As promised, I took the raw riffs from last week and did something with them. Really just the best riff from that session and turned that into a new idea.

Tired today. I wouldn't call this a song, its more of a collection of riffs without any transitions. I do like some of the riffs and you'll probably hear them in an actual song at some point in one of these compos. But for now, this is what we got.

Your love’s a horror, baby, like a hand from the grave
Reaching for my heart, pulling me into the cave

Lift me up, take me high
Through the dark we terrify

You rise from the ashes, more alive than before
But I’ll chase this madness; and it’s you I adore

Lift me up, take me high
Through the dark we terrify
Your heart’s a cutting like a knife
Oh, look what you’ve brought to life
Lift me up, take me high

Guarding the factory day and night
Keep away boredom, but ready to fight
Single eye, single mind
There are always intruders to find

Sky's on fire, we know why

Could've been avoided but no one tried

Disaster struck and ends the status quo

You only cared about your portfolio

Steel beams over shattered earth

One nation had to be the first

To fire rockets that burned so hot

So powerful they could not be fought

A reflex of retaliation

Destruction of a nation

IF

you survive you'll wish you hadn't 

If you think this is too dark

go ahead and make your mark

Bring the message to the masses

Unity before the clashes

Some small men do have the temper

And those who follow never would learn

That the means don't justify the end

End of all not worth it my friend

 

Being still in endless sky
Unknown how hard I  tried
Being vicious is unnatural
Requiring me to be in control

Control lost is nothing new
Another place we took it to
Where the chaos could talk for us
Unaware of silent chorus

Be awake in endless sea
Chain reaction reverie
Loyalty but for a fee
Pay the price and bend the knee

Battles we could never win
Never finding strength within
Revenger will twist the knife
Falling to escape this life

Being sly to cross the gap
Always doubt the mental map
Heat will only trap
Holding us away

Being quick in desert sand
Traveling across the land

Being sly to cross the gap
Always doubt the mental map
Heat will only trap the fold
Holding us away

Battles we could never win
Never finding strength within
Revenger will twist the knife
Falling to escape this life

Being still in endless sky
Unknown how hard I  tried
Being vicious is unnatural
Requiring to be in control

Shattered on the floor
You wanted it much more
Than you knew you did
Hurts you to the core

Lost it all again
And you just can't win
They'll tell you do not try
To get to the top

Dangerous are those
Who don't know what they want
When found they froze
and the dead will haunt

Like the pins falling over
Lucky as a three-leaf clover
you're the one that drove her
out and to another lover

Dangerous are those
Who don't know what they want
When found they froze
and the dead will haunt

Don't you like your drink with your orange peel
Seems so interesting but its not real
The cadence of the walk and the subject of the talk
Deserving of nothing more than to be mocked

Perfectly groomed and perfectly hollow
Gin up support and they always will follow
Dont't blame the rubes for being this way
Can't blame the dog when it bites you they say

Traveling up to the top
Longer way to fall if caught
Its a game to you, a thrill
Spiking drinks and handing pills

Perfectly groomed and perfectly hollow
Gin up support and they always will follow
Dont't blame the rubes for being this way
Can't blame the dog when it bites you they say

The sawdust is the bi-product
You've arrived here despite your luck
Creating is what you do
I'm not sure what you knew

Barreling toward that frustration
Breaking all my concentration
Born of the mental state
That you are what you create

Glimpse of viral simple life 
Contradiction and the strife
Being online is a strain
Eat it up like Novocain

Chasing dreams that were not to be
Consuming me, totality
Destroying you entirely
You can't say your life is free

You've got your angle on things

Not aware of the baggage it brings

You're Trying to stand apart

I won't give you my heart

Callousness might be a virtue

Casting doubt on what they knew

You had the best intentions

It got too dark to mention

Carefully I know that I have to watch my flank

Otherwise the tower falls when they pull rank

Telling everyone else they should know better

In your own brother's blood you had him write the letter

This is my manifesto
and I create what I do
You can't control the truth
But I'll search for it like a sleuth

Do you like the things you have?
Are you free to get your bag?
Transcend what you knew
You can have if you wanted to

But then when you really tried
You found out they lied
Telling only feeds the pride
Influence is not a free ride

This is your manifesto
Turns out I didn't realize
The words coming out of my mouth
Were from someone I despise

Do you like the things you have?
Are you free to get your bag?
Transcend what you knew
You can have if you wanted to

We're walking the line side by side
Mediation's something they never tried

We're walking the line side by side
Mediation's something they never tried

Basing all of your facts on only half of the scene
Where you came from doesn't determine the dream

Overwhelming power, we give it to the crowd
Darker by the hour, dreadfully so proud

Take back the power back

Don't know who to trust
Sirens bring the hush
Discression's a must
Discression's is a must

Distorted figures all around
Fading its too quick to count
Like a sermon on the mound

Hallowed is the ground that we all walked across
They're all lashing out at the ones who so impure

