Broken

sunset sky broken

Broken is a dance track leaning heavily into synthpop and infused with -gasp!- deep sincerity. It’s moody, introspective and has its own vibe. I hope you enjoy. Released on Spotify May 12, 2023

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Sunset Sky – Broken

Broken took a long time. It reflects everything learned this far about mixing and some experimentation. Getting drums under control is one of the more challenging aspects of mixing and although it’s not 100 percent perfect, the dynamic pump you need in a dance track is present. I was listening to Eric Prydz and could not understand how he made his kick and snare sound like they were in love with each other. And realized even though the kick is on all four beats, it would give way to the snare, so tried a few things. Mr. Prydz still has some secrets up his sleeve but I strongly recommend you listen to him -or Deadmau5 for that matter- when it comes to drum compression, side chain, eq and all that.

More on Production

The other tool I played with was the Enveloper on snare. It can give more punch, attack or timed reverb to help mesh it with the kick. So I try not to complicate things too much with all the available tools, but it seemed to help where the basic eq and compression couldn’t. Or, at least where my skill is at the moment!

Anyway, I really hope you enjoy. It’s a heartfelt song and the sincerity is real. We are all a little broken and you know – that’s ok.

For those of you who would enjoy a deeper dive:

“Broken” is an introspective song that reflects on the struggles and challenges faced in life. The lyrics paint a picture of hardship and is now contemplating the aftermath of choices. The song explores themes of self-reflection, acceptance, and the unpredictable nature of existence.

Intro and First Verse

The opening lines capture reflection and contemplation, looking back on life and the wreckage left behind. There’s a realization that you can adapt and do whatever it takes to navigate through difficult circumstances.

Chorus

The chorus emphasizes the contrasting nature of life, acknowledging that some things are destined to break and cannot be repaired. Suggesting that certain experiences or emotions are not meant to be openly expressed, implying hidden pain or vulnerability.

Second Verse

The verses continue to delve into the existential questions to grapple with. They express uncertainty about their purpose and struggle to understand why certain things happen. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration, as they acknowledge that rhyme or reason cannot always provide answers for the brokenness encountered.

The song also touches upon the indifference of the universe and the passage of time. It hints at the dichotomy between those who let go of their pain and those who feel trapped by it, symbolized by being held by the throat.

Bridge

The bridge serves as a turning point in the song, revealing a newfound awakening and acceptance. Acknowledging that the answers lie within the sunset skies, representing the beauty and inevitability of life’s cycles. It’s a realization that hiding from one’s truth is no longer necessary now that that one is awake and aware.

Conclusion

“Broken” is a soulful track that delves into the complexities of life, brokenness, and personal growth. It explores the universal themes of accepting the unchangeable and finding strength in self-discovery.

Broken – Lyrics

Looking at the life i’ve had

the wreckage in its wake

maybe i’m thinking overtime

learned to do what it takes

i don’t know exactly why i’m here

don’t know why i choke

rhyme or reason won’t answer why

some things just get broke

some things are meant to be broken

and some things aren’t meant to be spoken

the universe is indifferent

only time will tell

why some decide to let it go

while others get held by the throat

some things are meant to be broken

and some things aren’t meant to be spoken

and some things are just broken

the answer’s in these sunset skies

there’s never an escape

but i no longer need to hide

now that i’m awake

Like this? Also listen to Island and Human Touch

Never Want to Fall

Never Want to Fall Sunset Sky

Never Want to Fall is straight up hot, delicious dance pop. Hope you enjoy. Released on Spotify April 21, 2023.

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Sunset Sky – Never Want to Fall

This one glued together nicely. It was also the first song to test the how-quiet-can-we-go-without-losing-the-mix balance. Proud to report it sounds good at any level.

So production aside, it started out as a contemplative outing and quickly turned more defiant. You have to let the music go where it takes you, and obviously there was something there that didn’t want the character to be a complete victim. They had the strength (and maybe a little anger) to move on after a painful betrayal.

I hope you enjoy.

Sunset Sky’s “Never Want to Fall”: A Heartfelt Ode to Moving On

Indie dance pop band Sunset Sky has once again captivated listeners with their latest release, “Never Want to Fall.” This emotionally charged song delves into the depths of heartbreak and the determination to never let love knock you down again. With poignant lyrics and infectious melodies, Sunset Sky offers a relatable anthem for those healing from past relationships.

Verse 1: A Melancholic Reflection

The song opens with the raw vulnerability of someone playing sad songs, reminiscing about the past and questioning how their partner could have abandoned them. The evocative lyrics paint a picture of shattered trust and the lingering pain of abandonment.

