Overload: Collab w/ Echoroom

racerat

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Description

This is a collab between me, Racerat, aka Philip VanDusen and the MacJams vocal powerhouse, Echoroom, aka Steve Craig. Steve resurrected this piece from the dustbin of unfinished sketches on my hard drive and gave it new life. Steve wrote the lyrics and sang them, I played the instruments, mixed and mastered it. The drums and tamborine are loops, but everything else is played (though I may have looped some things after I played them).

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Lyrics

Overload
Music © 2007 Philip VanDusen
Lyrics © 2007 Steve Craig

Like a wall flower in a crowded room
You're standing in these strangers shoes
When every breath feels like a curse
Collapsing private universe.

I'll tip the balance high
I'll keep you in my sight
When you Overload
I'll shoot the spotlight out
Won't serenade the doubt
When you Overload.

One day you'll feel the wave break, and
Drown this sullen times.
One day you'll drop the dead weight
Of history and lies.

I'll tip the balance high
I'll keep you in my sight
When you Overload
I'll shoot the spotlight out
Won't serenade the doubt
When you Overload.

One day you'll feel the fear break
Behind your panicked eyes.
Make your peace in this place where
There is no right
There is no why.

Song Stats

Hits: 1634
Comments: 65
Fans: 31
Plays: 158
Downloads: 98
Votes: 14
Uploaded: Nov 25, 2007 - 11:20:20 PM
Last Updated: Nov 25, 2007 - 11:20:20 PM Last Played: Sep 29, 2009 - 01:55:17 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

overload (3), wall flower (1), stranger (6), balance (2), spotlight (1), curse (3), universe (17), serenade (3), wave (17), panic (4), peace (126)

Comments

Vic Holman	Vic Holman said 714 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	what an overload powerful tune. Practically blinded me. Good to see and hear you two high in the saddle again. Must of been a passion of love to mix this. Just flat out a stunning piece Steve's vocals powerhouse indeed. And Philip you really rocked the house on everything you played. Check out my latest song called One Step Over The Line

racerat

racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)

back in the saddle
Hey Vic,
Yeah it always great to work with the master vocal blaster Mr. Steve. The mix did take a bit of patience and time. I guess that's why it was in the dust bin for so long. The great surrealist (he would say realist) painter Rousseau once said: "If yo don't know what is wrong with a painting face it to the wall and don't look at it for 2 weeks, then look at it. If you don't know what is wrong with it then, you never will."

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

	said 714 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	yeah that's the vocalist i was thinking of!!! excellent, gentlemen

racerat	racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	Correction Allen, I was just listening to your drivin' cut, "Buried Alive". Blew my socks off. Great stuff man. I am constantly amazed at the speed of your solo's. Can't hold a candle. Thanks for the listen! Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

The Orbiting

The Orbiting said 714 days ago (November 26th, 2007)

Hurrah!
Terrific to hear a new one from you guys. You really do need to get a band page and just make it official, because the two of you are just a perfect duo and play off each other's strengths amazingly well.

I dig that opening piano sound a lot and the arrangement is stellar. The lyrics are nice and ambiguous, but seem to be about letting go of past bitterness, which is an excellent theme. I know Steve can't type right now, but I'm wondering if his inspiration came from a film or book. I love the line "drown this sullen times."

Check out my latest song called Mayday

racerat

racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)

Duo's
Thanks for the listen. I just stopped by your page and listened to "Circles" and was BLOWN AWAY! You guys are an amazing duo! Maybe Steve and I can follow your lead and make it official, break out the rings and say "I Do" and set up our own page....hmmm. I think Steve and I have you beat on one thing though, by my calculation the distance between London and San Fran is 5368.6 miles.......

