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descriptioncore industrial lyrics vocals xg

  3^rd/_{24   Σ}27.598   Apr 30th 2024 11:58pm

Originally had started a different project for this, using various synths from '87-91, but it got too complicated, so instead challenged myself to try to do something convincing and (hopefully) interesting with XG.

Made with Yamaha MU2000 using only XG sounds (no samples or PLG), captured digitally, w/o any post-processing.

production notes:
It didn't quite get tuned fully in the end, but interesting experience anyhow.
The 'vocals' are done w/ the Talking Modulator insert effect, with layered/filtered noise for plosives and some consonant sounds. Most of it probably isn't intelligible, but that fits with numerous classic industrial works using vocoded lyrics. I think the intelligibility could still be improved with a more formal approach, will probably attempt that next.

Enjoying the idea of machine-generated vocals for industrial music. Hopefully the irony of a machine attempting to sing about identity and imposter syndrome is not lost ;D

In a way, the writing of the lyrics could be considered 'machine assisted' as well. Not through any AI bullshit, but as a kind of suggestive shaping—
Initially there were no lyrics planned, just vocal-like notes for the 'sung' portions. I drew in envelopes to control the formant filter (basically what the talking mod is), so that they implied sung words (in terms of variance + cadence/rhythm). After hearing it repeatedly though, my brain started to perceive sections of it as words and familiar phrases.

By studying each block of 'vocals' and selectively interpreting the possible wording, to remain appropriate for the genre / feel of the song, it eventually grew into the bulk of the lyrics.

I make no claim to be a decent lyricist, but this 'associative divining' style of retrieval was interesting! Maybe akin to a vocalist starting with nonsense words, then putting actual lyrics to them afterward.

the candidate

sighing slowly
with a tired gaze
internally
thoughts are spinning

no use trying
for the ideal stage
a question of competence..
then again, they did it.

what you fear under that myriad of layers, truly—
is the imposter, fake, concealed in the grey ubiquity

time is flowing
have to find that purpose
it was lying there
so you took it

other scenes
out of other's lives
you've got the role
but it better be perfect

are you sure that we all really are alike? cruelly—
say yes to all the lines they expect for you to say

are you sure that you really are alive, fully?—
it's like a false-true-false dream for another day, just withers now

it's withered now.

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