Elements of Synergy

Counting Stars

Over There

The dream of flying , far from this world, with the beloved one....

On Oubliera

'ghetto falsetto' with Harmful if Followed and sixstring mac 

Isaac and the apple:
Mac: music, lyrics and vocals
Harmful/Shane: lyrics, vocals, backups 

one man verity show:
Scotty: lyrics, vocals, backups, art 

Well the night’s effervescent and I’m on fire
Full of anti depressants to blunt my ire
Well aware of the presence of my desire
It feels very pleasant as I get higher
And I’m clad in a fashion to catch the eye
So why does everyone ignore me as I walk by
It would be a different story for a different guy
But I’ll never find the glory unless I try
So why do I lie so low 
Why don’t I let them know
Let them bask in the glow
Of my ghetto falsetto 

Most are fucked up from the drugs they take,
and don't care to interrupt all the love I make,
but I can't quite erupt so, I'll simply fake,
and make believe
that I have climaxed, because all the noise
that keeps me far from relaxed and trapped in the void, 
I've always had a clean nose but perhaps I'll toy 
with singing in falsetto. 

These streets are full of cackles and high pitched screams
A ghetto manifesto haunting my dreams
Monotone narration to a story I know
A baritone ending won’t leave me alone
I’m not crazy it’s the world around me
I’ll deal with the shit eventually 
Then get past the truth I know
That I’m too low for ghetto falsetto 

But it don’t mater how high or how low 
Unless you mean it nobody will know
All you need is the seed and the get go
Let go of the ghetto falsetto

ghetto falsetto (with Harmful if Followed and sixstring mac)

Cool backing track provided by Freddie Edwards; what a cool name, hey, like Freddie-Eddie, Lol! ==> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cs1NwbZp2w

OH, FOR A FRIEND (Days Gone By)
Cuttin’ through the cemetery 
On our way to school
Hit the Continental Cuisine
Smoke a cig or two
Weekends, the Mad Dog
Got us drunk real fast
But we never learned how to make the good times last

We learned about the ‘Holocaust’
In history class
Didn’t think too much of it
Studied just to pass
We learned about the birds and bees
And birth control
But we never learned how to satisfy our souls

CHORUS
Oh, for a friend
To share the simple pleasures in life
Oh, for a friend
Doesn’t harbor a double-edged knife
What I wouldn’t do
What I wouldn’t give
To relive days gone by with you

[Music]

Now, we sit at our computers
Or, on our Dumb Phones
Tryin’ to act the coolest
Throwin’ sticks and stones
The hearts and the smiles
They add up fast
But we’re goin’ backwards, the hurt you can’t get past


Oh, for a friend
To share the simple pleasures in life
Oh, for a friend
Doesn’t harbor a double-edged knife
What I wouldn’t do
What I wouldn’t give
To relive days gone by with you

One more..

Oh, for a friend
To share the simple pleasures in life
Oh, for a friend
Doesn’t harbor a double-edged knife
What I wouldn’t do
What I wouldn’t give
To relive days gone by with you

[Music]

What I wouldn’t do
What I wouldn’t give
…….To relive
Days gone by with you…….

© 2025 Renee La Chapelle – All Rights Reserved

OH, FOR A FRIEND

Way overdue for something new but I've been living in exile without the usual, albeit modest, setup I'm used to. So this might be pretty rough. And it's full of the usual horror at political realities and way full of schmaltzy velveeta. 

Guitarist note:  I don't have amps at present and was struggling to find a decent direct sound. There is a *free* VST plugin by Neural Amp DSP and online libraries of tone prints, also free, that came to the rescue. Highly recommended.

it's alright for you as long as it's alright
you don't mind what they do in the broad daylight

it never could be you

but you don't see the way you're blinded
they'll never drag you down to the places meant for those

do you feel the color of your soul
when you live with love suspended hiding in a hole
the moment is yours but you don't believe 
you won't believe what lies there ripening 
growing in your mind without you knowing

now it could be you

and as you feel the weight of the binding
you know they're dragging you down to the places meant for those

to liberate the light of every heart and mind
you can say it never paying any price

there's a little part of everyone that knows 
we're only playing separate lives 
till true faith arrives

if there's every gonna be a change 
let it start right here

you know it could be you

It Could Be You

No one knows what they’re doing
Don’t believe everything you think
Some things aren’t worth pursuing
Don’t believe everything you think
Feelings aren’t facts
They’re weapons of mass distraction
Holding on won’t change the past
You can win the game by not playing
Complaining won’t change the past
You can win the game by not playing
Don’t believe everything you think
No one knows what they’re doing
Don’t believe everything you think
Some things aren’t worth pursuing
Don’t believe everything you think
If everything around you is darkness, you may be the light
If everything around you is darkness, you may be the light
If everything around you is darkness, you may be the light

