808 notes create a musical concoction, enticing dance moves in the night. 

Official music video: https://youtu.be/WZB1S0SsJUo?si=IdRQttSq1jYHQfWD

Electro Serum

The track "Magnetized Lens" is an acid house instrumental mix. It starts with a lead synth and an epic hook synth for texture, both with automated fading. The synth harmonizes with the UAD Polymax synth horn and eventually transitions joined by a big room after-party electronic drum kit. The middle part of the mix features an electrifying dance beat with various TB-3 acids and synclavier sub-bass. These were all sent through bus processing before the final master bus. My intention with this composition was to journey the listener in their mind through cosmic light as if bouncing from one "Magnetized Lens" to another.

Free Download

Magnetized Lens

This track was originally released under the Pantheon Escape moniker before Mark Antares. There was an original version and this one has an overall better vibe. Sonically, I tried to create a feeling like motorcycling on water as fast as possible without all the safety issues. Soaring through the mist near the Lakeside City yearning to find what is possible. 

Lakeside City

I hurried across the dance floor, the vibrant colors swirling around me. The hot night and the bright lights made it hard to see as sweat dripped down my forehead. I saw the rabbit trying to escape and chased it as the music throbbed and the crowd danced on. Finally, I cornered it at the plaza and watched it climb the wall and disappear out the window. It had taken my pocket watch, money, and most importantly, my time. That darn rabbit!

Leap Year

Late last year, I started experimenting with different types of electronic music, and "After Hours" was one of my first creations. This track served as the foundation for my unique style of electro house music, featuring Moog Bass, overdrive, Germanium and transistor TB-303 emulated sounds. The driving beat of an after-party and an ethereal noise bridge contribute to the overall vibe of the track.

The song was initially mixed and then later remixed into its current Gold Fusion version. It captures a sense of retrofuturism, as reflected in the album cover, and exudes dance vibes with a tempo of 136 bpm. This track became a template for two other songs on the same album, "Solid Levels" and "Electro Serum." While these songs share the same template, each one is unique, and none quite matches the distinctiveness of "After Hours," which will always hold a special place among my favorites from this project.

After Hours (Fusion Gold)

This instrumental track could be considered ambient or chillwave. It taps into retro vibes and somehow gives me the nostalgia of the early 90s, a time before technology completely took off and things were more hopeful.

Chillfest

On a distant planet in a remote section of the Milky Way, two creatures are locked in a battle for supremacy. The sea creature's huge, hulking size gives it an advantage over the air creature with sharper talons and a ferocious bite. The battle rages for hours, with circling, swiping, and near-miss attempts as the sea creature continually loses blood from swipe after swipe.

Sensing victory, the sky creature circles one last time, diving further to sink its talons. The sea creature flips up out of the water and lands a strike on its wing, tearing it in half and sending it spiraling into the ocean where it sinks into the depths.

Sea vs Sky

The lyrics describe the feeling of trusting someone and being let down repeatedly. The music combines 808 beat samples, synth 5th Rave MC synth, Jay Vee Solo, and a soft retro bass. After days of vocal tracking, I experimented with some post-processing effects. While I haven't used a vocoder or a robotic style on my voice much before, it seemed to fit well for this track. The transitions in the final mix gave the track a nice, solid punch. I'll need to gauge people's reaction to this mix before deciding what to do next, but it could lead to some remixes.

Wasteland 

Trust too much and I lose my way 
How many lessons did I need to learn 
How could I have been so naive 
I can’t believe I felt the need to return. 

I don’t how my luck sits there 
I guess I do because I couldn’t leave the past 
Moving forward is the only way 
Enjoying my life as it is today 

Bad relation like a valley of death 
A nothing wasteland where I get spent 
All my energy drained away 
Better off with leaving things unsaid

If you mistreat me then you won't see me 
and I'll just vanish again
If you believe me then you will see me 
and I'll be your best friend 

I won't roam the nothing of your wasteland 
Settle down, calm down

Wasteland

Enjoy the new music video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzfRFdjEQtM

This track starts with a thumping tonal acid house bassline and is the backbone of the entire track. Magical elements of wind didgeridoo, lactic acidic twisting, and large brass horn synths illustrate a backdrop. Giant elemental fans fly by during techno transitions, highlighting a danceable groove beat with a blue edge sequencer.

