Saint Pepsi - Fall Harder

http://soundcloud.com/carparkrecords/saint-pepsi-fall-harder-1

Hello everyone! I apologize for my absence as of late, as I have been quite busy these past few weeks. I just wanted to make one last post of the official summer season, as I begin my senior year of high school tomorrow morning! I'm starting to feel many bittersweet mixes of emotions, nostalgia colliding with the opportunities that are swiftly approaching with the next chapter of my life. I have been incredibly blessed this summer from being called on mission to Ecuador, to seeing the Grand Canyon, to dipping my feet in West Coast water for the first time in my life. I have made so many unforgettable, invaluable memories with my family and friends, and I thank God for all of the opportunities He has given me these past three months.

As the sun sets on my final day of this adventure, I feel like this gem by--the one, the only--Saint Pepsi, is a great track to close with. The airy strum of the guitar and steady but subdued drums are just enough to keep the track skipping right along. Add in some classic Saint Pepsi vibes with some old-school synths and wonderfully sweet vocals and lyrics, and a beautiful picture of a sunset over the desert on a road trip begins to form right before your eyes. The chords in this song are spot-on for those end of summer vibes. It's relaxed, sweet, happy and nostalgic, yet the track also has a sadness about it: the sadness of knowing that an amazing chapter of your life is coming to a close. There's not much more I can say about this track, and the song can speak for itself. This track, and really this whole summer has got me under her spell, and baby, I couldn't fall harder.

I cannot thank you all enough for following me on this musical journey we've gone one together, and it every day brightened my day to see that I was able to reach out and connect with you all and to share my musical discoveries with you. I hope you've got something good out of following this blog, and I hope it will continue to enrich your lives. Thank you again for listening to my thoughts spill out here. It truly means more than I can express.

Thanks again for tuning in, and as always, enjoy!

Amazing Grace.

Amazing Grace,
How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch
Like me.
I once was lost, but now,
I'm found.
Was blind, but now,
I see.

T'was Grace that taught
 my heart to fear.
And Grace,
my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

My chains are gone,
I've been set free!
My God, my Savior, has ransomed me!
and like a flood,
His mercy reigns.
unending love,
amazing grace.

The Lord has promised
good to me.
His word, my hope, secures.
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.

My chains are gone,
I've been set free!
My God, my Savior, has ransomed me!
And like a flood,
His mercy reigns.
Unending love,
amazing grace.

My chains are gone,
I've been set free!
My God, my Savior, has ransomed me!
And like a flood,
His mercy reigns.
Unending love,
amazing grace.

The earth shall soon
dissolve like snow.
The sun forbear to shine.
But God, who called
me here below,
will be forever mine.
Will be forever mine.
You are forever mine.

Max Elto - Backyard Animals

Max Elto - Backyard Animals: http://youtu.be/1ehxukMAoe0

This piece has a very dark, urban feel to it, between the low but incessant acoustic guitar and the thumping heartbeat of the bass drum. It may appear muffled or even subdued at first, but listen closer: there us much more energy hidden in this track than you may realize; hopefully you feel what I mean when you hear Alto's staticy vocals kick in.

The impression I get from this track overall is that of an deadly alpha predator: think jaguar, panther, tiger, etc. The piece gradually saunters down the sidewalk, never breaking it's stare on its target,  yet still knowing that it doesn't have anything to prove by rushing ahead. The vocals seem to have a shamelessly nonchalant attitude to them, almost daring one of the pedestrians passing by to make a move. This piece knows what it came for, and it knows exactly how to get it. At the end of the day, this piece has captured the idea that just because a jungle is made out of concrete instead of trees doesn't mean it is without a food chain--and a backyard animal at the top of it.

Hopefully you'll enjoy this piece as well, and you should expect more great underground chillout to be coming it's way to the Prescott Music soon! Enjoy!

.nebula - L A S T S U M M E R

http://soundcloud.com/dotnebula/l-a-s-t-s-u-m-m-e-r

I haven't posted too much vaporwave related tracks lately, as i have been on quite the trip with indie Asian-Pop! Don't think this means I won't be posting anything else from those genres, I'm just moving on to some different works at this point. Like it or not, Asian-Pop will be back!

Anyways, I love this track! .nebula is a hidden gem I just unearthed today, and this track really caught my attention amidst the vast number of tracks I sift through daily. What I love about this track is that it has a truly classic vaporwave feel to it, while seemingly giving a couple nods to some of the more prominent and influential vaporwave artists of the recent past.

First off, the build up at the beginning is great, and it's quintessential in order for the mainline hit to have the effect it does. Also, I love how the build up has a floating, distant feel to it, and it swiftly descends and touches down with an awesome sidechained mainline! .nebula immediately caught my attention with the driving, funky beat and that epic saxophone theme! As you may know, I play and absolutely love the saxophone, and I love how .nebula gave the sax a line that usually would be given to an electric guitar. However, don't lose interest yet, because guess what? He does give the same line to an electric guitar later on! This is perfect proof that musically, .nebula really has a handle on what he's doing.

The groups I find .nebula to be referencing is Saint Pepsi, with his unforgettable classic album Hit Vibes, and Macross 82-99, with his slammin' album Neo Tokyo--specifically Big City Nights. Both of these are to of my all-time favorite vaporwave albums, and .nebula really carries the funk these other two vaporwave legends forged in the past. Enjoy!

