PLANETARY OVERLOAD - PART 1: LOSS
The forthcoming releases from United Progressive Fraternity, dubbed 'the most communicated albums ever made’, are an ambitious undertaking that unites the Fraternity in the recording of two CDs worth of material that will delve deeper into the environmental issues that we all face as a united world.
The albums, titled 'Planetary Overload 'Part 1: Loss' (Feb. 2019) & 'Part 2: Hope' (late 2019/early 2020), will focus on the problems we are already beginning to encounter on a troubled planet and expected to face with increasing severity in the near future, and taking immediate positive action to mitigate those effects to ensure humanity’s survival.
United Progressive Fraternity: Band Bios
MARK TRUEY TRUEACK
(Vocals, Artistic Direction, Songwriter, Co-Production, UPF Founder)
“Our planet is not happy in so many ways; our climate is constantly changing, religious intolerance leads to conflict, bloodshed, and outright war in an already unstable social system, and our countries misunderstand each other, leading to mistrust and risk of further instability. As the world and civilisation evolve, conflict appears more and more inevitable and our environment harder to live in as climate change takes its toll. If projects like ours can make a difference and if we can involve our friends and other lovers of music then we will have a better world.” As co-founder of Unitopia, Mark was integral part of the process, not only as a world class vocalist, innovative songwriter, creative co-producer and morale booster, but as a relentless driving force behind everything that Unitopia has achieved thus far. The passion he injects into his music is endless (as is his sense of humour!) and his knowledge of the music industry and record companies in particular has given Unitopia a wealth of knowledge from which to draw, making the journey forward an exciting one. “Fall in Love with World” was the first UPF release in 2014, containing over 60min of music that takes the listener on journey of self-discovery. Mark has contributed his vocal talents most to songs performed by The Samurai of Prog, and the compilation albums ‘Decameron II and III (Marco Bernard) and Oliver Rüsing (The Impossible). He is also involved with Alex Grata’s project, ‘Voices of Babylon’ in which a different version of the song Forgive me my Son will be featured than the one on Planetary Overload. Read more/ Full bio
CHRISTOPHE LEBLED
(Keyboards, Soundscapes, Guest Arranger)
“The future of humanity will certainly go through the conquest of new planets far from our solar system. Proxima Centauri b is certainly the exoplanet most suited to accommodate a human colony in the course of the 22nd century… But before embarking on this wonderful space adventure we need everything possible to preserve the balance and the majesty of which has greeted life for millions of years. This is the land of our ancestors and it deserves that we respect it as they have done for thousands of years. Some tribes all around the globe still know how to use the treasures it contains for food or medicine. Our ultra-consumer appetite pushes us to gradually destroy our environment. Soon 10 billion people will seek to feed themselves and draw in the final resources; a single drop of water and the slightest ears of wheat to survive. Before reaching the point of no return we must teach to future generations the importance of preserving our natural environment and find sustainable solutions to living with the animal and plant Kingdoms. This musical project is proof that united together we are able to awaken our consciences.”
Christophe Lebled has worked with ‘YES’ singer Jon Anderson a number of times over the years, more recently providing instrumentals for Jon Anderson’s prized concept album Survival & Other Stories. Jon again requested Christophe to collaborate on ‘Race to the End’ for the Olympic Games in London 2012. He plays a big tribute to Vangelis while keeping within the same melody and intricate harmony structures of Vangelis compositions; the sound and atmosphere are uniquely his own, which makes a masterful re-creation to compliment the graceful soundscape of composer Vangelis. Christophe Lebled not only re-creates the sound of Vangelis, but rivals the composer in effect with some areas on this fine tribute release.
Jon Anderson, who had joined with Vangelis years ago going by the musician title ‘Jon & Vangelis’ had this to say about Christophe Lebled’s release Tribute to Vangelis: “It has been almost impossible to find a musician who can make music as Vangelis does, and here we have Chris Lebled, a wonderful music man very capable of morphing into many styles of music, and sound very unique at the same time. I have a wonderful energy with Chris, and feel blessed to enjoy a rich working relationship.” Christophe Lebled is honored also to be a member of the professional society ‘Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers of Music’ (SACEM).
MATTHEW ATHERTON
(Vocals, Soundscapes, Synthesizers)
“In what may seem like a bleak outlook for humanity and the planet, glimmers of hope have been found. They are in music, whether writing or performing, or both. Mark (Truey) has long held positive visions for the future and it’s a part of his character I’ve always admired. It’s humbling for me to contribute to this uplifting project with its global, ‘all-star’ cast.”
Matthew Atherton is an organist and composer, and is presently teaching at Pembroke School. His professional career has featured many solo and ensemble performances, including engagements with the Adelaide Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, most of Adelaide’s major choirs, along with many performances for the Adelaide Town Hall’s annual organ recital series. He has also performed on numerous cathedral organs around the United Kingdom, Paris, and in Uppsala Cathedral, Sweden.
In maintaining his sincere affection for Progressive Rock, Jazz, Electronic and Ambient music, Atherton has enjoyed a parallel occupation as a keyboard player in various original and cover bands throughout the years. From the 1990s, he was involved in Genesis Touch (Adelaide’s only Genesis tribute band, with Mark Trueack), Sound (with Mark Franco and Joe Toscano), Glass Onion (a Beatles cover band with Matt Goodluck and Mark Franco), and The William Campbell Conspiracy (also with Mark Franco).
JOE TOSCANO
(Drums, Vocals)
“I’m really excited about putting myself into United Progressive Fraternity and giving it my best. Plus, it’s great to be a part of a band that has an important lyrical message too. The concepts that Mark has written are vital issues that really speak to us all.”
Joe has played in the bands Einstein’s Child (later The Childs), Outshine, The Court Jesters and Sound. It was during this time period that Joe first met up and played with vocalist Mark Trueack in a fledgling progressive outfit that went on to become Pangea (and much later Unitopia).
In 2001, Joe was invited to join Adelaide metal band The Loving Tongue, with whom he recorded “Shadows of Innocence” (2009) and “Temple of Love” (2012). It was through The Loving Tongue that led Joe to join Metal Blade act Raven Black Night, with whom he recorded “Choose The Dark” (2004) and “Barbarian Winter” (2013).
STEVE UNRUH
(Violin, Guitars, Flute, Vocals, Producer, Songwriter, Co-production)
“We live at a strange intersection, where science is leading us to better information and more discoveries than any time in our history, with amazing speed and ease of information transfer.
Yet disinformation and willful ignorance dominate our political discourse and social media. UPF is committed to science and mindfulness. It feels good to add my voice to that space; as an artist in support of the scientific method, on the incredibly important topic of climate change. We exist in a din created by pundits, lobbyists, and zealots who know how to make a big noise but fail to plan or prioritize the health of our planet. If our music helps elevate the topic of climate change, and helps us remember to listen for science above that din, then our artistic talents are being used for good.”
Bands: Resistor, The Samurai of Prog, Marco Bernard’s Decameron I, II, III, Voices of Babylon.
Steve UNRUH has been producing some of the deepest, most organic true-to-life music around for several decades. This one-man band draws influences from ’70s progressive bands like YES and JETHRO TULL as well as the folk and bluegrass scenes. Blending an earthy, acoustic three-piece band sound with soaring violins, cheerful mandolin, flute, the occasional keyboard and electric guitar, and a voice falling somewhere between Jon Anderson and Ian Anderson.
CORNEL WILCZEK
(Orchestration, Conductor of the Fraternity Symphonic Orchestra, ‘Seeds for Life’)
“As we humans evolve as a species, our technology and ambitions are our key motivators that propel us into the future. Unfortunately, along the way, these leave behind a trail of destruction. It begins as unintentional – the depletion of our resources was an unforeseen outcome when we wired up homes to electrical power grids, and the slight rise in global temperature was never considered when we first manufactured the automobile.
