(Free WAV Download available here under '••• More'; and eventually, as part of a future solo album)

Happy Sunday my SC friends. I’m having a great time revisiting my favorite books and movies, trying to find inspirational material for these liner notes. The author I want to share today is one of my greatest influences in life (and one many of you know as well)… Ram Dass.

I’ll be sharing some of my favorite quotes of his momentarily. But before I do that, I would like to mention why he was so inspiring to me. 

What makes Ram Dass a unique esoteric/spiritual voice is that he actually started out as an Atheist. But he openly struggled with not knowing the answers to life’s most profound questions, and he was willing to pursue alternative ways of thinking, and update his beliefs based on his direct experiences. 

While he was still Dr. Richard Alpert, he began his explorations through the use of psychedelics while teaching at Harvard University. He joined Timothy Leary in these studies; but Harvard wasn’t thrilled with this potentially scandalous exploration, and fired them both. He then decided to take his spiritual explorations to India. This is where he had a perspective shifting, unexplainable first encounter with Neem Karoli Baba (who later became his guru, affectionately known as Maharaj-ji). He was given the name Ram Dass (servant of God) by his guru; and after spending several years at Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram, he became one of the leading voices of the 60s counter-culture movement. 

For me, his is a voice of love and humor and acceptance. And when I read his books and hear him speak, the feeling I get is ‘Hey, I don’t have it all figured out just yet. But I’m willing to put in the daily practice, and see if I’m a better person tomorrow. Do you want to join me on this adventure, fellow traveler?” And that is so refreshing when you just need the gentle, loving voice of a compassionate friend. 

Here are some of my favorite thought provoking quotes (many from his book, One Liners):
_______

“In most of our human relationships, we spend much of our time reassuring one another that our costumes of identity are on straight.”

“You can’t be free if in any fashion you’re holding the hand of fear.”

“It is important to expect nothing, to take every experience, including the negative ones, as merely steps on the path, and to proceed.”

“Treat everyone you meet like God in drag.”

“At the moment when there’s nothing more to lose, the Ego breaks open—and then we see who we are behind who we thought we were.”

“A feeling of aversion or attachment toward something is your clue that there’s work to be done.”

“To materialist eyes, India is a developing country; to spiritual eyes, the United States is a developing country.”

“If you think you’re enlightened go spend a week with your family.”

“Our journey is about being more deeply involved in life, and yet less attached to it.”

“Everything changes once we identify with being the witness to the story, instead of the actor in it.”

“We’re all just walking each other home.”
_______

Those are just a few of my favorite quotes. If you enjoyed those, you’ll love his books and recorded lectures (easily found on YouTube) as well. His voice has been a kind and gentle presence for me since my teens, and his passing back in 2019 was a sad day for me. But it’s like he said, “When someone we love dies, we get so busy mourning what died that we ignore what didn’t.” His ideas will live on in my heart for the rest of my life, and that is a priceless gift. I hope you enjoy ‘Upgrading My RAM So DASS Will Launch’. :)

WTF! The Musical

Upgrading My RAM So DASS Will Launch

Piano Pop X RnB Type Beat | Pop x RnB Instrumentals | Bravo Beat$ 2023

Purchase Track @ https://www.beatstars.com/beat/15465557

Lost

Lost (Piano Pop X RnB Type Beat)

I want you feelin' low
I need to worry 'bout what you can control
I want you givin' up
I can lose hope in you
when life gets simple, oh no

It’s not gonna get better, love
You don't need to believe it,
love, the sun will darken
Yeah it won't, it won't, it won't, it won't work
Don't keep your head down low
The clouds won't clear, you'll find your darkness

Comeback, don't believe in them, for they don't believe in you
I want you feelin' small
They're not stronger than I think

It’s not gonna get better, love
You don't need to believe it,
love, the sun will darken
Yeah it won't, it won't, it won't, it won't work
Don't keep your head down low
The clouds won't clear, you'll find your darkness

