Gems Beyond Mainstream

Here's what is hopefully the start of a growing playlist of collabs, that I've been fortunate enough to work on, with some of the incredibly talented artists to be found on Soundcloud! 

Hats off to Mr ManuLaGratte who was my first collaborator, and the chief architect of the Seems Like It - Euro Collab Mix!  (You can find the link to Manu's other work in the track notes ) 

Next up an incredible blues rework of Water To Wine, featuring the incomparable vocals of Mr Todd J McLean, as well as grade A+ mixing and mastering from Kat Hendrix, at Absolute Time Studios, Vancouver, and virtuoso lead guitar from Tim Porter!  The original version of this track is released on Todd's SC page but I've reposted here for extra visibility)

Thirdly it was great fun, and a whole lotta learning, working on the EDM collab, Lost in the Music, with the multi (MULTI) -talented musician, lyricist, vocalist and tech guru, MissHearMeClick!

Collabs

July 2025 - Part 4

Copy of Weekly Wave

Interpretación y arreglos : Jesús Flores.


Producción y Mazterizacion: Arturo Guevara G.
The Noise Infection Studio

Nothing Else Matters

Too Many Faces

This song is a bit campy. The core of this thing is pure Isley Brothers' formula from the 70s -- they had these no nonsense, hard slamming funk songs that just went on forever (and you want them to). And there's also a healthy dose of 80s/90s slinky funk guilty pleasures like Grace Jones, Sade, & Seal.

is it finally living this feeling inside
I waited for hours with a slow burning fire
now is not the time to evade in the face of desire

but that's how it goes when you hold the control does it feel right
you're letting it go and I know that you know are you satisfied

the rules of the game are so easily changed
let's be honest about it lonely hearts will stray
I am still willing but your love is failing me every night

oh but that's how it goes when you're running the show  how you feel it
you're letting it go and I know that you know I can't steal it

out in the city new hearts align   
but tonight I am only alive for yours and mine

Control

A great collaboration version of the Seems Like It track, with MASSIVE thanks to ManuLaGratte, for guitars, musical arrangement and general Hard Rock consultancy!  Check out Manu's other fantastic work, on his SoundCloud page https://soundcloud.com/manulagratte-mlg/tracks 
HUGE thanks also to Laurent Capel, for lifting the guitar solo work to a whole different level! 
Who says there's no European collaboration after Brexit?? :-)    Thanks Guys!!

Seems Like It - Euro Collab Mix (Feat. ManuLaGratte & Laurent Capel)

Recording was made in 1992, have been to shy to show it to people, but just dumped off the 8 track and thought I'd put it 

Anna Marie

Neli CoKo - After The Storm

Cast of characters:
TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen– Taylor T5z acoustic guitar, Tom Anderson Custom T electric guitar, Gibson Earle Scruggs banjo, Eastwood MandoCaster mix, mastering, production, and composition
J.J. Terrell-- @j-j-terrell—JJ-- organ
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken–drums 
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Fender Precision four string bass, played with a plectrum 
Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark – harmonica, jaw harp, timpany, hambone percussion, and production editing     
This song began with Stephen, who recorded it on his acoustic guitar and bass to a programmed drum track a few months ago. We were all thrilled to work on it, even though it sat in BandLab as a project for almost a month before Stephen separated the tracks, thus allowing us to trickle in our parts. JJ was first to jump on it, because he could before the tracks were separated, as his part is completely his idea. He added the organ that really set up the entire sound of both dominant sections of the song. 
  Ken was first up to the project once the tracks were replaceable, making the wild, driving beat his own. Inspired by both JPJ and Michael Ivins, Josh laid down his bass line, trying to match Ken's energy. Last, but not least, Mark jumped in with the rumbling timpani. He also added the flavorful harmonica, and unique jaw harp you hear throughout, as well. 
  At that point, Stephen also got the idea to add the hambone percussion at the very end of the song, which we all consider a treat, and after showing us how it's done, Mark volunteered his percussion skills to give it a go. Stephen wasn't done with it, though, and still had some magic to sprinkle. He went in and added the howling electric guitar you hear prominently in the second main section. Also, he added the tempting intro with his acoustic guitar and electric mandolin that looks like a Telecaster guitar. 
  Once it was in the bag, we thought it appropriate for our master mixer Stephen to put it to bed, which he did in his always expert manner. Mark did help with the production, though, as he's very good with editing and spotting mistakes that need to be corrected.
  This is a gift from Stephen to all of us, and you, too. It took a lot of teamwork to make the dream work, as always for Eclectic Collective. We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Country Ham (Eclectic Collective)

With deep sub-bass, haunting ambient layers, and a chant-style hook that lingers like a secret, this track captures the aching need for truth in a world of emotional half-measures. It's intimate. It's raw. It's beautifully wrecked. Perfect for late-night drives, memory spirals, and anyone who’s ever begged a moment not to fade. Hit repeat. Say it again.