But in recent years, the same advancements of technology have been used to study its own impact on the environment and the truth is now indisputable. But it doesn’t mean technology and ambition for our species is bad. It’s a matter of changing. Developing smarter and cleaner practices. This can only be done once there is mass awareness and we are still at the stage where spreading the word to all corners of the world is necessary. And what better way to communicate this truth than music, the greatest communicator? Music is the language I speak best and the clearest way I can help.”
Cornel Wilczek is renowned as one of Australia’s most in demand composers for the advertising industry, having scored over 150 TV commercials both locally and internationally. His work in this sector has been recognised with multiple awards. As a Record Producer Cornel has produced and engineered over thirty albums for local and international artists. In 2009 Cornel opened his commercial sound and music studio in South Melbourne to accommodate and consolidate all his sound production. Electric Dreams Studios is a high-end, acoustically designed space that facilitates creative development, broadcast composition and mixing, surround for TV and film, as well as album production.
DAN MASH
(Bass)
“It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of such a diverse project that bridges and enables the collaboration of so many talented musicians. I particularly enjoyed working on ‘Seeds’ as it enabled me to express a different side on my playing, allowing me to use a plectrum and experiment with various overdrives. The song is incredibly well written and a journey that takes you through a myriad of genres and emotions. I very much look forward to hearing the completed album and maybe even playing some of the tracks live…”
Dan Mash’s musical palette is made of his love of diverse styles, from the obvious influences of great bass play-ers like Wooten, King, Pastorius and Jamerson. With his considerable technical prowess he fuses tremendous pop sensibility into his playing, has a keen ear for melody and can spend hours enthusing about artists normally considered poles apart from Prog Rock, like Earth Wind & Fire or early Michael Jackson. The funky edge he brought to The Tangent is his hallmark, and the older guys around The Tangent were quick to realise that this style is actually a very suitable way in which to approach Progressive Rock. Dan was featured on the album and toured Europe with UPF for their debut album ‘Fall In Love With The World’ in 2014. More recenlty, he is the ‘DA’ in Damanek along with Guy Manning, and Marek Arnold.
MAREK ARNOLD
(Sax)
“I was working on several recordings with my friend Guy Manning, so when he called me asking for contributions to a new project called UPF back in 2014, I didn`t have to think too long. The concept of UPF – the lyrics and the music – touched me instantly, so I`m glad to be part of that international project. After the first album was released, we all had a great time performing the songs on tour through Europe. I`m looking forward to the next release, bringing the visions of Truey and all the great musicians to life again.”
German saxophone/clarinet player and keyboardist Marek Arnold is the remaining founding member of German progressive rock band “Toxic Smile”. He also plays with and works as producer, composer and arranger for his second ‘baby’, the progressive crossover band “Seven Steps to the Green Door”. More recently, Marek is the ‘EK’ in DAMANEK along with Guy Manning, and Dan Mash.
MARK FRANCO
(Fretted and Fretless Bass, Vocals)
“To be introduced to UPF music was one reason I joined the live band, but most of all it is the message that we are presenting to a far reaching audience; strong and meaningful songs using progressive fusion as the platform for the music. We all have concerns with regards to the planet and I am so wanting to help get messages like this in front of a bigger stage.”
Mark Franco played in the original progressive rock band ‘Arcane’ featuring Mark Trueack in the mid 80’s with his older brother and went on to various cover and original bands over the years; notably being a member in the instrumental band ‘Sound’ along with Joe Toscano and Matthew Atherton, who he has now joined up with again in the band UPF. His major influences include the fretless playing of Jaco Pastorius and Bunny Brunel.
Guest Artists
CLAIRE VEZINA
(Vocals)
“Sans nature, on n’est rien du tout. Cette humble pensée devrait sans cesse nous habiter, guider nos choix de vie. Paix, amour et musique.”
“Without nature, we are nothing at all. This humble thought should guide our choices of living, our actions. May the music give hope and force to build a better world.”
Canadian artist Claire Vezina has a unique vocal signature, and plays elegant americana-infused prog-pop. She started her career as a singer in various bands in the local Quebec club circuit in the mid to late eighties. In 1993 she landed a record deal with Sony music, who released her debut album “Claire Vezina”, a production that was made in close cooperation with Aldo Nova and that also featured a song she co-wrote with Nova and Jon Bon Jovi. Three years later Vezina returned with her sophomore production “Demi-Tour”, this time around releasing the album on her own label.
JON DAVISON
(Vocals)
“What will matter, in the end, is how much love did we give, were we good to others, did we strive to include others rather than just our own personal motivations. There’s a call to everyone to reach beyond, to go beyond the complacency, to perfect our relationships, and go for the real meaning of what life is all about.”
Jon Davison is an American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist musician. In February 2012, Davison was announced as the new lead singer of Yes, replacing Benoît David, who left the group because of illness. “
Strangely enough, Jon’s name came up when we started working with Benoit,” Yes bassist Chris Squire recalled. “In fact, my friend, Taylor Hawkins, had been telling me for years: ‘If you ever need a replacement (singer), I know exactly the guy’”. Jon had previously sung in the group Glass Hammer from 2009 to 2014.
NICK MAGNUS
(Keyboards)
“Music’s potential to communicate ideas and touch the soul should be harnessed to the full, and there can surely be no bigger idea worth communicating than the dangers facing the only habitable planet we know of. I’m honoured to have been invited by Truey to contribute to this important project, and to help alert the world to facts that profoundly affect each and every one of us.”
Composer, keyboard player and producer Nick Magnus is best known for his work with ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett from 1978 to 1989, providing his keyboard talents to at least twelve of Hackett’s albums to date, as well as extensively touring Europe, the UK and the US. The latter half of the 80’s was spent doing session work with many diverse recording artistes such as China Crisis, Renaissance, George Martin, Mungo Jerry, Johhny Mars, Cilla Black, Jose Carrerras, Brian May, Richie Havens, Bonnie Tyler, Mike Batt, Classix Nouveaux, David Essex, Pete Bardens (Camel), Duncan Browne, Chris Rea, and Colin Blunstone. He has also delivered lectures and seminars on many aspects of music technology and music production, whilst also writing diverse articles on these subjects for the music press.
JESÚS GANCEDO GARCÍA
(Drumkit)
“It´s been such a pleasure working together with Mark Trueack and Steve Unruh. It hasn´t been the typical hasty collaboration through the internet, it´s been a slow developing process in which you take risks and make decisions trying to achieve the best results. I think we´ve taken “Seeds for Life” to a higher level, haven´t we?”
Chus Gancedo has been playing the drumkit since the age of 12, and has had lessons with some of the greatest drummers around Spain (Salvador Niebla, Ángel Crespo,…) and also around the UK (Pete Zeldman, RitchieStevens, Tristan Maillot,…). He tours around Spain with different bands and also as a clinician, performing in some of the most prestigious drum festivals around his country, such as La Rioja Drumming Festival. One of his frequent collaborators is fellow UPF guest musician, the stickista Guillermo Cides.
GUILLERMO CIDES
(Chapman Stick)
“It’s all about becoming a better person. This is what music means to me and this is what we have in mind to create music and go ahead with projects like UPF. We can change the world because we all are the world and we all are the music. Let’s change ourselves.”- Guillermo Cides
The Stickista Guillermo Cides is an Argentinian musician recognized internationally for his concerts and CDs played with the Stick. A pioneer in solo Stick concerts in his country, Cides has performed a large number of concerts in different countries throughout a musical career of more than 15 years, becoming one of the most highly regarded players of this instrument.
GRACE BAWDEN
(Vocals)
“I am proud to be a part of the United Progressive Fraternity and I am deeply honoured to be working with so many wonderfully talented musicians who are passionate about their music and environment because I believe it is important to love and protect our planet and its precious resources. I am concerned about the devastation caused to our river-ways such as that witnessed by the destruction of the Coorong & Murray River systems across South Australia as well as other parts of the Eastern water ways. Equally, I am troubled by the visual & environmental pollution caused by wars, poverty and famine, including the destruction of historical monuments and natural surrounds. It is my hope that my voice and music will inspire audiences to find a deeper connection to their environment and human compassion for their fellow man.”