HIGH4, Lim Kim - A Little Close

HIGH4, Lim Kim - A Little Close Lyrics [Rom/Han/E…: http://youtu.be/LynPEoYWEos

Here is another great example of how underground K-Pop artists do an amazing job of creating a unique sound. From the first syncopated notes from the electric piano,  you can tell it's going to be a smooth tune. However, it does begin to pick up pace, and a fantastic drum kit gives this song the dash of hip-hop vibes it needs to keep you interested. However, just when you think you have figured out how the vocals of this song were going to be--Lim Kim starts singing. The guys of HIGH4 have fairly predictable sounds to their voices,  but her's is something truly amazing. The hushed, almost whispered tones, swooping tonal changes and the feel of a 1920's jazz starlet instantly reminded me of Lana del Rey, one of my favorite female vocalists. Kim's voice, in contrast to the four male voices, creates a musical illustration which truly stands out. Enjoy! 

[MV] 에디킴 Eddy Kim - 2 Years Apart (Official)

All right, I have to admit, this track has got me captured. I hope you recognize how different yet still amazing this track is compared to most other songs I've posted here before, as this song is entirely acoustic (save the editing process). What I love about this track also addresses a musical design choice that I relish: minimalism. Eddie Kim is beyond stellar on the guitar; if you don't believe me, just take a second and listen to some of his work. I love how this song shows he is totally comfortable producing within the musical styles and instruments he is inherently gifted at and drawn towards. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing complex compositions which blend many different elements, but that's only one side of the musical spectrum. A song can be just as touching and lovable with elements as seemingly simple as a rhythm guitar, a shaker and a drum box. Even his vocals feature solely his voice and his own harmonics.

 In the end, the mastering for this track creates an intimate and crystal clear sound which makes you feel as if your sitting right there with him on a street corner or in a coffee shop, hearing him perform. Once again, indie K-Pop has successfully delivered another song with a fantastic lyrical journey about relationship tensions and mysteries, yet in a fresh, interesting way. So, I again strongly recommend turning on the subtitles, as knowing what he is singing about really adds another level of depth to the track. I'm going to do whatever I need to get the proper download for this track, as I totally believe this is a perfect song for contemplative adventures out and about, as seen in the video; I suggest you do the same! Enjoy!

[MV] 2BiC(투빅) _ Love Game(요즘 바쁜가봐)

Here is another great tune from one of my top-favorite K-Pop artists, 2BiC. I love how they chose to have the focus instrument for this song to be the piano. What makes me love the piano all the more is how its sound delicately balances a mix of the timeless feel of an acoustic jazz piano with the warmth and softness of an electric piano. As this instrument leads above all others in the track, it was crucial in production to make it sound different, refreshing, truly unique--all of which are elements I need to hear in any musical work. I believe that 2BiC did a great job composing the whole feel of the song, making the tempo, chords and rhythms light, playful--even flirtatious--which in turn is reflected in the choice of lyrics. The lyrics in this song illustrate the troubles (and comedies) of a relationship where all of a sudden, one of them suddenly begins to realize that a best friend, possibly from childhood, has begun to bloom into maybe, just maybe, something more. However both seem to be getting mixed signals, as they fumble to figure out how to take the next steps together. It really captures a sweet picture of an innocent romance, but more deeply, true and unconditional companionship despite fleeting emotions and whims. I love this song, and I hope you will too! Enjoy!

[MV] Crush(크러쉬) _ Sometimes(가끔)

What I love about the indie side of Asian-Pop genres is that it delicately balances between two starkly different musical design choices: the high-octane energy of electronic and the laid-back, chillout style of lounge. Crush, hailing from the entertainment hub that is South Korea, has become my favorite indie K-Pop artist at the time. I absolutely can't get enough of his unique sound! This here is my favorite song by him, and one of his most popular: "Sometimes." This masterpiece has the tempo and catchiness that is common with many Asian-Pop songs, however, those elements are juxtaposed by low volumes, a soft electric piano, well-composed strings sections and a fantastic slap bass, to name a few.

 Even with these other elements of the song which are executed so well, what I believe really nails this track as a winner for me is the silky vocals by none other than the impeccable Crush! This deeply talented artist specializes in bringing R&B, hip-hop and even jazz vibes into today's musical environment of electronics and digital instruments. Also I HIGHLY recommend hitting that "CC" button on the bottom-right and following along with the lyrics. I find the lyrics for this song not to be simply a cool "filler" sound for the song, but they are pieces of truly contemplative prose. The way he describes what it's like being split apart from (what he now sees is) his true love after a full changing of the seasons is incredibly well executed; he goes from reminiscing on seemingly trivial and innocently fun moments they had shared before to realizing how empty his life is without them. I love this track, not only because of it's relatability, but because I can lean back and really unwind to it. Crush brings some deep grooves and summery vibes with this track, and I hope you all agree. Easy Listening, J-Pop and R&B have collided, and it is beautiful. That's just how Crush rolls.

So go ahead, slip your shoes off, let your hair down, grab a warm cup of your favorite drink, and take in all this song (and Crush) has to offer.

Enjoy!

[HD] Block B(블락비) _ NILLILI MAMBO(닐리리 맘보) MV

So, I decided the next few days I'm going to post some songs from a couple recent genres I have gotten into. I have somewhat hinted at these genre choices with the last couple days' posts. A couple months ago, I was dusting off some old music bookmarks I had from years ago, and I stumbled across a Homestuck animation video that I had bookmarked in part for the cool visuals. But, I could just faintly remember that what really caught my attention was that I thought the song was really cool. Sure enough, I pulled up the video--and fell in love all over again. After a good deal of searching, I finally found the name of the song and artist, which you're looking at right now.

A few days later, I had become hooked on not just Block B, but the entire scene of underground/indie Thai-Pop, K-Pop and J-Pop.

