This fourth album of 2024 is a melodic, synth-laden, sometimes vaporwave-y collection of tunes that capture the bittersweet anticipation and anxiety that comes with preparing for a vacation. These trips are filled with both stress and solace — you’re shuttling back and forth between bustling airports and serene destinations, never quite sure where you’ll end up, and ironically, always yearning for home. Sometimes, the best vacation is a hot coffee on your back porch, staring at the trees.
I set V_A_C_A_Y as a “name your price” album on my Bandcamp page. Go download it for $0 and add it to your home library. Then stream that library on whatever app you’ve set up to connect to your music library. I personally enjoy my Plex library using the Plexamp app, but you may choose whatever app tickles your fancy. Whatever the app, enjoy the music.
What Does It Sound Like?
Chillout. Washed out. Sample-less vaporwave. Retrowave. Synthpop? Synthwave? The truth is, I no longer know what genres to place my music under. But it’s “all of the above” and much more.
Song Notes
1. Someday I’ll Get To It: Sometimes all you need are three chords. And a whole lot of synth VSTs to create an expansive soundscape.
2. Major Trip Minor Treat: Initial loop was created by Audialabs’ Infinite Packs, but then I extended and turned it into a track with live bass guitar and electric guitars and a modern bossa nova treatment.
3. Smooth Sailing From Here On Out: Composed and produced in just one afternoon, this track exposes my love for pop music. It’s a pure pop chord progression given a chillout treatment.
4. No Recycling In Paradise: Initial loop was created by Audialabs’ Infinite Packs, and turned into a cowboy Western hip hop track.
5. Steadily Toward A Demise Of Caring: Melodic, emotive, and melancholic.