Changes - A Pop Rock Journey of Embracing the Unexpected

Sometimes, the best moments in life come from the changes we can’t control. Changes is a high-energy pop rock track that captures the beauty of embracing life’s unpredictable shifts. Built on four distinct hooks—an intricate dual guitar strumming groove and three vocal motifs—this song is all about letting go, moving forward, and discovering something amazing along the way.

🎸 The Story Behind Changes

This song was born from a live demo on Jacktrip, where I was showcasing my typical composing workflow. The foundation started with a layered acoustic guitar collage using the Ample Guitar plugin, setting the stage for the opening vocal line to naturally emerge. As the track took shape, an unexpected but magical moment happened—Solaria’s vocal scat, a spontaneous addition, became a defining element of the song.

At its core, Changes reflects the personal and creative growth that occurs when we surrender to the unknown. The rhythmic interplay of the two acoustic guitars represents the duality of change—sometimes harmonious, sometimes conflicting, but always pushing forward. The vocal hooks, carefully woven into the arrangement, act as guideposts through the emotional landscape of the track, echoing the ebb and flow of transformation.

Solara’s vocal scat wasn’t planned—it simply happened in the moment. This unfiltered expression perfectly embodied the essence of Changes: the beauty of spontaneity and the surprises that come when we trust the creative process. In that sense, Changes is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the way music, much like life, evolves beyond our expectations.

🌤 A Visual Journey

The music video for Changes brings its themes to life with "concrete abstract" imagery—clouds drifting in the wind, forming fleeting pictures in the sky, only to disappear and make way for new ones. This visual metaphor highlights the impermanence of moments and the joy found in experiencing them while they last. Just as the sky is constantly shifting, so too are we, and rather than resisting, we can choose to move with the change.

The color palette of the video reflects this free-spirited energy, incorporating warm, nostalgic hues that evoke a happy, flower-child feel. It’s a visual representation of the optimism and liberation that comes with embracing life's twists and turns.

🎶 For Fans Of:

If you love Fleetwood Mac, classic rock, or progressive rock vibes, you’ll feel right at home with Changes.

✨ How Should You Feel?

Energized. Uplifted. Ready to take on whatever comes next.

🔗 Check Out More Music:

🎵 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/eric-schultheiss-ioniate📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EricSchultheiss

📢 Join the Conversation:

Don’t be afraid of change. We can only get better by making a change. Let me know how Changes resonates with you in the comments!

🔥 Hashtags:

#PopRockVibes #FleetwoodMacStyle #EmbraceChange #FeelGoodMusic #GuitarGroove

Changes (Demo 20250218)

Eric Schultheiss stands at the vanguard of contemporary composition, forging a unique path that bridges the rhythmic drive of global percussion with the infinite possibilities of digital sound. As a composer, percussionist, and educator, Schultheiss is acclaimed for his hybrid electro-acoustic works—pieces that fuse the organic pulse of drums with orchestral richness and the sonic innovation of modern electronics.

Rooted in a Southern California upbringing steeped in progressive rock, classical discipline, and the improvisational freedom of jazz, Schultheiss draws on a vast tapestry of influences. His music channels the off-kilter accents of Stewart Copeland, the lyrical intensity of Neil Peart, the storytelling depth of Peter Gabriel and Sting, and the progressive artistry of Genesis, Dream Theater, and Spock’s Beard. This synthesis results in compositions that are as intellectually rigorous as they are emotionally evocative.

Currently, as Head of Percussion Studies and Electro-Acoustic Composition at the Middle Tennessee Conservatory of Music, Schultheiss is an outspoken advocate for the DAW as a true instrument. In his hands, digital workstations become canvases for sonic experimentation, allowing for real-time orchestration, microscopic precision, and the layering of polyrhythms and timbres that would be impossible with traditional notation alone. He champions technology not as a shortcut, but as an authentic extension of the composer’s voice.

Signature works such as Lights Twinkle—a Christmas percussion-ensemble piece blending Japanese Taiko, harp, and haiku-inspired vocal textures—showcase his ability to unite tradition with innovation. Airidea’s Journal explores the dialogue between structure and freedom through dance-driven percussion and atmospheric synths, while As You Sleep and Terminal Memory reveal Schultheiss’ penchant for ambient soundscapes, introspective melodies, and cross-media collaborations. His compositions have been commissioned for film, dance, and multimedia productions, performed by leading ensembles, and praised for their intricate interplay of rhythm and resonance.

