Overall Impression:
Having previously reviewed and very much enjoyed Raging Ember's fantastic cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Big Love", I excitedly dived into this cover of the classic Green Day tune "Basket Case" with both high expectations and gleeful intrigue to what magic Raging Embers might have managed to conjure up this time, and I can safely say that those expectations have been resoundingly met! Raging Embers whisks up yet another wonderfully arranged and performed orchestral piece that successfully shines a new creative perspective on the original source material whilst still managing to retain its essential characteristics, resulting in a beautifully composed masterclass in orchestral writing that is breathtakingly refined, wholly inspired, and exquisitely recorded and mixed.

Strongest Point(s):
As to be expected from a Raging Embers piece, the level of musical accomplishment on display is stellar, both the stunning performances and deft arrangement help make this an utterly compelling listening experience from start to finish and provide ample variety for listeners to sink their teeth into. I particularly find the way in which the track's more free-flowing legato-based sections are contrasted brilliantly with the rhythmically driving staccato string moments, this juxtaposition helps give the piece its sense of movement and vigor, as well as character. Knowing how tricky it can be to successfully program and arrange virtual instruments in order for them to sound as genuinely realistic as possible, Raging Embers is clearly a dab hand at this and the balance between the track's live instruments and virtual elements is superb, so much so that you'd be hard-pressed to find any example in which this cover doesn't sound 100% live, not an easy feat by any means.

Target Audience Appeal:
This will undoubtedly strike a chord with classical lovers.

Artist target suggestions:
Apocalyptica, 2Cellos, Green Day, Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Johannsson, The Cinematic Orchestra, Lindsey Sterling, Deviations Project, Hanz Zimmer, Simply Three, Escala, Jesper Kyd, John Paesono

About The Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.

Overall Impression:
"Big Love" has always been one of my favorite Fleetwood Mac tunes, and to hear it re-imagined as an epic-sounding orchestral piece is quite something! Raging Embers has cooked up a fantastic cover that manages to balance its moments of majestic grandeur and delicate introspection marvelously. With its sweeping strings, jazz-induced brass elements, and striking percussive bravado, this is one of those covers that respectfully honors the original whilst using its creative foundation as a springboard to reach exciting new musical ground.

Strongest Point(s):
I've said this many times before in the past, but I believe it stands to reason, any great cover needs to find that very specific middle-ground that allows it to honor the original whilst also allowing it to explore fresh new creative areas, areas that shine a new perspective on the original source material and give listeners something wholly new and exciting to experience, I believe Raging Embers has struck that balance resoundingly well. Whilst the overall harmonic foundation of the original has been retained, there are some fantastic deviations with regards to melody, instrumentation, and texture that really allow this cover to stand confidently on its own two feet. The first major difference is obviously the style, Raging Embers has opted for a gloriously cinematic feeling orchestral piece that feels grand in scope and wonderfully expressive in its execution. The instrumentation is well chosen and offers listeners a timbrally diverse and tonally rich palette of sounds to digest, for instance, the blending of both legato and staccato articulations serves as a great way to provide contrast in the string sections and the wonderful jazz fusion-esque nature of the brass adds that certain dash of flair to the arrangement, and we can't forget the strong rhythmic gusto provided by the imposing percussive elements. It wouldn't be fair if we didn't also touch upon the excellent recording, every element has been both brilliantly recorded and presented, and the way both live and VST instruments have been smoothly combined is flawless, ensuring this version of "Big Love" is positively bursting with both sonic elegance and crystal clear polish. Superbly performed, exquisitely produced, and lovingly arranged, what more does a music lover need?!

Target Audience Appeal:
Fans of modern cinematic orchestral music will surely appreciate this fantastic cover.

Artist target suggestions:
Apocalyptica, 2Cellos, Philip Glass, Johann Johannsson, Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Sterling, Deviations Project, Hanz Zimmer, Simply Three, Escala, Jesper Kyd, John Paesono

About The Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.

Overall Impression:

Raging Embers has created a new orchestral arrangement of Journey's 1983 hit Separate Ways (Worlds Apart). A fine arrangement, this new version takes listeners on a journey of their own. Replacing the heavy Rock drive is an awe-inspiring sense of adventure powered by the strings. This air of discovery underscores the entire work, and serves as a welcomed departure from the broken-heartedness of the original. While there are many orchestral and rock-orchestra arrangements of 80's hits, this particular arrangement makes the smart decision to let the orchestra remain an orchestra and allows the inherent Rock edge of the composition to emerge naturally. There are no tasteless frills or episodes of blatant showmanship that frequent other arrangements of this style. This displays a certain level of respect for the original, although the guitar solo and a sound equalling Perry's larger-than-life vocals are to be missed. With this arrangement of Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), Raging Embers tips its hat toward the Rock gods and gives a new voice to the classic tune.

