As a total DIY band that self-produces all of their music, Karmacoda has created a sound where the production and recording is just as important as the writing and performing. Lead male vocalist, pianist and guitarist B. (Brett Crockett) also acts as the band’s engineer, producer, arranger and mixer. “We all have strong jazz backgrounds and the use of improvisation is key to how we write, record and perform music. In many cases all of the parts that you hear are written but performed in an improvisational manner. Then I take the best parts of those performances and create the final song,” says Crockett. “Most people don’t think that electronically oriented bands would write, record and perform with that mindset but it’s key to our vibe.”
Eternal follows Karmacoda’s successful 2007 release Illuminate and marks the band’s sixth release and fourth original album. It was recorded in San Francisco at both “The Briefing Room,” the bands large personal rehearsal space and recording studio located on Treasure Island where the band recorded drums, bass, guitar and other louder parts, and at “The Amsterdam Room,” Crockett’s home studio where they did overdubs, tracked vocals and all mixing. In addition to Brett Crockett, Eric Matsuno, and Karmacoda’s lead vocalist Heather Pierce, Eternal features many additional musicians including some of San Francisco’s best like Paul Johnson (guitar), Andy Korn (drums), Paul Dorr (jazz piano), Eamonn Flynn (keyboard), Cheri Chuang (keyboard, vocals), Anji Bee (vocals) and Beth Hirsch (vocals). The album was mastered by Andy VanDette (Metric, David Bowie) at Masterdisk in New York City.
“I’d like to think the textures of our music create the mood,” says Matsuno. It’s not often that a four-minute piece of music can convey a sense of floating, but Karmacoda achieves that with their song “Float Me” which layers many background vocals on the choruses and breaks doing three and four-part harmonies, double and triple tracking them. On the catchy and innovative groove of “Feel The Weight,” the band uses a Rhodes piano as the primary harmonic instrument and astonishingly channels a late night feel. On the first single “Love Will Turn Your Head Around,” featuring vocals from Beth Hirsch (Air) and Anji Bee (Lovespirals), the use of basic drums, noise loops, highly processed guitars and intertwining, harmonizing vocals give off the feel of multiple parallel story lines going on at the same time.
At their core, Karmacoda is about thought-provoking lyrics over hooky melodies, carried out by gorgeous, rangy, male and female vocals that add a tremendous amount of dimension. “We really make the music that we want to. We don’t write music to be trendy; it’s modern and genuine,” says lead female vocalist Heather Pierce. Fans of Portishead, Massive Attack, Tricky, Imogen Heap, Radiohead, Air, and Zero 7 will likely be drawn to Karmacoda’s DJ and producer-oriented construction with real world-class musicianship. “Everyone in the band is ‘best of breed,’” says Matsuno.
In addition to offering their audience a sonically emotional experience, Karmacoda aims to allow a visceral connection as well. Their live performances are as much a visual experience as a musical one, using big stage production with lights and video effects, and a dedicated VJ who uses custom software to create a stunning visual experience. “On-point vocals and instruments mesh with programmed beats putting the audience into a trance-like state,” says Pierce. “Gorgeous visuals change in real time with the music and add to the experience.”
Leading up to the August 2nd release of Eternal, Karmacoda is expected to film and release a handful of music videos and behind the scenes online short video segments, as well as acoustic versions of songs from the album. In addition, West Coast tours as well as live performances in most major US cities are also planned. The full-length album and singles will be available to purchase digitally, in CD-format and in limited vinyl editions.
Glow
Karmacoda Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Twisting you in ways you never thought it could do
Take you as you're given and I want to know
All your little secrets all the ones that glow
Glow
I can never claim to be your only blue truth
Take me as I'm given and I want to show
Ever single secret all the ones that glow
Every single secret it just wants to glow
Every single secret glows
Take me as I am (all your secrets)
I'll take you safe with me, you'll see
I'll glow
Take you as you're given and I want to show
Every little secret every one that glow
Take me as I'm given and I want to glow
To glow, glow, glow...
The lyrics to Karmacoda's song "Glow" seem to be about the deep connection between two people, where they want to know each other's secrets and innermost thoughts that shine brightly like glowing lights. The lyrics suggest a desire to be accepted and loved for who they are, with all their imperfections and secrets exposed. The chorus repeats the word "glow" several times, which could symbolize the positive energy and light that is radiating from each person as they connect with one another.
The first verse mentions the light that is "floating all around you," which could be interpreted as the person's aura or energy field that surrounds them. This light is described as "twisting you in ways you never thought it could do," which could refer to the transformative power of love and connection. The second verse mentions the desire to share secrets and be open with one another, acknowledging that neither person can claim to be perfect or the other's "only blue truth."
Overall, the lyrics to "Glow" convey a sense of vulnerability, openness, and acceptance in a relationship. The repetition of the word "glow" throughout the song reinforces the idea of positive energy and the transformative power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see the light that's floating all around you
I can sense the inherent goodness that surrounds you, something that can change your life in unexpected ways.
Twisting you in ways you never thought it could do
This positive energy can shape your life and change your perspective in a way that you never thought possible.
Take you as you're given and I want to know
I accept you for who you are, and I want to learn about all the aspects of your personality.
All your little secrets all the ones that glow
I want to discover all the hidden truths about you, including the ones that make you shine the brightest.
Glow
These secrets are like a beacon of light that shine bright and true.
I can never claim to be your only blue truth
I am aware that I am not the only one who affects your life or influences you, nor do I claim to be.
What with everything I need to share with you
I have my own experiences and stories to share with you that I believe can help or inspire you in some way.
Take me as I'm given and I want to show
I want you to accept me for who I am, and I want to demonstrate every part of myself to you.
Ever single secret all the ones that glow
I want to reveal every last detail about myself, including the parts that make me shine the most.
Every single secret it just wants to glow
Every hidden aspect about oneself wants to be seen and appreciated, as it is a part of who they are.
Every single secret glows
All of these hidden truths emit light and positive energy, illuminating and enriching our lives in various ways.
Take me as I am (all your secrets)
I want you to accept me for everything I am, including my deepest thoughts and secrets.
I'll take you safe with me, you'll see
I will cherish and protect all the details about you that you share with me, and I will keep them in a safe place in my heart.
Take you as you're given and I want to show
I accept you for who you are, and I want to reveal all the parts of you that make you unique and special.
Every little secret every one that glow
I want to learn about every detail and aspect of you, especially the ones that make you radiate positivity and joy.
Take me as I'm given and I want to glow
I want you to accept me for who I am, and I want to exude positivity and happiness in everything that I do.
To glow, glow, glow...
To radiate positivity and illuminate the world with happiness and light.
Contributed by Amelia C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.