Brian Kovacs’ album The Soul Conversation blends art-rock, post-progressive, and atmospheric electronic sounds to explore the human experience. Through cinematic soundscapes and introspective lyrics, it creates a musical dialogue about love, struggle, self-discovery, and the power of human connection.
Below, find the press release, a player to listen to the album, and lyrics...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"The Soul Conversation": A Stirring New Album from Brian Kovacs
[Chicago, IL - November 11, 2024] — The Soul Conversation, a compelling new album that brings listeners on a deeply emotional journey, has officially launched. The 42-minute album, composed of 8 evocative tracks, tells the story of a man at his breaking point who is confronted by a voice from within—his soul.
The Soul Conversation unfolds as a lyrical and musical dialogue, capturing the pivotal moments of self-reflection that ultimately lead to transformation. This album’s narrative structure is uniquely crafted, each track its own chapter, with the first half of the album offering a perspective from the soul itself. Here, the soul speaks to the listener, exploring the universal theme of purpose and possibility. As the album progresses, the perspective shifts to the human self, capturing the struggles and raw emotions that arise in the human experience. The result is a layered dialogue between soul and self, ultimately leading the human—and listeners—toward transformation and hope.
The album’s soundscape artfully weaves introspective lyrics with soulful melodies, pulling listeners into the heart of a narrative that’s both intensely personal and universally relatable. Through its rich musical textures and thought-provoking lyrics, The Soul Conversation invites audiences to reflect on their own inner dialogues, encouraging them to rediscover their purpose and embrace the choice to live fully.
"This has been the most intensely personal project of my life. I felt the need to share it in hopes that it might resonate deeply with others who have struggled, or continue to," says Kovacs. "My reason for continuing to make music is the personal connection- reminding the listener that they are not alone, somebody else has felt the same way that you do. We can get through this together. There are beautiful memories yet to be created.”
While most of the instruments (vocals, bass, guitars, and keyboards) were recorded by Kovacs, drums were performed by Chicago-area drummer Keith Homel with special guests Rozzie on Backing Vocals and additional guitars, Ashley Rodriguez delivering powerful gospel-esque vocals on SoulShine, Tim Pryde of San Francisco-Based bands Pebble Theory and Monte Casino providing the guitar solos and colors on the last 3 tracks of the album, and Michał Łapaj of Riverside suppling organ and synthesizer to the final track SoulShine as well. The album was mixed by Kovacs and mastered by legendary mastering engineer Andy VanDette.
The Soul Conversation will be available December 6th, 2024 on all major streaming platforms. CD and vinyl versions are available for Pre-order on Bandcamp and fullfilled by The Band Wagon USA.
This album serves as a reminder that failure is simply wisdom in progress. When we look backwards in regret, we miss the people standing beside us along the way.
For more information, interviews, or press inquiries, please contact:
Rita Kay Drew
### About the Artist
Brian Kovacs has been writing music and performing for the last 32 years. He spent nearly 8 years as bassist and vocalist of Chicago-based progressive rock/metal band The Cyberiam. In addition to co-writing most of the bands material, he sang lead vocals on songs Be Connected, Mind the Gap, and Miles Away. He fronted and played bass for various Chicago-area bands and released a solo album in 2012 under the name “Full Moon Fire.” His new album The Soul Conversation leans more into the art-rock, post-progressive, and electronic genres than his previous work with influences such as Seal, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Sting, Marillion, Air, and The Weeknd being heard throughout the album.
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### Credits & Links
Brian Kovacs - Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Keyboards, and programming.
Keith Homel - Drums
https://youtube.com/@keithhomel
Tim Pryde - Guitar Solos and colors on Tracks 6, 7, and 8.
http://www.montecasinomusic.com/
Rozzie - Backing vocals on Tracks 2, 7, and 8. Additional Guitars on Track 8.
Ashley Rodriguez - Gospel vocals on Track 8.
Michał Łapaj - Organ and Synthesizer on Track 8.
Album Artwork by Michelle Line
Album Design by Brian Kovacs
Mixed by Brian Kovacs
Mastering by Andy VanDette
Product Fulfillment by The Band Wagon USA
#1 - Prologue
I’m floating… in a million thoughts that race inside my mind
Confusing… things seem familiar but displaced in time
I’ve been there! It’s impossible but everything seems right
Inside me a voice that I’d forgotten comes alive
I’m here to make things clearer
You’ve had thoughts that I don’t like
I fought so hard to be here
To be with you and live this life
So many years I’ve tried and tried and tried
To help you realize… this life
You pushed me down and buried me inside
But I can’t remain… silent
All the thoughts and “fixes” for your life
And it’s passing by fast but
Your solution is the last goodbye
But I won’t comply
I’m tired… of all the bills and mistakes of my life
So lonely… no one understands what is in my mind
Forgive me… what's the point of one more winless fight?
Just leave me… it’s best for all involved to say goodbye
I’m not going anywhere
You’ve got these thoughts that I don’t like
I fought so hard to be here
To be with you and live this life
All this time I’ve tried and tried and tried
Too quietly… now screaming
I’ve seen every scene of what could be your life
But I need you to try…
The best parts of your life are standing by
Holding space for you in Act 2
Before you take your exit let’s rewind
We’re intertwined on this journey
__________
#2 - We Are Love
I am eternal
We are one
A thought and feeling collective,
A part of us in every one
I am… We are… one…
While most souls were content to witness
The birth of stars in space
I took a special interest in the human race
An everlasting peace
What would I leave for?
When every second is the same
You search for something more
Their unpredictability
The freedom it creates
Shaping their reality
Unique in every case
We are Love….
A comfortable existence
Why do I resist it?
I know that others would envy me but this feeling is persistent
Everyday the same, everyday the same
Feeling safe but looking for a change
I shouldn’t stray… I’m hearing what you say
I am eternal
What would I leave for?
When every moment’s the same
You wish for something more
We are Love….
A comfortable existence
Why do I resist it?
I know that others would envy me but the feeling is persistent
Everyday the same, everyday the same
Feeling safe but looking for a change
I shouldn’t stray… I’m hearing what you say
I’ll take this love with me to that place
I’m hearing you but will you hear my case?
I’ll show them how to love the human race
I take my leave
I’m traveling
It’s only me
My curiosity
I must be brave
I see the waves
Washing over me
Bathed in this beauty
Yet something haunting…
__________
#3 - The Stream
I see the lives they lead
Every choice splitting a seed
A flowing stream of realities
Growing branches like a tree
Lives touching lives
Fates entwined
And paths unchosen floating by
Of all the lives in this Stream
I love your possibilities
The people that you’re born to and will meet
The friends that become family
Unfolding scene to scene
Like on a movie screen
Dreaming all the dreams into reality
Feeling so deep inside
A rollercoaster ride
All the colors of being alive
I’d love to live this life
I want to meet these people who inspire
All of the impact from the littlest things
Creating ripples in the stream…
Of all the lives in this stream
I love your sensitivity
Feeling everything
Complex connectivity
Life in full color
Feeling so much more
Of course feelings go both ways
The colors aren’t always bright
But sometimes you need the darkness
To appreciate the light
I’d love to live this life
I want to feel these feelings that inspire
All of the impact from the littlest things
Creating ripples in the stream…
It feels so right
I’d love to live this life
I’d love it - to live it - I’m ready - to feel it
I’m ready to be there…
__________
#4 - I Want to be There
We of The Soul Collective
Caution you in your excited state
This one that you have chosen
May exit a devastating way
Please understand
Things don’t always go to plan
The choices are theirs to make
Freewill over fate
Dynamic destiny… The dichotomy
The smiles and the tears
The dreams and the fears
Are reasons for living
I want to be there…
This is our final warning
This decision is your last to make
Once you leave here, you’re a passenger
Of this human plane
Dynamic destiny… The dichotomy
The smiles and the tears
The dreams and the fears
Are reasons for living
I want to be there…
I know what the chances are
But I’m willing to risk it all
Maybe it’s a lesson to learn
Witnessing a fall
But bring on the highs
The darkness and light
The colors of every life
But a soul-crushing sight?