Now, don't be quick to judge if these genres aren't usually your thing. Here me when I say it wasn't for me, either. I had generalized all content from these genres to basically be variations on Gangnam Style. I thought it was all shallow, uninspired, repetitive and mostly just business. I didn't believe there was anything else to these genres besides making money.

That still can be considered true for virtually all genres that have "Pop" somewhere in the name, but I found that, as usual, all it takes is a little digging to find something truly unique. Artists such as Block B, Crush, 2BiC shake up the usual monotony of "XYZ-Pop" and pierce through the endless flood of static from the mainstream with classical compostion techniques, vintage instruments, diverse chord structures and (one of the if not the most critical elements) truly thoughtful, poetic and contemplative lyrics.

So whether or not you already like pop music from the Far East, all of you should give the other sides of them a try. Nillili Mambo is a crazier, bouncing hip-hop track, yet it still feels like a lot of truly interesting musical choices going on, which is what I love about it. And don't worry, if this song or artist isn't quite for you, I can assure you there are many more, each with their own unique, fresh sounds, which will be featured here on this blog. And if these still aren't exactly what interests you, there are even more out their that even I haven't gotten to yet. So kick back and jam, groove and chill to the show broadcasting from the other side of Earth! Enjoy!.

Pr0p0se - Just Tonight

http://soundcloud.com/maltine-record/pr0p0se-just-tonight

Here is a fantastic track by another cool artist featured on Maltine, Pr0p0se. What I love about this track is that it blends a few electronic music concepts really smoothly, creating quite a fresh sound!
I love how he takes the English vocals from the female vocalist, which are reminiscent of indie electronic, and mixes it with the funk and grooves of the slap bass, claps, drums and warm synths of vaporwave and 80's funk. As the layers keep developing with this track, though, it adds another aspect which distinguishes this track from other vaporwave work: the Japanese vocals. I love that the vocals are featured throughout most of the song,  showing unapologetically that this is true to the roots of Pr0p0se's style, which is so heavily influenced by the sounds of indie J-Pop. He really takes his time to layer many rhythms,  styles and instruments to create a truly unique song.  Enjoy!

Follow me on SoundCloud!

Hello all you cool people! I just had a thought,  but first, a question: do any of you have a SoundCloud account?

Yes?

Great! Then you probably already know how awesome SoundCloud is, so if you'd like, you can go ahead and follow me! Here's the link: https://soundcloud.com/benbuttles

No?
If not, you most likely have at least heard of it, as I have posted several songs on here which are featured on and pulled from  SoundCloud. I highly recommend making an account, even if you don't make or release your own music; I don't release any music I have made, but I still have an account.  And let me tell you, I would not nearly have the amount of knowledge of the indie music world without SoundCloud.  I have literally over 300 songs that are saved in my 'likes,' and I also follow over a hundred artists through my account.All of their uploads are shown straight in my Stream, which functions the same way as your Facebook News Feed, which is ridiculously helpful. I also repost TONS of songs on my SoundCloud, so feel free to check them out! On my SoundCloud, you'll find  music of all different flavors, as well as dozens of artists I've not yet posted here on this blog. If you pay attention, you may even get some sneak peeks at songs and artists I'll post in the future!  ;) Anyways, just wanted to let you guys know that I am out there on SoundCloud, and that I highly encourage you making a free account if you haven't yet for easier music discovery and exploration. I would love it if you would follow me, and I hope you like what you find!  Thanks!

Banvox - Umbrella feat Miyu Yamabe

http://soundcloud.com/maltine-record/banvox-umbrella-feat

As promised, here is another killer track hot off of Maltine Records! This gorgeous gem by the amazing Banvox really captures what I was saying I love so much about Maltine's collective sound: the J-Pop energy, complex and thoughtful use of musical theory and the originality (not to mention sweet flow) of Flume. I love this track's synths: they are crisp and precise, yet they still make massive hits with each chord. I not only love the simmering, trap-inspired drums and high hat,  but I find them quite necessary. He couldn't have pulled off the syncopated timing, the swinging vibe of the song with out the sizzle of the high hat as well as the deep hits from the toms and bass drum. Of course, I absolutely love the vocals,  and I believe Miyu has created clean, direct vocals which pair perfectly with the floating, sidechained synth chords. Just when you think the synths couldn't take the track soaring any higher, her voice hits those clear falsetto notes just right. I believe this track is an amazing blend of three titanic genres of music from across the globe: J-Pop, indie electronic and festival trap. Banvox nailed this one, and I hope you'll agree.  Enjoy!

AZUpubschool - Good Night Girl (feat. Kosmo Kat)

http://soundcloud.com/maltine-record/azupubschool-good-night-girl-feat-kosmo-kat

So, here is something a little different I'm going to be doing here the next few days. I decided that in lieu of my extreme love for all things Asian, especially Japan, I'm going to be posting songs all off of the Maltine Records label. I stumbled across Maltine and it's associated artists a week or so ago, and I can't get enough! They bring some high-quality, super-fresh sounds to the world of electronic music. What I love about their sound is that they take one of my favorite aspects of Asian culture, the uniquely flavored music styles, and flip it on its head with bleeding-edge tech and highly experimental theories found exclusively in the realms of underground and indie electronic. In English? Think J-Pop energy, anime-soundtrack-level composing and complexity, all swirled with the originality of Flume. I can't get enough lately of Maltine, and the great part is they release all their album collections, all their artists' work for free! So go ajead, show them some love, and follow them on SoundCloud and start downloading! I've personally got three of their albums sitting here on my phone, and I love them all! Anyways, expect more of these great flavors, and kick back to this great track, my favorite by AZUpubschool! Enjoy!

