Welcome back, wanderers.
In this edition of Dispatches from the Realms, we chart the latest movements across the soundscapes and story realms of Other Worlds Than These — from long-awaited releases to quiet signals stirring just beneath the surface.
You may notice a change in the banner above. What was once This Week from Other Worlds Than These has now become Dispatches from the Realms. This shift better reflects the nature of these updates — not merely tied to the turning of a week, but delivered whenever the realms stir with news worth sharing. Think of these as missives carried by trusted couriers, arriving when the winds of creation shift and new tales are ready to be told.
From the Studio
The past stretch has been a lively one in the soundscapes, with fresh visuals, new writings, and special moments both in the studio and beyond. From ongoing creative releases to personal milestones, here’s what’s been unfolding since the last dispatch.
One of the biggest personal highlights since the last dispatch happened off my own stage — my daughter Jennifer (aka Faith or Richie) performed live at Southside Music Hall in Dallas with her friend and drummer, Jayce. I put together a highlight reel that also includes clips from an earlier show on May 31, and I couldn’t be prouder to share it with you. Watch the video here.
New Album Art Visualizers Across the Catalog
The visual journey continues as new Album Art Visualizers roll out across my music catalog, pairing immersive soundscapes with striking visuals. Each release is followed by a short-form clip two days later, giving listeners a quick taste before inviting them into the full experience. These visualizers not only spotlight recent works but also breathe new life into older tracks, allowing the music to be rediscovered in a fresh, cinematic way. You can explore an example in the Ambient Highways Visualizer Playlist.
Reviews from the Aural Realms – The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance
The latest entry in my Reviews from the Aural Realms series takes a deep dive into The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance. This one was special — a collaborative effort with my wife, blending our perspectives into a detailed reflection on the album’s emotional and musical impact. From its theatrical scope to its raw vulnerability, we unpacked why this modern rock opera still resonates nearly two decades after its release. You can read the full review here: The Black Parade – Reviews from the Aural Realms.
Final Preparations for Sail Away Release
The voyage toward Sail Away’s launch is nearly complete, with its worldwide release set for this Friday, August 15. Interestingly, this wasn’t the single I had originally planned to release. The shift came after working on a new version for Misty the Ambient Shih-Tzu livestreams — a process that gave the track fresh energy and made it the clear choice for my next release.
As part of the lead-up, I’ve been sharing an exclusive Behind the Scenes video series for Patreon members at the Bardic Inspiration tier. The series began with 🎶 Musical Mysteries & Alchemy: Behind The Music – August 2025 Single (Part 1), followed by 🎶 Musical Mysteries & Alchemy: Behind The Music – August 2025 Single (Part 2), each offering a deeper look into the song’s journey and evolution. Work is already underway on Part 3, which will bring the story even closer to release day. You can still pre-save Sail Away here to be among the first to hear it when it drops.
Refined Ambient Highways Product Visuals and Descriptions
To give Ambient Highways the presentation it deserves, I spent time refining the product imagery and descriptions for both the vinyl and CD editions. The updated visuals highlight the translucent deep purple and blue double LP set, the cyberpunk-inspired disc sleeves, and the 3-panel CD gatefold with its galaxy artwork. Alongside these, the descriptions now better capture the album’s cinematic feel and emotional depth, ensuring that whether someone encounters Ambient Highways in my shop or elsewhere, it leaves a strong first impression. You can explore it here: Ambient Highways Collection.
Updated Link Hubs and Social Bio Links
I refreshed my online link hubs to make it easier for listeners to explore my full music catalog and connect with all my creative projects from a single place. This included updating my main music hub, which now features streamlined navigation to my official site, streaming platforms, and other key destinations. I’d love for you to check it out and share your thoughts — your feedback helps me make sure it’s as useful and inviting as possible.
Misty the Ambient Shih-Tzu Livestreams Continue
Misty continues to hold court in the studio, her calm presence accompanied by a rotating selection of my music. The livestreams offer a cozy window into our creative space, blending soft lighting, relaxing visuals, and the gentle rhythm of Misty’s daily life. Whether you stop by for a few minutes or keep it running in the background, it’s a peaceful way to experience the music in a more personal setting — with Misty as your ever-watchful host. You can watch her in action in the Loaf & Loops: Ambient Livestreams with Misty, Guardian of the Realms playlist.
Published Misty’s Rescue Story Blog Post
After several people who caught the livestream or videos featuring Misty asked about her story, I decided it was time to share it in full. The new blog post tells how she came into our lives, the challenges she’s faced, and how she became the inspiration behind the livestreams. It’s a mix of heartfelt moments and the joy she’s brought to the studio. You can read the full story here: Misty’s Story.
Richie's Concert Performance in Dallas
On August 9, my daughter Jennifer (aka Faith or Richie) took the stage at the Southside Music Hall in Dallas — joined by her friend and drummer, Jayce — and I couldn’t be prouder. She delivered two amazing songs on bass, and while she’s also an accomplished guitar player, these performances showed another side of her talent. I put together a highlight reel that also includes clips from an earlier concert on May 31, 2025, so you can see both shows in one video. Watch it here: Jennifer Live – Southside Music Hall & May 31 Concert Highlights.
From the Table
While no dice hit the table for a full session this time, the creative gears are still turning behind the scenes. I’ve been tending to notes and ideas for both Society of the Green Feather and Thornwood’s Shadow, making sure the stories are ready to pick up right where we left off. The plan is to record the next session of Thornwood’s Shadow on Wednesday, August 13, and — if all goes well — be prepared to record that evening’s Society of the Green Feather session as well. These quiet stretches are often when the best twists and encounters take shape, so when the party gathers again, they’ll find the realms more alive (and perhaps more dangerous) than ever.
Progress here was a bit lighter than usual, partly because my focus was pulled toward another exciting project — something I’ll hint at in the Coming Up section below.
Coming Up
A couple of weeks ago, as my wife and I were leaving a much-needed lunch at our favorite hot pot place, we came up with an idea — an idea we don’t believe anyone has fully realized yet. We were both so excited about it that the very next day, I started pouring all of my creative energy into it, spending the next several days deep in prototyping.
I’m not ready to reveal exactly what it is just yet, but I can tell you it’s the perfect “thing” for collectors. The groundwork is already taking shape, and I’m looking forward to sharing more as it moves from concept to reality.
Until the next door opens
The wheel keeps turning.
Thank you again for being part of these other worlds than these — whether you come for the sound, the story, or the strange in-between places where both meet.
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