Artist: Nickels (Nickels Hawkeye)
Album title: Hawkeye
Label: Mysterium Media Group
Release date: August 9th 2011
Album title: Hawkeye
Label: Mysterium Media Group
Release date: August 9th 2011
Track List:
1. The Emperor's New Clothes
2. Perpetual Motion
3. The Shattered Vile of 10,000 Souls
4. If found, please return to the Pied Piper
5. American Idols - feat. Mark Driscol
6. Between Dark Havens
7. Cidade Maravilhosa
8. Fascinans
9. Go the Distance
10. Rosewood
11. Colossus of Rhodes
12. The Human Condition
13. Project Mayhem: Obliteration
14. The Five Boroughs
15. Woolgathering
16. Seattle City Light
1. The Emperor's New Clothes
2. Perpetual Motion
3. The Shattered Vile of 10,000 Souls
4. If found, please return to the Pied Piper
5. American Idols - feat. Mark Driscol
6. Between Dark Havens
7. Cidade Maravilhosa
8. Fascinans
9. Go the Distance
10. Rosewood
11. Colossus of Rhodes
12. The Human Condition
13. Project Mayhem: Obliteration
14. The Five Boroughs
15. Woolgathering
16. Seattle City Light
First, let me begin by thanking you in advance for your support! Each album that is purchased is greatly appreciated! Mysterium Media Group has been growing and flourishing lately. Hopefully, you will enjoy watching how it continues in the future!
This album is essentially a collection of instrumentals I've made with the intention of a vocalist accompanying it. These were never intended to "stand alone" as a composition piece. Please bare that in mind when listening. The process of releasing finished projects can take a very long time and I grow restless at times, so I decided to release these as an attempt to let my listeners hear what I've been doing over the last few years. I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I enjoyed making them!
I will be reflecting upon the details of each track as I listen to them.
1. The Emperor's New Clothes
The intro snipit is one that's I've saved for this release. It pretty much explains itself. The reason for naming this came from a line of thinking I had while in the car. The idea of trying to persuade one to purchase an album without words is comparable to a tailor persuading a king to purchase clothes that he can't see. That's quite a feat if you ask me! This style is an experimental one. Its fueled by my recent interest in Dub-Step. It isn't Dub-Step, but definately has some influences that derive from it. This instrumental may be used on Grayskul's (RSE) next album... who knows, thus, here it is!
The intro snipit is one that's I've saved for this release. It pretty much explains itself. The reason for naming this came from a line of thinking I had while in the car. The idea of trying to persuade one to purchase an album without words is comparable to a tailor persuading a king to purchase clothes that he can't see. That's quite a feat if you ask me! This style is an experimental one. Its fueled by my recent interest in Dub-Step. It isn't Dub-Step, but definately has some influences that derive from it. This instrumental may be used on Grayskul's (RSE) next album... who knows, thus, here it is!
2. Perpetual Motion
My wife and I had a conversation about how this made her feel. She described being on a long, seemingly endless, road trip. I could relate to that. Endless, lethargic driving spells late at night... touring. This was originally created for Azrael of Oldominion and my project "Az the Crow Flies", however at this rate, I have a hard time imagining this instrumental seeing the light of day anytime soon... so, here it is!
My wife and I had a conversation about how this made her feel. She described being on a long, seemingly endless, road trip. I could relate to that. Endless, lethargic driving spells late at night... touring. This was originally created for Azrael of Oldominion and my project "Az the Crow Flies", however at this rate, I have a hard time imagining this instrumental seeing the light of day anytime soon... so, here it is!
3. The Shattered Vile of 10,000 Souls
I've always loved these kind of titles. This one has a more humorous background though. Remember on KungFu Panda when the panda breaks that vase carrying "souls" and each time the vase was bumped there were the sounds of wailing souls? That's what this background sample reminds me of. This was supposed to be used by Onry Ozzborn of Oldominion/Grayskul and featuring Candidt of The Th3rd, but never made the final cut evidently.