[Verse]
In the shadow sky so dark
A bird with a broken heart
Sings a tune so torn apart
Whispered secrets in the park

[Chorus]
In a realm of night
Where shadows play
I hear the song
Of birds at bay
Their cries, they weave
A tale so deep

[Verse]
Lift me up, the bird's song's fading
Through the noise, my heart's still aching
Lift me up, the bird's song's fading
Lift me up, my heart's still aching

[Bridge]
Shades of gray inside of me
Oh this heart just won't be free
Dissonant the melody
Find the truth in apathy

[Chorus]
In a realm of night
Where shadows play
I hear the song
Of birds at bay
Their cries, they weave
A tale so deep

[Outro]
Hear the bird's song in the night
Echoes fading out of sight
Memories take to the flight
All the wrongs won't make it right

Files fade to gray

Memories slip away

Bit by bit they fray

Photos full of cheer

Now they disappear

Gone year after year

I say save your dreams today

Don't let them decay, don't let them decay

Bit by bit they bust

Change becomes a must

Photos full of cheer

Now they disappear

Gone year after year

I say save your dreams today

Don't let them decay, don't let them decay

you're more like fire than you know, down and down we go,
onto the next thing it always seems to be
taking us all over and in between,
farthest shadows cast at night, do we even know what's right?
Fire fire on the wall, ice will bring it down on us all,
don't be sweet and tell me cold, am I here being too bold? 
When we fight and when we flame, can I always ask your name?
When will it be the greatest time to feel, will we always be here making a scene,
 in the fire and in the ice, trapped like we're in the wall like mice,
but is it even right, the bite of the storm and the ice

Drowning in the noise
I feel the hum
Controlled by masses
Be so numb

Like A puppet on the strings
A lifeless stage
you're Craving authenticity
you fight to engage

A Wink, a blink of the machine
A subliminal scene, what does it mean
Manipulated, a twisted flame
We're under fire in a burning game

Slipping and falling
Struggling to see
Reality abandoned
Where am I free?
Am I free?

A Wink, a blink of the machine
A subliminal scene, what does it mean
Manipulated, a twisted flame
We're under fire in a burning game

Fingers trace the morning light
Fleeting moments, captured sight
distant Days and vacant nights
Open mouths where whispers fight

Bodies made of dust and stars
Nothing ever seemed so far

Heartbeats sound over the bay
Life's a maze one fleeting day

Mystery in every breath
Balancing on edge of death
Physical and da spirit mesh
Life in moments flesh to flesh

Bodies made of dust and stars
Nothing ever seemed so far

Fingers trace the morning light
Fleeting moments, captured sight
distant Days and vacant nights
Open mouths where whispers fight

Heartbeats sound over the bay
Life's a maze one fleeting day
Sunrise angers twilight's face
You should vanish, give me space

Mirrors shattered, reflections skewed
A maze of truths, a twisted view
Worlds colliding, realities clash
Lost in the echoes, a fractured flash

Multiple choices, divergent paths
A tapestry woven, scattered aftermath
Questioning existence, a mind's domain
Searching for answers, in the endless rain

Parallel timelines, overlapping space
A quantum leap, a mind's own race
Reality bending, like a twisted art
Lost in the chaos, a broken heart

Multiple choices, divergent paths
A tapestry woven, with scattered aftermaths
Questioning existence, a mind's domain
Searching for answers, in the endless rain

Can we reconcile, these fractured spheres
Or are we forever trapped, in doubt and fears
A cosmic puzzle, with missing pieces
Seeking unity, in these fractured deceits

Feel the years slipping fast
Counting moments that won't last
Candles flicker on my cake
One more breath I got to take

Eyes are fading shadows close
Footsteps echo where they froze

Time it never stops to wait
Counting down to meet my fate
Every heartbeat echoes clear
Living life despite the fear

Dreams of parties colored bright
Dancing under city lights
Waking up it fades away
Empty room on my birthday

Just Want to be with you

Blowing out the flame
Not the same old game
Feeling kinda tame
Life just has no frame

Bad Birthday
Bad Birthday

Time it never stops to wait
Counting down to meet my fate
Every heartbeat echoes clear
Living life despite the fear

Broken dreams on this road
Carry on heavy load
Heart so tired veins slowed
But the light never showed

Broken dreams on this road
Carry on heavy load
Heart so tired veins slowed
But the light never showed

Fallen angel where’s my halo
Thoughts are tangled in sorrow flow
Searching skies high and low
Just a trace in moonlight's glow

Flying high then fallen low
Lost my wings just to let go
Into night moon's soft glow
Halo gone shadows grow

Can I rise from this mess
Find my wings escape this stress
Let the light heal caress
Be the angel to confess
Now I see a spark bright
Fading black turning white

Fallen angel where’s my halo
Thoughts are tangled in sorrow flow
Searching skies high and low
Just a trace in moonlight's glow

Flying high then fallen low
Lost my wings just to let go
Into night moon's soft glow
Halo gone shadows grow

vocals are kinda a vibe and many parts are improvised and i'm too tired to transcribe them tonight so here's just the chorus -

