Taking a step in a different direction, Fleshwound is from start to finish a completely new and unique recording. Trance wrote between 2003 and 2006 compiling songs that are relevant to each other, flow together and carry a powerful message of change. Fleshwound is about healing.
"In the past, putting together an album felt like a bit of a rush job. Fleshwound didn't allow me any wasted haste. As soon as the concept started developing, I knew it'd take much longer than any previous project I'd produced. I'm glad my gut instinct gave me the patience to see this one through in what I feel was the right way. I do hope others will feel the same."
The songs are all written on guitar first, then taken in "whatever direction the moment inspired". Some are left completely raw and acoustic, while others, like the punchy "Awaken" are quite aggressively rock and roll, with a twist of U2 here and there, splashed with a hint of some David Bowie. Trance's melody driven style rings through all of these compilations. He spent a lot of time developing the guitar rock sound that has captured the majority of this album.
"Fleshwound was challenging, right from the start. The guitar work is quite extensive, compared to my previous recordings. Every guitar track is live (save some of the bass work). I also forced myself to leave some songs exactly the way they came out the first time. There just wasn't anything that came to me that needed adding into the mix. So, leave it alone! That, for a guy who's used to pop infused rock and dance music is tough."
The album will suit listeners that are into rock, pop, folky-pop, adult contemporary and other forms of what some might call "message music."
"I write from my heart; from what I see in my world; from what I want to see in my world, and from my own inner workings as a growing-in-understanding person. As an artist, every project allows me to challenge myself to improve, raise the bar, and see if I can't find another way to reach a few people; to make them think, act, react, or just learn to love what they have. Like I always say, 'Love your life!'"
"If the messages and observations, introspective searching and sometimes just plain downright spirituality doesn't work for you, I hope the music and melody will carry it into your heart. That's the goal anyway. Love your life."