losing them all to this time

Ryan:
So it's now complete. Two years of composing, recording, mixing, producing, going back to recording, learning new tricks, finessing, traveling to countries for new tracks, sending files back and forth, mastering, re-mastering, video shooting, setting up label business for the album, coordinating, mailing, and finally relaxing... and now here we are. It's 2011. 5 years since we first began this madness. This completely insane DIY process, that has been completely in our hands. Rewarding, humbling, nearly impossible, and draining in every way to the pocket book. But worth it? Yes! Very much so.

We may go down in history as the broke blokes who should have hunted for a label instead of taking out massive loans, but I will never complain. It feels so much better knowing I can only blame ourselves for any follys. We'll never be able to point our fingers at someone else for issues which may have or may arise in the future. Plus the album is exactly how we wanted it. It was our opus. An opus we now want to share with you!

I now find myself looking for new ways to fill the time. The grass is always greener. While recording all I can do is feel excited for the outcome, and once the outcome happens I almost want to go back to recording again. Maybe I'm a bit of an over worker. But I always find myself wanting to work on a new track, and right now all I can do is give myself some time to reflect upon what just happened...

Jody Wisternoff Mix featuring "Departure"

Ryan:
An outstanding mix has been put up by Jody Wisternoff that features a re-interpretation of the song Ulrich Schnauss collaborated with me back in 2009 titled "Departure". Check it out here: http://bit.ly/hPsQ8h

2010

Ryan:

As 2010 winds down, much is to be reflected upon. It was a year we took to try our hand at some festival showings. We started the year with a goal of playing as many as we could while beginning a new album, and thus we did. From 3 slots at SXSW, to NX35 and the Midpoint Music Festival, we indeed left the state of Colorado with that on our agenda. Yes, our hometown only saw 2 total shows, and it feels as if we may have been slightly forgotten in the Denver scene, but the journeys we took were well worth it!

On top of band outings, I myself took a huge trek to London, where some amazing production/recording took place at Ulrich Schnauss' studio, alongside my personal favorite band - Engineers. Not only was it one of the most amazing times I've ever experienced, but I also came away with a song titled "London", co-written by Ulrich, that I truly hold dear to my heart. It's quite an epic song, and I can't wait for next month, when it's unleashed to the world via Rocket Girl Records, who is headed up by one of the most amazing women in music biz, Vinita!

Another great opportunity we had came this last October in San Francisco with a great influence, Chapterhouse. While in London Ulrich took me to their work studio and introduced me to the guys. Not only are they some of the nicest people in the so-called shoegaze genre, but they are also some of the most generous. They so graciously invited us to play alongside them for quite possibly their last show ever, in front of a spectacular crowd. It was humbling to say the least and the whole experience almost floored me in tears while on stage.

And as 2011 comes into view I now can see the light of everything we did, and how outstanding it really was. We have new recorded material, including our first ever cover coming next month as well, that being "the chain", which I have truly fallen in love with. 4 new songs have been polished, and we're nearing a new album, which I am dying to release. But I've learned patience more than anything in 2010, and realize all that patience is about to finally pay off. It's been an emotional journey, both on and off the stage, and I really feel it's coming through in the new material. I seriously cannot wait for you all to hear it!!

now if only this love of someone could finally work out....

mezzanine with chapterhouse

Ryan:
After a 20 hour drive back time has finally come to recollect the reality of the show which just happened. Time blurs by and before you know it those dreams as a child happen. This one, playing with a band of influence, in front of an amazing crowd, was one I'll never forget. Ulrich stepped up on stage and played two tracks we wrote together a few years back, and after an amazing response from the crowd we then stepped back and witnessed one of the finest groups around rock their hearts out for the last show ever.... that being Chapterhouse. I for one will continue to cherish that night. One which is now a permanent tattoo on the mind.

lyrics for "London"...

Ryan:
Felt compelled to share the lyrics for an upcoming track titled "London", as written by Ulrich Schnauss and myself. It's been a very strange ride the last few months, and I think these words sort of explain what's been on my mind... yes a teaser since you have yet to actually hear it, but hopefully it will be worth the wait....

London
lyrics: Policky
music: Schnauss/Policky
label: Rocket Girl Records

when the loud break shows
endless day
pray the light rays shine
foolish game

fearful last drop gonna rain
don't fall light
come back here
missed the last drop
has it rain?
don't fall light
come back here

it's on the marking on the wall
the final breaking day
noone will ever know this
the endless people say
they'll never want to hear this
at all
the final breaking day
noone will ever know this...

recollections second batch coming

We sold out of our first run at toneVendor and a new batch is on it's way. Stay tuned and check the following link for when it's available again. http://tonevendor.com/item/30504

LONDON with Ulrich and Chapterhouse

Ryan:
As I continue to finish up some music with Ulrich on my journey to London I not only had the chance to meet Mark Peters of Engineers and watch Ulrich and him finish up a new album, but I also had a rare opportunity of meeting Stephen and and Andy of Chapterhouse over a drink at the pub. Such an amazing ride. Love being around such level headed, thoughtful musicians. The trip has been an outstanding time, despite the slight flu I picked up along the way...

