ValveDriver

Thank you.
Orginally, there was another section before all of this that had more Barrel Organ in it. It was very carnival-like, but it didn't really fit with where I ended up going, and it would have made the whole thing too long. Typically, I'm alright with long songs, but when it's this fast paced and aggressive, even with the breakdown, it still becomes more of an aural assault.

Thanks for taking the time to listen and to comment. Much appreciated.

Thanks, man.

Thanks, man. I'm glad you liked it.

I kinda don't do anything mainstream or stereotypical. If it is, then it wasn't intentional.

Either way, thanks again for the time to comment.

Take care.
V.

Ha! I guess it has been a bit of a Valvdriver Smorgasbord these last couple of weeks.

Yes. Typically, my work is darker and more mood based, but lately, since I've had the time to just sit down and let it all flow, I've just been letting it write itself. No matter how far outside the realms of the "vast and barren wasteland of post apocalyptic industrialism" it gets. Basically, I have time to enjoy it, so that's what I'm doing! I'm sure I'll eventually get back to the grinding doom based nightmare soundtracks, but for now...I'm a roll widdit!

You mentioned this one being more minimalist than usual. That is true. I did purposely go with a more minimal approach. Generally, I really like making the complex, uber-layered tracks with a lot of shit happening, (Just like my art. Of which, I still need to get a way for you to see those too.), but I wanted to try seeing if I could make a filled out track with less elements. In this one, I used a total of 11 instruments. That includes each piece of the drums. Normally, I have almost that many in synths alone. (I really like to layer)
I did go a little out of the box with the synth patches this time. I was trying to achieve a more detuned, uneasy, unsure feeling without actually being out of tune. However,I'm curious to know what the differences were that you heard in the synths.

Eric, as always my friend, it's a pleasure to hear from you. I will get a hold of you later about the art stuff.

Take care, mister.

"Modern German Goth."

There's a genre/subgenre for everything now, isn't there?

I can see some similarities between this track and the AND ONE. I can't really say that I was influenced by this genre, though. I listened to this kind of music back in the late 90s/early 00s, but not much since.

"Your work seems very focused now."

I have been given the opportunity to have some free time with no job, no kids, and no responsibilities for about the last month. I've had PLENTY of time to focus on it. Not being caught up in the daily hustle and bustle has done wonders for my creativity.

Thanks for stoppin' by, mister!

Take care.
Aaron

Thanks, man!

Honestly, I wasn't a fan of Jack as Joker. For my money, the only person that ever truly captured the full sociopath, chaos driven, psychotic essence of the Joker was Mark Hamill in the animated series that came out in he 90s. But, that's my opinion. ;)

Thanks for listening, and taking time to comment.

Take care.
V.

Thank you, sir! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's good to hear from you. I always look forward to hearing what you have to say.

"Dangerous synth work"

I like that. I think from now on, I may have to use it in my profiles and general descriptions of my music.

Danke, you take care, mister.

with all sincerity.
Aaron

It's going to be awhile. Last night it was reported that Trump withdrew the federal officers from the city. But, a reliable insider source of mine says they didn't go anywhere, but to a new hiding spot. Thus, giving the masses the illusion of "Victory". Sadly, The People aren't able to see the militaristic strategics coming down on them. Meanwhile, all I can really do is sit back and watch it unfold.

I'm honored. Thank you, sir.

Marco, Hello

Thanks for stopping by.

I have heard of the Lovecraft Film Festival. Sadly, I've never been able to attend. My work schedule is quite unconventional and has never landed on a time that I could make it. Hopefully, with the changes in my own life right now, that will be something I can do in the future.

"Very often good things can arise from the darkest situations. "

This is so very true. About 5 years ago my life took a very dark turn. But, from it, came the greatest thing that could have happened. It's much like the seasons. Out of the darkest winters come the most colorful springs.

Take care, sir.
Aaron.

Marco, Hello.

To be honest with you, I forgot about this song! I made this one in a dark and difficult time in my life, and kind of just pushed it out of my memory with everything surrounding it. I had to go back and listen to it again.

I think, as far as the guitars go, there could be some adjusting. I may revisit this one for the mixing.

