Hi there and welcome to the latest band track for 'Inner Fire' 'September', which I am really please was co written with Joe Kennedy

Lyrics: Matt Baker & Joe Kennedy
Composition: Matt Baker & Joe Kennedy
Guitars: Matt Baker
Bass: Matt Baker
Vocals: Matt Baker
Drums: Joe Kennedy
Keyboards (other instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello & Mandolin)

Comments & Feedback most welcome

Thanks for listening

All the best for now

Cheers Matt & Joe

September

September - Inner Fire

Hello and welcome to our latest track 'Troubadour' by Inner Fire

This was a challenging track, but we are pleased with how it has developed so far.

Lyrics: Matt Baker
Vocals: Matt Baker
Guitars: Matt Baker
Bass: Matt Baker
Drums: Joe Kennedy
Arrangement: Matt Baker & Joe Kennedy
Production: Matt Baker

Comments and feedback most welcome

Thanks for listening

All the best for now

Matt & Joe ;) ;)

Troubadour

Troubadour - Inner Fire

Hi there and welcome to our latest release, 'Give Me A Sign'

This song has mixed meanings so we are happy for you to draw from it whatever you will.

Lyrics: Matt Baker
All Instruments: Matt Baker
Vocals: Matt Baker
Producer: Matt Baker

Equipment:
Drums: Alesis Surge Mesh linked to Cubase 12 Halion 6 Terisk Kit
Bass: Peavey Jazz Bass
Guitars: American Pro II Fender
DAW: Cubase 12
Mic: Marantz professional Condenser Mic


Recorded at Yew Tree Studio Liverpool

Comments and Feedback most welcome, please like and share

Thanks for listening, all the best for now

Matt

Give Me A Sign

Give Me A Sign - Inner Fire

Hi there and welcome to the latest release for the Music for Brains project, 'Valerian Dream'

I am immensely proud to compose music for this special project with John Styles and am thrilled when I learn that the music, I write helps other to rest and heal.

The background to this track:

Many of us struggle sometimes to relax our minds, we go to bed tired and get nice a comfortable, but then lay awake unable to sleep. 

Whilst I lay awake the other night, I thought I would do a little research to see if I could find out more about why we can find it so hard to fall asleep. I feel a lot has to do with how busy our lives are and the endless streams of information that surround us. From the minute we wake up we are bombarded with media, emails, adverts, text messages, phone calls, and then after travelling to work many of us sit in front of a computer most of the day.

I reflected that years ago there were only limited TV channels, and programmes use to finish at around midnight. If you wanted to stay up later, you would either read or listen to some music, or the radio. 

Whilst I was reading about sleeplessness I can across some information about Valerian, which is an herb that is renowned for its calming, sedative effects.

People have claimed that it helps reduce feelings of nervous tension and helps improve aid sleep, but there is limited scientific research to support this.

The valerian plant is native to Europe and Asia and has been cultivated in North America. Traditionally, the root of the valerian plant has been used for centuries dating back to at least the times of ancient Greece and Rome.

I really liked the idea of this and decided to compose this track as an aid to relaxation. I spent time carefully layering the instruments and melodies in this arrangement so that they gently wash over you as you rest. The instrumentation has been very carefully selected so each sound is gentle on the ear. I intentionally made it start and finish with a soft ambient sound, so it will loop if you need more than one go.

I hope you enjoy this track and that it helps you to relax.

Recorded at Yew Tree Studios in Liverpool
Composer: Matt Baker
All Instruments: Matt Baker
Arrangement: Matt Baker
Producer: Matt Baker

Comments and feedback are most welcome.

Kind regards

Matt

Valerian Dream

Valerian Dream - Matt Baker

Hi there and welcome to our latest creation, 'In My Memories you Remain Near' by Matt Baker & John Styles

This track is different from our normal releases, due to the nature of the events that inspired it.

Whilst watching the tragic news that recently shattered the lives of so many people on the streets of Paris and in other places across the world, where the innocent fall victim to the evil that others perpetrate in the name of their beliefs, opinions and so called just causes. A terrible feeling of sadness and pain gripped me, as it felt as though there is nowhere left that is unmolested by evil. As with most things that affect me, I found myself sat in front of my piano trying to release these feelings through my music. This raw piano composition is what come out, along with my emotions and deep feelings for all those that have suffered.

