How emotional manipulation makes you feel like “DUST”

"Dust" from DEMONS captures the essence of emotional manipulation through nostalgic synthpop resonating with deep, unspoken feelings.

You know that feeling you get when a song just gets into your head and kinda settles in your heart too? That’s exactly how “Dust” from the album DEMONS feels. It dives deep into those murky waters of emotional manipulation, almost like it knows what you’re feeling. It’s introspective, touching on themes many of us struggle to put into words but feel so profoundly inside. And I wonder, as I write this, if you’ll find the same resonance in it as we did as we were writing it.

Writing “Dust,” wasn’t just about the beautiful retro synthpop melodies; it was that sharp pull at heartstrings, making people reflect on those moments when they’ve felt emotionally twisted around by someone else’s intentions or, in case that never happened, trying to make people fit into all those other people’s shoes, giving them a glimpse of the internal world they live in.

Our whole album DEMONS is created to do just that: shine a light on various forms of exploitation while wrapping it up in sounds that make you feel nostalgic yet eerily present. Will these few words be enough to draw you into its orbit? I really hope so because this isn’t just music; it’s an experience waiting to unfold inside you.

So here we are, at the brink of potentially changing how we connect with each other, through songs that echo our deepest vulnerabilities. “Dust” invites you to confront those invisible scars we’ve carried for too long. It’s not perfect, neither is life, but maybe that’s why it’ll resonate so deeply with you as we journey into the depths of DUST together.

eLxAr - Dust Pixel Cover Art w Logo

The Story Behind "Dust"

I sometimes wonder about the origins of creativity: like, where does a song truly begin?

I believe that a song can come out in totally random ways, inspired by something that just happened in the life of an artist or, just as it was with “Dust,” with a precise will to tell a tale, teach a lesson, make listeners “think” about important subjects just as it wants them to enjoy the experience at the same time.

We wanted to write a song about emotional manipulation, we wanted people to see themselves in it or realize how a victim of such practice may feel, we wanted to share a light on a greatly overlooked subject, and we wanted it to be enjoyable just as much as it was food for thought.

The problem to solve was “how to”? How is it possible to write a song that can depict the feelings such a person has inside?

Thinking back on the times I had to live through it, the sensations felt inside were powerful and different but also pretty abstract and could be described in such a way, so that’s how we did.

Emotional Manipulation

When I think about “Dust,” it’s like opening a wound that never quite heals. Every note, every lyric takes me back to those moments where you know you’re being manipulated, but you’re too entangled in the emotions to see clearly. It’s this gut-wrenching feeling of helplessness and confusion that we’ve all faced at some point, whether from a friend, lover, or even family member. The song delves into how those who should make us feel safe can become the very source of our inner turmoil. There’s something almost haunting about acknowledging how deeply these manipulative relationships impact our sense of self, and “Dust” tries to capture that emotional whirlwind that burns your insides turning you to a vibrant human being to simple dust floating in the cold air.

In crafting the lyrics for “Dust,” I pulled heavily from personal experiences—moments when I’ve felt my emotions were twisted and used against me. You start questioning your own reality because someone else is controlling the narrative for their gain. Have you ever noticed how these toxic relationships often have a way of making you feel like it’s always your fault? That’s one of the central themes explored in “Dust.” It’s about breaking free from the mental fog that manipulators create and finding clarity despite the emotional chaos.

The song also serves as a reflection on manipulation’s subtlety; sometimes it’s not overt actions but rather small, insidious remarks or implications that wear us down over time. When you listen to “Dust,” I hope you’ll find pieces of your own story and maybe even some solace in knowing you’re not alone in these experiences. It’s about recognizing the poisonous environment we’re caught in so we can begin to heal and protect ourselves better in future relationships. Music has this incredible power to connect us through shared pain and healing, and that’s what I aim for with each verse and chorus in “Dust.”

Will “Dust” help others step out of their toxic situations? I really hope so. Will it help people understand the pain of others? Again, I really hope so.

Crafting this song was cathartic for me, an attempt to shed light on these dark corners we sometimes shy away from confronting directly. With its blend of introspective lyrics set against a backdrop of retro synthpop beats, it feels both nostalgic and eerily current at once.

synthpop

The Sound of Retro Synthpop

“Dust” takes you on a journey through layered synths and melancholic melodies that immediately immerse you in the retro synthpop and darkwave soundscapes with a little hint at dancy music.

It’s almost like walking through the coldness of a foggy night with the fresh air hitting your face as the few lights at the side of the road flicker , amplifying the themes of emotional manipulation discussed earlier. The song’s synths makes you feel everything is slightly out of focus but intensely vivid at the same time. There’s an unmistakable nod to the ’80s with its analog warmth and digital coldness intertwined.