Once so proud and, now it leans so still,
Nature’s touch has crushed its will,
Roots deep in shadowed past,
Each moment, too sweet to last

Oh In the glow of the screenlight
Faces trapped in tiny frames
Echo voices through the silence
We're all here but not the same

Questions hanging in the air
Answers lost within the void
Connection fails to hold us close
Its the emptiness we can't avoid

Boh
And the questions with no replies

Hold on to the ether dream
In this fragile cyber stream
I see you afar
You are my fading star

Headphones cut the noise
But still a hollow voice
You're frail and shy
Lay still in endless sky

Boh
And the questions with no replies

Hold on to the ether dream
In this fragile cyber stream
I see you afar
You are my fading star

Headphones cut the noise
But still a hollow voice
You're frail and shy
Lay still in endless sky

(Verse 1)
 Dust devils dance on the cracked asphalt, stars like pinpricks in the dome Main Street stretches, silent vigil, a single flickering streetlight's glow
The hollowness aches in my chest, a constant echo in the night
Staring at these weathered houses, no welcome light to guide me right

(Chorus)
There's  no one back home, no familiar face
Just empty echoes in this forgotten place
These fields whisper promises of simpler days
But leave me yearning for a different maze

(Verse 2)
Fireflies flicker like dying embers, casting shadows soft and frail
Crickets sing a lullaby of longing, a story whispered on the pale
The hollowness aches in my chest, a constant echo in the night
Staring at these weathered houses, no welcome light to guide me right

(Chorus)
There's  no one back home, no familiar face
Just empty echoes in this forgotten place
These fields whisper promises of simpler days
But leave me yearning for a different maze

(Outro)
There's no one back home
Not one soul
There's no one back home to tell you...

A cactus blooms, a defiant spark, in the desert of wasted time
A silent plea, a fading mark, a reminder in its prime

Yesterday's a phantom, lost in the haze of the blue screen's glow
Where did the moments vanish? Does time even seem to flow?

Static's hold on time unknown
Burnt out soul forever shown
Chasing ghosts, forever fall
Lost in echoes, no time's call

Static's hold on time unknown
Burnt out soul forever shown
Chasing ghosts, forever fall
Lost in echoes, no time's call

A tremor runs through the hollow earth
A premonition of a world with no rebirth
Fractured cities, empires turned to ash
This world's a ticking clock, counting down its final crash, its final crash

Fractured signals pierce the static mind
A constant feedback loop, we leave reality behind

I am the messenger
I am the messenger

Tangled in the wires, a truth we cannot untwine
A world on autopilot, sleepwalking through its decline

Static whispers in the dead of night
A voice that crawls from the fringes of light
Carrying burdens, a soul etched with scars
The weight of the world on these calloused stars

Fractured signals pierce the static mind
A constant feedback loop, we leave reality behind
Tangled in the wires, a truth we cannot untwine
A world on autopilot, sleepwalking through its decline

Danger lurks around every corner
Unseen forces under every stone
We’re so small compared to what lives here
Though fear may linger, the flame burns on and on and on 2


Unseen treasures, in this hidden room
Secrets echo in the endless gloom
Pressure builds, a suffocating tomb
We're small in this passage, but knowledge fuels our doom.

Downward we spiral, where shadows reside
A crushing weight, with nowhere to hide
Our vessel a beacon, a light we confide
Pushing onward, with mysteries to be untied.

Unseen treasures, in this hidden room
Secrets echo in the endless gloom
Pressure builds, a suffocating tomb
We're small in this passage, but knowledge fuels our doom.

Barefoot on the shattered skulls, a crown of twisted steel

Carving a path where suffering is real

Mortar laced with bone dust, I hunger for their plight

This city's got me barefoot in putrid night

Ripped from the mountain, a jagged embrace
Granite and slate, a primal disgrace
Rough and raw, a monument to time
But the sculptor's touch, a violence sublime

Shedding its edges, the fury unleashed
A gemstone reborn, a power released

Once a fortress, now smooth and refined

Sand and stone, a relentless attack
Sand and stone, a relentless attack
Sand and stone, a relentless attack

I don't really make TOO many dnb tracks but been feeling a little uninspired lately so I wanted to switch it up. I dont know what it is, but somehow I always manage to come up with something for a compo (this does not always happen when I sit down to make music).

Basically I wanted some kind of eerie loop to start with and then kind of make dnb on top of that so I grabbed Heavyocity Symphonic Destruction Loop Designer and found a few eerie orchestral loops in there, then I used my Launchpad in note mode (phrygian scale) to improvise some bass lines over that. I already had an idea in my head of what I wanted the drums to be like so I just quickly programmed those. I had an instrument rack set up with a ton of different bass sounds, mapped so that different velocities would trigger different bass samples, so I used that to create the drop bass by just varying the velocity to change the sample and messing with a few simple parameters. I basically just created 2 variations of the drop bass line. Then I just kind of turned on and off the other layers to create the sense of progression in the drop. Lastly I added a few fills, an amen break, and that was about it.

