Album Notes

Civilization is a duo comprised of Doug de Forest, (instruments, producer) and Alfa-Fenix (vocals and guitar), two artists in their own right who have joined forces to achieve a higher goal. Both are experienced writers and performers, having traveled the world on the strength of their talent.

De Forest and Alfa-Fenix began working together in 1996 after their meeting in the UK. Their influences go from traditional soul (Otis Redding, Bill Withers.), classical and country, to Seal, Peter Gabriel, Jazzy B and Soul to Soul, dance, jungle, drum 'n bass, and hip hop. Their backgrounds, though very different, formed and shaped the concept that Civilization encompasses today.

Doug de Forest, founder and mastermind of Civilization has toured and performed as a drummer with everyone from Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Ben E. King, to Michael Jackson, and Patrick O' Hearn, while Alfa-Fenix has written and performed with international tunesmith Adamski, as well as doing solo tours throughout Europe and the U.K.

Civilization's recently completed latest album, and first ever DVD release, not only embrace new technologies as artistic media, but push the envelope itself in a quest for new and exciting outlets. Throughout Civilization's album, there remains a constant presence of standard acoustic instruments and sounds; ancient sounds and ultra-modern sounds co-exist "to achieve a timeless quality," states de Forest. "The songs incorporate the sounds and images of the world's enormous library. Tribal and primitive sounds indicate what is necessary or important to take with us into the future - myths, legends; our most primal elements."

Civilization is now performing live shows and touring. Shows feature guest artists and instrumentalists from around the world, while their music is enhanced by synchronized, full-motion video of global imagery. Initial responses have been extremely flattering.

E.C.E. Worldwide A&R Industry Newsletter had this to say...

I am incorporating a note that came from an A&R friend of on this band. This is the thing that made me want to learn more about this band and hopefully it will do the same for you. "So I checked out Doug de Forest's group Civilization last night, and I swear I have never seen anything like it before in my life. They call it "Global Pop" but I call it Seal meets NIN with some Electronica thrown in. What got me was the live show. Five guys (singer, guitar, bass, DJ and Doug on drums). It's a total electronic/visual experience. Video monitors streaming images completely in sync with the music and drum triggers that correspond with the TV. I'm probably not doing the description justice so you should see it for yourself."So I popped in this enhanced disc and found it more intriguing than the description my friend gave me. The band is definitely a reflection of all he said, but I can not believe the passion the band exudes on this disc. Pure musicianship meets the new technology we have today. They are talented at incorporating new sounds and amazing twists to their tunes, a feat that most artists cannot accomplish these days. Together with the CD that was sent to me was a DVD single which included two videos and remixes. Civilization is way ahead of itself. You need to check this band out, that is if you want to be ahead of the pack.