Stega :: Sandpaper (2005)

This mini-album is a collection of songs i wrote in 2005 in New Zealand as i was getting back into writing music again. They are similar in style to my earlier work (ie. fucking miserable), but with slightly less gated reverb (why? it sounded so nice!) and nicer synths.

Instruments/Setup

The main sequencer used here was a Yamaha RS7000, the best hardware sequencer i have used to date. I came from using a Roland MC505, which while having some ok onboard sounds, confused the hell out of me when it came to programming! From the beginning, the RS7000 just made sense. This sequenced itself (the onboard synth and sampler) and my Korg Prophecy, which was used for some of the basslines and squelchy noises. In addition, Walking Sideways features my new Telecaster, and All Around Us my acoustic guitar and mandolin.

1. Stega - Walking Sideways - 4.2 MB

I recorded several versions of this, and wasnt sure which one to release here. I went for the guitary one in the end, as i quite like the power that comes with the change to the second part. Still like the others, so one of them might turn up here at some stage.

2. Stega - All Around Us - 4.1 MB

This is the first of the new batch of songs i wrote this year. It has a slightly different sound as it was produced using a Korg Electribe, which had more thumpy drums and an overall different feel to my later equipment. Also the only song so far to feature my mandolin - although in a very subtle way. I’ve noticed people tend to pick this one as their favourite of the bunch.

3. Stega - The Lowest Point of Her Life - 5.2 MB

The first part of this song is a nice ambient dance thing, but its the second part that i am most happy with - especially the way the layered pads, the bass and the nice crisp drums sounds all interact together. One of my favourites, along with Kays Piano.

4. Stega - Deep Blue - 4.1 MB

Like the chorus on this one - lots of layered prophecy sounds. Some vocals would probably go nicely with it - just gotta develop my lyric writing skills now.

5. Stega - Gravel - 3.2 MB

Another one written earlier in the year on the MC505. Felt like doing a scratchy odd time signature song, and this was the result. Quite like the feel of this one, especially when the bass comes in, although the production is a bit crap

6. Stega - Kays Piano - 3.9 MB

This one is basically a single loop with layers and layers of sounds built up over it as the song progresses. Very pleased with this one, the rhythm, swirling textures, and of course the simple piano line. Was listening to So Said Kay by the Field Mice when i decided i wanted to create a song with that piano sound. In the end it evolved into something different than i had originally planned (as usual).

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