Pre Dawn (Version)

Water Tendrils

Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/3erIaVrRmAM

Original song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVtE-hkBfyM&t=0s


This originally started out as a collaboration with a dear friend of mine, but I kind of took a massive creative diversion into what became this version.  I felt like pursuing this song because it’s not something that’s usually in my wheelhouse of stuff I listen to, and it feels totally ugly and unsafe.  The character in the song is a pretty unsavoury individual, but that doesn’t make the song any less compelling.  I love it.

The original is more of a creepy club song, and I wanted to try to find the tenderness and aggression that the lyrics evoke.  I took a few creative liberties with my translation of this song.  I decided that I was going to try to go for as natural of a vocal sound as I can get, which means less relying on fine-tuning everything to hell.  I think I did alright!

The artwork is done by my friend jrdsctt, who makes pretty wicked glitch art.  We’re working on some other stuff you’ll see eventually.

Make sure you listen on headphones, or your best pair of speakers!  And thanks for checking it out!  Enjoy!

- Dust

2021

Sex & Violence (Scissor Sisters cover)

Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/ojeMfEqSDzk

Original Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o41rgQeY7Xo

Problem Me (modwheelmood cover)

Atomic Maneuver [v12] 02-14-2018 wip

ATHERTON - No Threat

When he reached his 29th year. 
He became increasingly reflective. 
He began to wonder whether this was the ultimate goal of human life.
Or he wondered 'is there something more beyond this?
.....A real and powerful psychological awakening. 

Increasingly Reflective

I Lost a Friend

Official Video: https://youtu.be/L2rDYp7IsAk

Cover of Fine Young Cannibals’ Johnny Come Home.

Johnny Come Home

Written & Performed by Dustin Léger.

Dedicated to my brother Michael.

Official Video: https://youtu.be/T40n9N7ssS8

Skalon

Slow Codes is music full of personality and contrast, with an extensive discography that reveals beautifully balanced soundscapes.  There is a life story told through art.  Thematic twists and turns dare to be dissonant, yet stay sincere throughout.  In listening, we hear a presence and sense of self that paints a portrait from an artist who knows that what they do is meant to be. It’s a production and possession conducted with all of their being. Despite a prolific repertoire, there is continuity through songs to tell tales straight from the heart.  There may be no purer expression than that, regardless of medium.

 

The honest vulnerability and aggression of Slow Codes is equal parts private journal entry and formal production.  It is impossible to talk about the person without the music.  Almost entirely self produced and performed, Dustin layers his vocals over loops, samples, synths, guitar, bass, and drums to weave a narrative of shadowed beauty.  Shyness is heard in frequently filtered vocals, the tool to expose a devil may care attitude full of deeper thoughts and feelings.  He pursues his vision of expression, and seems hellbent on achieving release through music.  

 

Slow Codes has a wide variety of inspiration and influences.  Dustin professes his admiration for the work of Bowie and Visconti, but sonically stays true to jilted, post-modern guns a la Trent Reznor, Marilyn Manson, or Maynard James Keenan.  From Slow Codes extensive repertoire, you hear many strains. Radiohead, Deftones, Massive Attack, Portishead, The Pixies, Rammstein, Sneaker Pimps, Depeche Mode, INXS, Duran Duran, Joy Division, Linkin Park, The Beastie Boys, Butthole Surfers, Primus, KMFDM, Bauhaus, Skinny Puppy, Ministry, The Cult, Killing Joke, Revolting Cocks, Gwar, Siouxie, Placebo, The Tea Party, Our Lady Peace, The Chemical and/or Dust Brothers, Rob Dougan, Stabbing Westward, and so many more others subtly or unconsciously manifested. 

 

There is a signature and underlying sound, formings a natural pocket of frequent experimentation where Dustin feels most at home.  It also reveals a contradictory and complex soul, upon closer inspection.  There are oppositional themes of lightness and dark, humour and despair, or speed and pacing.  The ability to explore these dualities signifies musical maturity.  Often brutal synth riffs and pulsing industrial drums round out vast wall-of-sound choruses, with a sense of space to complement engaged intensity.  The songs are progressively arranged and thoughtful.  Collaborators include his friends as frequently as professional musicians, easily adapting to his egoless approach.

 

Slow Codes is inseparable from Dustin as an artist, and a shining example of a passion project.  A labour of love, a way to create, and full of confessional overtones as if reading another’s diary.  Dustin is not scared to share, if you’re willing to listen.  His is a fusion of melancholy and deep personal expression, juxtaposing gothic noir with lighter levity.  While seemingly serious, there’s also sneaky humour to be found throughout which further endears one to his persona.  Make no mistake -  this is a rare and precious trait.  Essential in an era obsessed with disposable and plastic over-productions, this is a living rebellion through personal music that means something.  Dustin inspires those who would be prolific in their own way.  It is an ongoing, living testament that was already adjusted to a world turned upside down.  Perfect for us as imperfect people.