I sent this raw mix to John and explained to him that I felt I needed to express these emotions and suggested it should be released straight away. As a symbol of unity and peace, in the hope it could perhaps bring the smallest amount of calm to this crazy world, even if it was only for the time it took to listen.

John helped me greatly  to come to terms with these feelings and encouraged me to revisit the piece and try to build it into a full composition.

For me the pain remains within these notes and melodies, which I have never experienced in such a strong way before, so needless to say I found this a real challenge. But my challenge pales into insignificance compared to those tragic events. 

Unfortunately all of us have experienced the feelings of loss, but we find comfort in the memories we hold in our hearts. This thought stayed with me as I would and is the reason behind the title.

So it is our hope that, in hearing this piece, you will take the time to reflect upon your own feelings and allow yourself a moment with your own Memories.

We welcome any comments and feedback, but ask that people are respectful to our feelings behind this track, which are intended as simple gesture of kindness and compassion.

Thank you for listening, all the best for now, 

Peace and Respect, 

Matt & John


Matt Baker & John Styles - In Our Memories You Remain Near

Hi There

I have recently been working on tracks for the Music For Brains Project and have been requested to work on a few classic movie soundtrack covers.

I have always loved John Williams and decided to try and attempt a cover of the awesome theme from 'Jurassic Park'. This theme brings back so many fond memories for me as I loved watching the films with my family and was fortunate enough to also experience the amazing theme park rides at Universal Studios.

Composer: John Williams
Cover version by: Matt Baker

Recorded at: Yew Tree Tree Studios Liverpool (non commercial)


Comments and feedback most welcome, although I can hardly take any real credit other than trying my best to capture the magic and majesty of this wonderful soundtrack.

Thanks for listening

Peace, Respect & Love to All

Jurassic Park - A Tribute To John Williams

Jurassic Park - A Tribute To John Williams - Matt Baker

Hi there and welcome to the release of 'Born Free - A Tribute to John Barry, by Matt Baker' Columbia Pictures 1966

I was recently asked by John Styles as a request from one of the client of Music For Brains, to work on some music inspired by John Barry.

I have always been a huge fan of his amazing movie soundtracks an knew straight away that it would be fun to see what I could do with 'Born Free'

I decided to deviate a little from the original score with the addition of some extra melodies, percussion and vocal performances.

Composer: John Barry
Arrangement: John Barry & Matt Baker
All Instruments: Matt Baker
Production: Matt Baker

Recorded in Yew Tree Studios Liverpool (non for profit)

I hope you enjoy my creation and that it brings you some time to relax and reflect.

Comments and feedback most welcome.

Thanks for listening

Peace, Respect and Love to All

Matt

Born Free - A Tribute to John Barry by Matt Baker

Born Free - A Tribute To John Barry - by Matt Baker

Hi there and welcome to our latest track, a tribute to the original soundtrack from the 1982 version of 'Conan the Barbarian', 'The Anvil of Crom' by Basil Poledouris.

This piece of music is one of my most favourite movie soundtracks of all time, as for me it captures perfectly the feel and atmosphere of the movie. I remember from the minute I first saw the opening sequence, I was in total awe of the power and majesty this track presents. 

If you are familiar with some of my other compositions you will see how much the structure and style of this track has influenced me. The combinations of sound are just perfect, with the driving drums and deep brass, accented with those chilling anvil hits, then to the sweeping, epic open string section, which suggests another side to the warrior king! Awesome!!!!!!

So for me, it was great fun to work on this track, as it gave me the perfect excuse to lose myself in the soundtrack for a few days! As well as another viewing of the film LOL!

John has taken my raw composition and helped to produce this initial pre-take, but both of us have already decided we want to revisit it and add our own style, making a longer extended version. Which will be an awesome challenge for both of us.

Composer - Basil Poledouris
All Instruments - Matt Baker & John Styles
Arrangement - Matt Baker & John Styles
Producer - John Styles

We hope you enjoy our version of this epic soundtrack and welcome any comments & feedback.

All the best for now

Cheers Matt & John :)

Matt Baker & John Styles - The Anvil Of Crom

Hi there and welcome to the latest track in our 'Themes' soundset, 'The Vanquished' by Matt Baker & John Styles

As with many of our tracks, this one was inspired by an image that we found on the internet. I had long wanted to compose a piece featuring a simple accordion track reminiscent of the type of melody sailors may have played whilst at leisure on a long voyage. I hoped to use this melody to create a sense of calm, then building this key melody in strength and complexity into a true adventure soundtrack.