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

paddler	paddler said 714 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	- Very rebelious - like launching into battle knowing the bases are loaded.Speaking of which - great bass - sounds like a complete band than a duo.Blinding stuff - like lightning - RG Check out my latest song called Tiger Flame (Halloween Challenge)

racerat	racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	battle Hey Rich, Thanks for stoppin' in. Love your new song "North Star Rising", and am always flattered when you drop by. I must say you have gotten way over the top with your MJ homepage. That art gallery flash viewer is great! You have done some very cool work. I'm blinded...like lightning! Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

lengold	lengold said 714 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	Now this is the fix I've been missing - just listened 3 times straight and still not overloaded. Doesn't get any better than this. Love the way it builds and then without you realising it's happened it's all over you. Fantastic. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut

racerat	racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	building Thanks Len, Yeah, I like how it builds and then you're in it deep before you know what is happening, just like how that "overloaded" sense comes when it happens to you. I like how Steve's lyrics hint at the trauma and also at guardian angel protecting you as it overcomes you. Multiple listens? That's my man! Philip Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

echoroom

echoroom said 714 days ago (November 26th, 2007)

Overloaded
Can you believe Philip has pieces like this just lying around??? The song and structure were basically presented to me as is, and i sung with considerable input from Phil, who wanted a pretty raw feel to this - it certainly pushed me outta my comfort zone in the end, 'shouty' bits!

This was inspired by something my wife wrote (the 'strangers shoes' line) after having a pretty rough time at work, so it's a song of support and comfort... the 'gotta let it go' refers to a number of things that we keep attached to but drag us down.

If someone wants to sponsor me, I'll happily move to San fran and work with Philip full time!

Steve

Check out my latest song called Deeper (w/t Racerat)

racerat

racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)

Partner
Hey S,
Pleased and honored as usual to have worked with you on this. It was a long time in coming, but I think it turned out. Your lyrics and singing performance were ace as usual. And finally I got things moving enough to post you on MY page, for once! I think though with my current employment situation maybe you should sponsor ME and I can move to the UK?
Philip

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

craft	craft said 713 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	yeah What a great collab... Wounderful singing... Philip you are a great musian... I love it... Powerful and catchy... The song flows gently in my brain... Check out my latest song called Blue Lights (feat. Spleenveil)

racerat	racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	--- Hey Craft! Thanks for the listen. Props to another past talented collab partner! Ciao, P Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

Moviz	Moviz said 713 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	Such a good number this one and really well arranged and performed. The vocals are brilliant and the emotion just right. Now, we should hear a lot more of Philip's singing and maybe more collab's, regards M Check out my latest song called A Soldiers Dream (Remix/record)

racerat	racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	emotion Thanks for listening Moviz. The arrangement was kind-of haphazard I have to say. Kind of a layered buildup. I like to layer disparate sounding instruments that can periodically conflict with each other. Cello against distorted guitar, etc. Keeps things interesting...... Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

Ed Hannifin

Ed Hannifin said 713 days ago (November 26th, 2007)

Yeah, you two make a good working unit...
And it's funny, 'cause I consider Philip on his own to be a great singer and lyricist already, but these collabs do have some kind of neat synergy...

Great track, great vocals, great lyrics, great production... I'm sitting here waiting for something more astute to pop into my head, but really, that's about it...

Ed

Check out my latest song called After Loving Anne (w/jiguma, SISTERS, Komrade K and Scott Carmichael)

racerat

racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)

synergy
Thanks Ed,
I love working with Steve. He's as much of a perfectionist as I am. He's never in a hurry, and l would rather get things right. He generally gives me free reign on the stuff he asks me to get involved with. (Unlike my specific direction I give him on this--then I went ahead and neglected to follow my own direction) I was originally going to make the more energetic and angst driven vocals the lead vocal, but when I heard the background vox he sent, I switched them around on him---much to his surprise, but he was very gracious about it! Hat's off to Mr. Echoroom for that....

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

guitapick	guitapick said 713 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	I hope... ...to be there on that day, guys... ...lyrics perfect for the music...both very strong statements... Great collaboration... Check out my latest song called Outside the Corral

racerat	racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	that day Thx Pick! Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

dolby	dolby said 713 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	Damn... ...this is good! I know you're supposed to write constructive stuff and not just gush - but really - I mean what can you say? That bass is just amazing as well - fills your head but doesn't get in the way - overall a fantastic mix/song/lyric/vocal etc etc. Great job both of you! Phil Check out my latest song called You Can't Win Them All

racerat	racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	gush No, gushing is OK, Phil. Really. Gush away! I'm fragile. Constructive stuff just hurts my feelings... jus kiddin' P Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

Feter	Feter said 713 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	Overload Impressive Rockin song my friend ..great colab the structure is very cool sure the singin is fabulous !! KUDOS ! Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

racerat	racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	structure Thanks Feter. Stevie did a great job on this one... Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

