AYOKAY (WITH FORESTER) ‘THOUSAND NIGHTS’ REMIX

10/20/2023

Getting a new source of inspiration.

I was scrolling through my emails in the morning, as adults do I guess, and I came across this email about an Ayokay remix contest from a company called Skio. They partner up with all sorts of artists to help others have the chance to promote their art. I had an itching to check it out because I’ve been so busy with website and blog prep that I haven’t had as much dedicated time to create music. So, I scheduled in some time to download the stems on my next day off from tennis and I dove in headfirst as soon as I could.

Instantly I fell in love with the vocal performance by Forester and all of the awesome layers that Ayokay produced. I wanted to stay true to the original due to the energy that was already there. The story is told so well. I heard an opportunity to speed it up a bit, throw in my own keys playing and take the bass and percussion to a whole other place. I put the Dossas spin on it while still allowing for Ayokay and Forester to shine through. The percussive elements will make you bounce and shake while the bass will make you do your bass face.

My favorite parts are when things breakdown and I get to showcase my ethereal soundscape techniques. I take us to another world where we can truly imagine that person, or people, that we love so much. I’m a very logical thinker, so a thousand nights isn’t nearly enough time with one person I love, but there’s beauty in also just taking one moment at a time and enjoy every second. There’s always a better perspective to be had and I try to keep that logical brain at bay. These kinds of ambient moments in my songs are when I feel most quiet in my brain. It’s like a form of meditation and then within 20 seconds I’m back to dancing again. It’s so therapeutic, I hope that you can find some release as well!