When I found this painting of a ship heading into troubled waters everything fell into place, as the painting had everything, from the surging power of the sea, the threatening rocks, an ominous dark sky, but also a splash of light casting hope across the bow of the stricken vessel. These images helped to develop the composition and gave great inspiration to the various parts featured in the track.

As with many of our tracks we like to leave the conclusion of our tale to the listener and hope our music creates an image of the fate thats awaiting our courageous crew.

The image is taken from, 'Ships in Distress off a Rocky Coast' (1667), by the German-born Dutch painter Ludolf Backhuysen (1631 – 1708). He was a marine painter who became Holland’s leading seascape artist in the last quarter of the seventeenth century. His sea-pieces are well-known and represented in museums around the world.

Composer: Matt Baker
All Instruments: Matt Baker & John Styles
Arrangement: Matt Baker & John Styles
Producer: John Styles

We hope you enjoy our creation and welcome and feedback or conclusions to our tale.

Thanks for listening

All the best for now,

Matt & John :)

Matt Baker & John Styles - The Vanquished

Hi there and welcome to my latest release. 'Feeling Low' by Inner Fire.

Lyrics, Composition, All Instruments, Vocals & Production: Matt Baker

For those times when you feel overwhelmed and need to find the strength to carry on.

Recorded at Yew Tree Studios Liverpool.

Thanks for listening, comments and feedback most welcome

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt

Feeling Low

Feeling Small - Inner Fire

Hi there and welcome to my 2024 Christmas release, 'Winter Wonderland'. Composed as a special Christmas gift to everyone involved in Music For Brains project.

I am so immensely proud to nearing the end of my third year as the composer for this special project and hope that this track will bring special Seasons greetings to all.

For me, this track conjures up the magical energy of this time of year, the busy towns and Christmas markets. Families and friends of all ages coming together to spend time together, either before or during the Christmas holidays. The excitement of children looking forward to their toys and family games. The joy of grandparents being surrounded by their family celebrating special times past and present. A time of year when we can give praise for what we have and spare a thought or some time and charity helping those less fortunate. The hope and prayers for peace and harmony in a world that seems to be blighted with conflict.

I hope this track brings you some special thoughts and perhaps a moment to rest and reflect upon your own feelings.

Composer: Matt Baker
All Instruments: Matt Baker
Arrangement: Matt Baker
Production: Matt Baker

Comments and feedback most welcome.

Wishing you a special Christmas and all the very best for 2025!

Love, Peace & Respect

Matt

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland - Matt Baker

Hi there and welcome to my latest release, 'Together this Christmas'

Every year I always enjoy writing a new Christmas song and this year opted for a song about being apart from some you love.

Lyrics: Matt Baker
Composition: Matt Baker
All Instruments: Matt Baker
Arrangement: Matt Baker
Producer: Matt Baker

(Verse 1)
Snowflakes falling, the world is aglow,
But my heart feels heavy, it’s missing you so.
The lights are shining, the carollers sing,
Yet all I feel is longing, for what this season brings.

(Chorus)
we can't be together this Christmas time
You’re here in my heart, where you’ll stay for all time.
Through all the laughter and the through cheer,
In every moment I pray you were here

(Verse 2)
The tree lights are shining, the fire’s aglow,
But lost in the laughter, I’m missing you so 
I’ll toast to the memories, with a glass raised high,
Wish on a star, as I gaze at the sky.

(Chorus)
we can't be together this Christmas time
You’re here in my heart, where you’ll stay for all time.
Through all the laughter and the through cheer,
In every moment I pray you were here

(Bridge)
when the carollers call,
I will sing to them all.
And remember days long ago
And as the snow falls
I’ll forget my blues
Rejoice in my memories of you

(Chorus)
we can't be together this Christmas time
You’re here in my heart, where you’ll stay for all time.
Through all the laughter and the through cheer,
In every moment I pray you were here

Thanks for listening, comments and feedback welcome

Here's to a wish that 2025 will bring peace to all
Merry Christmas to one and all
Peace Love and Respect!

All the best for now

Matt


Together this Christmas - Matt Baker

Hi There and welcome to the first release, 'Last Song' by my new synth pop band 'NEON MONOLITH'

After many years of playing around with songs and music inspired by the 80's, I finally figured it was time to take a deeper dive into the genre that shaped so much of my music.