A perfect image, Concealing flaws, with colors bright, hiding behind a mask, is that too much to ask?

But beneath the facade, who do we see?
A reflection of truth, or who we want to be?

A facade or what we want to see
A reflection or what we want to be


Makeup on, the world's a stage,
A performance, a never-ending rage.
Covering scars, But does it hide the real you?

Underneath, are we truly known
Or are we lost in the mask we've grown
So let's embrace our flaws and our scars
for they make up a part of who we are

Concealing flaws, with colors bright,
But underneath, is it all just a plight?
A perfect image, Concealing flaws, with colors bright, behind the mask, is that too much to ask?

Makeup on, the world's a stage,
A performance, a never-ending rage.
Covering scars, But does it hide the real you?

Underneath, are we truly known
Or are we lost in the mask we've grown
So let's embrace our flaws and our scars
for they make up a part of who we are

Sorry about the less than stellar quality but my interface was acting up about 15 minutes into the compo and I did not have time to troubleshoot it plus write an entire track :D

Whoops I uploaded a bad bounce.. can I have a do-over? for no apparent reason the drop bass and lead are tuned way down, argh.. This is probably what I get for assigning the tuning to a global macro.
fixed bounce here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5slbpv5zhyez5pce6773e/Polaroid-s-Grain.mp3?rlkey=iz971upyw0hizqxxnxhjcjemt&dl=011

crack of lightening a thunderous sound
feeling the fire underground
raging currents flow though my veins
unleashing a power that can't be tamed

currents running deep setting me on fire
every note hitting hard taking me higher
in this electric pulse I'm alive and free
lost in the rhythm is my XTC

Everything was played in live, and it was arranged live as well. Using my 'octatrack scenes' bitwig template/controller mapping/puredata patch. I will have to do a video on this at some point, it is very cool. I don't think I've ever recorded an arrangement live and was not compelled to edit it after. The melody strikes me as familiar but I can't place it. No sooner did I type that, I realized it reminds me of Stitches by Orgy. Do you agree?

In the twisted alleys of our minds,
Monsters of our own design.
In the mirror, we see the truth,
The monster within, so uncouth.

So let the monsters dance in the night,
In the darkness, we find our light.
For in the depths of our despair, we must,
Embrace the darkness, become the monster dust.

Improvised in Bitwig with the grid modular system! So there's less structure than my usual stuff! hope you like it :P

tried something different with the producer tag, put it toward the beginning. most of y'all will miss it :D

In these clothes unchanged for days,
I wander through the ghostly haze.
A pale reflection in the window's light,
Haunted halls, a lonely night.

The Sun crumbles back, shadows cast,
Burning dreams, a painful contrast.

In the web of lies, your gaze entwined,
Eyelashes whisper, a twisted find.
A blink, a betrayal, a dagger's sheath,
In your lashes, a venomous wreath.

In the golden hour, where shadows clash,
Your eyelashes, a gilded betrayal's flash.
A blink, a deceit, a treacherous play,
In your lashes, love turns astray.

Golden lashes, a deceitful grace,
In your eyes, a traitor's embrace.
Blink by blink, a love undone,
In this moment, betrayal won.

The Sun crumbles back, shadows cast,
Burning dreams, a painful contrast.

and I, I blink my eyes, my vision blurs
In this moment, you won me over

Lyrics:

Verse:
Panic attacks at the break of day,
Burying the dead without a say.
A different version of life, universe laid,
Parallel realms, where paths are swayed.

Meet me where the lines blur tonight,
4 a.m., can't sleep, chasing the light.
You were my defense, through thick and thin,
But now the we're gonna let the staring contest begin.

Chorus:
How did we let it crumble, to dust?
Love slipping away turned into rust.
Should've been feeling, now we are numb
Floor falling out and now we are done

side note: Weird buzzing in this project in the intro, spent way too long trying to figure out what the cause was, did not find it. If you notice, its not in the outro so its weird. I'll find it eventually, if I go back to this song anyway.

A beating heart.
Echoes resonate.
Shadows cast upon the walls of fate, a premonition/open gate.

In the crimson reverie of a prophetic sight,
A vision unfolds, painted in the night.

In the palette of dreams, where futures bleed,
Crimson reverie, prophecies heed.
In the space between heartbeats, gravity,
In the weaver's hands, destiny.

A serenade of sight in silent air,
A melody of foresight, beyond compare,
A serenade of sight in silent air,
A melody of foresight, beyond compare,

Through the veiled mist of what's to be,
A glimpse ahead, an unseen sea,
Destiny unfolds in a cosmic rhyme,
In the realm of precognition, transcending time.