Grace Bawden is an Australian classical crossover singer, who has been dubbed “Australia’s greatest operatic discovery”, after becoming the Judge’s Choice Grand Finalist on the TV talent show Australia’s Got Talent in 2008. In November 2009, Grace received the “Living Legend Award” for the City of Salisbury in recognition of her long-standing charitable work within her local community, her contribution as a role model for young people and for her accomplishments in the Arts.
As a crossoever artist, Grace also sings pop, contemporary, jazz, traditional, musical theatre and arias. Her debut album features cover versions of Midge Ure’s “Dear God”, Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia”, Barbra Streisand’s “People”, Kansas’s “Dust in the Wind” and Paul McCartney’s and John Lennon’s “Long and Winding Road”.
CHARLIE CAWOOD
(Oud, Bağlama Saz, Bouzouki, Hammered Dulcimer, Zither, Pipa, Zhongruan, Liuqin, 12-string Acoustic Guitar, Electric and Bass Guitars)
“Of all art forms, music best exemplifies the nature of ourselves, and the interconnectivity between us and the world in which we reside. The language of music forms a vocabulary that can transcend cultural divisions, and allows us to go far beyond the constraints of superficial difference. Its transience echoes the finitude of our existence, and the instruments we use – traditionally made of wood, skin and bone – remind us of what has to be sacrificed in the pursuit of the conjuring of sound. Through music, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves, our place in the world, and how we can deepen the sense of harmony between us and the environment we inhabit..”
Charlie Cawood is a musician, composer and multi-instrumentalist from London. Trained in classical and electric guitar from the age of 11, he soon branched out to study Indian Classical, Flamenco and East Asian music. A graduate of the Guitar Institute, London Centre of Contemporary Music and the School of Oriental and African Studies, Charlie turned professional at 17, and has since forged a busy career as a cross-disciplinary session musician, songwriter and arranger.
Charlie is a member of critically acclaimed psychedelic octet Knifeworld, and principal instrumentalist for Emmy-nominated classical choral ensemble Mediaeval Baebes, for whom he plays up to 8 stringed instruments on tour. As a recording musician, Charlie has played on numerous albums, EPs and singles, including releases by Spiritwo; acclaimed looping guitarist Matt Stevens; Turkish singer Olcay Bayir; electronic Pop artist Sinah; singer/composer Lucie Treacher, and Pop in Opposition collective Nick Prol & The Proletarians.
CLIVE HODSON
(Alto sax, trombone, trumpet)
“Clive’s concern with the environment is a long standing one, being one of the founders and organizers for one of the biggest concerts “Turn Back the Tide” (1989) ever held on iconic Bondi Beach to raise awareness of Ocean pollution and its long-term effect on both human and marine life. This concert was supported by the cream of Australia’s contemporary musicians and raised a significant amount of money to help with the continued push toward a cleaner/greener environment.”
Clive Hodson formed his first band called the Orbiteers at age 9, a three-piece band comprising Clive on Trumpet/T-Chest Bass/Vocals, guitar and drums. Clive developed a friendship (which continues to this day) with fellow music student Brendon Darby and asked him to join the Orbiteers.
Many bands and years later, Clive was given the opportunity of working in the recording industry in 1978 as a representative for PolyGram Records. He held several key executive positions with PolyGram Records/Universal Music (A&R/Marketing/GM) for 25 years, after which he was appointed Head of Music at the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Clive moved to the publishing side as GM of Shock Music Publishing before starting his own publishing company Perfect Pitch Publishing.
Clive’s connection with Mark Trueack goes back to his record company days and through their friendship developed a business relationship with Clive’s company Perfect Pitch Publishing, representing Mark’s publishing globally. As a horn section Clive & Brendon have played many live gigs and recordings (now for over 50 years) … and continue to do so.
ALEX GRATA
(Vocals, Piano, Synthesizers, Loops, Electric and Acoustic Guitars)
“Progress? What the fuck’s progress that destroys our living planet? And the fact that Planet Earth is alive, I think that no one has any doubt about this. Can a human being be called rational if he behaves in relation to the world around him, like a Neanderthal man. and even worse! Birds fall on the fly and die. Whales continue to commit suicide. Bees are dying. Dry up the river. Beautiful forests are disappearing. Who are we after this? Wild, foolish, unscrupulous, soulless two-legged creatures. And if we don’t come to understand all this disaster, if we don’t open our eyes, what do we leave to our children? desert, airless space with black water of oil and imminent hunger. People, let’s change ourselves and the life around!”
It was the Voices of Babylon (VOB) project that introduced Alex to Mark from Unitopia, when Mark recorded a track for the VOB project. The song was ‘Forgive Me My Son’, and was written by Alex several years ago. The VOB and UPF versions of the song have different arrangements.
While Alex Grata was growing up, every day after going to school in Vorkuta Music School in the North of Russia, he stayed at home listening to Pink Floyd, Camel, UK, trying to imitate those bands – singing and playing electric guitar for hours. Alex began self-learning rock vocals using intuition and audio and video instructions. His style of music is best described as an experimental rock with elements of hard rock and even metal rock and rock art of that time.
Today it is possible to single out several of Alex’s groups, such as Sixth Sense, playing modern melodic metal, G.R.A.T.A. band, and the international progressive rock project Voices of Babylon.
COLIN EDWIN
(Fretless Bass Guitar, Soundscapes)
“I am happy to contribute to UPF, and specifically the track “Stop Time”, since it resonates deeply with my own concerns about wastefulness and the hugely underestimated single use plastics problem. Raising awareness is just step one, but I sincerely hope it’s a useful one.”
Colin Edwin is best known as founder, member and bassist of the long running internationally successful progressive rock band Porcupine Tree. Colin also frequently performs live alongside renowned producer and musician Gaudi as part of the “Gaudi All Stars Orchestra”.
In 2015 he formed the band O.R.k. alongside King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto, vocalist Lef and guitarist Carmelo Pipitone from Italy’s “anti-folk” favourites Marta Sui Tubi. O.R.k. have several European tours and two full length albums completed to date, with a third album to follow in early 2019.
PHILL SOKHA
(Drums)
“I am very concerned about the current situation in the world with climate change, the contamination of the earth, as well as the war in the Donbass (Ukraine) in which innocent people die every day because of politics. I am concerned about the attitude of people towards the environment, the giant companies that pump resources from the bowels of the earth (oil), pollution of the oceans, deforeststation, making the life of animals and fauna unbearable. If humanity does not come to its senses, we will die in the near future. We must understand that we must care for and protect nature, not destroy it for our materialistic needs.”
Phill Sokha started taking music lessons at the age of 6 years on violin and drums. For a number of reasons, Phill stopped violin lessons years later and focused on drums. Inspired at a young age by prog metal bands Death and Cynic, he formed with his friends first band “X-Systems” (instrumental prog-death). His later influences were the great prog rock and fusion masters like Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth, Chick Corea & Virgil Donati, which made a huge impact on his music style. He is currently a band member of Pushking Community band (Rock) & CosMoS band (progressive rock).
GEORGE PERDIKIS
(Guitar)
“I was introduced to Mark Trueack through a mutual friend Joe Toscano. The UPF project is a concept I fully subscribe to as it combines two things I’m passionate about – progressive music and progressive-thinking.”
George Perdikis started playing guitar at 13 with a solid diet of Rush, The Police, and Al Di Meola. Went on to form the rock band Newsboys. Currently writing and recording with musicians from around the world.
MATT WILLIAMS
(Electric/Acoustic guitars & backing vocals on ‘Mercenaries’)
Matt is an incredibly in demand session guitarist and engineer/producer who manages the ever increasing client base at Fat Trax Recording Studios. He feels that UPF was the perfect vehicle for both the playing and song writing sides of his personality. The intricate passages interwoven with strong harmonic, rhythmic and melodic content, keep the ever nimble fingers and mind of Matt Williams occupied to an extent never realized until now. His guitar playing, coupled with an astoundingly strong singing voice and irreverent sense of humor, makes Matt an invaluable member of UPF.
