I am thrilled to announce the release of my single “Merope” in 360 Reality Audio, an immersive audio format that will take your listening experience to new heights. This track is part of my award-winning album Pleiades, and the re-release in this cutting-edge format is nothing short of magical. As it releases on January 19, you can Listen Here
Why 360 Reality Audio Matters
In an age where streaming services have made music more accessible than ever, it’s easy to forget how important the quality of the listening experience can be. 360 Reality Audio takes music beyond the standard stereo mix by positioning sound elements in a three-dimensional space around you. It’s not just a song anymore; it’s an experience—immersive and all-encompassing.
The technology behind 360 Reality Audio allows you to feel the music as if you were in the same room as the musicians, or even as if you were inside the song itself. Instruments, vocals, and soundscapes emerge from different directions, allowing you to perceive a rich, dynamic soundstage that you just can’t get with traditional audio formats. With the Merope release, you’ll be able to hear every intricate detail, every subtle shift in tone, and every layer of sound in a way that’s truly transformative.
360 Reality Audio is an immersive experience using Sony‘s object-based 360 Spatial Sound technology. Each sound -whether it’s vocals, instruments, sound effects, or voices- can be placed in a 360 spherical sound field with location data. This allows listeners to experience an immersive, three-dimensional sound field as intended by the artists and creators.
A Fresh Take on Merope with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio
For those who’ve listened to Pleiades before, Merope may already hold a special place in your heart. But this new 360 Reality Audio mix elevates the track in a way that traditional stereo simply can’t match. By using spatial audio technology, Merope now surrounds you with sound, creating a rich, immersive experience that feels as though you’re at the very heart of the music. Whether you’re listening on headphones or a compatible surround sound system, you’ll feel transported into another world—one where every note, instrument, and sound element exists in space around you.
This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the expert touch of Phoenix-based sound engineer, Dave Kalberg, who re-mixed to 360 (original stereo mix was done by Peter Ratner) and mastered the track for this release. Kalberg is the owner of Mindkey Studio, Arizona’s first Dolby Atmos & Sony 360 Reality Audio production room. He’s known for his meticulous attention to detail and passion for audio innovation, and his work on Merope is a testament to his skill.
Beyond his work as an engineer, Dave is also a dedicated Music Production Instructor and Multimedia Technologies Instructor at CRAS (The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences). This institution, located in Tempe and Gilbert, Arizona, has been shaping the future of audio professionals for years, and Dave’s expertise in the field has undoubtedly had a major impact on students and artists alike.
Working with MusicTeam: A New Era of Music Distribution
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he release of Merope in 360 Reality Audio wouldn’t have been the success it was without the dedicated support of the team at MusicTeam® . This innovative platform is revolutionizing how artists collaborate, organize their musical assets, and monetize their work. But what truly sets MusicTeam apart is their commitment to offering personalized, hands-on support for each artist. I had the pleasure of working with both Fiona Hamm (Head of Operations) and Chloe Dagenais-Mignault (Founder | Head of Product), who went out of their way to help me even during the busy Holiday season when I decided last minute to release a single.
The team’s exceptional attention to detail ensures that musicians not only get their due credit, but also that every creator receives fair compensation for their contributions. With MusicTeam, artists can streamline their creative processes while having peace of mind that their royalties and music registration are taken care of efficiently.
Working with MusicTeam means more than just using a platform—it’s about the people behind it. From Fiona’s deep knowledge and cultural commitment to Chloe’s passion for empowering creators, the MusicTeam team goes above and beyond to support musicians and help them thrive in today’s digital landscape. Their personal attention to each artist is what makes all the difference, and I’m incredibly grateful for their expertise, dedication, and the exceptional service they provide.
The Artwork: A Cosmic Touch from NASA
The artwork for the Merope single is just as captivating as the audio. It features a stunning image courtesy of NASA, perfectly reflecting the celestial inspiration behind the track and the album as a whole. Just as Merope is part of the Pleiades star cluster, the visual captures the essence of our connection to the stars—a fitting metaphor for how the music feels when experienced in 360 Reality Audio.
Image, Courtesy NASA
Image, Courtesy NASA
A Conversation with Dr. Steven Williams: Connecting Music and Space
As part of the Merope release, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Steven Williams, a former NASA scientist and educator, who played a pivotal role in shaping the future of space studies education. His insights into the cosmos and his work with the Pleiades star cluster added a fascinating layer to the Merope project.