Upstate New York-based artist Dotsun Moon presents his new single ‘Never Had a Heart’, inspired by the driving energy and artful restraint of those who pioneered the early post-punk and new wave scene.
This fresh offering makes an immediate and impactful entrance following earlier invigorating singles ‘Bring Love’ and ‘Give Up The Tears’.
‘Never Had a Heart’ is a stunning taste of Dotsun Moon’s third album ‘Tiger’, which is – both in spirit and sound – influenced by M83’s epic ‘Before The Dawn Heals Us’ and New Order‘s ‘Ceremony’ and ‘Temptation’ phases.
Revolving around the musings of Richard Flierl and based in Buffalo, Dotsun Moon has gone through several incarnations since releasing their debut album 4 A.M. back in 2011, but the trajectory remains steadfast on a path of dreamy rock offerings over the years, with multi-instrumentalist Flierl also gradually assuming vocal duties.
“The title ‘Never Had A Heart’ is short for “heaven never had a heart like yours”. This song comes dashing out of the gate, inspired by the music that motivated me to write songs,” says Richard Flierl.
“The bass, channeling Peter Hook of New Order, is in full effect, subsiding when the vocals begin – this would fit in on a New Order, M83 or Love and Rockets album. Daniel Ash plays a prominent role in my approach to the guitar. Why play fifty notes when they aren’t needed? From Bauhaus, Tones On Tail, Love and Rockets and Ash’s solo albums, he is one of my guitar heroes.”
Conveying his bold and self-contained vision in every note and vocal line, Dotsun Moon’s new album is a complete solo endeavor and a departure from previous work, which involved female vocals. Evoking both euphoria and a poignant sense of grounding, Dotsun Moon brings you this compelling and unique exploration. Engineered and mastered by Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY, Richard Flierl and Doug White mixed the album on location.
“This is a huge change to prior releases, which have powerful female singers at the center of the songs. On this album, I am on vocals and all the songs are written and played by me from guitars and bass to keyboards, drums and drum programming. Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY brought decades of recording and mixing knowledge to the recordings that allows the songs to truly shine,” says Richard Flierl.
“I grew up outside of Buffalo, NY listening to the local college station WBNY and the alternative Toronto station CFNY for music, info and concert announcements. I picked up a guitar in my late teens and wanted to make music under the impression of Pink Floyd and Echo and The Bunnymen. I had no idea there were other bands who made music like they did. Will Sergeant became a hero, watching him and the Bunnymen live as they toured with New Order. Strangely after seeing both bands live, New Order’s Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook became my biggest influences.”
Over the years, Dotsun Moon has performed with such notable artists as Mary Ognibene (The Lovely Intangibles) and Buffalo Music Hall of Famer Maria Sebastian, having also played shows with Joywave, Vanishing Kids and The Lost Patrol, not to mention Pride Festival.
As of April 30, ‘Never Had a Heart’ is available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full ‘Tiger’ album, set for release on June 27, is available for pre-order.
ALBUM TRACK LIST
01. Bring Love
02. Save Us
03. Give Up The Tears
04. Never Had a Heart
05. Piano Trailer Melody #4
06. Moments in The Sun
07. Winter Streets
08. Army of Me
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CREDITS
Music & lyrics written by Richard Flierl (ASCAP)
Vocals, guitar, bass, drums, programming & synths by Richard Flierl
Mixed by Richard Flierl and Doug White at Watchmen Studios in Lockport, NY
Engineered and mastered by Doug White at Watchmen Studios
Cover artwork by Doc Wintersmith
Artist photos by Meredith Snow
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR