Another try at a more electronic vibe for this month’s song. I’ve actually mixed this one with headphones in mind. If you get a chance to listen in this way you might hear more of the more subtle effects I’ve worked into the song. I’m trying something different here from the last few songs so I always welcome  your feedback on how successful I’ve been. 

Hooked

So what now?

The pieces are set,
The board is occupied,
The main actors have taken their positions.

The inevitable is coming,
Fear fills hearts and minds.

Will what many predict come to pass,
Or will fate turn in our favor?

The core of our beings has been seized by the machine.
The art that defined us is being smothered by a flood of perfect artificiality.

Simulation of emotions, simulation of art, simulation of humanity.
Where do we belong?

Where is my place?

And what now?

--------


This is a piece I improvised on March 23, 2025. I was surprised at how well it turned out. However, I didn't know what to do with it. I couldn't think of anything more, so I'm publishing it as is, with minor tweaks (I literally added six notes in three places).

With this piece I am starting a series in which I will be posting rather uncomplicated, short pieces, created out of the need of the moment, under the impression of something specific.

To compose it I used only 3 plugins/sounds
Spitfire LABS Autograph Grand (piano) (free)
Spitfire Originals Intimate Strings x2 (in octave)
And one patch from truly amazing synth from Arturia: Pigments

I hope you like it at least a little bit.

Picture Freepik: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-portrait-with-blue-lights-visual-effects_26813733.htm

And What Now?

SETTLED SCORES NO 3

Delight

I have been using a CPAP machine for several months.  I am sleeping much better and I decided to take a stab at writing a song about it.  
***
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine uses a hose connected to a mask or nosepiece to deliver constant and steady air pressure to help you breathe while you sleep.
***
Copyright 2025
Vocals, Lyrics and Chords: Joe Stroffolino
Guitars:  Joe Stroffolino: Taylor 114ce (two guitar strumming tracks) and Fender Squire Picking track
Drums:  Programmed using EZ drummer 3
Bass:  Pg Music Midi track with .vst sound from Native instruments Rickenbacker
Organ: Joe Stroffolino: Playing Midi Keyboard with vintage B3 Organ sound from Logic Pro
***
Cover art:  Real (Non-AI) Photo of a Halloween Skeleton wearing my actual CPAP mask  (I was going to take a picture of me wearing the mask but believe it or not, the skeleton looks more attractive) 
****
CPAP Lyrics: 
I was snoring, so I had a sleep study, and they gave me a CPAP machine
It took a bit of getting used to, it was uncomfortable at first, but now it’s part of my nightly routine
When I first put on that CPAP mask, I tried to pretend I was like Darth Vader, part man and part machine, but actually I look more l like Jason in that hockey mask on Friday the thirteenth
The doctor said if I don’t wear that mask, I’ll be gasping for breath all night long and I know I’d better keep wearing it, if I want my heart and brain to stay strong.  I just wish I looked a little bit more sexy while I was wearing it.
Every night when I go to bed I wear a mask that covers my mouth and my nose and on the top of my head, connected to the mask, there’s a big, long hose.
They say when it comes to romance, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover 
 But something about that CPAP mask makes me thinks it’s goanna be hard to find myself a new lover.
The doctor said if I don’t wear that mask, I’ll be gasping for breath all night long and I know I’d better keep wearing it, if I want my heart and brain to stay strong. I just wish I looked a little bit more sexy while I was wearing it.
Sometime you gotta try to put things in perspective
Sometimes you gotta try to be a little bit more objective
Sometimes you just gotta put function over form
Sometimes you gotta be willing to deviate from the norm
The doctor said if I don’t wear that mask, I’ll be gasping for breath all night long and I know I’d better keep wearing it, if I want my heart and brain to stay strong.
I know it’s very important to follow all the proper medical advice and I have every intention to keep using my CPAP device.  I just wish I looked a little bit more sexy while I was wearing it.

CPAP

Humperdink Vaporpatch

Timeless In Space

This piece started again, as often is the case, with me experimenting on the organ. My daughter was intrigued with it when she heard me playing with it, and said it has film noir vibes, which influenced the rest of the composition as it gave me a target, a clear vision of where it was going.

Another version will come, hopefully soon, as a collaboration with some of my friends whom you may already be familiar with from other songs on my channel, which will replace some of the virtual instruments you will hear in this demo version with real instruments, namely, drums and bass, and probably add some additional surprises.

Releasing this version was not in my plans, but after hearing from three separate people that this version should not change, it is done, I have decided to release this one separately from the coming collaboration, so you can hear it exactly as I originally imagined it. Of course, I fully expect the collaboration will be better still, as it always is when bringing multiple talents together, instead of just me in an echo chamber.

I hope you will enjoy listening, and thanks as always.

A Study In Neon

Hai,Hai

a collection of instrumental tracks from 2024-2025, a mix/mash up of metal, electronic, industrial and shoegaze styles

skyline

castlebeat ~ change your mind [slowed + reverb]

LIVE!! on Radiovalencia.fm
LP Lounge Tues 10am-noon(PDT)
I grew up a drummer in a death metal band, this is something I always wanted to do😎follow, like…all that crap🤣

Never any AI in my music, just the pictures 😆🤷🏻‍♂️i can’t draw, but i can play just about anything 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

https://open.spotify.com/album/3AJW2Z9Y1535vT9Adldd26?si=iXEIAC0ARcS1s5_-Dw1sQQ

http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1792559626

https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0DTK23TK4?ref=dm_sh_iff5hslqCAMDYZmdRuamn7R8l

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Donald Berkeley