Forced to watch a dimming light?
Maybe they’re right?
I want to be there…
__________
#5 - Crushing
I was born a healthy happy child
A loving family at my side
But as the years went by
I lost my smile completely
I disappointed every time
The word “failure” comes to mind
My fondest memories
Are the kindergarten dreams
Of what I could be
All this time
All these years
I’ve been crushing the soul down
Buried deep
Inside of me
Always crushing the soul down
Crushing the soul down
Better to quit than risk the fall
Crushing the soul down
Crushing the soul down
Why try at all?
What’s wrong with me?
I’m focusing
On every last indignity
A failed life
Is what I lead
No love for me
They all just leave
After all their gaslighting
While blaming me
For everything
Fear is a river running deep
Flowing past the best of me
Anxiety filling up the scenery
Every embarrassment is here
Hitting stronger every year
Why did I do that?
Reliving only broken dreams
Every wrong path chosen in the stream
I just can’t do it… anymore
All this time
All these years
I’ve been crushing the soul down
Buried deep
Inside of me
Always crushing the soul down
Crushing the soul down
Better to quit than risk the fall
Crushing the soul down
Crushing the soul down
Why try at all?
Release me
I’m suffering
From all these painful memories
All I see… is the worst in me
So I’m leaving.
Im leaving
I don’t have it in me
__________
#6 - How Do You Love?
How do you find the strength to coexist?
When all your good intentions are dismissed
Supposed friends twisting words I’ve said
While choosing selfie filters from their bed
Though we only seem to be just a fragment of their lives
We always find ourselves a target of their lies
Humankind, please show a sign to contradict my truth
I’ll change my view… so I ask you…
How do you love?
It’s been so programmed into me
That I’m always disappointing
Misreading stares in all the eyes I meet
Even my stuffed animals are upset with me
I guess I realize these triggers deep inside
I just assume the worst when nothing was implied
As I begin to look within I’m questioning my truth
I’m breaking through… so I ask you…
How do you love?
Can I have more sympathy?
A little dignity
See things differently
A new reality
Have you ever felt the weight upon your chest?
Wondered why you’re not like the rest?
Broken down from feeling things so strong
Seeing only what is wrong
I’m the weirdo labeled too intense
Should I just stay away in silence
How do you love?
Try more sympathy
And understanding
Take a breath and see
They’re not your enemy
How do you love?
Find the beauty
Feel the empathy
A new reality
__________
#7 - I Will Be There
I guess I saw myself as a silent partner
I know I let you down
I only wanted to be the one to hold you
So please stick around
Together we can get through this
Find our way to the right stream
Flowing with possibilities
You saw a series of failures
I see it only as learning
Your view was hazy now clearly see
I need you to know…
I will be there
I will be there for you
Will you stay please?
I am always with you
The only mode that we’ve been in is survival
It’s always fight or flight
I know we’ve had to live life in so much darkness
But now we will truly appreciate the light
Together we can get through this
Find our way to the right stream
Flowing with possibilities
You saw a series of failures
I see it only as learning
Your view was hazy now clearly see
I will be there
I will be there for you
Will you stay please?
I am always with you
I’ve been silent
On this journey with you
I’ll be better
I’ll do better for you
I will be there…
__________
#8 - SoulShine
I know you’ve felt alone for all these years
Locked inside a prison of your fears
Realize no one thinks you’ve let them down
Hope is often lost but always found
Take the smallest leap of faith in yourself
Then the universe has got your back
Let the soul shine
Let the soulshine in
Take a moment to enjoy this scene
All your people cheering on your dream
If you would ask for help then they would appear
With loving arms they’d wipe away the tears
Take the smallest leap of faith in yourself
The possibilities are endless
Let the soul shine
Let the soulshine in
I believe…
We are worthy
I believe…
In our journey
I believe…
There’s no place I’d rather be
I believe..
You are George Bailey
You are the richest man in town
You are surrounded
By so much love… Just look around
At all your people
Here and gone they’re looking down
We’ve got you now
So please stick around
Let the soul shine
Let the soulshine in….
I want to be here.