Pre-orders are now available for classical crossover artist Christopher Mothersole's newest album, Press Start, releasing October 2026 on all major streaming platforms and limited-run vinyl.​​​​​

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WHAT IS PRESS START?

This album is a passion project four years in the making, inspired by the sound world of video games old and new. Performed entirely on clarinet & bass clarinet with guitar effect pedals, Press Start combines classical composition techniques with the rhythmic gestures & harmonic language of video game soundtracks, drawing inspiration from Nintendo Game Boy titles such as Pokémon Red & Blue to modern games such as Hollow Knight. A compelling addition to the classical crossover genre answering the "What If?" of the possibilities of using pedal effects with classical wind instruments, Press Start has something for everyone's inner gamer.

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A CLASSICAL CONCEPT ALBUM

Press Start was conceived as a concept album: Every track is unified by a common theme or narrative. Though not affiliated with any particular video game, the album guides the listener through moods at different stages of a game: the exposition, the opening fight sequence, venturing into the dark underground tunnels, the church sanctuary where your character finds rest after defeat, etc. The listener interprets their own imaginary gaming experience and ultimately determines what becomes of their character at the end of the story.

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WHY VINYL?​​

Listening to music on vinyl is as much a visual art as it is a musical one. Album artwork was chosen carefully to compliment the musical narrative on a larger visual canvas, and the transparent blue vinyl record completes the electric blue color palette. Liner notes detail each track and include copies of handwritten sketches from the compositional process. This vinyl run is limited to 100 copies – Pre-order yours today while supplies last!