Rebsie	Rebsie said 713 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	Blimey Intense and bleak and thoroughly energised. Powerful performance from Steve here too ... he is a master of those doubled-up vocals which give so much extra whoomph. Sometimes collaborators have a really special synergy which takes the music to a new level, and it sounds to me like that's the case with you two. Check out my latest song called Amongst The Colours (w/ Luna Trick)

racerat	racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	doubles Rebsie, Thanks for stopping by! I know, aren't Echo's harmonies and double tracked vox just the sh*t? I get goose bumps, literally, sometimes when he sends me tracks. Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

michael2	michael2 said 713 days ago (November 26th, 2007)
	so good to see you guys putting out music again. this sounds great, you guys always do tremendous work together. the production is top notch, i'm looking forward to many more. Check out my latest song called Stars and Dust (space challenge)

racerat

racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)

Light
Hey Michael. Thanks for the listen. I just was by your page and had a listen to "Temporal Light". Really cool bit of ambient trippiness that one. I have to take your lead and start sharing some of my less commercial arty ambient stuff. All this production perfectionism is beginning to get to me. That is a great piece, and I hadn't heard of Gleetchlab before. I 'll have to check it out.

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

five_extra_arms

five_extra_arms said 713 days ago (November 26th, 2007)

Dustbin?
You've got to be kidding?

Guys, both of, you've really outdone yourselves with this little number.

Phil - your instrument choices are so unique and well conceived and well played. The bassline is fluid and melodic and when the strings come in, they sound so perfect together. I love your guitar in everything you do. This song is no exception. You have so many interesting and expressive voices. Your mixing skills are as good as your performance itself.

Steve - speaking of voices - Wow dude. Did you eat your wheaties or what? Those "gotta let it go's" are stunning! You really did push yourself on those. Good for you. Good for us, actually. Your harmonies always floor me. You're a really good story teller too. Sometimes I forget to mention your writing because your voice is so good.

Great work guys. Another download of one of my favorite virtual bands!

Bob

Check out my latest song called Paper Sack

racerat

racerat said 713 days ago (November 27th, 2007)

Mr. E
Thanks 5,

I think you are right about Steve's lyrics. His pipes get all the kudos, but his lyrics are often left in the shadow of his performance. Steve is an amazingly poetic writer with incredible subtlety and nuance. Things are often suggested or hinted and the listener can fill in the blanks bringing their own experience and baggage to complete the narrative. He has a remarkable touch. Then you get to eat his smooth harmonies for dessert!

Steve just sent me a song that been sitting in his dustbin for---get this---2 years! And you thought I was a perfectionist!

Philip

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

bud	bud said 712 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	What a great pair you guys make the perfect balance of raw talent - great playing - killer vocals - insightful writing - and excellent production. A very fine achievement - a wonderful song - the build is amazing. Check out my latest song called Expanding Toys (Halloween Remix)

racerat	racerat said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	Kev Thanks man, love our LSP, "Boots and Vest" just caught it. Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

Drew Kopr	Drew Kopr said 712 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	Very well done This sounds great...very strong performances and excellent production. I can hear everything clearly and nothing sounds like it is fighting for volume. I really like the dynamics in the vocal parts. Just very well done all around. Check out my latest song called The End (Ramonaji Collab)

racerat	racerat said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	a bear Gotta say, this was a bear to mix. Lots of sonic information to try to have show through in a chaotic soundscape. Steve really stretched out on this one vocally. I think he did an amazing job. Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

DWL	DWL said 712 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	Quality as always Instrumentation is excellent and I see that a damaged wrist hasn't affected your voice Steve. Cheers Dick Check out my latest song called Superstar Shangri-La

racerat

racerat said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)

wristies
Steve is still nursing the wrist. I am glad he came out of rehab to sing to this, I know everyone is wishing him a rapid recovery. RSI's are a real b*tch, I've been there, the curse of the mousing creative class. Glad you stopped in.

P.S. I just listened to "The Seduction of Corruption", how did I miss that? It;s like a modern-day Beatles "Number 9". Really cool.

Cheers,
P

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

jiguma	jiguma said 712 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	What a great collab! Amazing vox Steve - clear and defined, but with tons of character. Philip, your instrumentation and production are at their usual high standard - I particularly enjoyed the simple, yet slightly quirky (in places) bass line. A real pro post guys! Check out my latest song called Under My Skin

racerat	racerat said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	jiggy Thx Jig There are 2 basses, one holding down the, well, the bass line, and the other just doing a meandering noodle. I had fun doing it, but it was tough to figure out how to mix it. Glad you liked. Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

spitlogic	spitlogic said 712 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	Passion I can hear it in this song. The verses were well placed and it sounds (from my limited speaker utilities) like a good full sound all around. I can see this song in videos. Check out my latest song called Verbal Watlz feat. Fresh Master Def

racerat	racerat said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	passion Thanks, I just listened to your new one. Passion is catching I think. Video's? Hmmmm. Man, if I only had 36 hours in a day.... Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

Joe Brady	Joe Brady said 712 days ago (November 27th, 2007)
	Great stuff! Awesome production, great mix, outstanding vox. Check out my latest song called The Refugee Blues by Feter with Jiguma

racerat	racerat said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	Mr. B Thanks Joe. I appreciate the listen! Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

	said 711 days ago (November 28th, 2007)
	Yes! You guys keep bringing some exciting stuff to us here at MJ. Time passes and I catch myself saying where is Steve's and Phil's next collab? Cool rockin' tune, the lyrics are finely crafted as are the music and vocals I like the steady heavy beat and the cello is complimentary to the overall sound...next please! Keep 'em coming guys!

racerat

racerat said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)

collabs
Tom,
When I joined MacJams, I had no plans, or idea that I would be collab-ing with people. This place has turned out to be a very fertile creative ground for me. I am very grateful for this extremely cool community and all the people here who have brought my music out of the dusty corner it was in for 20 years. (Except for SonnyJim, who was slaving away with me on tunes in the dusty corner all that time...)

Stay tuned for a new one with Steve and also one with Paddler that is in the works....

Cheers to you,
Philip

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

Lenny Zero	Lenny Zero said 711 days ago (November 29th, 2007)
	Cool collab Great music and production - powerful stuff. Check out my latest song called Wrapped in Plastic

racerat	racerat said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	LZ Thx Len. Welcome to Macjams. Looking forward to hearing your music. Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

sloparts	sloparts said 710 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	Great tune Racerat Love the whole thing, straight download for me. You did a really outstanding job on the mix in this and the music couldn't fit the song any better. Thanks for sharing this one. Be well Ed Check out my latest song called Just a little Something

racerat

racerat said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)

LOL
Thanks for the listen Ed.
I am digging the fact that you D/L'd it. Your personal taste being more below the Mason/Dixon it seems (?) BTW, I just listened to your tune "Between the Whiskey and the Teardrops"! Glad you posted your fav's in your profile, it gave me a place to start....Genius. I am cracking up, great lyrics. You have some great recordist chops yourself. I will have to tour your back catalogue soon.
Cheers,
P

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

	said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	I'm not really here but since I turned off my email alerts (as part of my Macjams detoxification effort), I very nearly missed this. Big applause to Steve for stretching his distinctive voice and estimable delivery around Phil's sweet (dare I say, 'sentimental'?) music backdrop. There's a lot of not-so-obvious tension here, and it's beautifully mixed, too. Great!

racerat	racerat said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	LTNP Long-Time-No-Post, I just thought you didn't love me anymore....sniff...sniff Anxiously awaiting the return of the Master, P Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

	said 709 days ago (November 30th, 2007)
	greatness!! I love the voice on echoroom. the production is top notch. Im glad you finished this sketch. Thanks for sharing!

racerat	racerat said 707 days ago (December 2nd, 2007)
	gone? What is this I hear about your departure? Another rumor I am guessing.... Thx for poppin' in! Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

davisamerica	davisamerica said 709 days ago (December 1st, 2007)
	right then a collab by my favorite 2 mjammers..how cool is that! what a great tune and mix....glad i found it! Very nice interplay and really strong song all around! downloaded immediately! Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)

racerat	racerat said 707 days ago (December 2nd, 2007)
	DA Thx, we have a couple more in the pipeline! Stay tuned. P Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

said 709 days ago (December 1st, 2007)