Nightparis - EA Mirror's Edge 2 OST (Nightparis remix)

http://soundcloud.com/nightparis/ea-mirrors-edge-2-ost

For those of you who have been following this blog for a while, you probably know that I have an obsession with Mirror's Edge. It's no lie, my friends. There are innumerable things that I love about Mirror's Edge, but one aspect stands above all others for me: the soundtrack. As I have stated in a previous post, Solar Fields' work on the soundtrack has become a modern cornerstone in the history of game music as well as soundscape creation as a whole. That said, you can only imagine my reaction when i heard that a sequel (technically prequel) for Mirror's Edge is officialy in the works. What's more, from what it sounds like, Solar Fields will be be the lead creator for the game's soundtrack. I am beyond excited, and I cannot wait to hear his beautiful work in the sequel. In the meantime, please sit back and enjoy this amazing remix for Mirror's Edge 2's trailer song by one of my favorite electronic artists,  Nightparis!  Expect to see many posts featuring him here in the future, because he has a lot of musical talent and fresh style going for him. This was the first song by him that I heard, and I knew from the start that I was going to love his work. Enjoy!

The Royal Concept - Cabin Down Below

http://soundcloud.com/the-concept-band/cabin-down-below-mix-6-2

I know, I know, I just posted a song by these guys yesterday. It's okay, really. This is the band's most recent track, and I have to say, I can't get enough of it! I love the variety of instruments used, from piano to electric guitar to a multi-part vocal harmony, to a LEGITIMATE SAX SOLO. I don't even know how to handle that part. I've played tenor sax for almost six years now, so to hear such an amazing, authentic saxophone solo is a sublime treat for me. You know my face lit up when I heard that part. Anyways, the whole song is expertly crafted, as usual. I love the urban-flavored beats backing the main verses, giving it just enough of a touch of hip-hop swagger. Between the beats, the high-pitched piano and the cryptic yet beautiful lyrics, The Royal Concept has wrought a truly great installment for indie rock. I know, by every feel of this song, that is going to blow up in a very good way for the band. Expect to hear this song in commercials, school announcements, the radio--everywhere!  But don't forget: you heard it here first! ;) Enjoy!

The Royal Concept - Goldrushed

As much as I love vaprowave, house, chillstep, etc., sometimes, nothing beats the old-school garage vibes of indie rock. It's no lie, I have a special place inside for my favorite indie rock bands. It actually was around eight months or so that I first discovered The Royal Concept, while looking for covers of Daft Punk's "Digital Love." However, it wasn't until a few months ago I actually decided to check out some of their other works. I was mowing the lawn one day, and was like, "heck, I'm here anyways and I could use something fresh to listen to, so I might as well."

I went through every one of their songs before I finished the lawn.

Needless to say, they have become one of my favorite indie rock bands and really, one of my favorite bands of all time since then. What I especially love about them--and what really sets them apart--is how they add to their sound fresh flavors of indie electronic, flavors which they smoothly blend to create a sound that cements them as cornerstones of what vintage-tuned indie rock sounds like in an ever-growing electronic age. This is one of my favorite songs by them, and I'm pretty sure that once you listen to it, you'll understand what I'm saying. Enjoy!

Madeon - Technicolor

Madeon is amazing. He began producing trance at age thirteen and spent the rest of his teen years working hard at forging a fresh, original sound. His hard work paid off, and now he has millions of views on both YouTube and SoundCloud. He's still in his early twenties, and he is only improving. This here is one of my favorite tracks by him. I find that even with the amount of vaporwave tracks I've been posting, this is an even more summer-focused track. I love how Madeon took house and put just the right festival flair to it. One of my favorite parts of this track is how he fuses cinematic with electronic. Many think that electronic should not be mixed with classic genres of music, and that classic acoustic instruments only lessen the impact of the song. I believe exactly the opposite, in that whenever electronic is thoughtfully blended with styles and instruments from cinematic and orchestral, the song becomes that much more epic. That being said, I feel like Madeon has produced a truly massive soundscape within this track. Enjoy!

YUNG BAE - Fly With Me

Remember YUNG BAE? Just posted a song of his yesterday. Well, as I said yesterday, YUNG BAE does not disappoint! This is one of my all-time favorite tracks by him--it's just so upbeat! This song slides into the category of vaporwave I have in my head that contains all of the retro 90's Japanese corporate music, classic synthpop, ect. The vintage synth bells with the muffled 80's electronic drum set lifts you off your feet the moment you hit play. It's no wonder they used vintage 80's and 90's airline commercials for the video! What is really a special treat in the song for me is the vocals. I love whenever vaporwave artists who have a Japanese flair to their sound uses female Japanese vocals, and I love how the vocalists went the extra mile and added in some key phrases in English. I love seeing multiple languages intertwined in vocals, and vaporwave is no exception! Fun fact: this song is originally the intro to an old anime called Dommel, vocals and all! However, once you here YUNG BAE's rework compared to the original, I think you will agree that he has taken what they originally had to the next level. Enjoy!

YUNG BAE - Honey

Here is a real treat for you all! I know lately (and in general) I've been posting tons of vaporwave tracks. However, this one is really special to me. YUNG BAE is a master of vaporwave, and for me sits in the same level of expertise as Macross 82-99. Why this track brings such a warm smile to my face is that this song is basically one chopped-up, remastered remake of one of the first disco songs I ever heard and still one of my favorites: Boogie Oogie Oogie by A Taste of Honey. Around twelve or thirteen years ago, my mom bought a CD collection of classic disco hits, just for fun. It quickly became one of my favorite CD's, and I listened to it over, and over, and over again. This was one of the most memorable songs on the CD, and I jammed to this for many years before now. It wasn't until late last night I heard this track by YUNG BAE, and I was instantly flooded with nostalgia and good vibes. To see how this song, which was already aged by the time I first heard it, has been redone so well in what is now my favorite style of music is an absolutely priceless joy. Seeing how a true masterpiece traveled down to me and then on to what is essentially a tribute genre is a really special feeling which I cannot fully put into words. It's like they say, "legends never die." I'm beyond glad to see how this smash hit and cornerstone of disco come full circle today, and I hope you will be too. Enjoy!

