The fourth out of eight singles from “Music Inspired by BIONICLE: Vol. II” is out! For this one, we’re heading out to sea, with Vakama’s Ballad. I originally intended to have this song released prior to the previous single, “The Singsongs of Le-Koro”, but in the end, it simply needed more time to get finished. Looking at how it turned out though, I think it was very much worth it. Anyway, the song’s origins date back to the early days of the COVID-pandemic. As I was feeling more and more isolated, several song ideas started to occupy my head, and this was one of the few that truly stuck out. I decided to have it recorded as a short demo, consisting of a piano loop track and the song’s main melody, which I chose to give the working title “The Ugly Duckling”. But then the next question became what I could use this for. One direction I tried to go was to make it about loneliness, another was to make it a tribute to human rights lawyer and climate activist Steven Donziger. As you can imagine, none of these came to be. When the recording of “Music Inspired by BIONICLE: Vol. II” began, I finally realized where the song could meet it’s full potential. As to where in the BIONICLE-storyline this song takes place, I’d say somewhere between the 2004 and 2005 arc, as the Toa Metru (which would later become the Turaga in Mata Nui) are searching for a new home, away from the city of Metru Nui. Primarly written from Vakama’s perspective, the song is filled with contemplations of past events, and foreshadowing of what is to come. The lyrics also take inspiration from stories dating to the Swedish emigration to the United States, between the 19th and 20th century. Millions of Swedish citizens left to escape increasingly unbearable living conditions, and decided to head west, in search of what they heard was the “American dream”. I’d like to think these elements are very much evident in the lyrics’ hopeful search for a better life. With the exception of me laying down some keyboards for the song, we got BreathTax on guitars and percussions, Philippe Pansard on bass, Miguel Bella on harmonica, John Rowley on pianos, strings and percussions, Jessica Tanenhaus on harmony vocals, and Paul Matson on lead vocals and drums. Guess you all now can see why this took a long time to make… Regardless, I don’t think this song would’ve worked without any of their input. There were several times during the recording sessions, where I was wondering if I’d gone completely in over my head, but because of the collaborative efforts of everyone involved, we managed to pull through, and for that I’m grateful to each and every one of them. Finally, I’d like to say a few words about someone that wasn’t necessarily involved in the making of this song, but came to mind during the final days of recording sessions… The popular biotuber Nathan Paisie (a.k.a. TheShadowedOne1) passed away at the age of 28, back in November 2022. The cause of death remains unknown, and it’s best to leave it that way, in respect for his family. Nevertheless, to see someone that young, having a whole life ahead of him, leave as early as he did, that’s always a tragedy. So while it wasn’t specifically made with him in mind, I’d like to dedicate this song to him. Rest in peace, Nathan… And with that, we’re halfway through the album! As the full release is inching closer and closer, alot of exciting things are about to happen, which I’m extremely eager to share with you all. What I specifically mean by that, you’ll just have to wait and see. But until then, I’ll catch you all later! Peace!