I've always loved these kind of titles. This one has a more humorous background though. Remember on KungFu Panda when the panda breaks that vase carrying "souls" and each time the vase was bumped there were the sounds of wailing souls? That's what this background sample reminds me of. This was supposed to be used by Onry Ozzborn of Oldominion/Grayskul and featuring Candidt of The Th3rd, but never made the final cut evidently.
4. If found, please return to the Pied Piper
This was titled because someone said it sounded like the chorus, and parts of the verse, resembled their image of a "piper" playing a pan flute. I thought about the idea of using, or rather finding, this pan flute and putting its sounds in my music. Maybe there would be a label with the used title written on it somewhere... I just let my mind unfold from there. The snipit is of an artist on MMG named @ransomnightfall this was a real outtake from a studio session we had a while back.
This was titled because someone said it sounded like the chorus, and parts of the verse, resembled their image of a "piper" playing a pan flute. I thought about the idea of using, or rather finding, this pan flute and putting its sounds in my music. Maybe there would be a label with the used title written on it somewhere... I just let my mind unfold from there. The snipit is of an artist on MMG named @ransomnightfall this was a real outtake from a studio session we had a while back.
5. American Idols - feat. Mark Driscol
This instrumental was made without a sequencer or any quantizing. (Tech terms producers understand) Surprise! This one has words! This is an idea I got from Reuben AP of Comunalien & Oldominion. He called reading (not rapping) the scriptures over beats "Sword Storms." I took that and expanded it to contain sermons too! This was intended to be a Black Lemmings track, but again, this never came to be for various reasons. The little snipit at the end is a rearranging of some of the samples used previously. Just to give a different twist.
This instrumental was made without a sequencer or any quantizing. (Tech terms producers understand) Surprise! This one has words! This is an idea I got from Reuben AP of Comunalien & Oldominion. He called reading (not rapping) the scriptures over beats "Sword Storms." I took that and expanded it to contain sermons too! This was intended to be a Black Lemmings track, but again, this never came to be for various reasons. The little snipit at the end is a rearranging of some of the samples used previously. Just to give a different twist.
6. Between Dark Havens
The samples in this one were found by Matt "Doulos the Verbose" Ober. He is the co-host of the Mysterium Media Group Update Podcast (MMGUP) and a long time friend. Stream our shows from www.mmgup.blogspot.com or find it in the podcast section of itunes! This title came from considering the battle between flesh and spirit and how hard it can get sometimes. No one is perfect and we all fail. Our hope of salvation from our sin is Jesus! The hard part is actually trusting Him like we should. That internal struggle is what I hopefully captured in this song.
The samples in this one were found by Matt "Doulos the Verbose" Ober. He is the co-host of the Mysterium Media Group Update Podcast (MMGUP) and a long time friend. Stream our shows from www.mmgup.blogspot.com or find it in the podcast section of itunes! This title came from considering the battle between flesh and spirit and how hard it can get sometimes. No one is perfect and we all fail. Our hope of salvation from our sin is Jesus! The hard part is actually trusting Him like we should. That internal struggle is what I hopefully captured in this song.
7. Cidade Maravilhosa
Which translates "Marvelous City" which is a nickname for Rio De Janeiro which is the city from which the musical style of Samba came from. The live drum sample in this piece is from a television production I had the priviledge of running sound for produced by my family's good friend Kumari Suraj in Portland Oregon while my wife and I were dating. (Run-on anyone?) During this period, I was listening to Keane (a popular rock group from the U.K.) a lot. This influenced the lead synth in the chorus. I tried to fuse some of the pop & trance synth sounds into the verses. Always liked this one.
Which translates "Marvelous City" which is a nickname for Rio De Janeiro which is the city from which the musical style of Samba came from. The live drum sample in this piece is from a television production I had the priviledge of running sound for produced by my family's good friend Kumari Suraj in Portland Oregon while my wife and I were dating. (Run-on anyone?) During this period, I was listening to Keane (a popular rock group from the U.K.) a lot. This influenced the lead synth in the chorus. I tried to fuse some of the pop & trance synth sounds into the verses. Always liked this one.