Chorus: An Unyielding Resolve

The chorus serves as the song’s empowering mantra, expressing the artist’s unwavering determination to shield their heart from future heartbreak. It’s a declaration of independence and self-preservation, refusing to let love consume them again.

Verse 2: Letting Go and Moving On

In the second verse, Sunset Sky explores the process of healing. They distance themselves from the memories and begin to question why they even cared about someone who has become a distant memory. The lyrics capture the sentiment of being done with a toxic history and finding solace in the fading presence of an ex-lover.

Chorus: Reaffirming Boundaries

Repeating the powerful chorus, Sunset Sky emphasizes the resolve to avoid falling in love again. It becomes clear that the pain of the past has left a lasting impact, and they are determined to protect themselves from further heartache.

Bridge: Lessons Learned and Self-Discovery

The bridge reveals a glimpse of personal growth as Sunset Sky reflects on their former partner’s selfishness, coldness, and overall disappointment. It highlights a newfound understanding of their own worth and a realization that they deserve better. The bridge adds depth to the narrative, allowing listeners to connect with the journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Chorus: A Resolute Refrain

Returning once more to the resolute chorus, Sunset Sky solidifies the message of the song. It’s a testament to their commitment to guard their heart and resist the pull of love’s unpredictability.

Outro: Reflecting on the Past

In the final moments of “Never Want to Fall,” Sunset Sky revisits the theme of sad songs, pondering why their former partner left them alone. It’s a moment of introspection and closure, as they acknowledge the pain and seek understanding in the aftermath of a fractured relationship.

Conclusion:

Sunset Sky’s “Never Want to Fall” is an indie dance pop gem that encapsulates the struggle of moving on from heartbreak. Through its heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies, the song resonates with listeners who have experienced the disappointment and longing that comes with lost love. Sunset Sky’s emotional delivery and relatable narrative make “Never Want to Fall” an essential addition to any playlist for those seeking solace, strength, and the affirmation that it’s possible to rise above past heartache and embrace a brighter future.

Never Want to Fall Lyrics

never want to fall in love

never want to fall in love again

never want to fall

playing sad songs now and then

remembering the day

how could you leave me on my own

how could you just walk away

never want to fall in love | never want to fall in love again | never want to fall

now you’re a distant memory

don’t know why i used to even care

so damn done with our history

your face has disappeared 

never want to fall in love | never want to fall in love again | never want to fall

so selfish and cold

was young and thought you were bold

such a disappointment 

in every way 

and that one too

never want to fall in love | never want to fall in love again | never want to fall

playing the sad songs again

remembering the day

why did you leave me on my own

why did you leave this way

Also listen to Human Touch and Don’t Stop

Don’t Stop

Don't Stop Sunset Sky

Don’t Stop listening! Seriously this is a strong indie dance track. And if you aren’t going to dance then I will. See you on the floor! Released May 19, 2023 on Spotify

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Don’t Stop by Sunset Sky

Don’t Stop is an indie dance track that started out a lot slower than the final version. Tempo can be a funny thing. It seemed to really work at 122bpm but then coming back to it, I couldn’t figure out some dragging pieces. So upped it a little and then… (this was a good lesson) there is a real difference between playback and final mastered project. So I sped it up — more than I felt comfortable with — but voila! the recorded project felt exactly how it was supposed to. Side chained the eighth notes on bass and it grooved beautifully. I hope you enjoy.

This is a song for the universe and the muses out there. Without you, the world would have substantially less color. THANK YOU.

Don’t Stop Lyrics

don’t stop with the music 

with the dance

everything that you gave me

won’t leave it to chance

i love that i hear you 

love that you care

that you know me

when you share

when i can’t feel you 

i get depressed 

know that i’ll always miss you

when I’m not part of your mess 

don’t stop with the music 

with the dance

everything that you gave me

gives me a second chance

don’t stop us now 

you’ve changed how i feel

and you know what i found

when you wake me up now

how the universe sounds

thank god that you know me

whispering music to live

when you gently remind me

of all i have to give

love to wake to your songs

from your heart to head 

if you ever leave me 

i’ll never have regrets

don’t stop us now

thank you for your voice

you are always heard

i will share what you sing

every note and word…

don’t stop us now

thank you for your love

you don’t know what it means

and that you keep on sharing 

all your love with me

with the music 

with the dance

everything that you gave me

gives me a second chance

please don’t stop us now

Also listen to Human Touch and Island

Can’t Recall

Can't Recall - Sunset Sky

Can’t Recall is a dance, rock, pop confection that opens up to a kick-ass chorus to which you can dance (or bang) your head to. Or don’t. But enjoy one way or another – it’s a good track.