.CASTING - HEATWAVE

Here is a really neat piece by the great .CASTING! I love his work overall, and here is a fantastic example of what I have iterated before as one of my favorite cross of electronic genres: glitch-hop and vaporwave. Why I have found these two genres to go perfectly together can be traced all the way back to the methods used to create both. Both of these genres heavily rely on the use of copious amounts of handpicked samples intricately woven together. So naturally, these two genres blend together quite smoothly. .CASTING's style has a really refreshing trademark sound that represents this hybridization incredibly well. One of the most common glitch-hop influences seen here can be found towards the beginning of the song, where there is a neat "skipping" effect used on the opening lines. It fits perfectly within both genres because these skipping, or "glitching" effects are traditionally used in all types of standard glitch-hop, while it can also be interpreted as a record skipping seen in a lot of 90's-era vaporwave tracks, a la early hip-hop. Overall, I just love seeing when vaporwave artists use out-of-the-box sampling techniques, and .CASTING is full of these kinds of surprises! Enjoy!

VECTOR GRAPHICS - POWER

Here is a really neat rack by another great vaporwave artist, Vector Graphics. I love how it brings in the authentic flavored samples of the detuned electric piano, as well as the deep, warm bass pick. These lower octave grooves are accented well by the detuned bells samples, pitched up a few octaves. Once again, it's a great example of how good music--music you can really keep listening to, even if it is somewhat repetitive, must have balance. One of the most commonly manipulated areas of musical balance are simply the frequencies of each phrase. By accomplishing this, the song has a heightened sense of completeness, that it was filled as much as it needed to be, but not too much. This is a fundamental of music that you see cross all genres of music, from classical to jazz to rock to brostep. Balance of pitch between notes, or even its imbalance, greatly affects how the listener feels about and interprets the musical ideas of the song, and I feel like Vector Graphics really accomplished this really well and brings us an genuine look back into the vibes of the 90's. Not to mention, I love the gif of Kazuya Mishima from Tekken! Fun fact, in case you all haven't caught on already: I absolutely love classic arcades! Seeing this really puts me back into the era of low and mid-polygon fighters, such as Tekken, which made their mark early on in the 90's. Enjoy!

Like what you see? Then like what you see!

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you know of what I think is a neat addition to this site. You may or may not have noticed it, but as of late last night I added in a custom "Like Box" for Facebook! I know many of you have already liked the fan page I have set up on Facebook for this blog which I greatly appreciate. But just in case you haven't liked it yet or you're just new to Prescott Music, then now it's easier than every! All you have to do is simply click the "Like" button on the right of the page, and presto! You will be able to follow and see the links to all of my new posts, as they happen, straight on your Facebook stream! I know that being able to instantly see my favorite artists, authors and actors post there updates where I'm already looking is extremely helpful for me, and hopefully it will be for you too! If anything dealing with the Like Box isn't working, don't hesitate to drop a comment below or message my fan page account on Facebook. Thanks all, and as always, enjoy!

VentureX - Get It (Feat. Saint Pepsi)

Here's a killer track by the fantastic VentureX crossed with none other than our beloved ambassador of vaporwave, Saint Pepsi! This track comes off of VentureX's most recent album, "Together," which clocks in with a monster 20 tracks! Seriously, the whole album is really great, with many tracks bringing in a cross of classic disco and classic french house, a la Daft Punk's "Discovery" era and some years before. However, between the many neat and quite original tracks, "Get It" has to be my favorite. I love the modded trumpet line backed by the repeating guitar pinch, and that throbbing disco bass perfectly keeps the groove driving without losing momentum. The mainline and melodies of this song loop for the larger portion of the track, I love how VentureX and Saint Pepsi recognized this and played off it by adding a good deal of dynamic contrast in the effects throughout the track, such as with shrinking the sound ever further, then dropping right in to the mainline. They observed and avoided one of the biggest faults electronic music often lends itself to: excessive repetition. Don't get me wrong, I love house, techno and trance just as much as the next guy, but many times artists take ability to loop samples and clips to the point where the listener becomes fatigued and ultimately bored. That's where flowing between effects, filters and even spicing it up with glitch-hop style breaks as we see in this track  becomes increasingly necessary. By adding this extra musical layer with thought and care, a song can instantly skyrocket from a good idea to a smash hit. Not to mention, the gif from Interstella 5555 (which I'll cover in a later posts!) has made me love this track all the more! Enjoy!

The Shard (Puzzle) - Solar Fields (Mirror's Edge OST) - HD Quality

I love Mirror's Edge. It's a fact. I fell in love with this game long before I even bought it or got a chance to play it. I have gone through the story mode several times, and I have done many of the time trials. I even have collected all the extra content hidden throughout the game. And yet, with a railed storyline, not always the best voice acting, and many hours of frustration spent on fumbling to complete the same level over and over again, it has never gotten old. It is one of the few games which I have played and felt truly, wholly immersed in. As I make the dizzying jumps between buildings, soaring from rooftop to rooftop, my palms sweet and my heart races, no matter how many times I replay the level. The game is based around this fabled goal of fully immersing the player, and it seems virtually all aspects of the game--from every sound effect to the breathtaking vista of the city skyline--beautifully shatter expectations. The dazzling visuals with their bold colors complement one of my favorite aspects of the game: the soundtrack. Solar Fields composed the entirety of the game's soundtrack, and after his over thirty years of experience with electronic music, he doesn't disappoint. His work for this game has become one of my go-to examples for incredible ambient music, and there are just so many aspects of the soundtrack that perfectly weave together to add a layer of atmosphere which could not have been created otherwise. This is one of my favorite selections from the soundtrack, and I believe that if you experience the game like I have and you truly drink in what the soundtrack has to offer, it truly speaks for itself. Enjoy!

