The theme songs from Ulysses 31 and Star Blazers form part of the inspiration for this new composition.  Both are anime’s from the late 70’s early 80’s.

When I reflect back on both Ulysses 31 and Star Blazers, they hold for me more than just great art or an interesting story.They remind me of a time when my childhood was a lot more stable, and each show had epic theme songs: {U-31} – {SB}.

The theological use of light in metaphor forms the second part. God’s word is presented in Psalms as a light bound up in promise and fulfilment; giving reason for hope, guidance, protection, freedom, deliverance and an equipping for life.

Psalm 18:28-30:

‘For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.This God-his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.’

Psalm 119:105:

‘Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I will hate every false way. Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’

John 1:4-5 (speaking in terms of Jesus Christ)

‘In Him was life, and the life was the light of men [humanity]. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’

For those who’ve ever really heard them or even just heard of them, these words bring comfort, conviction and counsel. Through trials, they’re reminders worth reaching out for. The title, ‘Running Lights’, seeks to embrace this. For example: the running lights fitted to a car for use during fog, a lighthouse, or the runway lights at an airport. They all point to a universal human consciousness that sees light as the representation of safe harbour, safe passage, rescue, or home. In sum, Running Lights is about hope and resistance.

Drawing from a melody I created earlier this week, I was able to bring the music together fairly quickly. I sequenced the drums over the raw keyboard melody, then created some rhythm guitar and a bass line. I wasn’t completely happy with the timing of the keys, so redid them. Adding another layer of keys timed at different intervals to create the robotic sound. This allowed me to generate the verse/chorus/verse/chorus pattern. I left out the bridge because I didn’t think the song needed one.

Once this was completed, I looked to the lead guitar. I was tempted not to run any lead, but after a few attempts was convinced that it gave more gusto to the melody. I spent more time working the lead, than any other part of the song (*I don’t quite yet have that perfectionism licked*).

My goal there was to push myself beyond what I’ve already been able to achieve;to learn from the mistakes and improve on what already exists. One of the biggest struggles for most of us, when it comes to being creative is not letting our attitude undermine our ability. Whether that is in regards to being humble with our talent,  feigning humility by putting ourselves down all the time, or listening to the put downs of others.

What I like is the structure. I’m also finding that the more I use Audacity, the more I am getting used to its idiosyncrasies. With that, each song seems to be improving on the production front. As for dislikes, currently I have none.

If you’re looking into checking out Star Blazers or Ulysses 31, be sure to check out the remake (here) and the excellent, 2010 live action feature film, Space Battleship Yamato.

(RL2016)