The Leaking Pan

I began working on this beat a month ago and realized it was an opportunity to incorporate more synthwave into my collection with a touch of space rock. As I developed the beat, lyrical ideas began to emerge, along with thoughts of adding a guitar. This music could serve as a way to divert your attention from current events and transport you to a different place. It's like endless summers from the past, with stunning poolside views and well-dressed companions.

Silhouette Skyline 

Gone are the memories of the skyline and 
crashing waves 
Turning all the corners on the surf tide 
I will catch a break

Bygone eras of your life appear
like magic
paint the neon canvas all balcony tone 

Beautiful and fancy 
Balcony tone
I could still see you
Silhouette moonshine 

Beautiful and fancy 
Balcony tone
I can still see you
Silhouette moonshine 
Beautiful dressed up 
Dinner at pool side 

Soaking up wind and the sun rays 
Think of what the future might be   
Turning all the corners of the surf tide
Finally catch a break - catch a break

I can still see you dancing in the moonlight
beautiful and fancy balcony tone
tones on the skyline 
balcony tone silhouette skyline

Evergreen

Silhouette Skyline

The music video is now here!! 

https://youtu.be/PvfAxEqHXk4?si=5RIXsUal4JbKXKsF 

Description: I started with an obvious beat and intended to create more synthwave and space rock, but it turned out to be more rock than I expected. Over the past year, I've tried to avoid this style for the most part. However, I found myself reminiscing about the fun summers before global warming and severe heat waves. I recalled a specific memory of my friend and me paddling a rubber raft along a river bed. The raft tumbled and flipped over, and we had to swim out. This memory combined all the summer fun, including going to malls. I thought about adding lyrics about a water park somewhere, perhaps for another song. Nevertheless, this track is another anthem for the end of August, capturing the essence of summer before fall arrives.

Endless Summer Daze

How I long for those endless summer daze 
When everything was new
When we were just kids 

Everything that we would do 
Felt like a dream come true with you  

Time it played it’s tricks on us
Don’t worry wise one said 
Exploring with our wanderlust
Rolling up the trail

Well endless summer daze 
When we felt that craze
Running through the fields
Is any of this so real 

Eagle flight and I’m taking you 
Open malls and the waterfalls 
 
Timing made a fool of me 
It’s real what’s Einstein said 
Rafting on the river bed  
Fishing in the lake 

Endless Summer Daze 
Everything that we would do 
Felt like a dream come true 
again with you  

All those days are gone for us 
Memories remain 
I’d say we made the most of the
endless summer daze

Endless Summer Daze

I had other tracks in progress that I was planning to finish first, but when Softube released the Model 77 synthesizer plug-in, I couldn't wait to try it. I was immediately captivated by its sound and started experimenting with the 'ethereal' and 'pw echo' presets. I added another track with some 'Glowstic Bass' sub and featured 'Jumpin Joy'. I increased the reverb and added some age to a few of these while also doing some mix automation with noise. What was initially supposed to be just a few hours of playing around with the synth unexpectedly turned into a futuristic instrumental track.

I'm excited to release my other tracks soon, but this one has found its way into my heart, page, and synth playlists.

Periapsis

A common term related to investing can also apply to various aspects of life. The fear of missing out, driven by others' participation, can lead to negative outcomes. This track was started about a month ago using Model 84 and 77 Softube synthesizers, along with a Juno emulation. I incorporated guitars similar to those used in "Endless Summer Daze" and "Unrealized Future," and it features a synth bass Arturia preset called "Pet Shop Boys."