Saint Pepsi - Fiona Coyne

This is it. The sweetest song of the summer. Ladies and gents, stop your search here. Fiona Coyne, by the impeccable Ryan DeRobertis (Saint Pepsi) has made one of the cutest and heartaching songs I've heard in a while. The up-close, garage-band feel to the vocal sound as well as the innocent, whimsical simplicity to the lyrics are breathtaking off the bat. Saint Pepsi has grown an incredible amount over the last year or so, and his style has really aged and matured so much since then. I feel like what I love about this song as a whole is that it takes the often unprofessional, experimental style of vaporwave, and even some of french house and nu disco, and polishes it to a more mainline vibe. Instrumentally, it also reminds me somewhat of the feel of an Earth, Wind and Fire hit, which is a huge plus. When that chorus hits, I can't but help seeing myself in the middle of a glittering disco dance floor, alone, looking across the room wistfully. Then out of nowhere: she walks in. The lights dim, but the colors get stronger. The room hits slow motion, and our eyes meet: dumbstruck me and the one I know I'll love forever. She catches my stricken gaze and holds it, then smiles. This song is fantastic. I just can't stop loving it. This song melts my heart, and it makes me feel like somewhere out there, my emerald-eyed girl is waiting for me. And darling, I'll love you 'til the record stops.
Enjoy!

ただいま - Please Hold - Coffee Break

Here is a really cool track. Please Hold has quickly become one of my favorite vaporwave artist, and he is still up-and-coming. I had to do quite a bit of digging around on the vaporwave threads on SoundCloud to stumble upon this gem. What I love about Please Hold's work, especially this song, is that he really brings the authentic, timeless "elevator music," also commonly known as Muzak (all umbrella'd by the classification of Corporate music, to be technical), to a more musical, stylistic setting. Coffee Break I think is a great name for this song, as it has such a relaxed, downtempo, even muffled feel, while still keeping the professional, corporate sound. I love it also because the samples used are so perfectly capturing those 90's synthwave, new age sounds with every second and every instrument. I can definitely see why he calls himself Please Hold, as his work so actively reflects the kind of music and even the sound effects of music you might here while on hold on a corporate phone call. I just really love this track, and I'm unwinding with it now. Enjoy!

Avenir - Castlevania: Vampire Killer (Electro Killer Chiphouse Remix)

I know this doesn't necessarily fit in with a lot of other stuff I've been posting, but I still think this is really cool! My current career path I'm interested in exploring is video game design as well as sound design and music, in lieu of game design. So, I absolutely love the original soundtracks to games, as they were so catchy and, quite frankly, completely epic all around. There are so many tunes from the earlier eras of gaming that are completely unforgettable, and one of my favorite ones is Vampire Killer from Castlevania. I would say most, if not nearly all enthusiasts of retro gaming will recognize the tune, even if they don't recognize the name. Castlevania is one of the oldest still-running game franchises, and I have always found it to be very intriguing. So, I present you with this fantastic electro-house remix of this classic tune. Prepare the fist pumps, every single one of them. Enjoy!

Phoenix #2772 - Love to miss

Here is a really neat track by Phoenix #2772. I love the cool synth-ified slap bass background driver, plus the spacey drums and classic synth bells. The Japanese vocal track is pretty cool when layered on top, too, adding that neat retro-Asian spectrum of vaporwave to this track. Plus, to top it all off, it adds a cool sort of muffling effect to the track so that makes it sound like you're listening to the track over a distant city loudspeaker or in the next few rooms over. Not to mention, the gif is really great (thanks Artzie!), and I'd love to know what it's from, so in case any of you recognize it, I'd love to hear in the comments what it is! Enjoy!

ｔｏｕｃｈ [pearl white x geograph]

I truly don't know how to describe this track. One of vaporwave's many best-kept-secrets, pearl white, brings a level of atmosphere to vaporwave that is often imitated, but rarely this well executed. The way the track builds and progresses over time is truly incredible. It really puts the "space" in "cyberspace." I truly felt like I lost all sense of time within this track, and to me, those four minutes and twenty-eight seconds where my mind floated down into the cyberspacial abyss felt like a beautiful eternity. I love how this artist, like several others, really nail the purpose of vaporwave to convey the immortality of cyberspace, and how the plane of existence that is contained between circuitboards and electrons truly is one of our most vast final frontiers. This track is best experienced with the lights off and eyes closed, truly drinking in the atmosphere of this masterpiece. Enjoy!

Televisor Ft Brenton Mattheus & Lambert McGaughy - I'm Yours Tonight

http://youtu.be/vNq7D1SzgkY

Well, here we are! We are about to board our first flight to head back home, and even as much fun as I've had, I'm really ready to get back home! But, this trip has been beyond amazing, honestly. I've relaxed, made memories, bonded with my family, and learned a lot about myself. I absolutely love California, and I can't wait to come back here. That's why I chose this song to post for today. I have had it picked out for today for nearly a month now, and I knew that it would be perfect for this moment. I love Televisor's great nu disco vibes as well as everything Brenton Mattheus, so is natural that I love this track. I love the nostalgic piano, but mainly I feel the lyrics speak volumes for how I feel leaving this beautiful land for now, but hopefully coming back one day soon. Just listen, and you'll understand. Anyways, I love this track, and I have loved this trip; it will forever be an unforgettable experience. Thanks for following along with my journey these past couple weeks, and as always, enjoy!

