For music, it was an era of contradiction in the best possible way. New wave, punk and disco may have had their own fervent -and very separate- followings, but they had more in common than each cared to admit.
“People weren't afraid to have bad haircuts, or wear day glow or sing about ants invading," says singer/songwriter Susan Hyatt - the steamy yet strong female presence of Stimulator.
Stimulator’s quirky retro feel (which helped them score high profile gigs with the likes of
Berlin & Missing Persons) is just one layer here. Make no mistake, this is a thoroughly modern musical unit with an impressive array of credentials and an understanding of technology's ever-evolving role in music.
Susan Hyatt, not only had a Top 20 single in the UK with her grungy-rock group Pillbox, she was also a well-known VJ on Londons' MP3TV. More recently, she served as a consultant to Gina Gershon for the girl rock flick "Prey For Rock n' Roll."
Geoff Tyson, the songwriter/producer of Stimulator, best known as the former ax-man for gloomy grinders Snake River Conspiracy, but before that his riff skills were honed and refined by the best: he's worked in the studio with the likes of Mike Shipley and Eric Valentine and he's a former protégée of none other than guitar god Joe Satriani. Geoff Tyson plays Duesenberg guitars.
When these two get together it's pure alchemy. Pulsating electro-pop melodies, razor sharp licks and attitude-laden vocals (not to mention Hyatt's often outrageous, DIY stage outfits) make for a, well, stimulating experience.
Blow up dolls, S&M (physical and emotional) and a tell-it-like it-is take on materialism are just a few of the images and themes that pierce through the band's aggressive yet bubbly cuts.
It’s their infectious sound that's won over the likes ofKerrang (UK) and LA Weekly (US), the CMJ Festival and its what will ultimately garner fans of all tastes and age ranges- even the kiddies. Stimulator did a wonderfully wicked cover of “Magic” in the Disney film “Ella Enchanted” made famous by none-the-other than the aforementioned 70s/80s goddess herself Ms. Olivia. Promoter Kevin Lyman personally invited them on theWest Coast leg of the 2004 WARPED Tour.
Catch Stimulator opening for Duran Duran on their Summer '05 US Arena Tour!
The debut CD will be released on The Lab/Universal Records out February 2006.
Stimulator are also the hard trance duo P. van Schooten & E. van de Witte, who have had numerous big releases on UK hard dance label, Tidy.
Mixed Signals
Stimulator Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(untouchable, unreachable)
He cries in movies
He looks so good in fashion
(so private, so fine yeah)
I feel him next to me
I can't breathe
Mixed signals won't you make a move?
You want me when I'm gone
The operator's saying you need to telephone
Do you want me one on one?
When we kiss, we get a little closer
(incredible, investable)
He fills his flat with pictures of his mother
(unattainable, unsaveable)
He's just a guy I want
He looks good in drag
No he's not like that
Mixed signal won't you make a move?
You caught me on the run
I need a clear connection
Got a new telephone
I want you one on one
ooh ooh
Mixed signals won't you make a move?
You caught me on the run
You caught me with a gun
The operator's saying you gotta telephone
Mixed signals won't you make a move?
You got me on the run
I need a clear connection
You want me one on one?
Mixed signals won't you make a move?
Mixed signals he won't make a move
Stimulator's "Mixed Signals" is a song about the ambiguity and confusion surrounding a potential romantic relationship. The lyrics detail the singer's experience of being with someone who seems to give mixed messages, leaving them unsure about where they stand. The first verse sets up the picture of the person in question, some who is both private and fashionable, who can elicit strong emotions in the singer. The chorus repeatedly asks for this person to make a move, to clarify their feelings and intentions.
The second verse adds further complexity to the situation, describing someone the singer is attracted to but who also has some qualities that make them feel distant and unattainable. The ambiguity and confusion continue with the chorus and bridge, urging the person to take action and make a decision about whether or not they want to pursue a relationship with the singer.
Overall, "Mixed Signals" captures the anxiety and uncertainty that can come with trying to figure out where one stands with a potential romantic partner. The song's structure is simple yet effective, repeating the chorus as a plea for clarity and communication.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm with him, I'm on another planet
He feels untouchable and unreachable when he's with the person.
He cries in movies
He is private about his emotions, but feels comfortable enough to cry during movies.
He looks so good in fashion
He has a great sense of style and looks incredibly attractive in fashionable clothing.
I feel him next to me
She feels his presence and is aware of his desire for her.
I can't breathe
She is overwhelmed by her feelings for him.
I know he wants me
She is certain that he desires her.
Mixed signals won't you make a move?
She is confused by his actions and wants him to take control and make a move towards her.
You want me when I'm gone
He seems to show interest in her only when she is not around, making her doubt his true feelings.
The operator's saying you need to telephone
She wants him to take action and call her to clarify his intentions.
Do you want me one on one?
She wants to know if he wants to be with her exclusively, without any other distractions or mixed signals.
When we kiss, we get a little closer
Their physical intimacy brings them emotionally closer together and makes her feel invested in the relationship.
He fills his flat with pictures of his mother
He has a deep connection with his family and may be difficult to save from any familial obligations.
He's just a guy I want
She is attracted to him but is unsure about his intentions.
He looks good in drag
He may not fit the conventional mold of masculinity but is still appealing to her.
No he's not like that
He does not conform to societal norms, but that does not diminish his value as a person and partner.
You caught me on the run
He always catches her off-guard with his mixed signals and lack of clarity about his intentions.
I need a clear connection
She wants an unambiguous and honest relationship with clear intentions and no mixed signals.
Got a new telephone
She may have changed her phone number or device hoping to get rid of the staleness.
You caught me with a gun
She feels vulnerable with him and at his mercy, as if holding a gun to her head.
Mixed signals he won't make a move
She realizes that he is not going to take the initiative to clarify things, forcing her to make the first move or back away altogether.
Contributed by Emma N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.