The journey continues and, much like the RPGs I’ve always loved, it seems characters are always dropping out of the scene for one reason or another. I’m currently using heavier, more aggressive tunings that require singers with a high vocal range; unfortunately, I’ve had to say goodbye to a few of them. I had to let one go mainly because the audience questioned their origins, advising me to use a “native English speaker” (even though they actually are one, for heaven’s sake!). Maybe they’re from a rural area or have Scottish or Irish roots, I don’t know—anyway, to settle the matter once and for all, I won’t be hiring them for now.

The downside is that I’m down to just one singer who isn’t even working at full capacity. I see it as a tough road ahead for the songs I’ve recently recorded. Regardless, I’ll start on the new album in June; I’m going to use May to promote some previously released tracks that, in my opinion, didn’t get the recognition they deserved.

For the record, I still haven’t solved any of the problems plaguing me. I’m still waiting for that €1,159 from the accountant; I’m still waiting to figure out who’s going to fix my bedroom ceiling; I still have to see if the singer I’ve chosen is up to the task for the songs I’ve composed and if they’ll commit with the right professionalism. All of this makes me feel so apathetic that I feel the need to listen to artists who influenced me in part—even if I can’t quite quantify how much—namely Duran Duran and Nik Kershaw.

Commonly, when you ask someone which bands influenced them, people try to figure out where the inspiration comes from, but the answers are always limited because we tend to only cite the groups we’ve spent thousands of hours listening to. I should say Iron Maiden, but when I listen to my own songs, I don’t hear them. Many of my tracks feature electronic effects made with synths, and I’m also heavily influenced by Oriental-style melodies. Just yesterday, I was thinking about the verse of Duran Duran’s New Moon on Monday and I really do hear a lot of the “East” in there—a cheerful East!

There are songs that put me in a good mood like The Reflex, A View to a Kill, Ordinary World, Rio, or New Moon on Monday; then there are “badass” tracks like Planet Earth or The Wild Boys. Others lean into melancholy, like All She Wants Is, Serious, Come Undone, Save a Prayer, or Somebody Else Not Me. In short, I can’t rule out that part of their arrangements and vocal styles inspired my own compositions. They’re truly a great band as far as I’m concerned, even if I’m not a “die-hard” fan—the same goes for Nik Kershaw, another artist who churned out evergreen hits and inspired my keyboard work. His sequences are basic but they get stuck in your head and fill the space perfectly.

• Wouldn’t It Be Good
• The Riddle (even the dance remix)
• I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (perhaps his most famous)
• Don Quixote (very unique vocals)
• Dark Glasses (I love the verses; there’s a sound that reminds me of the Last Ninja 2 soundtrack but also makes me think of ghosts in Commodore games)
• When a Heart Beats (I love the rhythm of the verses because they provide great movement and a sense of constant suspension)
• Dancing Girls (unique, very 80s arrangements)
• Progress (very ska-oriented)
• So Quiet (calm and relaxing)
• Radio Musicola (perhaps the inspiration for “Lost in Paradise,” the ending theme of Jujutsu Kaisen’s first season?)
• One of Our Fruit Machines Is Missing (a mesmerizing instrumental)

His tracks convey a sense of experimentation and a search for the “unheard,” the “untried,” and the “surprising.” That isn’t for everyone, because most people make one good track and then producers push them to plagiarize themselves. In his case, he always tried to present himself in a new light. Kudos to him, his producers, and—if it wasn’t him directly—kudos to whoever arranged his songs.

The work of these artists can only enrich a musician, whether I then go on to play Slipknot, Angine de Poitrine, Bruce Springsteen, or Neil Zaza. And thanks also to my brother, who indirectly introduced me to them!