Welcome back to another exciting episode of the „Travel Diaries,“ where we delve into the world of music through the lens of my latest song releases. I’m Jannis Raptis, your guide on this musical journey, and this month, we’re taking a tour to the charming town of Glastonbury with my latest Folk Pop song, „Glastonbury.“

In this seventh instalment of our musical adventure, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a song that’s both a departure from the rest of the general sound of TRAVELER and a return to my roots. „Glastonbury“ started as a humble tune, originally intended for my medieval folk project some of you might be familiar with. However, as I combed through my musical creations for my pop rock album „TRAVELER,“ I realized that this song had the potential to be something more – a catchy, radio-worthy pop single.

The heartbeat of „Glastonbury“ lies in its 6/8 rhythm, a distinctive feature that sets it apart from the rest of the 24-track album. The song draws its inspiration from the Celtic and medieval vibes of England, a place I’ve had the pleasure of visiting on several occasions. So, without further ado, let’s embark on this musical adventure and explore the heartwarming tale behind „Glastonbury.“

As our imaginary traveler continues his journey (“The pawn is moving!” will ring a bell to my Instagram and Facebook followers), we’ve left the shores of America after „Nelly“ and have arrived in Europe, with England as our first destination. It’s a perfect fit for this season, as „Glastonbury“ captures the essence of longing and seeking refuge on a rainy day, reminiscing about an old love found in the picturesque town of Glastonbury. Although I’ve never had the chance to visit Glastonbury or meet a woman named Jocelyn, who I sing to in the chorus, this is the beauty of being a songwriter. We can craft stories and scenarios that transport us to different worlds and times, living in countless „what if“ moments.

As you listen to „Glastonbury,“ you’ll immediately notice the strong folk influences woven throughout the song. The Celtic spirit infuses the melody, drawing inspiration from the rich musical heritage of the British Isles. From the moment the first notes play, it’s as if you’ve been transported to an ancient tavern in the heart of Glastonbury, where troubadours and minstrels regale the audience with tales of love, adventure, and longing. Despite its detour to jazz harmony (guilty as charged!), at the core of „Glastonbury“ lies the haunting Dorian scale, a musical mode that builds the backbone of the entire song and infuses the song with its unique character. The Dorian scale, with its enigmatic and emotive quality, has been a beloved choice for musicians across centuries. (A significant number of my own songs is in the Dorian scale). The Dorian scale’s presence in „Glastonbury“ is a testament to the song’s ability to transport us not only through space but also through time. It’s a reminder that, while we may never have set foot in Glastonbury or met a Jocelyn, the melodies and harmonies can transport us to places we’ve never been, and experiences we’ve never had.

This song, that could have been straight out of my first album (the medieval one), is a piece of my heart and soul, representing everything I am, believe in, and cherish, both musically and in life. Every note and lyric in this song is a reflection of my passion for storytelling and my deep connection to the melodies of the past.

I invite you, my dear listeners, to add „Glastonbury“ to your fall playlist and let it serenade you on a cozy evening by the hearth, whether in the company of loved ones or during moments of quiet reflection. This song is a nostalgic journey that transcends time and place, and I can’t wait to share it with you during live performances, either with my electric TRAVELER band or with my medieval ensemble with nyckelharpa and uilleann pipes.

The „Travel Diaries“ continue their journey through the rich tapestry of my musical adventures. With every song, we explore new stories and sounds, each one taking us to a different place and time. As we wrap up our stay in Glastonbury, I can’t wait to share with you where our next musical adventure will take us …

In the meantime, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the sounds of „Glastonbury,“ let the melodies take you on a journey, and perhaps, even create your own „what if“ moments. Music, after all, has the power to spark our imagination and transport us to places we’ve never been.

So, with that, I bid you farewell for now, my fellow travelers. Until next month, when we embark on yet another musical adventure in the pages of „Travel Diaries.“ Happy listening and happy Halloween!

Jannis

PS: Also, if you want to know more about project TRAVELER, how everything started and who I am, I invite you to subscribe to my E-Mail list. There is plenty of subscriber-only stuff going on over there and I’d love you to be part of this!

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PPS: I thought I’ll add some personal notes at the end of each blog post, giving a short insight into my own journey right now. So, here it is:

My current diary pages (October 2023)

• Big motivation low still going. I feel weak and lost and my rockstar dream is fading.
• I love eating Schnitzel, drinking red wine and watching the leaves turn red.
• Teaching has become my new normal. Slowly but steady, I am turning into a guitar teacher.
• I do not meditate and I am not working out currently – to the expense of my sanity.
• I am making serious progress in understanding the polarity of male and female energy. Many things start making sense.
• Life is good!
• It will be okay!

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You like what you see and hear? Or you hate it, but for whatever reason, you still want to buy me a cup of coffee? I highly appreciate this!