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| -rw-r--r-- | album/alterniabound/album.txt | 258 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | album/coloUrs-and-mayhem-universe-a/album.txt | 19 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | album/coloUrs-and-mayhem-universe-b/album.txt | 17 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | album/homestuck-vol-10/album.txt | 285 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | album/homestuck-vol-8/album.txt | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | album/mobius-trip-and-hadron-kaleido/album.txt | 48 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | album/one-year-older/album.txt | 97 |
7 files changed, 719 insertions, 7 deletions
diff --git a/album/alterniabound/album.txt b/album/alterniabound/album.txt index a12061e6..ef296405 100644 --- a/album/alterniabound/album.txt +++ b/album/alterniabound/album.txt @@ -3,102 +3,274 @@ Cover Art: saffronScarf Track Art: Homestuck Date: March 14, 2011 FG: #00a4a4 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + Bad news for everyone. + This album is not here to explode your pants off. This album is not one that is going to give you a hemmorage from headbanging too much. If you want hard-rocking, excellently mastered, brainkilling tracks, look no further than Tensei's <a href="album/strife/index.html">STRIFE!</a> album. It should wet your whistle for heavy metal, and possibly any other multitude of wind instruments you present to its sweaty, testosterone-laden spray. + Instead. + This album is for a special group of people. The people that open the AlterniaBound flashes in one tab and then leave them on repeat, just so they can listen to Horschestra 4000 times. These are the people that complained incessantly when Eridan's theme wasn't on an album, even though it hadn't even existed in the comic yet. Some of these people have named their children after MSPA characters. + You terrible, wonderful people. This album is your fault. + Now go forth and enjoy: Not in MP3, but in WAV; not in OGG, but in FLAC. The nostalgia-rich AlterniaBound tracks you all sought so dearly have been padded out by new experiences, forged from feverish hearths by several of our greatest musical madmen in order to breathe new life into a setlist you saw long coming. The bonus tracks have been tweaked, the equalizers have been set, and the fans, the fans are stoked like the blazes these beats were born hence. Hopefully you will find the tracks carved out from these sick fires to be... sufficiently ill. + Now! Let it begin, young ones. Just keep in mind: + Once you pop, the games don't stop. + Oh, and the games. + WILL THEY EVER? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Arisen Anew Artist: Tensei References: psych0ruins URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/arisen-anew-2 +Commentary: + <i>Tensei:</i> + (Aradia's Homecoming) + When I made this track, I kinda felt like Aradia needed a new, very upbeat theme song for her god-tier dreamself to contrast her previous emotionless ghostly/robotic self. This song is also supposed to kinda chronicle her change from robot to god tier, which is reflected in the Vocaloid voice becoming gradually less robotic, and the introduction of more and more acoustic instruments as the song goes on, while the synthesizers take a backseat. + Radiation noted that the start of the song somewhat resembles the song "Fly Away Now" from the anime Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, which, for once, wasn't intentional, but is still quite appropriate, as both songs describe a transformation sequence. + Stylistically this song is really all over the place; I drew inspiration from Eurobeat, Dance, Shibuya-kei, Disco, Acid Jazz and even chiptunes, but I tried to all mold it into a distinct personal style of electronic music, rather than basing it on a single artist or song. + The voice sample is from the Dr. Who episode "Blink". + Coincidentally, the album version of this song is actually a version that was remastered at a lower volume level to fit in better with the album. The original versions (i.e. the versions that I mastered myself) of "Arisen Anew" and "She's a Sp8der" will be available for free in 192 kbps mp3 format on my tindeck account. + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + So why start with this track? Tensei's album was last, so starting with another solid track by him starts us off with a good impression and holds the listener up from where they were. It's almost like an unofficial continuation of his album's narrative this way... sorta like musical fanfiction, I guess. + That, and the whoel song kinda reminds me of an anime opening where Aradia undergoes a 3 minute transformation into a maid costume. Please imagine this. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Karkat's Theme Artist: Toby Fox References: Crustacean URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/karkats-theme-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (Karkat Walkabout) + <a href="album/alternia/index.html">Alternia</a> began when I created <a href="track/crustacean/index.html">Crustacean</a>. + AlterniaBound began when Andrew asked me for a looping version of that track - Crustacean - to use in a flash. Initially this song was simply so, but after I learned more about the scope and depth of the AlterniaBound project... I decided that more of a change was in order for the track. (It was at that point that I also decided it would be cool to have some hidden tracks... leading to the early premiere of many tracks that would eventually be on Volume 6.) + A little while ago, I finished the "final version" of this track. It's not incredibly melodic or wrenchingly dire like my usual fare, but it still remains one of my own personal favorites: + <ul><li>It's pompous, alien, and goofy - in short, pretty accurate of Karkat and Alternia as a whole</li><li>It subtly implies that tuba is Karkat's instrument of choice, which we all know is entirely true</li><li>WHO THE FUCK LET THE ELEPHANTS IN HERE ARRRGH FUCKING GAMZEE</li></ul> + I hope you like it too. And if you don't, I hope it pisses you off as much as it annoys Karkat to have this song play wherever he goes. That's all I can hope for. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Trollcops Artist: Erik Scheele References: Under the Hat URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/trollcops-2 +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + (Alternate Universe Intermission) + So this pretty much happened when Radiation went "yo jit make something" and I was like "okay", and then later I was like "bluuuuuuh don't know what to write", and then Radiation went "do trollcops", and I went "no that's dumb, stupid dumb, what is trollcops even", and Radiation went "DO IT JIT YOU BUTT", and I was like "NO RADIATION I HATE EVERYTHING". And then, Mellotron samples happened, and here we are. Also, it should be pointed out that in <a href="track/trollcops-radio-play/index.html">the version with vocals</a>, there's a name drop of the fan music piece that htis is based off of. Yes, it takes this long to re-use things, sometimes. + Besides that, I dunno, just enjoy it. + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + Don't tell anyone, but this is actually a remix of one of Jit's old fansongs called <a href="track/under-the-hat/index.html">Under the Hat</a>, which was a battle theme for Dad. So if your heart still pines for him... his soul and pipe are contained deep within this track. + So damn catchy and sleuthy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: BL1ND JUST1C3 - 1NV3ST1G4T1ON !! Artist: Malcolm Brown References: The Lemonsnout Turnabout, Sburban Jungle URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/bl1nd-just1c3-1nv3st1g4t1on-2 +Commentary: + <i>Malcolm Brown:</i> + (Terezi Investigates) + Inspired by Lexxy's awesome Art Team Tip Jar wallpaper and the scene in which Terezi conducts a rather silly investigation RP into Tavros' murder. It's a delightful bit of dark humour sandwiched between lots of murder and grimdark. + It's a combination of her theme (Elements of 'The Lemonsnout Turnabout') blended into a track inspired by various pieces from the Pheonix Wright / Gyakuten Saiban games and a bit of those modern, dancey crime drama series' theme tunes (NCIS springs to mind). Sburban Countdown also makes an appearance because it's awesome and fits really well. + I've also tried to sync in bits of the story as it happens, so you'll hear a bit of Gamzee honking in the distanec, andthe whole thing builds up to that special climax. + HOP3 YOU L1K3 1T, 1T W4S 4 PL34SUR3 TO M4K3! + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + People kept asking me for a Phoenix Wright remix of Lemonsnout Turnabout, so Malcolm creating this was essentially a miracle, especially considering he hadn't been around <a href="track/squiddidle/index.html">since Squiddles</a>. + Thank you Malcolm. That kiss at the end? That's me kissing you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Terezi's Theme Artist: Toby Fox References: The Lemonsnout Turnabout, Theme URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/terezis-theme-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (Terezi Walkabout) + Terezi's theme evolved when Andrew asked me to create a looping version of Lemonsnout Turnabout. + Lemonsnout is a very narrative song. It didn't feel right to repeat a single part of it indefinitely, so I instead took several motifs from it and re-implemented them into a new track. It has a similar chord progression, and in ways of instrumentation it has the harpsichord as the main instrument, oboe, deep piano, triangle, and the "tick tock tick tock" woodblocks that are the eternal harbringer of her countdown judgment. + After I first completed the song, I noticed that the track was kind of short. That's when I came up with the idea for the second part of the piece - a reprise of "Theme" from the ALternia album. This shows that Terezi has another side to her beyond her devious Alternian judgment: She truly cares about her friends, so much that she has a certain level of tender emotion that almost puts Karkat to shame. I'm not sure if the bifurcation of the piece worked really well as a faux videogame track, but I think it fits her personality. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Dreamers and The Dead Artist: Thomas Ferkol URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/dreamers-and-the-dead-2 +Commentary: + <i>Thomas Ferkol:</i> + (World of the Afterlife) + A piece for the characters in the afterlife, mainly Feferi, and the general ambience of the dream bubbles. Originally, I tried a mix of various brass instruments, percussion, string orchestra, koto, and an electric bass. It didn't feel right. So I pushed that piece aside altogether and restarted with an instrumentation more reminiscent of that used in "Cuddlefish," the troll theme I made for Feferi right before I joined the music team. The intro piano was meant to feel spacey, reminiscent of <a href="track/eldritch/index.html">Eldritch</a> and <a href="track/english/index.html">English</a>, sort of bringing the listener into the afterlife. When the flute enters, I feel that this was as Feferi communicated with the Elder Gods of setting up her dream bubble. The orchestral crescendo brings us to the area deep in space where the bubbles float. From then on, we travel past several bubbles, just absorbing the scenery. The rest of the piece contains glimpses of other events within the bubbles, such as Feferi and Jade's dream chats and the shocking developments concerning the troll session's guardian code. And, of course, a major key ending for all the happy folks floating around in the afterlife. + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + Thomas is continually on point with his orchestral stuff. He actually made a bunch of awesome troll-related tracks that are on his tindeck: <a href="http://tindeck.com/users/EidolonOrpheus">(dead link)</a> + Go check out the track "Cuddlefish" - he actually uses a minor version of the melody from that at 2:50. Dude is a talent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Vriska's Theme Artist: Toby Fox References: Spider's Claw, Theme URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/vriskas-theme-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (Vriska Walkabout) + I knew Spider's Claw was much too harsh to be used as anything but a battle theme, so when it came to AlterniaBound I decided to just start over with a remix. I cobbled together a collection of unrelated soundsets and generated a jazzy, laid-back version - which, despite its tempo, still sounds kind of jarring and discontent due to the clashing of textures between instruments. + The tune's upbeat enough that you can't stand up to it. It will kick you down. It's pretty strong for how dinky and messy it is! It's also the kind of piece that could be kind of pretty if its voice wasn't cracking every three seconds. Chances are you'll either enjoy or find aspects of it extremely annoying... but that's kinda the way she is. + Like Terezi's theme, the piece's second part contains another reprise of "Theme" in the piano - but to contrast the other Scourge sister, Vriska's version of "Theme" is hopeless and dark. Where Terezi showed hope and emotion, Vriska only shows fear, anger, and loathing due to the repression of her own emotions, her upbringing, and her rotten attitude. In the flash, the high and low of the theme repeat indefinitely... on the album, the piece ends, but on an unresolved chord. + Who knows what's up next for her? + ... oh, and if you're looking for the full verison of Spider's Claw, wait until Volume 8, ok???????? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: She's a Sp8der Artist: Tensei References: Spider's Claw, MeGaLoVania, Eridan's Theme, Crustacean URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/shes-a-sp8der-2 +Commentary: + <i>Tensei:</i> + (Adventure on the High Seas) + It should be pretty obvious that this song is supposed to be one big homage to Hans Zimmer, or more specifically his work on the Pirates of the Carribean movies, though I drew some inspiration from Danny Elfman and the Monkey Island series as well. Oddly enough, this song was actually entirely done BEFORE the troll ancestors were ever introduced (hence the rather inexplicable Crustacean-remix at the very end), as it was inspired by a piece of fanart that portrayed various trolls as pirates. + When writing this song, I kinda envisioned a big ship to ship battle between Vriska and Eridan, with a bumbling Karkat acting as comic relief at the very end. It's actually quite remarkable how well the song translates to a Mindfang/Dualscar theme song, even though it wasn't really intended as such when I wrote it. + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + I love this track. The end is some serious Skipper Plumbthroat shit. Cue Karkat the Angry Crab pinches him on the nose. Tee hee. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: FIDUSPAWN, GO! Artist: David Ko Contributors: Toby Fox (arrangement), The_Eighth_Bit (soundfont) URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/fiduspawn-go-2 References: +- dESPERADO ROCKET CHAIRS, - Pumpkin Cravings - Harlequin - Sunsetter -- dESPERADO ROCKET CHAIRS, +Commentary: + <i>David Ko:</i> + (Tavros' Battle Theme) + uHHH...I DON'T REALLY KNOW HOW TO BEGIN THIS COMMENTARY. So I might as well just introduce myself as MightyMoose. I do a lot of really short tunes for Homestuck that are often more silly than epic-sounding. And this is another one! More specifically, this is a remix of Radiation's "dESPERADO ROCKET CHAIRS" in the style of a Pokem-- er, Fiduspawn battle. + As a handful of you on the forums may know, I've always been a bit of a Pokemon fan. Other songs included in Alternia have focused more on SGRUB or Flarping, but I've wanted to do a Fiduspawn song for a while now. This song kind of acts as an homage to both Tavros and the old Pokemon games. I tried to invoke the style of the battles in the classic Game Bro Boy versions when creating this song. + Listen closely and you can hear snippets of other Homestuck pieces! I absolutely love doing this. (Most of my other songs feature the opening notes of Vagabounce somewhere. <a href="artist/david-ko/index.html">Ooh, go find them!</a> It's like a treasure hunt!) + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + This track was awesome to work on. David's songs are always really darn fun, and while fiddling around with it I was barely cognizant of the irony that I was arranging someone else's remix of my own track. Hope you all enjoy the little touches I did with the drums and the weird guitar-ish NES synth. + This is probably the music that's playing in game when Terezi and Karkat are playing on the cover. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Darling Kanaya Artist: Toby Fox URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/darling-kanaya-2 +References: Virgin Orb +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (Kanaya Walkabout) + I didn't call it "Kanaya's Theme" because I didn't think that it was stylish enough for her. I originally wrote it as the theme just for walking around her house, but I think it turned out to fit her really well as a character despite my own doubts. + Like Terezi's theme, "Darling Kanaya" isn't a remix of her Alternia track (<a href="track/virgin-orb/index.html">Virgin Orb</a>), but it contains some similar stuff. There are heavily vibrato'd strings... wavering, luscious 7th chords... melodic piano... lots of arpeggios... and a general uplifting feeling of satisfying, calm emotion. She is one of the very few characters in Hivebent that I would categorize as "sane" by human standards, and thus actually one of my favorite trolls. And despite the semi-low quality of the instrumentation, this is one of my favorite tracks by myself. + It's all kind of ghostly and heartfelt, like a sad look out the window with a romance novel in your lap, and then a knowing, welcoming smile. I think that makes sense considering she's an undead vampire now! Or not. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Requiem of Sunshine and Rainbows Artist: Paige Turner URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/requiem-of-sunshine-and-rainbows-2 +Commentary: + <i>Paige Turner:</i> + (Rainbow Drinker Kanaya) + I wanted to make a Castlevania: Symphony of the Night-influenced theme for Rainbow Drinker Kanaya even before Radiation announced he wanted one, so this was the perfect opportunity for me. Somehow a bit of Infected Mushrooms influence got mixed into it as it became more synthesized and trancey. + The chiptune segment at the end is basically a nod straight to the original Castlevania games; I wanted to mkae the Castlevania influence obvious. + All the song titles from the SotN soundtrack have appropriately gloomy and foreboding names like "Moonlight Nocturne", "Requiuem for the Gods", "Land of Benediction" and "Death Ballad". Kanaya is basically the Alternian equivalent of a goth, and I've always found it hilarious how goths and vampire-fans on her world are all about sunshine and rainbows, so I thought it would be funny to incorporate that weird dichotomy into the title. + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + I like the idea of having two diametrically opposed Kanaya tracks one right after the other. Saves me the trouble of pointlessly bifurcating Kanaya's song like the other ones. + What is a troll? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Eridan's Theme Artist: Toby Fox Contributors: The_Eighth_Bit (soundfont) References: Catchyegrabber (Skipper Plumbthroat's Song) URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/eridans-theme-2 +Commentary: + <i>David Ko:</i> + (Eridan Walkabout) + O come all ye scallywags, sing along with me,<br>(For) we are the royal trolls, the terrors of the sea!<br>We pillage and plunder, and we never compromise,<br>We'll sail these raging waters 'till we take our glorious prize! + We run from no enemy and we can feel no pain.<br>All of the lower bloods will quake under our reign!<br>To build metal death machinse to do just what we crave,<br>To pummel all the land-lovers until they're in the grave! + Masters of the tide,<br>(The) stars shall be our guide.<br>If you're not a royl blood,<br>You'd better run and hide! + Confiscate the crown,<br>Swing the ship around,<br>Take a swig of Faygo just to wash the whiskey dow. + *Instrumental Break* + Our brave and fearless leader is...<br>Eridan!<br>What a hopeless romantic...<br>From matesprit to kismesis, his feelings are frantic!<br>His poor broken heart has been shattered on the floor,<br>But he'll never stop until he can have her for "shore!" + Come all ye scallywags, sing along with me,<br>We are the Royal Trolls, the terrors of the sea!<br>We pillage and plunder, 'cause we know we've got the nerve,<br>We'll rule these stormy waters and we'll take what we deserve! + Masters of the tide,<br>(The) stars shall be our guide.<br>If you're not a royal blood,<br>You'd better run and hide! + Confiscate the crown,<br>Swing the ship around,<br>Take a swig of Faygo just to wash the whiskey down. + Yar har, anchors away!<br>Soon we'll be coming to ruin your day,<br>Just resign to your fate.<br>Soon you'll be made into Gl'Bgolyb bait. + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + Lyrics by <a href="artist/david-ko/index.html">David Ko</a>. + The only thing I'd like to note is the middle section remixing Alexander Rosetti's Catchyegrabber. I mean, I'm not the voice of Eridan... and it's a bit of a parallel... but... you know all those people you saw in the flash animation? They were ONLY in the opening sequence. They left after the theme song ecause they realized Plumbthroat was about as bright as a lump of seaweed. He doesn't have any friends. Even the Squiddles refuse to love him. He is one damn lonely man. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Nautical Nightmare Artist: Toby Fox Contributors: The_Eighth_Bit (soundfont) URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/nautical-nightmare-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (Eridan Boss Battle) + Originally Nautical Nightmare was an orchestral piece for Rose's Denizen.* I wasn't completely satisfied with the end result so it was ultimately scrapped, but the melody and chords kept dancing in my head. MANY months later I discovered the Ultimate Megadrive soundfont by The_Eighth_Bit and I decided to remake it as a boss theme for Eridan. Basically everything about the song changed - the only thing that remains is the main melody and chords. + It's not a really overwhelming track because Eridan is a bit of a joke, but I'm pretty happy with it. The bassline and solo section are some of the sassiest I've ever written, the melody is still really catchy, and the action is persistent. Just listen to that thing a couple times and I'll be damned if it doesn't get stuck in your head. + *I have since done something better called <a href="track/earthsea-borealis/index.html">Earthsea Borealis</a>. Maybe you will hear it someday. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Nepeta's Theme Artist: Toby Fox References: Walls Covered in Blood URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/nepetas-theme-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (Nepeta Walkabout) + Beep beep, meow... it's a remix of Walls Covered in Blood if you didn't notice~ + The original <i>Walls</i> was actually pretty divisive - either people loved it or they thought the Mario Paint instruments were too much to bear. Here we get the best of both worlds - the catchy theme without the weird instrumentation! (And if you liked the original better... well... great! Because it still exists.) + I decided to hit on some of the more Latin aspects of her theme without a self-imposed limitation on what instruments I could choose. So I threw in some vibraslaps, some bongos, and a steel drum. To extend it for the album, I just decided to add EarthBound instruments and beatbox to the second part of the original song. Always a failproof plan! + :33 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Horschestra STRONG Version Artist: Alexander Rosetti References: Horschestra, Walls Covered in Blood Directory: horschestra-STRONG-version URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/horschestra-strong-version-2 +Commentary: + <i>Alexander Rosetti:</i> + (Equius Walkabout) + Neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh. Neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh. Neigh neigh neigh. Neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh. Neigh. Neigh neigh. Neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh. Neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh. + Neigh neigh neigh neigh. Neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh. + <I>Toby Fox:</i> + Neigh neigh neigh, neigh neigh. + Neigh neigh? Neigh. + Seriously though, despite its goofiness, this is one great track. Alexander Rosetti is easily one of the best composers on the team, and despite being often limited by his electronic instrumentation palette (he usually composes for real musicians to play), he's pulled this track off and several others fantastically. + Did I mention we're in love? + Also, the SNES funeral section interspersed with a small amount of Walls Covered in Blood at the end is just brilliant. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Blackest Heart (With Honks) Artist: Toby Fox References: Blackest Heart URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/blackest-heart-with-honks-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (Prelude to a Killer Clown) + This track went under most people's radars when it was first released because it really was a soundtrack for a situation that had not yet taken place. + Andrew asked me to add some 'brooding honks' to it... and some amazingly hilarious justaposition occurred that somehow made the piece even more frightening to all those that played it at 6am in the morning. + Now people love it. Step one to improvement - add clowns! + Yep, that's my voice, by the way. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Midnight Calliope Artist: Mark Hadley URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/midnight-calliope-2 +Commentary: + <i>Mark Hadley:</i> + (Gamzee the Killer) + When trying to come up with something for the flipped-out Gamzee, I decided to stick with the basics and write a short calliope melody in a minor key. As it loops, however, a dark droning backdrop becomes gradually more apparent, a darkness beneath the playfulness implied by the first part. The calliope fades out until only the droning sound remains, showing in essence that playtime is over. Also, I figured nothing makes carnival music sound more twisted than for the tempo/pitch to change, so I had the whole thing start gradually slowing down over time, giving it an even more unnatural feel. I wanted one last build-up near the end to build tension, and as it fades out and the listener is just starting to relax... HONK. honk. + On a side note, I think I enjoy writing creepy music even more than any other kind of music. + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + Soundtrack-wise... I think this was one of the greatest moments of Homestuck. This track makes my hair stand on end. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Chaotic Strength Artist: Thomas Ferkol URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/chaotic-strength-2 +Commentary: + <i>Thomas Ferkol:</i> + HOW TO WRITE MUSIC<br>STEP 1: WRITE STRONG GUITAR<br>STEP 2: WRITE STRONG DRUMS<br>STEP 3: YELL INTO THE MICROPHONE<br>STEP 4: FLEX<br>STEP 5: Get a towel because GOD DAMN so much sweat. + (Samples form "Number of the Beast" by Iron Maiden and "The Riddle Wants to Be" by Madder Mortem.) + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + Thomas composed this right after the flash between Gamzee and Equius... if you can, just imagine the beginning of the song playing as Gamzee stars into Equius's face... and then the "YEAHHHHHH!!!!" just as Equius breaks the string around his neck with a manly flex. + Awesome fighting ensues. + That didn't happen though. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Trollian Standoff Artist: Tensei URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/trollian-standoff-2 +Commentary: + <i>Tensei:</i> + (Triple Showdown Combo) + This was the song that accompanied THAT ONE FLASH WHERE NOTHING HAPPENED. This is also the song that probably had the quickest turnabout rate from being written to being used in a flash, which happened over the course of only a day or two. + I actually wrote htis in direct response to all the people making spaghetti western jokes and references about the way the standoff was being set-up. + Stylistically I basically just tried to make it soun as spaghetti western-ish as possible, but I combined it with a bunch of horror movie style ambient sounds (and honks, obviously). + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + An awesome track that sets up really well... for the next one. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Rex Duodecim Angelus Artist: Malcolm Brown @@ -114,52 +286,136 @@ References: - The La2t Frontiier - psych0ruins - Spider's Claw +Commentary: + <i>Malcolm Brown:</i> + (Final Battle Against the Black King) + Or "King of the Twelve Angels" in Google Translator Latin. + This was designed as music for the EPIC yet only hinted at battle between the Black King and the Trolls at the end of their game. Rather than making it a fast-paced action-centric doom-fest, it ended upmore like some kind of apocalyptic dance number: The Trolls, despite going against fairly tough odds, all banded together under Karkat's leadership into a well oiled, tactical nuclear force that managed to overcome the Black King and beat the game. + It is, along with the unique 'Black King's theme, more or less a combination of various Troll themes arranged in order of attack. It's probably easier to just explain what's going on where: + 0:00 - We start with the black king's introduction, Aradiabots from doomed timelines teleporting in and assembling, the reckoning beginning, the Vast Glub being suppressed. + 1:34 - At this point, the fearless leader steps into action as the first to attack (<a href="track/crustacean/index.html">Crustacean</a>). I like to think this move shreds any sense of doubt they had in Karkat as leader at this point. Karkat's theme's quite fun to work with, so I enjoyed this bit. + 2:03 - Terezi made sense as a logical follow to Karkat (<a href="track/the-lemonsnout-turnabout.html">The Lemonsnout Turnabout</a>). It starts off quite simple yet more organised than Karkat's section, representing Terezi's initial appearance as a fairly harmless, blind Troll girl, before building up to her surprise attack. I'd already mucked about with Terezi's theme in my other track, but this one I think is a bit more faithful to the original. + 2:34 - The King responds. + 2:56 - Tavros in his Jet Car (<a href="track/desperado-rocket-chairs/index.html">Desperado Rocket Chairs</a>). There's a hint of tragedy to Tavros' character that I think comes through here - His melody kinda builds up but just as he's about to act it kinda fades back down. Ah well... The world's smallest violin is playing the intro trumpet section to Tavros' original theme here. + 3:15 - Kanaya, being quite graceful and yet incredibly deadly (<a href="track/virgin-orb/index.html">Virgin Orb</a>). She pretty much stops the music and focuses all attention on her - Something she'll do again in the future. I really like the opening of Kanaya's theme, so this is one of my fave bits. The chainsaw is also quite a fun touch. + 3:34 - Equius decides to step in and show people how it's done with the might and efficiency only a highb100d could bring, and indeed he probably would, but Nepeta keeps being silly and sneaking in some attacks (<a href="track/horschestra/index.html">Horschestra</a> & <a href="track/walls-covered-in-blood/index.html">Walls Covered in Blood</a>). It was a bit of a faff combining these two, but I liked the idea of Equius' almost military like anthem being interrupted by Nepeta's calypso funkiness. + 3:53 - Feferi and Eridan move in (<a href="track/keepers/index.html">Keepers</a>). These two have worked together before, and provide a potent force against the King. + 4:13 - The King responds once again. + 4:36 - Sollux and Aradia decide to now get involved having kept the King's psychic powers in check (<a href="track/the-la2t-frontiier/index.html">The La2t Frontiier</a> & <a href="track/psych0ruins/index.html">psych0ruins</a>). I took more or less the openings of both themes and tried gluing them together. There's also an additional bit influenced by Aradia's in the 2nd half. + 4:56 - Based on Karkat's description on what Gamzee's contribution to the fight was. I figured having Gamzee 'parody' the King's theme worked better here. The music doesn't even really imply what his attack was, only that it built up, was unleashed, and surprised the hell out of everyone... + 5:14 - The King's nearly defeated and getting desperate. + 5:39 - Vriska steps up, and finishes it. With one impossi8ly lucky roll. + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + I'm incredibly flattered to have such an awesome track feature so many pieces of music by myself... another miracle from the guy who brought you Showtime, folks. + Definitely the peak of intensity on the album. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Killed by BR8K Spider!!!!!!!! Artist: Toby Fox References: Spider's Claw URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/killed-by-br8k-spider-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (God-Vriska's Finest Hour) + What's wrong, baby? Can't you even play guitar? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Alternia Artist: Seth Peelle References: Theme URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/alternia-2 +Commentary: + <i>Seth Peelle:</i> + (Hivebent) + The Alternia theme has always been close to Radiation's heart, so when he asked me to do an arrangement of it as the closer for the album, I knew it needed to be something really heartfelt and special. + His vision was that it would represent the outcome of the Trolls' game session that never came to be. The joy of discovering a shiny new universe; the chance to give their race a fresh start; the tearful recognition that all the loss and turmoil they had endured was worth it in the end, and that everything was going to be okay from now on. + It is, in essence, the Trolls' lingering and bittersweet memory of Hope. + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + Beatfox, it is a great honor. + <code style="color: #626262">FCG: AND</code><br><code style="color: #626262">FCG: I DUNNO</code><br><code style="color: #626262">FCG: THAT'S ALL I CAN SAY, I'M GETTING A LUMP IN MY SQUAWK BLISTER.</code> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Trollcops (Radio Play) Artist: Erik Scheele Contributors: Nick Smalley (words) References: Trollcops URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/trollcops-radio-play-2 +Lyrics: + Alternia: One of the roughest beats in the universe. It's a tough job to keep it safe, and an even tougher job to find people who'll keep it that way. She's a gal with a knack for justice and has the force under her thumb. He's a guy who just joined the APD and finding his bearings is about as easy as feeding a Gyclops his cough syrup. And together, they are Trollcops. + It isn't going to be easy teaching the rookie the ropes of the force, but she's the only one who can do it without getting him killed. So far the biggest problem they've hit is striking the right chord with each other. It seems like whenever they're partners, there isn't a moment when they're not both at each other's throats. It's gonna take a miracle to find a middle road with this pair, and keep their antics under the hat. + However, if it weren't for that kartheft, the team would'a never gotten their issues ironed out. Now, they stick together like glue and macaroni and keep Alternia shining like a green sun. One thing's for sure, if you cause trouble in their neighborhood, these two will sort you out quick, because together, they are...trollcops. +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + I wasn't sure how people would react to Jit's voice in non-Gamebro format, plus a few of his pronunciations weren't exactly clear... so I told him to make an instrumental version instead... + But you know what? I still love this version for all its campy glory, so here it is as a bonus track! + ... + ... AND TOGETHER THEY ARE... TROLL COCKS. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Catapult Capuchin Artist: Toby Fox URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/catapult-capuchin-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (I KILL ANIMALS!!!) + Onto the rest of the bonus tracks - these are here because I think they are solid or interesting, but too short or "out there" for the main tracks of the album. Most of them do a great job of contributing to the idea of a videogame based on Homestuck, though - so please use your imagination when you queue them up, and wish really hard! + I used Mega Man X2 samples (by daveeeey) for this track. If Nepeta had a level in a Mega Man X game, this is probably something like what it would sound like... it's just a little bit like Neon Tiger, but maybe just in the chords. They both have the same claw weapons. Neon Tiger probably pounces because he likes Mega Man X. Time to update my shipping wall!!! + I really think the toms in the opening do a good job of setting a "jungle" feel to the track. Same with the roaring cymbals and the jumpy bassline. The orchestra hits have a bunch of cool effects on them, too - vibrato, echo, pan, pitch shift... all within the limitations of something a SNES could do! Although I probably went over the instrument limitations for the system, especially if sound effects are involved... + Oh! The name of the level was contributed by my friend Samantha. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Science Seahorse Artist: Toby Fox URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/science-seahorse-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (PISCES PRINCESS) + Another make-believe Mega Man X Track using daveeeey's X2 samples. + Ironically, despite the awesome, Eri-licious name, this is kind of a combination Feferi and Eridan track. It starts out with some mystical, deep-sea vibraphones, rolling cymbals like waves washing through the piece... then plays some more beach-like music, which has just a hint of brassy regality to it. The solo is a bit emotional, kinda back and forth between hapyy and tempestuous, but that's how it is between moirails. + Eridan is DEFINITELY the boss of this level. + Shame that Fef doesn't get a really Feffy track to herself on this album. Poor Fef. BUT if you ARE looking for that and don't mind skipping over somewhere else, go back to the Squiddles Album and check out <a href="track/carefree-princess-berryboo/index.html">Carefree Princess Berryboo</a> by Alexander Rosetti. I think it fits her perfectly, especially as far as AlterniaBound walkabout themes go... enjoy it, it's cute! + I sadly don't remember who suggested the name "Science Seahorse"... someone cool. You're cool, person! Smile. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: A Fairy Battle Artist: Toby Fox URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/a-fairy-battle-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + (Kanaya Battle Theme?) + This piece is made in PXTONE, so it might sound a bit like one of Buzinkai's tracks. + I wanted to make a battle theme for Kanaya. I think it does fit her in a really weird way... although it doesn't really line up with the motifs presented in, say, Darling Kanaya and Virgin Orb. I can totally imagine her revving up that chainsaw and taking down some imps to this, though. Especially with the delicate synthesized bell so prominent, it does sound kinda delicate... So really, it's your choice what this song is supposed to be. Enjoy your freedom. + Oh, and also enjoy that really loud bass. Pump that shit in your cars. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: The Blind Prophet Artist: Toby Fox Contributors: hank hill & cyclops (everything) References: The La2t Frontiier, MeGaLoVania, Courser URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/the-blind-prophet-2 +Commentary: + <i>cyclops???:</i> + my thoughts: + mmmm ok i made 2 megaman x tracks but i dont know if theyll fit with the album, ill make another one and combine it with real instruments for SOLLUX'S THEME so i can parallel last frontiier AND make a track in case YOU EVER GET TO PLAY AS SOLLUX IT WILL PLAY THIS SONG..... ok... hmm this section is too intense. hey i have an idea to make it BIPOLAR AND BIFURCATED ill make every section after the other soft and then REALLY LOUD AND CRAZY, SO LOUD AND CRAZY PLAYING AS SOLLUX WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE THE SONG WILL BE TOO LOUD AND RIDICULOUS + wow this sounds stupid these instruments dont go together at all and the different section changes literally sound like i was bipolar when i made this, what can i do to make this better............. hmmmmmmm..... i know..... (breaks out copy of marvel vs capcom 4, scrolls down to hank hill, presses x) + let the games begin.......... + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + this song is the best song to air guitar and also sing along to and play shitty trumpet to ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: AlterniaBound Artist: Toby Fox References: Theme URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/alterniabound-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + These aren't "true" pieces... just jingles based off of "Theme". But I hope that for all their insignificance, they really instill the idea of a game inside of you. + AlterniaBound is a VERY direct homage to the title screen of EarthBound. If you don't know what EarthBound is... you may be missing out on something. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: You Won A Combat Artist: Toby Fox References: Theme URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/you-won-a-combat-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + When you win a battle on Alternia, this song plays. No one knows who's singing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Rest A While Artist: Toby Fox References: Theme URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/rest-a-while-2 +Commentary: + <i>Toby Fox:</i> + And with that.... good night. diff --git a/album/coloUrs-and-mayhem-universe-a/album.txt b/album/coloUrs-and-mayhem-universe-a/album.txt index 87f94f5a..6caa00c7 100644 --- a/album/coloUrs-and-mayhem-universe-a/album.txt +++ b/album/coloUrs-and-mayhem-universe-a/album.txt @@ -209,6 +209,16 @@ Contributors: - Steve Blum (piano) - Nicole Sequeira (bass) - Eric Hagstrom (drums) +Lyrics: + Cigarette ashes burn red<br>but they fall like snow,<br>and I hear the wind a callin' my name<br>and this world's got to end someday soon. + A slick black queen<br>in a slick black coat<br>her leggings high and her brim down low.<br>She's beautiful and she knows it. + It's a cold, cold world<br>and she's on her own.<br>This world is hers and hers alone.<br>She's powerful and she knows it. + She's your girl.<br>She is your world.<br>She is your universe. + I caught your eye.<br>You stole my heart.<br>I took your arm to show that I care.<br>You loathe me so and you love it. + I'm your girl<br>I am your world<br>I am your universe. + Our love was hot,<br>but I was cold.<br>You always made me feel so blue.<br>But when I said draw<br>and you shot,<br>it was obvious that you were colder. + I'm not unhurt,<br>but you lost out.<br>When I said draw I just knew that you would.<br>You'll miss me so when I'm gone.<br>I'll miss you so when I'm gone. + Love or hate<br>I was your girl<br>I was your world<br>I was your universe. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Superego Artist: Yan Rodriguez @@ -234,3 +244,12 @@ Track: Temporal Shenanigans Artist: Rachel Macwhirter Track Art: Astrom URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/temporal-shenanigans +Lyrics: + There's no need to justify the meaningless destruction.<br>The voices always tell me that it's how I'm meant to function.<br>Everything's in order, everything will come in time,<br>just as long as I complete the tasks that are mine. + When the time comes that you see the way destiny lies,<br>it would be okay if you'd pretend to be surprised. + I see in full clarity what was so muddy before.<br>You see a thousand of me and this is what I'm meant for. + I'm going around not in circles but in spirographs.<br>It's pretty much this hard to keep just one timeline intact.<br>I can see the endings that the realms will not permit.<br>I see them over again while building up to this. + In my current state, it's a bit difficult to sympathise,<br>but I know what I'm doing! Don't try to tell me otherwise. + I see in full clarity what was so muddy before.<br>You see a thousand of me and this is what we're made for. + From now on I know I'll be more careful where I tread.<br>I'm alive and smiling. I'm so tired of being dead. + I see in full clarity what was so muddy before.<br>You see I'm far from empty. I'm back to what I live for.<br>I see in full clarity what was so muddy before.