black out days

only- RY X  sped up

i'm sick and tired too

how you make me feel

Big jet plane tiktok vers

𝙘𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙖𝙠 - 𝙬𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 (𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙥)

4runner brenn | tiktok |

black friday by tom odell (sped up)

every breath you take - the police (slowed)

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

the neighbourhood - the beach // slowed

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

Matt Baker & John Styles - The Vanquished

MattBaker1970