8. Fascinans
Which translates to "fascination" in Greek. I've always liked the sound of the Greecian phrase "Mysterium Tremendum" which is not only the inspiration for my record label's name, but also it translates as "The Great (or tremendous) Mystery" which is corelated with the "presence of the devine." However, Tremendum equates itself with the "fear" or "frightening" characteristics of God; while Fascinans refers to the "fascinating" or "wonderous" things of God. Instrumentally, I was trying to return to the basis of break-beats and a rock and roll sample. Also, I used an interesting drum roll here which I had noticed some of my favorite producers including as well. The reverb heavy piano in the chorus was inspired by Coldplay and Keane as well. I love how the piano part ends the song with a huge, long lasting extention into the clip of Rick Morranis.
Which translates to "fascination" in Greek. I've always liked the sound of the Greecian phrase "Mysterium Tremendum" which is not only the inspiration for my record label's name, but also it translates as "The Great (or tremendous) Mystery" which is corelated with the "presence of the devine." However, Tremendum equates itself with the "fear" or "frightening" characteristics of God; while Fascinans refers to the "fascinating" or "wonderous" things of God. Instrumentally, I was trying to return to the basis of break-beats and a rock and roll sample. Also, I used an interesting drum roll here which I had noticed some of my favorite producers including as well. The reverb heavy piano in the chorus was inspired by Coldplay and Keane as well. I love how the piano part ends the song with a huge, long lasting extention into the clip of Rick Morranis.
9. Go the Distance
This is a song that has been locally released through twitter as a free download. It featured Kay Bee (MMG), Jazz Digga (MMG), & Soul the Interrogator (MMG). The song was an impromptu piece created and finished within the same day. I will make the completed song available to you directly upon receipt of an email requesting it. Please email me at nickelshawkeye@gmail.com This piano sample was originally intended for a song with Comunalien (my group from 1993-1999 with Reuben AP), but it was never made until now. I hope to see your email soon because it truly is a gorgeous song!
This is a song that has been locally released through twitter as a free download. It featured Kay Bee (MMG), Jazz Digga (MMG), & Soul the Interrogator (MMG). The song was an impromptu piece created and finished within the same day. I will make the completed song available to you directly upon receipt of an email requesting it. Please email me at nickelshawkeye@gmail.com This piano sample was originally intended for a song with Comunalien (my group from 1993-1999 with Reuben AP), but it was never made until now. I hope to see your email soon because it truly is a gorgeous song!
10. Rosewood
The beginning piano sample was taken from a CD that was created by Church of the Beloved. Church of the Beloved has an "intentional Christian Community" in Edmonds, Washington that my family and I used to reside in. This was made during our time there. My favorite part of this instrumental is the drum rolls. This was intended for use by the MMG group J.P.S. for their second release. The group is in hiatus, but has an EP available on itunes etc. which is called "Weaponry EP" if you happen to search for it.
The beginning piano sample was taken from a CD that was created by Church of the Beloved. Church of the Beloved has an "intentional Christian Community" in Edmonds, Washington that my family and I used to reside in. This was made during our time there. My favorite part of this instrumental is the drum rolls. This was intended for use by the MMG group J.P.S. for their second release. The group is in hiatus, but has an EP available on itunes etc. which is called "Weaponry EP" if you happen to search for it.
11. Colossus of Rhodes
Rhodes is a philosopher, a song by Portishead and a legendary electronic piano. Most of this was sampled from several phone messages I received when I was a teenager. The use od the Rhodes piano is mostly why I named is this. Also, I believe "colossus" is Greek for something abnormally large or grandios. You have probably noticed the fast paced, jumbled break-beat in the background. This is an attempt of mine incorporate the subgenre of "jungle." The bass is nice too; no?