Architecture in Tokyo - OCEAN BREEZE

http://soundcloud.com/architecture_in_tokyo/ocean-breeze

Today, we're spending the day at the beach, and it is GORGEOUS. The calm, relaxed air paired with the crystal blue water and marble white sand makes me think of this song. Architecture in Tokyo, one of my favorite vaporwave artists, nails this track with a great mix of Muzak and Corporate samples paired with the Japanese new - age pipes, reminiscent of the soundtrack for the anime Ocean Waves. Stay chill and enjoy!

Muklen - Breeze

http://soundcloud.com/muklen/breeze

Here we are, making our way to Venice Beach--my first time to set foot in West Coast sand! To go along with this, I feel this wonderful vaporwave artist, Muklen, nails it with this track. It's short, syre, but definitely sweet! This is a perfect example of those lo-fi throwback synth vibes of the 80's. What really gets those beach vibes so literally is the fade/pan effect: it goes right with the rythm, but really sounds like the tide coming in and out. I just can't get enough of this track! Enjoy!

マクロスMACROSS 82-99 - Now And Forever

http://youtu.be/0g1qWkcgGDk

Today, we all took a horseback ride up to the Hollywood sign, and we actually got to go see part of Hollywood! I like how my mom said it, that Hollywood Blvd is like the California version of Times Square. As we were walking through all of these streets, the sun and the heat beating down on us, the names of thousands of stars on the sidewalk below our feet, I couldn't help but think of this song. Again, Macross 82-99 nails those wistful, dreamy, west-coast vibes. From the field recordings of the city which bookend the song, to the driving beats, to the expert orchestration, this tune totally encaptures one's first time in Hollywood, taking in the tributes to countless legends, and secretly hoping to be discovered. In short: Now & Forever is the magic of Hollywood. Enjoy!

Fake Static Noise - Fall (feat. Laurie Webb)

http://youtu.be/T_-w-_-fIOI

As we drove through seemingly endless miles of empty, desolate desert and scrub today, my mind drifts back to this song. Fake Static Noise is a fantastic indie electronic producer, and he also is all of 19 or 20--but here's the kicker: he's been producing top quality music since around thirteen! So, that said, go give him your love on SoundCloud as well! I feel like this song really speaks for itself, and the picture has been masterfully paired by Sheepy once again! Enjoy!

U2 - Beautiful Day

http://youtu.be/co6WMzDOh1o

Here is user another timeless classic by the amazing U2. Most of you have probably heard or heard of this fantastic song, but it took a whole new meaning today as we witnessed the power, epic scale and raw beauty of the Grand Canyon. It was truly breathtaking, and as we rode along on our mule ride, we were among balmy, sunny temperatures, and as I was surrounded by the most important and most beloved people in my life, my family, I truly can only smile ear-to-ear and say, "it's a beautiful day." Enjoy! 

U2 - Where The Streets Have No Name

As we have been driving around through the vast desert plains of California and Arizona, soaking in the expansiveness of it all, I could not help but know that today's song has to be this masterpiece by U2. They're one of my favorite groups of all time, and this is one of my favorite songs by them, and both the atmosphere created by The Edge's masterful, impeccable guitar paired with Bono's timeless voice seems to perfectly encapture the romantic nature of the wild, beautiful and untameable desserts and red rocks. Enjoy! 

[Nu Disco] - Televisor - Alliance

We're here in ATL, getting ready to take off on our flight to Palm Springs,  California! I'm beyond excited for this trip, and you all should be getti 5ng excited to be seeing some very special (to me) to go along with our adventures,  and this is the perfect song to kick it off! This is the first Nu Disco song I ever heard, and from the very beginning it always has made me think of jetting offin a plane to some warm, new adventure filled with new possibilities. So, California perfectly fits the bill! Can't wait to keep posting once we're there, and as always, enjoy!

Thank you.

Take this moment, between the cookouts and the laughs, between the shopping sales, between the movie marathons, to pause. Remember why we take today to celebrate. It isn't because we need another day to have a holiday. It's not for a chance to take off work. Though we might partake in these things, that's not the purpose, and all of us know it. Today, we set aside our daily lives to remember those we've loved, and those we've lost. Today, we reflect on the millions of souls- of our brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers- who are no longer with us on this Earth so that we can stand together with our security and our freedom. Today, our brothers and sisters' sacrifices are not only remembered, but honored.

Today, we come together, from all backgrounds, all colors, all ages, to remember we are all united as Americans. Today, we stand as one. Every impossible dream, every incredible achievement, every record shattered: today, we remember that all of these we stand behind, because they are part of what it means to be an American. Every heartbteaking failure, every bombing, every mother and father answering their door to full-suited, grim - faced servicemen- we remember that all of these we stand behind, because they are part of what it means to be an American.
Many days I've had to endure watching my fellow peers begrudgingly drag to their feet, mumble apathetically, then slump back down to their chairs. Some could not even be bothered to stand. For all who have had this attitude, now is your chance. Take a moment, put your hand on your heart, and say this promise as you mean it, and as it deserves to be said.