This musical style wasn’t just chosen arbitrarily for our project; it was deeply intentional as Retro synthpop has always had this uncanny ability to evoke nostalgia while making you confront current emotions head on. It can be soft and dreamy just as it can be dark and haunting.

In “Dust,” those pulsating basslines and beautiful synthesizers blend into something that’s both comfortingly familiar yet unnervingly new. For me, creating this track was all about channeling that emotional complexity.

By incorporating these retro influences while addressing modern themes, “Dust” aims to resonate with listeners who appreciate depth both musically and lyrically. It’s more than just a song; it’s an invitation to explore oneself in relation to others: a confrontation with all those internal dialogues we often push away but know we need to face eventually.

Anticipation for DEMONS Release

With the release of DEMONS inching closer later this 2024, there’s this bubbling excitement mixed with a bit of trepidation. I wonder if this body of work will touch listeners the way it touched us while creating it. Each track is like peeling back layers to reveal raw forms of exploitation: some obvious and others hidden so deep they’ll catch you off guard. From emotionally charged narratives to intricate soundscapes, DEMONS aims to capture the ache of all the ways humans hurt and exploit other humans, trying to make you realize how in our world there’s people that only have the look of people, while being demons on the inside.

You can expect DEMONS to take you on a journey that feels intensely personal yet oddly universal. The songs explore dark themes but are cloaked in catchy retro synthpop beats. For example, “Final Fireworks” dives into the worse possible thing that exist in our world: War, just as “The Dividing Line” delves into the subject of economic disparity. Each song doesn’t just tell a story; it invites you to feel every fracture, every tear under the allure of vibrant melodies.

What’s particularly unique about DEMONS is how each track reveals its own narrative arc within the overarching theme of exploitation. “For Your Own Good” speaks of mass manipulation via mediatic control and abuse of power of institutions, while “Influencers” exposes in it’s more cruel reality the issue of a society were the role of a professional manipulator lying to others for personal benefit was turned into a subject of study and a proper work. Will these tracks resonate as deeply with listeners as they did with me during late-night recording sessions? I really hope so.

As much as I’m dying for everyone to hear DEMONS, there’s always that nagging feeling: will it be enough? Will these stories connect deeply enough to spark meaningful reflection or conversation? All I know is that each track carries pieces of our spirit embedded within them, and maybe, just maybe, listeners will find both solace and strength in sharing this musical journey with me.

How Introspective people keep their emotional world locked inside

There’s something inherently powerful about connecting through introspection, especially when it feels like the world often skims over these deeper layers. With “Dust,” I wanted to create a song that invites listeners to dig into their own experiences and stories, to ponder those moments of emotional manipulation we’ve all faced but rarely address openly. Have you ever felt that there was more going on below the surface, a silent current pulling you under? That’s the raw essence I aimed for—to strike a chord that resonates with those who find meaning in looking inward and reflecting on the past.

For indie music lovers who often gravitate toward authenticity and raw emotion, “Dust” offers a familiar yet unique refuge. It echoes the kind of melancholic strength found in relationships where not everything is as it seems. We’ve all had those moments when we realize someone close isn’t really looking out for us, but instead manipulating our emotions for their own gain. It’s a stark realization that leaves us feeling like dust—scattered and weightless. Through haunting synths and evocative lyrics, “Dust” aims to provide solace and understanding, wrapping listeners in a narrative that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.

I wonder if you’ve ever found yourself relating so profoundly to a piece of music that it feels like it was written just for you? That’s the connection I’m hoping “Dust” will spark among its listeners. It’s not about creating an anthem; it’s about crafting an intimate conversation between me and anyone who’s felt lost in manipulative tides. When fans share how “Dust” speaks to their own hidden struggles or memories they’ve almost forgotten themselves, it reinforces this bond even more—the music becomes a shared space of vulnerability and healing.

Personal Reflections on Writing "Dust"

Writing “Dust” was one of those deeply introspective adventures where you’re forced to confront your own scars and doubts head-on. There were moments when the words would just flow effortlessly, and I felt this incredible connection to the music, like it was almost writing itself. But then there were those other days – you know the ones – when nothing seemed right, every word felt wrong, and I questioned if anyone would ever resonate with what I had to say. Those days made me wonder why I even started writing songs in the first place. It’s funny how creativity can be both a blessing and a curse; sometimes it takes you to these euphoric heights, and other times it just drags you through the mud.

I often found myself lost in thoughts at 3 a.m., pondering over whether this track would find its audience or simply fall flat. The challenge wasn’t just technical, like getting the perfect synth sound that echoed ’80s nostalgia while still feeling modern but emotional. Was I being too raw? Too vague? Every lyric seemed to carry an anchor of personal history, tethered by threads of regret and hope. And yet, that’s what made creating “Dust” so incredibly rewarding. When you’re putting pieces of yourself out there for everyone to hear, it’s like exposing your soul’s most vulnerable corners.

