In the heart of Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, Gary Dranow, accompanied by the Manic Emotions, weaves a poignant narrative with their latest single, “Sandy Beaches.” This soul-stirring composition delves into the emotional journey of a homeless war veteran, finding solace amidst the haunting memories of conflict.
“Sandy Beaches” serves as a musical exploration of the veteran’s psyche, delving into the emotional scars left by war. Dranow’s lyrics unfold a story of resilience, capturing the essence of veterans haunted by their past, seeking refuge in the tranquility of the sandy shores. The narrative extends beyond a specific conflict, resonating with the experiences of Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan veterans.
The band, consisting of Gary Dranow (Band Leader), Jason Jones (Drums, Mixing, Mastering, Video Production – Melbourne, Australia), Chris Zoupa (Guitar, Bass, Arrangements), Roman Burda (Blues Harp, Ukrainian Music Director, Agent), Klim Apalkov (Vocals, Mixing, Mastering, Translation, Lyrics), and Mykhailo Kapustei (Translation), forms a powerhouse of international musicians.
The diverse influences within the group span from the classic sounds of Jimi Hendrix and the Doors to the modern echoes of Pearl Jam, Oasis, Chris Cornell, and Bono. Their experimentation with various genres, including Straight Up Blues, Blues Rock, Alternative Rock, and Hard Rock, reflects the band’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
Notably, Gary Dranow and the Manic Emotions have achieved significant success with the Ukrainian release of “Sandy Beaches,” claiming the number-one spot for English Rock songs in the country. The Ukrainian version is now available on global music platforms, accompanied by an official music video on Gary’s YouTube channel, eliciting a massive response from audiences.
As the band continues to make waves, their upcoming plans are nothing short of ambitious. Gary, Chris, and Klim are currently remixing tracks from the Destiny Road album, and starting in January 2024, the band plans to release one song per week for 24 weeks. The songwriting journey for their third album is already underway.
Reflecting on their experiences, the band recalls a pivotal moment in deciding to keep the harmonica in “The Cry of War – Ukraine.” The potential removal sparked a Ukrainian rebellion, and the harmonica found its place back in the composition—a decision unanimously acknowledged as the correct one.
Gary Dranow’s music transcends mere entertainment; it serves as a vessel for storytelling, capturing the complexities of human experiences, especially those of war veterans seeking refuge on “Sandy Beaches.” The band’s ability to craft music that resonates globally highlights their universal appeal and the power of music to communicate profound stories.
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