Gravity Wing is my most expansive creation: a science fiction love story  told through a central novel and accompanying soundtrack. I have built an extensive imaginary world upon this central core with the addition of soundscapes and standalone short stories, Tales from New Canada. Illustrations and animations by my visual artist collaborator, Hali Rey, spin out the strands of this filigree world.

story
Isabel is offered an artistic residency on the planet of New Canada, but beginning again on a new world proves difficult. Unexpectedly invited to a lavish society event, she meets the taciturn Serge and is swept off her feet under an unfamiliar sky. As Isabel and Serge dance in a sci-fi minuet around their feelings, they face the full force of the young planet’s rigid social expectations.

Land on a new planet by reading the Tales from New Canada:

1. Constellations | 2. Engines | 3. Star Garden |4. Mots/Words |
5. Duosentience | 6. Overture | 7. Captaincy | 8. Conservatory |
9. Instrumental | 10. Science Fiction | 11. Dreams

process
I have always wanted to write science fiction. Growing up on a steady stream of Star Trek, Star Wars, and all the scifi novels I could find, I dreamed of robots and droids and galaxy clusters. But I also devoured Jane Austen’s classics and played piano while picturing Regency dances. For Gravity Wing’s soundtrack I combine my classical sound with other streams and genres, finally bringing together my love for words and my passion for music.

In January 2016, short films by Canadian visual artist Hali Rey, created specifically for my project, were premiered at the 2high Festival in Brisbane, Australia, as I performed my compositions live.

In 2017 I released the novel and final album with new instrumentation, through performances across Canada and internationally.

I blogged about my February Album Writing Month experience for Resonance Cafe in Montreal. You can read the article here.

I care if you listen called my songs “intelligent and inspired,” and Ride the Tempo characterized me as “ridiculously talented.”

Read my interview about Gravity Wing with music journalist Mark Anthony Brennan on Ride the Tempo here.

In early 2017 I ran a successful Indiegogo campaign for the Canadian tour.

A complementary set of soundscapes entitled New Canada Engines builds up progressively on sampled jet engines, and follows a prequel tale: the founding of the spaceship engine company on the world of New Canada. In addition to Tales from New Canada, these soundscapes extend my imaginary world.

Gravity Wing encapsulates my creative spirit. I hope it captures your imagination too.

GRAVITY WING
by CLIO EM

Copyright © 2017 Clio Montrey (as Clio Em). All Rights Reserved.

Visual art by Hali Rey

PAST PERFORMANCES

Films premiered January 15, 2016 at Backbone’s 2high Festival of Art, Science and Ideas, Co-Presented by Metro Arts.

Gravity Wing Tour 2017:

Résonance (May 5), Ottawa Comiccon (May 12), Black Squirrel Books (Ottawa, May 12), Cafe Koi (Calgary, June 24), Montréal Comiccon (July 7), Inspiration Village Ottawa (July 11), Laudon Palace Vienna (August 8)

Earlier Incarnations:

2016: Backbone’s 2High Festival (Brisbane, Australia), Café Carina (Vienna)

2015: Résonance (Montréal), Phil (Vienna), Kaleidoscope Concert Series (Mtl), The Daily Grind (Ottawa), Good Earth Glenmore Landing (Calgary), FLUC (Vienna)

The Soundtrack:
Performed by Clio Em on vocals, guitar, electronics, and piano
Featuring dea.nice on folk violin
Visual art by Hali Rey
All music and texts written by Clio Em
Produced, mixed and mastered by Clio Em

Thanks to:

Gerda Fritzsche: viola, Serge’s Song, 2015 Songwriting Edition
Tristan Capacchione: recording + production for “Serge’s Song and “Orca Smile” at the Banff Session | Gravity Wing Songs
Thanks to the following wonderful classical musicians for accompanying me at various concerts: Denise Nittel, Marie-Claire Saindon, Gerda Fritzsche, Anne Wieben, Miriam Adefris, Mercy Lamola, and everyone else helping me put every show together.
Steph, for constantly cheering me on.
Jeanette, Stefano, Ariel, Dom, Justin.
Hali, for the collaboration and unfailing support in so many ways.
Georg Aufreiter: SoundCloud cover photo

Music, texts, performances and recordings Copyright © 2015-2017 Clio Montrey (as Clio Em). All Rights Reserved.
Films Copyright © 2016 Halina Montrey (as Hali Rey). All Rights Reserved.