2010 - Full steam ahead

Ryan:

As I sit and recollect the previous year, it's indeed nothing short of a roller coaster ride. On one hand the band stepped up a few rungs of the enormous ladder we've been on since 2006. Releasing "Recollections of Memory", guest appearing with Ulrich Schnauss at SXSW, playing live on KEXP and East Village Radio, playing Monolith, and releasing the side project known as Brim Liski were big highlights.

But on the other hand it was a battle and many things were lost. Enoc and the band split ways, countless nights of sleep were lost from the ever present death of my friend Michelle, and we had to hold back on touring till 2010. Of course we're all aware of the increasing pressure of the economy, a very unstable war, and the consequences avoided which have resulted in an unstable climate. But with the new year comes new hope. That's really all we can have at this point in time as we all know the future is completely black until we turn on the lights with each passing day. We look forward to new experiences, new music and a step out of the secure pasts we lived. I vow to make change for myself, the band and for the fans we have so graciously found through our music.

Starting with day one of twenty ten I promise to devote more energy to the one thing I love most of all, that being music, and I surely hope to share it all with you and with those new ears who stumble upon it. Some risks indeed will have to be taken to make this possible and I look forward to giving some new ideas a try. This coming decade is all about not standing back, but standing up and taking a chance. Every person should and does have this right as with every passing year it's remembered how short of a lifespan we all really have. I feel grateful to be alive and to be able to experience all of this. It's indeed amazing how possible it is for us to consciously act on our own in this existence. Might as well take full advantage of it...

I very much look forward to SXSW, a new album and an overall focus of present. I'm proud to have the guys in A Shoreline Dream there every step of the way and couldn't imagine it otherwise. Here's a toast to 2010 from A Shoreline Dream to you!

Westword 2009 albums of the year list

Thanks to Westword for their "favorite release of the year for 2009" mention!
http://bit.ly/4wurVf

departure

We're giving away a copy of the track Departure, which was a song we wrote with Ulrich Schnauss. Just go to latenightweeknight.com and click on Label Newsletter Sign-Up. When you are prompted to send us an email just let us know you want Departure and we'll hook you up.

Post SXSW with Ulrich & Long-View

Ryan:
I plan to write more, but wanted to say that this year's event was quite amazing indeed. In fact, a huge goal was reached as soon as I stepped on stage with Ulrich and Rob from Long-View for the first performance at Elysium. The house was packed, the energy was electric, and the music was epic. I could have never asked for anything more. As we all discussed after the show at our rental house, it now feels like the whole thing in fact could have been a dream. Never would I have imagined I would have met such amazing people. Vinita, the Long-view guys and friends and Ulrich made it well worth the 15 hour trek down. I can't wait for the next meeting.

SXSW with the gazing

Ryan:
It's been a journey full of prostitutes working the fields, haunted houses out in the woods full of ping ponging ghosts and rocking in front of a packed Elysium crowd with Ulrich and Rob from Longview. Worth a 15 hour drive? Yes!! So very happy I was invited by Mr. Schnauss. This is exactly what it's all about. Life, that is. A dream has come to reality and that's all I can ask for. More updates soon!

SXSW with Ulrich Schnauss

For those heading down to SXSW, make sure to stop by the Ulrich set at elysium - 705 red river st, AUSTIN, Texas. Ryan Policky from "a shoreline dream" will be performing a few songs with the legend during this rare live collaboration.

reflect

Ryan:
As we near the release of the storybook inspired and near psychic induced album we mustered up, I find myself reflecting even more. Never have I changed as much as I have in the past 4 months. The death of someone I felt closer to than most of those throughout my days really spun everything all around. I have felt lost in many ways. It's been extremely difficult to let go of it, and the art is even getting clouded lately. It truly feels like it happened at the most peculiar time. A time that made far too much sense, and I'm having a hard time of dropping that. When you share just about everything you have and feel with someone it's hard to just let it go. Luckily we have such amazing fans who care, and people to support through it all. I've been different, and it's moving slow, but the music keeps the inspiration going. I am excited for you to all hear what I'm talking about here and in previous posts. It's been a long and difficult journey, but I feel it was worth it. I hope you do too. February 10th we'll find out what you think. . .

