[WATB Phase 1]: Awesome Mix Vol. 1

Description

Music is a great way to spark inspiration. So many of us listen while we write, create, chat, compete. But how much have you really thought about what you listen to?

Create a playlist for this Fleet Action. The expectation is that it’s inspired by the story you’re writing in the FA – but it doesn’t have to be. While the obvious choice is to craft a playlist for a Mission or character’s arc, you can theme it more generally around the Borg, or the Intelligence Office fictions released already, or even the competitions.

This playlist can use songs or instrumental pieces – movie scores (Star Trek or otherwise!) or ballads – and be of any genre. It could be the soundtrack that plays in your head during action sequences or the songs that make you think of your characters. Playlists still tell some sort of emotional story with ebbs and flows, and should not just be a mash of completely disparate tracks.

Whatever you select, you must explain!

A good example of character playlists and their explanations can be found here (https://critrole.com/tag/character-playlists/), written by the players in the Critical Role D&D Live Stream for their characters. As you see, some track choices are very short – they just like the songs and think they’re a good vibe! – while others are deeper and more reflective.

Criteria

  • Submissions must include a link to your playlist and an explanation of your track choice in the competition text box.
  • Playlists must be 5 to 8 tracks in length. They must be created on Spotify, YouTube, or any free-to-access, no login-required music platform.
  • The track explanation is a reflective piece of writing. It should explain each track, why it was chosen, and what it is trying to convey (to you, about your story, or about your character).
  • Submissions will be judged on the explanation, not the music itself. Any choice is appropriate if justified. Submissions will be judged on your playlist's (as-explained) Originality, Suitability, Narrative Cohesion, and the Clarity of your Explanation. There is no minimum or maximum word count, but too short and unclear or too long and rambling may suffer in 'Clarity.'

Winners

Submissions

User ID Content Date Entry
Callen Varro 2063

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3D8BUBk5LAJ8vRLDBXjjut?si=4a5dbea0dc634690

While I still have to write the forthcoming four parts, this playlist skillfully intertwines the chapters of my narrative to be. Every carefully selected musical piece not only carries a palpable sense of anticipation but also adeptly evokes the visceral experience of navigating the indistinct boundaries between being the hunter and the hunted.

Hunted – Steve Jablonsky

What a perfect start to this playlist than with the track titled 'Hunted.' The anticipation is palpable right from the beginning. Around the one-minute mark, the piano takes center stage, providing a comforting sense of home that gradually intensifies. As the song progresses past the three-minute mark, a shift occurs, taking on a more serious tone. The once-safe feeling subtly transforms into a sense of unease, intensifying alongside the vocals. By the 4:30-minute mark and beyond, it becomes evident that you're sprinting faster and faster, acutely aware that you are the one being pursued.

Mass Effect 2: Suicide Mission – Jack Wall

The mood conveyed by this song is one of discomfort, almost cringe-worthy. The recurring melody ingrains itself in your mind, and as the music escalates from 1:00 onward, a sense of impending unease creeps over you. The tone grows progressively more solemn until 1:30, hinting at a duty that becomes increasingly apparent, akin to the camaraderie of a crew. By 2:10, a solitary feeling sets in, accompanied by a resurgence of discomfort. However, hope makes a triumphant return and amplifies with the introduction of a compelling violin composition. The composition reaches a crescendo at 2:50, reminiscent of a starship embarking on its mission. This subsides briefly before re-surging at 3:45 like never before—a united crew poised to confront the Borg, with an eerie sensation lingering at the nape of their necks.

You’re Not God - Anna Calvi

This song skillfully captures the sensation of losing one's sanity. The forceful beats and vocals within the initial minute create a harmonious blend, evoking a sense of going mad and the tranquility preceding a storm. This fusion then fades into high hats, eventually dissipating entirely, only to restart and vanish again—reminiscent of the ominous presence feared by the majority of the crew when confronting the Borg Collective. It's there, and then it's not.
Subsequently, abrupt tranquility ensues, marked by breaths starting at 1:45 and subtle taps resembling a heartbeat, instilling the impression of fleeing and hiding from the formidable adversary. However, uncertainty looms— are they truly there? At 2:15, a shift occurs, intensifying almost as if you become part of the collective itself. The song leaves you pondering: are you the one being hunted, or are you the hunter?

De Vlucht door het Duister - Efteling

In my honest opinion, this captivating composition could seamlessly double as the cinematic score for a classic Trek movie. Its initial notes shroud the listener in an air of mystery, a prelude to the unfolding narrative. Swiftly, the melody transforms into a heroic anthem, skillfully interwoven with the essence of a starship boldly exploring the vast expanse of the final frontier. The musical arrangement captures not only the grandeur but also the nuanced emotions of interstellar exploration, making it a fitting soundtrack for the adventurous journey ahead.

