Pascal Dennis is a multifaceted songwriter, entrepreneur, and author, known for his work with the band Pascal & the Crazy Angels, which has released four albums of original music. His aspiration is to create songs that reflect his experiences with his city, family, and life, capturing emotions as he feels them. In addition to his musical pursuits, Pascal is the award-winning author of five business novels and a collection of poems, and he hosts the Crazy Angels Podcast on YouTube. With a background as a professional engineer and management consultant, he seamlessly blends his passions for music and management.
Pascal Dennis’s latest album, “Imaginary Lover, ” is a vibrant exploration of sound that seamlessly blends elements of jazz, blues, and country. The album opens with its title track, a dreamy and gorgeous piece that immediately sets an inviting tone. From the very first notes, listeners are greeted with a captivating chorus that draws them in. The breezy, bluesy riffs combined with laid-back beats create an atmosphere that feels both celebratory and uplifting. It’s a song that radiates a blooming energy, making it impossible not to smile as the music unfolds. The vocal work takes center stage, showcasing Dennis’s impressive range and emotive delivery, which adds depth and warmth to the track.
“Goodbye BB King” shifts the mood to a calmer, more introspective experience. This track is a tribute to the legendary blues artist, encapsulating a sense of nostalgia and reflection. It invites listeners to close their eyes and soak in its introspective aura. The retro vibes are heartwarming, and the song exudes a soothing quality that helps calm the nerves. The keys and guitar riffs are particularly noteworthy as they feel like a live, jazzy country performance. The production is polished yet retains an organic feel, allowing the listener to connect with the music on a personal level.
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“So What You’re Saying Is” bursts onto the scene with an infectious energy that compels you to dance. This track is lively and peppy, featuring teasing electric riffs that electrify the atmosphere. The high-energy, high-pitched vocals are a standout feature, conveying a sense of excitement and joy. The instrumentation creates a fun environment that encourages listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment. It’s the kind of song that could easily become a favorite at any gathering, bringing people together through its irresistible rhythm.
“Ain’t So Bad to Ride Alone” brings a more melancholic yet comforting vibe. This song embraces the theme of solitude, encouraging listeners to find peace in being alone and to enjoy the journey of self-discovery. Its surreal country vibes provide a calming backdrop, allowing for introspection and a sense of acceptance. The lyrics resonate deeply, reminding us that solitude can be a valuable and enriching experience.
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We had an opportunity to talk to Pascal about his new album and beyond. Keep reading to know more.
1. Hey Pascal Dennis! Welcome to Sinusoidal, and a hearty congratulations on your new album release. “Imaginary Lover” opens the album with such warmth and bloom. Did you imagine this track as a doorway into a particular world, almost like introducing listeners to a character?
Imaginary Lover builds on the themes of our earlier albums – how to deal with loss, longing & the tragi-comedy of human life. The title track is based on Plato’s idea that before we are born humans are whole – we are united with our soul mate. But the gods, jealous of our power, separate us at birth, and we spend the rest of our lives searching for our lost love, the one who completes us, so that we can feel that sense of wholeness again.
2. “Goodbye BB King” feels like a heartfelt tribute. What personal connection do you have to B.B. King, and how did you translate that into music?
I’ve spent a lot of time in Memphis, on Beale Street (‘Home of the Blues’) and in the BB King Blues Club. So many of my heroes have left their touch on the street, bars, tables and chairs. None of them were politically correct, nor were their immortal songs. So, Goodbye BB King asks, how long before Cancel Culture comes for the Blues?
3. “So What You’re Saying Is” explodes with playful energy, almost like a musical conversation. What sparked this song’s creation?
So What You’re Saying Is tells the story of the 2018 BBC interview of Dr. Jordan Peterson by BBC personality Cathy Newman. It was a fiery interview, full of memorable clips, gifs & memes. Newman, trying to distort Peterson’s views and make them appear offensive or cartoonish, kept saying, ‘So what you’re saying is…’ This phrase went viral and has become a meme. As you say, the song is funny & joyful, but has an underlying message: This is what happens when we stop listening to one another, and instead focus on smearing the other person.
4. “Ain’t So Bad to Ride Alone” turns solitude into something comforting. Were you writing from personal experience of finding peace in being alone?
Ain’t So Bad to Ride Alone is about coming to terms with loss, and learning to live a good life in spite of everything. Solitude allows you to explore your inner geography. You get to know yourself and learn to take care of yourself. Ironically, through intense grieving and solitude, you can learn how to connect deeply with people
5. Which track surprised you the most during the recording process – one that evolved into something unexpected?
These Memories of You began as a ballad set in the Greek islands, and evolved into a spicy Turko-European arabesque with exotic rhythms & instrumentation. The narrator is an Odysseus character trying to reconcile the tension between love and freedom.
6. Which lyric or musical phrase from the album feels like the heart of the whole project to you?
The album’s core theme of aching loss – loss from the very start – finds its most intense expression in the title song: ‘I’ve known you all my life, though I don’t even know your name. You’ve always been with me, I never met you all the same’. Imaginary Lover refers to our lost love, the one we were separated from at birth, the one we long for, and spend our lives trying to find. ‘Imaginary Lover, you who never did arrive. Are we meteors in endless space, destined never to collide?’
7. The production has this live, organic feel, almost like we’re in a small jazz club or smoky bar. Was intimacy part of the vision for the album’s soundscape?
We call our band the ‘Crazy Angels’ and it reflects our core values: originality, authenticity and depth. You’ll find multiple genres on our albums – Pop, Jazz, Latin, Euro-Turkish, Country, Big Band, show tunes…Our songs tend to be longer, and often unfold like short stories. We use exotic chords, harmonies and key changes. All this means we run counter to prevailing wisdom which says songs should be short, simple and catchy. That’s okay with us.
8. If someone had only five minutes to understand who Pascal Dennis is as an artist, which track from “Imaginary Lover” would you play for them first?
I would play them the title song, Imaginary Lover. The final verse in particular, expresses who I am:
My heart is wide open, it rings like a bell
I want to know heaven, the way I’ve known hell
9. What’s next for Pascal Dennis?
The Crazy Angels band & I are going to keep releasing a new album every year, and a new lyric video every month We’re going to keep releasing a new Crazy Angels podcast every week or so.
Checkout Pascal’s official website for more updates.
Learn more about Pascal and the Crazy Angels band through their social media handle @pascaldennismusic.
Enjoy listening to “Imaginary Lover” by Pascal Dennis here.
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