Turning the Mind

Maps - aka James Chapman - recorded Turning the Mind with Tim Holmes (Death in Vegas) at the Contino Rooms in London. Maps' second album follows the Barclaycard Mercury Prize shortlisted debut We Can Create. Talking about the album, 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 toward positive ones by accepting reality as it is, however bad it may be."