FOMO 

They all wait in line for the money machine 
Caught in an avalanche of emotion 
Don’t wanna rain on your parade

Fear of missing out
Now you’ve jumped into the
shark tank
You thought you’d join in too late 
Now the bank has taken it all away 
 
So you found what your hoping to emulate 
Everyone’s winning and you wanna 
partake in it

Fear of missing out
Now you’ve jumped into the
shark tank
You thought you’d join in too late 
Now the bank has taken it all away

FOMO

This track was one of the last holdouts from April that I hadn't shared yet. Originally titled "Acid Rain (the Good Kind)," the music has always resonated with me, though the title never quite fit. I even uploaded a live studio jam of it, combining the track with Arturia and a Roland MC-101:

https://youtu.be/cE6TVjUCZ9w?si=y3Nuc4hlwBe55T6u

At that time, I was deeply exploring Arturia Acid V emulations, but I feel this piece leans more toward electro-funk dance than acid. It certainly had the potential to be on my "Pantheon Escape" album, but for some reason, it didn't make the final cut. I attribute that to being in the midst of a move and taking a critical look at my life and musical journey. Hence the new title, "Salient Reflections."

When I listen back to the creation of this jam, its best traits are the production, bass melody, and the rocking solo at the end, similar to the one found in "Sea vs Sky."

Salient Reflections

A new version of Dream Unwind with the amazing Synthbuster
Synthbuster's Soundcloud profile : @Synthbuster

Release date:
14 December 2024

Dream Unwind Again (feat. Synthbuster)

I have several tracks in the works, but this one has risen to the top of the pile. The lyrics reflect on pre-pandemic society, which believed it was living in a magical modern renaissance, despite being surrounded by endless scams on every imaginable product. After dark times, we didn't read the tea leaves which led to hyperinflation that affected everyone. It felt like all we could do was buy a day, especially since we were unable to purchase homes.

The tracking details for this jam include an epic Polymax bass that drives the entire track, while the vapor synth adds a nice layer on top. When I started working on the guitars, I initially envisioned a funky riff; however, it inadvertently evolved into a retro wave metal sound. Blending synth and guitar can be challenging, as it often leads to muddiness, but in this case, the guitar complements the synth, the synth pushes back, and the vocals tie everything together.

I didn't expect the track to turn out this way, but all the changes seem to flow naturally into a unique blend of retro wave and desert metal.

Tea Leaves (Bake and Shake) 

Renaissance that you’re living in 
ended up in the dust bin of history
Inflation tops all spending is not important
not discretionary 

You’re nothing song You’re nothing song 
ya bought a day 
You’re nothing song You’re nothing song 
ya bought a day 
Renaissance is so long gone 
It’s so long gone
You’re nothing song You’re renaissance 
is so long gone 

Lining up for the latest scam
Everybody lines up around the block
Shedding their wallets and letting those dollars fall
You can’t have you just can’t have it all 

You’re nothing song You’re nothing song 
ya bought a day 
You’re nothing song You’re nothing song 
ya bought a day 
renaissance is so long gone 
It’s so long gone
You’re nothing song You’re renaissance 
is so long gone 

Stuck in the muck and I must wait
Won’t tolerate no bake and shake
Giving all my lovely time away 
Cause money don’t ever grow on trees

You’re nothing song You’re nothing song 
ya bought a day 
You’re nothing song You’re nothing song 
ya bought a day 
renaissance is so long gone 
You’re renaissance is so long gone
You’re nothing song You’re nothing song 
ya bought a day 
You’re renaissance is so long gone

Tea Leaves

I’ve faced numerous challenges in my life, sometimes stoically enduring them. However, it’s difficult to articulate this particular feeling. I hardly showcase my softer side. The truth is, I experience far more pain than I let I love everyone in my family deeply, including my friends I’ve known throughout my life. I’m incredibly grateful for what I have in my life because I’m acutely aware of what I’ve lost. 