Matt is also a brilliant producer, and engineer and has been credited to many wonderful recordings. Matt has a wonderful understanding of music production leaving no stone unturned. Fall in Love with the World was one of the most challenging productions he has ever taken on, the result speaks for itself.
LITTLE BRODIE BYRNE
(Spoken word on ‘Forgive me My son’)
‘Father, what are we doing to ourselves?”
Little Brodie Byrne speaks the lines at the beginning of the song, to which Mark Trueack replies “Forgive me, my son”.
United Progressive Fraternity sincerely wishes to thank six year old Brodie Byrne, a friend of the Trueacks from Adelaide, for lending his vocal talent to the album Planetary Overload.
‘GHOST GIRLS’
(Haunting voices on ‘Forgive Me, My Son’)
“Father, what are we doing to ourselves?”
“Father, why do we do these things?”
This group of students from Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore volunteered to record what became the haunting background vocals in the song ‘Forgive me My son’. Back row: (L) to (R) Jorene Ng, Pang Joey, Stella Yap En Xin. Front row: Loy Wei Jie and Charmaine Goh. Their voices echo in the background towards the end of the song, and give it a surreal, ghostly effect. Thank you, ladies!
DAVID HOPGOOD
(Drums on ‘Mercenaries’)
David Hopgood is an accomplished drummer from Adelaide. The two biggest shifts in his musical landscape came in 2009-2010 with the project Split-Second Heaven, all-original rock/pop songs, all music and lyrics by David, and Unitopia, one of Australia’s biggest Progressive Rock bands, whom he joined as they were preparing for their first European tour in 2010. He recorded original material with United Progressive Fraternity for the album ‘Fall In Love with the World’ and returned overseas for European shows in 2014.
Aside from all this playing, David also works as a percussion teacher with the South Australian Instrumental Music Service and writes lots of solo and ensemble material for students. His first book of pieces ‘The Secondary School Percussionist’ was published in 2007. “In the future, I would like to have a successful website, continue to inspire a new generation of drummers whilst developing a Zen approach to drum instruction, compose more drum and percussion music, write more regularly and push my drumming and songwriting forward in every musical situation.
MICHEL ST-PÈRE
(Guitar)
“I have known Mark for many years and am a fan of his work. It is an honour for me to be part of this project with him and many other great musicians. In this world, where everything goes fast, what better way to spread a message than uniting artists from around the world to work on a common project. Music is a universal language and speaks not only to the heart but also to the soul. If musicians can unite and work on a message of hope, perhaps it can set an example for the whole world to unite and turn hope into reality.”
MIchel St-Père was Introduced to guitar playing by his father at the age of 9. Formed his first band at 12. At age 17 studied at Trebas Institute of Recording Art, and then built with the help of his father and a friend, his first studio.
Founder of Canadian progressive rock band MYSTERY, releasing their first EP in 1992. In 1996 he founded the label Unicorn Records, primarily created to promote the music of Mystery, and began to release other artist’s music by 2000. Unicorn Records has released more than 100 records to this day.
Michel is also a member of progressive rock band HUIS, currently recording Album #3 with HUIS and album #10 with MYSTERY.
Website: https://www.therealmystery.com/
ANGELO RACZ
(Keyboards and co-composer (with Ettore Salati) on ‘Cruel Times’)
“I am so happy and proud to be involved in the United Progressive Fraternity, even if I live on the other side of the planet. Giving my contribution to these amazing musicians is a dream: most of them have important and deep knowledge and interest in environmental problems: it is an extremely important aspect of ours and our children’s lives. This ‘family’ shouts an important message that everyone must listen to and music is an international language, so what better way to make our voices heard? Thank you all for the effort and the passion you put into this amazing project!”
Angelo Racz, from Milano (IT) is an Environmental Physicist (1993) and a Material scientist (2001 – University of Milano -IT- Bicocca) in Functional materials for semiconductor solar cells and renewable energy. Graduated musician at Trento Conservatory in 2000, doesn’t work anymore as scientist but in the Musical Theater since 2009. Involved in other projects, in the “Incanto Studio” in Milan he is even an arranger, choir director and keyboard player and a founder of the Progressive Rock Band “The RedZen“.
MICHELLE YOUNG
(Vocals)
“Since Adam and Eve were charged with tending the Garden of Eden, man has had the responsibility of caring for our world. Many cultures have revered and honored the land for its beauty and the sustenance it supplies, but in the age of industrialization, that respect has been altered by greed, ignorance, and apathy. The damage is happening faster than the earth can heal. I am honored to participate in this project, and pray it will raise awareness to help preserve our planet’s future.”
Michelle Young is a singer, songwriter, composer, and musician, whose vocal talent is well known in the world of Progressive Rock. She has a history in many styles of music, but when she met Fred Schendel and Steve Babb of Glass Hammer, she joined the group and performed on their albums Journey of the Dunadan, Perelandra, and Glass Hammer – Live and Revived.
Michelle has shared her vocal talent on several other progressive albums, including albums by Clive Nolan and Oliver Wakeman, Trent Gardner, Glass Hammer, and the Samurai of Prog.
HASSE FRÖBERG
(Vocals)
“For most people it’s obvious the 
planet is in a desperate state right now and it has in fact been for quite a while. Therefore I didn’t need to think twice before I
said yes to join ‘United Progressive Fraternity and the album Planetary Overload – Part 1: Loss’. We stand in front of a global challenge of huge proportions to make the planet sustainable. Still it’s something we need to do. If not for us we have to do it for our children and the coming generations. I for sure don’t want to be one of the guys that ruined it for a foreseeable future. Even if my contribution on this album is rather small, it’s at least something and I’m very happy and proud to be part of it. I really hope the Planetary Overload project helps
putting more focus to this matter. ”
If you are familiar with the name Hasse Fröberg, I guess that’s because I have been a proud member of The Flower Kings since 1997. I got a phone call from Roine, who asked me if I wanted to join The Flower Kings. At first I almost said no, because I didn’t think I had the skills, but Roine convinced me otherwise.
In October 2008, I decided it was time to form a band again, as there are songs that I had written through the years that don’t fit the T.F.K formula. The key to that I believe, is to find enthusiastic musicians who love to play my music and are willing to rehearse and to create a unit that really works well together. I am very proud to present my friends (old and new) in this band: Hasse Fröberg and the Musical Companion: Kjell Haraldsson – keyboards, Ola Strandberg – drums, Anton Lindsjö – lead guitar, Thomsson – bass, Hasse Fröberg – vocals, rhythm guitar.
LISA WETTON
(Vocals)
“In a world where brute force as a means to an end has only brought hurt to many, a gentler, more compassionate means is the new paradigm. Imagine a revolution based in only love for all sentient beings? Yet this has been the way right under our noses for over two thousand years. The time is now for us to start practicing this as a means, not to an end, but to a beginning. I believe the UPF project is well on the path to this new beginning, and I’m looking forward to paying it forward with Mark and the rest of the Fraternity.”
Lisa Wetton took up formal drum lessons in 1997 whilst studying for her Medical Boards, and bought her first drum kit, a Gretsch 4 piece jazz kit. Since then, and many drum kits later, she continues to practice medicine, sing, and play as a sessions musician with groups in the U.S., most notably as the touring drummer/percussionist for progressive rock group, Edison’s Children. She has performed with West African drum troop, Adanfo, and studied Middle Eastern hand drumming and Latin percussion. She most recently performed with Bowie guitarist, Earl Slick and Rolling Stones vocalist, Bernard Fowler. She is a regular as part of an ensemble group of Central New York’s most talented musicians at The Ridge Tribute Tuesdays. She runs progressive music agency, SmokeWind Music and Productions.
STEVE HACKETT
(Nylon-String Guitar)
“The idea of Loss and Hope is vital as a driving force behind this CD. Whilst there is so much carnage and violence in today’s world, awareness is growing at a fast rate and indeed Hope is reflected by all our sentiments and actions. Music can lead the way, with a message of love over hatred and the need to care for both the planet and all its inhabitants. I am proud to be a part of this project.”