NEON MONOLITH is a band name I've been keeping up my sleeve for many years. It is my intention to work up and album of tracks with the same authentic 80's sound, pulling from a lot of material I wrote 30+ years ago.

Recorded at Yew Tree Studios Liverpool.

Comments and feedback most welcome

Thanks for listening

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt

 

Last Song - NEON MONOLITH

Hi there and welcome to the 2nd release by 'NEON MONOLITH', 'FUTURE YOU FUTURE ME'

This track is based around what the future holds for us, as technology seems to evolve, we somehow seem to devolve. The more we are transformed by digital enhancements and online communication; we are perhaps leaving behind so much that we had discovered before. 

If this continues what will the Future hold for You and Me?!

Lyrics, Composition, All Instruments, Vocals, Production: NEON MONOLITH - Matt Baker

Comments and feedback most welcome

Thanks for listening.

Peace, Love and Respect Matt


Future You Future Me - NEON MONOLITH

Hi there and welcome to NEON MONOLITH's latest release, 'Nothing Lasts'

This track hits upon a simple message that nothing seems to lasts, no matter how hard you try. Music and lyrics inspired by growing up in the 80's.

Lyrics, Composition, All Instruments, Arrangement, Vocals & Production: Matt Baker

Thanks for listening

Comments and Feedback most welcome

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt

Nothing Lasts - NEON MONOLITH

Hi There and welcome to the latest release from NEON MONLITH, 'Love Masquerade'


Lyrics, Composition, All Instruments, Arrangement, Vocals & Production: Matt Baker

Comments and feedback most welcome

Thanks for listening

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt

Love Masquerade - NEON MONOLITH

Hi there and welcome to one my latest compositions for Music For Brains, 'Arduinna' 

This track is inspired by the Celtic Goddess of the Forest. 

Arduinna, Gaulish Goddess of Forests and Hunting is one of the many Celtic Goddesses who is associated with a particular region or body of water.  She was worshipped in the heavily forested regions of the Ardennes, located in what is current day Belgium and Luxembourg with small portions found in France and Germany. She was also associated with the Forest of Arden in England. Her name has its roots in the Gaulish word “arduo” meaning “height”.

I like the thought of the Ancient association with deities that influenced the passing of time and the more basic needs, harvest, forests, hunting, fertility etc, before the world was as complicated and fast paced. 

In this track I imagine wondering through an ancient woodland on a spring morning with the sunlight tracing beams through the woodland canopy, casting pools of light across the forest floor.

Composition, All Instruments, Arrangement & Production: Matt Baker

Recorded in Yew Tree Studios Liverpool

I hope you enjoy this track and a short rest to reflect upon the wonder of nature.

Comments and feedback most welcome

All the best for now, Matt

Arduinna - Music For Brains

Hi there and welcome to the latest track by INNER FIRE 'Whatever You Need'

I've been working on this track for a while and it was originally written as a NEON MONOLITH track, but as I recorded the vocals I realised it needed to be a band track.

Lyrics, Composition, All Instruments, Arrangement, Vocals & Production: Matt Baker


When I see you in the room
Feelings that I can't explain
When I see you in my dreams
Sleepless nights will start again
When I see you see in the day
I wish it was night again
When I see you in the night
Everything will be alright

Its alright, its alright, its alright

Whatever you need you take from me
I am broken on my knees 
Whatever you need, to feed your greed
Now I'm taken over
Whatever you need until I'm done
And I'm left to fade away
Whatever you need you take from me

When I see you in the room
Feelings that I can't explain
When I see you in my dreams
Sleepless nights will start again
When I see you see in the day
I wish it was night again
When I see you in the night
Everything will be alright

Its alright, its alright, its alright

Whatever you need you take from me
I am broken on my knees 
Whatever you need, to feed your greed
Now I'm taken over
Whatever you need until I'm done
And I'm left to fade away
Whatever you need you take from me
Whatever you need you take from me
Whatever you need you take from me
Take from me
Take from me


Recorded at Yew Tree Studios Liverpool

Thanks for listening, comments and feedback most welcome

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt

Whatever You Need - INNER FIRE

Hi there and welcome to the latest release from NEON MONOLITH, 'Nostalgia'

This track is potentially going to be the title track of a new album of NEON MONOLITH track I plan to release soon. It is a homage to growing up in the 80's when listening to the radio, or a cassette of the hit parade (top of the pops, or the charts back then), was all that you lived for. Going to your friends house with your box of single or cassette, sitting in your bedroom, with posters on the walls, talking about things and writing songs.

