A collection of works, either solo or collaborations, that show the diversity of ideas and manifestations which are the result of an open-minded musical attitude.

Altair Studio Favorites

Life cycles. “Cycles” here, can be a noun or a verb.  Life itself is a cycle and within it, one can find many others.  As we travel through life's timeline, we see cycles in nature and within our own lives.  We cycle through them from birth to death.  Some believe that the end of our life's own grand cycle is only the start of the next greater one.  The smaller cycles, that ebb and flow throughout our lives, take us on emotional journeys.  They imprint upon us memories and genetic artifacts which make their way into the cycles of others now and in the future.  We experience cycles of pain and pleasure, despair and hope, sadness and joy.  These are driven by emotions of sadness, hate, satisfaction, pride, love and all other emotions human.  

As we make our way through the grand cycle of our life and the cycles within, we hope that these experiences provide us with wisdom to better guide us in the future. This can make the cycles to come, both easier to navigate, and make our lives better and more meaningful.

These musical soundscapes are designed to help guide us in that endeavor through meditation and reflection.  By remembering our experiences and what we have learned from them, we learn about ourselves and realize what we are capable of overcoming.   We can remember the good times and the bad which make up the fabric of our rich lives.  We can learn what we are capable of being, as well as knowing our shortcomings.  We can know who we are.  We can mature and become a stronger person for ourselves and for others.  

For each of these pieces, read the description prior to listening, and listen with intent.  Remember when, in your life, you experienced the subject of the piece.  Remember how you cycled out and overcame it.  Reveal and remember your inner strength.  Where did it come from?  Remember also that it may cycle back to you again.  How will you deal with it then?  

This is what you make of it.  You can simply allow the music to evoke whatever surfaces in your mind and emotions.  Or you can go deeper.  Either way, enjoy, reflect, learn about and love yourself. Remember the unique, yet similar cycles of your own life, and know the effect you can have on the cycles of others.  We are all connected and cycling together.

Life Cycles Meditative Soundscapes Series

A little darker song with a "spiritual" theme.   All words and music by Steve

Strength in Nails

The light comes over me but not before I make my bed.
There is no time to sleep says the voice inside my head. 
Pressure starts to build never letting go its grip.
It stirs me round and round on a never-ending trip.

Twist and turn, now crash and burn, I'm told.
No turning back my future just unfolds.

It trails me through my day. The pressure drives me on its way.
No matter what I do, my only hope is when I pray.
No mater what I try, it never feels as though its right.
Indecision rules me all the way

Twist and turn, now crash and burn, I'm told.
No turning back my future just unfolds.
There must be a better way of life
One that's free from all this strife.

The light comes over me as I hide inside my bed
"Awake son from your sleep."  A new voice talks to me instead.
I find my strength in nails. Its where serentity prevails.
It sends me round and round, its feet not on this earthly ground.

I find my strength in nails.  Its where serenity prevails.
I find my strength in nails, it's where all peace prevails.

Strength in Nails

A musical social statement inspired by the pictured work by Jessica Daly Art - a piece from the Women in Red Collection

Steve - all music and lyrics 

Tell It Like It Is

You don't know me, but I don't care
I see your kind everywhere.
All made up nice and looking real fine
Even though it cost you your last dime.
You strut your stuff all dressed in red
The life you live is all in your head.
With your head stuck up and walking real tall
It doesn't really match your life at all.

Tell it like it is!
Tell it like it is!

You walk downtown and you meet with friends
BFFs till the bitter end.
Over scones at the cafe, they ask how you are
You say you just bought a fancy new car.
They giggle and squeal and let out a cheer
It's just what you really need to hear.
You can't say that you took the bus
You reallly need to hear all of them fuss.   You can't...

Tell it like it is!  (You don't dare)
Tell it like it is!  
Tell it like it is!  (You can't share)
Tell it like it is!

You get back home and the landlord's there
The unpaid bills piled on the stairs.
You make up a lie and you promise to pay
The landlord tells you he's got something to say.  Let me...

Tell you like it is!
Tell you like it is!
Tell you like it is!
That's the way it is, baby!

Tell It Like It Is

An original, hopeful tune.  (Hope to find a singer someday)  All instruments and lyrics by me.  Guitars in Open E tuning.  Hope you like.  

You

Never paid much attention to the things that you said
I had it all figured out, inside my head
I didn’t seem to care the times I left you alone
I feel it coming back now from deep in my bones

You, I’ve never needed before
But you, I know now there’s more

I look back to the days we were never apart
I had everything I needed inside my heart
Slowly, over time, the pink turned into gray
And I wandered out for awhile I started to stray.