One-Winged Angel - Nobuo Uematsu

The arrival of the Borg Collective is announced by this song, evoking the eerie atmosphere reminiscent of a Borg Sphere engaging in a tense game of Cat and Mouse with a Starfleet vessel amidst a nebula. The introduction of vocals at 1:20 adds an extra layer of urgency to the composition, intensifying the sense of suspense. Questions of location and the impending victor loom large until the music undergoes a shift at the 2:30 mark. From this point onward, a palpable confrontation unfolds, creating a sonic landscape that mirrors the intensity of the struggle. By the 3:30 mark, another transformation occurs, thrusting us into a scenario where we find ourselves once again on the run from the relentless pursuit of the Borg Collective.

Fallout 3: Theme - Inon Zur

"War... War never changes..." These iconic words uttered in the same franchise as this song, encapsulate the essence of the track. The composition adeptly captures the aftermath of battle, blending a subtle sense of lingering uncertainty as the crew remains in potential danger, with a prevailing feeling of purpose and newfound hope. Despite the losses suffered, the prevailing sentiment is one of determination—confident that ultimate victory will be achieved.

 2023-11-11 21:47:15
Fabien Oteng 2425

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0rZRn6WfUl1UTninqewb1m4_m6Qnjh5H

Explanation of Songs:

1. Enterprise Clears Moorings, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Official Movie Soundtrack" - James Horner

Like every good Star Trek episode, this playlist starts with an introduction piece. Just as the original showed the Enterprise leaving spacedock, I can imagine the USS Los Angeles being shown from different angles as this piece from James Horner plays, much like the opening sequence of Star Trek: Voyager or Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

It evokes the courage and dedication of Starfleet officers whose job is not necessarily to explore but to ensure that the security of the Federation is maintained, regardless of cost. In other words, the music brings to the surface ideas of heroism, duty, and a steadfast commitment to the mission of Starfleet and the Federation as a whole.

2. Virginia, "Remember the Titans Official Movie Soundtrack" - Trevor Rabin

Our story begins on a field, as the Captain of the Los Angeles is unable to sleep and so decides to go for a run. The rhythmic beats of the drums that underscores the melody bring out the leadership qualities of Captain Fabien Oteng. He very much is in command, and though the melody may seem 'melancholic' in places, there is no doubt that he is still in command. Even though something is on his mind, he still is a strong and gifted leader.

3. The Field, "Remember the Titans: Original Motion Picture Score" - Trevor Rabin

From a piece that evokes leadership we transition to a piece that builds tension and focuses more on the emotions that appear as Captain Oteng finds out that he has a meeting with Command about an unknown mission. The use of violins with the militaristic beat brought by the snare drums in the background build tension and accentuate the fact that something serious is going on. Though tension is building, the melody evinces hope to the listener. The ending is a bit abrupt, leaving the listener unresolved...much like Captain Oteng.

4. What An Eiffel!, "Tomorrowland (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" - Michael Giacchino

Starbase 86...from the whimsical shuttle ride with a Petty Officer to the wonder of seeing a massive Aurora-class Space Station with ships moving in all directions and then being in one of the cavernous hangar spaces occupied by various Federation starships. The ending underscores the seriousness of the situation, without allowing it to overpower the rest of the piece.

5. Docking, "Apollo 13 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" - James Horner

The music played during the meeting with the Federation President's liaison. For the first time, we get a quiet, haunting sense of the scene that maintains evenness and deep concern from Sector 001 all the way to the Federation border. It is a calming piece, contrasting with the energy of the previous piece, and conveying to the listener just how dire the situation is for all involved.

6. Honor, "The Pacific: Music from the HBO Series" - Hans Zimmer

"The Pacific" tells the story of a platoon of US Marines who serve in the Pacific theater during WWII These men fought one of the hardest and bloodiest campaigns in human history; sacrificing more than we can ever understand. This piece is the theme song to this series, evoking musically the feelings of duty and a desire to secure the blessings of liberty for those who were still at home. The series is powerful, and extremely well done.

For Starfleet, protecting against the Borg is a matter of existential survival. The Borg have been trying for decades to assimilate Earth, to eliminate all that it means to be human. Many Starfleet officers and personnel have died trying to ensure that doesn't happen. Many others have been condemned to live out their lives as drones, without their families, serving involuntarily the Collective that captured them. Those who gave their lives should be remembered, and that is exactly what this piece does. It reminds the listener of the duty and honor of Starfleet and its people: to protect and secure Earth, so that it might continue to be paradise.