Steve’s live electric gigs take his fans on an extraordinary journey drawn from a rich musical heritage. Perennial Genesis favourites such as the mighty Firth Of Fifth sit alongside solo classics, while more recent solo material is also included, demonstrating that Steve is an artist still at the very top of his game. Supported by some of the best musicians on the planet, Steve’s unique guitar work remains the fulcrum on which this challenging and exhilarating show is balanced. Never one to rest on his laurels, and touring worldwide, Steve continues to blaze a trail with new material and to be an exhilarating and groundbreaking artist.
RAF AZARIA
(Piano & Synth Solos, Slide and Electric Guitars)
“I come from an environmentally conscious family – where my upbringing was greatly influenced by a mum who used to march down the streets in protest against nuclear weapons, who cared about animals and the environment and the future of our planet. I feel that this UPF project further continues that quest and purpose – through music – to bring a positive change to this planet. I humbly thank Mark for this great opportunity.”
Raf Azaria is a talented musician from Adelaide, South Australia. He is proficient in piano/keyboards, guitar, bass, violin, vocals, mandolin, piano, accordian, and any other stringed instrument you can throw at him! He is also a master guitar teacher (one of his students was Orianthi), composer, and music producer involved in numerous local and overseas events with a variety of different bands.
JERRY MAROTTA
(Drumkit)
Drummer, singer, composer and record producer Jerry Marotta has been a member of the bands Arthur, Hurley & Gottlieb (1973–75) Orleans (1976–77 & 1982), Peter Gabriel’s band (1977–86), Hall & Oates (1979–81), the Indigo Girls (1991–99), Stackridge (2011), Sevendys (2010–present) and The Tony Levin Band (1995 to present). He has also performed on albums by Stevie Nicks, Ani DiFranco, Sarah McLachlan, Marshall Crenshaw, The Dream Academy, Suzanne Vega, Carlene Carter, John Mayer, Iggy Pop, Tears for Fears, Elvis Costello, Cher, Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Peter Gabriel, Lawrence Gowan, Ron Sexsmith, Banda do Casaco and many others, and is currently touring with The Security Project.
ANGUS KEAY
(Guitar)
“I love music… I believe music to be one of the few truly tangible forms of expression that can divulge the makeup of our universe: dimensions of colour, resonance, vibrancy, dynamics, emotion and feel. Our universe is a living entity teaming with energy. Music is the song it sings… I believe a musician’s goal is to be able to hear how music wishes to be written by listening to the story it wants to tell us… musicians represent the voice of the universe. Our planet is currently crying out in pain and needs to be heard. I am overjoyed to have been invited to partake in UPF and help lift the voice that is pleading with us about environmental needs, our fellow creatures and our fragile existence. United Progressive Fraternity provides an important, musical vocalisation of support for the move towards new solutions that this world needs to find. This move forward has never been as urgent as it is right now.”
Angus Keay has a broad musical background and an unrequited love for the electric guitar with a trinity of influences: Frank Zappa, Stanley Clarke and Pink Floyd. Angus taught guitar and played in numerous bands in Adelaide (including UPF keyboardist Matthew Atherton, bassist Mark Franco and drummer Joe Toscano) before moving to Sweden, where he continues teaching guitar and bass privately at his studio, “Shredus Studios”.
Having a strong interest for the rhythm techniques of South Indian Carnatic music; Angus is currently in the process of writing a book aimed at teaching young children the rhythmic language of konokol. He is an avid collector of guitars, amps and effect pedals, and his knowledge and ear for great tone has led to his appointment as an ambassador for both the BJFE and One Control brands of effects.
HANS JÖRG SCHMITZ
(Drums)
“In 2000 we had played with the band in Sarajevo, a few years after the end of the civil war in Bosnia. Some of the buildings had no rooftops; they were still destroyed and the houses were uninhabitable. Thousands of landmines …. still buried in the ground…We drove with the bus out of the city, just to stop at a wonderful deep, blue-green lake on the outskirts. Extraordinary woods, an azure blue sky, impressive nature all around…all…No! But in-between the trees there was a 50 meter wide and 500 meter long mountain of rubbish, coming down the hill like a steamroller. The population of Sarajevo threw all their garbage there, because at that time no trash collection was regular. I was shocked, and my first emotion then was fury. Today, when I look at the world, and listen to the news, my feeling is more a scared one, not because of me, more for the next generations. What did we leave behind? Fear can only combatted when the root cause is removed. My hardly-worth mentioning part for the UPF album makes me a little less afraid, and I hope the great music.and above all …the lyrics has the same impact for the listeners. Be brave, do something!”
Hans Jörg Schmitz : Born/lives in Andernach, Germany. Married, two sons.
First Drumset 1979, first “real” Gig in 1981, first (LP) record 1983.
More than 1300 concerts with different bands, a lot of studio sessions…
..professional musician since the beginning of the 90s… …Drum Teacher…freelancer
..ultimately …a music lover .-)
Started my own studio project “King of Agogik” in 2006.
BRENDON DARBY
(Trumpet, Flugelhorn)
“As a musician and visual artist, I’ve always had a strong interest and concern for the environment. When my music publisher and very close friend Clive Hodson invited me to be involved with UPF, I of course, jumped at the chance. Any opportunity to shine a light onto the very real problems our planet faces is an opportunity not to be missed. When I add to that, the talent and dedication of the wonderful musicians involved, it’s an honor to be a part of this great endeavor.”
Brendon Darby began playing the cornet at age 9. At school he joined the school band and found a certain aptitude for drawing and painting, finding he could appease his teachers by producing pictures. “Most of my projects were very heavy on illustration and very very light on text.” At age eleven, he formed a band called “The Young Brass” with Clive Hodson, which did fairly well, with lots of national TV appearances. From ’69 to ’77 he played music full time in a variety of bands, did a lot of session work, backed many Australian and International artists and spent time in London, writing songs.
Around this time, tiring of pubs, clubs and touring, he decided to paint again with less live performance and more time to write and record. Later, Brendon and his wife Julie premiered a multi-media presentation in New York and Houston, which integrated a live musical performance, film and paintings. Brendon has had over forty solo exhibitions across Australia and around the world. His music is published by Perfect Pitch Publishing.
VALENTINE HALEMBAKOV (VAL HAL)
(Guitars on ‘Forgive Me, My Son’)
“I joined UPF because of this powerful community of fellow musicians, that is very rare nowadays. Everything and everyone seems distanced from each other, using their smart devices and posting likes and dislikes on a daily basis. With UPF we can say a word to the world with the help of beautiful music and keep that connection between humans alive.”
“At age 15, while visiting friends I saw a guitar, and at once fell in love with this musical instrument. But then, I faced a small problem: it was inconvenient for me to keep a guitar in a habitual position as I was a lefthander. So I turned it, rearranged the strings and since then I have been a left-handed guitar player”.
‘Steel Fusion’ was Val Hal’s first music project where the band played various covers including Al Di Meola, who is one of Val Hal’s greatest guitar heroes. In August 2016, Val Hal took part in big project – a Russian Flash Mob of more than 100 guitarist and cellists with very special guests on stage – Steve Vai & Apocalyptica, which took place in Moscow, Green Theatre, VDNKH. Together they played two songs: “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin and Steve Vai’s “Flash Mob”. He has collaborated up to the present time on some interesting musical projects, one of which — Voices of Babylon, and many solo projects, as guest guitar solo on latest Alex Grata album, and cover project MonstArs Inc.
MARC PAPEGHIN
(French horn)
“I’ve always considered myself a citizen of the world. We are all connected, we are One! Cherishing and protecting this world should be one of our top priorities. And what better music than prog to raise awareness about it :)”
Marc is a multi-instrumentalist from France specialized in drums, trumpet and french horn.
