Musinique

Musinique sessions are works in progress.
https://www.musinique.com/
 
Lift Every Voice 
I lift every voice like a lantern in the dawnI hold every syllable like a seed of freedom rising
Lift every voice and sing as the heavens ringLet the harmonies of liberty breathe through our bonesLet rejoicing rise high as listening skiesLet it roll like a sea of hope we built stone by stone
Sing a song full of the faith the dark past taughtSing a song full of the hope this new day broughtFacing the rising sun of a morning just begunWe march on till victory is won
Stony is the road we trodBitter was the rod that tried to bend our lightYet with a steady beat our weary feetCame to the place our elders dreamed in night
We have come over a way watered with tearsWe have come through a path soaked by the slaughtered yearsOut from the gloomy pastTo stand where a gleam breaks through at last
God of our weary yearsGod of our silent tearsYou carried us thus far on the wayYou led us by might into the lightKeep our steps in the path we pray
Lest our feet stray from the ground where we met you
Keep us true keep us true
Lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world forget you
Keep us near keep us near
Shadowed beneath your hand we standTrue to our GodTrue to our native landRising like a dawn that refuses to dimTill victory calls our name
 
This Musinique studio session presents a contemporary meditation on the iconic hymn "Lift Every Voice and Sing." The piece weaves together the original hymn's themes of perseverance, faith, and collective liberation with new poetic imagery—opening with "I lift every voice like a lantern in the dawn" and introducing metaphors of seeds, stones, and steady beats. While honoring the traditional verses about the "stony road" and prayers to the "God of our weary years," this work-in-progress adds fresh interpretive layers that emphasize individual voice ("I lift," "I hold") within the communal chorus, creating a bridge between historical struggle and present-day resilience.
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" is a hymn written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 and set to music by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson. Created for a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, it became an anthem of the African American civil rights movement and is often called the "Black National Anthem." The original work is in the public domain.
#LiftEveryVoice #MusiniqueStudios #BlackNationalAnthem #SpiritualMusic #JamesWeldonJohnson #FreedomSongs #GospelReimagined #WorkInProgress #ProtestMusic #SocialJusticeMusic #HymnsReborn #LiberationMusic #StudioSessions #ContemporarySpirituals #MayflieldKing

Is everyone on SoundCloud a music promoter?
I got fifty messages today oh my  All saying hey I’ll make you fly high  Each one a promoter so they say  But not a single one can prove their way  
Is everyone on SoundCloud a music promoter  Are they all famous like they told her  They promise me the moon and stars  But I don’t see no fancy cars  
They say they’ll make me a superstar  From here to there and near and far  But when I ask show me your plan  They’re gone quicker than a flash in the pan  
Is everyone on SoundCloud a music promoter  Are they all experts like they told her  They wave their magic words around  But no proof of fame to be found
 
A satirical studio session from Musinique that calls out the overwhelming spam problem on SoundCloud. The song humorously documents the relentless flood of messages from self-proclaimed "music promoters" who promise stardom, the moon, and the stars—but vanish the moment you ask for proof or details. With a catchy, repetitive hook that mirrors the repetitive nature of these spam messages themselves, this work-in-progress captures the frustration every independent artist faces when trying to navigate legitimate music promotion versus opportunistic scammers. No fancy cars, no proven track records—just empty promises that disappear "quicker than a flash in the pan."
 #SoundCloudPromoters #MusicIndustryScams #IndependentArtist #SoundCloudSpam #FakeMusicPromoters
#MusicPromotion #SoundCloudProblems #ArtistLife #MusicBusiness #IndieMusic #MusiciansOfSoundCloud #MusicScams #DIYMusician #MusiqueStudio #WorkInProgress #DemoSession #SatiricalSong #MusicComedy
#SoundCloudArtists #SoundCloudCommunity #SoundCloudMusicians

They told meHushAs if silence were a tidy room with no windows
But my breathFluttered openLike a stubborn birdWith a starlit throatWhoever taught wings to listen
Their hush fellHeavy as old kingdomsAnd stillMy voice leapt outA barefoot thingLaughing in sound
I sang insteadBecause the world keeps forgettingHow loud a single heartbeat can bloomWhen no one is looking
And my songNot quite a shoutNot quite a prayerRose crookedlyRose beautifully
Past their swordsTheir crossesTheir crownsPast every sorry ruleBuilt to quietWide open souls
And the airBecame a trembling yesWhere all their no had lived
So here I amBright, untamedShaking the dust from my vowels
They told me hushI heard a cage
I sang instead

Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Back in Boston teaching gameNortheastern hard but it ain't the sameLess UCLA sunshine and UCLA's glowThere's one regret I can't let go
An Indian queen caught my eyeWords fail me now I wonder whyCould have made her life could have made her stayNow I'm here praying for another day
Crying in the mug of Gochujang Caramel Cookies I can't look awayDid I miss my chance was it fate's designBack on campus but I'm empty insideBaby cookies could have turned it rightGochujang Caramel spicy sweet delight
Crying in the mug of Gochujang Caramel Cookies through the nightReading the recipe aloud what she'd careGot a soft laugh in the airGallop of Gochujang a spicy smileCould I have made her see the man I'd beOr is it just these cookies speaking for meCrying in the mug of Gochujang Caramel Cookies where she used to be
Did I miss my chance was it fate's designNow I'm empty insideMaybe cookies could have turned it rightCrying in the mug of Gochujang Caramel Cookies I can't look awayDid I miss my chance was it fate's designBack on campus but I'm empty insideMaybe cookies could have turned it rightGochujang Caramel spicy sweet delight
 
Nik Bear Brownhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/0hSpFCJodAYMP2cWK72zI6?si=9Fx2UusBQHi3tTyVEAoCDQhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/nik-bear-brown/1779725275https://nikbear.musinique.com
 

The Journey Through Oz" - A Poetic Retelling of Dorothy's Adventure | Part I
the cyclonea sky torn open—twisting high—dorothy lifted, house spun, goodbyeA twister spun Dorothy high, no warning, no sign,Landed her in Oz, where the skies didn’t align.
the council with the munchkinstiny feet in a land unknownthey called her queen, yet kansas called homeTiny voices, bright and clear, hailed her queen,But Dorothy’s heart was set on Kansas, unseen.
how dorothy saved the scarecrowstraw man limp, eyes full of plea,dorothy’s hand gave him thoughts, set him freeA man of straw hung limp on a pole,She gave him life, a mind, made him whole.
the road through the forestdarkness thick (no sun, no sound)they walked where no light could be foundThrough trees so thick, where shadows play,They walked, unsure of light or day.
the rescue of the tin woodmanrusted still, a heartless frame,with oil, dorothy whispered his nameA heartless man rusted stiff in the wood,Dorothy's oil can brought him back, as it should.
the cowardly lionhe roared so loud, but inside hida heart that fear itself had bidRoars loud, but a heart that’s torn,Bravery, he learns, can be reborn.the journey to the great ozemerald light so far ahead,they walked with dreams in every treadEyes set on the Emerald City bright,Hoping for answers, they push through the night.
the deadly poppy fieldsleep, sleep, the flowers sing,but courage woke, and so they clingSleepy blooms, red as fire, took their toll,But they pushed through, hearts made whole.
the queen of the field micesmall hands moved mountains unseen,mice carried hope through fields so greenSmall but mighty, the mice came through,Helping them cross when they knew not what to do.
the guardian of the gategreen-tinted eyes saw wonder’s glow,but truth behind was hidden lowGreen spectacles to see the glow,But is Oz the great, or just for show?
the wonderful city of ozstreets of emerald, towers high,yet behind the shine, there lay a lieEmerald streets, shining so wide,Yet secrets beneath the glitter hide.
the search for the wicked witchfearsome flight through skies of dread,but evil shrinks where love is ledThey searched for evil, through fear and fright,Facing the dark with courage in sight.
 
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a lyrical journey through L. Frank Baum's beloved tale "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Through evocative couplets, this episode captures the essence of Dorothy's adventure, from the cyclone that whisks her away to her encounters with the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. Each verse paints a vivid picture of this timeless story, highlighting moments of courage, friendship, and the universal desire to find one's way home.
Origin
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was written by L. Frank Baum and first published in 1900. It has since become one of America's most enduring fairy tales, spawning numerous adaptations including the iconic 1939 film. Baum's original story was intended as a modernized fairy tale that embraced American values rather than the sometimes frightening morality lessons of European fairy tales. The book is now in the public domain, allowing for creative reinterpretations like this poetic rendition.
Episode Highlights
Poetic couplets capturing pivotal moments in Dorothy's journey
Exploration of the main characters' quests for wisdom, heart, and courage
The contrast between the glittering Emerald City and the hidden truths it conceals
Themes of home, belonging, and inner strength throughout the narrative
The power of unlikely friendships in overcoming obstacles
Discover more episodes at the Lyrical Literacy podcast: https://podcast.humanitarians.ai/
#WizardOfOz #DorothyGale #YellowBrickRoad #LyricalLiteracy #ClassicTales #LiteraryPoetry #EmeraldCity #FrankBaum
 