7. Call to Muster and Battle Cry of Freedom, "Lincoln (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" - John Williams and the Chicago Symphony Chorus

The drum and fifes at the beginning are reminiscent of the way the Union and Confederate armies used music: communication. 'The Call to Muster' was intended to be the call for soldiers to assemble and prepare to march out or to maneuver into combat. 'The Battle Cry of Freedom' was a popular Union song during the time of the American Civil War. It was a song that was intended to remind listeners of the real purpose of going to war and what they were fighting for. Additionally, it was meant to convey to all who understood on how just the cause of the Union was, and that though going to war meant casualties, that their sacrifice would not be in vain or for a lost cause.

Though the focus of this song is primarily the Union side in the American Civil War, it's a good transposition to remind Starfleet listeners as to their own duty, and the righteousness of the cause that they are engaged in. Even though there are casualties, this song reminds listeners that the cause is just and the sacrifices that have to be made are not in vain. It is a good follow-up to the previous song in that both honor Starfleet and its cause in their own way.

This is a song that Captain Oteng might listen to on his own to prepare himself for the battle to come.

8. Pins of a Feather, ""Tomorrowland (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" - Michael Giacchino

This is a song that may play during the combat that is to come. Ultimately, the USS Los Angeles will emerge victorious against the Pakleds, and that will give everyone hope that this threat can be defeated. Ultimately, the message of this last song is hope: though everything may seem bleak, there is always hope.

2023-11-11 08:39:43
Edwin Wagner 2468

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4qH_i76hvq2hHL6CKUG0xuU8V9YaS08G

Delta Dawn by Tanya Tucker
This song is multilayered - it is the title of the first mission but also has meaning for our Captain Wren Walton. - the faded rose of days gone by is the Borg, the suitcase she walks down the road with reflects her previous experience as a “fixer” for Starfleet, while the “dark-haired man” is the still developing feelings between her and Peter Crawford. It also feels like a song playing over the first three paragraphs of that first story - a musical intro that lays the tracks for what’s coming next.

The Last Goodbye by ODESZA feat. Bettye LaVette
This is Cardamon’s story in chapter 2 - where he has to say “Last Goodbye,” while he seems ready to move on, he still has a connection to the Delta Quadrant. The lyrics “Let me down easy, for your love for me is gone…since you feel this is forever long, I know it’s all over but the last goodbye…” are especially connected here as Cardamon has no love for Markonian and his old stall - he’s ready to leave and never return. The lyrics early in the song ask Cardamon if he can still be friends with this world, which he answers by aligning fully with the Mackenzie. It’s also a pretty fun bop as well.

She’s a Mystery to Me by Roy Orbison\
This song was my choice for chapter 3 - and the opening lines about, ”...darkness falls…take me to some twilight land…where I can’t find my way…daylight comes our heaven turns to hell…” is very appropriate for the Mackenzie’s return to the Delta Quadrant. It also speaks to the ongoing mission of where they’re chasing the mystery of the Borg Sphere.

Danger Zone - Kenny Loggins
This song was my selection for chapter 5, and it speaks to the unknown danger as they walk through the ship - a metaphorical highway to the danger. It’s also the element they have to do this - they don’t have a choice - their mission is to be “...further on the edge, the hotter the intensity…” They have to take it to the red line overload, and this entire mission will push them to understand what they can do by taking it as high (or to the limit) as they do in this story and beyond.

Needle in a Haystack by The Velvelettes
I like this song for a few reasons - the biting sarcasm of using what they describe as finding a “good man” as alluding to The Borg and the clues they need to locate to save who they can in the Delta Quadrant.
“So don't you ever let 'em get you starry-eyed
Well, you may think their love is true
But they'll walk right over you. “
It is just a fun little song with some exciting meaning, but it could also play as a montage over the autopsy and investigation scenes.

Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
Chapter 8 brings Cardamon back home with his people, the Voth. Initially, Cardamon thinks that he will at least be warmly welcomed home. I think he might have scanned the Earth music archive for songs about home and listened to this tone - possibly an explanation for why it was so jarring for him to be condemned to a trial and death. As we discover in later chapters (still unpublished), he returns home once more, and this song has even more meaning as he realizes his connection to his people and planet will never truly end.

Rescue Me by Fontalla Bass
They are sent to rescue the Nama people, and it just felt like this was the right song for that moment as the realization of the threat that’s over them and how they (if a SNW like Musical Scene occurred) would be a featured song in the Mackenzie show.

Star Trek Wrath of Khan Soundtrack - Battle in the Mutura Nebula - James Horner
I don’t think any soundtrack would do the events of chapter 10 any justice except for the originator of the nebula battle - WOK. The swelling moments of victory, the haunting echoes of fear, the stabs of fire, and the uneasy chase this track evokes are just pitch-perfect.

 2023-11-11 05:19:24
Reva Sarrik 2185

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdTcQqmq-GnVbs10FKeFdZ0RG9SqrSO9M&feature=shared

These videos are chosen not just for the music but also the visual content itself, which tend to do with things I love watching but are also deeply familiar. That, too, prompts inspiration in my writing. When I listen to playlists while writing I tend to jump around, seeking out tracks to suit the mood I'm looking for. I may watch the video while marinating on what I'm writing, or may listen to a particular track on loop to effect a trance state very conducive to what I'm writing.

This was originally 20 tracks! I had such a time narrowing it down to just eight tracks. Passed over tracks included the opening to Gensomaden Saiyuki, Mercedes Lackey’s Battle Dawn, an instrumental version of Massive Attack’s Teardrop (opening to House, MD), the opening track to the Stargate movie, and the openings to both Dark, and Millennium.

Terminator Salvation (Full Tilt Saga: Conviction)- in this context, the music is hopeful, but the visuals with Marcus here convey the existential dread of being turned into a machine against one's will.

Ultimate Marcus Wright (The Terminator theme)- this music helps focus dynamic action and danger. Marcus’ visuals help shape Urzas.

Sephiroth One Winged Angel- only some of the best boss battle music ever. Perfect for anything fraught with excessive danger. And it's Sephiroth! Best adversary ever. Just sayin’

Final Fantasy X End of All Hope- the title kinda says it all if considering the Borg. Combine it with the impersonal destruction nature of Sin in the visuals.

Final Fantasy Lux Aeterna- the Requiem for a Tower version of Lux Aeterna is one of my absolute favourite pieces. It is one of the trance trigger pieces and one I can loop on repeat for hours.

E Nomine Das Bose- I know very little German, but I love E Nomine nonetheless. This piece is a trance trigger, and it just has a Borg feel to it for the most part.

Hel: Goddess of the Underworld- a trance piece that helps in considering impersonal destruction, and also with acceptance of death as inevitable.

Raven Dance- a trance piece that I primarily associate with Brother Loki and my Rokkatru practise. Here I use it to shape Urzas and the unusual link/ relationship he has with Reva.

 2023-11-10 19:32:32
Khim Samnang 2222

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvM1jn8AsLHyeye5GRxH_QynHmA9s1wCB
Description: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JJkhuNAaRmvezDfwtGTFbTyicZpezHGZ7BNm3siQf34/edit?usp=sharing

 2023-11-10 18:59:23
Alexandra Sudari-Kravchik 2121

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0sTdRFbrmzYoh8vWFwl3Eb?si=d8c8b83830a64d30

Simple enough selection of songs for me when it came to writing anything with the Borg. First Contact theme because hey, classic piece of Trek orchestral music. The rest, spread across the sounds from the game Destiny, Star Trek Prodigy, Alien and the game Control are all 'creepy music' tracks that for me invoke the aesthetic of the Borg - unsettling, but planned, off putting, but with a purpose. They've all sorted of helped in the last week or so get in the right mindset for writing the Borg.

And no, no Yakkity Saxs. Not until the comdey dream sequence of chasing and being chased by a drone through a series of doors.

 2023-11-09 10:53:02
Varen Wyll 2419

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3FSt0MjVWB1EZXeaPxJEEY?si=b7b8ca64161d4a1c

The intention behind this playlist is to act as a preface to the mission being undertaken by Daedalus. A core component of the mission is the discovery of Unimatrix Zero (herein referred to as Ux0), survivors who has escaped the Borg following the neurolytic pathogen seen at the end of Voyager. This playlist reflects the key aspects of the survivors from their release as a result of the death of Janeway’s Borg Queen to their discovery in the Talvath Cluster. Through the playlist I hope to create the experience of the community as they struggle with their newly re-established individuality and freedom from the hive.

1- Everything in its Right Place – Radiohead
This track represents the ‘idyllic’ status of the Borg in 2377 prior to the delivery of the neurolytic pathogen and the steps into the perceived ‘collapse’ of the hive mind. The track’s use of vocoder voice samples and electronic synth tones combined with consistent use of phasing effects and flanged chorus voices forces organic components together with specific technological effects; a musical summary of the Borg’s essence. The track creates an ethereal feel through the juxtaposition of expansive legato synth motifs against sharp post-processing effects and tone generators to create a comfortable rolling feel with moments of discordance. The layering of a single male voice, operating in an abnormally high register, whilst repeating the lyrical motif of ‘Everything in its right place’ gives the sense of an overarching voice and for me reflects the role of the queen. As the track reaches its end and the voice becomes more frantic and inconsistent, the Borg begin to fail.