A serenade of sight in silent air,
A melody of foresight, beyond compare,
In the silence of the midnight air,
Visions dance, beyond compare,
A tapestry of fate, woven.
Whispers of all the chance you take

These shattered dreams are haunting me
In the ruins of my mind, you're all I see
A friendship once so strong, now torn apart
I'm wandering through the wreckage of a broken heart

In the ruins of our dreams, I'll rise again
From the fragments of our past, we'll find the strength
To mend the bonds that time has torn apart
Rebuild the world we've lost, from these shattered dreams

In the ruins of our dreams, I'll rise again
From the fragments of our past, we'll find the strength
To mend the bonds that time has torn apart
Rebuild the world we've lost, where do we start?

Let's Go

We're hostages of circumstance, trapped in this despair,
Invisible chains, we wear the weight we cannot bear,
In the heart of this crisis, we'll hold on tight,

In this hostage situation, through the darkest night.
In the heart of this crisis, we'll hold on tight,

We're hostages of circumstance, trapped in this despair,
Invisible chains, we bear the weight we cannot bear,

(this has been a nukage production)

The Silent heroes walk among us all day,
Unnoticed by the world, they find their way,
They'll lend a helping hand, without demand,

Whispers of destiny, lead them on the way,
Unknowing sacrifice, they'll face the fray,

These inner demons, they won't let me be,
But I'll fight the darkness, set my spirit free,
In the shadows of my mind, I'll find my way,
Through the darkest night, I'll see light of day.

Silent heroes, they'll light the dark,
Unseen sacrifice, leave their mark,
In the name of kindness, they'll play their part,
Silent heroes, with generous heart.

They'll carry a burden, not of their own,
Innocence lost, a seed is sown.

These inner demons, they won't let me be,
But I'll fight the darkness, set my spirit free,
In the shadows of my mind, I'll find my way,
Through the darkest night, I'll see light of day.

Innocence in their eyes, they play the game,
Unaware of the world's cruel aim,
They'll carry a burden, not of their own,
Innocence lost

In the realm of steel and sky, a fearless soul takes flight.

With valor, they will navigate the unknown,
Unveiling dreams in skies they'll call their own,
With valor, they will navigate the unknown,
Unveiling dreams in skies they'll call their own,

I haven't sung in about a month until this week, but im back now, feels good.
I turned the master down thinking it was probably wayy too loud but apparently i fuckeed that up and now its very quiet, so make sure to turn up your volume i guess


Lyrics:

I looked within, found a world to explore,
An inner revolution, knocking on my door.
The power's inside me, it's time to take control,

The mirror ends up showing a face that I hardly recognize,
Selfishness to selfless, I can look me in the eyes
Don't Go

Bridges burned to ashes, in a moment's thoughtless flame,
But I've learned the art of healing, and I'll never be the same.

Echoes of mistakes, haunting dreams
Tearing walls, it seems
Every step takes me Closer to the day

The mirror ends up showing a face that I hardly recognize,
Selfishness to selfless, I can look me in the eyes
Don't Go
Don't Go
Don't Go

Echoes of mistakes, haunting dreams
Tearing walls, it seems
Every step takes me Closer to the day

The mirror ends up showing a face that I hardly recognize,
Selfishness to selfless, I can look me in the eyes
The mirror ends up showing a face that I hardly recognize,
Selfishness to selfless, I can look me in the eyes
Don't Go
Don't Go
Don't Go

Sampled a tune I co-produced for the band Relic Hearts and made a thing

Blame Ozone AI if its too loud and clipped- i have ear fatigue and i cant tell that kind of thing rn

I sampled this song I just released this other day and kind of beat juggled and FX'd the crap out of it to get something different. Kind of a proof of concept for a potential beat juggling performance.

Named after a game I used to play as a kid

Ambient thing - trying to come up with an idea for my album intro or outro. This came out sounding more like an outro to me.

Purple Monkey Dishwasher

You tell a story of where I've been,
A testament to the battles I've seen,
You're etched in my soul, a mark of grace,
A reminder of the challenges I face.

As the years pass, you remain unchanged,
A symbol of the person I became,
With every scar, you grow in meaning,
A reminder that I'm always dreaming.

I'm always dreaming, always dreaming

Birthmark, you're a part of me,
As the years pass, you remain unchanged,
A symbol of the person I became,
With every scar, you grow in meaning,
A constant reminder that I am always dreaming.

mostly a session view jam, with very minor edits after live arranging it. shreddage hydra / addictive drums / eurobass 2 / archetype gojira / ample metal hellrazer + guitar rig 6 for clean guitar, damage 1 for cinematic drums,. spire for intro bass synth., ozone for mastering. also its based on a melody /progression from my 3rd and yet unleased album

I thread the needle, pull the fabric tight

Hoping the perfect fold will make everything right

I thread the needle, pull the fabric tight

Hoping the perfect fold will make everything right

But the seams unravel, exposing my fears

A fashion statement can't wipe away the tears

I thread the needle, pull the fabric tight

Hoping the perfect fold will make everything right

But the seams unravel, exposing my fears

A fashion statement can't wipe away the tears

Their tongues slither, weaving tales of deceit,
But I see through their venomous feat,
Distant memories of their twisted dance,
A warning to all, a deceptive trance.