Curiosity also played a huge role in sustaining me through those rough patches. I’d always ask myself questions like, “What else could this song become?” or “How will listeners feel when they hear this line?” Sometimes curiosity alone pushed me past my fears because there’s always that thrilling possibility – maybe someone will feel understood because of this track. And in those rare instances when doubt turned into something beautiful – maybe just a single verse or a melody that finally clicked – it reminded me why it’s all worth it: for connection, for understanding, and perhaps even healing.

Music is about connection

As a creator, there’s nothing more fulfilling than building a community around your art, especially when it resonates with people’s personal experiences and ideals. With “Dust,” I hoped to create not just a song but a space where retro synthpop enthusiasts can come together and explore the complex layers of our emotions and societal structures. It’s fascinating how music can act as a mirror, reflecting our innermost thoughts while confronting us with the realities we sometimes choose to ignore. When fans share their interpretations or describe how “Dust” made them feel, it almost feels like having a conversation through melodies and lyrics.

One of the beautiful things about synthpop is its ability to blend nostalgia with modern-day dilemmas. The retro vibes in “Dust” serve as both an homage to past musical trends and a backdrop for discussing timeless issues like emotional manipulation and toxic relationships. By encouraging listener feedback, I’m not only opening up dialogue but also learning about new perspectives that I might have missed initially. It’s heartwarming to see people engage with the music on such an intimate level, offering their own stories of struggle and resilience.

Interaction goes beyond just listening—it’s about creating a shared experience that’s continuously evolving. I’ve been exploring ways to encourage this interaction even further, perhaps through live-streamed discussions or collaborative playlists that resonate with the themes in DEMONS. Hearing how others relate to these explorations adds depth to my understanding of the music’s impact. Will this small effort make listeners feel seen and heard? I really hope so because at the end of the day, fostering genuine connections is what makes all these late-night writing sessions worthwhile.

Building this community isn’t just for me; it’s for everyone who’s felt marginalized by mainstream narratives. Music has always been about breaking barriers and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. Through engaging directly with fans who find meaning in introspection and subtle defiance against oppressive systems, we’re collectively contributing to a larger conversation about change, one beat at a time.

Hopeful Outlook on DEMONS' Impact

When I think about the impact of DEMONS, I can’t help but feel a mix of hopeful anticipation and a slight flutter of anxiety. It’s like sending a piece of my soul out into the world, hoping it resonates with someone, anyone, on a deep level. Will listeners connect with the theme of pain and exploitation that we’re exposed to and see reflections of their own experiences? I really hope so, just as I hope people will find the strenght to see, as they listen song after song, how people that they thought good and caring might be some of the worse they’ve encountered on their path. The goal was always to create an album that feels like a refuge for those who have felt exploited or used, providing solace through shared understanding. It’s amazing what music can do—how it turns individual pain into collective catharsis.

Looking forward, there’s this thrilling feeling about future musical endeavors because each song in DEMONS offers its unique twist on exploitation and emotional nuance. It’s not just another collection of tracks; it’s almost like each one is an open letter to listeners inviting them to decipher their own truths within the melodies and lyrics. Will this full album series break through the noise and reach those introspective souls seeking depth beyond the surface-level beats? That remains one big question mark hanging over my head—but honestly, that’s part of the adventure.

And as we prepare to drop this album, there’s something beautifully uncertain about how it’ll shape our future musical journeys. Perhaps feedback from “Dust” will spark ideas we’ve never thought possible or lead us down paths yet to be discovered. Imagine if every song becomes a building block, forming bridges to more complex narratives or even new genres blending retro synthpop with unexpected perks! That speculative excitement keeps me going even when doubts creep in late at night—because isn’t that what music is about? Uncharted territories waiting to be explored by both artist and listener alike.

Concluding Thoughts

Reflecting on “Dust” and its journey, it’s clear that this song encapsulates so much more than just notes and lyrics. It’s a mirror into the raw experiences of facing emotional manipulation, wrapped up in the nostalgic vibes of retro synthpop. I wonder if listeners will find parts of their own stories in these lines, or if they’ll find solace knowing they’re not alone in feeling the weight of toxic relationships. Crafting “Dust” wasn’t without its bumps: moments of self-doubt often crept in, making me question if I’m conveying what I truly feel. But maybe that’s the charm of it; it’s imperfect and genuine.

As I look forward to sharing more stories through music with DEMONS, there’s a blend of excitement and a little bit of nervousness too. Will the rest of the album resonate as deeply? I really hope so, for both myself and those who listen. Each track is like opening another chapter on societal struggles we rarely speak about openly yet are all too familiar with. So here’s to continuing this introspective journey together, one song at a time—let’s see where it leads us next.

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