Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxpKNJFDUm4
--
Someone once said that symphonic orchestra is the most sophisticated musical instrument humanity ever invented. And I always felt like this is an ultimate challenge for a composer to write music for such a giant. I started my first shy attempts to compose orchestral music a few years ago. Of course, at that time it was all done using digital libraries. I did dream that one day I may experience the thrill of hearing a live orchestra performing my compositions but that was truly an ephemeral dream, no actual plans to do it. Until now.

This summer my husband and I took a composing course (focusing on film composing). As a part of that course I had a homework: to compose a piece for a string orchestra. I chose the solo piano piece I wrote earlier this year as a foundation. It took a few evenings to come up with the orchestral arrangements - again, using digital libraries... at first! But then my husband said that he feels like this piece deserves to be recorded with live orchestra. And so it happened - two months ago we hired a session orchestra from Budapest. We only had half an hour session to record 2.5 minutes of this composition. Gosh, it was such an amazing experience! When I heard 40 musicians playing the harmony I burst in tears. Then I was shocked again to learn that my composition was nominated for Hollywood Music in Media Awards.

I called this piece "Distant Memories". It was written during one of the lockdowns when I was on the edge of breaking down. I devoted it to my mom, who lives on the other side of Atlantic but she used to come here every year.. until 2020.. and then 2021.. I hope we will see each other next year. But meanwhile all we have are those "distant memories".

The original piano solo version is coming next week!

"Distant Memories" (Orchestral) by Milana Zilnik

Recorded in Modesto, Ca. Featuring Hammond B3 Organ solo. Gibson 335 Electric Guitar solo.  Gibson L5 Electric Guitar Rhythm. Hammond B3 Rhythm with Bass.  Trap Drum set. Percussion Cow Bell. Tambourine.

Kickin it'

Smokin'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jrOSb8mlpk
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In this turbulent time I didn't even know whether to post this song or not. It was supposed to be a present for my husband's birthday back in January. The world was different back then. We couldn't finish recording it on time, though, so we postponed it to Valentine's day first and to my own birthday next. It happened a month ago but I wasn't much online to upload it to SoundCloud. So here it comes.. And I will "hold on to memories of us", memories of the happier times when we celebrated our 18th anniversary together on top of Eiffel tower, "passing the people - strangers with no worries".
---
Hold me when I'm alone,
Don't let me fall,
And if you let me – I will become fearless. Only because you
Told me that I am strong, 
I'll carry on.
I will remember you from a few pictures...

Chorus:	I will remember Paris in your eyes.
		I will remember how fast the time flies.
		I will hold on to memories of us.
		They belong to Paris in the past...

Look, those windows are doors
Passing us by,
Passing the people – strangers with no worries, only because 
The wind blows and by surprise 
Opens our eyes
To all the street lights hiding inside stories.

Chorus

Bridge: 	Kisses under the bridge,
		Space with no time,
		Time with no limits, memories with no hurry.
		I will be gone
		When the wind blows, and by surprise
		opens our eyes to all that Paris with another end of story...

"Memories Of Paris" by Milana Zilnik

Recorded August 14, 2014.
Lyrics:

Baby doesn't hear me out
Even when I scream and shout
And what I say gets washed away
Lord I'm on my knees I pray
One day you will be at my side
From the dusk to the darkest night

As steady as my love can be
I set it free to the eastern sea
Won't you brave these waves with me
My darling takes them gracefully
My insides have all capsized
The storm has washed away my pride.

Oh but the birds they keep singin' in my ear
All the dark clouds, they will disappear
Oh but the birds they keep singin' in my ear
The sweetest song I ever did quite hear

Baby looks so good in black
But I don't have to tell her that
The way she gets me to my feet
Chasing her down busy streets
But I'm okay, I'll be just fine
If I was yours, and you were mine

Oh but the birds they keep singin' in my ear
All the dark clouds, they will disappear
Oh but the birds they keep singin' in my ear
The sweetest song I ever did quite hear

Darling just for you I'll fight
At least to see you one more night
The way your hair, it looked so fine
And in the dark you always shine
I just care about one thing
I'm on my knee with this diamond ring

Oh but the birds they keep singin' in my ear
All the dark clouds, they will disappear
Oh but the birds they keep singin' in my ear
The sweetest song I ever did quite hear
Oh but the birds they keep singin' in my ear
All the dark clouds, they will disappear
Oh but the birds they keep singin' in my ear
The sweetest song I ever did quite hear

Sweetest Song

"Waitress" is the first single from Hop Along's new album Painted Shut. Pre-order the LP/CD/digital here: saddle-creek.com/store/663

Hop Along - Waitress

One Day

This is a sea shanty with poetry and singing combined.  Bexx is on banjo and double bass.  A lot of fun putting this together and managed to do it in 3 sessions. 

The Sound of the Sea

Laila - Sad Boy

"What If I Don't Want To Let You Go" was originally written by Biggs for UK vocalist Courteney Yeoell (https://soundcloud.com/courteney-yeoell/what-if-i-dont-want-to-let-you-go)

Biggs recently performed the song as part of his show at the prestigious Silver Cloud Hotel (currently closed due to fire damage).

12-string Guitar and vocals: Biggs Dixxon. Production: Tom Berry @37741600

Biggs: Live at the Silver Cloud Hotel

What If I Don't Want To Let You Go (Live)

What If I Don't Want To Let You Go? (LIVE)

i hope you like this... Ems xx =D
(first completely new song with new mic- yay!)
and its a wav file so will play for Terry and Daphne too!!! yay!!! =D

OH.. and tuning is DADF#AD  wahoo 

if its alright with

not sure about this.. was just trying out ideas... wanted to share.. feedback welcome.. will listen but may just go my own way anyway.. but will listen.
thanks so much
hope you like the new version
Ems. xxx <3


Little night owl lullaby (redone)

hi and thank you for visiting my cloud.... i hope you like what you hear

sending you all peace, love and light... ems xxx

if its alright with

emma shanley