When did it all go away?
Why did I need it to change?
Why did I think it would be better that way?

Feeling dead inside like leaves after a frost
Stumbling around in a trance, my nirvana is lost
The emptiness is strange and it turns into rage
No matter what I do I can’t get out of this cage

You help me find my way back to you
You can help see me through

You need to take the wheel, I don’t know how to feel, today

You, I’ve never needed before
But now You, I’ve never needed you more
You, I’ve never needed before
You, I’ve never needed you more


Solo work with Thumper Dave playing that Funky Bass 

Funky Friends

It's late on a Friday, 
I got about an hour to go.
'Til I blow this place, head on home, 
and get ready for the show.
Doing this now for dozens of years
It's crazy, don't you see.
Hanging out with these guys I've known
who give me musical therapy.

They're my favorite funky friends
And with them, the music never ends
We got soul.

We got Thumper Dave on bass, pumping out his heart
Laying down that firm foundation
and humble Steve playing his guitar loud 
and exceeding expectations
We got back-beat Johnny laying down the beat
never letting us get too proud.
We've had Silver-tongued Mark, Black Velvet Ray, 
and Kenn and Ron as well

They've all left their mark on us all
Its their story I've got to tell
We got heart.  We got soul.

It's Friday night, let's crank it up.
The pizza's ready go pick it up
Turn on the board and do a quick sound check
Let's start the show.

It doesn't really matter how good we are
None of us is ever gonna be a star
It's about funky friends being who we are
Let's let it go.


It really doesn't matter
that we're all getting a little fatter
and we need more breaks to ease the bladder
Gotta go man go.

Even though we should know better
Something still brings us together
turn on those amps and we're here to stay
Funky friends have got to play.

Initial

Like It Like This Forever

Solo effort depicting my journey.

Sciatica

Out of nowhere, and without warning
a little tingle, then all is burning
Escalating, then devastating
Debilitating – It sucks

Sciatica

Sharp and shooting, rapacious looting
It takes the things that, keeps me moving
It's with me daily, never failing
Still waiting – for hope

Sciatica.   My Atica

This may drag on for just a little bit longer
What doesn't kill me makes me stronger

Instrumental break

Misalignment, is now confinement
The piriformis, feels so enormous.
Spinal stenosis, or scoliosis
My diagnosis? It sucks...

Sciatica   

So long / I'm strong
The pain / Some gain
Restrained / Retrain
I grieve / Believe
It's wrong /  Stay strong
I'm torn / Reborn
No More / Endure
My rope is hope

This may go on for a little longer
What doesn't kill me will make me stronger

Sciatica

Being at Peace and having Joy is the dream of many.  Sometimes though, peace and joy have to first come from a place of pain and despair.

Certainly, money and material are universally desirable.  But money alone does not solely bring everlasting  peace, joy and happiness.  Ask any unhappy billionaire.  And it doesn't mean that you must have everything in life that you ever wanted.  Does that mean to give up dreaming and striving to reach the goals that drive you?  No, not if it is truly good.  But do not obsess to the point of anger and despair, such that it becomes the only thing in your life in lieu of the things and people that should be.  Peace and joy comes from being happy and grateful for all of the things you do have in life, and are OK with the fact you don't need everything.  Acceptance, humility, gratitude and charity are much more valuable in attaining peace and joy.  

Realize however, that feelings sometimes do not last.  One can go back and forth, cycling between sadness and joy or feeling unsettled and being at peace.  But, with some spiritual development, and remembering the value of quality assets like acceptance, charity and gratitude, one can restore peace again.

As you listen to this final track, and as it changes from sadness to joy, remember the times you were sad and remember how you were able to add joy to your life to give you peace.  Ponder those people and things that are most important to you,  especially if you are still feeling sadness.  Cherish and be grateful for what you have and realize you are far better off  than many.  You are lucky in may ways.  You have gifts.  You don't need the best of everything.  Instead give away the best of you.  Think and act on these things and see how quickly peace and joy comes.  

I wish you a lasting Peace and Joy throughout all the cycles of your life.

Peace And Joy - Part 6 of the Life Cycles Meditative Soundscapes Series

Dreams. We all have them.  They begin when we are children and follow us throughout our lives.  During the day, they are conscious and intentional and provide a window into the life we want.  At night, they are subconscious and though part of us, we know not where they come from, nor have any idea what they mean.  Nevertheless, we cycle in and out of dream states and reality constantly throughout the day and night.  