A Year of Recollections

Ryan:
Simply put, 2008 was one of the most intense and emotional years of my life. One which will never be forgotten for both the good times and the bad. New friends came into the picture which helped build the steps we needed to put in place to take our music that much further. Ulrich Schnauss in particular became that one friend I always hoped for since I was a child dreaming of the day I would finally hit the stage. He was not only a huge influence to me, but also one of the most amazing collaborators I've ever worked with. The chance to write music with such a legend brought a new sense of excitement into my life and I am so grateful for the opportunities we had with him, not only in songwriting, but also in touring. The chance to work with yet another legend, Kramer, nearly floored me. It was amazing to have that second ear in my own home studio helping shape such an important album for us. It was an eye and ear opening experience I'll never forget. Having finished the album now and receiving the finals xmas eve was the greatest present I could ever imagine!

Losing a friend a week after the anniversary of another friend who passed along nearly destroyed me. It was quite possibly the hardest thing I've ever experienced in my life, but it was also one of the most important learning experiences I've ever had happen. We take everything for granted daily, and it's easy to lose hindsight to it all due the hectic nature of life in general. It opened my eyes and changed me more than anything ever has. It gave new insight into what our music is all about and why it keeps me moving every day. I learned how important it is to let out the tears and the heartbreak through music and art, and how it really can heal the deepest of wounds.

I also learned how important it is to keep a tight friendship with those around you no matter what. My friends, band and family feel closer than ever, and I am humbled by it all.

Here's to another year of amazing events! This time I look forward to more positives than negatives, and I know that no matter what, it's great to be alive with you all today!

"hypermode" preview at Filter

Mucho thanks to Filter for posting a preview of what's to come. A new track from the album coming out February 10, 2009, featuring Ulrich Schnauss:

http://filter-mag.com

november 2008 = new album

Ryan:
Some good news to share! We've determined the album should be ready just in time for thanksgiving! We're shooting for November 11th, and plan to leak some samples very soon. On top of this we'll also be doing a swap remix with the engineers! Here's the tentative track list:

1. manhattan beach
2. hypermode feat. Rachel Goldstar of Experimental Aircraft
3. seattle
4. departure
5. neverChanger (tour version) feat. Ulrich Schnauss
6. the night before
7. missing
8. the mid decembers
9. interlusion
10. pasadena (a heartless romance)

ulrich schnauss & experimental aircraft collaborations

So we're getting close on finishing up the album version of "neverChanger" which is basically gonna be the same version as what we played live with Ulrich Schnauss. We've started some rough tracks and I've sent it off to Ulrich for him to add his love.

Also spoke with Rachel of Experimental Aircraft today and we've decided to work on a track together as well! Should be quite an amazing recording. Absolutely adore the Monster Movie album she's on, and it's quite a dream come true to be able to dive into the depths of vox with such a legend. Looking forward to that.

LIVE Review :: FILTER :: THE FALCON

Originally published at the following site:
http://www.uptheantics.com/blog/entry/a_shoreline_dream_denver_july_9

July 14, 2008
A Shoreline Dream. Denver. July 9

Text & photo by Robert Castro

Last night I had the opportunity to witness a transformational night of music, compliments of Denver’s own A Shoreline Dream and German import Ulrich Schnauss. A Shoreline Dream opened their set with an awe-inspiring dream-rock sound that is often compared to Sigur Rós and Vast (lead singer Ryan Policky even going as far as to wearing a Vast t-shirt during their set). The intimate crowd seemed to be riding a tidal wave of musical bliss that was coming from this four-piece outfit. With atmospheric guitar riffs and sonic bass lines, in addition to Policky’s chiseled vocals, it’s no wonder the band has received various accolades from the press, even recording with master producer Schnauss, who took the stage with them for the song “neverChanger” off the EP of the same name.

If I could describe Ulrich Schnauss’ music, I would say it is Herbie Hancock meets Hans Zimmer. At times during his set I, like many others in the crowd, found myself in a euphoric state enjoying the masterpiece of sound he was creating. With complementing visuals, Ulrich conducted his one-man orchestra to the tune of electronic bleeps and beats mixed in with a touch of ambient techno. It was a rare opportunity to catch these two performances in a single night; nonetheless the crowd absorbed every square-inch of musical mastery served to them.

"neverChanger" album version kickoff

Ryan:
So before Ulrich took off we decided to collaborate on a live version of "neverChanger" for the album. Something similar to what we jammed out during the tour. We decided to jump right in by recording the drums and bass today. Gonna hit up guitars and vocals this week and send it on over to Ulrich for his final additions. Will be interesting to see how much different it sounds from the EP version.