As an educator, Schultheiss is dedicated to shaping musicians who are not only technically skilled but also creatively fluent in both acoustic and digital modalities. At the Middle Tennessee Conservatory, he mentors young composers in hybrid techniques, polyrhythmic structures, and DAW-based workflows, encouraging them to embrace technology as a creative partner. His influence extends beyond the classroom, as he helps students gain visibility in the digital era and equips them to thrive in an evolving musical landscape.

Through his relentless curiosity, innovative spirit, and commitment to artistic growth, Eric Schultheiss is redefining what it means to be a composer in the 21st century. His work is a testament to the power of bridging tradition and technology, and to the limitless frontiers that await those willing to explore them.

Heidi-Marie Arapa, known online as #ARAPAMusic, has cultivated her creative world on Soundcloud since discovering the platform in 2012. This space serves as the outlet for her diverse musical talents, where she composes, plays, and produces a wide spectrum of genres. Proficient in piano accordion, piano, and two synthesizers, Heidi-Marie orchestrates her sonic visions using Logic Pro X DAW. While her journey on Soundcloud unexpectedly led her into electronic music production, she also enjoys lending her voice to a touch of jazz. Since 2012, she has dedicated herself to music composition, production, and sound, undertaking orchestration and global collaborative projects. Heidi-Marie shares her creations openly, appreciating any resonance her music finds, and understanding when it doesn't.

New Album Released 29 August 2024

https://heidimariearapa.bandcamp.com/album/classical-compositions-2024

Album "Greetings From Australia" with my dear friend Wiesenberg 
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31YvZRb2A16PoZBUmx5y0s?si=0c13ba6b19494de0

https://vimeo.com/846466472

I also feature my talented friends whose profiles I occasionally rotate on my profile since joining the Soundcloud Community, they have encouraged & supported  musicianship & creativity.  I cannot thank them enough #greatfriends #trust #respect

https://spotify.link/1e82g87w3Db
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6L1qFzNenl1bRHGtDkK6gW?si=4ba561ca84df41a1

https://www.instagram.com/arapa_music/

https://linktr.ee/ArapaMusic

My parents listened to Franz Liszt - I still have the original record so I ended up a fan.  My music teacher was the late: Anatoly Miroshnyk (born August 19, 1923 - died July 14, 2011) was a Ukrainian composer, pianist, teacher, musician and public figure.
https://musical-world.com.ua/en/artists/miroshnik-anatoly-mikhailovich/

We often think of talented musicians as folks who start young and advance their skills via the finest education available to them. While this is certainly true in some cases, there are plenty who realised many of their artistic capacities without the aid of specialised instruction or a degree in music. 
#patience #perseverance #persistence #perspiration #nevergiveup

Thank you for visiting my profile. 

https://www.abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/heidi-marie-arapa/
https://youtube.com/@ARAPAMUSICPRODUCER

Where words leave off, music begins.. Not everyone has the ability to compose music I also sing Jazz & Blues with musicians on Wikiloops a truly amazing community.

 I've always been passionate about music composition and fortunately the internet & technology made it possible to build a community in the clouds.

Find my global music journey since 2012 below:

https://linktr.ee/ArapaMusic

I've been tested by an examiner from the Australian Conservatorium of Music & apparently I have perfect pitch and blessed with the ability to accompany any musician, add hooks to any genre - as a singer I’m not great but who cares thats why most is spoken word.

I have my own style - either you like it or not -  always open for collaborations

🎤I have no fear of perfection - will never reach it 🎧   I don’t have the perfect voice nor am I aiming to be the best I'm only human with a passion for what I love music is in my heart.

Thank you to all who believe in me and MOST OF ALL my amazing Mentor thank you Sir for encouraging me to NEVER GIVE UP it all takes time and practice.

My mixing & mastering techniques have been learned from Youtube tutorials & experimenting with Logic Pro X.   I love the creativity and flexibility music production - a continual learning journey  of #passion #persistence #perspiration #patience
 
Having begun her musical journey at the young age of five with the piano accordion – an instrument initially more of an expectation than a choice, yet one for which she now holds deep gratitude – Heidi-Marie eventually transitioned into the captivating world of electronic music production a few years ago. This discovery led to the gentle retirement of her accordion, making space for her true passion: composing, producing, and sharing her sonic creations with the world. For Heidi-Marie, music is not just a pastime but a lifelong dedication, a constant until her final days.

Appreciate a like, repost or comment.  ❤️ 🌈🇦🇺

analog crunchy demos from the depths of my mind.

Progressive Metal Guitarist, Drummer, Bassist, and Keyboardist.

There's no doubt about it, Music animates my Soul, and as an enthusiastic student of Life as well as a passionate Improvisational Pianist &  Composer, as far as I'm concerned, our lives would be impoverished without it ! :)  Composing is all about 'Sharing the Joy, Passion and Angst' we experience in Life, as well as connecting with Musicians and 'Creatives' worldwide. This makes it even more wonderful!  That willingness to engage in whatever way makes SC an ever-expanding Movable Feast that nourishes and inspires on so many levels. 

Music Communicates the Emotional and Informational Content and Context of Heart, Mind, Spirit, and Soul. And 'Letting it Flow' is 'Where Its At' as I hear it!  

Over the past few years since becoming part of the SoundCloud Family, my 'Joy in and Passion for' Creative Musical Expression has increased exponentially as has my appreciation of all the wonderfully passionate Musicians and Creatives worldwide who have devoted themselves to Letting It Take Form! 

Here's a bit of a bio, if anyone is interested.  

Somehow, my MUSE got my attention at a tender age. About the time I was completing my Royal Conservatory training. 

My memory being poorer than most, I began improvising in the passages I had forgotten. And while the audience seemed unaware, my teacher chastised me indulgently, saying, "it appears I have a budding composer on my hands"!  And thus began my Odyssey into the wonderful Vibrational world of Sound!:-) In-deed, I have been an ardent, attentive and appreciative acolyte of my Muse ever since. 

During the early 1970s I had the pleasure and honour of a three year friendship and Master Class with the then Octogenarian Composer Manoah Leide-Tedesco , one of Tone Poem giant Richard Strauss` favorite pupils and friend of Maurice Ravel and other 20th century composers such as Stravinsky (whose music he helped popularize). Since then, whether Improvising, listening, studying composition or devoting myself wholly to the visual arts for years at a time, I have been deeply aware that sharing my musical insights , teaching, and or mentoring young aficionados came with the territory!   I love it, although I am afraid that as my consciousness expands...that I know less and less each year! :-)  

The Tonal Oasis called SoundCloud is a fine and wondrous place in oh so many ways.  And with your support and appreciation, I de-Light to share my music with an ever widening audience. I call what i upload ' Sound-Seeds'.  Most of these 'bed tracks' call out to be fleshed out by passionate soloists who somehow Resonate with my Soundz and Ideas.  So please drop me a line, as i am most interested in letting them bear more fruit through collaboration, interpretation, re-mixing or use in other media.    

And on a personal Note, a Huge Thank-You to each and all who listen, inJoy, and Re-Post onwards what finds it's way thru me! :) Bless y'all.  It's my Joy to simply 'Let' the Creative Spirit find expression through this instrument of Body, Mind, and Heart!  I hope you will find some peace, joy, and rest, in at least some of my improvisations, compositions, or soundz. 

Insofar as playing, and composing  ... as you continue on in Your journey into  the infinite 'Cave of Wonders' we call Music, I wish you all the very best in all Your creative endeavours. 

So Be Kind to yourSelves and one another. Be Audacious, Ready to Play, and above all, share the Joy of being able to express whatever you're feeling. 

In-deed, may The Muse continue to 'Sing on and Play on' through each of us !   For this is one way this 'ol world is lifted up, and Changed for the better - note by note, and smile by smile .  

 Yes, may we simply Let our Creativity flow forth without concern for results.
                                   Peace

                                    Gary *+*

Banner Pic- BLUE SKIES ON PLUTO
                       Pluto's atmosphere as seen recently by Horizon Spacecraft

I am https://soundcloud.com/heidi-marie-arapa

I'm not a rapper but I am the real ARAPA

"The Fun NEVER Ceases" - Women were your target, especially those with blonde hair - well I refused to be bullied - the many other decent ladies left Soundcloud but I'm still here.  I won't be bullied EVER again.

Repost Account for the REAL Musicians dedicated & passionate about their talents not the troublemakers. 

heidimusiclogicpro@gmail.com