Rebecca Mayes Muses: The Monster

[Impluse_101]

OH HEY! I think you could do a really great song about Braid! I think it has some certainly great material for a song about it.

 

[Whytewulf]

New favorite song. I love the use of different instruments. Dang you have some talent.

 

[PurpleLeafRave]

I wonder what she ment by putting in the "its not going so well..." bit...?

hmm..?

See the song is not just about monsters in games but having an internal monster, like an internal bully, that you have to learn to live with. That's why I made the video about the recording process because I always have to fight my monster in order to create, and my monster is always very critical about how well it is going. So that last little bit is the sweet voice of monstrousness itself. I only noticed it when I was going through my footage and thought well, darn it, that is the very thing this song is about.

Anyone else know what I'm talking about or I'm the only one living with monsters?

This song put me to sleep just now, it's that soothing. I love it.

Whenever I practice for the Drama that I do, there is a monster inside me that keeps saying "I can do that bit better!"
It's not really bad, as it's what drives me forwards, but it can be annoying because I always think I've done bad and it has made me upset.

 

[Aptspire]

wow...I nostalgia'd so hard
real awesome song too ^-^ (I like GLaDOS and, of course, Pyramid Head as well)

 

[snotvomit]

Nicely done, but not my cup of tea - purely a taste thing. Most of your songs I repeat listen over time - I'm still coming back to many of them after 10 or more times.

Album has been purchased and downloaded - just about to unzip it

If you're up for suggestions, I would like to hear something that is heavily produced. I love the Cocteau Twins - would be great if you could do something in that style... or the Cranes - with wall-of-sound fuzz guitar.

 

[Vierran]

I really liked this one but then i do like most of your stuff .

Grabbed the Album, well worth the money if you ask me.

 

[Louzon]

Another great song! BTW, what is the first game shown in this movie, with the four people fighting the giant eye thingy? Is it part of the Shin Megami Tensei series? I love that series, but this looked like it and I don't know it, so it's driving me a little batty.

 

[tendo82]

Since you're in the west country how about some of that massive attack/portishead bristol sound? I hear Beth Gibbons and Tricky are both out of work.

 

[ShyOblivion]

See the song is not just about monsters in games but having an internal monster, like an internal bully, that you have to learn to live with. That's why I made the video about the recording process because I always have to fight my monster in order to create, and my monster is always very critical about how well it is going. So that last little bit is the sweet voice of monstrousness itself. I only noticed it when I was going through my footage and thought well, darn it, that is the very thing this song is about.

Anyone else know what I'm talking about or I'm the only one living with monsters?

Huh!

That's completely other than what I read into it. I was sure you were talking about an abusive lover who you'd let into your heart and couldn't push away, even knowing he was bad for you.

And a big thumbs up for trying out styles that push you. That's near always a good move. If we're putting out requests, I'd like to hear your effort as something that sounds more lyrically constructed, less stream of consciousness. The lyrical style in this is quite honest and from the heart, but I'd like to hear you try your hand at crafting something with attention to meter and stress and such. I'd also love to hear you cover an existing song well outside your usual genre and bring it to you: I'm thinking like the Nouvelle Vague cover of The Sister's of Mercy's "Marian", where they took a goth anthem and converted it to their own bluesy lounge style.

I took something different still from it. However, being as that her content is born from video games I do tend to focus on that aspect of the songs rather than any external topics. Though obviously I was mistaken somewhat after reading the intended message directly.

For myself, the song made me consider (for quite honestly the first time) what's behind the enemies we face in these different games. Sure, I'd know the backgrounds, appearance, general attitude, and all of that. What I hadn't considered was the "life" behind these characters; "the love he lacks, the scars he had." We don't often stop to think why exactly we're out to destroy this individual in most circumstances, and what exactly their motivations and path may be.

Adding to this was the part about lowering your weapons, as if offering a peace. Then coupled with the bit about being unable to break one another and sharing this life was as if realizing some grim balance between the two. Or rather, the reaching of an understanding.

Then again, they are just a bunch of polygons and shaders, maybe they don't exist past those lines of code that will them to life.

 

[citizen12]

Great work, Rebecca! May be the best so far!

 

[Whytewulf]

I don't understand people telling you to change your sound. I mean, I guess I am all for constructive feedback, but but saying, hey why not do a rock song. I believe artists have a style, though I know many can do many types, it's not that easy. Shoot, I can't even get one style down. I think most artists have a signture sound, whether it be Enya, Godsmack, Pearl Jam. You can kind of say, oh hey thats a Shinedown song, or oh there is that lady who sings ABC type. Now others are more Djesq, but they don't play the instruments. I.E. Paul Oakenfeld, I love his music, but it is not like he is playing 10 instruments, or even singing in most. Experimentation is great and you probably know better than the rest of us, what you can do and what you are compfrotable with. Heck I have a hard time saying whats a melody vs. a harmony. Ok rant off.. Just find it odd for people to suggest changing what made many of us enjoy your music.

Also on the Monster anology. I am with you 100%. I seem be fighitng those monsters or demons often, or too often lately. Whether its from work, or relationships, or inner monsters. I appreciate you commenting on it.

"Oreos for all, but ice cold milk for only those that I like"

 

[melpomene]

You are the candle in our darkness.

Don't leave us, dear. We still need you.

 

[Mr Alistair]

I just listened to this song again. Usually I don't listen to the songs more than once except for certain songs, this is one of those.

If this song is on the album and that other one ( god dam.. I cant remember the name) I would definitely get it.

 

[3_of_8]

For myself, the song made me consider (for quite honestly the first time) what's behind the enemies we face in these different games. Sure, I'd know the backgrounds, appearance, general attitude, and all of that. What I hadn't considered was the "life" behind these characters; "the love he lacks, the scars he had." We don't often stop to think why exactly we're out to destroy this individual in most circumstances, and what exactly their motivations and path may be.

Adding to this was the part about lowering your weapons, as if offering a peace. Then coupled with the bit about being unable to break one another and sharing this life was as if realizing some grim balance between the two. Or rather, the reaching of an understanding.

Then again, they are just a bunch of polygons and shaders, maybe they don't exist past those lines of code that will them to life.

Some games go in that direction. In Deus Ex, the "baddies" soon turn out to be the good guys, and as far as the real baddies go (the UNATCO people), their motivations are also quite understandable. (loyalty to what they think is the right cause) At one point, even the motivations of a faceless enemy MJ12 soldier are explored in a "sidequest".

Also, the BioWare RPGs often tell the stories behind enemies, I think you could even say the whole "living with a monster inside of you" thing is what "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" is all about - those who have played through it know what I mean. BioWare RPGs also often have an option to resolve conflicts (even with major enemies, not just in sidequests) without violence, again, especially KotOR, but also the Mass Effect series. (This is what I call the "Doctor Who approach", "Everybody lives!")

Exploring the motivations of enemies is one of the many things that make the difference between an entertaining game and a good or a brilliant game. Another example from Mass Effect 2 is the Geth. (Again, those who have played it know what I mean)

Also, referring to the topic of a recent "Extra Punctuation", this is one of the things that can, in fact, elevate video games to a form of art, in my opinion. Good video games are like a book or a film, but a highly interactive one, in which anything can happen, depending on the player's actions. If that's not art, what is?


Anyway, regarding the song, and the songs in general: The style of music is not entirely my cup of tea. However, because of the quality of the videos, the lyrics, the topics covered in the songs (Absolute favourite: "The Mirror") and, of course, because I just love the voice, I still listen to them every week and also came to appreciate the somewhat... different style of music. But I also agree that the songs do sound alike a lot. Not sure if that's a bad thing, but it can't hurt to try, can it? So I'm looking forward to hearing this "completely different" next song that we were promised.

 

[DeepComet5581]

I think that this was a lot more creative than most other songs (Rebecca's or not). Quite a plethora of instruments that you wouldn't expect go well together but actually do fairly well. Another point of interest is the accent. I'm not sure whether it stems from living in the Westcounty (which county, exactly?), but that seems like quite a good singing voice.

Please, carry on with these brilliant songs. I can't wait to buy your album.

 

[S1stemat3K]

I wouldn't indulge the pressures to change, the only way to grow is to stick to what you do (so well!) and work with your own inspirations. If you really want to change the style maybe you could find another musician to collaborate with, rope in someone from a different genre. But even then you should work in the new folk a bit, can't change the flavor too much!

It's a pretty daunting thing trying to work with new styles of music, especially on a deadline. It's like having a safety net removed. It's kinda like saying "yeah I like that JAVA program you wrote, but it'd look cooler in C"

Also bought your album because you're songs are beautiful, and you cope with pressure better than I could dream to! And also because I recorded Velvet Assassin >.< It's by far my favorite

And I don't know if it'll help, but I figured your M.O is reviewing games, and you proposed a song about Yahtzee... Well he's actually made several games, I just thought there might be a rare gem of insight lurking in the vicinity. I'd suggest playing (or having someone play ) Seven Days a Stranger if you get the time.

Stay Peachy! x

 

[Boba Frag]

What genres would you like to hear?

I think the logical progression has to be towards Norwegian Black Metal lol

Kidding!
I really enojoyed the trilogy of the M, I think that you should perhaps revisit a similar format in the future as the seem to work very well together as well as shaking things up from the usual game reviewing stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed the Mirror and what it had to say about our obsessions with image and uniform perfection in games, although it applies to so many other facets of media culture, if not all of them.

I'm afraid I can't offer much in the way of constructive musical criticism. I wouldn't know one end of a banjo from another

It was also really cool to see you work (and lunch! lol), and recording the various instruments.. not to mention your impressive wardrobe!

Please keep putting this stuff up!
You do such a great job each time

 

[Harmondale2]

I wonder what she ment by putting in the "its not going so well..." bit...?

hmm..?

See the song is not just about monsters in games but having an internal monster, like an internal bully, that you have to learn to live with. That's why I made the video about the recording process because I always have to fight my monster in order to create, and my monster is always very critical about how well it is going. So that last little bit is the sweet voice of monstrousness itself. I only noticed it when I was going through my footage and thought well, darn it, that is the very thing this song is about.

Anyone else know what I'm talking about or I'm the only one living with monsters?

Oh wow, I see what you mean. A subtle but intelligent node. I'm pretty sure everyone has to deal with that little voice at times. The voice of doubt, the critic, the monster, whatever you want to call it. I do relate to that, I am very critical not only of my work, but of any simple action I take, I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so forcing out a piece of work I'm not happy with is always uncomfortable to say the least. I just did my leaving cert art exams this week and I wasn't happy at all with it... 5 hours to make a full calligraphy? Da Vinci spent most of his life on the Mona Lisa! Art should not have time limits surely?

 

[ShyOblivion]

Some games go in that direction. In Deus Ex, the "baddies" soon turn out to be the good guys, and as far as the real baddies go (the UNATCO people), their motivations are also quite understandable. (loyalty to what they think is the right cause) At one point, even the motivations of a faceless enemy MJ12 soldier are explored in a "sidequest".

Also, the BioWare RPGs often tell the stories behind enemies, I think you could even say the whole "living with a monster inside of you" thing is what "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" is all about - those who have played through it know what I mean. BioWare RPGs also often have an option to resolve conflicts (even with major enemies, not just in sidequests) without violence, again, especially KotOR, but also the Mass Effect series. (This is what I call the "Doctor Who approach", "Everybody lives!")

Exploring the motivations of enemies is one of the many things that make the difference between an entertaining game and a good or a brilliant game. Another example from Mass Effect 2 is the Geth. (Again, those who have played it know what I mean)

Also, referring to the topic of a recent "Extra Punctuation", this is one of the things that can, in fact, elevate video games to a form of art, in my opinion. Good video games are like a book or a film, but a highly interactive one, in which anything can happen, depending on the player's actions. If that's not art, what is?

I can agree with that quite completely. Certainly there are games that do make you come face to face with the life behind the character. Mentioned the Geth is a perfect example, especially after more is revealed of them in ME2.

I guess I was referring more to the standard throw-away baddies that come at you in hordes. How many identical-looking Helghast did you kill in Killzone 2, how many Terran Marines in Starcraft, or how many Numaran Soldiers in Lost Odyssey. They lived in those worlds, they all came from somewhere, right?

 

[Digikid]

That was pretty good but I am confused at the Halo 3 cutscenes as I feel that they had no part of your video.

Care to fill me in on the significance of this?