The term “eclose” is generally used in the etymological world to describe an adult insect coming out of its pupa state. From an old life to a new life. That’s not only how I describe salvation through Jesus, but how I describe changes in life as well. For me, change has been unfolding for the last year.
In terms of life, change has come from a form of hurt, betrayal, healing, and new beginnings. After leaving our church, of which I have spent the last twelve years at, we moved on to bigger and better things. We found a new church, new church family and friends, and a refreshed way of thinking. This change has brought a lightening of burdens, new found liberty to worship, and freedom in our life. This brought a new perspective to me in many ways. Jesus is more real, God’s love more precious, His Holy Ghost more present. This has enriched my life, so naturally it would reflect that way in my music.
I have been a little slow at music making these days. Last year, I took part in a fun project for a band that my brother, friend, and myself formed, called Aegis Heart. We put together our music attributes into one to form a unique musical experience. Check out our album Casus Vitae. But, I have also started writing songs on my perspective through this last year of change. I have found more freedom in music with my new found perspective and have been using that to fuel new songs. The first song that came out of this was a song of hurt, feeling alone, and finding refuge in God. Brother to Dragons shares Job’s grief with verbiage straight from the book of the Bible with his name. I released a single for that, so check it out.
This leads me to my next project, Eclosed. This project will be a compilation of songs that encompass this change in life and music. From one stage to the next. I’m not sure when this will come out. Just like a moth eclosing from its cocoon, it may take some time. But, when it does, I think it’ll be a beautiful thing.
This song from my upcoming original album is free for download right now! I think this song is very relevant to today’s atmosphere. Sometimes we just have to be still, no matter what is happening around us.
Special thanks to Lucy McVey for the beautiful art for the album cover!
Donate to my wife’s mask-making cause!
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started impacting the lives of Americans, my wife, Anna, has been hard at work sewing masks for those who may needs them. We are continually receiving requests for masks, and all of the masks are given away for free. These masks still cost money to make, so we appreciate all the help we can get. Thank you and stay safe!
The Lost Trail is a new instrumental folk album born from the imagination of twin brothers Mark and Bran. This album brings together both brothers’ musical talents and unique, down-to-earth styles to create something that’s both comfortable and daring.
This album is a story of adventure inspired by the natural beauty of their homeland of Kansas. From homespun upbeat melodies that sound like back porch jam sessions, to somber, reflective guitar ballads, this album will take you there and back again. Put on your hiking boots, grab a back pack, and get ready to get lost.
Recording The Lost Trail
Adventuring
Track listing and info:
1. Gravel Under Foot
Mark- mandolin, guitar
Bran- djembe, bass
I wrote this song in the car right after I bought my first mandolin. I would end up playing this piece as we walked down the dirt back roads of Kansas, the gravel our percussion. The road to adventure starts in your own backyard.
-Mark
2. As the Rooster Crows Mark- harmonica, banjo, snare drum
Bran- guitar, jaw harp, bass, cowbell
This song was born from an improv session in the sunroom, with Bran on guitar and me on harmonica. As we would hit the chorus, the family rooster would answer back with a crow. You never know what you’ll encounter!
-Mark
Jam session with a chicken? What could go wrong?
-Bran
3. Old Man River Mark- guitar, banjo
Bran- guitar, bass, mandolin, bouzouki, buffalo drum
The guitar part of this piece will forever be remembered as the simple rhythm our dad would play on his guitar when we were young. We put this song together in honor of our father. His determination and dedication has inspired me. By many of his colleagues, he is known as Old Man River; I know him as Pops.
-Mark
4. The Lost Trail Mark- banjo, mandolin
Bran- bouzouki, bass, percussion, Native American flute
Just as Gravel Under Foot was Mark’s first mandolin song, The Lost Trail was mine. Playing it, I always felt as if I was standing in a forest on the side of a mountain, embarking on some epic adventure.
This song is heavily inspired by a piece called Grimstock, a traditional English tune. It’s such a fun tune. The name, Argenstock, is a nod to our old band name; it sounds similar enough to Grimstock, in both name and in tune, that I thought Argenstock would be a fitting title.
-Bran
6. Green Window on Auerbach Mark- guitar
While in Israel, I meditated upon a window illuminated by a greenish light. This average room in this normal building across the narrow alley revealed something to me about my adventure. The feeling of being in a distant, mystical desert land gave way to a familiar feeling: the comfort of home. Though I was thousands of miles away from home, I was staring into someone’s place of comfort and safety.
-Mark
7. A Memory of Air Bran- guitar
This song was inspired by a moment spent in silence, just the sunlight, the air, and me. How beautiful a simple moment can be.
-Bran
8. Same Day Shipping Mark- guitar, snare drum
Bran- bass, keyboard
This fun song started with a silly song title Bran came up with for a school project. I originally wrote lyrics and a tune for this song years ago. We revived this old treasure to bring a bit of light-hearted fun along this journey.
-Mark
This song is quite possibly one of the first songs we played together. I’m thrilled to share it with the world!
-Bran
9. Stranded Bran- djembe, percussion, thumb piano, didgeridoo, Native American flute
This brief, energetic song was recorded for a short film we had made, so when we brainstormed ideas as to what should go on this album, I suggested it (as a joke). Mark loved the idea. I think this song embodies the intensity of journey: the wild, dangerous unknown.
-Bran
10 A Snake Sees the Ghost Mark- bells
Bran- mandolin, bouzouki, bass, thumb piano, djembe, percussion, Native American flute, didgeridoo, bagpipe chanter, Tibetan singing bowl
I have always admired the structure of this piece from Bran. The simple repetitions layered one on top of another reveals the unreal reality of bizarre, unexpected encounters.
-Mark
This song started as an experimental electronic piece years ago–one of my first songs ever recorded. I acoustified it with an eclectic mix of world instruments to give its unique life. The world is a weird, weird place. You’ll see stuff that will bewilder, awe, and puzzle you.
Kansas is a beautiful place. In the style of the state’s official song, we wrote what Kansas means to us. To me, it’s the comfort of home.
-Mark
I feel so at home in the expansive, majestic skies of Kansas and long stretches of land spanning to the wide horizon. It may be flatter than a pancake, but its beauty is vastly underrated. Kansas complements a clear head and an open heart.
I am super, super excited to update y’all with the newest project! My identical twin brother Bryan (aka Bran) and I are collaborating on an instrumental folk album, The Lost Trail. The best way I can describe this is a telling of our brotherhood and our love for adventure. This album will be reminiscent of our old songs we used to play together and reveal some new pieces formed from our continuing adventures in life. I see this as a truly epic piece of family history. We will get to see some pretty cool special guests on the album as well! Stay tuned for more updates!
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started impacting the lives of Americans, my wife, Anna, has been hard at work sewing masks for those who may needs them. We are continually receiving requests for masks, and all of the masks are given away for free. These masks still cost money to make, so we appreciate all the help we can get. Thank you and stay safe!
markscottmusic.wordpress.com 