Down Bad

Mahou No Jyuutan by Hyakkei (not my song just couldn't find it so I posted it!)

Mahou No Jyuutan - Hyakkei

Spinning Daydream (draft)

Improvisation between analog synths and drumset.

Before The Burrito

Improvisation with analog synth and drumset.

After The Burrito

In which our hero learns to accept his lot in life

It’s been a while
Since you smiled
At the scene of the crime
Across the oceans
Over mountains
Just follow the signs

We can dance with
Circumstances 
Let the gods be forewarned
My fate was given
Story written
On the day I was born

Change a single frame
And the whole things comes apart
You can see the ending from the start

I’m no hero
I’m no hero
I’m no Demi-god
I’m just an extra
In the background
Keep the camera moving on

I’m no hero
I’m no hero
I’m no movie star
I’m just an extra
In the background
Keep the camera moving on

Every bad guy
Thinks they’re the good guy
With a tragic flaw
Every good guy
Thinks they’re a bit part
On the cutting room floor

I’m on the poster
I’m at the junket
Same old interviews
They call my name
They take my picture
Is this acclaim or abuse?

Change a single frame
And the whole thing comes apart
You can see the ending from the start

I’m no hero
I’m no hero
I’m no Demi-god
I’m just an extra
In the background
Keep the camera moving on

I’m no hero
I’m no hero
I’m no movie star
I’m just an extra
In the background
Keep the camera moving on

In which our hero learns to accept his lot in life (season 9, Round 23)

This song was inspired by an e-mail subject heading that hit me in the middle of a particularly stressful week, reading simply "LAST CHANCE TO ENTER THE HOLIDAY CHEER CONTEST!" Based on the mood I was in, the idea of a cheer contest struck me as absurd. That kind of thing becomes a mental "rock in my shoe" as I turn it over and over. I was humming the song by the end of the day. This version would have been worked up into a proper arrangement if I'd had more time, but the demo form presented here felt warmly old-school for me personally, and appealing in its spareness.

Cheer Contest (Demo)

Sitting on a bomb
A hundred meters long
Hope nothing’s wrong

Sing a tune blow a kiss
Very soon find out if
Shoot the moon or we miss

Fire and deaf’ning sound
Six million pounds of 
Fuel ignition
Lifting from the ground
We’re upward bound
The moon's our mission

The next phase of the plan
Try to kick the can
Across translunar span

Buckle tight, turn away
Knuckles white, one more day
Englines light, under way

whirling gem sublime
Cerulean eye
A fading vision
Heroes do or die
we have to try
The moon’s our mission

Lightly fall through dark
Mighty human ark
Landing gear is down
Descending toward ground
Throttling down the thrust
Stir the ancient dust
Victory or doom
Waiting on the moon

Ready for egress
One more test
Of our ambition
Airlock button pressed
What happens next?
The moon’s our mission

End of transmission


The Moon's Our Mission

Matthew Heller’s latest record, Criticism, Judgement, Heartbreak, and Peril, marks a significant moment in his evolution as an artist—a point where his self-reflection meets his bold commitment to examining the complexities of the human experience. These songs dig into themes of growth, discomfort, and a deep yearning for connection. It’s a raw and honest exploration of what it means to wrestle with one’s place in the world, and how to navigate a life filled with contradictions. Heller isn’t afraid to face the uncomfortable truths head-on, whether it’s his own struggles or the broader issues he contemplates. Each song on the record invites the listener to join him on this journey, to reflect alongside him, and to find resonance in shared human experience.

Matthew Heller - Miss Conjecture

Who tells you, you’re beautiful?
The world tells you, you’re beautiful!
Do you agree that you’re beautiful?
Do you believe that you’re beautiful?

Last night I went walking
Walking in the moonglow
And I heard the stars talking
Talking bout the smoke show
And where there’s smoke there is flame
Your heat is gaining fame
They say that you’re the real star
Can you hear them from afar 

Yesterday I went walking
Walking by the ocean
And I heard the waves talking
Talking bout your motion
‘Bout how you dance and shake
Make a wave want to crest and break
And write your name in the sand
Just so you understand

Who Tells You You're Beautiful

Our cover of 'Heartbeats' (José Gonzalez's version). Crystal sang and I played the guitar.

Who Tells You You're Beautiful

Basement Thrills

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