Strongest Point(s):

Creating orchestral versions of Rock music requires a great deal of care and finesse. One of the most important aspects to consider is whether or not to alter the tempo. In this arrangement, Raging Embers chooses a slightly slower tempo. This does water-down some of the edginess of the original, but is ultimately a very good decision. Space is created in this slower drive for new colors to emerge and a complete change in mood.

Target Audience Appeal:

Fans of Orchestral versions of Rock tunes will enjoy Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Raging Embers.

Artist target suggestions:

Hanz Zimmer, John Williams, Kansas, Journey, Mannheim Steamroller, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Anthony Langman, DJ Sparr, The Cinematic Orchestra

About The Reviewer:

Zachary Larson is a professional touring guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured as a classical chamber musician, onboard luxury cruises, and with the Broadway musicals Finding Neverland and Escape To Margaritaville. His recorded work spans from classical works and pop tunes, to mind-bending experimental music. His arrangements of orchestral music are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.

Overall Impression:

Replacing suits with torn denim, Raging Embers has given Machinehead by Bush a new, classical treatment. Fans of the original are sure to appreciate the care Raging Embers has taken with this new arrangement, as it was clearly not done in haste. This version finds the essence and passion of the 1994 hit and places it in a more deliberate, less bombastic manner. It has been recorded with a mix of fine live instrumentalists and synthesized elements for a strong effect, although live instrumentalists are always preferred. In contrast to the original, Raging Embers slows down the tempo in Machinehead to give more profundity to the groove. This comes at the expense of a strong rhythmic drive, but is not without merit. In this gentler tempo, Machinehead captures a foreboding drama like the calm before a storm. This version stands on the precipice of the chaos in which the original resides.

Strongest Point(s):

Arranging this work for a string ensemble is a smart move, as the violins are able to embody the intensity of the original in a new light. Had this been arranged for a brass band or wind quintet, the end result may not be as effective. The orchestration itself is also working, as the best parts of the instruments are able to shine.

Target Audience Appeal:

Fans of Classical music, and Instrumental arrangements will dig Machinehead by Raging Embers.

Artist target suggestions:

Bush, Mannheim Steamroller, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Kansas, Styx, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Silverchair, John Williams, Hanz Zimmer, The Cinematic Orchestra, The Smashing Pumpkins, London Symphony Orchestra, Rodrigo y Gabriela

About The Reviewer:

Zachary Larson is a professional touring guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured as a classical chamber musician, onboard luxury cruises, and with the Broadway musicals Finding Neverland and Escape To Margaritaville. His recorded work spans from classical works and pop tunes, to mind-bending experimental music. His arrangements of orchestral music are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.

Raging Embers Reimagine Rock Classics On The New Orchestral Album ‘Dive Into The Dark’

Raging Embers is the professional name of composer/arranger, Steven Winiarz. He debuted the project in 2022, however it started two years earlier. Like the rest of the world, Winiarz found himself with an abundance of unexpected free time during the pandemic. To keep his sanity during lockdown, the lifelong musician used it as an opportunity to combine his dual passions for rock & roll and orchestral music.

The New York City native and resident worked with musicians around the world to bring his vision to life. However, his primary collaborator was much closer to home. Steven’s wife Dawn Winiarz, an exceptional vocalist and musician, produced the album. Together, the Winiarz couple set out to create orchestral versions of iconic alternative, metal and classic rock hits.

Dive into the Dark is the debut album from Raging Embers, available worldwide via all major streaming services. The 8-song collection looks at some universally familiar rock classics in a whole new light. From the timpani rumble and cinematic strings of Fleetwood Mac‘s “Big Love”, to the ethereal string arrangement of Smashing Pumpkins‘ “Soma”, the record offers fan favorites from a unique perspective.

Winiarz tastes are wide-ranging, and the album covers a lot of historical ground. Alex Chilton’s 1967 Box Tops classic “The Letter ” and Our Lady Peace‘s 1997 hit “Superman’s Dead” each get a string and piano treatment, while Bush‘s “Machine Head” finds a full orchestral arrangement. There is something for fans of every modern rock era.

Hearing well known songs in such a different light can be eye-opening. We will never listen to Green Day’s “Basket Case” the same way after hearing it performed as a beautifully melancholy solo for violin. Similarly, Raging Embers transforms Journey‘s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” into a dramatic and epic instrumental theme.

Check out Dive into the Dark in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear “The Letter” on the Deep Indie Jazz playlist and “Soma” on the Deep Indie Chill. We had the chance to chat with Steven Winiarz about the album. Read his answers to our 8 questions below. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with Raging Embers.

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Where are you from?

I am a Brooklyn native currently living in Manhattan, New York

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been a guitarist and drummer for over 20 years and started getting more into orchestral composition while studying music in college.

Who are the musicians involved in your project?

I am the primary composer and arranger. My wife, Dawn Winiarz, is an incredibly talented musician and was the producer on the album. She has a great ability to make anything she hears sound better.

I hired a dozen individual musicians from around the world via musiversal.com. It was incredible to work with them over Zoom and get a real connection during many of the Covid lockdowns.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

The biggest influence for this album came from Metallica’s S&M album where they performed with the San Francisco Symphony. Seeing how beautifully rock and orchestral music could be blended so well was inspiring. Ramin Djawadi has also been a large influence. Hearing his music on Westworld built up a huge excitement.

What inspired you to create this project?

When Covid hit a lot of people searched for ways to stay sane. With no social life I finally had the large chunks of time I needed to really focus on music. It started when I was listening to Lyndsey Buckingham perform “Big Love” and decided to mess around with it. A cathartic time filler quickly became an obsession as all I wanted to do was expand my favorite rock songs into full orchestral experiences.

What are your plans for the future (musically)?

I’m currently working on my next album which will add vocalists to the mix. I’m continuing orchestration courses to ensure the next album sounds even more exciting and expressive.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

I released Dive into the Dark as a way of having something tangible to show for all of my years of being a musician. I expected 10 people to listen to it but the reception has been better and larger than I could have dreamed.

I spent much of 2022 learning about branding and promotion. It was a significantly larger and more complex beast than I thought. You put out some music and hope people enjoy it but the reality is there is just so much music being made that it is difficult to even get it in front of people.

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'Dive into the Dark' by Steven Winiarz a.k.a. Raging Embers offers re-imagining of rock through an orchestral lens - Source: Better Auds

Dive into the Dark is the debut album from composer Steven Winiarz, who is working under the name Raging Embers. This was followed by the release of a single, Separate Ways. Dive into the Dark is a re-imagining of rock through an orchestral lens, a symphonic take on popular tracks that brings out a whole new dimension to each song and offers a unique, transcendent score with an epic style and a masterful blend of real and virtual instruments.

Dive into the Dark is a project that offers a wholly new way of listening to these well-known tracks. It turns them into something novel, exciting, and a little dark, with a symphonic sound that is sure to thrill fans of instrumentals, those looking for new and original takes on the songs they love, and those who want a spectacular set of orchestral arrangements. Dive into the Dark and the whole approach of the Raging Embers projects brings an exciting aspect of the songs to the forefront: they transport the listener to other realms and worlds, they inspire the feeling of an adventure.

Dive into the Dark will please fans of rock who are looking for orchestral arrangements, but it is also likely to thrill those who might not have listened to the songs in this way before. Winiarz offers a thrilling combination of instrumentals that inspires the same feeling as a full orchestra and creates an amazing effect.

Dive into the Dark also features a beautiful cover that reflects the mood of the album: dark, orchestral, and fantastic. The project is a solid endeavour from start to finish, with a distinct aesthetic, solid composition, and gorgeous covers that unveil a whole new side to rock songs without losing their essence.

Dive into the Dark began during the pandemic as a project that meant to turn Fleetwood Mac’s songs into an orchestral version. Today, the album is fully available with an effective artistic vision and a beautiful musical arrangement. It consists of eight tracks that make the most out of the orchestral arrangements and also of the original meaning and sound of the music Winiarz chose to include.

You can find it streaming on Apple Music. If you are interested in the project Raging Embers, make sure to follow it on several platforms and stay tuned for new releases from the composer Steven Winiarz. This was a solo project from this New York-based artist, and it shows a lot of promise for future releases that are sure to achieve equally impressive orchestral arrangements.