As a session musician, video editor, arranger and composer, he’s worked on many diverse productions ranging from film scores to video game music, live shows, progressive rock/metal albums and symphonic projects.
Environmental Leaders & Guest Voices
DR. JAMES E. HANSEN
Special Guest Narration on ‘Loss (Anthem)’ and ‘What Happens Now’
“United Progressive Fraternity brings a much needed message to the people of the world, as stated in my book ‘Storms of My Grandchildren’. I stand wholeheartedly by their commitment to raise the awareness of as many people as possible to take corrective action and innovate fastidious planning to mitigate the runaway effects of Climate change.”
Dr. James E. Hansen, former top climate scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and currently Director of Climate Science, Awareness and Solutions program -The Earth Institute at Columbia University, presented testimony before congress in 1988 that brought the issue of global warming to the attention of the world and continues as an leading activist, researcher, and advocate for climate warming intervention worldwide. Dr Hansen also served as science adviser to Al Gore on the 2006 documentary ‘An Inconvenient Truth’.
DR. CARY FOWLER
(Introduction on ‘Seeds for Life’)
“There is so much joy, hope, beauty and life in the diversity of the world’s food crops. What better way to capture this than through music! Music with a message. Music with a purpose. Music that must fill our hearts if we are to save the seeds that nourish humanity. I’m grateful to UPF for raising its voice in song to support this essential cause. I applaud!”
United Progressive Fraternity is truly grateful to have the support and endorsement of one of the world’s foremost authorities on crop diversity and founder of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Dr. Cary Fowler – who provides the dramatic introduction narration for the epic track ‘Seeds for Life‘.
Dr. Fowler is perhaps best known as the “father” of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, described by former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as an “inspirational symbol of peace and food security for the entire humanity.” The Seed Vault provides ultimate security for more than 850,000 unique crop varieties, the raw material for all future plant breeding and crop improvement efforts. He proposed the creation of this Arctic facility to Norway, headed the international committee that developed the plan for its establishment, and chaired the international council that oversees its operations for many years.
DAME JANE GOODALL
Guest Narration on ‘Loss (Anthem)’ and ‘Dying To Be Reborn’
Dr. Jane Goodall is a primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist, and environmental advocate whose studies with chimpanzees in Tanzania have changed not only our understanding of chimpanzees but also our understanding of the nature of human beings.
Today she devotes virtually all of her time to advocacy on behalf of chimpanzees and the environment, travelling nearly 300 days a year.
https://thegreeninterview.com/interview/goodall-jane/ (Video interview)
A special thank you to Silver Donald Cameron, Host of The Green Interview, for use of audio excerpts for Dame Jane Goodall.
DAVID SUZUKI
Guest Narration on ‘Mercenaries’
Dr. David Suzuki is a revered scientist, broadcaster and activist whose books and decades of TV and radio service have made him the most respected and powerful figure in Canadian environmentalism.
David Suzuki is a legendary environmental champion. As a geneticist, author, broadcaster and teacher, Suzuki has been interpreting and defending nature to viewers and audiences in Canada—and the world—for more than 40 years. He has written 52 books, including 15 for children, and his television show, The Nature of Things, is seen in more than 40 countries. In 2005, in a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation poll to determine the “greatest Canadian who ever lived,” he was ranked 5th, which made him the greatest living Canadian.
https://thegreeninterview.com/interview/suzuki-david/ (Video interview)
A special thank you to Silver Donald Cameron, Host of The Green Interview, for use of audio excerpts of David Suzuki.
SATISH KUMAR
Guest Narration on ‘Loss (Anthem)’
Satish Kumar has been a leader of the UK’s spirituality and ecology movements for more than three decades, and editor of Resurgence magazine.
Born to a devout Jain family in Rajastan, India, in 1935, Satish Kumar became a Jain monk at the age of nine. At 18, influenced by the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi about land reform and non-violent action, he became a disciple of Vinoba Bhave, who was in turn a celebrated disciple of Gandhi. At 27, inspired by Bertrand Russell’s campaign of civil disobedience against nuclear weapons, he set out with a companion to walk to the capitals of the four then-existing nuclear powers – France, Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States – in a “pilgrimage for peace.”
https://thegreeninterview.com/interview/kumar-satish/ (Video interview)
A special thank you to Silver Donald Cameron, Host of The Green Interview, for use of audio excerpts for Satish Kumar.
MARK MASLIN (CLIMATE SCIENTIST)
Guest Narration on ‘Loss (Anthem)’ and ‘Mercenaries’
“The twenty first century is the ‘human century’ because of the huge global challenges we face. Global inequality, global security, environmental degradation and climate change are the most pressing issues of our time. Of these, climate change is the most insidious as it make all the other problems worse. So our challenge this century is to build win-win solutions that tackle these multiple challenges. These are easy to conceptualise and design but of course much harder to implement given all the vested interests created by our warped global economy.
World leaders signed the Paris climate change agreement in 2015 pledging to keep global temperature rise below 2˚C and if possible limit it to just 1.5˚C. To achieve a 2˚C target climate models indicate that global carbon emissions must peak by 2020, reach zero between 2060 and 2080 and then become negative through to 2100. To achieve a 1.5˚C target then we will must do the same but carbon emission need to be zero by 2050. Hence climate change challenges the fundamental way we generate energy, grow food, transport and consume natural resources. This inevitably leads to conclusion that major changes are required to society both locally and internationally. I see this century through the eyes of an optimist – as deep down politicians and the public know our rules currently governing society are outdated and not fit for purpose and new governance systems will be required to deal with these immense challenges. To quote Bob Dylan “The Times They Are a-Changin'” but I would contend “not fast enough”. But where there is humanity there is always hope, and it is through music and art that the inspiration for change starts and spreads.“
Mark Maslin FRGS, FRSA is a Professor of Earth system sciences at University College London. He is the Director of the London NERC DTP and is a Royal Society Industrial Fellow working with Rezatec Ltd a company he co-founded. Maslin is a leading scientist with particular expertise in global and regional climatic change and has publish over 160 papers in journals such as Science, Nature, The Lancet and Nature Climate Change.
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH
Guest Narration on ‘Loss (Anthem)’ and ‘Stop Time’
“One of the most important films of our time.”
Sir David Attenborough, Special Contributor – A Plastic Ocean
A Plastic Ocean is an award-winning feature length documentary created by a group of dedicated scientists, film-makers, social entrepreneurs, scholars, environmentalists and journalists, that explores the fragile state of our oceans and uncovers alarming truths about the consequences of our disposable lifestyle.
A Plastic Ocean documents the global effects of plastic pollution and highlights workable technologies and innovative solutions that everyone – from governments to individuals – can do, to create a cleaner and greener ocean.
The copyright of A Plastic Ocean is owned by Plastic Oceans Limited in Hong Kong. https://www.facebook.com/HKPlasticOceans/
A special thank you to Willy Kwong (Executive Director of The Jane Goodall Institute Hong Kong & Plastic Oceans Limited Hong Kong) for allowing audio excerpts of Sir David Attenborough.
JAMES LOVELOCK
Guest Narration on ‘What If’
James Lovelock, the originator of the Gaia theory holds that the Earth behaves like a single living organism. Lovelock’s importance to science has been compared to that of Darwin.
James Lovelock is that rarest of rarities in the scientific world, a freelance scientist. Most scientists spend their careers inside institutions – universities, governments, research centres, corporate laboratories. James Lovelock has spent plenty of time inside institutions too – but as a migrant worker, not a settler.
https://thegreeninterview.com/interview/lovelock-james/ (Video interview)
A special thank you to Silver Donald Cameron, Host of The Green Interview, for use of audio excerpts of James Lovelock.
ALANNA MITCHELL
Guest Narration on ‘One More’
Alanna Mitchell is arguably “the world’s best environmental journalist,” and author of Sea Sick: The Global Ocean in Crisis, a profound and eloquent wake-up call about the degradation of the place where life began.
