The Changelings
The Changelings have been creating a unique blend of ambient pop-fusion since 1995. Made up of Paul Mercer (Violin and Viola), Regeana Morris (Voice, Hammered Dulcimer & Bass Guitar), Nick Pagan (Keyboards), Chandler Rentz (Percussion, Drums) and Damon Young (Guitars and Vocals), they chose their name from a poem by Jim Morrison called "The Changeling" about a creature left by fairies in place of a stolen child.
Each member brings their personalities and influences to the table blending to form their unique style of sensual ethereal music. Resistant to being labeled to any one genre, Classical and Middle Eastern styles permeate their often-cinematic sound.
Their self titled debut – The Changelings (originally released through the UK label World Serpent) introduced their eclectic sound in 1996 and built a devoted fan base fueled through their mesmerizing live performances. They have played to enthusiastic crowds across the US and in Canada, and are regularly featured performers at the sci-fi convention Dragon-Con and the annual Anne Rice Ball in New Orleans. In the past they've performed with Gary Numan, Switchblade Symphony, Faith and The Muse, and Black Tape for a Blue Girl.
Their subsequent albums have all been self-released, including Terra Firma, Amphibian and the EP's Mercury and Epicycles. The latter was a release of incidental music produced for a video game production. Their appearance on the 1999 compilation What is Eternal for Middle Pillar Presents heralded their signing to the NYC based label and releasing Astronomica in 2002, their most varied album to date.
The band's individual members also engage in various solo projects and guest-star on other artists' releases including session work for ex-Velvet Underground percussionist Moe Tucker.
In 2003 Middle Pillar re-issued a re-mastered version of the band's self-titled Changelings debut.
Tracks from The Changelings and Terra Firma have recently been used on a History Channel documentary uncovering the Secrets of the Da Vinci Code.
In the Autumn of 2009 Terra Firma and Amphibian were re-released. Both were digitally remastered and re-issued in a digipak format with full lyrics. Additionally, Amphibian contains the full, out-of-print Mercury EP as bonus tracks.
The Changelings' innovative and timeless music endures beyond classification.
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