As the cruel summer of 2024 came to an end, I was on an emotional rollercoaster trip through the streets of Vineland, New Jersey, listening to the August 15, 2024 release of ‘Cross Atlantic Transmissions.’ And as the bankrupt memory bank of that tumultuous year, as the chaos of my existence settled, my mind fixated on artists or recording artists of various bands who dared to push the boundaries of creativity and stir innovation. They are the renegades, the rebels, the ones who refuse to be confined by conventional norms, venturing into uncharted musical territories.
At Generation Clash’s recent interview with Gas Hound, it has been revealed that the primary goal of this assembly of songwriters has been to encourage artists to band together, facing obstacles as a united front and cultivating a community that fosters growth and knowledge within the creative sphere. And Tak, or as he is otherwise known, Takeshi Takemura, proceeded to do exactly that by bringing together artists from different countries the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Playing the role of the visionary behind Cross Atlantic Transmissions, Tak, although is the driving force behind the project, Gas Hound holds the title of executive producer, overseeing the production process and ensuring that the project stays true to its mission of countering negative influences and achieving lasting peace by freeing minds of deceitful thoughts. “If we cannot first obtain peace of mind, body and soul, " says Hound, “How can we ever bring it forth into the world around us.”
Inner peace leads to outer peace. When we are able to find peace within ourselves, we are better equipped to bring about positive change and create a more peaceful environment for ourselves and others. Just like building bridges through music, the cover of Cross Atlantic Transmissions is a portrait of beauty and connection always finding a way — think of the Clash bassist Paul Simonon smashing his bass guitar, Bob Dylan walking arm-in-arm with his girlfriend at the time, Suze Rotolo, or the Beatles walking across the zebra crossing outside of Abbey Road. To the true shepherds of the strange. Kyle Gordon, Gas Hound, J.W. Darwin, and Tak, all continue to keep breaking barriers of hate and creating unforgettable moments of peace together.
Art and music, in their essence, are not mere creations of human hands, but rather a reflection of our connection to the mysterious forces that govern our existence. Like solitary radio towers, musicians, poets, and international recording artists stand tall and proud, reaching out into the universe, transmitting and receiving messages from distant corners of the cosmic grid, guided by the divine hand of God that transcends our earthly limitations and leads us towards a greater understanding of the mysteries that surround us.
The savage snap of the needle piercing the vinyl, the frayed corners of the album sleeve, these physical remnants of music unite us in a shared experience that transcends time and space. From my earliest memories, I have been enamored by the aurora of albums and their accompanying cover art. The crackling, raw, and unfiltered sounds of those early classic rock & roll records spoke to me on a level that the public education system could not. A raw display of vulnerability and truth, innermost thoughts laid bare for all to see. But what most people don’t understand is that behind those iconic album covers of yesteryear lies a complex and poignant tale. The images were meticulously chosen and expertly crafted to convey a specific message, to draw the listener in and immerse them in the artist's world. It’s a mind-bending trip through the looking glass of music, where reality blurs with fantasy and truth becomes as elusive as a fleeting dream. And only those brave enough to dive head first into the madness can truly appreciate the genius behind it all.
In the sun-drenched pavement of London Bridge glistened with the reflections of passing cars and the shadows of hurried pedestrians, the official band mamma and musical rock heroine of the Cross Atlantic Transmissions story is Kit Carson Gordon, a woman of quiet determination and unwavering focus who played a pivotal role in what seems to be a mirror of The Velvet Underground’s self-titled album for the cover of the record. As the scenic backdrop of the London Bridge, there she sat, poised and confident, her presence commanding attention in every frame captured by the consort photographer. With rock star husband, Kyle Gordon, a.k.a MammaBear, by her side, she embarked on this journey with grace and poise, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. From meticulously planning the campaign to forging connections with key players, Kit’s influence was undeniable. It was her vision and dedication that brought the project to life and ensured its success. Kit Carson Gordon may not have been in the spotlight like Kyle Gordon and Gas Hound, but her impact on their journey was a rock & roll coalescence.
In the heart-shaped box collection of songs in Jenny Moves Slow, Into the Light, Imposter Syndrome, Falling In Love Again, All Too Much, Checking In, You’re A Boy, Tmbstn, and Arrows is a complex exploration of identity, relationships, self-doubt, and personal growth. Through a raw and introspective lens, each piece explores the intricacies of human emotions and experiences with a sense of vulnerability and authenticity. And so, if you ever find yourself adrift in the dissonance of modern life, seek solace in the familiar melodies of your record collection. In those grooves lies a refuge from the chaos, a reminder that amidst the noise and confusion, music remains a steadfast companion. So when the world feels too heavy to bear alone, let the songs be your guide back to yourself.
Our purpose here is to reflect on the fractured howl of our childhood selves and the once bright world we inhabited. The light that once shone so brightly still flickers within us, fueled by an eternal fire. These interwoven melodies serve as orphaned prayers, seeking to dispel the fog of fear that obscures our vision during our darkest moments.
I am grateful to have listened to Cross Atlantic Transmissions while traversing the tumultuous terrain of my own jilted, personal piece of history. In unison, the diverse and eclectic album serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying force of music in bringing people together across borders and cultures. Through this collaborative project, artists from different backgrounds have found common ground and created something truly special. As we continue to navigate a world filled with division and discord, it is projects like these that remind us of the power of music to build bridges and foster understanding. And maybe when this political paranoiac, megalomaniac presidency is over, some of us will meet around a campire somewhere and talk about how music and the people who made it changed our lives. Let us hope that more initiatives like Cross Atlantic Transmissions will continue to emerge, spreading harmony and connection throughout the world.