Dreaming of a day when you may have a 4 or 8 track recorder, a sequencer, drum machine and a synthesiser. I used to buy melody maker magazine just to look at the adverts for gear.

Lyrics, Composition, All instruments, drum programming, sequences, melodies, arrangement, vocals and production: Matt Baker

NOSTALGIA by Matt Baker 2025

Woke up to a picture frame
Smiling faces, can't recall their names
Neon lights and distant songs
Echo where my heart belongs

Static on the radio
Takes me where I use to go
Every beat a flash in time
Dancing in the fading light

Nostalgia pulls me back in time
Flashing scenes race before my eyes
Moments lost, but still alive
In the reaches of my mind

An old cassette a worn out track
Plays the dreams I can't get back
Like shadows on the silver screen
My broken heart a teenage dream

Voices from the hit parade
A pumping beat a serenade
Every steps I take today
Reminds me of yesterday

Nostalgia pulls me back in time
Flashing scenes race before my eyes
Moments lost, but still alive
In the reaches of my mind

Times an illusion age a disguise
But nothings lost behind those eyes
In the mirror I still see
A trace of who I used to be

Nostalgia Play it one more time
Bring me back to feel my prime
Hold me close but let me free
To be the person I used to be

To be the person I use to be
To be the person I use to be
To be the person I use to be (static on the radio, takes me where I use to go)
To be the person I use to be (static on the radio, takes me where I use to go)

End

Thanks for listening

Comments and feedback most welcome

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt x

Nostalgia - NEON MONOLITH

Hi there and welcome to the latest release by INNER Fire, 'Antidote'. 

This track was recorded back in the spring, but we've been busy with other project and forgot that we hadn't finished and released it.

Lyrics, All Instruments, Vocals, Production: Matt Baker
Arrangement: Matt Baker & Joe Kennedy

We hope you enjoy it, comments and feedback most welcome

All the best for now

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt & Joe

Antidote - INNER FIRE

Hi there and welcome to NEON MONOLITH's latest release 'Can't You See Me'

Lyrics, Composer, All Instruments, Arrangement, Vocals, Production: Matt Baker

Recorded at Yew Tree Studios Liverpool

Comments and feedback most welcome

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt

Can't You See Me - NEON MONOLITH

Hi there and welcome to my latest INNER FIRE track, 'Under the Stars'

This song is written for those of us who live with challenge of long distance relationships, when you are far away from those who you love and cherish most, but sadly can't be with. This hardship can be very difficult to bare, but I imagine all of us look to the sky at night and wonder if we are looking at the same bright star.

Lyrics, Composition, All instruments, vocals, Arrangement & Production: Matt Baker

Comments and feedback are most welcome

I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt 

Under the Stars - INNER FIRE

Welcome to our latest release, 'Wall Between Us' By INNER FIRE



Walls Between Us - INNER FIRE

SIMBIANT – “The Way You Are”
Written, performed and produced by Matt Baker

“The Way You Are” marks the debut release from SIMBIANT, a new venture from Liverpool-based musician Matt Baker that reconnects with his roots — fusing the raw energy of 80s punk with the melodic grit of 90s indie.

All music, lyrics, guitars, bass, drums and vocals were performed and recorded by Matt Baker at Yew Tree Studios, Liverpool.

A stripped-down, honest sound — driven by emotion, melody and attitude — this is SIMBIANT finding the way back to where it all began.

The Way You Are - SIMBIANT

Hi there and welcome to the latest release from INNER FIRE, 'When the Piper Comes'

This track was written during the summer but had remained unfinished until recently. Its a slightly different style to our other tracks, but we were keen to explore a track with a bit of story telling behind it.

All Lyrics, Composition, Instruments, Vocals & Production: Matt Baker
Arrangement: Matt Baker & Joe Kennedy

We hope you enjoy our creation, comments and feedback most welcome.

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt & Joe

When The Piper Comes - INNER FIRE

Hi there and welcome to latest release from NEON MONOLITH, 'Christmas Memories' 🎄

I hope this track brings you joy and a moments happiness at this special time of year. With so many happy memories of Christmas's long ago, the true gift is the family and friends we share this special time of year with.

