When I began working on new pieces after the release of my first album, I had a few objectives in the back of my mind. I wanted to push myself further and use different methods to create my music. I wanted the pieces to be more complex and technically more challenging to play, so that I could put as much emotion as possible into each melody. I also wanted to make use of more instruments than just the piano. Having taught myself to score for an orchestra, and being friends with some incredibly talented musicians, there was no need for me to limit myself. By far my favourite pieces on the album are the two where I have collaborated with friends. Not only are they the most enjoyable to work on, but James Mitchell's fantastic guitar and Paige Harrison's beautiful voice lend themselves to my piano style and add a whole new dimension to the music. I was incredibly lucky this time around to record the majority of my work at the world-famous East West Studios in Los Angeles. I was playing a gorgeous Steinway, the very same piano used for recording by the likes of Stevie Wonder. Being there was hugely inspirational, walking the same halls as Elvis Presley once had, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Matt