In order to trigger people’s awareness and sensitivity to issues, the news and current events must be told through the written word. Having art and music reinforce this helps spread the message faster and with even more depth, which is vital when it comes to stories such as those found in The Outlaw Ocean. Ian’s reporting is indispensable to understanding a world that might otherwise remain removed from the daily lives of many. As such, it’s important to draw attention to it through evocative stories, like those in the chapters “Adelaide’s Voyage” and “The Middlemen,” as well as song. With my tracks, I tried to create music that has a dramatic and intense atmosphere that mirrors the tales in the book. I hope to take the reader on a journey of the imagination — getting as close as possible to the stories and the characters in The Outlaw Ocean.

Daniele Leoni