U Turn USA is a satirical song spearheading “political” songs which may be well intentioned but end up meaning nothing. This song is an empty call to action; a 2 minute filibuster.

I admit that it made more sense four years ago then it does now. For that I apologize; satire is rarely timeless.

This is an angry song, angrier then I’m used to writing. I was upset, perhaps, at my own unwillingness to accept new trends or at our cultures constant clinging to emotional artifacts. The jewelry, the clothes, the music; these do not address the emotional issues our youth and adolescents. The growing pangs we mask with escapist entertainment. We create elaborate worlds in which our problems bear no relevance. It’s the same game we play today. We wear different clothes and hear different songs but it’s always the same old game.

Gabber Died Twelves Years Ago is about the demise of the rave scene and how even though it appears everything is changing, things still stay the same. Gabber refers to a genre of electronic music known for it’s aggressive kick and hyper melodies. I felt it was the epitome of trend genres even though I do appreciate it.

While I’m getting the site put together and wrapping up my latest album I thought it might be nice to chat about some of the songs I’ve written in the past and give you a chance to download my back catalog before the new album comes out. so without further ado: The first two songs off of Let’s Own the Scene.

Download audio file (lets-own-the-scene.mp3)
Download audio file (02 (You’re A) Pink Skirt.mp3)

Firstly, I wanted Pink Skirt to be the first real song on the album but the intro to Pink Skirt doesn’t really lend itself to starting an album. I used an extended version of Let’s Own the Scene to open live shows in 2004 and decided to edit it down to act as an album intro and — tah-da — album intro!

Technical bits: Let’s Own the Scene was written in FL Studio using 3xOsc, Bass Machine and zt3a.

Download audio file (02 (You’re A) Pink Skirt.mp3)

(You’re A) Pink Skirt is odd song. I’m really proud of the chorus and think it relays the feeling of betrayal one can feel after learning their relationship with someone was disingenuous. However, the phrase “You’re a pink skirt on a little boy” has always seemed overly enigmatic and I was never sure if people would interpret it correctly. I wanted to convey the idea that the clothes someone wears can make them appear to be a totally different person, much the same way a pink skirt would make a little boy look like a little girl.

This song is a total blast to do live. It’s upbeat and personal. I feel it capture the audiences attention without being overbearing. I’m also very happy with how the song “sounds.” It’s just the right level of noise and over-the-top to work. It’s also one of the few songs that uses samples instead of completely synth-driven songs. The sample in question is the bell/tone sound. It was sampled from my QY-70 and manipulated in FL Studio to give it a buzzy ring.