I pledge allegiance,
to the flag,
of the United States of America.
And to the republic,
for which it stands,
one nation,
under God,
indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

Today, remember who you are. Remember the sacrifice,  blood, sweat,  and tears that have made and continues to make this nation the great land it is today. Take a moment to stop and thank someone who has served our country: a handshake, a call, an email, a prayer - do something to show your gratitude and to encourage them. Both my father and my grandfather have served in the military, and to them, I say thanks. Remember who we are. We are American. This truly is the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

Kodak Cameo - Mirage

Sorry for the late night post again, although I do relish these summer nights! Here's a great track by another fantastic vaporwave artist, Kodak Cameo! This chilled out, downtempo lounge tune brings in waves of nostalgia with that delicious electric piano sample, and when paired with the open-airy drum beats, a truly romantic song is created, one which would love to slow-dance to :) Enjoy!

Beat Hazard

http://store.steampowered.com/app/49600/

Here is a game that I absolutely LOVE!!! During the 2014 Steam Summer Sale, I was looking for cheap new games when this caught my eye. I thought the concept sounded pretty awesome, but it wasn't until I started playing the game that I fully grasped the scale of win this game contains. Basically, it's a Bullet Heaven-styled game, where each "stage" is different songs that you have saved on your computer. The trick is, as the song gets more intense, so does your firepower, but your enemies' aggressiveness and quantity increase as well! Seriously, this game is worth your time, ESPECIALLY if you are an electronic music lover of any flavor! It's only $10 on Steam, so, what are you waiting for?! Go check it out!!

Daft Punk - Voyager

Another late-night-drive song. This is one of the first Daft Punk songs I ever heard, and it's the first one which really made me stop in my tracks, floored by the beauty and good vibes the incredible duo had created. From the moment I heard this song, I immediately thought of big, soft lights sweeping by on a warm, starlit street. It will forever be one of my favorite driving songs, and one of my favorite songs, period! Enjoy!

Tropics - Courage (feat. Gavin Turek)

This is a special song to me. From the first time I heard it, a little more than a year ago, I felt this is the epitome of summer, of chilling out in the heat, taking it easy, and just soaking up the sun. However, this track doesn't lend itself to the predictable side: the picture paired with the song hints at islands untouched, just waiting for someone to come explore them. I love the range of instruments used, and, when paired with the vocals, creates a track which is both chilled and quite romantic, something I drank in in great quantities last summer. I love this track, and I will never forget it. Enjoy!

ESPRIT 空想 - SUMMER NIGHT

It's a late night, hot, humid, with the crickets chirping low. The streets are muffled and their lights are few. Even still, for some, there is a long drive ahead of them. Esprit masterfully captures these sentiments with these lo-fi tones, reminiscent of my many nights spent driving around in Palmetto City in Need For Speed: Carbon. Enjoy!

deadmau5 - Brazil (Second Edit) (HQ)

Okay, knowing my posts are currently tied to summer, you all should have seen this coming: my first Deadmau5 post! This is by far one of my favorite tracks of his, partially because of how different it is from many of his other tracks, but, I don't know man, there's something about those echoing chords and the open, airy effects, highlighted by the soft xylo, that makes this such a fantastic track. In my mind, this song is like listening to a smooth, cold, fresh fruit smoothie on a warm and breezy May day. I just love it! Oh, I also taught myself how to play it on the piano, which is loads of fun! Enjoy!

Soul Bells & マクロスMACROSS 82-99 - Groove City-溝都市 [EXCLUSIVE]

Hello! This is a *bit* of a late night post, haha, but it's fantastic nonetheless! Another fantastic vaporwave track with one of my other favorite vaporwave producers, Macross 82-99! Hopefully the big vibes, catchy beats and glittering display of Neo-Tokyo at night will keep you up and hoppin' late into the night! Enjoy!

SAINT PEPSI - Better

So, here it is: MY FIRST VAPORWAVE POST. :D I've used all of my willpower to not immediately fill this blog with solely Vaporwave posts, but IT REALLY IS THAT GOOD. This song is one of the first Vaporwave songs I heard and fell in love with, not to mention the incredible artist, Saint Pepsi! Seriously go check him out, he's worth your time! Anyways, I've talked to long for the awesomeness this song is, so kick back, and enjoy!

Chris Tomlin - I Will Follow - Lyrics

After my incredible mission trip to Ecuador with my family, I couldn't wait to post this song once we got back! This was our fourth mission trip as a family, and this song has truly become an anthem for us as we go out into the world to proclaim the love and salvation of Jesus Christ. I love this song, and it truly speaks for itself. Enjoy!

Haywyre - Dichotomy (Soft Mix)

As the rain is coming down, I felt like today's post should be something of a more muffled, soft and liquid track. I was trying to think of a song which had these elements as well as still those summery vibes. For me, I found that Haywyre nailed these feelings with this glitch hop masterpiece. It even has some water sounds added in if you listen closely! Enjoy!

[Trance] - Eminence - Ocean City [Monstercat Release]

Here is an absolutely fantastic track. For all of you hardcore trance-heads out there, it is a bit different from what you may normally hear in trance, but Eminence nails the wide-open, breezy vibes one could only find in an Ocean City. Fun fact, this was also the first track to get me into trance, and it will always be one of my favorite trance songs and Monstercat releases. Enjoy!

[Emotional Osts] Toradora - Startup

I'm so excited to officially make my first post! I'll keep it brief, but I just want to explain why I chose this track to be my first post. As the school year has just ended, there it seems there is equal parts excitement and sadness in the air. Friends prepare to leave for college, others don't get to see each other for another couple of months and there is the inevitable heartbreak between couples. At the same time, people are preparing to leave for college, work or the military, as well as countless other ventures. I feel that this track beautifully captures these bittersweet mixed feelings--these growing pains, if you will. I hope you all enjoy it!