Nik Bear Brownhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/0hSpFCJodAYMP2cWK72zI6?si=9Fx2UusBQHi3tTyVEAoCDQhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/nik-bear-brown/1779725275https://nikbear.musinique.com

Magic Art of the Great Humbug |  Lyrical Literacy (Oz Sung)
The Lyrical Literacy podcast presents a poignant musical exploration of the pivotal moment in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" when Dorothy and her companions discover the true identity of the great and powerful Oz. This contemplative song captures their journey through the Emerald City, their confrontation with the man behind the curtain, and their reckoning with broken promises and dashed hopes as they realize the wizard is merely "a humbug" – an ordinary man using illusions to appear magnificent.
Based on L. Frank Baum's classic 1900 novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," this scene represents one of literature's most famous revelations about the gap between appearance and reality. The original story, now in the public domain, has become a cultural touchstone for exposing frauds and questioning authority figures who hide behind spectacle.
Explore more musical adaptations of classic stories at the Lyrical Literacy podcast https://podcast.humanitarians.ai/
 
Magic Art of the Great Humbug
We walk through green and goldEmerald walls where secrets holdA hum of wonder whispers nearTales unfold as we appear
For what was promised, we dare and seeBut shadows thin as air can beAnd does the mighty Oz even careWe came for what was promised, just and fair
With hopes and dreams, we dare—oh, we dareBut all we see are shadows, thin as air
We faced the wicked darkMelted her shadow, left our markNow we’re back to claim the sparkThe things we missed that leave us stark
Promises made, fair and clearShine bright then vanish hereIn this place of smoke and airDoes Oz even care
Silence holds us in that roomWaiting on the Wizard’s tuneHis voice echoes from the gloomHollow words that curl and bloom
Then he appears, no more than a manNot great, nor terrible, just a shamWe see through him, see his scamBut here we stand, as we began
Scarecrow says, I need a brainLion sighs, Help me shake the strainTin Man seeks a heart againDorothy dreams of Kansas plains
We came for what was promised, just and fairWith hopes and dreams, we dare—oh, we dareBut all we see are shadows, thin as air
The humbug laughs, he plays his partFake courage, brains, a mimic heartWe stand, we know, we’re worlds apartBut still, we hope for a brand-new start
We came for what was promised, just and fairWith hopes and dreams, we dare—oh, we dareBut all we see are shadows, thin as airDoes the mighty Oz even care
Nik Bear Brownhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/0hSpFCJodAYMP2cWK72zI6?si=9Fx2UusBQHi3tTyVEAoCDQhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/nik-bear-brown/1779725275https://nikbear.musinique.com
 

 Little Light of Mine,  Michael Row the Boat Ashore,, Down by the Riverside and Oh Happy Day
 
The Musinique podcast presents a soul-stirring collection of traditional gospel and spiritual songs, creating a tapestry of hope and resilience. This episode features timeless classics including "This Little Light of Mine," "Michael Row the Boat Ashore," "Down by the Riverside," and "Oh Happy Day." Each song carries powerful messages of inner strength, peace, and spiritual journey, reimagined through the Musinique creative process. These studio sessions blend musical heritage with contemporary sensibilities, showcasing the enduring power of gospel music to inspire and unite. Musinique continues its mission of supporting independent artists and authentic voices through these thoughtful interpretations of spiritual classics.
 
#GospelClassics #SpiritualMusic #IndieVoices #MusiniqueCreates #ThisLittleLight #MusicForChange #SpokenWord #PeaceAndHope #MusicalHeritage #SoulfulSessions
About Musinique
Musinique creates AI tools to promote indie artists and indie voices. Their innovative software at https://www.musinique.com/musinique enables artists to create and edit lyrics collaboratively, as demonstrated in this episode. Beyond technology, Musinique operates as a record label and publishing company dedicated to supporting independent thought and artistic expression. They actively address industry pain points for struggling artists, particularly the practice of charging artists for playlist placement. Their upcoming playlists search tool will help indie artists find playlists with integrity and avoid exploitative "A&R" practices. Musinique's commitment to positive change is expressed through protest songs, believing in the power of music and compassion over hate. Their resident poet, Nik Bear Brown, creates spoken word compositions and interprets public domain poems (typically pre-1929). Additionally, Musinique produces language learning, music learning, and reading enhancement songs for the 501(c)(3) non-profit Humanitarians.
Musiniquehttps://www.youtube.com/@Musiniquehttps://musinique.com
 