Within the darkness, hope takes its form,
Snake eggs glisten, amidst the storm,
A reminder of the miracles unseen,
In the darkest corners, life shall convene.

Their tongues slither, weaving tales of deceit,
But I see through their venomous feat,
Distant memories of their twisted dance,
A warning to all, a deceptive trance.

The scent of lies permeates the air,
As illusions breed, we become ensnared,
But I'll carve my own name, break free from the mold,
In this world of serpents, I will stay bold.

Within the darkness, hope takes its form,
Snake eggs glisten, amidst the storm,
A reminder of the miracles unseen,
In the darkest corners, life shall convene.

I'm racing against the clock, seconds slip away
Feeling the pressure, I can't afford to delay
Hairpin turns and winding roads
Amidst the doubts, my fire still glows
Destined to conquer, not destined to fail

I yearn for something more, to break this chain
Empty and drained, but the journey's not in vain
I'll find the strength, to push through the strain
to push through the strain
to push through the strain

I'm racing against the clock
I'm racing against the clock

And I'm
Running
out of
time,
the minutes slip away
But I
won't surrender,
I'll
fight
through
the gray
In
this
emptiness
Running out of time

In the depths of duality, a Gemini I roam,
Two sides of the same coin, a heart with split-tone.
A battle rages on the inside, the push and pull of our fate,
A constant contradiction, a never-ending state.

In this eternal struggle, I'll find my destined way,
Embracing contradictions, with every breath I sway.

Oh, the Sage of ages, in your wisdom I confide

Unlock the doors of perception, where truth and beauty reside

In the silence of the mind, the Sage's voice will ring

Revealing hidden treasures, as I spread my wings

Oh, Sage of the Ages Teach me how to be wise

In the tapestry of life Let me see beyond the lies

Verse 1:
Counting down the moments, as we plunge into the void
Entangled in the chaos, our existence destroyed
We're sick and tired, drowning in the dreams we've let decay
Chorus:
Now we're on a track, forgotten and astray
Sacrificing ourselves, what's it we're meant to pay?
Now we're on a track, forgotten and astray
It's time to eject from this charade
Verse 2:
Ejector seat, propel me through the sky
Leave behind the wreckage, spread my wings and fly
Breaking free from the chains that held me down
Launch me into the air
Chorus:
Now we're on a track, forgotten and astray
Sacrificing ourselves, what's it we're meant to pay?
Now we're on a track, forgotten and astray
It's time to eject from this charade

In the darkness I wonder alone
In the storm, no shelter to call my own
Converse with the storm, dance in the rain
Where do my fears go when they face the hurricane?
A thousand lives touched by electric might
I reach for the heavens, where thunder roars
I reach for the heavens, where thunder roars
In the darkness I wonder alone
In the storm, no shelter to call my own
Embracing solitude, lightning in my veins
A sense of control, amidst thunder's reign
A thousand lives touched by electric might
A thousand lives touched by electric might
I reach for the heavens, where thunder roars
I reach for the heavens, where thunder roars

How are you?
I don't know what you want me to do
Other than find the pictures that took us to a different time

The photo album is a chronicle of pain
Every picture stained, but I won't refrain

Torn edges, a glimpse of the past
The haunting shadows will forever last
Torn edges, a glimpse of the past
The haunting shadows will forever last

In the depths of my shattered past
Lies a world that just won't fade
A worn-out photo album,
memories of the life that I've betrayed

The photo album is a chronicle of pain
Every picture stained, but I won't refrain

Torn edges, a glimpse of the past
The haunting shadows will forever last
Torn edges, a glimpse of the past
The haunting shadows will forever last

Living deep beneath the streets, in the dark and in the cold
We are the mole people, a secret world we hold
Our homes are tunnels and caves, where the sun never shines
We hide from the outside world, where hope and love resigns

Metal remix I did of a vocal I made a few weeks ago. SPAACCEE

I'm lost in this quicksand of despair
Trapped in a world that's not fair
I'm sinking fast, can't seem to break free
From this darkness that's
Always consuming me

I'm trapped in this quicksand
And I Can't seem to find solid ground
I'm trapped in this quicksand
Every step just drags me down

Every Step Drags Me Downnnnnnnnnnnnn
Every Step Drags Me Downnnnnnnnnnnnn
Every Step Drags Me Downnnnnnnnnnnnn
Every Step Drags Me Downnnnnnnnnnnnn

EV RY STEP DRAGS ME DOWN
EV RY STEP DRAGS ME DOWN
EV RY STEP DRAGS ME DOWN
EV RY STEP DRAGS ME DOWN

Every time that you are near

my starts to race I can feel the tension building

like a storm about to break

every cut every tear reminds me of the pain that I cannot assuage

when its torn like a page



I won't be beaten, I won't give in

The fabric of my soul, I'll make it spin

The tapestry of memories woven with pain

But I'll make something, something that will remain



I'll take the peices of life worn and frayed

and turn them into something that will never fade

I'm standing here, exposed and raw
My heart is beating out of my chest
I'm reaching out, searching for a sign
That you can see the hurt inside my mind

