WALT 1610

Dylan -- Driving back to school from break, I needed music to listen to while I took in the bare landscapes of the Midwest. I needed something to keep me intrigued and awake; the perfect background music. I have recently gotten into a man named Dan Deacon; an artist who mixes live, organic instruments with nostalgic, electronic sounds to create other worldly spaces. I downloaded his album Glass Riffer and was taken on a sonic journey. My favorite track was When I Was Done Dying because it highlights Deacon's strengths the best. The track opens up with what seems like non-Western influenced instrumentals; a combination of percussion, drone tones, and a sarod sounding instrument (similar to a sitar). Following the introductory vocals, Deacon introduces crunchy synths and retro drum machines in order to bring two musical worlds together. The marriage of organic and electronic instruments is strangely soothing; a combination of unfamiliar and familiar sounds that complement each other perfectly. Rhythmically, the harmonized voices and xylophone push the song forward without making it seem too busy. It is this motion that mirrors the lyrics and subject of the song. Deacon questions immortality and the idea of reincarnation with his opening lines:
When I was done dying my conscience regained
So I began my struggle a nothingness strained
Out a flash made of time my new form blasted out
Throughout the song, Deacon explores the transformation of his consciousness into new forms of life like seeds, trees, and fruits. He makes us passenger on his journey from sprouting seed to eaten fruit. I felt like I was witnessing the continuity of life through his lyrics. He continues his investigation of reincarnation with these lines:
And the earth looked at me and said "wasn't that fun?"
And I replied "I'm sorry if I hurt anyone"
And without even thinking cast me into space
But before she did that she wiped off my own face
She said better luck next time don't worry so much
The imagery Deacon creates allows the listener to really question the continuity of life and the experiences we have as human beings; only one form of life! I love how he can create deep meaning out of organic experiences and really make the listener question their own opinions on life. If you are looking for meaningful background music that vibrates the ear (and mind), take a chance on Dan Deacon.

https://open.spotify.com/track/69L4d5HlE0YOCwWFYVFGoW?si=f2GX-wWrT2-gnxAXphTyQQ

When I Was Done Dying
open.spotify.com
When I Was Done Dying, a song by Dan Deacon on Spotify

When I Was Done Dying Dan Deacon · Gliss Riffer · Song · 2015

Dylan -- When you go to put on "study music", what comes to mind? Classical, jazz, lo-fi hip hop? For me, I go straight into some vaporwave. If you are not familiar, vaporwave is a mainly electronic genre that consists of chopped up samples and atmospheric soundscapes. This past week, I have been listening to George Clanton's last album 200% Electronica. The flow of this LP is incredible; each song bleeds into the next and allows you to turn off your brain for a little bit. The lush reverb and synthetic warmth that each track brings is like a lullaby for the ears. However, not all lullabies are created equally. The single, It's a Fast Driving Rave up with ESPRIT, is the most energetic song on this LP and also the most catchy. The synth pad is a wall of sound that comes at you at 100 mph. The distorted vocals and lead synths seem chaotic at first, but settle in nicely as the song progresses. The rhythm of sampled drums act as a sort of driving force behind the song; always progressing but never leaving you behind. All the parts of the song talk to each other and allow the others to maintain a sonic space. If you are looking for some new study music, check out 200% Electronica as well as George Clanton. Peace and Love.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1Rdf1HS5GZTrdWoHVXBwt3?si=lNLUKlboRGCAU8kIt3TYIg

Dylan

It's a Fast Driving Rave Up With Esprit It's a Fast Driving Rave Up With Esprit, a song by ESPRIT 空想, George Clanton on Spotify