I love reggae (mostly), so the stakes were high, and made even more precarious by a case of lyrics block. Nothing original here to write about writer's block.

Running out of options

Written in 2001 when I started playing guitar again, I finally got around to recording it! This song is about not taking advantage of what is before you - before it disappears.

The river has run dry

Video: https://youtu.be/7ZFCT-camGM

Listen To The Silence (2023-2025)

[Verse]
Somewhere between the airport and the speedway
there once was an arbor my haven on its heyday
among mice, butterflies, pure peace no worry
no barriers of sound, no hooters of the hurry

[Chorus]
Listen to the silence
through all the noise around
hear when a crowd makes no sound.
Listen to the silence
not the man-made machine
but the holy evergreen.

[Verse]
Once we got thrilled by watching calm of blossom
Today the trend is: the louder the more awesome
I live now in the grave of foregone glory
they buried long ago the stillness of satori

[Chorus]
Listen to the silence
through all the noise around
hear when a crowd makes no sound.
Listen to the silence
not the man-made machine
but the holy evergreen.

[Bridge]
Call me an ecofascist or call me a jerk
but I just get annoyed by the loudest fireworks
don't listen to me, hush cacophony for a while
perceive the treasures lost in exile.
------------------
Music & Lyrics & Arrangement: Janne S
Vocals: Synthesizer V Liam (lead), Weina & JUN (backing)


Listen To The Silence

A piece of melancholy about being an introvert and needing a certain amount of time to myself. It was written to a songwriting challenge to use ascending or descending lines.

Not guilty

This song is in response to two songwriting challenges: the first: to write a ballad; the second: to write about an inanimate object. I succeeded with the second. On this recording, finger-picking and strings are provided by Band-In-A-Box while other guitars, 'foot tapping' and vocals are provided by me.

LYRICS
VERSE 1
I was watching when they first brought you home
When you climbed to your feet, walking on your own
I saw the pain when you cut    your    knee
When you learned to tie your shoe laces at the age of three

VERSE 2
Your first day at school filled me with pride
You put your lunchbox in your case and off to school you’d ride
I saw you come home with your crayons and your picture
And showed them to your mother and described your new teacher

CHORUS
I am a painting on a wall
Nothing escapes me – I see it all
I’ve seen the highs and lows, the joy and the pain
I hope I’ve been a constant for you, time and time again

VERSE 3
Christmas Day was always such a treat for me
Your family opening presents round the Christmas tree
And Mummy cooked a roast – I could smell it in the air
After lunch you had a nap with Grandad in his chair

VERSE 4
I was there when you brought Johnny home to meet your Mum and Dad
Your father let him know the expectations he had
I saw what Johnny tried to do, when you were both alone
And the tears you cried in shame and sadness sitting on your own

CHORUS

VERSE 5
Your parents were so proud in the graduation hall
And a photo of you all next to me       up on the wall
I heard of your promotion and your transfer overseas
And when you came to visit, your parents were so pleased

BRIDGE
For many years, your life was busy – your time was not your own
Your parents would wonder if you’d call them on the phone
Your Dad was often sick, your Mum had trouble remembering
You promised them continually, but the telephone never rings

VERSE 6
You finally came back home, but your Mum and Dad have gone
This house is cold and dark     without the light you shone
You look up at me - the tears run down    your     face
You can’t see mine, but I am looking over this place.

CHORUS

Painting on a wall

Video: https://youtu.be/60yx-IcJ9YY

We live in a world where kindness and good manners are meaning less and less. The parable of the good Samaritan has been completely forgotten.

Helpless (2025)

Where's a good samaritan millenia later
they are still arguing who is your neighbor
they haven't learned that you reap what you sow
that's why they passed on the other side of the road.

Which neighbor may be helped?
Which one to expel?
Are the crippled worth the help?
Do weirdos deserve to be felled?

I'm feeling helpless
when the world stamps on my boots
empathy and courtesy
have no value to the stern in suits.
We've been knocked to the ground
we can't escape their suffocating arm
they have closed their eyes
to the spread of the harm.
I'm feeling helpless
who would bind my wounds?
we are helpless
who will bind our wounds?

Seeking ways to put the blame on victimized neighbors
the elect make excuses for not doing a favor
True neighbors for them are their partners in crime
the travesty of teachings, the stigma of our time.

Shares plummeting for trust, wisdom, gracious deeds
they say it's aiding fascists
to lend your hand to the starving in need.

I'm feeling helpless
when the world stamps on my boots
empathy and courtesy
have no value to the stern in suits.
We've been knocked to the ground
can't escape their suffocating arm
they have closed their eyes
to the spread of the harm.
I'm feeling helpless
who would bind my wounds?
we are helpless
who will bind our wounds?

Every day is a war of wills
where a brother fights a brother
why isn't it heroic to compete
to lift up each other?

Clowns of our world are praised for showing no mercy
homeless and immigrants they deem unworthy
they're not like saints, humane pioneers
sadly, they are rash who can't see the fall is near.
 
I'm feeling helpless
when the world stamps on my boots
empathy and courtesy
have no value to the stern in suits.
We've been knocked to the ground
can't escape their suffocating arm
they have closed their eyes
to the spread of the harm.
I'm feeling helpless
who would bind my wounds?
we are helpless
who will bind our wounds?

I'm not a paragon of virtue
I am likely selfish and blind
by hoping if I'm now kind, you'll help
when I've got wounds to bind.

----------
Music & Lyrics & Arrangement: Janne S
Vocals: Synthesizer V

Helpless

I first wrote this song back in 2001/2002 and it was called 'Ordinary'. I made a recording of this in 2016 - still available to listen to on my Souncloud account - but always felt that the lyrics were negative, despite quite liking the song musically. In  2025, I rewrote the lyrics in a more positive light about the theme of self improvement and this is the basis of this recording. Some elements of the original song remain, such as the BVs and some rhythm guitar parts, albeit re-recorded. New elements have been introduced, such as the synth bass, piano and a new guitar solo. This song is a nod to Keane, whose album 'Hopes and fears' is a favourite.

Lift my eyes

In Eternity (2024-2025)

If there's all the time in eternity
I'll smooth my jaggedness and learn
from my past while I yearn
to be ready when you return.
If I am cursed, I repeat my mistakes
and you haven't changed, still causing me ache
we promise each other a brighter start
and keep on dreaming when we drift apart.

In eternity, is there longing for love,
diary dreams, elusive fantasies
questions who's meant for me, eternally?

What if there's no time in eternity
would I live in infinite regret
chances missed, can't forget
heartbreaks woven into a net.
if I am blessed, we will hover in love 
and you'll always be my peaceloving dove
in eternal embraces and endless fun
would they be just for the chosen ones?

In eternity, is there longing for love,
diary dreams, elusive fantasies
questions who's meant for me, eternally?

The beauty of chance encounters
and the falling for casual gestures
are they solace I crave
or wounds abyss can't erase?
in eternity, in eternity.

---------
Music & Lyrics & Arrangement: Janne S
Vocals: Synthesizer V Natalie & Noa HEX

In Eternity

This is the first audio recording of 'Ordinary' which ultimately became 'Lift my eyes'. It is more of a guitar driven song recorded slightly slower with the rhythm guitars doing a 'boom boom tish!' style of strum. There are some backing elements here (BVs, rhythm guitars) which are carried forward into the new production. Ultimately, it was the negative lyrics that drove the change to a new theme and words.

Ordinary (DEMO)

This is the midi original version of 'Ordinary' which would later be recorded in audio then re-worked to become 'Lift my eyes'. It typifies my songwriting workflow in the early 2000s - start with a chord progression, add melody, then develop in BIAB and/or on guitar. Words would usually be one of the last pieces. If I recall correctly, I had the phrase 'Don't want to be treated like I'm ordinary' over the last bar in the 4 chord progression: A - Amaj7/G# - A6/F# - A/F. I created my own BIAB style for this which I did a lot of back then - albeit a hybrid of an existing style with something I added. There's a faux midi guitar solo in the middle (which was replicated in the audio recording).

Ordinary (BIAB midi mix)

I wrote the beginnings of this song in mid-2024, coming up with the verse chord progression and melody. In October 2025, I wrote the bridge and all lyrics. My first shot at the lyrics was based on another theme that didn't quite hold up, but my second attempt on the theme of 'Simple times' felt like a better fit.

Simpler times

Je suis l'auteur compositeur de cette chanson.
Les arrangements ont été faits à partir de Band-in-a-Box (basse, batterie, guitares acoustiques, banjo) et de Suno AI (voix, flûte, violon).

To get drunk, I don't need no wine
I don't need no drugs to feel fine
There's a way between dope and booze
And that’s this way I wanna choose

I just need some words to write
I just need some notes to play
And your ears to listen to
My songs 

And for me, that’s like a nice game
Where the target is not the fame
Creating each time a new song
Pleasure is always very strong

I just need some words to write
I just need some notes to play
And your ears to listen to
My songs

There's a way

Je suis l'auteur compositeur de cette chanson.
Les arrangements ont été faits à partir de Band-in-a-Box (contrebasse, batterie, piano) et de Suno AI (voix, guitare acoustique, violon).

J’ai pris de la distance
Face aux conflits chroniques
Qui pourrissent l’Existence
J’ai fui les polémiques

Refrain :
Et découvrir les gènes 
De mon grand-père Eugène
Fut la confirmation
De ma soif d’évasion

J’ai pris de la distance
Loin de tout voisinage
Ignorant les nuisances
Des villes et des villages

J’ai pris de la distance
Physique ou bien mentale
Ce fut une évidence
Comme un besoin vital

J'ai pris de la distance

I wrote this in 2017 on guitar. My recollection is that I was inspired by 'The Hard Way' by Thirsty Merc and the chord extensions they used in that song. While the songs are completely different, it motivated me to write this song. I put the chords into BIAB and chose a style. I made  a partial recording in 2018, then in 2022, I added layers of vocals - probably too many layers. The vocals were a bit flaky, so I always intended to come back to them. In this remix, I add piano and trim back on some of the vocals.

Tongue-tied (2025 remix)

Cet instrumental que j'ai composé a été arrangé avec Band-in-Box (bodhran, cuillères, contrebasse, guitare acoustique, banjo, violon) et Suno AI (violon, flûte irlandaise)

Siping my irish coffee

Written sometime between 2001 and 2003, this song details some of the interactions between my wife and me while we were dating. I think the bridge might have been added last, as it usually is for me.

That was the reason why

I've written and composed this song.
The arrangements have been made with Band-in-a-Box and Suno AI (voices and solo guitar).

Need to be free
Don’t want my life to be a jail
So I will go
Wherever I wanna sail
Whether the sea is calm
Or whether it’s raging
That is my choice of life
I won’t change anything

The lure of gain doesn’t attract me
My deep nature just needs to feel free

And my freedom isn't to be sold
For me, it’s far more precious than gold




Funk for freedom

Video: https://youtu.be/ZfY2C8q-QVg

Sleigh Ride To Your Galaxy

[Verse]
Santa's here, I have left the Earth
I'm now in charge of the universe
I'm so sorry little earthlings
you are truly very dear
but I had to move forward in my career.

[Chorus]
But tonight I will crash into your galaxy
the aim of my desire is to feed your fire
the Milky Way greets our space sleigh fleet
when we fill your stockings by beaming dream bling.

[Verse]
Wake up, reindeer, no time to sleep
prepare the warp drive, the quantum leap
elves have made and wrapped the gifts
we are shooting to the heights
through the wormholes and black holes to the holy nights.

[Chorus]
But tonight I will crash into your galaxy
the aim of my desire is to feed your fire
the Milky Way greets our space sleigh fleet
when we fill your stockings by beaming dream bling.

[Bridge]
The plasma clouds can't prevent this trip
deflector shields block the Klingon ships
I spew out fury and red hot ash
I'll reach you in a flash.

(Here comes Solo!)

[Chorus]
But tonight I will crash into your galaxy
the aim of my desire is to feed your fire
the Milky Way greets our space sleigh fleet
when we fill your stockings by beaming dream bling.

------------------
Music & Lyrics & Arrangement: Janne S
Vocals: Synthesizer V HXVOC


Sleigh Ride To Your Galaxy

A fun little surf tune created and recorded entirely in Band-in-a-Box by PG Music. I created the backing track with drums, bass, two acoustic rhythm guitars, and one rhythm electric guitar and then recorded myself playing along to it for the lead guitar track. I'm making a video about it at my YouTube channel if you want to see how it was made. See links in my profile.

Chicken Surf (BIAB Mix)

I've been a guitarist since the age of 15 and writing songs since then, albeit more prolifically since 2000. I prefer strong melodies and to borrow chords to move outside of the diatonic. Usually, the song mix contains my vocals, guitars and sometimes bass, with drums, keys and other instruments auto-generated. The tracks uploaded in my Soundcloud are attempts to 'illustrate' the idea and sound I imagined when writing the songs. At best, the quality of recordings are demo quality. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!

Je suis surtout compositeur et parfois parolier.
Merci à tous les interprètes qui mettent si bien en voix mes musiques.
Les arrangements sont faits à partir du logiciel Band-in-a-Box.

I play guitar and like to record my ideas. The little bits and pieces get made into phone ringtones that you can download. Some get made into full songs. I like to use various plugins and DAWs. Some of my favorites are Suno Studio, Moises AI Studio, and LUNA Pro with various UAD plugins. I also like IK Multimedia, Softube, and Native Instruments plugins. My favorite guitar is my Shijie guitar seen in my profile pic. I have others but most recordings are done with the Shijie guitar. Thanks for listening!

I am a songwriter from Finland, composing original, mostly harmless, pop songs. I'm interested in any kind of collaboration, composing, lyric writing, arrangement etc. Don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested.

I have only recently started to sing myself, so please accept deficiencies in my voice, even after lots of editing with Melodyne. I have also used hired vocalists and collaborators for vocals. There are also songs for which I have used Vocaloids, I may sing some of those at some point.

I normally use Band-In-A-Box for the arrangement. It is a great program for practicing, storing and developing ideas in many different genres. I really recommend it for you, see www.pgmusic.com

Popfinger points to the fact that I like pop music and pop songs in various styles. I've used also other pseudonyms like Syvis Entertainment, Suvis Wonderland, Dr. Elvi's Cosmic Sextet, Smutty Waters, The Artist Never Known As Prince, Gates of Asylum, Pop No Harm and Poop Dilan.

New tracks tagged #band-in-a-box