Alanna Mitchell is an award-winning Canadian author and journalist and an engaging speaker on environmental science, conservation and sustainability. In her latest book, Sea Sick: The Hidden Crisis in the Global Ocean, Mitchell convinces us that if we kill the ocean, we kill the planet. Skillfully interweaving scientific concepts with firsthand accounts and stories about the fieldwork of internationally renowned scientists, Mitchell shows us how the ocean—what she calls the true lungs of the planet—produces most of the Earth’s oxygen and how it ultimately controls our climate.
https://thegreeninterview.com/interview/mitchell-alanna/ (Video interview)
A special thank you to Silver Donald Cameron, Host of The Green Interview, for use of audio excerpts for Alanna Mitchell.
Music Arrangement
GORDO BENNETT
(Guest Arranger on ‘Seeds for Life’)
Guitarist / Synth Guitarist / Bass Guitarist / Composer / Producer
“First and foremost I’d like to say It’s truly an honor and a pleasure to be able to work with such a great artist, musician, and advocate as Mark Trueack truly is. Being a part of this global fraternity “United Progressive Fraternity” and the stellar musicians and artists that are collaborating as well as their vision and awareness of that which is greater than all of us is incredibly inspiring and rewarding on a personal level. I feel being a part of UPF will allow me to grow in more ways than just musically, as it allows me to be able to contribute to something far greater then one person can achieve on his own – using music as a vehicle to help achieve the vision, goals, and ideals of the Fraternity in a collaborative and global effort. We have all been given choices in life, and those choices we make are what truly define us as individuals. What we do and how we use what we have been given with respect to this beautiful earth of ours, or anything that we do in our life regardless of how large or small our contribution is, is our responsibility for future generations to come.”
Having played guitar for over 45 years in various rock and progressive rock bands, Gordon ‘Gordo’ Bennett recently became more interested in synth guitar, electronic music, midi and audio recording and the production of music. Finally being able to build his first full fledged recording studio in the mid 90’s boosting 32 tracks of pristine digital audio, Gordo’s musical dream was at last a reality.
Gordo has recorded and produced several of his own albums over the years, including Electronic New Age, Acoustic New Age, Rock and Progressive Rock Albums. Gordo’s main guitar influences include Robert Fripp, John McLaughlin, Steve Hackett, Adrian Belew, Frank Zappa, and Alex Lifeson, with all of them leading him into guitar synthesis.
ETTORE SALATI
(Guest Arranger, co-composer (with Angelo Racz) and Electric & Acoustic Guitars on ‘Cruel Times’)
“There is no doubt concerning the overload of the planet, and no doubt about the Hope, as well. Working on this project has meant a huge effort to translate my love for the planet, and my great hope, into music. I will always thank Mark and the whole staff for this opportunity. Until then, we will be hoping we will make music, and where there is music, there will be hope.”
Ettore Salati is a guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer from Milan, Italy, best known for his work with The Watch, Alex Carpani, David Jackson, Aldo Tagliapietra, Karl Potter and many others. He has been part of The Watch from 2000 to 2007, then joined The Alex Carpani Band till nowadays and had frequent side-projects collaborations with the above mentioned artists.
Since 2000, he has toured Europe, North, Central and South America and Japan, playing live in the most world-renowned progressive rock international festival, like Baja Prog, RoSfest, Prog’Sud, Trieste Summer Rock Festival, Progday International Festival, Prog Exhibition, Nisville Jazz Festival, Gong Prog Fest, Fasano Jazz Festival, Virada Cultural and many others.
CINDY L. SPEAR
(Lyrics – Forgive Me My Son)
“As poet Arthur O’Shaughnessy wrote: We are the music-makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams. As artists we aspire to be “movers and shakers” and that means raising a voice in song that reminds us that we are Guardians of the Earth, to protect and preserve life for present and future generations. One thing that threatens our world is war. And one major negative effect of it is death: death of dreams, people and wildlife. In war there are many casualties including the environment. We must unify and do all we can to ward off wide spread devastation for “Death’s sting is cold.” It is my pleasure to contribute lyrics to this worthy cause that Mark (Truey) has initiated.”
Cindy L. Spear is known by many as the Musician’s Poet and has written lyrics for many established singers and composers of various musical styles around the world. She has two published books of poetry “Favoured by Romance” and “Awakened” as well as poems, photographs and feature articles in various literary journals and major newspapers.
Cindy has been featured many times on CBC radio and television and on the historical DVD “When the ships Sailed In” a project of the Great Irish Famine 150th Anniversary Commemoration Committee. The late Dr. Fred Cogswell of Fiddlehead Poetry Books, English Professor Emeritus UNB and member of The Order of Canada stated: “Cindy L. Spear’s poetry and lyrics express simply, melodiously, purely, some of the best impulses of the human spirit.”
Artworks
ED UNITSKY
(International Digital Visual Artist)
“I think that the UPF project has a strong and very important message for all of us, beside its wonderful music side!… Being a visual artist behind the project, I am not only inspired and impressed by all of project’s music beauty but I also want to embody UPF’s ideas, so touching and smart: it’s something for the people’s heart, soul and mind. Everything is united! I am really very happy to be involved with this great movement of musicians…. Thank you a lot to all!….” With Love! Ed Unitsky
Ed Unitsky is an international digital visual artist, known for his complex and captivating surrealistic art and primarily for progressive music album artworks. His cover music art has been compared with the likes of Roger Dean, Storm Thorgerson, Salvador Dali, Michael Whelan, H.R. Giger and many other prestigious master fantasy artists and is being touted as the modern day Salvador Dali. His unique signature style resonates an old world influence with an innovative Pop Culture flare.
Ed is an artistic master of digital painting, collage creation and photo manipulation. His creations continue to amaze and inspire all those who become familiar with his artistry. In addition to over 150 CD covers over the years, Ed has an extended collection of spiritual artwork, which is gaining recognition worldwide.
SPECIAL THANK YOU
HALVOR MYKLEBY
(Videographer, film producer, Firbeint Film & TV)
“The climate in Svalbard is definitely changing. Oh yes, it feels and is visible. Because of less snow, more ice and rain, and warmer and colder temperatures, this freezes the rain to ice, and makes problems for reindeer to access their food, etc etc. It is a very unfortunate chain reaction.”
United Progressive Fraternity is extremely grateful for permission to use the breathtaking footage of Svalbard that has been captured by Halvor Mykleby.
Norwegian videographer Halvor Mykleby is the owner of Firbeint Film AS, which plans and produces content for television, documentary, film and advertising. Firbeint Film AS takes responsibility for the entire production from A to Z, and hires resources where necessary. https://www.facebook.com/Firbeintfilm/
Halvor has a drone certificate and experience with recording in demanding environments. He is a graduate in communications and film/video production at Edith Cowan University in Australia, and has previously worked at Nordisk Film, NRK and Krypton Film.
NATASHA SASHA ILICH
(CG Artist)
Natasha Sasha Ilich, a CG / Animation / VFX Artist has given UPF permission to use her incredible animation about soldiers on a chess board for the music video ‘Forgive Me, My Son’. Her footage is absolutely breathtaking. I have chatted with her and she loves the song. Here is the animation – https://vimeo.com/265908541
Natasha Sasha Ilich is an Award-winning Artist from Serbia, master of 3DMAX, Adobe Suite, After Effects, Animation, Art directing, Shading, Boujou, Character design, Cinema 4D, Game design, Lighting, MAYA, Motion graphic, Mud Box, Post-production, Production design, Rendering, ZBrush, with more than 2000 projects accomplished since started as freelancer in 2010
SILVER DONALD CAMERON
(Canadian journalist, author, playwright, university teacher, Host and Executive Producer of The Green Interview)
“United Progressive Fratenity wishes to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Cameron for allowing use of audio excerpts from The Green Interview for the album Planetary Overload – Part 1: Loss.”
One of Canada’s most versatile and experienced professional authors, Silver Donald Cameron is currently Host and Executive Producer of TheGreenInterview.com, an environmental website devoted to intense, in-depth conversations with the brilliant thinkers and activists who are leading the way to a green and sustainable future. His literary work includes plays, films, radio and TV scripts, an extensive body of corporate and governmental writing, hundreds of magazine articles and 17 books, including two novels.