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Can’t Recall – Sunset Sky

Can’t Recall is the track that fought back. For days I could NOT figure out the builds, guitar and even overlooked EQing the bass and for a while, could not sort how the low end was such a mess. But it came together, Bass was EQ’d and side chained. The guitar tracks got the space carved out they needed and most exciting of all, the vocals are floating above the fray for the most part. Not to say there isn’t a wall of sound, but vocals in some other productions have gotten lost in the mix. Not this time, song, not this time.

I hope you enjoy “Can’t Recall.”

Can’t Recall Lyrics

fighting through the tears again

recognize the night 

all is lost if we walk away

but it happens all the time

looking at the photographs

detectives telling time 

can’t recall what happened then

cannot place the crime

reliving all these memories 

are we out of our minds

sorting through our history

fighting through the lies

how do you make it 

how the fuck do you fake it

let’s lay it on the line

surrounded by these memories 

and trying not to cry

what the hell were we thinking then

are we out of time

reliving all these memories 

are we out of our minds

sorting through our history

fighting through the lies

Also listen to Island and Cold Outside

Island

Island Sunset Sky

Island is a slinky, low-key dance track that will slip under your boogie radar at first but then – wham! – you’re dancing. Experience it.

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Sunset Sky – Island

This is the most technically accomplished track yet. The EQ and side chain coordination is getting better. The kick works with the bass and there is a definite pump effect that was needed to drive the song. It took while to get right, but all the parts work well with each other, and… it’s a good song!

I also like how it sneaks up on you with its build, much like an ocean current.Listen for yourself and enjoy.

Island Lyrics

you are an island

unto yourself

below the water

a deep ocean shelf

i have a notion

there’s always more

than all the memories

washing ashore

but what does it all mean

tell me everything

holding on to time

what will you share with me

there is a lighthouse

calling at night

broken by the weather

but still offering light

ignoring warnings

we’re sailing on

beyond safe harbor

to the great beyond

well what does it all mean

are you whispering 

holding on for life

what will you share with me

you are an island

unto yourself

below the water

a deep ocean shelf  

what does it all mean

can you breathe a word

waiting on the waves

the night is listening 

what does it all mean

there isn’t any fear

can you tell me more

before we disappear

Also listen to Midnight Calls and Cold Outside

Hold Me

Hold Me Sunset Sky

Hold Me is an electronic track inspired by a recent series. Won’t say which one, but the sound is very much in line with the mood it evoked but with an additional twist of upbeat honesty.

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Sunset Sky

Hold Me was difficult. Didn’t know where to take it or where it was going and then BAM! it happened. A few tracks of additional and very subtle percussion moved it along, and allowed the chorus to soar. I didn’t think this one would make it out of the gate, but here we are. For producers, side chain and vocal compression is a bit loose so be kind.

I really hope you enjoy.

Hold Me Lyrics

can you hold me

don’t belong here

felt this way my whole life

i only want to

feel connection

is there still any time

i’ve found a place that

we can lie down

we can call it our own

just want to be still

as you hold me

don’t want to be on my own

restful moment

in the shade tree

watching the skies above

hold me tightly 

as i leave here

never stop being in love

can you see it now

the clouds have no rain

watch the birds in flight

i finally feel no pain

can you hold me

don’t belong here

felt this way my whole life

see so clearly now

can you see the light

the sparrow on the ground

as we say goodbye

can you see it now

the clouds have no rain

watch the birds in flight

i finally feel no pain

can you see it now

the clouds have no rain

we’ll watch the birds in flight

i finally feel no pain

Also listen to The Bet and Midnight Calls

The Bet

the bet sunset sky

The Bet is an indie dance track that leans a little more on the darker side and clocks in at an economical 2:47. Let’s get to it!

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The Bet – Sunset Sky

The Bet came together quick, with minimal production. For the producers out there, you will hear sidechain compression being used for the first time to distinguish the plucks, bass and kick. Overall, there didn’t need to be much added to it. With less going on, the simplicity feels cleaner than some other productions.

I hope you enjoy!

The Bet Lyrics

i meant to tell you

don’t mind it alone

what cards am i holding

as you look at your phone

now you say you’re calling

did you check out my tell

want to know if i’m folding

have you put down your bet

all i wanted 

all i needed

was to light a fire

this round is tiring

dealer called your name

want to raise the stakes again

but your hand has been played

all i wanted 

all i needed

was to light a fire

all i needed

all i wanted 

was tangled in my desire

thought i wanted 

thought i needed

promises from a liar

Also listen to Cold Outside and Midnight Calls

Cold Outside

cold outside sunset sky

Cold Outside is an indie dance track that will stick with you long after the last note fades away.