Don't Believe Everything You Think

Any longer

Always believe in you

Written, Arranged, Performed, and Produced by Kyle Bolan
Art by Kyle Bolan

Lyrics:
Revenge is for dreams, never reality
Humming from the window, or is that just me?
Here and existing
Existence, the dream of a god wracked with ennui

Refuse to be comforted
with conscription or mosque or desired holocaust
Kangaroos lack individuality
not me

With the grief I've gathered up in my arms
See the face of Laocöon and his two sons come to harm
Crushed by the snake for threatening to interfere
Sometimes the rivers shake 
Sometimes the skies are clear

Sometimes the fire burns, dry and plain
Sometimes the wood is cool and wet with rain
Suffer the heat like a cat on the three hottest days
of midsummer,
go back to the river
Though there may be a maze along the way

Curse and throw spit into the fire
Cast out the bad souls left in me
Apparitions are just cedar trees in the dark
Though the thought refuses to expire
Though I take this expensive piece of language with me

With everything to have and everything to give
Evidence for the coming universal wish not to live
The Hand reaches down to cradle and caress
The peace of mind of duress and unrest

The scent of a sweet song is on the midsummer air
The false and unjust with talons that tear
But the snare of the struggle 
       of the dream is ennui
Is the humming from the window?
        or is that just me?
                   July 26, 2024

Kangaroo Kourt

-> https://andersson-arte.com

Free eBooks [ https://mega.nz/folder/ttMxyCpb#Mkv1Pm6JqV5qiXKlaMIFRA ]
-
My doctors project that it may take another two years before I regain full lung function, so while I am still recovering, I will continue to share pieces from the archives... I allow you to use any vocal tracks I upload; just be sure to give me credit when you do, and please feel free to download my eBook(s) via the link(s) provided and share it with whomever… I hope you enjoy what I have to offer.

Love you all <3

Marty Andersson: From the Archives - The Bitter End A cappella | Inc. Link to Free eBooks

'be we shall let'
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNO5y_Hu_v3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Note: this began as a shitty live recording that I overdubbed some extra (louder) vocals and two separate djembe tracks. It's what it is. I assure you some sexier things are in the works. If you care.

I sit on my porch watching the cars roll by
thinkin' about you, and the last time that we said goodbye.
When will I see you again?
I want to discover if this is real or pretend.
Either way, my darling, I feel like I've been blessed
for our stars to align amidst all of the mess
that we've made of our lives. Perhaps, now, for the best.
Not only satisfied, you make me strive to be my best.
So, let's give this a try. 
And, let me be honest...
The first time we locked eyes, my darlin', my feet were swept.
Be we shall let.

be we shall let

'notimistic dopplegangbang' with Harmful if Followed
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPAdEmJjP1b/?igsh=MWJvcWJsMW44YTI2OA==
Note: a live porch jam with overdubbed vocals from the UK
Shane: lyrics, vocals
Scotty: guitar, lyrics, vocals, photo 

Babe, fuck a fast car, we ain't goin' nowhere.
The end of us ain't far, and I refuse to care.
We pretend we're par, lost within the glare
of what we feel while high, as if nothing else compares to you. 

Mate it’s great you stay in touch 
Cos just like me I think you smoke a little bit too much
And it’s lovely to believe, there’s another one of me
Living over there but that one’s got more hair

notimistic dopplegangbang (with Harmful if Followed)

Banker's Remorse - demo

Was discussing The Replacements with a friend and had the urge to write a tune in that vein, and, gosh, there was inspiration right there in the daily news.  This was a quick & dirty one day write &  record, but then quick & dirty seems to be the order of the day.

hey mr tangerine man you're not fooling me
I'm not stupid and we all know what you're trying to do
hey mr tangerine man you're not fooling me
and you know we won't be mourning when they're burying you

you rake the air incessantly with your heinous flapping lips
while your golf shirt hides your tits
and your tiny grey hands twitch
all the citizens feel gypped
we're all waiting for a massive stroke to do you in
i'm ready to move anywhere I want to emigrate
but come back for the parade past the golf course where you're laid
i'll fight the urge to urinate