2- God’s Great Dust Storm – Katzenjammer
As the newly freed members of Ux0 begin to find themselves as lonely survivors of the pathogen’s destruction of the Borg infrastructure, they begin to travel out into the void of deep space. Alone in many cases the survivors search for their ‘siblings’. Katzenjammer create a natural chorus through the use of the band’s 4 singers performing tight harmonies over a percussive, stripped back rhythm. The track evokes the feeling of a mourning voice as it travels through the dangerous lands in search of fellows and safety. Within the lyrics there is a sense of a willing and deservéd struggle, the voices call for a hand to raise their heads and clean their sins; a reflection of the Ux0 survivors seeking forgiveness from their previous lives. For me it conjures the image of figures travelling through the dust bowls of the American Midwest during the early 1920s, a quasi-religious exodus to a promised redemption, similar to the Ux0 survivors who are attempting to claim a new life whilst reconciling their actions as Borg drones.

3- 250,000 Miles – Patty Griffin
As part of their newfound freedom the Ux0 begin to seek both each other and themselves within newly re-acquired memories. As the survivors begin to assemble into a singular community they find themselves reflecting on their lost lives, both prior to the collective and in their brief reprieve from the hive mind in the original Unimatrix Zero. The lyrics within this song are the important element for this playlist, with a strong pagan/religious overtone they speak of memories of a life forsaken and a distant and unreachable homeland. In the opening verse the line, “Far from where our families bones are buried” defines the reason for this songs addition to this narrative, for these beings cannot return to a place of safety and can only hold these sanctuaries as memories. The strong matriarchal voice over the traditional driving folk rhythms combined with the delicate guitar melodies gives a sense of an oral tradition and the quasi-ritualistic tone conjure the image of a travelling group around a campfire, regaling one another with tales of home.

4- I Believe – Rise Cast
This song is taken from the NBC TV programme Rise, which is based on the Broadway Musical Spring Awakening, which is in turn based on the 1890s play by Wedekind of the same name. This tightly harmonic canon choral piece reflects a core theme explored throughout Spring Awakening and one reflected in the journey of the Ux0’s. The play’s plot uses the sexual maturation of a group of teenagers in late 19th century Germany to discuss aspects of growing into individuality, the lessons we require from our parents and each other whilst exploring the intrinsic dichotomy of our desires against our responsibilities. As with 250,000 miles the lyrics of this piece hold a religious tone, reflecting the spiritual exploration of the group as they begin to move forward into the galaxy; taking with them an understanding of their past actions and history whilst seeking a better future. Though the lyrics have a strong judeo-christian tone they reflect an innate desire for forgiveness which builds through the round texture of the composition to a glorious hymn to the universe at large.

5- Run to You – Pentatonix
This acapella piece has a strong gospel element and reflects a communion between the speaker and their spiritual aims, breaking free of their limitations to meet their loved one. For me, this piece underscores a moment of serenity amongst the new community as they float through the cosmos. The swelling legato harmonies accentuate a communal voice that seeks to break free of its physical limitations, growing into an expansive declaration about seeking a better future. The simple nature of the piece gives focus to the lyrics that reflect a duality of self in regards to this storyline, a moment of quiet reflection within the narrative. As the community and the vessel itself begin to suffer on their journey towards the utopian promise of the Federation they begin to look inward to sustain themselves.

6- Babe – Emeli Sandé
The core drive for the Ux0’s is to create a new community, whether real or virtual. Following the general reconciliation of their pasts is the creation of personal relationships and the blessings of shared joy. Sandé’s uplifting song is a simple contrapuntal rhythm picked on the guitar alongside a vocal staccato set against a marching snare drum, creating a swinging, joyful gospel rhythm. This track has a driving pace, with an unrelenting forward momentum reflecting the sphere travelling through the cosmos as its inhabitants begin to wrestle with the idiosyncrasies of private and public relationships. This track conjures the image of two young Xbs, sneaking away to corners of the vessel simply to enjoy each others company, leaving the daily difficulties of the nascent community behind. The lyrics speak of a forgiving and uplifting love that is pure and simple in its desire to simply exist.

7- Welcome Home, Son – Radical Face
Most famously used as part of a Nikon advert this song has a joyous tone to it, a welcoming and warm song with a folk feel. The giddy feel of the piano ostinato with the percussive clapping rhythm evoke a sense of travel and pace as the Ux0 community races towards Federation space and the promise of acceptance they remember represented by Seven/Annika & Janeway. With almost 3 decades having passed since the initial loss of Unimatrix zero the community is now finding its original members begin to depart them, we find the small group uplifting their fellows to the universe. The lyrics of this song evoke a welcoming return to safety, to the comfort of a warm fire and the scent of home cooked meal. As we begin the story with Daedalus we find a community who seeks to handover the stories they’ve collected rather than the bodies they’re leaving behind.

2023-11-08 23:29:55
Nathan Hawthorne 2199

Music Here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqywUwtXH69NIL-uPa_iOIwWHY_IYZQTv&si=s6re84AEe_f9_hsx

Star Trek Main Theme: from the reboot movie, it’s quite exciting and cinematic. While it references the TV show it’s not beholden to it and its swelling strings and horns work quite nicely to build an opening to more darker fare later on.

Angel: The Massive Attack song has a driving beat that is claustrophobic and intense. While it’s probably a bit cliche to do a chase story with this track it’s almost impossible not to include it. Ultimately the crew is being self-sacrificing by taking on something dangerous to draw the Borg away from inhabited planets, and with no hope of winning any confrontation.

Levitating: a space themed song or at least a flight one. The song and its lyrics is about the hidden potential of letting go and embracing the chaos of what lies ahead with no real plan.

Nautical Disaster: There are ties to old sailing vessels on the USS Seattle. The Captain imagines himself sailing the sea aboard an old British vessel. The tale of a nautical disaster fits with this theme, and hints that this task may still lead to disaster.

We’re In This Together: The crew are in this together, and now shut off from Starfleet as they travel beyond what any other Federation ship have gone before. It’s as literal as that.

Cemetery of the Dead: Borg mood music to suggest the lurking threat beyond and out of sight, but the one which everyone understands is coming for them.

Anti-Hero: The second half of the list is about questioning yourself, and finding where your own faults lay. The crew is under stress and starting to fissure, and nobody is sure if they’re up to the task that they’ve taken on even when they have a solid plan.

Ghosts IV: Mood music for the long dark coffee of the soul.

Golden Slumbers: We all die in the end. This life is just what we make of it between being born and passing into nothingness. This is something that a young inexperienced crew is still wrestling with.

Ahead By A Century: The story is about, in part, unintended consequences and events beyond anyone’s control. You can feel like you understand someone perfectly but realize that you’re talking from two different eons, and addressing two very separate problems and never quite making the connection.

2023-11-07 19:52:37
James Neidlinger 1

PLAYLIST...

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjLL9g_PZ9CV6_VGpmEO9fRxjJKNrEkq7

EXPLANATION...

#1: I Prevail - Scars

"Excuse, excuses, all that I can hear… I can't escape all these thoughts in my mind…" After what Polaris Squadron has been through, from the war crimes on Nasera to killing their own during Frontier Day, they come into the events of Children of the Borg needing to be reminded not to "fall too far from who you are". Will they prevail or will their scars be too much?

#2: Jeris Johnson - When the Darkness Comes

Now the creepy vibes begin to set in. "Can't you see the world is changing? Disintegrating?" The Borg are on the move again, and "there's nowhere you can run, if the midnight strikes." Now, Polaris Squadron is creeping through the graveyard of Wolf 359, knowing there's a Borg signal somewhere meant to attract the Borg, and in the back of their head, there's also the reminder that with nothing but a similar signal over Jupiter, the Borg converted them into their own enemy: "When the darkness comes, will you come undone? Think you know someone until the darkness comes…"

#3: Pop Evil - Paranoid

"The voice in my head is a threat" screams the chorus, and in a very real sense, the voices the people of Beta Serpentis III are hearing are exactly that. "Will you pull me out of the dark?" asks the song, and that is the question that awaits Polaris Squadron. Will they find a way to quell the voices, or will they too fall? This song also doubles up in meaning, also well connected to the personal struggles that Lieutenant Cruz is going through as one of officers assimilated during Frontier Day and that Lieutenant Morgan is going through with the descent into PTSD.

#4: Silent Planet - Offworlder

The creeping industrial electronic vibes of this song mirror the movements of Commander Lee and Dr. Brooks as they advance through Salvage Facility 21-J, and just like the song, their journey is a mix of creeping and combat with suspenseful moments and high tension moments.

#5: REVNOIR - In Limbo

This song plays in the background as Commander Lee and Dr. Brooks the horrors of Salvage Facility 21-J reveal themselves. In the second half of the song, as it downtempos again, the song goes "I found salvation in a lucid dream", very much what the colonists of Beta Serpentis III believe. But, as we are reminded by the ending lyrics, the colonists were "born, with pieces of me I can't trust", and so here they are, in limbo. Will Polaris Squadron pull them back, or will they fall?

NOTE: There would be a second half of this soundtrack for the back half of the mission, but to avoid spoilers, that would follow at a later date if there were a Mix Vol. 2 or Vol. 3 coming in the future...

