AfterDark
Afterdark is a four part EP that tells one cohesive story exploring Identity and environment. Is environment the biggest factor in becoming who we are? Or is it that we naturally gravitate to certain traits because our identity beckons for it? Is Christianity an answer to the world around us, or is it a mask that we put on to subdue trauma? When locating home, do you find yourself before finding your destination? Is Jesus the answer?
Jon puts a microscope on his own upbringing and environment changes to give the listener his take on the questions being posed.
The second of four installments. AfterDark Vol. II Speaks on the pressures of leaving a comfortable environment, and the problems that arise when doing such.
-
Goonies I 3:000:00/3:00
-
Devils 3:050:00/3:05
-
Art Of War 3:400:00/3:40
-
Swan Song 3:380:00/3:38
-
0:00/4:15
-
Glory 3:000:00/3:00
LaRoo Afterdark
Creating the soundtrack to the life
My vision for AfterDark is a simple one. It’s to create an audio biography of Saeso’s life; My interpretation of (His)tory. -LaRoo
From top to bottom, AfterDark goes through a rollercoaster of emotions by giving different perspectives and philosophies of life.
A.o.W. (Art of War) is a piece concerning the issues of the Black Urban Experience through the eyes of Saeso. Being that the Black Experience is similar for Black people but isn’t monolithic, I tried to convey that by using different samples, instruments and drum patterns. Each layer was meticulously put together with the thought of highlighting different hues of red and yellow. This process was one of the longest from the album; 3 beat revisions, added samples, different sound designs. The journey this beat has taken me was an enlightening one; literally and metaphorically.
J.B.T. (Jon Bolds Theory) is a modern day take on a traditional ballad. The inspiration for this track came from the smooth era of music, The 70s. I wanted to replicate the film scoring orchestras of the 70s using digital sounds. The picture that comes to mind is a purple ocean with waves of yellow and orange. Purple is a perfect blend of passion and tranquil (Red and Blue) with a hidden hue of uncertainty, while the splashes of yellow and orange represent hope. My approach for this track was an odd one. I started with the harmonic rhythm of the bass and built up my chords using a Classical music technique called Figured Bass. I added guitar, strings and synths to provide the wave texture and color. This is definitely a track to cruise down the road with a sunset hovering over the horizon.