Dive into the Dark is a unique project that takes covers to a whole new level. It explores the instrumental potential in classic rock and creates a sound that is sure to take the listener on a wild adventure and keep them hooked through all eight tracks that blend virtual and real instruments to create a unique melody with depth and power to it. It’s sure to gain a lot of fans.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Steven Winiarz, a.k.a. Raging Embers. Here are the excerpts from the interview.

Hi, Great to have you with us today! Please share with our readers about yourself.

Hi, I am an orchestral composer, songwriter, and musician. I am from New York City and currently working on large-scale orchestral pieces blended with traditional rock elements to create an enhanced sonic experience. I work with musicians from around the world to bring lively and expressive performances.

Please tell us more about your journey.

I have been a musician for over twenty years, studied formally in orchestras, and obtained a B.A. in music. Having initially started out as a percussionist and guitarist, I found myself enthralled by how much an orchestra could do. The extensive range, the aggression, the gentle emotion – all of it was possible. During and after college, I began performing with my wife, Dawn Winiarz, who is an incredibly talented singer and vocal teacher. She was also a producer on my first album, Dive into the Dark. Although I have a deep love for live performances, when Covid hit, and we were all forced inside, I had to come up with a new medium. Having little else to do with the world shut down, I was able to dedicate time and focus on exploring more orchestral composition/arrangement and began covering some of my favorite rock songs. A small project kept getting bigger, and I began working with musicians from around the world via Zoom to piece together a virtual orchestra. That project turned into my first album, and I am excited to be currently working on my second album.

What inspires your music?

My music strives to expand the listener’s musical palette and bring orchestral music to audiences that don’t typically find themselves putting it on. By re-imagining well-known rock songs through the lens of an orchestra, we are able to appreciate many elements that may not have stuck out in the original. For example, the beautiful vocal melody and harmony in Green Day’s “Basket Case” may not be fully appreciated when combined with the more aggressive pop-punk elements.

By changing the feel of a song, it also provides additional options for listeners to fit their current mood. The hard-hitting “Superman’s Dead” by Our Lady Peace may not find its way onto your relaxation playlist, but this intimate piano and expressive violin rendition surely should.

What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?

I initially focused first on developing a deep understanding of my tools. This started with my DAW, which was Ableton, and now is Studio One. I spent dozens of hours going through courses and learning as much as I could so that I could later focus on the music composition and not technical limitations. Next, I tried learning about virtual instrument libraries so that I could get as realistic of a sound for my demos as possible. I did in-depth research comparing VST libraries from various companies until I found the sounds and articulations I was looking for. Researching virtual instrument libraries can quickly become addicting, and I found myself wanting every single one I looked at. Much of my first album used Spitfire libraries for the demos.

With my tools in place, I began composing and arranging. Whenever I found myself feeling stuck or not satisfied with a chord progression or melody, I took a few hours to take some courses of those specific topics to feel inspired and expand my knowledge.

Very early on, I realized that while individual tracks sounded great, the entire mix was awful. Having not mixed before, I had even more research to do to get a basic understanding of mixing and mastering. I used Izotope’s tools and went through all of their videos, and while I am not great at mixing, I am significantly better.

Setting aside dedicated chunks of time was crucial. In those times, I had to be purposeful about what I was using that time for. A lot of it was deciding if I was going to focus on technical aspects, like installing/organizing VST and audio files, learning, or actually creating music. This helped me avoid jumping around too much and stay focused.

Any message for our readers?

Have a sense of purpose and focus on what you are doing. There are a ton of distractions that can throw you off course. Truly understand that your first draft of anything is going to likely be very far off from the finished product.

A large amount of songwriting/composing is about re-writing/adjusting what you have already done. Do not compare your first draft to someone’s final draft. If you feel like you’ve got something really good, but it just doesn’t sound right, try changing the instrumentation or tempo.

Fantastic! So tell us, how can people find out more about you?

You can visit the website or follow on Instagram @ragingembersmusic.

Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!

This year, New York composer and musician Steven Winiarz started his solo project, Raging Embers, on digital platforms with the album “Dive into the Dark”. The artist's idea is to reread classic rock songs through an orchestral look, devoid of lyrics. The track that re-reads “My God Is the Sun”, by the band Queens of the Stone Age, is one of the highlights.

After this debut, the artist released two singles: “Basket Case” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”. Our expectation is that Steven continues to work his miracles.

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