Don't underestimate the pain I feel
I need you to understand me
The darkness and the light within me

I want you to break me open
And see the secrets that I hide
I want to feel your touch

Like a Minesweeper game
Full of hidden bombs and mines
Navigate the terrain
Trying to uncover what's inside

I want you to sweep me clean
And see the secrets that I hide
I want to feel your touch
Like a bomb defused inside

I want you to break me open
And see the secrets that I hide
I want to feel your touch

Lyrics:

Can't seem to shake this feeling
Its been here all along
A heavy weight upon my chest
a never ending song

I try to push it down inside
But it's always there to find
A constant reminder of pain that's left behind

(Pain that's left behind)

I'm the last man in the earth
A lonely existence to bear
I find a silent world around me
No one is left to share
the memories of what used to be
And it haunts my every step
I search for sign of life but I only find more emptiness

And I try to push it down inside
But it's always there to find
A constant reminder of pain that's left behind

(Pain that's left behind)

Using my latest setup involving Octatrack, Bitwig and Max 8. I basically mapped a bunch of modulators in Bitwig in a similar fashion to scenes in Octatrack, and I am using the scene controls in Octatrack to control Bitwig via a patch I created in Max 8. Fun stuff. Basically thats what gives it the kind of live / kind of programmed kind of sound I guess? I'm planning on improving this system to where I can hopefully do a whole live set with it, maybe possibly with a little live looping over top. One can dream.

So I've had an Octatrack since 2012, an APC40 since 2010 and I rarely use them. Well tonight I used them for a hybrid hardware/sofware jam. So its not my usual fare but it was pretty fun. Here's how it works:

Octatrack for midi sequencing
APC40 faders mapped to macros in Bitwig
All sounds are built-in bitwig instruments/effects
Only 3 tracks - Drums, Bass, Lead

Basically I wanted to simulate the scenes in Octatrack, but do it in a way that could have the perfect recall of a DAW, so I used the macros in bitwig to modulate various parameters across all 3 tracks. Each fader represents a 'scene' in the elektron sense of it.

It was a totally different workflow than anything I've ever done, and since it was all midi, everything is perfectly recorded unlike a usual hardware jam where it's all audio. The downside is that I spent most of the time mapping the modulators in Bitwig and much less time actually using the Octatrack.

You haunt me like a ghost, I can't shake you off
Your voice echoes in my mind, my heart feels so lost
I see you in every shadow, every locker room we shared
I'm trying to move on, but you're holding me back, I'm scared

Just a memory, fading out
Those times in the locker room

Can you feel me calling out?
In the echoes of your heart
Just a memory, fading out
But I can't seem (to restart)

Can you feel me calling out?
In the echoes of your heart
Just a memory, fading out
But I can't seem (to restart)

Can you feel me calling out?
Can you feel me calling out?
Can you feel me calling out?
Can you feel me calling out?

[apologies for Another super quiet bounce from me since I switched DAW's and dont know wtf i am doing in bitwig yet and idk how to re-upload a fixed version]

Verse 1:

The neon lights are burning bright

But no one's here to see them shine

The open sign is flickering

But the store's closed for the last time

Chorus:

It's the end of an era

The end of a dream

The open sign is fading

But the memories still gleam

The graveyard is a lonely place.

The graveyard is a lonely place.

How many hearts have been broken?

How many dreams have died?

Note: 3rd time I accidentally chopped off the last few seconds of my track... THIS IS A NUKAGE PRODUCTION DESPITE NOT HAVING A PRODUCER TAG KTHX

Lyrics:

It's been a million years since we last saw the sun

We're still standing here

We're the last ones left



I can't say I know what you are but you're important

So big and imposing, but you are still dormant



and I know that you stand

As a testament to hope and resilience



Remind us all that we can overcome

Anything at all

Remind us all that we cannot be stopped

And we stand tall



It's been a million years since we last saw the sun

We're still standing here

We're the last ones left

I can't say I know what you are but you're important

So big and imposing, but you are... A MONOLITH!!!!



Remind us all that we can overcome

Anything at all

Remind us all that we cannot be stopped

And we stand tall

Vocal borrowed from Without Me by Dayseeker
Second compo I bounced incorrectly in the past few weeks, proof that I do not listen to the arrangements until I bounce and upload them. there's a weird drum track in there (before first drop) that should been muted

Been lookin for you in every single place
Been lookin for you in every single face
But you're like a needle
That I can't find

But you're like a needle
That I can't find

I looked high and low
But you're not there

Maybe I'll go home
And say its not fair

That now I'm lost
I'm never gonna be found
Now I'm lost...

But you're like a needle
That I can't find
But you're like a needle
That I can't find

This has been a NUKAGE production.