Lyrics:

You said, “Let’s not fall—let’s float.”
But I was already sinking.
You lit the match, I held the smoke.
Now I’m thinking…

You trace circles on my wrist,
Like you’re reading some old myth.
Every scar a little wish
You never asked for, but still kissed.

I tried to be still, but I break too loud,
Like thunder in rooms where quiet’s allowed.
And when I laughed, you held your breath—
Like joy could burn us both to death.

We’re a maybe dressed in yesterdays,
Two souls with nowhere safe to stay.

Say it again like you mean it this time,
That I’m more than a place you survived.
Say it again—yeah, lie if you must—
I just need one word I can trust.
Say it again.
Say it again.
Say it again… before it fades.

I kept your note inside my shoe,
So I’d always walk a little like you.
You keep your past under your tongue—
Bitter, but it helps you run.

We built a house on borrowed ground,
Called it love, but never stuck around.
Still, you haunt me sweet and low,
Like a song I swear I used to know.

We’re a maybe dressed in yesterdays,
Too close to stay, too real to fade.

Say it again like you mean it this time,
That I’m more than a place you survived.
Say it again—yeah, lie if you must—
I just need one word I can trust.
Say it again.
Say it again.
Say it again…

Were we truth, or just a ghost with hands?
Did we ever stand a chance?
If you can’t stay, then leave a sound—
Just don’t let silence take me down.

Say it again like you never let go,
Like the night still wants to know.
Say it again while I’m still here,
Make it love or make it clear.
Say it again.
Say it again.
Say it again…

…before it fades.



Say It Again

This is a repost of a collab with the brilliant Todd J McLean, originally posted on his Soundcloud account, 15 May 2025. Soundcloud.com/todd-j-mclean/water-to-wine?si=2debfe8ca9744b878dfc380a1a8ac430&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing)

WATER TO WINE
 
Words & Music: Goff Johnson
Vocals: Todd J McLean
Keyboards & Rhythm Guitar: Goff Johnson
Drums and Hammond Organ: Kat Hendrix
Lead Guitar: Tim Porter
 
Mixed and Mastered by Kat Hendrix at Absolute Time Studios, Vancouver, May 2025
 
About the Song

"Water to Wine" is a song about the appeal of perfection we often see online, contrasted with the seemingly unremarkable and ordinary lives that most of us lead. It’s a reflection on the emotional toll that comes from chasing validation through likes and follower counts— and the emptiness that can follow when the spotlight fades.

Our value, though, goes far deeper than what shows up on a screen and authenticity holds more power than appearances. Take a deep breath and if we look up from the scroll and take a brave look at the world — and each other — we might find something much more real!

Behind the Song (from Goff Johnson)

Ironically, while the message of the track talks about isolation and the cost of surface-level connection, the making of Water to Wine was the exact opposite of that! It came to life through collaboration with the incredibly talented Todd J McLean, who, in addition to his awesome vocals, and red-hot music connections, also created the cover art (Woman in Yellow Chair) for the track! The overall result is something far richer than either of us could have created alone.

Working together brought depth, direction, and new energy to the song — proof that the best things happen when we connect for real. No filters, just music, shared purpose, and mutual trust!

Final Notes (from Todd)

This is my first collaboration on SoundCloud. I could not have been more fortunate than to work with Goff Johnson, an immensely talented singer/songwriter/musician. When I first came across Goff, I listened to his entire Stories of Stardust album end-to-end .

Although Water to Wine is not part of Goff’s Stardust series, it is nonetheless a beautifully written song and it’s been a privilege for me to sing it. Besides, I love to sing the Blues. Thank you so much, Goff!

We owe a huge shout-out to both Kat Hendrix, a master musician and our producer, and Tim Porter, a virtuoso on guitar. It is a real privilege to work with these West coast legends.

Lyrics:

Verse 1
Someone wrote a playbook for perfection 
with lives of photo ops, their outtakes seldom seen 
today a star, the next you’re a pariah 
“Be Kind” they say, but that ain’t what they mean 
 
Chorus: 
Well I never watched the water turn to wine, 
and i never took a flower out of the desert, 
but i walked until my feet bled, and I looked until I was blind, 
and I reached out for a hand to hold in mine 
 
Verse 2 
Well there’s nothing quite as quiet as “the silence” 
after fame has passed, so flashbulb fast, away 
and i wonder if it really makes a difference 
cos the next in line wait for their time, to shine but not to stay”

Chorus: 
Well I never watched the water turn to wine, 
and i never took a flower out of the desert, 
but i walked until my feet bled, and I looked until I was blind, 
and I reached out for a hand to hold in mine

Cover Art: Woman in Yellow Chair, Todd J McLean

All rights reserved

Released by:
Why I Outta Records
Release date:
15 May 2025

Water To Wine

Scammer alert ! Intricately designed scam using real profiles and authentication but was almost scammed by a lawyer and a so called star of Country Music. Due to intelligence and the scammers slipping up with a fake email I was fortunately notified of the scam. Have reported to SoundCloud but their account still exists on here. SoundCloud need to take action and provide better protection for its users !!

The scammer.mp3

Hey guys ! If you like my music, hit the like and repost ! Thank you  ; ) 

[Verse]
 I gave my honey, a honey-do-list
Honey said "no-can-do, did you, forget about my fishing trip?
 I'll do it when I get back, you can count on that
I'll be back in a week, baby you sure look sweet"

[Verse]

I woke up this morning, made my coffee with Bailey's Irish cream
I have the house to myself for a week, every married woman's dream
I'm planning my day, full of nothing but me 
Maybe tidy up the house a little, maybe do some light laundry

[Bridge]

I’m thinking bubble baths, a little day drinkin'
Clear my head, with a little less thinkin'
Got my bunny slippers on and a book in my hand
But the universe
Oooh She had other plans

[Chorus]
When life gives you lemons you squeeze ‘em real tight
Add a little sugar and you’ll be alright
I bet you a fiver, I can fix this like MacGyver
 I can be a "fix- it" chick
I can get it get it fixed quick 


[Verse]
Oh No! The washer’s spinning like it’s ready to launch
I try to open the damn lid, but the lid is locked 
It might help if I set down my glass of Merlot
Let's see how this is gonna go 
 I'll watch a washer repair You-Tube video

I got this
(ay, ay, ay,)
I got this 
(ay, ay, ay)

[Verse]

I sit down to relax with a rum and coke
Oh no! The dog ate the remote
I poke her belly, to turn the TV on 
She looks at me like, Dog Mom? seriously?
 Thank God the last channel I was watchin'
was Crime TV

I got this
I got this

The garbage disposal is on the fritz
Honestly, I don't need any of this, 
I grab the broom handle, lodge it against the blades 
 I grind in a circular motion, with a firm hold
Just like a stripper on a stripper pole

(I'm just kidding) 

I got this
I got this

[Chorus]
When life gives you lemons you squeeze ‘em real tight
Add a little sugar and you’ll be alright
I bet you a fiver, I can fix this like MacGyver
I can be a "fix- it" chick
I can get it get it fixed quick 

I got this
I got this 
I got this

I Got This

Sensuational

First song in a long time, and another collaboration with my great music-maker sidekick Tom Régnier. This one is dedicated to our friends lost forever, whether they stay with us in silence, memories, or songs.

Music, all instruments: https://soundcloud.com/tom-r-gnier
Lyrics, voice: https://soundcloud.com/alexis-roche-2

Amie si j'avais su
Qu'on ne se verrait plus
Que ce moment passé
Était le dernier
J'aurais pu dire
Ce que tu inspires
À mon âme voilée
Ou rien mais faire au moins
Un signe de la main

Si des fois tu me vois
Sous le ciel étoilé
Rêvant à qui à quoi
Errant de mon côté
Tu sais sans doute
Que je pense à toi
Sur les chemins les routes
Que je guette de loin
Un signe de la main

Un signe (Tom Régnier/Alexis Roche)

Un album beau et mystérieux proposé par l'intelligence artificielle. Supervisé par un artiste rêveur, nøva // null raconte son propre parcours. Cet album est un retour sur la deuxième partie de "Nøva story" ou elle part faire la fête. Un moment unique avec joie et attention, et nostagie... 

Silhouette

This is a repost of a collab track first published on MissHearMeClick's SC page on 29th July 2025.  https://soundcloud.com/misshearmeclick/lost-in-the-music?si=932f52f4d24c4b7a95666387b1de6980&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing We had a great time working on this track, which was the first venture into the EDM genre for both of us! 

As well as being a great collab partner, lyric writer and vocalist, MissHearMeClick is also phenomenally tech and media savvy and nailed all the playlist and radio pitches, as well as video and social media material around the release  - wow I have been very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with such a multi talented artist!!