Dreams drive us to that place where we want to be in life.  We hope that they will one day become our reality. 

Children's dreams have no limits.  But sometimes older people, trapped in their accepted current reality, dream far less or not at all.  Perhaps it's because their dreams didn't work out.  If so, then dream again.  Dream like a child.  If we are fortunate enough to realize a dream, be grateful.  Then, dream again.  Dream like a child.  

As you listen, reflect now on your dreams.  As you hear the children, recall your childhood dreams. What dreams do you have today?  Did they change and how and why did they change?  Did you stop dreaming?  Have you given up on any you still want?  Understand the ones that give you hope and happiness. Understand how important they are.  Work toward them and never stop dreaming.

Dreams - Part 5 of the Life Cycles Meditative Soundscapes Series

Humans, if nothing else, are animals.  Our being here is a testimony to the instincts and drives that allowed for our survival.  They allow us to respond to crisis situations, navigate enemies and rise above others.  Should we be proud?  Maybe.  A drive can be the source of tremendous accomplishments and achievements, enabling us to climb mountains, both literally and figuratively.  But maybe we should not be so proud.  Some instincts in excess can be crippling to our existence, especially if they are inappropriate or misplaced.  Aren't we more than just our emotion-based drives of anger, hate, reproduction, greed, violence, and pride--all fed by fear and insecurity? These emotional cycles are what drag us down. 

We are meant to be a special kind of animal.  We are an intellectual animal.  We are a spiritual animal.  We were meant to be greater than that.  Follow love.

As you listen to this track, reflect on what motivates and drives you.  Every day we live in conflict between our primal instincts and our evolved, intended intellectual and spiritual nature.  Listen to the conflicts throughout this track as you remember your own.  Are your drives productive and good?  Do they serve you or do they rule you?  Do you find yourself in conflict often?  Recall when perhaps your actions or particular response to a situation was a harsh emotional instinctive one, as opposed to one of kind thought or love.  Even though we are genetically programmed by our ancestors, we can all do better.  

As you reflect, vow to overcome any negative drives and listen more to your intellect and spiritual inputs to keep the negative drives at bay.  Permit only appropriate, productive and kind thoughts and instincts to drive you.  Then, you can start to climb the physical, intellectual and spiritual mountain and be truly deserving of its views.
Credits:
Bass guitar - Dave Scougall
Sound effects courtesy of Freesound.org by the following artists:
church bells.wav by Robinhood76 -- https://freesound.org/s/98193/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0
Scream_aaa_louder-1.aif by RutgerMuller -- https://freesound.org/s/104034/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Ambient battle noise: swords and shouting by pfranzen -- https://freesound.org/s/192072/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Gunfire by qubodup -- https://freesound.org/s/205588/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
factory2.wav by viertelnachvier -- https://freesound.org/s/249637/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Panting.mp3 by LittleRainySeasons -- https://freesound.org/s/345060/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Coins Being Shuffled by TheWoodlandNomad -- https://freesound.org/s/363088/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
2016-11-10 portland anti-trump protest part 3c.flac by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/368552/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0
Orgasm.wav by 170134 -- https://freesound.org/s/407694/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0
soft feminine female vocal "be treated with love" by womb_affliction -- https://freesound.org/s/517920/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Woman breathing heavily - scared panic or sexual context 01 by khenshom -- https://freesound.org/s/534473/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
baby laughing around 6 months old by andreaskg -- https://freesound.org/s/537312/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
The Life loves – Part 5 (Pack - New life)-2.mp3 by Roses1401 -- https://freesound.org/s/571980/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Coins Shake in Hand and Count by sonically_sound -- https://freesound.org/s/635934/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Drives - Part 4 of the Life Cycles Meditative Soundscapes Series

From the depths of despair one can find hope.  But the cycle of despair can to many, seem like an endless cycle.  It is the lack of hope, and her sister faith, that is the problem.  Feeling despair is similar to feeling lost, but with lost, one still has hope that they can find a way out.  With despair, one has lost hope, which is a whole other level of lost.  It is a cycle beneath lost.    

There are hopeless situations.  But most situations that can feel hopeless are manufactured by the mind which delivers feelings of despair.  If you have experienced this cycle and found hope, you know it can happen by reaching out for help to climb up and out.  You can reach out to another person or to God, or both.  Despair is a very low place, and the only way out is up.

As you listen to this track, hear how it turns from sad and desperate to hopeful.  Hear how the music slowly climbs and pulls you out of the pit.  Re-imagine those situations where you were sad and depressed and were able to muster the hope and faith to ultimately climb out of your pit of despair.  Remember the strength, hope and faith you exhibited.  Remember who helped you.  Never forget those who gave you hope.  Thank those who gave you hope.  It is a remarkable gift available to anyone.  It is free to receive, and most importantly, it is free to give.

Hope - Part 3 of the Life Cycles Meditative Soundscapes Series

Everyone's life has times where they feel lost and scared. These can be brief or they can be longer.  These can be really tough times.  They can cause physical pain and discomfort as well as emotional stress.  

As you listen, remember those times of feeling lost.  Feel that emotional and physical discomfort you had when you didn't see a way out.  But also remember when a sign gave you courage and strength.  A voice, maybe.  Perhaps the voice of a friend or spouse.  Maybe a voice that came from inside you.  It helped show you the direction you needed to go and you started to move that way and eventually you ran for it.  It led you out.  You could feel the anxiety and pain melt away as you crossed the threshold to restoration.  Remember and feel the relief and gratitude when the cycle was complete and you found your way back.

Play back that situation.  Remember the feelings and remember running toward that voice.  Be grateful and know it will be there for you again.   

If you currently feel lost, know that you are not alone and there is a way out.  Your situation is not unique. There is always someone who has been there before and is there to show you the way out.   Have strength and hope.

Lost - Part 2 of the Life Cycles Meditative Soundscapes Series

Quietly it begins.  
It starts from a spark and is nurtured to life. 
It grows and it changes.  
It loves.  It dreams.  
It gets lost but finds a way.  
It hurts and heals.  
It adapts and it learns.  
At some point it hits its prime.  
It seems to have it all for what seems only a little while.  
It begins to lose and starts to fear.
It starts to truly appreciate.
It starts to remember and reminisce.  
It knows it will all end someday.  
It searches, longs for, and hopes.  
It dreams again and searches for peace. 
It abruptly and inevitably ends--always too soon.  
It is the grand cycle of your life.

Regardless of the stage of your life cycle, reflect on where you've been.  What is most important to you?  What do you cherish?  Do you appreciate?  Reflect on what you've learned to become who you are.  What is next to come?  How will you experience it?  Focus on carrying the very best of you into the cycle that remains.

Lifecycle - Part 1 of the Life Cycles Meditative Soundscapes Series

Pickup "Shticks" (An unfortunate song about club life)
- all music by Steve 
- inspired by:
Female Voice_Pickup Lines.mp3 by SnowFightStudios -- https://freesound.org/s/669619/ -- License: Creative Commons 0    and  
Looping EDM Female Vocal Sample by Sample_Me -- https://freesound.org/s/624177/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

Pickup Shticks (Hello…)

Serenity

I gaze into the fire and watch the embers
I think of the good times and remember
Staring across the sand into the ocean
A glimpse of divinity in motion
All of this I see
Right in front of me
The troubles melt away
And here I want to stay
For a while

I look across a canyon carved by rivers
A baby in my arm makes me quiver
To have my wife besie me I feel love
A time when I felt better I can't think of
A fickle moment in time
Elusive and sublime
But when I feel the fire
And the comfort deep inside
I want to smile

Serenity cannot be bought or sold
But it's available to the young and old
Serenity should not be forsaken
It's meant for all of us to partake in

To appreciate the beauty that abounds
The simple things in life can be your ground
Gratitude and love are the seeds
While greed envy and hate will bring the weeds
Be glad for what you're given
Remember why your living
Find the good in what you see
And hold on to that inner peace
For a while

Serenity cannot be bought or sold
Serenity can be had by the young and the old
Serenity should never be forsaken
I invite you now come on and partake in

To live without needless love or desire
Is the kind of life serenity inspires
Serenity is God over man
It's a gift of love straigh from His hands

Serenity...

Serenity

Collection of creative scraps of home studio ventures by solitary musician/songwriter for personal enjoyment. All works written, performed, recorded and produced by just me unless otherwise noted.  First instrument - saxophone, ventured into the guitar, then kept going.  
But I absolutely love creating and collaborating and building songs together with others.  So, this site contains solo works, collaborations and a playlist nod to a long-time revolving door of music loving players we've called Madd Cow. 
https>//soundcloud.com/madd-cow.
What's next?  Who knows.

Steve Sterner

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