Hailstone King by Gabriel Gifford
Years before the tenure of ice, a traveler sought out a King. For it was believed only he had the power to relieve their sickness, and that too of their family. The traveler was just a child, but their spirit and shrewdness were far beyond their years.
There were many tales of the King’s residence. Some said there was a great palace of beaming lights and spectacle, to the east of the Mill region. Others claimed his rule had been long defeated, with the King exiled in the tundric caves of Whitebrooke’s End - with nothing for company but a sled and six fine dogs. Of greater importance, however, the solace that the traveler might find in their quest. A morsel of distraction and purpose found in their existence.
Setting off across the expanse, the vastness seemed perilous and vacant. No direction. No voice from the wind. The traveler had no choice but to trust intuition and learn divinity from within. A storm was brewing in them, while a soft, but prophetic wind snagged at their shoes. They thought of their father. Their thoughts were fond but were spared few in comparison to those of their stoic Mother. Their father at their feet, they set forth - with every step daring themself to glimpse into the uncertainty of their journey.
----------
‘Hailstone King’ is a concept mini-album based on a short story of the same name, written and produced by Berlin-based artist, Gabriel Gifford. Drawing on themes such as grief, masculinity, mental health, identity, and legacy, the project is grounded in Gabriel’s experiences with his Father, who passed away in 2019.
The album was recorded between Berlin, London, Athens, Chicago, and Portland, with features from artists Aphty Khéa, Softmax, LYAM, and Liyv.
Tracklist
Videos
Credits
Written, produced, performed, and mixed by Gabriel Gifford.
Artwork by Jelly Luise.
Mastered by Kevin Tuffy.
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Berlin-based artist and producer Gabriel Gifford traverses experimental pop, creating productions that range from the sensitive to the abrasive. His solo work blends conceptual, cinematic, and folkloric elements, showcased in his debut concept album, Hailstone King.