Wishing you a fantastic Christmas and all the very best for 2026

Peace, Love & Respect ❤️

Matt

Christmas Memories - NEON MONOLITH

Hi there and welcome to my latest release, 'A Christmas Carol'

Every year I try to write a few different Christmas tracks.  I really enjoy the challenge of writing Christmas tracks as it helps me reflect and gets me in the mood for this special time of year. I really hope one day that one of my tracks will attract the attention of someone that wants to use my music,  either for a stage productions, as short film or perhaps a Christmas concert. 

In this track I hope to portray some of the themes I feel could work for 'A Christmas Carol' This track took a lot of work and there are 50 or so instruments in total. I am really please with the finished track, but do wonder if I may need to create a part II to continue the story.

I hope you enjoy my creation and that it helps you to get ready for Christmas.

Comments and feedback most welcome

Thanks for listening

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt

A Christmas Carol - Matt Baker

Hi there and welcome to 'Christmas Wish' by Matt Baker

I've always wanted to have a go at a swing style big band song, but have never really known how to go about it. So this Autumn I sat down and studied the genre a bit to see if I could find a nice chord progression that may work. I came up with the main track one Sunday afternoon and really liked the laid back feel, but could think of any lyrics. Lats weekend I went to London to see my family and we shared a wonderful day out walking along the South Bank of the Thames surrounded by Christmas markets, carols singer and thousands of people enjoying time together at this special time of year.

This gave me loads of ideas and I penned the first rough take of the lyrics. I've never tried to sin g in this style before and would love to hook up with a real crooner. So if your keen let me know  😉

I hope you enjoy my creation. All the best for the coming holidays

Comments and feedback most welcome

Peace, Love & Respect

Matt

Christmas Wish - Matt Baker

Hi There, here's a bit of fun for the Christmas / New Years Break!

Composition, All Instruments, Arrangement & Production: Matt Baker

Comments and feedback most welcome

Peace, Love & Respect

All the best for 2026

Matt

Get to the Choppa II- NEON MONOLITH

Hi there and welcome to our latest track, 'Christmas Wish'

The Christmas period is always a great excuse to relax and have some fun, and what better way to spend a few hours enjoying yourself than composing a Christmas Waltz!

As I worked on this track, I tried to forget about all the bad things happening around the world and focused on the  importance of sharing peace, love and joy across the world. With this came the idea of a special 'Christmas Wish', which for me was obvious; and I am sure I'm not alone, in wishing everyone in this beautiful world could find a way to live in Peace and harmony.

Like the woodland animals in this picture, if everyone could put aside their differences for just one day and go out into the world and try to make just one other person feel happy, then perhaps unity could prevail.

Until that day comes, I hope our creation will at least provide you with a little peace and comfort from a busy day and aid your spirit to prepare for Christmas.

John and I worked on this in the normal way, my raw composition was sent over to John and he then worked through it building and enhancing it to the beautiful end production.

Although its a little early, we wish you Seasons Greetings and Peace to one and all.

Composer: Matt Baker
All Instruments: Matt Baker & John Styles
Arrangement: Matt Baker & John Styles
Producer: John Styles

Comments and feedback most welcome, thanks for listening

All the best for now, Peace & Respect

Matt & John :)

Matt Baker & John Styles - Christmas Wish

Hi there and welcome to my latest track, 'Gladiator - The Battle - A Tribute to Hans Zimmer'

Gladiator is the original soundtrack of the 2000 film of the same name. The original score and songs were composed by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard and were released in 2000, titled Gladiator: Music From the Motion Picture. The Lyndhurst Orchestra performing the score was conducted by Gavin Greenaway.

The album won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score and was also nominated for the Academy Award and BAFTA Award for Best Score ("Anthony Asquith Award for Film Music").

Background:
I remember the first time I watched this movie I was in absolute awe of the amazing soundtrack music composed by Hans Zimmer. 
Although I love every single piece from the soundtrack, I have to admit that 'The Battle' is my most favourite. 

This scene in the movie is visually incredible and illustrates the true grittiness and gore of Ancient Warfare, without any of the glitz and glamour of earlier films about the Roman Empire. The opening scene had the same impact on me as 'Saving Private Ryan', pulling you straight into the midst of a terrifying battle.

Although the visual quality of the costumes, props and scenery are amazing, for me this scene is brought to life by this amazing piece of music. It is so powerful and evocative and like a battle once its started, there is no turning back. 

