New York, NY (Top40 Charts) omposer/Songwriter/Producer Kitt Wakeley releases epic orchestral album debut, "Midnight in Macedonia," featuring the internationally renowned Macedonian Choir, the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra (Oleg Kondratenko, Conductor), and legendary special guest artists, it was announced today. "Midnight in Macedonia" is an emotional journey and musical-fusion joy ride that includes the lush strings, French horns and low brass found in dramatic cinema, as well as a diverse serving of ear candy treats, including electronica, pop, rock and piano. The album is Wakeley's tip of the hat to the iconic scores from epic blockbusters he grew up with, including "Superman," "The Godfather," "Star Wars," and "Rocky." Special guest artists and production all-stars include legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff (Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney), guitar wizards Paige Harwell, Neal Taylor (Tears for Fears, Tina Turner) and
Daniel Uribe, amazing bass player Tim Herndon, three-time GRAMMY-winning engineer/mixer/co-producer Tre Nagella, and mastering engineer genius
Kevin Lively. In its global live concert debut, Wakeley will perform "Midnight in Macedonia" with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic & Choir (Kris Markes, general manager), with Oklahoma native Timothy Long,
Music Director of Opera at the Eastman School of Music, Conducting, November 15, 2018, at the Chevy Bricktown Event Center in Oklahoma City.
"This was my first time writing a full-length orchestral body of work, so it was three years in the making," said Wakeley, who wrote, played piano and keyboard and co-produced the album. "You know something might have great potential but then you hear it for the first time being performed by an international, award-winning choir and orchestra, it becomes totally overwhelming. Then add iconic guest artists you grew up admiring, and the chance to perform it live for the first time in your home state, and it all makes 'Midnight in Macedonia' the greatest experience and achievement of my music career."
With a fearless, unapologetic approach to life and career, Kitt has developed a reputation in the industry for being able to create and capture an emotional melody for any setting, whether he is writing and producing for himself, other artists, TV, film or trailers. A key to his success has been his ability to work across multiple genres, specifically pop, rock and electronica. With that flexibility comes one constant:
"I always have two goals when I approach a project: 1) Take the listener on an emotional journey and 2) Appeal to as many senses as possible. Sometimes I'm in the mood to write an energetic rock or electronica tune, other days it's an orchestral piece, a simple piano line or the need to smash it all into one. Why not? There's no rule that says I can't mix an orchestra with electronica, guitar and rock drums."
"
Midnight" Struck Recently
"My best friend was getting married, so I decided to write a song for both of them, which ended up being the first orchestral piece I'd ever written and recorded," said Wakeley. "When I sent them the finished piece, my friend, who is not an emotional guy at all, called me in tears and asked if they could use it for the bridal march down the aisle. I was so honored that the song connected with them so deeply and the reaction from all the attendees was overwhelming. So, I decided an orchestral album was going to be my new challenge. I worked very hard and had the opportunity to have some amazing collaborators and the rest, as they say, is history."
Wakeley has released numerous full-length rock, pop and EDM albums over the years, including "AudioKaoz," a hard rock electronica album, which he produced with three-time GRAMMY-winner Tre Nagella. Brian "Big Bass" Gardner, known for projects with Michael Jackson, Motley Crue, Eminem,
Travis Barker and Dr. Dre, mastered the album, which peaked at #2 for independent artists per
Music Box,
Music X-Ray and Sound Exchange.
Music Education
The first time Wakeley performed in front of a live audience in high school with his band, "Limited Edition," he knew music had to be a part of his life. Wakeley also credits his mother for his success, who ensured he was at every practice and concert. "She was my number one supporter, never missed a performance and was always cheering me on," said the composer.
After graduating high school, Wakeley earned a BA with a double major from East Central University where his band at the time played its first paid gig for $100 and all the free beer and pizza they could consume. "The pay didn't matter because you couldn't put a price tag on the euphoria we felt after that performance," says Wakeley, who then went on to earn an MA from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK.
Personal/Causes
Wakeley and his wife, Melissa, without whose love, support and respect he could not keep making music, have been married for almost 10 years. They have a blended family of three daughters and one son who are, thankfully, taking the world by storm via college and career. After having to endure the shock, pain, devastation and road to recovery when one of their daughters, at age 22, spiraled into substance abuse, they established a residential treatment center in Oklahoma. The center, called Vizown (which represents "You're Own Vision)," specializes in dual diagnosis treatment for men and women. For more information, visit www.vizown.com. The couple continues to be committed to raising awareness about the nationwide substance abuse and mental health crisis in the U.S.
To purchase tickets for "Midnight in Macedonia LIVE!" visit: https://www.ticketstorm.com/e/21762/t/
