New single release! 'Falling in Circles' by Changeling! + ACM Guitar & Bass Summit masterclass/review!

The second single from the upcoming self-titled debut album by 'Changeling' has just been released! Watch it at the link above, and you can pre-order/pre-save the album here - the album comes out on the 25th April: https://orcd.co/changelingchangeling

I recorded this video in Berlin (Germany) back in May 2023, so it's great that it's finally seeing the light of day - those lasers were crazy! Enjoy!

"Prepare to be mesmerized as CHANGELING, the audacious brainchild of musical maverick Tom “Fountainhead” Geldschläger, unveils the latest single Falling in Circles from the highly anticipated self-titled album, set for release on April 25th through Season of Mist. With all rhythm guitar & bass parts recorded on fretless instruments, Falling in Circles pushes for innovation while staying rooted in the fierce technicality and aggression of the genre.

The track’s recurring arpeggio motif, a deliberate nod to Tom’s past as a writer & performer in the tech-death genre, specifically the title track of Obscura’s billboard-chart entering “Akroasis” album, seamlessly weaving nostalgia into its complex & forward-thinking tapestry.

Furthermore, the band juxtaposes heroic fretted guitar solos with the ethereal timbre of fretless guitars, creating a soundscape that is both rooted in the past of the genre as well as looking into the future – just like the “Changeling” album itself is a conceptual juggernaut, evolving from lovingly embracing expectations and paying tribute to the greats of the genre in its first act (a fact hammered home by guest appearances by members of legendary act Death, Cynic & I Am Morbid) into daring and exciting new realms of compositional mastery & death-defying performances.

Morean, Arran and Mike’s contributions are nothing short of extraordinary. Each note they play, each rhythm they conjure, is imbued with their individual artistic touch, ensuring that Falling in Circles stands as a unique entity within Changeling’s conceptual debut album. Their collective virtuosity elevates the track, making it a cornerstone of the album’s narrative & lyrical journey through the psychedelic experience.

With the song itself sitting comfortably between the aggression of death metal and the melodic sensibilities of modern progressive metal, the middle section of Falling in Circles breaks away from genre-conventions altogether, introducing a string section that evokes the orchestral grandeur of Weltseele, a track which was also written by Tom. Ally Storch (Subway To Sally) wields her violin, viola, and cello with a virtuosity that amplifies the track’s emotional depth and textural richness. The collaboration extends further with Alex Kerski (Vianova) on backing vocals, adding layers of harmonic brilliance to the composition."

Watch the music video, created by Chris Hesse / Strangeworks_ on the Season of Mist YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/7TZ8yXv8TMA.

Changeling is out April 25th via Season of Mist.

➤ Pre-order & Pre-save here: https://orcd.co/changelingchangeling

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ACM Guitar & Bass Summit review

I was honoured to be asked to do a masterclass at the 2025 ACM Guitar and Bass Summit, after taking part last year as well. Last year I also did a set with Matt Appleby, where we played our latest acoustic EP songs, among some others arranged just for the day.

With Guy Pratt at the ACM Guitar and Bass Summit 2025

This year however, I was asked if I could also show around and interview the inspiring Guy Pratt - and of course I said yes! Many of the tracks that he played on were the soundtrack of my childhood (Earth Song/Like a Prayer/Murder on the Dance Floor...!), and whenever he released a new video from his Lockdown Licks series during the pandemic it would be one of the highlights of my week. I got to ask him the 'standard questions'while also mediating questions from the audience. He also had his latest book available and signed a copy for me, which was really kind of him!

Also playing and doing a Meet & Greet on the day was Chris Wolstenholme of Muse, whose masterclass I was able to catch the end of - and because his Meet & Greet was happening straight after my masterclass in the same room, ended up meeting him a few times throughout the day (including taking Guy to see him for them to have a quick chat about basses). I have some great Muse memories from my childhood and it was great to see that he was also really friendly and humble.

My masterclass was titled 'Beyond Bass' and was about expanding the possibilities of the instrument, with influence from other instruments and cultures. I also played through some Utopia (Withering Away and Laughing), Virvum (Tentacles of the Sun) and Vipassi (Phainesthai) tracks, as well as attempted to play along to the Charlie Parker solo I recently transcribed!

I filmed the whole one-hour masterclass, and over the next few weeks I'll be uploading the whole recording in sections to my YouTube channel - so go and subscribe (and 'ring the bell'!) to get the videos as they come out! I'll try to be brave enough to upload it warts and all (it's more stressful playing in front of a room of bass players than in front of 10,000 people!).

If after watching the videos you want more information about the topics or exercises I'm discussing and would like to contact me for lessons, then please feel free to reach out to me via my website Contact page.

Here's Part 1:

Until next time!

Arran