Modwheelmood's music is composed of Cortini’s carefully structured analog synths and loops with Hillström’s raw, riffing guitars and ambient guitars, depending on the mood. The experienced duo exercises restraint, never allowing the guitars to overpower the synths, and offering provocative vocal melodies that add just enough depth to create well rounded, richly textured arrangements.
Born and raised in Italy, Cortini’s family encouraged his interest in music from an early age. Cortini’s father played guitar, and his mother often listened to bands such as the Beatles, who Cortini agrees had an influence on his songwriting. Other songwriting influences include Cat Stevens, Francesco De Gregori, and Depeche Mode. From a programming perspective, Cortini recognizes Alva Noto and Brian Eno as influential in his development. In addition to songwriting, Cortini is a seasoned live musician, having toured with such bands as The Mayfield Four, and is currently lending his talents as a keyboardist to Nine Inch Nails.
Hillström grew up in a small village in Sweden. His pursuit of music began early, playing saxophone in jazz orchestras in the afternoon and learning Iron Maiden riffs in the evening. Eventually, his desire to play music for a living led him to the U.S., where he met Cortini. Hillström is the former guitarist of Abandoned Pools and has also worked with producer Patrick Leonard. Hillström’s guitar playing is reminiscent of Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood.
Modwheelmood’s second EP, Enemies & Immigrants was released in August 2006 on Buddyhead Records. Although they have many influences, both Cortini and Hillström agree that Enemies & Immigrants doesn’t necessarily reflect those influences. Hillström notes that there are decidedly more acoustics on this EP than the first, to give the tracks more of a lush, earthy, percussive sound. He adds that the material on the new EP took shape just from sitting in a room full of gear with open minds and the objective of “making music that meant something to us.”
Modwheelmood borrows their name from the mod wheel, a controller typically mounted at the left end of the keyboard that is used for modulation. It can provide positive or negative values. It can be easily raised or lowered at the artist’s whim.
www.modwheelmood.com
www.buddyhead.com/recordings/
www.myspace.com/modwheelmood
Look At Me
Modwheelmood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i'm turning into tragedy
can't believe it's happening
i'm alive
breathe
at least
i try to meet my destiny
laugh at me
yeah
The lyrics to Modwheelmood's "Look at Me" talk about a person who is going through a difficult time and is slowly turning into a tragedy. The singer can't believe that this is happening to them, but they are still alive and trying to make the best of their situation. The line "can't believe it's happening" shows that the person is in shock and disbelief that they are going through such a hard time. They feel like they are losing control of their life, but they are trying to hold on and keep breathing.
The person is trying to meet their destiny, but they are struggling with it. They cry but dare not laugh at themselves. This shows that the person is trying to be strong, but they are still vulnerable and emotional. The line "laugh at me" implies that the person is worried that others are judging them or making fun of them because of their struggles. Overall, the lyrics to "Look at Me" convey a sense of vulnerability and emotional pain, but also a determination to keep going and to find their way through the dark times.
Line by Line Meaning
look at me
Pay attention to me
i'm turning into tragedy
My life is becoming a sad story
can't believe it's happening
I'm in disbelief about what's happening to me
i'm alive
Despite everything, I'm still here and living
breathe
Take a deep breath and calm down
at least
I can find some comfort in the fact that...
i try to meet my destiny
I'm doing my best to fulfill my purpose in life
i cry but dare not laugh at me
I'm sad and emotional, but I don't want to be mocked for it
laugh at me
Make fun of me
yeah
An expression of agreement or acknowledgement
Contributed by Lucy H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.