I Long for the Times

I don’t know how to process
Losing everything in my life
Missing friends and family 
I hoped would still be there today 

My younger years is when I thought I knew
life’s game 
Should have known 
that time can strip it all away 

This brutal honesty is 
A way to sort my feelings
I’d give up everything and
Go back to way it was again 

In my later years thought I’d accomplish
everything
Now all I hope is more time
with those who’ve flown away

This brutal honesty is 
A way to sort my feelings
I’d give up everything and
Go back to way it was again  

I wanna fade away this time
I wanna face away this time

Moved here thinking it be a wonderland 
Slowly turned into a brutal nightmare 

This brutal honesty is  (I wanna feel again)
A way to sort my feelings 
I’d give up everything and 
Go back to way it was again (Don’t wanna wait for some other day I wanna feel again) )

This brutal honesty is 
A way to sort my feelings (lost my) 
I’d give up everything and (lost my)
Go back to way it was again (way again) 

I long for the times when we were a 
little island 
I wanna heal from the scars
they’ll never go away

I Long for the Times

The music video is now out!! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O50ntfCp5dM

I was working on some tracks for another collaboration, and this one was the one I was most eager to develop. It features a unique blend of pop, acid house, and electro house mixed with synth elements. I prefer most of my songs to be enjoyable escapes from reality, and in this case, it has a winter retro theme—no snow, just the feeling of running down to the radio. I hope you get to hear a different version of this song in a new collaboration soon.

Ultracassette (Tonal B) 

Running down to the radio
I found my peace and go 
You will find another time
It’s starting right on in 

Ultra Cassette 

You gotta behave yourself 
Raise those chains and 
and lift them up instead 
Praise those games  
that taught you learn from it 
Sun don’t set
Winter retro knows the rest 

Ultra Cassette 

Try to slide into the night
I’ve seen the retro glow
I don’t mind the Vegas vibe
When I don’t see no snow 

You gotta behave yourself 
Raise those chains and 
and lift them up instead 
Praise those games  
that taught you learn from it 
Sun don’t set
Winter retro knows the rest 

Retro wave in winter time
It tries to get me riled up
Retro wave riding by the dragon
tides - the dragon tides

Retro wave winter time
It tries to get me riled up
Retro wave riding by the dragon
tides - the dragon tides

I can’t seem to find relief
and night will fall
I float up high
I won’t falter 
I will self rely

You gotta behave yourself 
Raise those chains and 
and lift them up instead 
Praise those games  
that taught you learn from it 
Sun don’t set
Winter retro knows the rest 

Running down to the radio
I found my peace and go 
You will find another time
It’s starting right on in 

You gotta behave yourself 
Raise those chains and 
and lift them up instead 
Praise those games  
that taught you learn from it 
The sun don’t set
Winter retro knows the rest 

Ultra Cassette

Ultracassette (Radio Edit)

I dedicate this one to my mom 

Light in the Window 

Earliest days with mom and dad
Fun at the drive in watching the Goonies 
Visiting family we camped in the yard
School years went by way too fast

We felt so free
With our years in Magna 
Mom worked long hours 
in the ICU  
Dad sorted packages with UPS
They did enough to get by
All through my Hunter High School days  

Forever -  Hope that I will see you again
Light on in the window of my heart 

Then I was older with my own family 
My wife and my boy living the dream
My grandparents passed
My parents now aging 
We’re in a new city too far away

Visited mom one last time 
I said there’s always a light in my window 
That’s on 
A few months later I get that call
The tears rolled down 
As I think of us younger
Happy and free

Forever -  Hope that I willsee you again
Light on in the window of my heart 
My forever family 
Light on in my window forever  

Light in the Window

This one is dedicated to my mom. The instrumental version of Light in the Window. 

