Welcome back, wanderers.
It’s been a whirlwind since the last dispatch — new reviews, big releases, and even bigger projects taking shape. From the soundscapes of the studio to the adventures at the table, here’s where the realms have been moving.
Paths Through the Realms
From the Studio
Resonance Alley Released
The alleyways have opened. On September 19th, Resonance Alley officially stepped into the world, carrying its blend of moody atmospheres and pulsing undercurrents. This release marked the second step in my current run of singles, following Sail Away, and it’s already finding listeners across streaming platforms.
If you haven’t wandered down its neon-lit path yet, now’s the time to step inside:
👉 Listen to Resonance Alley
Dead Love – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The shadows descend this Friday, October 3rd, with the release of Dead Love – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. This one has been brewing quietly in the background for some time, and I can’t begin to say how excited I am to finally share it with you. It’s a score that leans into atmosphere and unease, but also carries moments of fragile beauty — a haunting reflection of the film it was created for.
To bring it to life, I’ve been preparing a full suite of digital assets — visuals, teasers, and behind-the-scenes touches — so you’ll see Dead Love threading its way through my music profiles in the days to come. You can read more here:
👉 Dead Love OST Release Info
And this is only the beginning. October will be steeped in Halloween shadows — inanimate dolls may soon march across your feed, and if you linger too long, you might just find Mister Stichs waiting around the corner. And then… the whispers. If all goes to plan, a brand-new single will arrive on October 31st, offering the first glimpse into the next great project taking shape.
Ambient Highways – Vinyl & CD
Ambient Highways continues to find new roads. Vinyl and CD sales have been rising steadily, and it’s been an absolute joy to see listeners share their experiences — from heartfelt written reviews on the shop pages to video reviews showing off the sound and presentation.
One recent listener shared this:
“I took a chance on Ambient Highways. I am so glad I did, it does not disappoint. The music is very relaxing. I am usually a rock guy but have grown to love some softer music. I definitely recommend this album, the sound quality is phenomenal. I had my copy autographed by Keith. If you’re considering this album, take the chance — you won’t regret it.”
To those who have already added this journey to your collection — thank you. From me and my family, your support means more than words can capture. Every copy that ships out helps light another stretch of the highway.
Speaking of Album Releases…
In addition to vinyl, CDs, and the usual streaming platforms, I’ve finally taken the step of putting my entire catalog up on SoundCloud. Honestly, I’m not sure why it took me this long — but for those of you who enjoy using SoundCloud as your go-to streaming platform, now you can explore the full journey there.
Whether you’re discovering the music for the first time or revisiting older favorites, I hope it gives you another easy way to connect with these soundscapes.
Release Candidate 0 – The Next Big Project
And lastly from the studio — but certainly not in the least — comes what I’m calling the Next Big Thing. Behind the curtain, I’ve finalized Release Candidate 0 for a project that I believe will stand as one of the most ambitious works I’ve created to date.
It’s big enough that I’m planning a crowdfunding campaign to support full production on both vinyl and CD, with a very unique reward option that I’ve never offered before. I’ve also elected to share this early version with a very specific set of trusted ears, and the responses have been overwhelming:
*“HOLY ********!!! THIS TOTALLY DOES NOT SUCK!!!!”
“This is an epic double album. It deserves the full length youtube treatment with visuals.”
“I think this is, without a doubt, your finest work. The hair on the back of my neck is standing up.”
I’m not quite ready to reveal everything, but the foundations are in place, and the first step into this new world will arrive soon. If all goes according to plan, a brand-new single will be released on October 31st — your first glimpse into the sound and scope of what’s to come. The whispers are already there… you just have to listen closely.
Reviews from the Aural Realms
One of the things I love most about Reviews from the Aural Realms is the sheer range of music I get to explore. Recent reviews have spanned everything from cinematic rock operas to delicate ambient soundscapes — and now, a rainforest-inspired journey and a jazz album brimming with life. Each one reminds me how vast and vibrant the world of music really is.
Hale ‘I’iwi – Songs from the Rainforest by Joanne Lazzaro
Joanne Lazzaro’s album is a love letter to the natural world, capturing the pulse and breath of the rainforest through flute, percussion, and textured soundscapes. Writing this review felt like stepping into a living ecosystem — full of color, motion, and serenity. It’s not just music; it’s a reminder of how deeply sound can connect us back to nature.
Life: A Jazz Intervention by Rebecca Harrold
Rebecca Harrold’s work shines with warmth and vitality, weaving intricate jazz compositions with heartfelt emotion. This album is a tapestry of groove and grace, balancing technical sophistication with genuine soul. Reviewing it gave me the chance to reflect on how music can intervene in our everyday lives — pulling us into joy, energy, and renewal.
Each review was a joy to write, both as a listener and as someone who loves to dig into the stories and emotions behind the music.
If you’re an artist yourself and would like to see your work thoughtfully reviewed, I’m now offering this as a service — honest, in-depth reviews that shine a light on your music. You can learn more and request a review here:
👉 Request a Review
You can also browse all past Reviews from the Aural Realms here:
👉 View the Full Archive
From the Table
It's time to StartPlaying
While the studio has been demanding much of my focus, the dice are starting to roll again. Slowly but surely, the TTRPG side of the realms is moving forward.
I’ll soon be setting up game sessions on StartPlaying Games — beginning with my Elemental Vaults one-shot for those who want to jump into the action. Alongside that, I’m developing a brand-new adventure that will head to playtesting soon. Once the session details are live, I’ll share everything so you can sign up and join the fun.
And of course, there’s Thornwood’s Shadow, patiently waiting at the table. With a little breathing room now that some of the music push has eased, I believe I can finally sit down and record the next session this week. It’s been a longer delay than I planned, and for that I apologize — but if only I could roll up a character with extra arms, I’d have multitasked my way through it all by now. 🎲
If your interest lies mainly with the tabletop side of things, you can always explore my dedicated TTRPG site at theoldbard.com, or subscribe directly to the TTRPG-focused mailing list here: Subscribe for TTRPG Updates. Of course, I’d love for you to remain subscribed here too, where Dispatches from the Realms brings sound and story together.
Coming Up
The weeks ahead promise no shortage of movement across the realms.
First, the Dead Love Original Motion Picture Soundtrack arrives this Friday, October 3rd — setting the stage for a month filled with haunted atmosphere. Keep an eye out for Halloween shadows spilling into your feeds, from inanimate dolls making their march to the lurking presence of Mister Stichs, waiting just around the corner.
And then there are the whispers. If all goes according to plan, a brand-new single will be released on October 31st — the very first glimpse of my next major project. This one is big enough to merit a full crowdfunding campaign to bring it to life on vinyl and CD, with some unique rewards I’ve never offered before. More details will emerge soon, but for now… listen closely.
The season of shadows is only just beginning.
Until the next door opens
The wheel keeps turning, and with it the soundscapes and story realms continue to shift — from music that carries you into haunted places, to the dice waiting patiently at the table, to whispers of what lies just beyond the veil.
Thank you for walking these paths with me, whether you’re here for the sound, the story, or the strange in-between spaces where both collide. Your support lights the way forward.
See you in the next clearing…
and we’ll palaver a while.
Long days and pleasant nights,
— Keith Richie
Maestoso – Gunslinger of Sound | The Old Bard