(Mute) Maps - aka James Chapman – will release his new album, "Turning The Mind" via Mute on October 20th 2009. The album's first single "I Dream Of Crystal" – released digitally September 15th 2009 – features the album version plus remix and dub versions from Solo and Steve Lawler. "This was one of the first tracks I wrote for the new record and for me it encapsulates the vibe of the whole album – both the highs and the lows. This one is definitely a high tho' – a proper, blessed-out, euphoric monster," says Chapman of writing "I Dream Of Crystal."
Turning The Mind, recorded with Tim Holmes (Death in Vegas) at the Contino Rooms in London, is Maps' second album and follows the Mercury Prize shortlisted debut We Can Create (2007).
Talking about the album, James Chapman explains, "Turning The Mind" is essentially an album which explores themes related to the human mind and the way certain stimuli, particularly chemical, can affect the mind in different ways. A recurring theme throughout the album is that of the 'journey of extremes'. An example of this could be from 'depression' to 'euphoria' (or 'abyss' to 'bliss', if you like).
The title comes from the cognitive therapy practice of 'Mindfulness' which I came across a few years ago, taught by Professor Marsha M. Linehan. It is a practice which, in simple terms, takes negative thoughts and turns them towards positive ones by accepting reality as it is, however bad it may be."
"Turning The Mind" is a true statement of Maps' music at this precise moment.