Ending cut off including my producer tag :( I'm sure any snarky a-holes in the chat will point out its absence :D

I can't keep my eyes open
I can't keep my mind from racing

I just want to drift away
And dream of better days

And I just wanna drift away
Not think of all the fuckin nights
and all the fuckin fights

And I just wanna drift away
The racing of my fuckin mind
All the fuckin time

When I'm falling asleep with you
I only fall asleep with you
And dream of better days
When I'm lying next to you
?????????

Worries of my day
Wanna drift away
Worries of my life
Wanna grab a knife

Can't keep my eyes open
Can't kee my mind from racing

My mind is spinning and I'm feeling tired
I just want to dream of better days

As the plane starts to descend

The panic sets in

The screams the echo the cabin

As the plane starts going down

I can feel it all around me

The fear is in the air

I'm trapped in this nightmare

Falling through the air

People dying all around me

There's blood everywhere

And I all I can do is pray because

Life isn't fair

And comes to a short end



I can feel it coming

The pressure is mounting

I know that it's time To let go



no easy answer

we're an enigma

I'm left here wondering

Where to go



Maybe one day we'll understand

Maybe one day we'll see the light

maybe we'll create solutions to our problems



as the ground gives way

I'm falling I'm falling

the world comes tumbling down

I'm falling I'm falling

You're in a place

that i can't comprehend

Can't see your face 

So far away, that I can't understand

Two beings lost

We were together yet alone

lost, so far away

It chilled us to the bone

can't keep me controlled

im am free

Won't do what I'm told

I live my life

Don't hold back, no rules

Just let me go

I'm can do what I want to  do

You can have the world, and you can have the sea

But I don't want them, just leave me be

I can see the people through the glass
And everything you've built is coming detached
But it's growing and it growing
they're not going away

It's like looking through a cracked mirror
on judgement day

We drive, We drive, The windshield is breaking apart
we lose control and we're going off the cliff tonight

I can't believe 

How much that we've 

Crossed paths, and I --

I realize you are the key to life   

You help me make sense of it all

I used to think that you were a tool  

you have my secrets and they wont escape

You help me make sense of it all

I won't forget you when you fall

You are the key

To my success

But you're filled 

With my regrets

But I always come back

You're always so exact

Can't take the heat
Everyone's Gonna melt away
All I can do is lay
In the summer heat

I try to stay cool
And make it through
as the sun beats down
on me

the the the sunlight
the the the sunlight
the the the sunlight

All I can feel
all the dirty sweat rushing down my brow
my skin is burning red now

I try to stay cool
And make it through
as the sun beats down
on me

.

Traveling somewhere
Could be anywhere
There′s a coldness in the air
But I don't care
We drift deeper
Life goes on
We drift deeper
Into the sound

We drift deeper into the song
Life goes on
A red carpet rolls along
Feeling strong
So bring it on, so bring it on
So bring it on, so bring it on

We drove all night to find the place that was our own

And when we couldnt find a place to keep that secret

It wasn't a big deal at all

I won't be held hostage from this feeling of regret

we won't be held in this place in doubt

and we come, we're coming for you

Lyrics:

Snee Key Speck You Lum (Sneaky Speculum)

Snee Key Speck You Lum (Sneaky Speculum)

Snee Key Speck You Lum (Sneaky Speculum)

Snee Key Speck You Lum (Sneaky Speculum)

A- Anything you'd like, it can't hear you.

ALSO: David John and I have a new tune out: https://nukage.bandcamp.com/album/save-you (if sunny can do shameless promo then so can we)

Theme: Pretty Glass

Been trying to create these song routines that I can play 'mpc style' on drum pads and this was kind of an experiment in doing that, plus obviously trying to incorporate my theme. So I typed 'glass song' into youtube and sampled the song that came up first.

Blade wielding psychos came to my town

I told them to leave but they wouldn't leave

Until some other guy with a sword

Came and chopped them in half

Blood gushing out everywhere

I don't think I was prepared

Covering my face from his guts that were displaced

All over the ground

Eh... it's a long story. I made this tune on a stock version of ableton with a stock version of spire and nothing else because that's all I had on my only working laptop.. In about 30 minutes. Because I couldn't find my laptop charger and that's how long my battery lasted.

But it's all about the journey, not the destination, right my mates?

Lyrics:

Verse:

Blocking blasts, wooden shields

Tables, chairs all the things you

build with your hands

And I take it all and I take it all

Trees cut down

all the things that make you frown

when we couldn't find our own

way to be in this place

Chorus:

I know I made a promise

To the next of kin

He destroyed that building even when we were within

I know I made a choice

To bear it all and grin

He destroyed that building even when we were within 

Location: Hyrule (or is it?)

Not a usual compo for me, but I wanted to practice using my new-and-improved live looping setup and record some bad lyrics, so here you go. I also had to fix my max for live patch during the hour because it was doing weird stuff. Not entirely sure if this is a nukage production or not.

Making of this was streamed here:

https://www.twitch.tv/nukageofficial