Mr Tangerine Man

My newest song I wrote Sep 30, in the wee hours of the night, 1-3am... A few lyrics came to me awhile back, I usually always come up with a melody first then the lyrics, but this time happened differently, once I hit the D chord then another, it all just came together very fast, as a songwriter, these unexpected nights always amaze me, I've never been the type to say oh I'm gonna write a song today...they've always just came to me. These were feelings that weighed very  heavily on me almost a year ago now, strange how I wrote this now...guess it's a closure song that I needed deep down. Sometimes things can just surface.  I hope someone out there can relate. Recorded live tonight on my 60's Baldwin, Rode NT1 mic, hooked into a Tascam Portacapture x8. Thanks so much for listening!! The pic is one I shot of the bridge in my hometown after a storm a few months ago. I felt like that bird, arriving safe and sound. More songs will be coming! Take care out there everyone. 

Baby 

All those ugly words
From your pretty mouth 
So uncontrolling 
Off the cuff
Baby, wish I coulda kept the love
All the nights that I couldn't sleep 

Flying back with these birds
I left you down south
Cause you were never good enough 
Baby, you coulda been good enough 
Why create a mountain too steep?

Up north has called my heart
I gave you my best
But everything just fell apart
Oh baby, I'm laying our love to rest
All the memories sinking deep

Tonight, I will sleep 

All music written and recorded by © Daniel Colter Valentine
All rights reserved

Baby (Original Song Live)

One of those back burner incomplete songs that I started writing back in 2018 timeframe. Pulled it out awhile back and things started to flow, crazy how that happens. Made some changes with the melody, and added a few new lyrics, which were inspired from events of this past year. Trials make us stronger. I hope you enjoy this live recording on my trusty little Baldwin.  Never stop believing in yourself:) Keep fighting! We are overcomers! Blessings to ya'll. Thank you for listening!:)

Stronger 

I've learned
To put a fight in my spine
From all the climbs
Without your hand in mine
Stronger now
Doing better than just fine
In the valley I'm still on cloud nine

Just like the sun whenever I go down
I'll rise in the morning
Just like the stars surrounded by the dark
My soul keeps on shining 
Just like the moon when I'm invisible
I'll never stop believing Oh Oh 
Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh 

And I've learned
To breathe when under the gun
Every battle I face
And never run
Pressing on 
From a past that is done
Wherever I go I will be someone 

Just like the sun whenever I go down
I'll rise in the morning
Just like the stars surrounded by the dark
My soul keeps on shining 
Just like the moon when I'm invisible
I'll never stop believing Oh Oh 
Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh

Instrumental 

Ohhh Ohhhhhhh

Just like the sun whenever I go down
I'll rise in the morning
Just like the stars surrounded by the dark
My soul keeps on shining 
Just like the moon when I'm invisible
I'll never 
I'll never
I'll never
I'll never 
Stop believing Oh Oh 
Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh Ohhh


All music written and recorded by © Daniel Colter Valentine All rights reserved.

Stronger (Orginal Song Live)

Beneath the Bodhi Tree

We shall not rise until we know
Come noble truths
Salvage this show
Why do we suffer?
Why do we crave?
Say,
Cessation of desire to meet light old age

Prove pure path
The right eight show way
Good vision
Good thought
Good speech
Good day
Good livelyhood
Effort
Mindfulness and action
Weaved wisdom concentrated
Content has traction

To Dukkha debonair
Satisfied with real
Ruse rooted Samudaya
You suffer thirst by feel
Nirvana, be known
Nirodha find light
From Mārga
Our eight fold path meant right

Born beneath the Bodhi tree
Cyclic Samsāra sits
Transcience for fear food free
Karmic Dharma fits
Not torn with our time
Minded body synced
Not shocked
Transcendence through rhyme
Be harmonic miner clocked

We shall not rise until we know
Come noble truths
Salvage this show
Why do we suffer?
Why do we crave?
Say,
Cessation of desire to meet light old age

Notes 🎶

Key B Harmonic Minor
Tempo 33bpm

Instrumentation
-Vox drone backing x 4
-Vox Backing melodic x 1
-Vox Narration
-Vox Lead x 1
-Pads x 3 played on keys
-Acoustic Lead line

I don't quite believe in reincarnation of a single spirit although the discovery of DNA in a way sheds a bit of light on it being possible at least in potential code as traits that are passed on. They are either honed and retained or lost through long term positive or negative behavior and discernment of honest or dishonest action from our beings. Epigenetics looks to be starting to show that nurture, particulariy early in life actually enables and disables chemical signals in our genes. This has been shown in rats by a mother that licks her offspring vs a mother that doesn't and the different effects on those baby rats growing up and those scientists believe that translates to humans although they can't stick us in labs to prove it yet. So it looks like nurture may end up holding more influence then early geneticists told us and less is set in stone then we had previously thought. Epigenetics is a young science so it's difficult to make a solid reality from is so far but it does appear to have huge relevancy with our tendencies throughout life and towards addiction and habits. 

