DUNE BLOG

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Big Announcement: Music and Words

In my blog a few weeks ago, I hinted at a major project in the works, a crossover from my novels to the heart of rock music. I've got something new for your eyes, your ears, and your imagination.

Here's the press release that went out today:

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TERRA INCOGNITA: Epic Fantasy novel, Epic Rock CD
Rancho Santa Margarita, California.

ProgRock Records has joined forces with internationally bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson for a groundbreaking crossover novel and progressive rock project, TERRA INCOGNITA. Anderson has created an incredible fantasy universe with sailing ships, sea monsters, and the crusades. The first novel, THE EDGE OF THE WORLD, hits stores in June from Orbit Books.

Anderson says, "My work has always been heavily influenced by music, especially progressive rock -- but TERRA INCOGNITA truly takes this into new territory." Anderson developed and expanded one of the novel's storylines to form the basis of an epic rock CD, under the band name "Roswell Six." He and his wife, bestselling author Rebecca Moesta, wrote all the lyrics to the songs.

Accomplished keyboardist/composer Erik Norlander (ROCKET SCIENTISTS) came aboard at the beginning of the project to write the music. His wife Lana Lane, the "Queen of Symphonic Rock," provides the female lead vocals. Bassist Kurt Barabas (UNDER THE SUN) and Executive Producer Shawn Gordon from ProgRock Records round out the members of "Roswell Six."

"This project checked off about half the items on my bucket list," said Gordon. "Imagine what kind of fantasy world I feel like I'm in when I get to work with one of my favorite authors, favorite vocalists, and favorite musicians. Hearing the story come to life is really an amazing experience and I think there are going to be a lot of new crossover fans from this project."

The CD's male vocals are by James LaBrie (DREAM THEATER), Michael Sadler (SAGA), and John Payne (ex-ASIA). Additional artists on the CD include David Ragsdale (KANSAS), Gary Wehrkamp (SHADOW GALLERY), Chris Quirarte (PRYMARY) and Chris Brown (GHOST CIRCUS). Together, the creative team has sold over 45 million copies worldwide.

TERRA INCOGNITA is a synergistic project unlike anything ever seen in the publishing and music business -- an original novel and original CD from the same author. Kevin J. Anderson is currently writing the second novel in the epic trilogy, TERRA INCOGNITA: THE MAP OF ALL THINGS."

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The first two finished tracks are available for listening at www.myspace.com/kevinjanderson. "I Am the Point" is a rocker with vocals by James LaBrie. "Merciful Tides" is a symphonic power ballad with vocals by Lana Lane.

The completed CD will ship in April, and the novel will be released in trade paperback in June. We have arranged for you to pre-order signed copies of the book, the CD, and the combined set on Anderzoneshop.com. Have a listen to the two tracks. I very much hope you'll be interested in ordering -- this is one of the most exciting projects I've ever worked on, and certainly unlike any other.

In coming days, I'll post the lyrics for the two songs and give some story context, but the tracks should be enjoyable just as standalone music.

-- KJA