AKA:leo
NEW RELEASE
‘The Game’ was written as a concept EP; however, anyone can take away what they want from the tracks as they can be listened to as separate entities. The EP follows the story of a player who gets sucked into a video game. At first they are immersed, but they soon realise that the levels are endless and therefore pointless, so they try hacking and breaking out of the game.
The player explores the hacked space and experiences freedom outside of the restrictive system they were once trapped in. However, the system realises the player has broken out of the game and comes after the player to send them back. Everyone must play their part in the system and so the system wants to avoid any autonomy or freedom of individuals.
The EP has many video game-based references, but also plays on and explores themes of breaking out of systems that marginalise or oppress minority figures, as well as address how these capitalist systems are trying to stop autonomy, freedom and the rights of individuals. One political example behind the EP is the recent legalisation of the genocide of LGBTQIA+ individuals in US through the 'Don't Say Gay' bill and the other 400+ anti-LGBTQIA+ laws introduced in 2023.
This is for anyone who feels stuck in the system.
Restricted Access
This track is where the player gets “sucked” into the game. Before they know it, the mono 8-bit sounds expand into detailed stereo synths as they become immersed in their new world. However, the player begins to realise the game is endless and wants to escape.
They hack the system, and the piece begins to glitch, rearrange and fall apart. What emerges is a detailed field recording of forest birdsong representing the hacked space or freedom. This is significant contrast to the chiptune earlier in the track, which is representative of the restrictions the player feels as chiptune traditionally has timbral and musical limitations.
System Shutdown
TW: gun sounds and heavy breathing
The system realises the player is not only not playing by the rules but is not playing the game at all. The system despises the player’s autonomy and strive for freedom, so it hunts the player down.
I explored the use of typical video game tropes such as the use of a warning when time is running out and the tempo increasing shortly after to evoke a sense of urgency. The player ends up breaking the system down completely and the alarm sound deteriorates at last second.
Unity
Unity; a video game creation software and a state of togetherness. This track explores the aftermath, when the player works to create a new system that allows expression and freedom for all. Elements of chiptune merge with birdsong from the hacked space to create an expressive third space. This piece particularly evokes a sense of nostalgia for me.
