The latest musical offering from Gold Coast’s own Indie Rock collective, Gary Dranow & The Manic Emotions, emerges in the form of their heartfelt single, ‘Shimmering.’ This particular track stands apart from their previous releases and is a deeply personal recount of Gary’s early romance with Janine during his time at Taft High, representing his first heartbreak and an invaluable coming-of-age experience.
Dranow has meticulously crafted ‘Shimmering’ to paint a vivid picture of his youthful love affair and the subsequent heartache that marked the conclusion of their relationship during their senior year. It’s a song that pulsates with emotional vulnerability and finds a unique place in the band’s musical journey.
The band lineup consists of Gary Dranow, Chris Zoupa, and Jason Jones, each contributing their distinct skills and musical prowess. Dranow’s heartfelt songwriting is accompanied by Chris Zoupa’s guitar work and vocals, with Jason Jones showcasing his drumming skills and adding his vocal touch.
The track bears witness to Dranow’s touching songwriting ability, capturing the essence of his formative years and experiences in a heartrending melody. ‘Shimmering’ is performed with raw honesty and sincerity, narrating a tender yet relatable story of adolescent love and loss. While the single ‘Shimmering’ was birthed from deeply personal experiences, the band has also achieved recognition for their other releases. For instance, their track ‘The Cry of War’ has seen remarkable success in Ukraine, becoming the number one English Hard Rock song in the country.
Reflecting on their production journey, the band recorded the single across multiple studios, each member contributing from their respective locations in Australia and Utah. Gary Dranow’s segments were recorded in his Park City studio in Utah, while Chris Zoupa worked on his parts in Melbourne, Australia, and Jason Jones recorded from Springville, Utah.
Not just stopping at ‘Shimmering,’ the band is set to release a slew of new music in the upcoming Never Give Up album. Embracing a varied array of themes, the band is tapping into world events, such as the conflict in Ukraine, environmental concerns, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions, crafting a deeply personal and universally resonating sound.
Beyond this heartfelt track, Gary Dranow and Chris Zoupa have forged a new venture named Astralix, embarking on an EDM project. Their debut song, ‘The Rhythm Fills My Soul,’ is set for release in the coming month, adding a new dimension to the artists’ musical repertoire.
Reflecting on this musical journey, Jason Jones expressed, “Gary Dranow and Chris Zoupa have penned melodies that echo in the soul; twenty-six songs that are a testament to music’s timeless allure.” ‘Shimmering’ captures a poignant chapter in the lives of Gary Dranow & The Manic Emotions, sharing an emotional narrative that resonates with a sense of universal heartache and personal growth.
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