At The Green Interview, Dr Cameron interviews green giants like Vandana Shiva, Farley Mowat, Robert Bateman, Jane Goodall, David Suzuki, George Monbiot, and the former Prime Minister of Bhutan. Through its partnerships with Gale Cengage Learning, Films on Demand and Kanopy, the site’s 100+ interviews (as of September, 2018) are available in tens of thousands of libraries and educational institutions around the world.
CHRIS JORDAN
(Director, Writer, and Editor) albatrossthefilm.com
‘The war is against plastic and they are casualties on the frontline’
Following his shocking photographs of dead albatross chicks and the diet of plastic that killed them, Chris Jordan’s film “Albatross” is a call to action to repair our broken relationship with planet Earth.
Chris Jordan is an internationally acclaimed artist whose work explores contemporary mass culture from multiple perspectives, connecting the viewer viscerally to the enormity and power of humanity’s collective unconscious. The documentary, ALBATROSS is a powerful visual journey into the heart of a gut-wrenching environmental tragedy.
On one of the remotest islands on Earth, tens of thousands of albatross chicks lie dead on the ground, their bodies filled with plastic. ALBATROSS walks us through the fire of horror and grief, facing the immensity of this tragedy — and our own complicity — head on. We wish to thank Chris for allowing use of albatrossthefilm photos and movie trailer footage in support of the message of Planetary Overload.
FRANCIS PÉREZ
(Award-winning underwater photographer)
“We live on a planet that is mostly water. Our lives, forest and air depend on our oceans. A dead ocean means a dead planet.”
Francis Pérez is a freelance professional underwater photographer who focuses on the submarine world with a unique style. His pictures show his own point of view in places such as Indonesia, Red Sea, Malaysia, South Africa, Mozambique, Philippines, Micronesia, Galapagos Islands, Mexico, Chile and Canary Islands, where he has focused on cetaceans.
UPF would like to express our hearthfelt appreciation for the support of Francis Pérez, who has graciously given us permission to use his award winning photograph “’Caretta Caretta Trapped”. The photo shows a loggerhead sea turtle swimming entangled in abandoned fishing gear, off the coast of Tenerife, Canary Islands, in the northeast Atlantic Ocean.
Management
STAR BUTLER
(U.S. Sponsor Manager)
“Working in healthcare has taught me to treat everyone with kindness. You don’t know their story and the battles they are growing thru…“
I’m just a simple girl trying to make it in this crazy world. I grew up traveling all over and I still love to travel. My passion in life is taking care of everyone within my ability. I was a tow truck operator for many years then I decided to go into healthcare. I decided to be a CNA and then moved on to be a hemodialysis tech. I absolutely love my job! I Give Life!! I grew up listening to Frank Zappa, YES and Jethro Tull. After listening to Unitopia, I fell in love with their music and was able to see U.N.I.T.db live in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. After the show I met Mark and visited with him. I feel very honored that I was asked to be a part of the frat. My goal is to take my passion of caring for people to the next level with UPF.
TED OLLIKKALA
(Logistics,Video/Promotional Manager, Mark’s Sidekick)
“I give my time freely to support the cause of awakening and activating a change in mindset that is necessary to save the human race from self-annihilation. For me there is no better way to spread the message than through the creative musical talents of ‘The Frat’ (UPF) created by Mark Truey Trueack.”
Ted Ollikkala began blogging and interviewing various personalities in 2006 – including roadies, album cover designers, etc. He befriended and interviewed rock royalty such as Paul Bielatowicz (Neal Morse, Carl Palmer Band), the late Tony Ortiz, Damon Shulman (son of GG’s Phil Shulman). He collaborated with Anne Leighton on a Gentle Giant re-release, and has met up with both Paul Whitehead and Leonardo Pavkovic (Moonjune Records) when they were passing through Singapore. Ted has produced music videos for The Samurai of Prog (Marco Bernard, Steve Unruh, Kimmo Pörsti), DAMANEK (Guy Manning), Interpose+ (Sayuri Aruga, Japan), Paidarion (Kimmo Pörsti), Unitopia (2017 box set).
In 2015, Ted connected with none other than the ‘father of climate change’, Dr. James E. Hansen who agreed to be involved in support of UPF’s message on PO. Lyrically, Ted has co-written the lyrics for the epic ‘Seeds for Life’)
For the music video ‘Travelling Man (The Story of ESHU)’ he liased with several award winning international producers of live action, animation, stop motion, and cgi (Blender) short films to create a 20+ minute mini-movie featuring live band footage from UPF’s 2014 European tour (6 cameras). Steve Hackett filmed a guest spot for the video.
JULIA BRADSHAW
(UPF Advisor)
“I am pleased to say I had a hand in the naming of this remarkable album. Mark and I coincidentally came up with the title Planetary Overload when we were thinking of what to call it, only to find there was a book by the same name. We sourced the book by Epidemiologist Dr Tony McMichael (which is a book I recommend if you are interested in the future health of the human race in terms of how we are treating the planet) and though sadly Dr McMichael is no longer alive, we were able to get permission from his wife to use the name.
To my mind the title of this album is a strong message summing up what is happening with the Earth and what we are doing to it. It distressed me every day when I see what is going on, climate change deniers, governments who continue to embrace fossil fuels instead of investing in renewable clean energy, whilst failing to deal with our ever increasing plastic waste problems. If this album can increase just ten people’s awareness of the state of the environment and what it means for the future of the human race, the hard work done on this album won’t be wasted. It is to Mark’s credit that he has managed to corral so many talented musicians to work on this epic album, and I am proud that I played a small part in its birth”.
JERAMY STANTON ESSARY
(U.S. Sponsor Manager)
Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, arranger.
“Tomorrow, today will be yesterday. A statement of hope. Storms don’t last, but people’s courage and spirit do. Whatever we may face, the trials and tribulations, it’s not your challenges, but how you overcome them.“
The year Adam Lambert won American Idol, I was a preliminary judge in Joplin Missouri for Fox 14. After many band efforts with the bands: That Damn Machine, American Blue Collar, as well as many cover bands, I decided to use my own name as an album artist.
I met Mark Trueack in 2017 at RosFest in Gettysburg PA. We connected immediately. Having Aspergers Syndrome, my personality tends to embrace special people with special personalities.
We communicated regularly with surprise phone calls twice a month. He recognized my passion for the stance of UPF as well as a passion for the music. I am currently working on a new album titled Asteroid.
That tells the story of overcoming extreme obstacles in my life.
OCTAVIA BROWN
(Touring/PR Manager)
“In February 2017, I turned 50 and by Victorian standards that basically means
I am now in extra time. If I want to make a difference I don’t actually have that much time left. But don’t think that means I want to make a mark, no, my future will be dedicated to the exact opposite, that of not leaving a mark. Unfortunately I start out with a severe handicap – my mere existence has already been a bigger burden on the planet than it should have been. I have added to the damage done to the atmosphere, plastic I have bought has without doubt found its way into our oceans, my carbon footprint can probably be seen from space, yes, I have already left my mark.”
Octavia is one of the 80 or so volunteers who every year put together Italy’s biggest progressive rock event, the 2Days Prog + 1 Festival held every September in Veruno, Piedmont. She became a familiar face and name on the Italian Prog scene in 2014 when she was asked to step in at the very last minute as the festival’s co-presenter where, for the benefit of the non-Italian speaking members of the audience, she introduced the bands in English alongside her Italian speaking counterpart, and is currently the sole presenter.
It was at the 2015 edition of the festival that she met and subsequently ‘adopted’ Italian band Syncage, recently signed to Bad Elephant Music, with whom she works constantly as advisor and PR. In 2016 she launched the festival’s official Facebook page and actively began promoting the festival and all participating bands on social media. In 2017 she began another working relationship with Italian band, Syndone, again thanks to her Festival work.