released July 19, 2019

All tracks written, performed and produced by Nick Standing
Recorded, mixed and mastered at JabunAudio by Nick Standing
Album artwork by Nick Standing
Meteor Shower lyric video and animated visuals by Vladimir Kuznetsov of World Beyond
www.youtube.com/c/worldbeyondsoundtracks
Press and lyric sheet photography by Roxi Abbott @roxisound

As with every heartfelt project like this, I couldn’t have done it alone and I’d like to extend my biggest thanks to a great few people who helped make the Hopes and Dreams album possible:

First of all, I cannot thank Vladimir Kuznetsov enough for his amazing lyric video for Meteor Shower, stylish animated visuals for the rest of the video streaming uploads, as well as the countless hours being my 2nd set of ears, proof listening to the project and pushing me to be a better and better audio engineer with each passing year. This album wouldn’t be nearly as good without all your support and help since 2013 and I can’t wait to lend my strings and ears to our next collaborative project together when the time comes!

Next, a huge thanks to Martin for gifting me his old (but MUCH newer than mine) music production computer as well as continually supporting and encouraging my musical endeavours since before I even picked up a guitar. I also want to thank my friend since childhood James for helping me fix up the new computer via the many tech-support phone calls last year, as well as his support and musical discussion whenever I’m back in my home town. I’m a firm believer in working around your limits to let creativity blossom, but the unprecedented headroom of computing power the new PC offered allowed me to pursue my creative goals for this album to the full with ease and comfort, and it simply would not have been the same without Martin’s generosity and James’ tech support. Thank you both so much!

Next, a big thanks to Nathan for his boundless BTTB directed enthusiasm since Two Years On and all the great discussion sorting out the cover artwork for the album. I also want to thank my Uncle Mark for the fantastic photo he took of the West Pier in Brighton which was one of the key reference materials when painting the final artwork.

Another big thanks goes to Bob Axell AKA Cyberdevil who rapped an amazing guest verse on Head Above Water from the Two Years On album, for always being a great guy to chat with and allowing me to sample our collaborative track together. I also want to give a shout out to the other featured performer in the BTTB discography Andy Forman, for his amazing support and enthusiasm since the start.

Another huge thanks goes to Meg for their fantastic PR work for the Hopes and Dreams album and support for BTTB and Jabun since Two Years On. Thanks for all the time and energy you’ve put into this campaign and all the previous times we’ve worked together. Many thanks too to Roxi, Sam and my brother Eamon for helping with the press photos for the campaign (also used for the lyric sheets) as well as their love and support in everything I do.

Next a huge thanks to the beta testing team: Vlad (again), David (also thanks for all the promo you do), Anthony and my brother Eamon (again). Thanks for all the feedback throughout the album’s production, proof listening, artwork discussion (along with Nathan and Eva), as well as always being terrific fun to be around! I also want to thank all my supporters on Patreon with special mention to the DEMOlition Pigeons & $10+ patrons, Michael White & Bob Roberts for helping keep my head above water while I pursue these passion projects. Your contribution goes a long way and I really can’t thank you enough!

Finally I’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone who’s been a part of my life since Two Years On and before. A huge thanks to my twin brother Eamon for always pushing me to be a better musician, keeping me equipped in the studio, and all the jams from Black Sabbath to BTTB throughout the years. A kiss and hug and boundless thanks to my everything buddy Eva who’s always pushing me to be the best version of myself possible, keeping me inspired, motivated and sane everyday and allowing me to pursue my hopes and dreams whether the times are good or tough. A huge thanks to my parents for their love and support and looking after my not-at-the-studio instruments for when I’m back in my hometown. I hope you don’t miss the rumbling above the kitchen too much. A big thanks to the rest of my friends and family for their support, discussion and inspiration, and lastly, a massive thanks to you who are reading and listening, whether you’re new to BTTB or have been following since the start. Without you there would be no-one to hear the music I’ve poured my heart into, and I hope it brings you many hours of listening pleasure for years to come.

Sample Credits:

01 - The Hardest Part
“Confessions” - Better Than The Book (from the "Two Years On" album)

08 - GG
“Head Above Water (feat Cyberdevil)” - Better Than The Book & Cyberdevil (from the "Two Years On" album)

Additional samples from freesound.org and various royalty free libraries

Follow Better Than The Book:
www.patreon.com/NickStanding
www.facebook.com/BetterThanTheBookUK
twitter.com/BTTB_UK
betterthanthebookuk.weebly.com

Better Than The Book is Nick Standing, AKA Jabun and anything he can find in the moment to create his beloved ska punk project. Keep up with his other musical endeavours and adventures on Patreon, the JabunAudio website, Facebook and Twitter.
www.patreon.com/NickStanding
www.jabunaudio.com
www.facebook.com/JabunAudio/
twitter.com/HurpADervish

Copyright Better Than The Book 2019