Strain – A Sonic Experiment with a Story to Tell
By Hardin Blake
Music, at its core, is an exploration—sometimes intentional, sometimes spontaneous. Strain was never meant to be a structured track; it started as an experiment, a creative detour that unexpectedly turned into something special.
The Sound of an Era, Reimagined
At its heart, Strain carries a strong ’70s-’80s synthetic vibe—a sound that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. There’s something about the warmth and depth of those decades that naturally pulls you in, and I found myself drawn to that energy while producing this track. But what truly makes Strain stand out isn’t just its retro influences—it’s the melodies.
Melodies That Speak Without Words
If I had to describe what makes Strain unique, I’d say it’s the melodies. They don’t just exist in the track; they tell a story. I wanted them to feel alive, like they’re speaking to the listener, leading them through an emotional journey without a single lyric. The synth tones, progressions, and atmosphere all work together to create a feeling—one that each listener can interpret in their own way.
The Guitar That Never Was
One of the most interesting parts of Strain is actually a result of limitation. I originally envisioned the main synth melody as a guitar riff—but there was one problem: I don’t play guitar. Being a piano guy, I had to get creative. Instead of forcing something outside my skill set, I asked myself: What if I made a synth sound like a guitar? That question led me down a rabbit hole of sound design, and the result is what you hear in Strain—a synthetic but expressive melody that captures the essence of what I originally imagined.
Final Thoughts
Strain is an example of how music evolves on its own. What started as an experiment became a fully realized track with character, nostalgia, and emotion. Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places, and this track is proof of that.
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