HeadspacE
On his digital experience Headspace, artist Keo Nozari delivers a musical manifesto on relationship with self. Both sonically and lyrically layered, Nozari set an ambitious goal with this indie pop collection: to create a paradise inside himself of radical self-acceptance.
“I wanted to create a point of optimism, a point of empowerment with this music for myself and for others, in what seem like very dark times. A loving oasis inside mind and heart,” Nozari explains. “I sort of think of Headspace as a series of sign posts, that can hopefully help point the way to a better place inside us all. And sometimes all that might take is a reminder of things we deep down already know. Or maybe something you don’t 100% feel yet, but with the help of these songs hopefully it will help you get into the headspace of being there.”
A true project of self-expression, Nozari serves as the sole singer, writer, producer and mixer of the album. (He even designed the cover art). As for mastering, he turned to pop mastering powerhouse Randy Merrill (Lady Gaga, Adele, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Robyn) to give the songs their final sheen.
Powerful, fun and dynamic, each song stands on its own a mini-oasis. Opening with its strapping electronic title track, “Headspace” is an urgent call to focus on love to shield against the dark burdens of the world. Integrating dark and light, the sexual and the spiritual, drive the sexually charged “Spread” that pulses with hints of George Michael and Prince entering a Trap club.
“Belong” serves as the lush album centerpiece where Nozari details is own journey from overcoming the need for validation from others to being able to find his value within himself. A funk-infused bass and a lively electronic backdrop populate the banger “Lines” as Nozari boldly addresses the current cultural divide. “Wildside” invites listeners to wildly follow where their hearts take them set to a breezy Tropical House meets 80s-fun summer track. And the album ends on dreamy highlight “Dreams” with Nozari finding the worthiness space inside to fulfill dreams.
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Here are my intentions on each track of Headspace:
Headspace: “It’s a call-to-arms. Getting yourself into the frame of mind to focus on what really matters in life: the love you have. Get in a space where you’re giving & receiving love, to others and to yourself.”
Spread: Integrating the dark and light sides of yourself. Talking to the demons, saying hi, putting your arm around them and asking what they’re there to teach you. And by doing that you are putting your shame to sleep. And more specifically in this song, the shame about sex. The cultural spells of religion that shame us with sex. So it’s by taking the shame away, we are allowing the divine & sexual pleasure to integrate / become one. I believe whenever you can uncover and dissipate the cloud of shame, you are helping with your own soul’s unfolding.”
Belong: “We are so often looking for validation. If we look at social media and all the likes we receive, those are forms of validation. So we’ve sort of become addicted to validation in a way. ‘Belong’ is about learning to find the home inside yourself where you don’t need outside commentary to validate who you are or find your value. You’ve come to a place of full empowerment where you’re validating & valuing your own existence. This song sort of entrains the mind with the feeling & lyrics, so even if you don’t feel these things initially, hopefully it will help get the listener into the headspace of being there.”
Lines: “Acknowledges all the artificial lines humans have created to separate us from each other. This song excavates the deeper truth: we are all one.”
Wildside: “Go forth and be you! Follow your bliss! I realized how scary it is for some people to be themselves or follow their heart or dreams. So this is for them! Cheerleads them on.”
Dreams: “Reaching a point in your life where you feel worthy of something or even if you don’t 100% you’re gonna choose to feel it anyway. And most especially feeling deserving of love, romantic or otherwise. And most especially self-love.”
xo Keo :)
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Some Project Highlights:
Keo Nozari is the sole writer, producer, vocalist and mixer of Headspace - a digital experience.
Headspace - a digital experience is mastered by seven time Grammy-award winner Randy Merrill, who celebrated Grammys wins this year for mastering Ariana Grande’s album “Sweetener” and Beck’s album “Colors”. His impressive, unparalleled work with premier pop artists includes mastering the albums of Taylor Swift (“Reputation”), BTS (“Map of the Soul: Persona”), Lady Gaga (“A Star is Born” & “Joanne”), Adele (“25”), Justin Bieber (“Purpose”), Robyn (“Honey”) & Troye Sivan (“Bloom”), to name only a few.
Additional performers include: Late Cambrian's John Wlaysewski on guitar for “Spread” and “Belong” and on live bass for “Lines”; ASCAP Award winning film & television composer Scott Starrett provided string arrangements on “Belong” and the title track; LA-based Joe Taylor on live bass for “Dreams."
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