The American Dream? Imagine if Ronald Reagan came back and was with Donald Trump in the Oval Office. How would the conversation go…? “The American Dream?” began to form as an idea while watching the vicious American presidential election of 2016. It wasn’t that I was particularly anti-Trump, or for that matter pro-Hilary Clinton (Trump’s opponent). For me, it was all about how we expected our Leaders to behave and sound. And as the year drew to a close, and to everyone’s amazement Donald Trump won, I began to realize that those expectations were changing, and changing fast. “The American Dream?” tries to capture a fleeting zeitgeist moment, the point when the old becomes superseded by the new. "The American Dream?" is an example of "Operatic Pop" - a genre the Italians used to call "Melodica." Composed and produced by Simon Roberts, himself a former opera singer, "The American Dream?" is his debut commercial recording. On the Operatic Pop stage created by "The American Dream?" an epic encounter between Presidents Reagan and Trump takes place, using sampled sound-bites taken from historic speeches given by both men. And as President Trump dismisses The American Dream as “dead,” President Reagan appeals on behalf of its spirit and nature, seeking to redefine the real meaning of The American Dream. But is he too late? Once all the rhetoric and oration is over, what is the real fate of "The American Dream?" Production Credits: Written, performed and produced by Simon Roberts, except: Lead Guitar solos: Andrew Keeping (keepingmusic.co.uk) Trumpet Solo: Oliver Preece Final Mixing / Mastering: Aliki Rodgers This was a joy to put together, and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to everybody who has helped along the way. A very special thanks to my two Royal Academy of Music alumni and friends, Andrew Keeping (Guitar solos) and Oliver Preece (Piccolo Trumpet solo). Guys - your playing on this record is sublime, and the fun we had putting it together was unforgettable. We have done the RAM proud! In addition, I’d like to acknowledge some legendary names, established artists and executives who have given generously of their time and expertise, and in all honesty without whom this debut, and the album which follows, would not have been possible: The one and only Man Parrish (for everything!), Aliki Rodgers (for the beautiful Masters), Alan Bailey (grizzlymedia.co.uk for technical advice), DJs Mark Maddox (UK for the dance remix) and Greg Mitchinson (USA for the amazing drums), Ian Tregoning, Chris Carvalho, and special thanks to both Jonathan King and Tom Robinson. The album "Operatic Pop" will be released later in 2017.