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Cold Outside – Sunset Sky on Soundcloud

Cold Outside: You’ll like this one! If you don’t, you are a heartless slug. jk I do hope you like it. I enjoyed creating it and it represents the continued shift away from synth-only sounds to using more organic guitar and bass. Do not fear synth pop fans – there is still plenty of synth work and drum machines to keep you in the groove. This new direction enhances the sound and makes it more powerful.

The verse and chorus are going to stick with you. That was the intention. My hope is you hear not only the melody but also the lyrics which reach out to the need for connection in an increasingly lonely world. When that happens, though, it can be beautiful. Right?

Enjoy the latest track by Sunset Sky.

Cold Outside Lyrics

it’s so cold outside

looks so warm in here

o my god you’ve come alive

i don’t know you

but now i’d like to

searching for a fire

what have you heard now

well can you tell me

maybe we could just lie

take a moment

look in your eyes

where i can see the sky

won’t you let me in

it’s so cold outside

your heart is like a fire

so let’s stay warm tonight

holding your hand

leading a way

further into the night

put your worries down

rest your weary head

don’t want to see morning light

the stars above shine bright

reflecting in your eyes

and i can feel your smile

and that means everything tonight

watching falling stars

streak across the sky

the universe is ours

we’re wandering satellites

won’t you let me in

it’s so cold outside

your heart is like a fire

so let’s stay warm tonight

You mean everything tonight

Also listen to Midnight Calls and Human Touch

Midnight Calls

Midnight Calls Sunset Sky

Midnight Calls is a lovely track that has a haunting blend of melody and driving beat. It is strongly suggested you include it in your sonic explorations! (:

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Midnight Calls by Sunset Sky

Midnight calls is a track near and dear to my soul. The vision, the bass, all of it came together surprisingly well. I even resisted overdoing the drums, instead opting for a more low-key early ’80s new wave driving beat.

If you ever have experienced a dream that wove memories and new interactions, with something familiar, yet strange and mysterious, this is the song for you. I hope you enjoy.

Midnight Calls Lyrics

had a dream i went outside

you were waiting in the haze

driving through a lonely night

tracing raindrops on the pane

reminiscent of my old town

where the hills and bridges collide

passing by the darkened beach

but don’t know where we’ll be tonight

when you receive a midnight call

streetlights are flashing off and on

bouncing off the city’s fog

setting fire to the siren’s song

guided to our destination

as the voices fall ashore

waking stars at 2am

where i know we met before

how do i get home again

before it fades to gray

i know it’s been, a little while

can you help me find my way

playing back the scenes again 

and it’s killing me today

how do i get home again

as the city fades to gray

i know it’s been, a little while

can you help me find my way

i need to burn those memories

i can’t go back in time

even as you fade away

know that you were never mine

You were never mine

Like it? Listen to Human Touch and Truth

Human Touch

human touch sunset sky

Human Touch is the first track to embrace a new sound and mixing style. Guitars supply a strong background foundation that supports a chorus you can enjoy rocking out to.

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3/19 Update – this was remixed and remastered. Sounds much better now. Will appear on Spotify as “Human Touch – Remastered”

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Human Touch by Sunset Sky

Human Touch was a difficult one to put together. I hadn’t been taking mixing as seriously as I should, and this was one that forced me to rethink levels and how instrument busses and a submix should be used.

The bass pumps in waves and pretty much overpowered all the other instruments when it kicked in, pushing the compression into overdrive and making the mix feel overloaded and a bit squashed. Putting a directional mixer on the bass and reeling it in a bit, I was able to still keep the driving strength of the low tones without it bleeding all over the place. The guitars are a new sound I’m working with which seems to really accentuate the chorus well. Another upcoming song called “Midnight Calls” expands upon that power.

Again, I hope you enjoy and thank you for visiting and listening!

Human Touch Lyrics

i’m afraid

to go outside

not because of the rain

and giving in

to the elements

soaking in the pain

don’t want to explore

memories 

not for me to decide

maybe we’ll close our eyes 

a while 

under the sunset sky

don’t want to see the other side

but want to be with you

want to feel the human touch

want to feel this life

think we’re going 

to be ok

angels are nearby

don’t want to see the other side

but want to be with you

want to feel the human touch

want to feel this life

don’t need to see the other side

but need to be with you

don’t need to understand this life

except the human touch is you

oh

I want to feel the human touch

I want to feel this life

Also listen to Truth and Drowning