard Charts and the album itself hit number one on Billboard in two different categories. Personally, as COVID starts resolve itself, it’s great to start getting back to normalcy.
You wanted to be a musician at an early age, what prompted this decision? How did you get into music?
Like most in kids in the US, I started learning an instrument in elementary school at age 10. Trumpet was my instrument at the time, but as I got older, I gravitated to piano and guitar.
How would you describe your work?
The short answer is “orchestral rock”. It’s a hybrid of orchestra, choir, rock music, EDM and piano. It has a very cinematic, epic vibe, similar to movie trailers and scores.
What do you want people to take away from it?
My goal is to hit the listener with some kind of emotional reaction. Are they motivated and inspired? Or are they sombre and reflective? I also want them to hear something different every time they listen to the song. There are so many elements to the music and orchestration, that there is something new for the listener to identify with every time.
What inspires you and who are your influences?
Who am I not inspired by? Great music is great music! Regardless of genre. I’ve played in so many bands and produced so many different styles of songs, that I’m influenced by everything that resonates with me. Pop, rock, EDM, and orchestral music are the primary influences. Anything that evokes emotion is my favourite.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Find your passion and do everything you can to pursue it. If it’s music, sports, theatre, art or whatever, don’t give up doing what you love. The road might be difficult at times, but the payoff is worth it.
What’s next for you? What are you most excited for?
Playing live! We just had a major show a couple of weeks ago and we’re talking with several venues that are starting to open up. Carnegie Hall in New York City will be a big one for sure.
Stay up to date with Kitt Wakeley on his website and social media.
Check out more Entertainment Now Music news and Reviews here.