Rhodes is a philosopher, a song by Portishead and a legendary electronic piano. Most of this was sampled from several phone messages I received when I was a teenager. The use od the Rhodes piano is mostly why I named is this. Also, I believe "colossus" is Greek for something abnormally large or grandios. You have probably noticed the fast paced, jumbled break-beat in the background. This is an attempt of mine incorporate the subgenre of "jungle." The bass is nice too; no?
12. The Human Condition
I was up late one night watching the movie where Robin Williams plays a robot with the ambition to become human. When his character finally does, and starts to die, his partner in science said a very impacting sentense that I've never forgotten. He said "Welcome to the human condition." My mind flooded with scenario after scenario of situations surrounding that truth. We are frail as a human race and we don't last forever. "Life is short" is a popular phrase, but one that is almost more true, but less popular is "life is long." The choices we make today last and effect tomorrow. It seems like this principle is slowly being forgotten about by the younger generations. A plea of rememberance is how this song feels to me. Musically speaking, this one has no samples. I learned this progression when I was a youngster, playing around on my uncle Jon Johnson's keyboard and have since refined it to this point. I hope it moves you!
I was up late one night watching the movie where Robin Williams plays a robot with the ambition to become human. When his character finally does, and starts to die, his partner in science said a very impacting sentense that I've never forgotten. He said "Welcome to the human condition." My mind flooded with scenario after scenario of situations surrounding that truth. We are frail as a human race and we don't last forever. "Life is short" is a popular phrase, but one that is almost more true, but less popular is "life is long." The choices we make today last and effect tomorrow. It seems like this principle is slowly being forgotten about by the younger generations. A plea of rememberance is how this song feels to me. Musically speaking, this one has no samples. I learned this progression when I was a youngster, playing around on my uncle Jon Johnson's keyboard and have since refined it to this point. I hope it moves you!
13. Project Mayhem: Obliteration
As many of you know, Project Mayhem is directly attributed to the movie Fight Club. This is my favorite movie. The reason for the additional word, obliteration, is because I've always thought they should make a video game about Project Mayhem and their "tasks." One version could be called Obliteration as somewhat of a sequel to the first game. I'm a hardcore nerd. #NERDCORE The snipit between this song and the next is intentionally quieter than the others for comedic effect. You may have to rewind it.
As many of you know, Project Mayhem is directly attributed to the movie Fight Club. This is my favorite movie. The reason for the additional word, obliteration, is because I've always thought they should make a video game about Project Mayhem and their "tasks." One version could be called Obliteration as somewhat of a sequel to the first game. I'm a hardcore nerd. #NERDCORE The snipit between this song and the next is intentionally quieter than the others for comedic effect. You may have to rewind it.
14. The Five Boroughs
Simply put, this song reminds me of New York City and my family's vacation there. It was a truly relaxing and life changing trip!
Simply put, this song reminds me of New York City and my family's vacation there. It was a truly relaxing and life changing trip!
15. Woolgathering
This is another word for "Day Dreaming", which is what I catch myself doing to this song all too often. This song was supposed to be used in a project featuring Malachi Perez (or currently known as Avery Davis), which also never transpired. The vocals to this song were supposed to be the main thing separating the chorus and the verses, which is now only defined by a slight key change.
This is another word for "Day Dreaming", which is what I catch myself doing to this song all too often. This song was supposed to be used in a project featuring Malachi Perez (or currently known as Avery Davis), which also never transpired. The vocals to this song were supposed to be the main thing separating the chorus and the verses, which is now only defined by a slight key change.
16. Seattle City Light
This is the sounds of downtown Seattle during peak traffic and commute. Check out the two guys trying to sell me newspapers and watches toward the end of it. This was recorded using my cell phone.
This is the sounds of downtown Seattle during peak traffic and commute. Check out the two guys trying to sell me newspapers and watches toward the end of it. This was recorded using my cell phone.