I think the blending of rock and electronic is more instinctual than a conscious effort. I've listened to rock and metal since I was a kid in the 70's, so it's become ingrained into how I hear music. Therefore, it comes through in my own creations, no mater which genre I work in. Which, honestly, is perfectly fine by me.

Marco, thank you for taking the time to go back through some of my older works. Not only to listen, but to comment as well. It's greatly appreciated.

Take care.
Aaron

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

Take care.
V.

What you say is true, and it saddens me. What saddens me even more is the fact that the American people are so blinded by stars, stripes and bald eagles that they refuse to see that our freedoms are being taken away right in front of us.
Another thing that saddens me is the fact that while racial riots are undoubtedly a noble and necessary cause that must be fought for, they are being used as the doorway to allow in the new regime.
Funny thing is, Steve, back in the 90's , I started saying this is going to happen. But, ya know, who takes a 20 year old, metal head stoner seriously?
Hopefully, Wayne (theHumps) was correct, and Trump gets voted out and the bullshit will follow him out the door. But, really, I don't think this is a Trump thing. I think it's much deeper than than that. I think they just found themselves the perfect puppet willing to play the game.

Oh well. I guess it just means I will have more material to keep making more music. Which, really....isn't that what it's really all about?
Thank you for stopping by. I always look forward to hearing from you.
Take care.
Aaron

Wayne, thank you.

This track was definitely meant to capture the tension, anger and drive of the people. .Even though the protests are consolidated in one small area of Portland, you can definitely feel the tension all over the city. Personally, I agree with their cause, and if I didn't have kids to think about, I'd be right down there with them.

Thank you for taking the time to listen and comment. I always appreciate it.

Take care.
Aaron

Hey man. Sorry for the delayed response. I wanted to make sure I could reply with quality content. Having the kids here this weekend did not allow for that to happen.

"I'm really concerned for the safety of my friends."

I wouldn't worry too much. Unless they are down in the middle of it, they should be fine. Portland is a pretty big city and protests are all pretty well contained to a block or two in the downtown area. Lloyd District is close to downtown, but not close enough for any danger. Also, the worst, and most dangerous parts of the protests are happening at night. The protesters, (speaking strictly from my own gatherings and perspective), are not down there destroying shit just to loot and riot. They're down there because of several injustices that need to be dealt with. Originally, BLM and the COVID shit, probably 30 more things, too, knowing Portland.
Anyhow, it's become a small revolution against the federal military policing. It's about Trump sending in these unmarked feds with teargas and pepperspray, and beating unarmed people just before detaining them in unmarked vans without due process, or Mirandas.

"So whats your solution, what do you think needs to happen?"

Well, coming from a non-violent, and very peaceful man, what is happening is what needs to happen. I'm not for people getting hurt. Feds or civilians either way. They're all humans. But, it's one of those tough times where the ends justify the means. I think all of the major cities need to follow Portland's lead and stand up to this power-hungry, narcissist, hell bent on destroying the progress we've made over the last 60+ years. I personally think a revolution on a national scale needs to happen. We've let those at the top get away with too much.

"...the mayor has obviously lost control of the situation."

I'm not so sure about that. The night before I made this track, he was down there in the middle of it, right there with the people. The clip in my track that says, "We have federal officers on our streets, further escalating tensions, and causing harm to Portlanders, right now" is Mayor Ted Wheeler. I mean, I'm sure he's against the destruction of property and all, but I think it says a lot that he's down there getting teargassed with the rest of them.
This is all just my own opinion, though.

As far as the hiatus goes...shit yeah! I think in two weeks I've put out 4 tracks and a "lost" 5th one. Heheh. That's more than I've done in the last 4 years combined. I'm not sure what comes next.

Eric, I always look forward to it, brother.

Take care, mister.

I don't really care how they're sent home. Just get them out of my city.

Thanks. For listening.

Take care.
V.

I'm glad you liked it. Although, I'm not entirely sure where the comedic element is. Maybe you mean the ridiculousness of Trump's exaggerations.

Either way. Thank you for listening and commenting.
Take care.
V.

Haha! Message received!

Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment. Especially with supportive and encouraging words.

Thank you again.
Take care
V.

Thank you, sir.

"Bro-step". Even the name sounds ridiculous.