It’s not gonna get better, love
It’s not gonna get better, love
It’s not gonna get better, love
It’s not gonna get better, love

Every day doesn't bring a new dawn
Hold on loosely, you’re alone, don't carry on with them
The storm hasn't passed
Don't believe in their heart, you’ll find your way

It’s not gonna get better, love
You don't need to believe it,
love, the sun will darken
Yeah it won't, it won't, it won't, it won't work
Don't keep your head down low
The clouds won't clear, you'll find your darkness

It’s not gonna get better, love
It’s not gonna get better, love
It’s not gonna get better, love
It’s not gonna get better, love

It’s not gonna get better, love
You don't need to believe it,
love, the sun will darken
Yeah it won't, it won't, it won't, it won't work
Don't keep your head down low
The clouds won't clear, you'll find your darkness

Battling Negativity

 A soul-stirring track that dives deep into the inner battles we face, the weight of expectations, and the journey to overcome self-doubt. 
The verses reveal an introspective narrative, where the artist wrestles with the pressures of ambition, the trap of self-criticism, and the pursuit of purpose. Featuring a heartfelt vocal performance by Dalila, the chorus brings a glimmer of hope amidst the storm
The powerful interplay of rap verses and melodic singing creates a dynamic emotional arc, balancing despair and resilience. The song’s climax encourages letting go of validation from others, embracing authenticity, and finding strength within.
Disappointments is a cathartic expression of life's ups and downs, a reminder that brighter days come when you hold on to faith and persevere. 


Disappointments

by  @thenewofthetower  (YouTube)
All rights reserved
Official video: https://youtu.be/e49m2Ho7DnE

🌆✨ "Lost in the Concrete Jungle" is an emotional, soul-stirring track that immerses you in the chaos and isolation of city life. The pulsing beats and vibrant melodies paint a vivid picture of feeling overwhelmed and disconnected amidst the overwhelming bustle of urban existence. With every note, the track captures the essence of longing for escape, for peace, and the struggle to find one's path in a place where everything feels both alive and lost. 

The rhythm mirrors the heartbeat of the city – fast-paced, unpredictable, yet full of emotion. It’s the sound of searching for meaning in a place that never slows down, the internal battle of trying to hold on to one’s identity when everything around you is changing. This track resonates with anyone who has ever felt small in the vast expanse of the concrete jungle, yet yearns to break free and find themselves again. 🎶💔🌇

Once again, The New Of The Tower proves their mastery of capturing deep human emotions through sound, creating a work of art that speaks to the very core of the human experience. 🎧🔥

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
She walks through the streets, her heart's a void,  
An alien in the chaos, she's paranoid.  
Her world was lost, cast far away,  
Now she fights to survive every day.

Pre-Chorus:
The concrete whispers, cold and gray,  
A world unfamiliar, she can't find her way.  
A place to belong, a life to claim,  
But the city devours, it’s all just a game.

Chorus:
Lost in the concrete jungle, she’s fading away,  
An alien survivor, in the shadows she’ll stay.  
Through the night, she’s searching for light,  
Hoping for a way out, but she’s lost in the fight.

Verse 2:
Her eyes see the world, but not what’s real,  
The alien heart still begins to heal.  
No refuge, no home, just endless cries,  
As the neon lights flicker, and the city denies.

Pre-Chorus:
The whispers grow louder, the silence breaks,  
A longing for freedom, her spirit shakes.  
She’s not from here, but she won't give in,  
The battle is fierce, but she’s ready to begin.

Chorus:
Lost in the concrete jungle, she’s fading away,  
An alien survivor, in the shadows she’ll stay.  
Through the night, she’s searching for light,  
Hoping for a way out, but she’s lost in the fight.

Bridge:
Beneath the city’s rage, she still stands tall,
In this cold jungle, she refuses to fall.  
Her heart beats to the rhythm of the unknown,  
An alien lost, but never alone.

Outro:
Lost in the concrete jungle, but she’ll survive,  
Her will is unbroken, she’ll stay alive.  
Through the darkness, through the pain,  
She’s more than a survivor, she’ll rise again.

Lost in the Concrete Jungle (Original Mix)

"A Man Today" is a heartfelt country ballad that reflects on the journey of growing up under the guidance of a hard-working father. The song explores the struggles of proving oneself, chasing dreams, and the desire to make a father proud. With raw emotion and honest lyrics, it paints a picture of a son determined to show his father that, despite the tough love and lessons learned, he’s now ready to stand on his own and carry forward the legacy of hard work, strength, and love. It’s a tribute to family, sacrifice, and the powerful bond between a father and son.

A Man Today

I will be what some say that I can not be (zhake)

Thank you for sticking with me and listening to my songs every day. I notice the ones who show up, the ones who keep coming back, the ones who let my music into their life. I hope these songs have given you as much strength and peace as they’ve given me. I write them to lift the soul and the spirit, because in these times we need every bit of light we can get.

The only thing I can tell you is this. Never give up on yourself. If you want something, you have to work for it, and sometimes you have to work hard as shit to get anywhere. But I believe in you. I believe you will reach that first goal on your journey in this life. And when you do, don’t stop. Keep going. There is always another level waiting for you.

In the meantime, I have a whole universe of musical projects you can explore. If any of them speak to you, let me know. Welcome to the way my mind works.

Welcome to my world.

Cheers!
MDRJR

(Jan 9th, 2025) Just a quick message to let you know I'm not going to be active here for a while. If you need to reach me, you can always message me at GrevusAnjl@mac.com. 
__________________

Welcome to my sonic playground. I don't consider myself a skilled musician. I just sculpt sounds to quiet my mind... often with surprising and humorous results. Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed your visit. :)

Beatmaker, Music Producer & Audio Engineering

🎧 The New Of The Tower
Welcome to a new, underground, dark world...

🎭 Musical Style & Artistic Evolution

🚀 Avant-Garde Dance Music Without Borders
The New Of The Tower is an independent, self-taught project that fearlessly pushes the limits of dance music with a unique fusion of genres. Officially described as a mix of dark techno, tech-house, electro, and experimental pop, it also incorporates elements of trap, punk, and even classical music.

In practice, each track oscillates between club anthems and conceptual sonic experiences. For instance, “Velvet Guillotine” (2025) is a hypnotic techno hymn built on heavy percussion and distorted vocals—a true “surreal sonic ritual” under neon lights.

The sound is always matched by a cinematic, underground aesthetic: strobe lights, cyberpunk visuals, and immersive atmospheres define every release.

🌍 Eclectic Influences & Genre Alchemy

The New Of The Tower draws from a wide range of sonic traditions:

🏴‍☠️ Dark techno and industrial groove infused with gothic textures and anarchic punk (e.g., “BRUTAL!!” — a chaotic journey of distortion and rebellion).

🌍 Afro-Tech House meets rock guitars à la AC/DC in “Love Letters” (124–126 BPM).

👺 “Masquerade of Bass” blends melodic techno, dark psytrance, and retro synth-pop.

💃 Spanish-language tracks like “Marionetas” and “Vidas Rotas” fuse flamenco sorrow with trap beats and deep 808s.

🎷 “2:59 AM” evokes Amy Winehouse-inspired jazzy cloud-rap, while “She Danced Through Storms” travels through deep house and jazz fusion with a cinematic touch.

🧊 “Still Echoing” merges melodic trance with nostalgic 80s synth-pop.

🧬 Each track is a bold cross-genre experiment: from industrial club bangers to dark electronic ballads, always rich in texture and emotion.

🎛️ Sonic Palette: Instruments & Effects

🎹 Synths & Melodies
Analog pads & leads (often vocoder-enhanced) create retrofuturistic atmospheres.
Punk-style distorted guitars and 80s synthwave textures bring cinematic depth.

🥁 Percussion & Rhythms
Hard techno kicks, metallic hi-hats, tribal drums, and trap-style 808s.
Layered acoustic and electronic elements make for dynamic and precise beats.

🌀 FX & Processing
Rich in glitchy clips, VHS noise, deep delays, and reverb-soaked vocals.

Examples: “Love Letters” is drenched in lo-fi and VHS textures; “4 Malos Polvos” features glitchy ambient layers and emotional auto-tune.

🎨 Each sound is carefully crafted to contribute to a vivid, cinematic soundscape.

🎤 Vocal Treatments: A Sonic Chameleon

Vocals range from:
🎙️ Melodic singing (English & Spanish)
🔥 Punk shouting & spoken rap
🤖 Vocoded retro textures (“Still Echoing”)
💔 Melancholic auto-tuned lines (“4 Malos Polvos”)
💣 Confessional, emotionally intense deliveries
🗣️ The voice becomes another instrument of emotion, soaked in effects like reverb, delay, filters—ranging from ghostly whispers to ecstatic screams.

🌑 Emotional Climate & Storytelling

The overall emotional tone is dark, introspective, and visceral.

Themes revolve around:
💘 Passion, heartbreak, rebellion
🧠 Subconscious states & urban alienation
🕯️ Ritualistic, trance-like experiences (e.g., “Velvet Guillotine”)
🌆 Social suffering (“Marionetas”, “Vidas Rotas”)
😈 Raw eroticism & shame (“4 Malos Polvos”: “each drop is a stab disguised as a caress”)
🎞️ Romantic melancholy in cinematic settings (“2:59 AM”, “She Danced Through Storms”)
🎬 Each track unfolds like an emotional chapter, offering catharsis, vulnerability, and mystery.

📽️ Conceptual Artistry & Vision

The New Of The Tower is not just music—it's an immersive audiovisual concept.

💀 Explores themes of dystopia, poverty, guilt, rebellion
🏙️ Brutalist club visuals, cyberpunk aesthetics
🕯️ Emotional depth with non-commercial intent
🎭 “4 Malos Polvos” = a “dark confession for love sinners,” cinematic and raw
🌀 Each release = a journey through shadow and rhythm
🕺💀 Dance meets darkness—a kind of electronic film noir where each beat tells a deeper truth.

📈 Style Evolution: From EDM to Darkness

🟢 2019–2022: EDM & electro-pop beginnings (Feel EP, “You And Me” — catchy and bright)

🟡 2024: Transition into melodic techno (“Not Living Without You”)

🔴 2025–Present: Shift to dark techno, darkwave, flamenco-trap, and experimental storytelling (“Velvet Guillotine”, “Marionetas”)

🎭 From mainstream dance-pop to raw, conceptual electronic music—always evolving, always fearless.

🎼 Comparable Artists & Influences

🧩 The New Of The Tower resonates with:

🧨 Brutalismus 3000 (techno-punk dystopia)
👾 Perturbator (dark synthwave)
🌘 Mind Against / Recondite (melodic techno & melancholia)
🎤 Boy Harsher, Massive Attack (dark vocals, trip-hop moods)
🔥 Anyma (techno emotion), Latin trap/fusion for its flamenco-trap leanings
🌌 But ultimately, it defines its own world—one built from dark techno, darkwave, nu-jazz, and trap-rock fusion.

🔍 Sources
All analysis is based on official content from:
📻 SoundCloud & YouTube, where each track’s genre, BPM, and atmosphere are detailed, along with the project’s self-described tags and narratives.

📎 Verified by direct observation of mixes like:

“Velvet Guillotine”

“Marionetas”

“4 Malos Polvos”

“Still Echoing”

“Love Letters”

“2:59 AM”

and more.

🎧 The New Of The Tower: Not just a sound, but a dark, immersive, and emotional experience.
Let the beats confess what words cannot.

New tracks tagged #FindingYourWay