 Little Light of Mine,  Michael Row the Boat Ashore,, Down by the Riverside and Oh Happy Day
 
This little light of mineI'm gonna let it shineThis little light of mineI'm gonna let it shineThis little light of mineI'm gonna let it shineLet it shineLet it shineLet it shine
Everywhere I goI'm gonna let it shineEverywhere I goI'm gonna let it shineEverywhere I goI'm gonna let it shineLet it shineLet it shineLet it shine
All through the nightI'm gonna let it shineAll through the nightI'm gonna let it shineAll through the nightI'm gonna let it shineLet it shineLet it shineLet it shine
Hide it under a bushel noI'm gonna let it shineHide it under a bushel noI'm gonna let it shineHide it under a bushel noI'm gonna let it shineLet it shineLet it shineLet it shine
Don't let anyone blow it outI'm gonna let it shineDon't let anyone blow it outI'm gonna let it shineDon't let anyone blow it outI'm gonna let it shineLet it shineLet it shineLet it shine
Michael row the boat ashoreHallelujahMichael row the boat ashoreHallelujahSister help to trim the sailsHallelujahSister help to trim the sailsHallelujah
River Jordan is chilly and coldHallelujahChills the body but not the soulHallelujahThe river is deepThe river is wideHallelujahMilk and brown-eyed queen on the other sideHallelujah
Michael row the boat ashoreHallelujahMichael row the boat ashoreHallelujah
I'm gonna lay down my burdenDown by the riversideDown by the riversideDown by the riversideI'm gonna lay down my burdenDown by the riversideI'm gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no moreI ain't gonna study war no moreI ain't gonna study war no moreI ain't gonna study war no more
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shieldDown by the riversideDown by the riversideI'm gonna study war no more
I'm gonna put on my long white robeDown by the riversideDown by the riversideI'm gonna study war no more
I'm gonna walk with the prince of peaceDown by the riversideDown by the riversideI'm gonna study war no more
Oh happy dayOh happy dayWhen Jesus washedWhen Jesus washedHe washed my sins awayOh happy dayHe taught me how to watch fight and prayWatch and prayAnd live rejoicing every dayEvery day

Journey of the Magi - We Three Kings | Xmas Songs (Studio Sessions)
 
The Lyrical Literacy podcast explores the beloved Christmas carol "We Three Kings of Orient Are," bringing to life the journey of the three wise men bearing gifts for the newborn Jesus. This episode weaves through the symbolic meaning of gold, frankincense, and myrrh as royal tribute, divine acknowledgment, and mortal sacrifice. The timeless melody captures both the wonder of following the guiding star and the profound spiritual significance of the Magi's pilgrimage across desert lands to find the humble manger in Bethlehem.
Origin
"We Three Kings of Orient Are" was written by American clergyman John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857 for a Christmas pageant at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. Hopkins composed both the lyrics and music, creating one of America's earliest Christmas carols that wasn't adapted from European sources. The carol dramatizes the Biblical story of the Magi from Matthew 2:1-12, who followed a star to bring gifts to the infant Jesus.
 
#ChristmasCarol #WeThreeKings #LyricalLiteracy #ChristmasTradition #MusicEducation #HolidayMusic #BiblicalStory #TheMagi #ChildrensLiteracy #ClassicHymns
 
Nik Bear Brownhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/0hSpFCJodAYMP2cWK72zI6?si=9Fx2UusBQHi3tTyVEAoCDQhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/nik-bear-brown/1779725275https://nikbear.musinique.com

One... or two?Which is real?I do not know which to prefer—
 
This a a spoken word poem for a data visualization where AI generated and real images are shown next to one another and the user is asked:
 
One... or two?Which is real?

 
Vocal Riffs are just playing with sound. This often leads to something good down the road.
 
So I thank the Lord for giving me the things I need. A heart full of love is good, is good.
The one, one I never knew. So, so true, with beauty like the sea and the smile that...
The things I need: a heart full of love is good to me. But He, for God, the one thing I need— the one I never knew. So, so true, with beauty like the sea and the smile that...
Brown eyes, brown eyes. Eyes turn into winter, your brown eyes tell stories the world can't hold.