I have often enjoyed playing around with small parts of this soundtrack, and always thought it would be an awesome challenge to try and cover just a small part of this awesome theme, as a tribute to Hans Zimmer.

So about a year ago, I set about a little project to do exactly that; and after about 2-3 months of work, gave up as it was simply to hard LOL!

My method, had been to load an MP3 of the original motion picture soundtrack into my DAW. I then proceeded to pick instruments that were as close to the originals so I could play along, instrument by instrument, track by track. I continued to do this bar by bar, sometimes note by note,  until I had enough to switch off the original MP3 and get the basic structure and feel. I then set about picking even more instruments so I could fill in the gaps with additional layers and sounds in an attempt to get that same rich sound quality. 

The first 1.5 minutes took me about 2 months and during the 3rd month I only managed another minute or so, largely due to the complexity of how the waltz movement emerges from the end of the bridge that follows the introduction section. It was awful giving up, but then I did reflect that trying this in the first place was a rather tall order and a lot harder than I imagined.

A few months ago I came back to this and listened to my intro section. Listening with fresh ears got me instantly hooked again, as I realised I had done well; and that it would be a great shame not to try and finish it. So I started the whole process again from the start of the waltz. But only tried to do a small section at a time, taking breaks in between to work on my other compositions. This worked well, as it gave me that fresh ear each time I came back to it. and boosted my confidence as I knew if I was patient that I would get it finished.

I personally feel this tribute track is a real achievement for me and now I have painstakingly picked my way through it, am looking forward to using some of the lessons learnt on some more original compositions.

I hope you enjoy my creation and welcome any comments and feedback.

Composer: Hans Zimmer
All instruments: Matt Baker
Arrangement: Hans Zimmer & Matt Baker
Producer: Matt Baker

Thanks for listening, strength and Honour

All the best for now, cheers Matt :)

Matt Baker - Gladiator - The Battle - A tribute to Hans Zimmer

Hi there and welcome to my latest track, 'Sands of Jakku'

I've not had a great deal of time to work on music lately as I've been renovating my new home. But during the time I have had in my studio, I've been working on some more Stars Wars inspired tracks (Must be the imminent release of the new film LOL!)

As always I started with a picture and built the composition around the soft strings. I've tried to score this in a classic John Williams style and have hopefully got some of the dynamics which give that classic Star Wars feel.

I haven't really got a story behind this track, but really loved the scenes in the film when Rey is scavenging through the hulk of the rotting Star Destroyer, looking for scrap to trade a Niima Outpost.

I leave the storyline of what's happening to you and hope you enjoy my creation. Please check out my other Star Wars inspired tracks.

Composer, All Instruments, Arrangement and Production: Matt Baker

Comments and feedback, most welcome

All the best for now

Cheers Matt

Sands of Jakku

Matt Baker - Sands Of Jakku

Hi there and welcome to my latest track, 'NEW ORDER Blue Monday a Tribute'

This track is perhaps one of the most inspiring and played pieces of music from my teenage years. I remember the first time I heard it on my sisters record player, I rushed into my room and grabbed my Casio or Yamaha Keyboard a desperately tried to play it. I soon picked up most the melodies, but in those days lacked the equipment to do much with it, other than layering tracks using 2 tape recorders and playing live over the top. (Thank God I haven't got any of those recordings anymore LOL!)

I've always wanted to tray and do a cover, but up until now have never managed to get anywhere close to something that sounds OK. I still not 100% happy with this, but thought I'd release it as see if anyone can help me with some feedback.

Single by New Order from the album Power, Corruption & Lies[a]
B-side "The Beach" (12") · 
Released 7 March 1983 
Format  12" & 7" Vinyl
Recorded in 1982 
Genre Synth-pop, alternative dance, hi-NRG
Length 7:29 [4:09 (edited version)]
Label Factory (12") Tonpress (7")
Songwriter(s) Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, Bernard Sumner
Producer(s)New Order 

Background
New Order's fifth single. A milestone, both by musical standards and by design standards. Sold over 1 million copies globally. But because at the time of release, Factory weren't part of the BPI, there are no reliable figures nor certifications or awards. 
Initial editions were released in March 1983 with die-cut cover and cut outs and a thick silver inner sleeve, designed by Peter Saville. 
Cover variations: Die-cut with cut-outs, die-cut without cut-outs, plain printed. 
Inner sleeve variations: Thick glossy silver, thin matte silver, thick glossy black or thin matte black. 
All bear the colour code, spelling "FAC 73 Blue Monday And The Beach New Order". 
There is a common misconception that Factory lost money on the release due to the design. The sleeve did cost so much that it actually denied Factory an extra profit of just under 1 UK Pence on each copy sold. But demand and production cost and timings meant that the sleeve became progressively more simple with each repressing. 