Thanks must also go to JRL Music who not only mastered the track but very generously (and patiently!) shared his technical experience with us!  I, for one found this a massive and brilliant learning experience ! :-) Joseph - I'll try to give you less pain next time !! 

Lost in the Music

[Verse 1]:
I let the music pull me deep inside,
Had enough of games, it’s time to say goodbye.
My heartbeat flows with the beat and lights.
My soul awakens, I’m dancing through the night.

[Prechorus 1]:
I’m lost inside of a moment now,
Your words feel empty, breaking me down.
I let it slide, I played along,
But now I see where you went wrong.

[Prechorus 2]:
You thought I’d stay, but I’m over it,
And love don’t work when it feels like this.
One day you’ll see, you’ll feel the same,
When someone walks in and plays your game.

[Chorus 1]:
Got lost in the music
Your love was toxic
But now I feel magic, yeah
Got lost in the music
Your love was toxic
The moment was cosmic , oh yeah

[Verse 2]:
I took my time, and now I’m moving on. (yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah)
You played your part, I’m better off alone.
(I’m dancing up in a rhythm)

[Prechorus 2]:
You thought I’d stay, but I’m over it,
And love don’t work when it feels like this.
One day you’ll see, you’ll feel the same,
When someone walks in and plays your game.

[Chorus 2]:
(I found my peace) got lost in the music
(Escaped your grip) your love was toxic
(You held me down) but now I feel magic, yeah
(I found my peace) got lost in the music
(Escaped your grip) your love was toxic
(You held me down) but now I feel magic, yeah
(I found my peace) got lost in the music
(I broke away) the moment was cosmic , oh yeah

[Verse 3]:
You can't break me,
I move like fire through the dark.
(Lost in the Music)
Endless paths await,
It’s mine to mold.
(Lost in the Music)

[Prechorus 3]:
You thought I’d stay, but I’m over it,
(I’m lost inside the sound)
And love don’t work when it feels like this.
(I float on every note)
One day you’ll see, you’ll feel the same,
(Drifting through melodies)
When someone walks in and plays your game.
(My soul lives in the song)

[Chorus 3]:
(I found my peace) Got lost in the music
(Escaped your grip) Lost in the music
(You held me down) Lost in the music, 
(I found my peace) yeah 
(I broke away) ooohh 
And finally, I’m me.

Lost in The Music

4th Track on the Hummingbird E.P - Out Now!

Limited edition Digipak CDs: http://www.blakebastion.co.uk/store
Spotify: goo.gl/Y9RYd4
iTunes: https://goo.gl/v60b1d

Thanks for the support!

Hummingbird E.P

30 Days

The Netherland's incredible Rients Draissma tears up our blues rock original Change It Up.   He's simply one of the finest guitar players we've heard, pushing sound, rhythm and harmony.   Check out Rients' superb jazz-rock fusion guitar and arrangements:  http://www.rientsdraaisma.com - his latest album Guitales is simply burning http://www.rientsdraaisma.com/shop-guitales/, and follows up on so many Tribal Tech and Weather Report influenced compositions:  https://soundcloud.com/rients-draaisma.  Also check out his iJam album, of heavy fusion burners.
I've been fortunate to have recorded a number of tunes with Rients, among some of my favorites here on SoundCloud. 

Thanks as always for your generous time listening, for your comments and for your shares

Change It Up - Rients Draaisma / Jamie Rhind

*** WATCH OUT FOR NEW SOUNDTRACK RELEASE, SELENE, OUT 31st  OCTOBER!!***

What a great place Soundcloud is !  I can honestly say I never imagined there were so many talented and generous artists, composers and producers,  to be found in one place!  It's been my very great pleasure to meet and collaborate with some of you, already, out there in the WWW,  and I hope many more in the future! 

I've written and recorded music since I was a teenager  (... that's a long time ago!!) and about half the tracks posted here are purely my own work. I also experimented, for a while,  with A.I. supported music, which I used to help build up a Sci Fi "concept album" (for those that remember them!) titled "Stories of Stardust", released 26th Feb 2025.  

A.I music can be a divisive topic, but I've no wish to use it as a replacement for human musical talent, and going forward I'm back to  working  with real people again. That's where the magic is to be found!  Which brings me to....

Collab is ALWAYS welcome!!  In fact it's my favourite way to work - check out my Collabs playlist for some recent examples!  Really enjoyed working with these talented artists!!   

For me the collab journey is only just starting so please (please)  gimme a shout if you think we could work together in the future! 

cheers, and keep the music playing !! 

Goff