Artist description A site devoted to Fans of the talented composer/singer-songwriter known as "CATHARSIST." This site contains a rare collection of old works byt this artist. For more information, or to commission Catharsist for your next Game, Film or Television project, please visit WWW.CATHARSIST.COM

Music Style EMOTIONAL & CONTAGIOUS----Confined to no certain style----- Music is not meant to be bound. I can adopt cliche phrasing and instrumentation on demand...but I indulge more in a style of sound; one which embraces elements of everything. In the same way that one's mind is made up of fragmented pieces of knowledge & memories. My musical scetches are often described to me as being the audible fruits of repressed emotions. And so it is --- the only emotion that has never faded for me is my passion for music ---------

Musical Influences David Arnold, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Led Zepplin, Rush, BT, Sting, Radiohead, Duran Duran, Carl Orff, John Williams, Danny Elfman, Depeche Mode, Malevolent Creation, Morrissey, The Beatles, Jerry Goldsmith, Killing Joke, Delerium

Similar Artists Hans Zimmer, David Arnold, Depeche Mode, VAST, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Lennon/McCartney, Jeff Buckley, Morrissey, Radiohead, Tears For Fears, Duran Duran, Rush, Jerry Goldsmith

Artist History The prolific etchings of a determined solo artist. By definition, Catharsist is one who practices the art and experience of "catharsis"(a figurative cleansing or purifying of the emotions; especially through music/art; a technique used to bring repressed emotions to the surface). This music was forged in the fire of failure. The fuel to this fire is my undying and intrinsic love of music. In forward motion, and with very little sleep, I wake everyday to create the next "refrain of a melody."

Group Members Elijah Shepard (the catharsist)

Instruments Keyboards, samplers, guitars and all the usual household appliances...

Press Reviews / It is a rare occurrence to be in the company of musical genius, especially in light of todays studio gadgetry which can make something from nothing at the touch of a button. I contend that Catharsist, a.k.a. Elijah Shepard, falls within the parameters of said genius and will rank among the greats in the halls of music before long. Shepard does not conform to any genre boundaries and by doing so, he releases the wild muse who constantly haunts his psyche to lay down the next refrain of a melody. Despite the harmonious touches his songs convey, there is always a pensive, deeper level beneath the tune. True to the name he has chosen as an artist, he takes the listener on a purge like journey to remove the cobwebs of ones mind. Catharsist doesnt just play and sing a song, he becomes the song, pouring his entire being into each note in an effortless fashion. His vocal range and intensity is somewhat akin to Chris Isaak and like Isaak, can utilize understatement to hit the listener over the head with intense poetry and poignancy. Catharsist does not create background music that is the fodder of many artists in the independent circuit. His work delves into the emotional levels that are akin to the inner workings of everyones mind but few choose to reconcile. Shepard unleashes the ponderances and emotional demons that sometimes veer people down the chasm of isolation and offers up musical anecdotes to show us the way around it. His music is reflective of the multi-faceted aspects of his personality and he serves it out flawlessly. Catharsist is not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve however, he does not succumb to self pity. Instead, his music seems to offer a means to segregate a particular complexity and render it harmless. Many artists are able to make music that can float one along on a nebulous cloud. Catharsist, like his contemporaries, does this as well, only on his cloud, your mind will be forced to think, work and react in subtle ways that other artists seem to fall short of. This is brilliantly done through the many echoes and layers of sound that seems to peel the emotional baggage like layers of an onion until we are left feeling purged and cleansed for the experience. (Mike V./Legends Magazine, STARVOX review 7/00). THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN......THIS ARTIST PLAYS ON THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON ........as well as several radio stations across the globe........guest appearance on 90210 with CHRISTINA AGUILERA ...also on 2 CDs released by Canyon Music ...often can be seen driving down freeways & sidestreets singing at the tops of his lungs like a complete idiot....

Additional Info BRING YOUR PROJECT TO LIFE : compositions on demand...

Location Mission Viejo, California - USA

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