Peaked at #9 in the UK Single charts and at #1 in the UK Indie Charts.

"Blue Monday"


How does it feel
 To treat me like you do
 When you've laid your hands upon me
 And told me who you are

 I thought I was mistaken
 I thought I heard your words
 Tell me how do I feel
 Tell me now how do I feel

 Those who came before me
 Lived through their vocations
 From the past until completion
 They will turn away no more

 And I still find it so hard
 To say what I need to say
 But I'm quite sure that you'll tell me
 Just how I should feel today

 I see a ship in the harbor
 I can and shall obey
 But if it wasn't for your misfortunes
 I'd be a heavenly person today

 And I thought I was mistaken
 And I thought I heard you speak
 Tell me how do I feel
 Tell me now how should I feel

 Now I stand here waiting

 I thought I told you to leave me
 While I walked down to the beach
 Tell me how does it feel
 When your heart grows cold
(Grows cold, grows cold, grows cold)

Comments and feedback most welcome

Thanks for listening, All the best for now

Cheers Matt

Matt Baker - Blue Monday - A Tribute

Music has always been an integral part of my life. From my earliest memories, it has shaped how I express my emotions and bring my creative ideas to life. Whether it was hours spent with a slightly out-of-tune upright piano or strumming on my sister's guitar, I was hooked. While I struggled with traditional music theory and never quite mastered reading or writing music, my passion for sound and composition only grew.

My journey truly began with a Casio VL-Tone, a keyboard that allowed me to record simple melodies. Throughout my teenage years, I poured countless hours and resources into building my first collection of music gear, recording everything from theme songs to pop and punk covers with friends. In my early twenties, I played in several bands and immersed myself in the live music scene, which was a great experience but often came with late nights and long hours.

During this time, I also began exploring electronic music more seriously, acquiring my first proper setup: a Kawai keyboard, Technics sequencer, Alesis HR16 drum machine, and a Yamaha MT100 4-track recorder. These tools opened up new possibilities and inspired me to experiment with electronic music production and midi-based compositions.

A lifelong fan of science fiction, fantasy, and cinematic soundtracks, I soon found myself gravitating toward composing thematic music. Movies, being my second greatest passion, heavily influenced the direction of my creative work.

In my 30s, life’s demands shifted my focus toward career and family, but my love for music never waned. Entering my 40s, I had the opportunity to refocus, acquiring new gear and fully committing to my musical development. With the help of modern technology, I now have a home studio where I can bring my musical ideas to life with greater precision and depth.

My current setup includes a Korg Triton LE, Cubase 12, Nektar LE88, Steinberg UR824 interface, and an array of VSTs such as Kontakt, Halion Sonic SE, Retrologue, and EastWest Symphonic Choirs, among others. This home studio, built over nearly a decade, allows me to push creative boundaries and explore new sounds and compositions.

Based in Liverpool, I’m currently writing is almost every style. Rock songs for my band Inner Fire. Pop tracks inspired by the 80's and 90's. Theme music inspired by film and literature with the aspiration of one day scoring a full-length production. 

Since joining SoundCloud, I've had the privilege of connecting with talented musicians and creative minds from around the world. One of the most fulfilling collaborations has been with John Styles, where we’ve explored a wide range of musical genres. 

I’m also proud to serve as the principal composer for Music for Brains, a project dedicated to healing through music and creativity. Working on this project has been deeply rewarding, as it has allowed me to connect with individuals on an emotional level, crafting compositions inspired by their stories.

I’m always open to feedback and collaboration, as it helps me refine my craft. While working in the music industry is a dream, I am also a grateful family man, and the support of my loved ones plays a crucial role in fuelling my passion. I am thankful to have such a strong network of family and friends who encourage me to keep pursuing my musical ambitions.

If you're in need of music for a production or project, feel free to reach out. I would be excited to contribute my creativity and help bring your vision to life.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my music—I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Matt

MattBaker1970

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks