Our interpretation, All the Things
(Click the titles to hear the song) This album is a story, a chronological musical journal of the year 2020.
(Click the titles to hear the song) This album is a story, a chronological musical journal of the year 2020.
Forest Dance
At the beginning of the year, we created this lighthearted and alluring melody. It’s a carefree song, full of life and joy. As with many of our songs, we love to incorporate wildlife and nature sounds into our music. This track features a powerful tribal drum that guides you through the musical journey, while Shea delivers a romantic Spanish guitar line to set the perfect mood for this "Forest Dance." We also added a gentle, woodsy ambiance—reminiscent of the hypnotic flute played by Mr. Tumnus in Narnia—to transport you into the heart of the forest. If you listen closely, you can hear the wind howling in the background, one of my all-time favorite sounds. This haunting melody invites you to immerse yourself in the living surroundings and become one with nature—a beautiful song to dance to with your favorite person, around a bonfire in the forest.
Sampling
This playful song radiates positivity, making you feel like everything is going to be alright. The song is named after an event we were invited to participate in, where we helped prepare food samples for a local business. It was our first experience serving the community and sharing our passion for the culinary arts. Overcoming my social fears during this experience gave me an incredible sense of achievement unlike anything else. It was pure joy to feed college students and community members, who were so appreciative to receive a hot meal that day. This simple, humbling act was deeply rewarding and allowed us to see humanity with even more kindness and compassion. We can’t emphasize enough how far a single kind gesture can reach another being.
7 Years
The title comes from the number of years Shea and I have been together, and it also happens to be the day I was born. This track features a faster groove, symbolizing progress in both our personal and professional lives. It's a cheerful compilation of upbeat rhythms designed to get you moving. At the time, life felt like it was moving quickly around us, yet we managed to stay afloat. Everything we knew was changing, but we are incredibly thankful to be able to make a living doing what we love while still having the time and ability to create music that inspires us. Seven years of an amazing, mind-bending partnership that only gets stronger with each day. Our relationship flows effortlessly, requiring little to no maintenance. We remain endlessly grateful for every moment.
The Shutdown
Let me preface this by saying this is our darkest song and the most powerful in its meaning. It was created at the onset of the pandemic, as it began to spread and the world was ordered to shut down. Many businesses around us closed their doors, leaving uncertainty hanging in the air. It was gut-wrenching to drive down streets and see our favorite spots no longer in business. Globally, everyone had to change their habits and mindset. Social lives were suddenly cut off from favorite people and places, while food costs rose, and certain items became scarce. The comforts we had grown so accustomed to quickly became a thing of the past. It was painful to witness people turning on each other—on the news, on the streets, and especially on social media. Violence and turmoil seemed to be everywhere. We were all in a state of despair, clinging to our mental health and livelihoods. Every sound in this song represents a feeling from that time. As you listen, you can hear and feel the world's collective anxiety, angst, anger, confusion, pain, and everything in between.
Unveil
This was a fascinating song to create, inspired by Peter Gabriel’s "The Veil." We used a cool filter we call "the lil' dude" to produce the glitchy sounds, and a funky electronic beat flows from start to finish, making you want to dance and celebrate. The song was named after watching documentaries about whistleblowers like Snowden, which opened our eyes to how the devices and apps we use daily are employed to observe us for data mining. During this time, we were diving into documentaries that unveiled hidden agendas the world was largely unaware of. While this song is upbeat, it carries a subtle political undertone, reflecting our awareness of these revelations.
Natives
We thoroughly enjoyed making this song. As you can hear, Shea added the signature "bike chain" clicks—something I wasn’t fond of at the beginning of our music-making process, but have since grown to love. The track also features seductive flutes and upbeat drums, giving it a strong 80s vibe. During the creation of this song, the political climate was tense, with our leader ejecting undocumented individuals from the U.S. Because of my olive skin, I started carrying my passport with me, just in case someone questioned my legality. It was a scary time, with people on edge, ready to fight. Thankfully, I never had to show my documents, but I’ll never forget how it made me feel. In case you’re wondering, Shea was born in New Smyrna Beach, and I was born in Miami, Florida—hence the title Natives.
Fireworks
This is a robust song with captivating beats that gradually draw you into a hypnotic awareness, featuring light and fun guitar lines reminiscent of Nile Rogers. One day, as we were leaving a campground, we were treated to the sight of beautiful fireworks in our city. In this song, you can hear Shea having fun with the guitar, accompanied by a light and happy beat—a style he loves to play. This track symbolizes the adaptation and evolution of our world as we learn to cope with new rules and navigate the challenges while staying grounded and not losing our minds.
Water Rock Knob
This is one of my favorite songs, thanks to its chill vibe and smooth guitar lines. You’ll hear lots of atmospheric sounds that create a relaxed, graceful, and delicate mood. The song begins with a smooth atmospheric vibe, almost cosmic in nature. This year, we were invited to visit Maggie Valley, near Cherokee land—a breathtaking stretch of land surrounded by majestic trees and hidden treasures. By treasures, I mean the stunning natural landscapes and views unlike anything we’ve ever seen. This song captures the inspiring beauty of the land and its inhabitants. The title was inspired by a gorgeous spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering incredible views of the valley below. A medium hike to the top of the mountain brought us to this spot, where we encountered many fascinating hikers along the way.
The Hike
I have to say, this is our favorite song on the album. Not only do we combine our voices, but we also reach out to the listener, inviting them to join us and make a connection—a connection with the earth, people, animals, and every living thing. In this song, we reversed our vocals in several parts to create a unique sound and perspective. It’s a lovely melody that perfectly reflects our relationship and how we approach everything in life. The song also captures our hiking experiences on fascinating trails, where we take things slowly, guiding one another and following each other’s footsteps. It’s about placing trust in your partner with every step along the way. Lyrics from start to finish: Chorus: Can you feel the connection? (reversed) Take it slow... Move a step in my direction, Can you feel the connection? Let it flow... As we climb in elevation, We don't need a destination. Can you feel the connection? (2x) Take it slow... Can you feel the connection?