 2023-11-05 16:48:40
Azras Dex 10

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/160UORqwZ6UToe08cmqaxt?si=c63ea2db0b844117

1. Wake Me Up: When I listen to this song I can think of both Captain Tilana and Lieutenant Commander Ritru and there journey through their Starfleet career. With them both being Romulans they often feel as if they are lost and out of place at times. This song speaks for them finding themselves beyond their species.

2. Hey Brother: I think this can go for anyone of my characters, as I think it fits the crew of the Triumph as a whole as they are family in a way and they are discovering their journey together. They will have their challenges but will come out of it together.

3. Addicted to You: This song kind of makes me think of the Borg, if you sit there and really listen to the words. I think of being assimilated by the Borg as being addicted as there is no way to get out of it without intervention. Could speak about what it could be like upon being assimilated.

4. Himmelsrand: This doesn't particularly speak about any of the characters but as the whole story as a whole. They are heading into a situation that can go many different ways. To me it's like the opening suspense, giving the listener/reader an on the edge of their chair moment.

5: Hoist up the Thing: Again doesn't particularly speak about any of the characters. I just found this a bit funny and thought it was something that could break the suspense and tensions before going into a potential risky situation.

6. Until the Day We Die: Speaks about the command staff of the Triumph (Tilana and Aleish Trol) as they would give anything to protect there fellow crewmates. As the command team they would put their lives on the line for others under there command.

 2023-11-03 20:24:22
Iskander al-Kwaritzmi 569

https://www.youtube.com/watch_videos?video_ids=F0ik5CqvOwY,L0bcRCCg01I,FavUpD_IjVY,HNZ4yW8gLOc,g8wrFVJoeGc,TFWqgI1e44A

Here's a playlist for an encounter for the Borg. It's not particularly tailored for the the mission I have planned (there's not going to be any direct confrontation with the Borg, certainly not any snapping of the Queen's spinal cord) but it captures the mood of an encounter - the tense meeting, the suspenseful fight, the sweet-and-sour conclusion.

Cristobal Tapia de Veer - Supernatural Cue
A supremely atmospheric piece by an incredibly talented score composer. It communicates a sort of ethereal, vague danger - like feeling the whispers of the incoming Borg into your mind, of seeing a ruined, crashed Borg cube on the surface of a planet, of seeing a Borg transwarp signature emerging not far from where you are. Its use of metallic, industrial sounds connects to the mechanical nature of the Borg.

Gustav Holst - the Planets - Mercury, the Bringer of War
A piece of classical with enormous forward momentum, especially known for its suspenseful beginning. I particularly like the presence of those dissonant horn chords (the sightings of the Borg) counterposed to a major theme (a Starfleet crew working together). It ends on a tragic, inconclusive chord: it's the beginning of the showdown. The enemy has neared.
It is not a surprise that much music in Star Trek (especially Klingon and Borg themes) derive from this piece of music.

Cyriak - Cows, cows, cows
A piece of music that I'd describe as electronic (like the Borg), obsessive (like the Borg) and repetitive (like the Borg). The visuals tell the story of endless cows that - despite not having been assimilated - live in perfect repetition of each other, indistinguishable, uniformous -- the one and the many.
With this piece, the Collective is at work. Don't know what they are doing - but they ARE doing it, and for now they are indifferent to the crew.

Cristobal Tapia de Veer - Bart's theme
Have I already praised Cristobal Tapia? An excellent atmospheric piece, with a synthetic obstinato that suggests the incessant struggle against the mechanical foe, and sound effects that suggest things great movements. If you're hearing this, you are in danger: maybe not facing the Borg Queen, but... those drones are plenty dangerous on their own.
(Sorry that the music piece is so long - the only version on Youtube is the "Extended" version that repeats twenty times. Good for writing though.)

Don Davis - Neodaemmerung
One could write a PhD thesis about the music in the Matrix trilogy - and someone has. An incessant piece of music, colored with horns to represent our protagonists' struggle, set against a thunderous use of percussion and vocals (the Borg collective's collective minds) . This is the final fight, with moments of respite and desperation and uncertainty and hope. It doesn't end on a decisive, happy note - one does not defeat the Collective.

Murray Gold - Songs of Captivity and Freedom
The fight is finished - you have escaped, or freed your allies, or broken the Queen's spinal chord, or you feel now the warm song of the Collective in your mind, in all its perfection. Are you ok? Has anyone died? Have you blown lost a ship? What's the mood? Captivity or Freedom? A melancholic happiness or a sorrowful peace? Well, for both, there's this song - slow, meditative, with a warm single singing voice.

 2023-11-03 15:52:52
Theo Barrington 2080

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeTb1zW3OD-bMDBJAZMTL3XBj6fo-k_1D&si=9GhFuTabXonlepee

1 - The Doors - Light my fire
This definitely brings to mind RJ’s ethos in life. He rolls through life, on the surface only interested in the pleasures of life, yet has somehow managed to become a Starfleet Captain.

2 - Madness - Welcome to the house of Fun
I just love the dichotomy of this one when set to a tense scene. Walking through a group of Borg drones, or into combat, this is what’s going through RJ’s head (I never said he was sane, now did I?)

3 - Stuck in the middle with you - Stealers Wheel
This is indicative of Thane’s feeling about being lumbered with RJ, who appears to be the consummate playboy, but who totally downplays any heroism or the fact that he could actually care about his crew or anything.

4 - Short Change Hero - The Heavy.
RJ doesn’t see himself as a hero. In fact he goes out of his way to sabotage himself, but this is how others see him. Particularly his sister (although she’d never admit it to him).

5 - Bad Moon Rising - Morning Ritual
This darker version showcases the side of RJ he doesn’t let people see often. This is the soundtrack to when he’s alone, either in his quarters or a bar and he’s facing himself in the mirror.

2023-10-31 11:19:36
Keith Anderson 1849

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1KzMSwzqKzXHsoC83V9W5L?si=ba54001b0aad4ba3

1 - The Walking Dead Theme - Bear McCreary
For me, in a lot of ways, the Borg are Trek's zombies. This song has such a great combination of urgency, but it still feels plodding at the same times. The flittering violence remind me of ants, and all of that together gives me that Borg drones plodding through the corridors on a Federation ship.

2. - Starbuck Takes on All Eight - Bear McCreary
I love this song for fights and battles, especially when you're dealing with something like the Borg. There's the pleading vocals, the low lulls, and the high paced, heavy rhythm sections. It has the ebb and flow of a space battle in it and I love it.

3. - Violence and Variations - Bear McCreary (there's a theme here lol)
This sound hovers in such an interesting space between peace and panic. This song plays into the tension of the waiting. What's going to happen? Are we going to get caught? Will they attack? Won't they? It provides an amazing auditory bed to write those "in between" scenes with and it's a regular on play lists for me.

4. - No Thoughts No Words - Bear McCreary (I told you there's a theme lol)
There's that underlying noise all through the song that sounds like some sort of industrial sander on metal. It immediately makes me think of the Borg when I hear it. There's also a tension to the music, and a sadness that - to me - plays well against the humanity of the Borg that's been lost.

5. - Searching... - Clint Mansell
The Doom soundtrack is underrated, but most of it really only works for Doom. Searching... however, is not one of those songs. There's so many moments in this song that feel like the tension of exploring a Borg cube to me (operational or not) theres always that fear and tension. I love this tone for capturing that.

6. - Clubbed to Death - Rob Dougan
This one... is just cool and I love to write to it! The first time I heard this one in the Matrix I was hooked and it's one of my favorite tracks to write to.

7. - Openings - Max Richter
This was a song that I actually came across while I was making this play list, and I immediately fell in love. There's that heavy plodding vibe that I love for the Borg, and the high tremollo strings really push the tension in the tune. I think it's great for this FA and for story telling in general!

 2023-10-28 07:27:27
Sazra Kobahl 2545

Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1DS5BchWhkunrJqKACsl5f?si=0d09bb294b5745b5&nd=1
Name: Borg - Infection Inspiration
Songs
- Isolation: Is good for build up mystery and a good vibe to write on. I use this kind of song for character development post or key scenes that are not filled with potential action.
- Alien Mechanics: A good song for tense moments within the story, dealing with the Borg means that is entering a dangerous situation and this song will provide that ambient that is needed. The tension, the electric vibe to immerse you into thought situations for the Tokyo crew.
- Dark Times: A song that is mainly meant for key scenes with low action but still that dark mystery vibe when preparing for the Borg encounter. The serious tone of dealing with the Borg and this short burst of build-ups can give me the inspiration for potential exciting or scare moments.
- Neo Tokyo: One of the main to-go songs for relax vibing writing, be it at the ship or starbase. It feels to me like a rhyme song to write stories on, but it function to me also for high tense moments that something is going to happen.
- Pass Through Fire: The classic Critical Role song from their animation. A chill and relax song that gives such wonderful inspiration when writing in character post, interaction with other people or maybe even sad moments within the story.
- Apocalypse at the Disco: The mystery build up song that triggers you to make the scene a little vague or be used for Sherlock Holmes moments where the crew finds out on certain items that are key in the mission.

2023-10-27 11:48:36

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