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- John Buckley
John
Buckley
Yearn
This capstone project is a collaborative EP called Yearn, created by Blusheep, classmate Godwin. It sits in the Hip-Hop genre and explores themes like love, detachment, longing, romance, and reflection. Musically, it blends sample-based Hip-Hop with live instrumentation and expressive, introspective rapping.
Yearn is the kind of project you listen to while reflecting on past or present intimate relationships. It’s built on the idea that personal memories have a stronger affinity, when they’re specific and honest. The mix of smooth, soulful samples, vulnerable yet confident lyrics, and a balance between self-doubt and pride is what gives Yearn its unique emotional weight.
I would describe the creative process of making Yearn as fun, exciting, introspective, and deeply emotional. It was a constant interplay between these energies—a mix of joy, curiosity, self-reflection, and emotional depth. These feelings didn’t just shape the process; they ended up becoming central themes that echo throughout the entire project. As the songwriter, I’m constantly navigating that balance—jumping between moments of lighthearted humor and raw, profound experiences. That push and pull is what keeps the music honest and alive for me.
Roll With The Punches
Process
This piece was composed using only the samples from a assigned sample pack featuring around 30 sounds. It was made entirely on the sp-404 using. I used the pattern sequencer mode to build the foundation of the song. And the Effects processing capabilities of the sampler allowed me to introduce variations to the arrangement. The song title references ‘Punches’ which is a nod to the punching kick thump that plays throughout the song. As well
Stylistic Approach
The songs stylistic approach was inflected by Electro, and General Glitchy sounds. The use of the Ring modulator effect was crucial for this buggy glitchy sound.