Whether we have a spirit that inhabits a body and fully comes back I'm not sure we will ever know that but I guess elements of past spirits and all past life does exist in our code at some level.

This has a lot more potential to bear fruit with our world of knowledge of course because we can actually teach ourselves what other humans think and have thought and what they did with their lives and make our own version of those truths based on our unique life experience.

This track is paying homage to Buddha

Buddha, as far as I am aware is one of the rare old teachers who said go find yourself and the power is inside you and around us. We generally escape the reality of ourselves with desires and indulgence in materialism but have the ability to find our true spiritual selves with discipline and an honest lifestyle. His main realisation was, we suffer, like it or not and his teachings allow us to not amplify that suffering with cravings or self harm but become one with it via a balanced approach  ⚖️  Re-living or re experiencing feelings from the difficult parts of our lives so they don't become a controlling factor in how we react to any situation seems to be central to finding that zen place where we can respond rationally to any situation no matter how trivial or significant. The reason I mention epigenetics and early life is a few scholars seem to allude to a lot of our problematic traits and strengths being born from trauma or solid nurture early in life and are not something we would usually medically consider when contemplating our own shadow searching for that oneness in ourselves...

So in that light I think rebirthing thought in our heads may actually be quite important to deal with any grief from our experience so it doesn't manifest itself as physical ailment from the hidden stress it causes us.

Beneath the Bodhi Tree

This song is inspired by a true story of a Mexican citizen I met who was incarcerated for 3 years without ever being charged, tried, or sentenced. Sadly, this is all too common in Mexico: "Four out of every 10 Mexicans currently behind bars have not been convicted of a crime, according to new official statistics that experts say show the depth of injustice in the country . . . Much of the issue stems from Mexico's use of mandatory pretrial detention, or prisión preventiva oficiosa, a no-bail system in which those accused of certain crimes such as burglary, fuel theft, kidnapping, or drug trafficking can be jailed without probable cause and held for years without trial." https://www.axios.com/2023/07/25/mexico-pretrial-detention-andres-manuel-lopez-obrador

For those listeners unfamiliar with Spanish, "Déjame ir" means "Let me go".

Lyrics: 
Ominous early morning knock on the door
Cops swarm in, pin him down on the floor
No reading of rights, just knocks ‘n’ deep bruises
Cascade of bad-mouthing, it scares and confuses
Tossed in a small cell, no hearing or trial
With five other inmates, not even a smile
A fist or a knife, a boot to the balls
For who or what is he taking this fall?      

Every day’s a nightmare straight outta Hell
The bad guys are devils, the good guys as well
If the sicko don’t getcha, a brutal guard will
So, you gotta stay quiet, you gotta stay still
In the showers come the men, there’s probably four
This time it’s the pretty boy pinned to the floor
A fist or a knife, a boot to the balls
For who or what is he taking this fall?

The chow’s pretty scarce, he gotta get more
Soul sold for the right to set up a store
Just to earn a few pesos to keep up his strength
When hunger grips, you go to any length
Every week they come round for a piece of the action
And if he falls short, there’s a harsh reaction
A fist or a knife, a boot to the balls
For who or what is he taking this fall?

Bridge
All he is seeking is peace of mind
Away from the fist, the boot and the knife
Peace of mind, yeah, peace of mind
And the chance to start a new life, start a new life, start a new life

Five years on, he’s still in the jail
No trial date announced, no chance to get bail
Five years lost, his wife and kids gone
No money to speak of, house sold for a song
His best mate’s been in for 15 years
Still awaiting a sentence, he still knows the fear
Of a fist or knife, a boot to the balls
And the question why did he take such a fall?      (Déjame ir x muchos)

Credits:
Music, lyrics & vocals: Michael Sellers
Guitars & bass; keyboards; Sergio Aguilar
Accordion: Gonzalo (Chalo) Cardenas
Drums: Rodrigo Uribe
Production, musical arrangement, mixing & mastering: Sergio Aguilar
Cover design: Michael Sellers
Track cover photo: Image by Tim Hüfner on Unsplash

Elements of Synergy

Andy Bushell