Original track:https://soundcloud.com/markantares/light-in-the-window

Light in the Window (instrumental version)

 A new collaboration with Synthbuster showcasing his amazing symphonic synth magic! 
@synthbuster

Ultracassette (Synthbuster Remix)

Instrumental version of our new track with @Synthbuster

Ultracassette (Instrumental Version)

Update! The official music video is now out: https://youtu.be/FiYROFHGkVc?si=MpDxfRDxEuZw2_5G

I'm not sure what Ijadiri means other than 'resilient student'. Somehow it floated into my subconscious as I was naming the beat in my MC-101. Then it ended up as the full song. Initially I wanted to add more arrangements to the track, yet I placed it and then it inadvertently listed and people started reposting it. I hadn't heard it in a week since I mixed it, and decided this version is full enough. 

Ijadiri 

Try to always be the most resilient
I can 
All those long beliefs don’t always
make the demand
I could seize the day - and then
start all over again 
I could be so strong and lose it
just as fast  

Ijadiri 
Find you near me 
So resilient
Ijadiri

All those good times we had
Nothing could ever take away
The times we shared a laugh
Nothing will ever be the same 
Resilient student stops at nothing
along the way 
All the good times we had
Nothing could ever take away

Ijadiri 
Find you near me 
So resilient
Ijadiri

Look to you in my dreams
Look to you in the cloud 
Ijadiri
Find myself in your eyes 

Ijadiri 
Find you near me 
So resilient
Ijadiri

Ijadiri

I was on a mini holiday when I created this beat, looking out over the lake from my hotel room. This kind of experience is rare for me, as I'm usually stuck at home. I had just finished writing my other track, "Ijadiri," and while this one has some similar elements, it's not exactly the same. I would almost describe it as yacht rock, or perhaps 80s rock, or something with a retro flavor. 

I don’t know anyone named Anjolie, but I imagine her as an angel singing or a rare beauty, complementing a night that occurs only once in a blue moon. Everyone can dream once in a while, and I’ve had experiences like that too—memories that, once formed, can inspire art. I used to shy away from this kind of writing, opting instead for a different style that often felt disingenuous. However, when I embrace these moments and dive deeply into them, I find I can tap into my most unique and authentic way of expressing myself, reminiscent of old-school techniques.

It took me a while to finish because I went through some rough weeks after the trip to the lake, but I persisted, and here it is. I hope its retro flair is enjoyed by everyone who hears it. Now, I'm ready to move on to my next project. 


All it Takes is One  

She joins me for a day off on the neon streets for a while
Catching the rays of her lockstep dancing
on the yacht 
Bright seductive smile 

All it takes is one to start a wave in the crowd
Rising up while screaming as it goes around
stereo surround 

I can hear you Anjolie. 

On my way - like a tidal ray
Watch it all - golden rings as you start to sing
On my way - like a tidal wave 
Watch in wonder her voice takes me away

The glow on the street near the dock
seems to hang around for a mile  
Light-reflecting on the barrels
as I sip the red cherry wonder wine (Cherry Wine) 

I want to know you Anjolie. 

On my way - like a tidal ray
Watch it all - golden rings as she starts to sing
On my way - like a tidal wave 
Watch in wonder her voice it takes me away

(solos) 

On my way - like a tidal ray
Watch it all - golden rings as you start to sing
On my way - like a tidal wave 
Watch in wonder her voice it takes me away

Sip the barrel of the cherry wine.

All it Takes is One

I made a video as I was creating this song "My first jam with the Boss IR-2 Pedal"

https://youtu.be/YQ0YxGYjlfQ?si=rk48gHuKoyd7I7bZ

This wasn't the planned genre, but the beat developed differently from my previous work. While experimenting with guitar tones, I arrived at a natural conclusion. The lyrics of "All the Dogs" address the distractions of the world, contrasting adrenaline-seeking behavior with the prevalence of screens in our lives. We constantly find ourselves stepping into metaphorical spider webs. Although it may seem like friendship is on the horizon, the dogs tearing at the gate may have other intentions.