Hey! Phillip and Steve!
Was missing your wonderful collaberation - some musicians just click and you two are awesome together. [Mikey_D , Allen, and Chris' "Spirits" came out the same way] Phillip, your music is awesome, and it just filled the Bose's!!!, and Steve's lyrics yet again [different metaphors - fresh insightful images] just open up another take on living the experience - dealing with it - resurfacing the abyssal - exhaling fear/self doubt, and breathing in acceptance/peace. Guardian Angels - I have several of them here on MJs :-)
So, glad you're both back. :-) CJ [aka. Angel]

racerat

racerat said 707 days ago (December 2nd, 2007)

CJ
Thanks so much for the praise. Steve and I do click together it seems. Working with such an amazing lyricist and singer is really an honor. I have worked with another Mj'er and singer for over 20 years, SonnyJim, way before we both came to MJ. He is featured on many of my earlier submissions. Since we have come to MJ, both of us have branched out and an now playing with a broader group of talented people. SonnyJim's stuff in collaboration with Rueffy is amazing...

Steve is still nursing his wrist, and we are all hoping he makes a speedy recovery.

Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

timothy devine	timothy devine said 708 days ago (December 1st, 2007)
	right on this is one very hot tune. The vocal is so strong and soulful. I love the cello and well the whole production, I love the great restrained energy The fx on the vox and harmonies are outrageous. hat great playing thruout the heat is intense from this cooking tune very intense what a great performance from all Check out my latest song called Mankind Needs a Change/WoodstockII

racerat	racerat said 707 days ago (December 2nd, 2007)
	right on Hey Mr. D, Thanks for the listen. Always happy when you lend an ear and leave feedback. I am totally grooving to your new one, "Miles Down" as I type. You just made my e-mail notification list with that one. Nice! Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

ktb	ktb said 707 days ago (December 2nd, 2007)
	overload Subtle, intricate and edgy. A sonic treat. Steve's vocal thread the backing trax perfectly. The effects were also very cool on the backing vox. dig this very much..thx Check out my latest song called off the deck (w/Z293)

racerat	racerat said 707 days ago (December 2nd, 2007)
	Karma Thanks for comin' by! Yeah, mixing those bac vox effects was a learning experience to say the least. Getting them to cut through the mix, but not "overload" the ears was touchy! Just checked out your new one, "Jimijam" very cool. Can't wait to hear what it evolves into with some vocals. Check out my latest song called Frank's Song

damiengh	damiengh said 707 days ago (December 2nd, 2007)
	Great lyrics and great build. Something quite Bowie-ish about this. Nice work on the cello keyboarding all the way through, kept that intensity going. Loved that shout chorus in the background. Nice job all the way around. Check out my latest song called Tea and Scones

dajama

dajama said 697 days ago (December 12th, 2007)

Overwhelming
This is a great song. It's got everything - the music and the lyrics match perfectly. I guess this is the real genius of the piece - two parts of the song written completely separately and yet it sounds as if it were done in partnership. Love the drama of the music, and the progressive build-up from those opening piano notes. Add the powerful vocal performance, and the evocative, resonant lyrics, and you have something superb. This is outstanding. Kudos to you both. Nice work. Peace.

Check out my latest song called Across the Wire (MJRF)

MJG	MJG said 658 days ago (January 20th, 2008)
	Cool Collab Almost had a Jeff Tate(Queensryche) feel on those vocals, just for a moment, enjoyable listen and quality music and production. Check out my latest song called Fox River Spirits(Acoustic)

saymme	saymme said 618 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
	tx ... fav / dl !! Great collab, so happy to hear You two together doing MUSIC : ) : ) ! Really great You 2 hope for lots more. . . Peace God Bless You Guys

	said 615 days ago (March 3rd, 2008)
	GREAT! Great song Philip and Steve. Loved your music work Philip here very much and as always the best Steve for the vocals. What an amazing collaboration projects you two are doing ?! Enjoyed every song you did. Thanks a lot for sharing .. Take Care - Yeman A. Al-Rawi

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Artist Info

Name: Philip VanDusen

I went to school for the fine arts, painting, and taught that for a while, but I am now a graphic design executive by day, and a musician most the rest of the time. I play guitar and bass mostly, do midi synth stuff, use drum machine... [see more]

Check out some of my other songs:

Genre Info

The terms alternative rock and alternative music[1] were coined in the early 1980s to describe punk rock-inspired music genres which didn't fit into the mainstream genres of the time. At times it was used as catch-all phrase for rock music from under

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