<br>You see I'm far from empty. I'm back to what I live for. diff --git a/album/coloUrs-and-mayhem-universe-b/album.txt b/album/coloUrs-and-mayhem-universe-b/album.txt index a99cd9f4..9e29b6d7 100644 --- a/album/coloUrs-and-mayhem-universe-b/album.txt +++ b/album/coloUrs-and-mayhem-universe-b/album.txt @@ -111,6 +111,23 @@ Track: Squiddle Song Artist: Maya Kern Track Art: Maya Kern URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/squiddle-song-2 +Lyrics: + C G6 Am F + wake up in the morning<br>there's a brand new day ahead<br>the sun is bright and the clouds smile down<br>and all your friends are dead + but the ocean is so friendly<br>the bright blue diamond stratosphere<br>and you know you're gonna have buckets of fun<br>as soon as you can get out of here + G F C G6 + running from skipper plumbthroat<br>last night he murdered all your friends<br>hiding from skipper plumbthroat<br>you gotta run from your end + C G6 Am F + he came last night when you were all asleep<br>and you narrowly avoided death<br>you hid behind a rock while he got to work<br>now there's no buddies to tangle with + you swim and swim and swim some more<br>to find a new squiddle colony<br>and though there's hope you really can't help<br>but feel just a little bit lonely + G F C G6 + running from skipper plumbthroat<br>why must squiddles meet such an end?<br>hiding from skipper plumbthroat<br>it's time to make new squiddle friends + E F C G + squiddles are social creatures<br>squiddles need friends<br>even when they have squiddle fights<br>they always make amends + squiddles are peaceful plushes<br>squiddles would never hurt you<br>they tangle you up in a big friendship ball<br>oooooooooooooooooo + G F C G6 + running from skipper plumbthroat<br>why must squiddles meet such an end?<br>hiding from skipper plumbthroat<br>it's time to make new squiddle friends + it's time to make new squiddle friends Commentary: <i>Maya Kern:</i> well i really love the squiddles? and the squiddles album is one of my favorite albums. diff --git a/album/homestuck-vol-10/album.txt b/album/homestuck-vol-10/album.txt index a2fd6f3a..c157065e 100644 --- a/album/homestuck-vol-10/album.txt +++ b/album/homestuck-vol-10/album.txt @@ -1,6 +1,28 @@ Album: Homestuck Vol. 10 Cover Art: Lexxy Date: June 12, 2016 +Commentary: + <i>Robert J! Lake:</i> (project manager) + This almost didn't happen. + As of release day, it's been exactly four full years since the last numbered Homestuck volume, with only one full album between then and now. + In fact, it's now actually been a longer time since the last numbered homestuck volume than the time between Homestuck beginning and it coming out. That's crazy, right? + Can you believe there was a time whne Homestuck albums were coming out every month? + Volume 10's been an open question since the moment Volume 9 got released. Every few months, the music team would talk about it, maybe float a song or two for it, then nothing. Which, you know. Process. Life happens. A lot of us went to college, maybe lost interest, moved on to making smash hit games, what have you. We splintered. Fans wondered if it'd ever happen. I've gotten messages about it basically ad infinitum over the past four years, and it's not helped by one-off mentions here and there teasing it endlessly. + People want to know what's up! + Well, finally, here it is. If Volume 9 is the culmination of over three years of musical evolution and growth for its musicians, Volume 10 is the reunion tour. For those of us returning, it's our chance to show how much better we got while we were gone (I think you'll agree we've improved quite a bit). + As for the new faces, I think their work speaks for itself. + This isn't only the tightest, most consistent, most listenable numbered volume we've done, it's the one we've put the most love into. + I hope you enjoy what I've spent the past few months wrangling together with some of the most talented people I know. + I present the final Homestuck Volume. + ...Probably. + <i>Marcy Nabors:</i> (co-organizer, mastering engineer) + Homestuck Volume 10, the big 1-0! + I can only begin to describe what a personally significant moment it is to be releasing this album. Homestuck has been huge for me; the enthusiastic community and the countless friends it's helped me to meet, the sprawling fantastical expanse that is the comic itself, and perhaps most notably, the outrageous wealth of great music. + Almost six years ago, the Homestuck discography served as the push I needed to realize that I could chase my dreams in the world of independent music, and today I'm proud to call many of these immeasurably talented musicians some of my closest friends. + Putting this album together has been an absolute pleasure, and I think it's a fitting conclusion to this seven-year-long tradition of incredible creativity. + Enjoy the tunes! + <i>Lexxy:</i> (cover artist) + Homestuck will always hold a warm, nostalgic place in my heart, so despite drafting up a handful of concepts - from the graphic and representational to the tongue-in-cheek referential - I ultimately ended up going with the one that expressed that affection the most. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Creata Artist: Seth Peelle @@ -22,23 +44,61 @@ References: - Carefree Action - Revelawesome - Song of Skaia +Commentary: + <i>Seth Peelle:</i> + When I first auditioned for the Homestuck music team back in 2009, one of my two audition pieces was <a href="track/pumpkin-cravings/index.html">Pumpkin Cravings</a>, which ended upon the "Homestuck Vol. 5" album of the following year (and was subsequently orchestrated by the illustrious Alexander Rosetti into <a href="track/this-pumpkin/index.html">THIS Pumpkin</a> on THIS Album). The other piece was a short electronic-sounding demo entitled "Skaia Voyages" that I based on the <a href="track/sburban-jungle/index.html">Sburban Jungle</a> and <a href="track/skies-of-skaia/index.html">Skies of Skaia</a> themes, inspired by the purposefully vague notion of the Kids' "ascension" recently introduced in the comic at that time. The demo never ended up going anywhere in that form, but its musical ideas stuck in my head, growing and evolving in my mindscape over the years into something much grander than what I had originally envisioned. It grew additional references to <a href="track/revelawesome/index.html">Revelawesome</a> and the Kids' themes, grew a full orchestra, grew a massive choir and epic sci-fi noises of indeterminate nature... + And then - eventually - it became REAL. + It ASCENDED. + (yes it was totally that easy.<br>no you can't stop me from pretending this.) + <i>PJ Tush:</i> + WOW 7 years of Homestuck. I only hopped on this hectic bandwagon in 2011, but it was definitely worth it. I NEVER would have expected to be able to contribute to and take part in Homestuck itself. This is like a dream come true. THAT BEING SAID: CREATA! + Creata was heard <a href="track/creata-canon-edit/index.html">in short</a> during the first part of Collide, so being able to listen to the full version of the song and then DRAW for it was pretty cathartic (i might have cried). When drawing for Creata, I wanted to capture the "essence of creation" and highlight the greater purpose of the Beta kids in the creation of their universe. The piece is long and explosive, much like one would expect the creation of an entire universe to be. I wanted to depict a climactic moment, something grandiose and defining that fits in with the end of Homestuck properly. What better event than the Genesis Frog finally blooming with the original quartet? + (i definitely did cry) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Train Artist: Buzinkai Track Art: Kate Holden URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/train-2 +Commentary: + <i>Kate Holden:</i> + So I may have originally thought this track was about a literal train and been like "I can't really drawn trains..." only to be told it was more like a training montage for John and agreeing that maybe I can actually draw John. I'd been watching a lot of Ruroni Kenshin with the girlfriend on Netflix and because this art was done by me as a last minute switcheroo I didn't have much time, so I did what I do best; I was a piece of weeaboo trash and made this ridiculous fake shounen manga panel in manga studio. + The Japanese reads "Usagi o hako ni modore": "Put the bunny back in the box". + The next day I landed a job working at a Sake company. True story. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Of Gods and Witches Artist: Tensei References: Doctor Track Art: Archeia URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/of-gods-and-witches-2 +Commentary: + <i>Tensei:</i> + For the longest time I considered this a song for Jade, specifically her dog tier transformation. Then I realized, far too late, that Aranea doesn't have a lot of music given her relative importance in the comic! + More importantly, this song has some piratey/celcitc jig vibes (partially basedo n the fight club theme from Assassin's Creed 3), which actually made it a decent fit for Aranea (given her Mindfang alter ego). + So by the limited powers of canonization invested in me, I hereby pronounce this song's alternative title as "Of Sylphs and Sekrets" and that it may be interpreted as a theme for either Jade or Aranea. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Beatup Artist: Clark Powell, Astro Kid References: Beatdown (Strider Style) -Track Art: Shan M. +Track Art: Shannon Murphy URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/beatup-2 +Commentary: + <i>Clark Powell:</i> + This was the best remix I ever worked on. There was another ermix of this song that didn't make it onto the album, but you can use your imagination for that. + <i>Astro Kid:</i> + actually clark is wrong and u dont have to use ur imagination <a href="https://unofficialmspafans.bandcamp.com/track/beatup-shutdown">here u go</a> ... bye + <i>Clark Powell:</i> + step on me Riki + <i>Astro Kid:</i> + i step on nobody + <i>Clark Powell:</i> + pls make an exception for me + <i>Robert J! Lake:</i> + is that your actual commentary i'll literally put this all in + <i>Astro Kid:</i> + yes RJ literally put this in also Clark I love you but this, I cannot make an exception for. Please go step on yourself. + <i>Shannon Murphy:</i> + This is a Strider song and I just wanted to draw both Strider bros in action.. + I felt like a lot of saturated cool colors would really match how the song felt to me as well! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: You Killed My Father (Prepare To Die) Artist: Team Dogfight @@ -59,36 +119,97 @@ References: - Black - Checkmate - Gaia Queen +Commentary: + <i>Team Dogfight:</i> + You Killed My Father (Prepare To Die) is, as you may have noticed, a collaborative effort from a bunch of fanmusicians, except I guess we're all Homestuck Official now. Homestuck's been a pretty big part of our lives, as you can see from these testimonials: + <i>viaSatellite:</i> (bassist) + Homestuck had been one of the best experiences of my life, and being able to contribute music to it on several occasions fulfilled a few of my dreams. + It's been a massive pleasure to work with y'all. + <i>Will Ascenzo:</i> (orchestra, choir) + The amount of musical fan activity that came out of Homestuck was really quite incredible, and something I've never seen in any fandom before. For all the highs and lows in the Homestuck fandom the way the fandom appreciated fanmusic was special. + <i>David Dycus</i>: (composer, synths) + Homestuck gave me a sense of musical purpose I have not experienced before or since. + ...Actually, that sounds stupid. Don't print any of that. + <i>Yishan Mai:</i> (drums, mixing) + Literally everyone I know is a Homestuck. + I am trapped in an unending hell. + Please kill me. + <i>Mika B.:</i> (track artist) + Being reeled in both by the song title and the clash between the two characters (and the music, of course), creating art for this was exciting. + I have always thought of John as one who keeps his dorky self kept close in all situations, so John facing off Bec with the most energy filled, accusing point served as my inspiration for this piece. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Sound Judgement Artist: Malcolm Brown Track Art: Sera B. References: Terezi's Theme, Harlequin URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/sound-judgement-2 +Commentary: + <i>Malcolm Brown:</i> + Couldn't end without giving Terezi another chance to shine. "Sound Judgement" basically tells the story of Terezi's "CLOWN HUNT1NG" escapade where she goes hunting after Gamzee, battles him & gets spectacularly "ATOMIC DOUBLE JUGGALO BACKBREAKER"'d for her trouble. Goal here was mainly to create a "Terezi doing something badass" track: A little inspiration from things like "Battle without Honor or Humanity" from Kill Bill, sprinkled with little bits inspired by Terezi's theme, then a bit of weir dguitar solo for Harlequin to represent Gamzee, and a whole load of staccato strings and rhythm guitar everywhere else. + Originally called "JUDG3M3NT D4Y" but we already have a track called <a href="track/judgment-day/index.html">Judgment Day</a>. + We've literally used all the names. + "Sound Judgement" works better though, although it should probably be "Smell Judgement"? + That sounds ridiculous though. + <i>Sera B.:</i> + For this piece I wanted to go really comic book-y, so I leaned towards a Daredevil influence for Terezi (for obvious reasons). Initially, I had her in a more dtailed setting in extreme light and shadow, with Gamzee's silhouette looming over her. Totally by accident I ended up deleting the background layers, leaving just the strip of red lava as the orizon-- which looked way cooler than what I had before and gave it the comic-book-cover vibe I was shooting for. Super fun piece to work on! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Aggrievocation Artist: Mark Hadley References: Aggrieve Track Art: Rachel Lundin URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/aggrievocation-2 +Commentary: + <i>Mark Hadley:</i> + While <a href="track/harlequin/index.html">Harlequin</a> was the first piece of mine to appear in Homestuck, the first piece I actually wrote for it was <a href="track/aggrieve/index.html">Aggrieve</a>, and so I felt it was only fitting to make another mix of it for the final album. Plus it gave me an excuse to try writing it in a metal style! I'm not sure it could still be considered Rose's "official theme" anymore (not after the mountain of excellent music the team's written for her over the years), but I still like to think of it that way. + <i>Rachel Lundin:</i> + Just, put, like, "It was cool to work on this," I don't know! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Stride Artist: Kalibration References: Moonsetter, Showdown (Strider Style), Upward Movement (Dave Owns) Track Art: Seth Massey URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/stride-2 +Commentary: + <i>Kalibration:</i> + Well, it's really my last song for Homestuck, huh... + I know I developed my thunderous-ridiculous-percussion style thanks to the comic, but it felt better to leave things on a groovier note. + So, it's "Stride", my little sequel-of-sorts to Upward Movement, featuring samples from Moonsetter and Showdown, and an updated version of that classic Dave Strider drum loop. + <i>Seth Massey:</i> + Fuck the rug. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Skaian Overdrive Artist: Thomas Ferkol References: Skaian Ride, Sburban Jungle Track Art: Seth Massey URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/skaian-overdrive-2 +Commentary: + <i>Thomas Ferkol:</i> + Pretty sure this one first came about back in 2012. + Talked about metal with a certain "Skeletal Timothy" over Skype at some point, and he said something along the lines of, "Hey, you know what'd be a cool metal cover? Skaian Ride." + Naturally, I had to try it. And it turned out pretty awesome. + The guitar performances haven't changed since the first recording, but just about everything to do with the mix and virtual instruments have been tweaked. + At the time, I was very influenced by Gojira, most noticeably in the rhythm guitars' super rythmic chugging around. + And a fun fact: the double kick drum is augmented by a sample of the kick drums used in Septic Flesh's song "Anubis" to give it that perfect death metal punch. + <i>Seth Massey:</i> + Some of the more "mechanical" designs in Sburb were fricken cool. + Wish we saw more of them. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Freefall Artist: Robert J! Lake References: Cascade (Beta) Track Art: Nico J. Dolloso URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/freefall-2 +Commentary: + <i>Robert J! Lake:</i> + Cascade2 has a strange following online. + The post with the track itself (feel free to google around to find it) isn't that popular (though, relative to the rest of my blog, it's practically Michael Jackson) but the people who've heard it and like it are very vocal about it getting a release. + So, you know, here it is. Freefall hems pretty close to my original remix's overall arrangement, except it swaps out all the samples for newly recorded material (all me) and riffs way, way more loosely on the song quotes. This song is older than [S] Cascade is, and I think the difference between the original version from all those years ago and this is one of the most striking comparisons you can make to show how far I've come. + <i>Nico J. Dolloso:</i> + I was approached by RJ to do a track art of my choosing for the album and decided to work closely with him for the track "Freefall." The track's subject was the EoA5 flash '[S] Cascade', which was from what I remember a clusterfuck on so many levels in the Homestuck universe and for the MSPA wegbsite & Newground's hosting servers. + It sure was a ride I'll never forget. + I'm pretty content with the result despite having a short notice to finish it. I wanted to reflect on the clusterfuck of the flash's narrative in these glass shards falling from the area of impact; I love compositions where you can notice something new every time you look closely at it. It also fit well with the title of the track as well. + I also remember there being a lot of contrasting colours in the original flash, so I played with those in this image as well. + Very glad to be able to have the opportunity to draw something for the album overall! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Moonsweater Artist: David Ellis @@ -96,28 +217,67 @@ Contributors: Toby Fox (with apologies to), Malik Refaat (alto & tenor saxophone References: Moonsetter Track Art: David Litt URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/moonsweater-2 +Commentary: + <i>David Ellis:</i> + The idea for this started around the time Volume 9 came out. + Someone asked Toby what his favourite piece was and he said 'Moonsetter'. + As he liked what I did with <a href="track/the-beginning-of-something-really-excellent/index.html">TBOSRE</a> for <a href="track/blue-atom/index.html">Blue Atom</a> I set out to rework Moonsetter into smooth jazz, ended up with shuffle-funk. + Close enough. + Thomas Ferkol came up with the name. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Castle Artist: Buzinkai Track Art: Kiko B. URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/castle-2 +Commentary: + <i>Kiko B.:</i> + This gentle but haunting refrain from Buzinkai reminded me of those calm-but-ominous moments in my favorite adventure games, particularly a fantastic little game called Cave Story. Given the title of the track, a castle-exploration scene seemed to be a given. + I knew I wanted to draw the trolls, and liked the idea of depicting Terezi and Vriska during the post-retcon timeline. So I went with one of the castles we see in a Dream Bubble. + Although, compared to the vibe the song gives off, The Scourge Sisters seem a little too excited to be exploring this creepy old place. The piece needed something to give it a more ominous tone. A scrapped concept involved Karkat and the Mayor, so I put them in the forefront here to add a sense of urgency and foreboding - they're probably not in any actual danger, but Karkat's not gonna let his beloved Mayor get wrapped up in Terezi and Vriska's castle-plundering shenanigans. Visually, I was mianly inspired by the illustrations seen during the ending credits of Cave Story, and how effectively they used limited, almost monochromatic color palettes. I cycled through a lot of different colors for the piece before deciding on the blue/purple gradient here. + Still not sure which one I like best! + In hindsight, I could have easily set this piece in any of the castles on Prospit or Derse, but then I couldn't easily include the Mayor. And I really, REALLY wanted to draw the Mayor. + Besides, pursuing a more obscure concept forced me to get more creative with the scenario and composition. + So, ultimately, it's a win-win! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Skaian Happy Flight Artist: Seth Peelle -References: Skaian Ride -Track Art: Alyssa +References: Skaian Ride, Skies of Skaia +Track Art: Alyssa Lee Dalangin URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/skaian-happy-flight-2 +Commentary: + <i>Seth Peelle:</i> + The 1984 fantasy film "The NeverEnding Story" was one of my favorite childhood movies. + It was the first movie I ever remember watching at the theater, in fact! + And the film's fantastic soundtrack by Giorgio Moroder and Klaus Doldinger had a lasting impact on my own musical creativity. Doldinger's high-energy orchestral theme "Bastian's Happy Flight", in particular, is something special that has stuck with me throughout my life like few musical pieces have - an inspiring masterpiece embodying childlike wonderment in its purest form. + Andrew Hussie liked that movie, too, I guess. + So when Hussie came by my house riding a long magic dog through the sky and causing the absurd movie-referencing shenanigans called Homestuck, I somehow knew that the only proper response was to mash together the "Skaian Ride" and "Skies of Skaia" themes into a nostalgic homage to Mr. Doldinger's soundtrack. + (I am sure Mr. DOldinger - much like a certain ill-fated group of bullies - never could have seen THAT one coming.) + <i>Alyssa Lee Dalangin:</i> + I wanted to illustrate Skaian Happy Flight when I heard it because the music was so whimsical and uplifting, I knew doing the imagery to match it would be fun. When I asked the musician what their vision was for a scenario or character, they said they didn't have anything in particular in mind (though they mentioned some influences from The Neverending story, which Homestuck also referenced. There's a tiny Hussie riding a dragon in the background of my picture, based off a comic page I was shown, haha!) + Just based off the song title, I decided to draw John flying through some pretty Skaian scenery, so I set to work doing preliminary brainstorming. I mostly wanted to settle on cohesive shape language for the sky and the trees, since I already had an idea of the overall composition, and I really wanted the picture to be wispy. Unfortunately I didn't save too many WIP shots, but my sketch was pretty straightforward and most of the struggle came from deciding the colors for John... + One of the WIPs I've included here is showing a roughly shaded layer for John that I ended up scrapping for the simpler coloring that's in the final version. + There were aspects of the more detailed coloring I liked, but I didn't want John to stick out as awkwardly rendered against the otherwise mostly simplistic background style. I had a lot of fun creating this piece and I hope it does the cute song some justice! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Voidlight Artist: Thomas Ferkol Track Art: Zilleniose URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/voidlight-2 +Commentary: + <i>Thomas Ferkol:</i> + Based on Calliope's ahven in the Furthest Rings, this track has gone on a journey. + Though the piano and harp melodies have remained relatively unchanged through the years (yep, YEARS), the piece itself has had a number of facelifts an additions. With new drums, strings, electric pianos, a celesta, some synths, and a quiet, somewhat ominous epilogue, it was a doozy. I'm pretty sure the epilogue was inspired by a chord progression in a Sonata Arctica song. Something about the tone and instrumentation of the piece felt right at home with Sonata's synths. The piece is meant to convey both a relaxed and serene feeling on top of a somewhat melancholy and serious undertone. Calliope's void light spiral was a breather from the craziness happening elsewhere in the comic, but there was always the threat of English showing up. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Beatdown DX Artist: Curt Blakeslee References: Beatdown (Strider Style) Track Art: miraculoustang URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/beatdown-dx-2 +Commentary: + <i>Curt Blakeslee:</i> + A simplified chiptune rendering of Beatdown. Dave's original strife track was purposefully overproduced, loud, and busy, so Beatdown DX is actually less 'deluxe' than the original. + Even so, the DX suffix is a bit of an homage to the traidtion of releasing enhanced versions of old video games. + <i>miraculoustang:</i> + Catch me on the roof in my mid 30's pwning a 9th grader with a sword. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Solar Voyage Artist: Marcy Nabors @@ -132,19 +292,51 @@ Contributors: - Tensei (guitar) - Paul Henderson (vocals) - Jamie Paige Stanley (drums) +Commentary: + <i>Marcy Nabors:</i> + Way back in good ol' 2012 I was in a little one-off band with Erik Scheele, Clark Powell, Astro Kid, and the ever-charismatic Michael Guy Bowman. + At one point we played a small backyard show of <a href="album/mobius-trip-and-hadron-kaleido/index.html">Mobius Trip and Hadron Kaleido</a> tunes, along with many other Homestuck songs you all know and love, to a lovely audience of dedicated fans. + In an effort to pack our show with even more Homestuck material, we put together this cool medley as a live bit, based on songs some of the band members had worked on. + Four years later, and with the addition of some radicool guitar by Tensei and rockin' drums by Jamie Paige Stanley, we're pleased to present it to you in this glorious and shiny new form! + Also Paul. + <i>Paul Henderson:</i> + I recorded some vocals for Explare (as it was called at the time) like a year ago bc marcy was like "hey this might be on the next homestuck album?" and i really wanted to be on a homestuck album, so i show up for like twelve seconds. this is a dream come true + anyway bye + <i>Seth Massey:</i> + \_(ツ)_/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Feel (Alive) Artist: Luke Benjamins, Robert J! Lake -Track Art: Fenn +Track Art: PJ Tush, Fenn, Mika B. URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/feel-alive-2 Contributors: - Luke Benjamins (composition) - Robert J! Lake (production, arrangement) +Commentary: + <i>Luke Benjamins:</i> + I actually wrote the melody for this track almost five years ago, for a project that never got off the ground. As far as I can remember, I didn't have any particular inspiration when I wrote it, musical or otherwise. It's the catchiest tun eI've ever made, yet I couldn't tell you how it came to me exactly. This version is a completely unique take on this melod ycompared to the original context, giving it a very different Feel. I wasn't able to do any of the audio production for this track, but I did guide RJ as to how I Feel it should be put together. We ended up pushing the deadline too much with this one, and there are still a couple things I wish had been changed, but like with any creative work, you need to draw the line somewhere, lest you polish it endlessly. + In the end, I'm gald to finally share itw ith the world in some form, and I hope the world enjoys it. + <i>Robert J! Lake:</i> + This is really Luke's song. I started the project file but he made it his own. The crow noises are mine. + <i>PJ Tush:</i> + Being so high energy, I wanted to make the piece as colorful as possible, but not unattractively saturated. Initially I planned on reflecting the characters in dream bubbles of their respective colors, but decided to depict them in full mugshot instead. + Each character is lightly engulfed in a colroful overlay in front of the chaotic, perpetually expanding infinity of gay space. + <i>Fenn:</i> + <i>Feel</i> is a very powerful song full of energy. We were inspired by the tension filled events occuring during the 3 year span of time between those stuck on the troll meteor, flying through space towards an unknowing and terrifying future. + <i>Mika B.:</i> + When rendering the final rendition of the track art piece, I hoped to give it a complete finish that would accustom the piece's lovely concept art. I enjoyed working to convey the spectacular energy Jade is known to behold, particularly with her hair. + Overall, this piece was a great enjoyment to work on, and I was able to accompany two great artists in their work to create art to represent <i>Feel</i>, as well as the teens' spiraling adventure on the gay meteor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Breeze Artist: Erik Scheele Track Art: Richard Gung URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/breeze-2 +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + Originally my thought for this piece was Spades Slick and Ms. Paint on a gondola, something semi-romantic and jazzy and very ship-worthy. Hence the accordion. But then, like any other time I started feeling vaguely like making something into a piece for shipping people, I actually made the piece and got a way better idea for what it would be for, aka post-game everyone-hanging-out reflection-relaxation. And hey, the accordion still worked. + I don't expect anyone else to be a Maria Schneider fan and also encounter this peice, but if they do, yes I pretty much took the first 4 bars of Evanescence and used it as the basis for the piece. A few other cues came from that piece as well. + <i>Richard Gung:</i> + A chill tune deserves a classy cover. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Starfall Artist: Solatrus @@ -152,6 +344,19 @@ Contributors: Justin Hellier (special thanks) References: Ascend Track Art: Christina Lillard URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/starfall-2 +Commentary: + <i>Solatrus:</i> + I got inspired by listening to a friend's liquid drum and bass tracks back in 2014 (shoutout to you, Justin!), and decided I really wanted to do something along those lines. + Anyway, life happened so fast this track collected dust until RJ and Marcy yelled at me to finish it. + Oh if you want to check out Justin's work, go here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FliteDnB/">www.facebook.com/FliteDnB/</a> + <i>Chiristina Lillard:</i> + So I was minding my own businesso ne day, and then all of a suden Solatrus came and asked me if I wanted to do some art for Volume 10. Naturally, I obliged, and I asked him if he had anything specific in mind that he wanted me to draw for it, and he basically told me to draw whatever came to mind. So I listened to the WIP of the track he sent me a few times to get a feel for what I wanted to draw for it, and jotted down a couple of concept sketches for what I wanted to do! + The first character that came to mind was Rose for some reaosn, and the track gave me a bit of a Skaianet vibe, so at first I sketched up a little composition featuring the meteor terminal in the Skaianet lab. + I scrapped that idea because it would've been far too much detail for me to do in less than a week, so I thought I'd do something with Rose making her way towards Jasper's mausoleum, with a view of meteors falling from the sky. After all, a title like Starfall called meteors to mind! + So I sketched up that idea and liked it enough to see it through to completion. + Fun fact: Solatrus was surprised that the final track art was so red, because he felt like the music would inspire more blues, but he liked it a lot in the end. + I always thought it'd be pretty cool to do something for an official album, and I guess that dream came true! + I'm pretty happy to have had this opportunity to draw something for this album. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Ascend Artist: Tensei @@ -177,17 +382,38 @@ References: - Homestuck Anthem - Showtime (Original Mix) - Carefree Action +Commentary: + <i>Tensei:</i> + First of all, I'm not an EDM producer. + So I made this track called The King in Red. Here's the song:<br>PSYCH, that's the wrong song! + Sweet Fruity Loops - I use that.<br>Supa hot beats - I drop that.<br>John and Aradia - I ship that. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Lilith in Starlight Artist: Malcolm Brown References: Black Rose / Green Sun, Mother, Aggrieve, Darling Kanaya Track Art: Sera B. URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/lilith-in-starlight-2 +Commentary: + <i>Malcolm Brown:</i> + This track's actually effectively a second go at a previous track I made called "Mother" which blended Black Rose/Green Sun & Aggrieve in a sort've more mystical tone. + It focuses on the more fantastical elements of Homestuck, like vampires & wizards & eldritch horrorterrors from the furthest epths, and I envisioned Rose & Kanaya milling around the Troll library during the timeskip, reading up on ancient lore and having a dance together. + There's a little bit of Enya influecne sneaking in, particularly with all the humming choirs, and then halfway through we go into a bit of Yasunori Mitsuda inspired celtic dance and a little excerpt of Darling Kanaya before slowing down and ending on the Aggrieve melody again. + <i>Sera B.:</i> + When Malcolm told me this was a Rose/Kanaya piece I got hung up on the idea of them having a little dance together in the meteor library. I figured it would be a sweet way to demonstrate the darker, more elegant aspects of the song and its liveliness at the same time. + I chose to have Kanaya as the lightsource to put a little more of a literal spin on the title-- Rose as Lilith and Kanaya as her starlight. + Just the two of them in their own little world, sharing a romantic moment! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Thanks for Playing Artist: Max Wright Track Art: Seth Massey URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/thanks-for-playing-2 +Commentary: + <i>Max Wright:</i> + <i>Thanks for Playing</i> was originally conceived as a theme for Calliope, back before the <a href="album/cherubim/index.html">Cherubim</a> album had been released. At that time it had a runtime of only one minute, so when Volume 10 was being organised I ran with what I had and extended it into the piece featured. I felt that the initial theme has an air of purity, something that lent itself well to the birth of a new world - hence its allocation. + At least, that's how I'm justifying it. In reality this can be considered a Calliope piece at heart. + <i>Seth Massey:</i> + This is a realy fantastic song that I'd been rooting for from the start, and hwen given the chance to do art for it I was intent on making sure it got the beautiful art it deserved. + We hadvery similar ideas for the visual direction, and I thikn I"ve done the concept justice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Renewed Return Artist: Marcy Nabors @@ -212,12 +438,37 @@ References: - Savior of the Waking World - Courser - Sburban Jungle +Commentary: + <i>Marcy Nabors:</i> + Four years! And what a wild four years it has been. + I started this one back in 2012 alongside <a href="track/solar-voyage/index.html">Solar Voyage</a>, with lofty ambitions of live choir, strings, and woodwinds, a number of movements in different time signatures and tempos, and enough heart and soul to rival Homestuck itself. All this time later, I've emerged from my musical cocoon with a striking success of a piece, its deilcate wings glistening in the moonlight as it rears its feathery antennae, taking in the world with newfound--- + *ahem*. + Right. + I extend my endless thanks to the folks who were kind enough to lend their voices, instruments, and time to what has turned out to be the longest song in the entire Homestuck discography. + And to the listeners, I sincerely hope you enjoy it! +Lyrics: + SURGE EX DOLORIBUS, CUM SPE IN CORDE!<br>RESPIRA UT PROELIUM VINCATUR!<br>SURGE EX IRA, DA PACEM MUNDO NOVO!<br>RESPIRA UT TENAETIS FINEM FELICEM! + RENOVA!<br>REVENI! + (Rise out of sorrow, with hope in your heart!<br>Resurrect them with the battle to be won!<br>Rise out of wrath, bring peace to a new world!<br>Resurrect them that you may grasp a happy ending! + Renew!<br>Return!) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: THIS Pumpkin Artist: Alexander Rosetti References: Pumpkin Cravings Track Art: Worthikids URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/this-pumpkin-2 +Commentary: + <i>Alexander Rosetti:</i> + THIS Pumpkin is an arrangement of Seth "Beatfox" Peelle's Pumpkin Cravings from Homestuck Volume 5. + If I recall correctly, Beatfox said he was imitating Danny Elfman's style in the original 8-bit piece. One of the many great things about it is all the "orchestrations" he does with such a limited palette, and how strong they come through. + So strong in fact, that I've wanted to make an orchestrated version for a long time. + Consider it fully "Elfmanized" now. The title is a referenced to the "THIS FUCKING PUMPKIN" line from Problem Sleuth. + For obvious reasons I decided to drop one of those words when naming this arrangement. + <i>Worthikids:</i> + Alex's original request for this art was "so here's the thing......<br>could u draw the what pumpkin logo....<br>but with an exclamation point instead of a question mark<br>maybe candy corn vampire-problem sleuth could be holding it?" + I remember drawing the altered logo all plain by itself and sending that to Alex, + and he liked that fine, + but I was ultimately irked and redid it with candy corn PS a few days later. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Conclude Artist: Seth Peelle @@ -228,3 +479,29 @@ References: - Showtime (Piano Refrain) - Homestuck - Skies of Skaia +Commentary: + <i>Seth Pelle:</i> + Oh, hey. Is it the last track already? Man, where did the time go? + Wow. This piece has run through my head more times than any other that I've written for Homestuck. I hadn't been on the music team for very long before I felt motivated to create something in my head that could conceivably serve as a compelling closer to the comic, regardless of whether it ended up actually serving as such. Arguably the most thematically significant musical motifs in the comic - "Sburban Jungle", "Showtime", "Skies of Skaia", and ofcourse, "Homsetuck" - would all have their part to play. I first put it down into corporeal form in late 2010 as a full-length piano draft, but it wasn't until four years later that I began working on the final orchestrated version. + Efforts to complete it over the next couple years were sparse and sporadic at best and fraught with technical issues, but thankfully I managed to make the deadline for the album. + I wanted to make something that, although perhaps bittersweet, has a definitively happy ending. + Despite all the super bad stuff that goes down through the course of the comic, Homestuck is ultimately a story with a message of optimism. Learning, growing, helping, loving. + Blossoming individually, but also working toward a shared goal that's so much bigger than the individual and so totally worth it in the end. + These are themes that play out through the entire comic, but also themes that are reflected in our reality. + I wanted this piece to be an expression of ideals that I, myself, believe in. + I'm hopeful that you believe in them, as well. + <i>Kiko B.:</i> + Look how far we've come! Beatfox did such a spectacular job combining so many early Homestuck themes here. Listening to "Conclude" for the first time was a major nostalgia rush! + It's a fitting finale to a fantastic album. I went through tons of variations of the same image of John and his friends looking ff into the new world they'd built, but I couldn't quite nail down the concept. + Nothing, no matter how vast in scope, or how many kids I crammed in there, properly conveyed the feeling of finality befitting the final track on the album, and the end of HS itself. + Realizing that my initial concept was leading me nowhere, I returned to Act 1 for inspiration. + My single favorite page in HS is page 82 - the soothing but foreboding sound of wind chimes ringing in the howling breeze might even be my favorite use of sound in the whole comic, period. + I intentionally set the scene to look a lot like his yard in Act 1, with the "THANKS FOR PLAYING" text hanging in the sky as the one distinguishing feature that sets this piece post-Act 7. Here, John isn't gazing forlornly at his neighborhood in the anticipation of a long day, but relaxing somewhere warm and familiar after that long day has finally come to a close. + By the way, I haven't forgotten that his ACTUAL yard isn't exactly intact by the end of Act 1, but I figured it was worth it to take a little artistic license to deliver what this track needed. + It's not TOO much of a stretch to assume that John or any one ofh is God Tier pals could have rebuilt his home in the new universe, right? + Right. + It's my headcanon and I won't be shamed! + On a final and more personal note, Homestuck, and its music,<br>hold a very special place in my heart. + I began reading in 2011, so there was a lot of the comic and a lot of music to catch up on. I saved up so I could buy and binge it all at once. My favorite themes fueled many lazy days drawing fanart, which I eagerly shared online. I can sincerely say that doing so changed my life in many ways, as is the case with so many little, seemingly inconsequential decisions. Sharing my enthusiasm for HS led me to meet many dear friends. + That's an experience that I think HS encapsulates incredibly well - the incalculable impact something as simple as sharing something with friends can have. + This piece is my thank-you to Homestuck for that experience. diff --git a/album/homestuck-vol-8/album.txt b/album/homestuck-vol-8/album.txt index 939f08a1..f5a3d547 100644 --- a/album/homestuck-vol-8/album.txt +++ b/album/homestuck-vol-8/album.txt @@ -274,7 +274,7 @@ References: Explore Track Art: saffronScarf URLs: https://homestuck.bandcamp.com/track/hussie-hunt-2 Commentary: - <i>Malcolm Brown</i> + <i>Malcolm Brown:</i> Hah! If 'Sneaking music' was a genre, here's another one to the mix. Basically, heavily influenced by the Pink Panther theme (You know the one). While making this all I could imagine was a bizarre Andrew Hussie Elmer Fudd hunting 'Scwatches'... More or less my first attempt to do something in this style. Also, surprisingly, most of it was played live on keyboard into the sequencer (not something I normally do) and then heavily quantized to fix my wonky playing. It gives it a <i>slightly</i> more organic feel, most noticeable on the chords during the 'Explore' section at the end (Which may also owe a little bit to the Monkey Island soundtrack). diff --git a/album/mobius-trip-and-hadron-kaleido/album.txt b/album/mobius-trip-and-hadron-kaleido/album.txt index c2623bf0..3b977744 100644 --- a/album/mobius-trip-and-hadron-kaleido/album.txt +++ b/album/mobius-trip-and-hadron-kaleido/album.txt @@ -11,19 +11,52 @@ URLs: https://bowman.bandcamp.com/track/forever Track: Dawn of Man References: Sburban Jungle URLs: https://bowman.bandcamp.com/track/dawn-of-man +Lyrics: + I was about fifteen<br>I was walking the beach<br>I was racing a wave<br>It knocked me off my feet<br>I fell into the tide<br>It spat me back on the sand<br>I laughed without a clue<br>How lucky I was to land + It's been a long long time<br>Since my life was spared<br>It's been a long long time<br>But I'm still not scared + It was the dawn of man<br>I held the bone in my hand<br>I was hungry as death<br>Wondering through the sand<br>I met a wild boar<br>My bone came down with a crack<br>I tasted flesh and blood<br>And swore I'd never look back + It's been a long long time<br>But I had just begun<br>It's been a long long time<br>Out in the African sun<br>It's been a long long time<br>Since I learned that skill<br>It's been a long long time<br>Since my very first kill + If anyone's out there to see what I have done<br>Can somebody tell me what we are to become<br>Our tiny lives, they fly right by<br>This godly frame, it does not care<br>If we live or die + It was the month of june<br>It Tiananmen Square<br>The thanks were on TV<br>But I was not yet there<br>The guns they all went pop<br>We heard the screams and shouts<br>I was brought into this world<br>As they were taken out + It's been a long long time<br>So many people to mourn<br>It's been a long long time<br>Since the day I was born<br>It's been a long long time<br>And yet no time at all<br>It's been a long long time<br>And yet no time at all + If anyone's out there to see what I have done<br>Can somebody tell me what I am to become<br>Our tiny lives, they fly right by<br>Who were they, and next to them<br>Who the hell am I? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Beta Version URLs: https://bowman.bandcamp.com/track/beta-version ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: No Release URLs: https://bowman.bandcamp.com/track/no-release +Lyrics: + She's changed, she's new now<br>She's moved on somehow<br>The pain is gone now<br>But she still needs room to breathe + You've changed you're silent<br>For all those years spent<br>Explaining what it was that you really meant + Now you won't say it aloud<br>You'd rather be silent and proud<br>But down inside you still lies the beast<br>If she's the reason you live<br>You'll only get what you give<br>And what you've given is no release + You've changed, you've grown up<br>Your wounds have sewn up<br>Your time has shown up<br>Yet you still can't find your way + No lies, no secrets<br>This is your life, now keep it<br>In time you'll see it + The faces you have put on<br>Have held you back all along<br>You're a king, not a pawn, so cease<br>To be so loyally fake<br>You'll only get what you take<br>And what you've taken is no release + And one day, everyone will smile again<br>We'll feel like a child again<br>And look behind us<br>And think of all the stuff that's going on<br>The stuff we're growing on + It's an ashen quadrant affair<br>Except you just don't care<br>Your only aim has been to appease<br>Lay down your pride and your gun<br>You're not the only<br>Who's still looking for some release + And if the rules they can bend<br>You know you still could be friends<br>But it doesn't rely on me<br>This is as far as I go<br>I only say what I know<br>And what I know is you need release ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Fly URLs: https://bowman.bandcamp.com/track/fly +Lyrics: + Fly fly fly whatcha say<br>Whatcha gonna do<br>Change your ways change your life<br>Change your point of view<br>Been so long since your feet<br>Felt the open air<br>So far back down the line<br>Were you even there? + It's so cold the rain blows in your eyes<br>It's so cold the days go flashing by<br>It's so cold you've lost all track of time<br>It's so cold you turn back into slime + Dream dream dream dream your life<br>Make it up from scratch<br>In your dream you're the star<br>It's you who makes that catch<br>Can't hold on, cannot grope<br>Your fingers will not clasp<br>Measurements fall apart<br>The tools you cannot grasp + It's insane you must be high on pot<br>It's insane the air this man has got<br>It's insane the stuff you must be on<br>It's insane you wake up and it's gone + And you're on your way to work<br>And you still can't work it out<br>And you can't recall the details<br>Or what it was about<br>So you read a bunch of websites<br>And you study archetypes<br>But you throw away the answers<br>'Cause it's all a bunch of hype + And you're on your way of work<br>But you just can't work it out<br>And you can't recall the details<br>Or what it was about<br>So you hustle through your morning<br>And you waste your afternoon<br>And at night you still are wondering<br>If you'll dream again so soon<br>And you lay awake and wonder<br>And you never get your sleep<br>Cause you're still waiting for the answers<br>But you never hear a peep<br>And you die alone and angry<br>And you're wrapped up in a shroud<br>And the world's far below you<br>And your feet are in the clouds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Lies With The Sea References: Sburban Jungle URLs: https://bowman.bandcamp.com/track/lies-with-the-sea +Lyrics: + Lonely submarine in murky shades of blue and green<br>A silent knock on Davy Jones' door<br>Octopi and hydronauts explore unsalvaged shipwrecks caught<br>In coral reeves that span the ocean floor + The geothermal chemistry<br>Of vents below the deep blue sea<br>Burning on and on<br>The winking of an angler's light<br>You make this underwater flight<br>Down where there is no sun + My heart lies with the sea<br>My heart lies with the ocean + My, the continental shelf and all its sunken wealth<br>Boens of those who walked the plank<br>The depth to which these pirates sank<br>Crushed by pressures deep + The submarine has lost its way<br>Shall we ever make it to the bay<br>From where we once did meet<br>A sonar ping still rings for help<br>Diffused amongst a cloud of kelp<br>Where mermaid kingdoms breathe + My heart lies with the sea<br>My heart lies with the ocean Commentary: <i>Michael Guy Bowman:</i> “Lies With the Sea” is one of two songs based on sketches from dreams that I put on Mobius Trip and Hadron Kaleido - the other, aptly enough, is “Dawn of Man”. @@ -35,9 +68,24 @@ Commentary: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Chain Of Prospit URLs: https://bowman.bandcamp.com/track/chain-of-prospit +Lyrics: + Hold up before your hopes and dreams are sold up<br>You haven't failed yet don't hold up<br>Don't cut the tape before it's rolled up<br>You've always got a chance + Rock it and if the picture isn't clear just shop it<br>You're swinging by the chain of prospit<br>The future's always there so pop it<br>Back into its place + You've got a reason to live<br>Got a reason to live<br>No matter what you say<br>No matter what you take away<br>There's always something you can give<br>And buddy that's the reason<br>That you've got a reason to live<br>Got a reason to live<br>Don't care what you've been through<br>Don't care what people think of you<br>There's always something you can do<br>And no one knows it better than you + Praise you, the absence in your life delays you<br>The note that desolation plays you<br>You know you mustn't let it phase you<br>If something's in the way + Own up, there's data structures you can bone up<br>You might be feeling like you're Homestuck<br>But you can make it by your own luck<br>Snap it into place + And if the wind should blow<br>I will know<br>I will go + Reversal, all matter and its great dispersal<br>The secrets of the universal<br>This isn't just a dry rehearsal<br>We're living for today ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Pumpkin Tide URLs: https://bowman.bandcamp.com/track/pumpkin-tide +Lyrics: + Destroy your desk, it's useless now<br>Build yourself a fort to hide<br>Close your eyes and crawl inside<br>You're sailing on the pumpkin tide + The ship you're on is yours alone<br>The wind will push your sweet sweet ride<br>But this foreign wave just appearified<br>You're sailing on the pumpkin tide + Focus on the sound of my voice<br>You are under my control<br>Obey my will or I'll bury you alive<br>And it's you who'll dig your own damn hole + Forget your friends, what good are they<br>Suckers filled with words that chide<br>Heads green with envy but orange with pride<br>Screaming at that pumpkin tide + Listen to their whispering voice<br>The current where the pumpkins roam<br>You never saw a thing<br>Never saw the thing you thought you saw<br>Just shadows looking for a home + The door into your heart is locked<br>Its key is buried in your mind<br>Too heavy to carry but too huge to leave behind<br>Without it you will surely die<br>But even that's just another lie<br>Sailing on the pumpkin tide ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: The Deeper You Go References: Sburban Jungle diff --git a/album/one-year-older/album.txt b/album/one-year-older/album.txt index 83d5e040..c88115c5 100644 --- a/album/one-year-older/album.txt +++ b/album/one-year-older/album.txt @@ -3,80 +3,175 @@ Artist: Erik Scheele Cover Art: Killian Ng Date: August 15, 2012 FG: #00aaff +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + <center><small>okay first things first</small><br>I<br>MADE THIS<br><big>FOR YOU</big></center> + Yes you. The one sitting at their computer or phone or other gadget, you the one who's doing their hair or putting on flair like you just don't care, you the one sitting at a desk or laying in a bed or even hiding from the cops, I don't really care, this was made for you. It's been worked on over a long period of time (technically almost two years!), it's been delayed and pushed back, it was actually not even going to come out for a while, but here it is. And I'm incredibly thankful that you, whoever you are and whatever your interest, are spending the time to listen to this music. + So what is this, then? Well, back when the Homestuck music team was all jumping on the concept of "solo albums", I said to myself, hum, why not do one? The original concept was incredibly vague, because I'm not a very imaginative person most of the time, an album for John Egbert that used piano in most every track to some degree. And after a few tracks were made, a more specific idea began to emerge, that of an album sequentially examined moments in his journey through SBURB, music for key points or just for scenes. I even graphed the entire (known) timeline out on a giant piece of paper and plotted it all out. It's turned out to be far more ambitious and broad of a goal than I'd originally planned for, especially with how "key events known" slowly eclipsed "key events to unfold" over time, but I feel confident enough about how this album has turned out that I'm not too worried. And if anything, that means more music has come to you. + Now, before I start rambling at length about the music in here, I've got to toss out a few "thank you"s to people. + First, to all the artists that helped out with the track art. The stuff that they've all given me is just incredible, and if you ever ask me what my favorite part of this album is I would defiitely say "the art". I may be biased. There's full versions of all the album art with the album itself, and I'd highly encourage you to give it a look-over and see what else these talented people have put out. + Second, to the other people in the music team, who've helped me go from "some guy who uses famitracker and an awful microphone" to "somewhat of an okay digital musician". I'm thankful for every bit of critiquing I've gotten, too, even if I can be really stubborn about it. And all the bros I know in there, if I could meet everyone in person there would be endless fistbumps. You guys rock. + Third, to all the firends and people I've met over the years, through Homestuck and otherwise, that've been great to hang out with and chill with and just talk about stupid random things with. + Fourth, to my family for always being around, and for....well, being family. Keeping me alive and healthy and stuff and keeping me from completely failing in this "life" thing. + And lastly to Andrew Hussie for creating Homestuck, making the really crazy decision to bring me onto the taem in the first place, and for giving me the opportunity to both make an album and just make music for him in the first place. I don't know how little I would've composed if I didn't have Homestuck pushing along, both giving me a reason to write and things to write about. + Alright! Now that all that before-album talk is done with, it's time to get into the album proper. I hope you, out there, enjoy this album, and I'll see you on the flipside. + <i>Signed, Erik "Jit" Scheele</i> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Sunrise References: Light:light-vol5 Track Art: Tavia Morra URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/sunrise +Commentary: + <i>Eric Scheele:</i> + So, where else to start this off but the beginning? And by beginning, I mean "the morning of 4/13/09, John's birthday and the beginning of it all". So I wanted to take time with this piece, and create a sort of smooth, shifting landscape, illustrating the sun rising over John's neighborhood before he wakes up. This was mainly achieved by intersparsing little melodic hits on instruments with each other, building up and fading out in turn. The opening from a rather old tune of mine, "Light" from Volume 5, also makes an appearance in here to further the overall effect. + I imagine, if this piece were performed live, it would do best with all the instrumentalists scattered to some degree. And I usually ahte that gimmick, but it could work well in this context. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: October Track Art: saffronScarf URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/october +Commentary: + <i>Eric Scheele:</i> + Now to completely break away from the previous track, we move into a peppy, small ensemble piece. This one just started out because I wanted a tight ensemble to play something together, something sort of bouncy and light. Before that, I'd been making a lot of pieces that felt unnecessarily large, sticking in instruments for just one little section and not using them the rest of the time, so something lighter with more emphasis on individual parts seemed like a great idea. I had no idea what to call it, though, and it didn't really seem to have much context in terms of the album either, until I was looking through the 2010 calendar that the art team made, and came across the October artwork. Immediately it was like, that was it, the piece both fit the "kids and fun" aesthetic that lasted a while in the beginning, and the artwork fit too, so it achieved purpose and title both at the same time. + Instrumentally it fit too, it had piano and bass and bitcrushed drums that sounded somewhat like beatboxing, which were three out of the four instruments the original kids used. There's definitely a discrepancy with using synth vs. violin, though. Before anyone asks, I definitely spent time trying to fandangle string patches into it, but it just didn't work. So you can imagine Rose playing an electric violin, that's what I do. (I don't know if electric violins can functionl ike that string players please don't strangle me thank you) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Firefly Cloud References: Doctor Track Art: Nic Carey URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/firefly-cloud +Commentary: + <i>Eric Scheele:</i> + So after a quick burst of events and some luck, John finds himself in LOWAS, the Land of Wind and Shade. Everything's dark, except for the stars above, but as we found out, the were really fireflies trapped in the clouds. This was one of the concepts I latched onto rather hard with this piece, the mass of sparkling and blinking above John as he traipsed about. I've been lucky enough to live in a more rural area for most of my life, and being able to watch the stars was always great, so I could only ever imagine what LOWAS's clouds looked like. + Anyway. I kept the sparkling mainly to the piano, higher register work with some delay making a nice twinkling effect. I'd also just gotten some wonderful "piano in an attic for 80 years" samples, which came with a large variety of inner-piano works, like tapping or heavy strokes of the strings, and I sprinkled those rather liberally in places to try and get the effect of thunder. (After all, what sort of lightning storms could a firefly cloud have, anyway?) + And of course, there's one or two Doctor quotes in there just because. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: FantasyP References: Savior of the Waking World Track Art: Kaymurph URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/fantasyp +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + This is definitely one of the older tracks on the record, a cover of Penumbra Phantasm by Toby Fox aka Radiation. At the time of writing this, that track still hasn't been released, but that didn't stop me from making a cover of it. And then re-making that cover, since the first one was kind of crap. + Not really a whole lot of deep thought or anything with this, I just thought the melody sounded cool and it could work for a sort of high-energy swooping-around sort of thing. And then later, I associated it with John's jetpack flight after he gets warned off from dying to his planet's Denizen, so that's what it became. + On a completely random note this piece always makes me want to go out running, and I have done so to this piece a few times. If I could do flips and parkour adn stuff I'd totally be doing that too cause it works really well. Maybe gunfights too. Alright let's move on to the next piece. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Underfoot Track Art: Tavia Morra URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/underfoot +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + The first of two completely-solo-piano pieces on here, this piece was a small idea that I had one night, that I sat on and worked into a rough piece right then and there even though I was supposed to be recording parts of the <a href="album/sburb/index.html">Sburb</a> album at the time. And a little later, I was fortunate enough to get a good recording of it before heading home for the summer. + The piece itself ise meant to go along with John discovering Jade's dead dreamself, after waking up on Skaia for the first time. I know a lot of people associate <a href="track/sarabande/index.html">Sarabande</a>, from Volume 5, with that event, or at least with John reading Jade's letter, but I couldn't help but want to at least touch on it while going through his timeline. Originally I'd stuck this before John even entered the Medium, but that didn't really have any moment tacked on with it, and it made much more sense here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Flying Car Track Art: njeekyo URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/flying-car +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + A little later, and John's achieved God Tier (near-invincibility) and is blasting around Skaia (central planet hub) with one of the game pieces (who was later called the Wayward Vagabond but is equivalent to a pawn in chess), using his powers to make a car (he took from his dad's wallet) fly around. + That's kind of a confusing explanation, I'm sure! Basically all you need to know is that there's a car that can fly and it's flying. Like pchooo flying. It's awesome. + For the piece, I went with this old idea I had a few years back in college, a 13/8 double-piano piece. Seeing as I'm not two piano players, though, I wanted to orchestrate it out a bit, so I put some brighter instruments to double the melody, over top of the original riff, and beefed it up with some light strings and drums. A few other instruments come in later as the piece developed, but like <a href="track/october/index.html">October</a>, I tried to keep it all to a small group and not let the orchestration explode. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Cancerous Core Track Art: Dawn Davis URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/cancerous-core +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + The descent into Skaia and the exploration of its interior, I feel, went by too quick. It might just be because the Tomb Raider series was a favorite while growing up, but I've always loved old, unexplored ruins, arcane or mystical elements hinted at with wall carvings or murals, that sort of thing. And Skaia, being the center of a sort of central planet to everything in Sburb, could be chock-full of old buildings and mystical secrets to explore. + So, to try and accompany the general air of mystery and exploration that would have gone with a long journey into the center of Skaia, I took an old idea in Locrian mode. If you're a music person, Locrian is when you take a major scale, but start it on the last note. It's a rather off-kilter scale, and it can't ever really resolve to the toni chord like most other scales can, which made it rather suited to a piece about the sort of strange secrets and landscapes that could be hidden in the center of Skaia. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Game Over Track Art: Sarah Fu URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/game-over +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + This is most likely the first piece that was ever made and put into this album. It might even be from before I started on the album, I'm not sure. At any rate, when John was stabbed and "died" (god tier characters can only truly die from a Just or Heroic death), he stayed dead for a few minutes. And for those few minutes, I imagined that he came to a sort of Game Over screen, or, if you were playing a video game of Homestuck, you would come to a Game Over screen. From there, you could either continue or give up, which is a pretty staple part of game over screens, I think. + At any rate, the music I went for was to just go along with that, a peaceful song for his demise before he came back. It feels kind of morbid, but since the concept of death has kind of gone out the window and back again in Homestuck, it's hardly as morbid as it could be. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Unlabeled Track Art: Killian Ng URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/unlabeled +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + This is the second of the solo piano pieces on this album, at least in the main tracks, and a really late release as well, given that it first <a href="https://www.homestuck.com/story/3725">appeared</a> in the comic some time around a year ago. I've held it back from getting released just so it could go on this record, so I'm glad it could finally go out. + This is also the only piece on the album that doesn't have a specific event to go along with it. Instead, I went for where it appeared in the comic when placing it, and see it as more of a small interlude. The intermission between Act 1 and Act 2 of a musical, if you will. The art is meant to go along with this as well, a sort of non-canon get-together of the first set of trolls and kids we know, and I can imagine them playing this record while they chill. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Skaian Shrapnel Track Art: Crowbawt References: Ruins (With Strings), Walk-Stab-Walk (R&E), Crystalanthemums URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/skiain-shrapnel +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + The lights go down, everyone finds their way back into their seats, and we're off. + This piece marks the beginning of my writing into "events that have not yet occurred". At the time, the scratched copy of Sburb was just starting to show some real-world effects by making the "game" (aka our viewing experience as an audience) glitch up. So, I set about making some heavier action music for it, incorporating heavy use of weird, messed-up glitching sounds and a few heavy-handed uses of numerical motifs. I also brought in Ruins, one of the first piano pieces I ever recorded, the latter section of Wakl-Stab-Walk, and Crystalanthemums. + Overall, in my opinion at least, the piece turned out a little strange, a little awkward, and not really nice, but really that works just fine for me. Everything was really going for the characters at the time, after all. People were getting hunted down, friends were turning on each other, nobody in the fandom really knew who was going to be next. Was this person? Or this person? Were you next? It all led to a heavy air of unease that sort of manifested itself in the odd piano riff and distorted drums that were used, and all the heavy glitching that led us up to... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: The Scratch Track Art: Brian Griv URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/the-scratch +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + Aka "the big reset button for the universe". It was hinted at for ages in the comic, and finally happened at some point after this piece was made. It als oserved as the inspiration for a project that my third-year piano studio did. + In the comic, this event was basically a way to reset the universe, everything inside it, and recreate it in a different way, one that would make the game winnable. So, in my head, a mass de-compilation of everything, like a massive maelstrom building as bits of data are pulled apart. A black hole, in other words, but arcing out in waves of energy ilke lightning. Mother Nature ain't got crap on this beast. + The piece started out as extreme laziness on my aprt, just idle playing around with various distortion on synths and samples, until the school project came up and wanted results fast. So I threw some things together until they formed the opening, and took a very lax approach to the piano part, a sort of "here's a riff, now play around with it, there's your part" with a drum loop over top. Thankfully my laziness didn't extend to the whole thing, and it all got more polished up and developed over time. It still keeps the "improvised piano part based off one riff" idea, though. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Respit Track Art: Sasha Morrissey URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/respit +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + To separate the big glitched-up waves from the final battle and rest up ahead, I wanted to stick something right in the middle just to give the listener a break. And, in some games I've played, there's a sort of resting area before the final boss, or a small break to prepare yourself before the last battle. This is what spawned Respit, the idea of a light and airy, calming piece. I was also pretty reminded of Kingdom Heart's usage of the "resting area" trope, which was a small chamber with several large crystals around. So, I went with the idea of a large, reflective area, someplace in the dream bubbles perhaps, where the heroes could rest and reflect. + This is another one of those tracks, too, that tried to predict a future event but was overtaken as time went on. The concept of the dream bubbles and the long voyage John took fit my original idea well enough, though, so that's what the piece molded itself into being. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Negastrife -References: Showtime (Piano Refrain), Cascade (Beta) +References: Showtime (Original Mix), Cascade (Beta), Rex Duodecim Angelus Track Art: Crowbawt URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/negastrife +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + And now that everyone is prepared....it's time for the final fight. + This track, like the album, was perhaps a bit ambitious to try, a final boss fight with the biggest baddest dudes around, but I made it anyway. It pulls from Showtime, the original strife music, and also (ironically enough) from an idea I had when I was around 11 and wanted to make something spooky for Halloween. Let me tell you, it worked way better in this context than my original plan. + So seeing as this is the final boss fight, there wasn't really any reason to hold back while adding in instruments and layers. To this day, it's definitely the largest piece I've made in instrumentation, and also the first to make me render everything out into separate files because my computer just couldn't handle it. Suffice to say, it's a pretty large piece, for a pretty large fight. There's a rather intentional and large nod to the aesthetic in <a href="track/rex-duodecim-angelus/index.html">Rex Duodecim Angelus</a> by Malcolm Brown as well, since his piece was about the trolls' final fight with the Black King at the end of their session. + And at the end, there's a little victory music to pass through and segue into the last piece... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Mother Contributors: Robert J! Lake (additional beats) References: Mother (Piano), Skies of Skaia Track Art: Louise L. URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/mother +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + Way back, before I was even on the team and before I thought I even belonged on the team, I recorded a simple piano refrain. First thing I'd ever recorded, too, and I want to say it was done a few months after Homestuck had started. In my ehad, it fit in as a possible refrain for one of the characters, and the idea always stuck in my head that it could also work as a piece for the very ending for Homestuck, a sort of "all is well" refrain. After two years, I was finally able to make something like what I was thinking and put it in the right context. + Like <a href="track/homestuck-anthem/index.html">the Homestuck Anthem</a>, I went with using the four kids' instruments: piano, strings, drums/percussion, and bass, and stuck mainly with those. I also got some help by Mr. Lake of Awesome Beats Inc. who was way better at beats than I am, and he made it way better too. Big props to him. + With the new universe and many new characters being explored, this piece might not work for "the end of Homestuck" anymore, but if anything, I see it as a sort of moving forward. John's journey on that one day, when he turned 13, matured both him and his friends. Like many others, he took the hero's journey, and grew as a result of it, and so this piece could very well fit him leaving his universe and going on to the next, bringing his experiences and knowledge with him, just as well as it could fit him moving past Sburb to whatever adventures lie ahead. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Another Chance Artist: Eston Schweickart References: Walk-Stab-Walk (R&E) Track Art: dapperpixel URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/another-chance-bonus +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + BONUS TRACK TIME! But since I didn't make this one, I'm not going to talk over it, I'm going to turn htis over to Eston for his commentary. So here's Eston: + <i>Eston Schewickart:</i> + <ul><li>Like most of this album, it was made over a year before release</li><li>Sound sources include the "stab" sound from Walk-Stab-Walk and a burnt-out lightbulb</li><li>Jit is an amazingly talented musician and a spectacular pianist, but he will never admit it nor accept it</li><li>I spent longer writing and producing this piece than any other finished song I've worked on (~5 months)</li><li>I took cues from Jit's style of orchestral instruments accompanying synths reminiscent of chiptunes, and though it is largely a re-imagining of Walk-Stab-Walk, I included subtle tips of the hat to his other early works</li><li>Yes good that sounded sufficiently pretentious</li></ul> + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + Eston is the coolest of bros and makes sick music. But in a good way, not like sick with the flu or whatever. If you want to check out more of his stuff, and you should, you can visit his blog at <a href="https://siasinsilence.tumblr.com/">siasinsilence.tumblr.com</a>. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Under The Hat Track Art: none URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/under-the-hat-bonus +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + Also known as <a href="track/trollcops/index.html">Trollcops</a>, this is a rather old idea that I once had for a Dad strife theme. I mean, all the kids had fight music, why not him? Anyway, between a chiptune variant I started and Trollcops, it's had a bit of a journey, but when it turned out alright on piano too, I didn't see any reason not to record a few takes. + Let me just put this out here, I'm not a jazz pianist at all, nor is this really jazz. Not very complicated jazz, at any rate. I know there's way better jazz playing out there, and probably quite a few pianists that'll be wondering why some pianist douchebag thinks he can play jazz, well rest assured, I'm not claiming I'm amazing at all. + Of course, not being able to play something magnificently and to the best form of the genre didn't really stop me from playing around with this piece. So I did. + I also think it would fit in during the first Intermission, with all the under-the-hat chicanery and stabbings that went on. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Mother (Piano) Track Art: none URLs: https://erikscheele.bandcamp.com/track/mother-piano-bonus +Commentary: + <i>Erik Scheele:</i> + This is the original recording that <a href="track/mother/index.html">Mother</a> came from, made years back when I thought the only way to avoid clipping while recording was to play the softest I possibly could. I stressed out for ages to get it sounding just right, too, and after two years or however long it's been, it's still not perfect but it's pretty close. + If you've been reading this along with the tracks, then this means you've reached the end. You can either put the entire album on repeat and let it loop back to the beginning, or you can stop it here if you'd like. But in any case this means you're done reading this pdf for now, so I'll say goodbye now. + And of course, thanks for listening to this album, and supporting both me and the comic in whatever way you have. |