All the Dogs 

Try to tip toe slowly past the spider web  
Who’s the fool who thinks it can be done
Young men find the web to seek adrenaline
Faster way of poison to the end

Running IV drips of caffeine to my vein
Be the desert blooming red rock trail
Ladies with a phone screen in their face again
Eventually their setbacks manifest 

I needed to be alone 
Way of everything
When you tag along
Doesn’t bother me

I thought we’d get to know
Each other well 
While trying to ignore 
All the dogs tearing at the gate  

Eerie echoes of the game monopoly
Where the icon lands will pay a fee
Be a human costing too much anyway
Falling further downward from the tree

Needed to be alone 
Waste my energy
Convinced me to drive along 
Take the water in my canteen 

Thought we’d get to know
Each other well 
While trying to ignore 
All the dogs

All the Dogs

This track was created purely by accident, inspired by a vibe I was feeling. While working with my drum machine, I was editing and slicing up my own samples when I inadvertently chopped up and rearranged a powerful bass line. I was also manipulating and recording some synth sounds, looping them, and managed to create a nice mix. I recorded a one-minute video jamming to it and became instantly hooked. Not wanting to lose the vibe, I quickly opened Logic and started recording directly to the master track. 

I listened to the recording the next morning and still liked it, so now I’m excited to share it with you. I'm new to sampling and don’t usually create drum and bass or break beats, but I tried to stay true to the genre while keeping the song ever-evolving for the listener. While bouncing this jam, I had a vivid memory unlocked in my mind from my younger days. A friend and I were driving home on a cold night after a jazz basketball game. A thick fog blanketed the valley, creating an eerie yet beautiful atmosphere. We could barely see on the freeway as the fog enveloped the lampposts, making everything look hyper-futuristic. In the other lane, we could see sirens flashing by. We were in awe of the scene and talked about it while making it home safely. This song captures that vibe perfectly.

Sirens in the Fog

Screens on the Eye

Caught up watching all the fallacies 
People believe what they want to believe 
Critical thinking is a dwindling 
currency 

Every AI bot post 
I swipe down and pretend to gouge my eye
Propaganda Tuesday
Algorhythms eating up my time

I won’t try convincing to
do it better cause I’m knowing that they won’t
Finding time to stay away 
Wish I could wish I could always for good 

We’re living the dream fallacy 
World on the edge taken over by AI 

I consistently try
Clear my mind
For meditative state
I remember when the world
Existed without screens always on the eye

Put down the device to talk to me 

I won’t try convincing to 
do it better yet I know they won’t 
Finding time to stay away 
Wish you knew me but I know your on your phone 

I won’t try convincing them
Do it better yet I know that they won’t 
Finding time to stay away 
Wish I could wish I could always for good  

It’s done for me a fallacy
I was bored so long ago 
I won’t cry 
When the socials die 
I’ll take what I have to offer and go home 
So happy now
and go home…

Screens on the Eye

Evergreen

Cruising through the retro village 
So lit up so lit up 
We took it up a level
Making outfits by sewing them up

Waves of evergreen through stormy field
We chase around in the meadows
Watching all the deer 

Reflection says it all
Excitement waves all over
Summer, spring or fall
They all can see the appeal

We stop to check out the gingerbread scene
It’s so lit up 
Candy store awaits and
Carrot cake is standing by 
 
We’re lost in the dream
As the storm moves over the field 
I send all the clouds away and 
Watch the golden fireflies

Reflection says it all
Excitement waves all over
Summer, spring or fall
It radiates the field 

I don’t know where I am 
Waves of evergreen through stormy field
We chase around in the meadows
Capture all the fireflies

It radiates the field 
Lightning streaks all over 
In no time at all
The buzzing starts to rumble

Kickstart eruption
Gotta move gotta move   
Take hold of the ocean
Save it all save it all

Available on Vinyl

I’ve tried out many different ways to make music, and this was another new method. The vocals mainly feature visual EQ, a channel strip, and delay. I like how I was able to shape the velocity of the beat, and the Hype Almighty plug synth gave a nice sheen to the mix. A freestyle and live mix, one that seemed to live in my head and worked its way out into the world. That doesn’t always happen easily.

Mark Antares

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks