"Heart vs Reason" is a song about staying true to yourself in a world full of manipulation, fake smiles, jealousy, and hidden intentions. It reminds us that while logic can sometimes be deceived by appearances, the heart often recognizes the truth. This track encourages listeners to know their worth, follow their own path, and never let fear or other people's expectations define who they are.

Written and performed by EgoVerus.

Heart vs Reason
Verse 1

Behind their smiling faces, they hide what they conceal,
In the shade of jealousy, they never show what's real.
They soothe you with sweet words while poison fills the air,
Waiting for the moment when you drop your guard somewhere.

They call themselves your friends and gladly shake your hand,
But every single promise is built on shifting sand.
They pat you on the shoulder like angels by your side,
The moment that you turn away, they stab you from behind.

Chorus

Always trust your heart, for reason can deceive.
Know just what you're worth, never settle or retreat.
Don't look back again, keep chasing what you dream.
Never think there's something you were never meant to reach.

Verse 2

They claim that they love you, while anger fills their soul,
They quote the holy scriptures yet abandon every goal.
They wait until you stumble just to point out every flaw,
So you'll remember never to stand against the law.

Their actions are a spectacle, a carefully played role,
To hide their true intentions and the darkness of their soul.
The moment you trust your heart, you'll no longer live in fear,
And reason finally awakens—your time to rise is here.

Chorus

Always trust your heart...

Verse 3

They wait until you give up, to silence your desire,
They feed you sweet illusions until hope begins to tire.
There's no truth within their eyes, only emptiness remains,
Their hearts are locked forever, as cold as winter's rain.

Behind the mask of kindness hides a carefully laid plan,
To make you think exactly like every other man.
It's only smoke and mirrors, another test you'll face,
They want your thoughts to battle until you lose the race.

Chorus (x2)

Always trust your heart...

Serce kontra Rozum

In a rare role reversal, Navdeep Pasricha takes over as host to interview the man who's usually hosting the conversation—Cody McAuliffe. Together, they unpack Cody's journey of repeatedly walking away from successful offers, navigating financial hardship, borrowing money to pay rent, and choosing alignment over certainty. Through honest stories of reinvention, business, and personal growth, they explore why your circumstances never determine your value, the courage it takes to follow what feels most alive, and why the greatest breakthroughs often begin when you're willing to let go of everything that no longer aligns with who you're becoming.

ABOUT CODY MCAULIFFE

Cody McAuliffe is a transformational coach, entrepreneur, speaker, and creator of The Holographic Process™, an innovative modality that helps individuals uncover and transform the subconscious patterns shaping their emotions, behaviours, and reality. As the founder of Courageous Leaders, he coaches entrepreneurs, business owners, and high-performing leaders to create profound personal and professional transformation through emotional mastery, identity work, and conscious leadership. Cody is also the creator of Speaker Codes, an immersive live experience designed to help leaders, coaches, and entrepreneurs unlock the deeper psychology of influential communication, authentic expression, and transformational speaking. Through his work, he has guided thousands of people to move beyond trauma, limiting beliefs, and inherited conditioning, empowering them to create lasting change from the inside out. As host of the Courageous Leaders Changing the World podcast, his mission is to help people remember who they truly are, break free from unconscious programming, and lead lives of greater freedom, authenticity, and impact.

CONNECT with CODY

https://www.instagram.com/thecodymcauliffe/
https://www.facebook.com/thecodymcauliffe/
https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@thecodymcauliffe⁩  


EP 65 - Having the Courage to Follow What's Alive Within You with Cody McAuliffe

《나도 내가 이해가 안가 (feat. INFJ, INFP)》

누구보다 감정이 깊고, 누구보다 스스로를 이해하기 어려운 순간들. '나도 내가 이해가 안가'는 복잡한 마음과 예민한 감성을 부정하지 않고, 있는 그대로 받아들이는 과정을 밝은 인디팝으로 풀어낸 곡입니다.

INFJ와 INFP라는 성향을 모티브로 했지만, 특정 MBTI만을 위한 노래는 아닙니다. 타인을 이해하려 애쓰면서도 정작 자신은 이해하지 못했던 모든 사람들에게 전하는 이야기입니다.

경쾌한 멜로디와 솔직한 가사 속에 "그래도 나는 나"라는 따뜻한 메시지를 담았습니다.


나도 내가 이해가 안가 (I Don't Even Understand Myself)

Written by Ioannis Ntizoglou: owner of Royalties 2025 all rights reserved

"Born Loud" by 9000UK is an explosive rock anthem celebrating individuality, confidence, and the freedom to express yourself without apology. Packed with driving energy, memorable hooks, and bold imagery, the song embraces those who refuse to shrink themselves to fit someone else's expectations.

The lyrics tell the story of a person who has always stood out. From childhood through adulthood, their passion, personality, and creative spirit remain impossible to silence. Rather than seeking approval, they embrace who they are with pride, encouraging others to do the same.

Throughout the song, vivid symbolism reinforces its message. Fire represents unstoppable passion, hurricanes and wildfires symbolise unstoppable energy, neon reflects individuality and creativity, while music itself becomes a metaphor for identity. The recurring declaration, "I was born loud," represents authenticity, confidence, and refusing to compromise your true character.

At its core, "Born Loud" is a celebration of self-expression. It reminds listeners that being different is not something to hide. Confidence, originality, and courage are strengths worth embracing. Whether on stage, in everyday life, or pursuing a dream, the song encourages everyone to let their voice be heard.

Dream Loud.

Website: https://www.9000uk.music

Discography: https://www.9000uk.music/discography/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@9000UK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9000.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9000ukFacebook/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@9000uk

Born Loud

Written by Ioannis Ntizoglou: owner of Royalties 2025 all rights reserved

"Brand Crazy" by 9000UK is a motivational rap track that challenges society's obsession with status symbols, designer labels, and public image. Through honest storytelling and socially conscious lyricism, the song encourages listeners to redefine success by measuring wealth through compassion, purpose, and the positive impact they leave on others.

The lyrics contrast luxury spending with real-world hardship, asking whether outward displays of success have distracted people from the needs of those around them. Rather than criticising fashion itself, the song questions misplaced priorities and encourages investing time, kindness, and resources into helping others instead of chasing approval through material possessions.

The track also addresses creative authenticity in the age of artificial intelligence. It makes a clear distinction between the tools used to perform or produce music and the human creativity behind the songwriting. The lyrics affirm that technology supports the presentation, while the ideas, storytelling, and message remain rooted in personal authorship.

Powerful symbolism carries the message throughout the song. Designer brands represent external validation, while planting seeds symbolises creating lasting positive change. Empty fridges reflect overlooked hardship, gold chains represent misplaced priorities, and compassion becomes the true measure of personal value. The recurring message reminds listeners that possessions fade, but the lives we influence become our lasting legacy.

"Brand Crazy" is a call to think differently about success. It encourages listeners to build character instead of image, contribute instead of compete, and remember that generosity, authenticity, and purpose outlast any trend or logo.

Dream Loud.

Website: https://www.9000uk.music

Discography: https://www.9000uk.music/discography/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@9000UK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9000.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9000ukFacebook/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@9000uk

Brand Crazy

This 4th week of our Shepherded series, Clint draws from the ancient wisdom of Homer's Odyssey, where we're reminded that even Odysseus, known for his cunning and brilliance, recognized he couldn't trust his own instincts when facing the sirens' call. He had himself tied to the mast because he knew his judgment would fail him. How much more do we need guidance in our own lives? The sermon walks us through Psalm 23's declaration that God leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake, unpacking what it truly means to be shepherded. We learn about the devastating reality of being 'sheeped to death' - how our habitual self-direction wears ruts into our lives until the once-green pastures become wastelands. The cultural lie of our age tells us to follow our hearts, trust our instincts, and do what feels right. Yet statistics on unhappiness, anxiety, and depression reveal this self-directed approach is failing spectacularly. The teaching challenges us to see that righteousness isn't about religious duty but about right relationships - disadvantaging ourselves to advantage others. This is the way of the cross, the path Jesus walked and calls us to follow daily. When we allow the Good Shepherd to lead us, we discover that dying to our self-oriented pride is actually the doorway to the life we've been searching for all along.

Shepherded | Paths of Righteousness for His Name's Sake - Psalm 23 - Clint Leavitt

The Light shines softly on my face;
the God within
has given grace.

Aligned and sealed
for all to see,
I live my life
authentically.

Breathing deeper,
healing fire,
rising higher
through desire.

Escaping shadows,
death, and fear,
I walk protected,
God is near.

Guided through
an endless maze,
covered in
these final days.

No darkness formed
shall steal my light;
I stand in truth,
divinely bright.

Protected now
in all my ways,
covered through
the end of days.

Poem by Michelle Holt

https://buymeacoffee.com/getyoufocused/covered-enter-light-poems

Covered-Enter the Light Poems

Some people spend their lives chasing certainty. Nothing Fits in My Pocket follows someone who has stopped pretending to know where the road leads. Between everyday conversations, quiet disappointments, and fleeting moments of kindness, it finds beauty in carrying less instead of more. It's a reflective journey through uncertainty, identity, and the simple hope that being genuine might matter more than becoming someone impressive. Warm, intimate, and quietly resilient, it leaves space for every listener to find their own way home.

Manche Menschen verbringen ihr Leben damit, nach Sicherheit zu suchen. Nothing Fits in My Pocket begleitet jemanden, der aufgehört hat, so zu tun, als hätte er alle Antworten. Zwischen alltäglichen Begegnungen, kleinen Enttäuschungen und unerwarteten Momenten der Menschlichkeit entsteht eine Geschichte darüber, dass weniger manchmal mehr ist. Der Song erzählt von Orientierungslosigkeit, Identität und dem Wunsch, einfach man selbst zu sein, statt irgendeiner Erwartung gerecht zu werden. Nachdenklich, nahbar und voller leiser Hoffnung lädt er dazu ein, den eigenen Weg mit etwas mehr Gelassenheit zu gehen.

Nothing Fits in My Pocket

Everybody’s building something
Just to point at from the road
I keep finding little reasons
Not to turn my headlights off
My brother says I’m wasting years
The landlord says the rent
The girl at the corner liquor store
Just asks me how I’ve been

I had a boss who loved big speeches
He could sell rain to the sea
He looked me dead between the eyes
Said, “What do you wanna be?”
I laughed so hard I scared myself
I couldn’t fake the line
I’ve never seen a dream get better
Because somebody gave it a tie

Nothing fits in my pocket
Not the future, not the past
I got twenty bucks and a grocery list
Maybe that’ll last
Everybody wants a headline
I just want a name
That still sounds like mine
At the end of the day

My phone keeps asking where I’m going
Hell if I know
It draws blue lines across the map
Like any road could get me home
I miss the nights we talked so long
The ice melted in the sink
Back before every little silence
Had to mean something

If I disappear
Don’t build a statue
Leave my jacket on the chair
Leave the window cracked
If somebody asks
Tell ’em I got tired
Of carrying versions of myself
That never got hired

Nothing fits in my pocket
Not the future, not the past
Just a set of keys
A lucky coin
And enough to buy some gas
Everybody wants forever
I could settle for true
If I show up at your door tonight
Would you still let me through?

Don’t clap
Don’t wave
Just make some room
I’m already late

hitjourney.com:
> Created by people - powered by AI
> Von Menschen erdacht - mit KI verfeinert


Nothing Fits in My Pocket

Written by Ioannis Ntizoglou: owner of Royalties 2025 all rights reserved

"Bro, Make Your Own" by 9000UK is a bold rap-trap anthem about originality, authenticity, and earning success through your own ideas instead of imitation. Built on confident lyricism and a hard-hitting trap rhythm, the song celebrates individuality while challenging the culture of copying styles, chasing trends, and seeking shortcuts to recognition.

The lyrics tell the story of an artist who has built a unique identity through dedication, sacrifice, and relentless effort. Rather than following popular movements, the song encourages listeners to create their own path, develop their own voice, and leave a legacy defined by originality instead of imitation.

Powerful symbolism reinforces the message throughout. Crowns and thrones represent success earned through hard work. Clones and drones symbolise conformity and the loss of individuality. Waves represent influence, while building your own base reflects creating a lasting foundation through authentic effort. The recurring phrase "Make your own" becomes a challenge to think independently and build something that truly reflects who you are.

"Bro, Make Your Own" is not a rejection of inspiration. It is a call to transform inspiration into originality. Whether in music, business, art, or everyday life, the song reminds listeners that lasting respect comes from creating something genuine rather than repeating someone else's success.

Dream Loud.

Website: https://www.9000uk.music

Discography: https://www.9000uk.music/discography/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@9000UK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9000.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9000ukFacebook/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@9000uk

Bro, Make Your Own

Written by Ioannis Ntizoglou: owner of Royalties 2025 all rights reserved

"By My Side" by 9000UK is a heartfelt R&B anthem about loyalty, self-respect, and recognising the people who remain beside you through every season of life. Blending soulful melodies with reflective lyrics, the song explores the freedom that comes from letting go of negativity and embracing relationships built on honesty, trust, and genuine care.

The lyrics tell the story of personal growth through experience. As false friendships fade and outside opinions lose their influence, the narrator discovers that life's greatest wealth is not popularity but the people who remain present during difficult times. Rather than holding onto drama or resentment, the song celebrates peace, forgiveness, and choosing meaningful connections over superficial approval.

Powerful symbolism flows throughout the song. Shadows represent negativity and deception, while light symbolises truth and self-awareness. Wind reflects temporary relationships that disappear as quickly as they arrive. Gold represents loyal friends whose value never fades, and fire and rain symbolise life's challenges that strengthen character rather than weaken it.

"By My Side" is a reminder that life is too short to invest in toxic relationships. The song encourages listeners to value authenticity, protect their peace, and appreciate the people who continue to stand beside them through success, failure, joy, and hardship.

Dream Loud.

Website: https://www.9000uk.music

Discography: https://www.9000uk.music/discography/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@9000UK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9000.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9000ukFacebook/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@9000uk

By My Side

Written by Ioannis Ntizoglou: owner of Royalties 2025 all rights reserved

"Call It What You Want" by 9000UK is a confident motivational rap track about self-respect, healthy boundaries, and refusing to compromise your values to gain approval. Built on sharp lyricism and a direct message, the song challenges the tendency to confuse confidence with ego and reminds listeners that protecting your peace is an act of strength, not arrogance.

The lyrics explore the journey of someone who has learned through experience that respect cannot be demanded, bought, or forced. Fake relationships, manipulation, and empty loyalty are left behind in favour of honesty, mutual respect, and emotional maturity. Rather than responding with anger or revenge, the narrator chooses silence, distance, and personal growth.

Powerful symbolism reinforces the message throughout the song. Boundaries represent emotional strength and self-protection. Silence becomes a symbol of wisdom rather than weakness. The two-way street represents mutual respect, while the golden rule symbolises unwavering personal values. Walking your own line reflects independence and integrity, proving that genuine confidence comes from living according to your principles rather than public opinion.

"Call It What You Want" is an anthem for anyone learning to value themselves, walk away from unhealthy relationships, and build a life based on respect instead of validation. The song encourages listeners to protect their peace, surround themselves with genuine people, and recognise that self-worth begins with the standards they choose to keep.

Dream Loud.

Website: https://www.9000uk.music

Discography: https://www.9000uk.music/discography/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@9000UK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9000.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9000ukFacebook/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@9000uk

Call It What You Want

Some roads promise applause. Others build character.

*Borrowed Faces* reflects on the pressure to fit in, perform for approval, and wear a face that was never truly yours.

The ideas behind this song grew from personal experiences, difficult choices, and the ongoing work of building character. It is not a set of instructions, but a reflection from a road that is still being walked.

We all want approval. Sometimes that makes us follow the crowd, play a role, take risks we never wanted to take, or pretend to enjoy things simply because belonging feels easier than standing apart.

There is strength in showing up for others.
In standing beside good people.
In giving your best even when it isn’t convenient.

You don’t have to prove who you are. And you don’t need a borrowed face to belong.

Some roads ask for compromise. None should ask you to become someone else.

⚒ Hammer & Lantern

Forge Character. Carry Light.
Keep Walking.

Watch the full visual journey on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@HammerAndLantern

Chapter II : Borrowed Faces

Intimate new age meditation built on three words that change everything: into me see. Crystal bowls and harp glissandos shimmer under a close-mic whisper taking the walls apart one by one, vulnerability as superpower, sensitivity as favorite guide, prosperity not as what she owns but as this feeling she's grown. A raw spoken passage lands the deepest truth, the cracks are where the light gets in, and that's where healing begins. Divinity, prosperity, integrity, and a sacred space between two people where I see me when I see you. No more masks. That's real intimacy. That's where love wants to be.

Lyrics written by Pamela Arsena. Music, vocals, and production created with AI. Part of the Pamela's Mystical Musings catalog.

More at pamelaarsena.com

Stream everywhere

Into to Me See

"Lost Soul – Live Symphony Orchestra" explores the journey of seeking authenticity, purpose, and genuine connections in a world that often values ​​only appearances. The work's central meaning is a call to reject materialism, symbolized by "luxury," "shop windows," and "gold" and to embrace the "wild and raw" essence of life.

Lost Soul - Live Symphony Orchestra

In this episode of The Shadows We Cast, I sit down with Tychon Carter for a conversation about identity, self-trust, and what it really means to come back to yourself.

Tychon shares his experience of growing up feeling misunderstood — navigating early messages around masculinity, emotional expression, and what it meant to be “right” or “wrong.”

We talk about the identity shift that comes in early adulthood, especially when something that once defined you suddenly falls away — and the quiet, often confusing experience of feeling misaligned, even when everything looks “good” on the outside.

Tychon reflects on how his time on Big Brother Canada became an unexpected turning point — not because of the game itself, but because of what happens when the noise disappears and you’re left with your own instincts.

Throughout this conversation, we explore vulnerability, emotional literacy, and the process of rebuilding self-trust — including the powerful work of forgiving the version of yourself who had to survive.

We also talk about the small, practical ways we can begin to reconnect with ourselves — from noticing what we feel, to creating routines that support both our mental and physical well-being.

This is a conversation about embodiment — about learning to listen, to trust, and to return to who we are beneath everything we’ve been taught to be.

ABOUT TYCHON CARTER

Tychon Newman-Carter is a Canadian speaker, mental health advocate, and community builder, widely known as the first Black winner of Big Brother Canada and a contestant on The Amazing Race Canada.

Beyond television, Tychon has built a platform centered around emotional awareness, personal growth, and self-trust. Through his work, he shares openly about his own experiences navigating identity, masculinity, and mental health — using storytelling, humor, and lived experience to make these conversations more accessible.

His work also explores intergenerational trauma and anti-Black racism within African-Canadian communities, while emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, meaningful relationships, and purposeful routines as foundations for resilience and well-being.

Connect with Tychon

Website: https://www.tychoncarter.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tychonxcarter

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tychoncarter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tychonxcarter
Host/Producer/Writer/Director: Jenn St John

Editor: Andrew Schiller
Website: www.jennstjohn.ca
Follow along:
Instagram: @jenn_stjohn
LinkedIn: Jenn St John

If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who might need to hear it too.

Subscribe, leave a review, or just send a little love—your support helps these conversations reach the people who need them most.

Embodied

Written by Ioannis Ntizoglou: owner of Royalties 2025 all rights reserved

"Champagne Lifestyle" by 9000UK is a feel-good pop track about authenticity, social pressure, materialism, and rejecting the idea that success must be displayed through expensive possessions or an extravagant lifestyle.

The song contrasts two versions of wealth. One is built around status, designer appearances, filtered social media lives, diamonds, and the pressure to impress. The other is quieter: peace, honesty, generosity, meaningful relationships, and being comfortable with who you are.

Rather than criticising people simply for having money, the lyrics challenge pretending to have a lifestyle you cannot sustain. "Why trade peace for borrowed shine?" captures the central argument. Financial success is not presented as wrong. Losing yourself while trying to appear successful is.

The "champagne lifestyle" becomes a symbol for manufactured status. Fake gold and rented diamonds represent appearances without substance. The ladder represents social climbing, while old shoes represent being comfortable with your genuine circumstances. "Honest skies" symbolise freedom from the pressure to perform for other people's approval.

Social media also plays an important role in the story. Filtered images might create an impression of perfection while hiding insecurity, financial pressure, or unhappiness behind the screen. The song asks whether appearing wealthy has any value when maintaining the appearance costs you your peace.

The strongest counterpoint comes through generosity: "I'd rather help another rise than flex a life I can't sustain." Here, wealth is redefined through what you contribute rather than what you display.

"Champagne Lifestyle" celebrates living within your means, appreciating what you have, helping others when possible, and refusing to measure your worth through somebody else's definition of success.

Dream Loud.

Website:
https://www.9000uk.music

Discography:
https://www.9000uk.music/discography/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@9000UK

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/9000.uk

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/9000ukFacebook/

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@9000uk

Champagne Lifestyle

Written by Ioannis Ntizoglou: owner of Royalties 2025 all rights reserved

"Circle Logic" by 9000UK is a reflective R&B track about authenticity, loyalty, fake friendships, social approval, and the difference between being surrounded by people and having genuine human connection.

The song explores a provocative idea: popularity does not necessarily equal belonging. A large social circle might look impressive from the outside, while only a handful of those relationships contain genuine loyalty, trust, or affection.

The opening establishes this contrast immediately: "They say it's lonely at the top, but it's faker in the crowd." From there, the lyrics move through cameras, masks, glitter, applause, handshakes, fame, and social performance, questioning how much authenticity people sacrifice to remain accepted.

The mask becomes one of the central symbols. It represents changing yourself to gain approval. Glitter represents attractive appearances hiding something less substantial underneath. The crowd represents popularity and validation, while the small circle represents selective, deeper relationships.

The song does not argue that having many friends automatically makes someone fake, or that having few makes someone authentic. Its sharper point is about quality over quantity. Numbers alone reveal little about the strength of a relationship.

"One or two riders is all I need" captures the alternative offered by the song: a smaller group built around loyalty is worth more than widespread attention built around performance.

The bridge intensifies this contrast through food. Eating crumbs with a faithful few represents having little while surrounded by genuine people. Feasting with smiling snakes represents abundance without trust.

By the outro, "gold" has also changed meaning. It no longer represents wealth or status. The real treasure is authenticity, peace, and knowing who remains when the attention disappears.

Small circle. Deep soul. Keep the gold.

Dream Loud.

Website:
https://www.9000uk.music

Discography:
https://www.9000uk.music/discography/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@9000UK

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/9000.uk

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/9000ukFacebook/

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@9000uk

Circle Logic

“But, I’ll Stay” is a deeply reflective track about the tension between escape and presence. It explores the urge to withdraw, whether through substances, dissociation, or other coping mechanisms when life feels overwhelming. At its core, the song is about making the conscious and often painful choice to remain present, grounded in responsibility, connection, and long-term wellbeing.

But, I'll Stay

“Ecken” is a laid-back declaration of independence for everyone who doesn’t fit neatly into other people’s ideas of how life should be lived. Instead of chasing straight paths, safe choices and constant self-improvement, it celebrates quirks, detours and colorful preferences with a playful shrug. There’s confidence here without the big speech: knowing your rough edges, enjoying the little things and being perfectly happy to ask, “So what?” A warm, cheeky reminder that a life with corners, scars and unexpected turns can be a pretty wonderful one.

„Ecken“ ist eine entspannte kleine Unabhängigkeitserklärung für alle, die nicht so recht in die Vorstellungen anderer passen wollen. Statt geraden Wegen, sicheren Entscheidungen und ständigem Optimierungsdrang werden Eigenheiten, Umwege und kunterbunte Vorlieben mit einem lässigen Schulterzucken gefeiert. Selbstbewusst, aber ohne große Ansage: die eigenen Ecken kennen, die kleinen Dinge genießen und auf gut gemeinte Lebensweisheiten einfach mal mit „Na und?“ antworten. Eine warme, augenzwinkernde Erinnerung daran, dass ein Leben mit Narben, Kanten und ein paar Umwegen ziemlich wunderbar sein kann.

Ecken

Alle haben was zu meckern
"Du musst klotzen
Nicht kleckern
Große Ziele
Nicht rechts, nicht links
Dann klappt‘s auch
Mit dem Dings...
Deinem Leben"
Sagst du

Na ja...

Ich hab Ecken, na und?
(Na und?)
Mag nicht beige, sondern kunterbunt
Mag meine Kirschen heiß
Auf dem Vanilleeis
Ich hab Ecken, wie gesagt
Und überhaupt
Wer hat eigentlich dich gefragt?
Ecken
Ich hab Ecken
Na und?
(Na und?)

"Der gerade Weg führt dich zum Glück
Immer vorwärts
Nie zurück
Kein Risiko
Die sichere Nummer
Und die allein
Bewahrt dich vor Kummer"
Sagst du

Na ja...

Ich seh das anders
Soviel ist klar
Narben und Umwege?
Wunderbar
Nennt sich Leben
Gehört dazu
Blinde Kuh
(Blinde Kuh)

Ich hab Ecken, na und?
(Na und?)
Mag nicht beige, sondern kunterbunt
Und mag die Kirschen heiß
Auf meinem Vanilleeis
Ich hab Ecken, wie gesagt
Und wer überhaupt
Hat dich gefragt?
Ecken
Ich hab Ecken
Na und?
(Na und?)

Ecken und Kanten
Das bin ich
Gefällt dir nicht?

Schwamm drüber

hitjourney.com:
> Created by people - powered by AI
> Von Menschen erdacht - mit KI verfeinert


Ecken

Singer-songwriter Calida Sari blends Americana, Alt-Country, Folk and Pop. She grew up in Boorloo (Perth)⁠ — Whadjuk Noongar Country (Western Australia), singing along to her parent’s folk, country and pop records. She began playing guitar at 12 years old and started writing and composing songs at 13. She also gained some classical and contemporary singing training in her teens and mid-20s. 
Calida started performing her music live at 16 yrs old, as well as being included on a local compilation album, with her song, “I Need More”, the same year. That song was played on Triple J, along with an interview. Her song “Envious Eyes” was included in a compilation album called “Alternative Energies Arts Collective”, as well as “Sugar and Honey” and “Waste of Time” on “The Beige Album” compilation the following year.
At 20 yrs old, Calida moved to Melbourne to pursue music and acting, where she won the Grace Darling Hotel song competition in 2001. She briefly sang and co-wrote with Melbourne band, Pout. Autistic burnout struck 2 years later and she reluctantly decided to quit acting and moved to London for a year.  
She returned to Perth in 2005 and continued pursing music. Calida won the Step-Up song competition that same year. In 2006, her song “Lamental” was included in a local compilation album, “Rocky Blues, Vol. 3”. That same year, Autistic burn out struck again, forcing Calida to reluctantly decide to take a break from performing. 
Finding full-time work increasingly too demanding with her undiagnosed disabilities, to be able continue with creating and performing her music simultaneously, she only started writing and composing music again in 2023. Being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, autism and ADHD, and finally being given some of the correct supports, gave Calida the capacity to begin creating music again. Though her chronic pain conditions and autism prove performing live very difficult, Calida focuses on her songwriting and recording as a form of activism.

9000UK is the musical project of Ioannis Ntizoglou (Politou), a UK based independent multi genre artist creating music shaped by lived experience. Struggle, hope, mistakes, growth, truth, and the determination to rise define every release.

For years, Ioannis faced mistreatment, judgement, and false narratives placed onto him. None of them lasted. Truth outlives noise, and this belief lives at the core of his music. Every track, joyful or heavy, playful or painful, comes from real moments. His catalogue functions as a personal record of a life endured, understood, and transformed into sound.

9000UK blends Pop, Rap, Hip Hop, Trap, Indie, R&B, Reggae, Gospel Blues, Country, Rock, and AbsurdCore. AbsurdCore is a genre Ioannis created himself, built around experimental sound design, emotional distortion, and the surreal edges of human experience. Genre labels matter less than emotion. Feeling and intent drive every song.

All lyrics are written by Ioannis. Every idea, structure, vocal direction, melody path, and creative decision begins with him. AI is used as a production tool, not a source of authorship. He records his own voice, uses sounds he has created or fully licensed, and builds each track from the ground up. No labels. No producer teams. No marketing machinery. One person doing the work.

Ioannis began writing lyrics at 17 during compulsory national service in the Greek Army. A period forced upon him became the foundation of his creative life. For years he searched for vocalists and musicians who could match the sound in his head. The gap between vision and reality drained time, money, and momentum, eventually pushing music aside.

On 01 January 2025, everything shifted.

While developing his teaching practice in Computer Science, Ioannis encountered AI tools capable of turning lyrics into music. After dozens of failed attempts, one early song finally aligned with the original vision. Not polished. Not perfect. Honest. That moment restarted everything.

He worked relentlessly, often on minimal sleep, transferring thousands of handwritten lyrics into digital form, refining language, shaping melodies, directing vocals, and developing a repeatable creative process. This happened alongside full time lecturing, fatherhood, and family life.

Today, 9000UK has released over 1,500 original songs, with more than 3,000 still in progress. Each release carries a fragment of lived experience, emotion, imagination, and truth.

9000UK extends beyond an artist name. It functions as proof. Proof to listeners, supporters, and students, especially ages 16 to 19, that technology lowers barriers, removes gatekeeping, and gives people the means to pursue creative work regardless of background or resources.

Am I human. Yes.
Every lyric is written by me.
Every emotion is real.
Every song carries intent.

This is 9000UK.
Music with purpose.
Energy with meaning.
Art without limits.

Dream Loud.

OFFICIAL LINKS
Official website: https://www.9000uk.music
Full discography: https://www.9000uk.music/discography/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@9000UK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9000.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9000ukFacebook/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@9000uk
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/9000uk.bsky.social
X: https://x.com/9000uk
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntizoglou/

EgoVerus – głos autentyczności.
Śpiewam, piszę, tworzę – zawsze w zgodzie ze sobą. Melodia to serce mojej muzyki, ale słowa nadają jej duszę. Nie gonię za trendami, nie dopasowuję się do schematów. Moja twórczość to odzwierciedlenie wnętrza, które mówi własnym głosem
__________________________________________
EgoVerus – the voice of authenticity.
I sing, write, and create—always staying true to myself. Melody is the heart of my music, but words give it a soul. I don’t chase trends or fit into molds. My art is a reflection of my inner world, speaking in its own voice.

Raw and real conversations on courage, consciousness and leadership.

For those who have walked through fire…
and came out still standing.
Dark Night survivor. Poet of healing and awakening. If my words touch your soul, leave a tip for the Sage. ✨☕ — Michelle Holt
These are not just poems.
They are truth, pain, awakening, and survival.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or broken—
you’re not alone.  (Only Images are AI)

Hi, I’m Jenn, and I’m passionate about transforming the conversation around mental health through creativity, connection, and advocacy. Nearly 50 years of life have taught me that we all carry shadows—stories that shape who we are and how we show up in the world. My story began with the challenges of growing up with a parent battling undiagnosed mental illness, an experience that deeply influenced my resilience, empathy, and innovative spirit.

An eclectic composer and lyricist, distinguished by my personalized technical versatility, sensitivity to absorbing different cultures and ability to blend genres with a unique sonic signature.

Forge Character. Carry Light.

The world is full of distractions disguised as opportunities.

Hammer & Lantern is a collection of modern Dark Country anthems about character, resilience, quiet strength and the discipline to stay focused while the world demands a reaction.

These songs aren’t written to tell anyone how to live. They come from mistakes, difficult choices, quiet victories, and the long process of becoming a little stronger than yesterday.

Learning which battles deserve your strength
which voices deserve your attention
and which roads are worth walking.

Every lyric is inspired by personal experiences, difficult choices and the lifelong process of building character. They are not written as instructions—but as reflections from a road still being walked.

I’m currently aiming for about one new track every week

If these songs help you slow down, ignore unnecessary noise, stand back up after failure, or simply keep walking when life gets heavy…

…then they have already done their job.

Welcome to the road.

Watch the full visual journey on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@HammerAndLantern

At Midtown Presbyterian Church, we value honest questions and genuine community, working alongside one another as we discover more about what it means to follow Jesus in the modern world, and in Phoenix. You are welcome here.
Listen to our teachings in this podcast to follow us, and be sure to join us Sunday mornings; visit thespringmidtown.org to learn more.

New tracks tagged #authenticity