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Agent Whiskers "A Method of Symmetry" NEW ALBUM (Free/Name your price)

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Loser slave of the system :(
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Available now at Bandcamp (INPUT $0 AT CHECKOUT TO DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM FOR FREE OR IF YOU'RE KIND ENOUGH TO GIVE ME ALL OF YOUR MONIES, SHIT DUDE I WON'T MIND AND THANK YOU.)

Also available on

iTunes | Amazon | Spotify


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Cover by GAF's own Retro

Hey guys! So it's that time of the year again. It brings me intense and uncontrollably orgasmic joy to introduce my 4th full-length album "A Method of Symmetry". At just over 45 minutes, AMoS is my biggest and longest album I've done yet. I used my first album "Abstract Forms of Solace" as a source of inspiration and made it a goal to outdo it considering everything I've learned this past year.

Yes, I'm still in Saudi Arabia, but I'm very soon going to start planning to take Agent Whiskers on the road. Any support would be highly appreciated. Please leave your thoughts and impressions below and please spread the word! Thank you!

Tracklisting:

1. With Clenched Fists We Rise (5:04)
2. Digital Hypnosis (4:41)
3. Souls Adrift (4:40)
4. The Other Side (4:40)
5. Memory Lane (4:56)
6. Dimensions Collide (5:08)
7. A Journey Worth Taking (4:12)
8. Wooden Swords and Plastic Shields (3:11)
9. This Celestial Bond (4:10)
10. The Rise and Fall of Kingdoms (4:46)
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Previous GAF Threads:

3rd Album: A Perfect State of Disarray
2nd Album: Stage 2: The Path Untaken
1st Album: Abstract Forms of Solace

Reviews:

COMING SOON
 
Right on! Will check out.

P.S. The first three Whiskers albums are on Spotify now, just checked.
 
Fantastic! This album should be available on Spotify day one with iTunes next week. At least, I hope. Let me know what you think, man!
 
Great work dude. I really like these songs: With Clenched Fists We Rise, Dimensions Collide (my favorite), A Journey Worth Taking, Wooden Swords and Plastic Shields, The Celestial Bond, Digital Hypnosis, Memory Lane, The Other Side.

So pretty much all of them. :) I'll be able to lend my support and buy the album next week.
 
7echnicolor said:
Great work dude. I really like these songs: With Clenched Fists We Rise, Dimensions Collide (my favorite), A Journey Worth Taking, Wooden Swords and Plastic Shields, The Celestial Bond, Digital Hypnosis, Memory Lane, The Other Side.

So pretty much all of them. :) I'll be able to lend my support and buy the album next week.
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Thank you so much. :) Your support does make a difference, thanks.

DigitalDevil said:
Loved your last album, still listen to it in fact. I'll definitely check it out!
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Thanks DD! Let me know what you think when you get a chance to hear it.
 
Thanks guys. :)

And I'm glad you noticed the gradual improvements I've been making to my sound with every album. Next album should be even bigger and better since I plan on incorporating guitars into the mix.
 
Fusebox said:
That's an awesome cover. Will check the album out as soon as it lands on Spotify man.
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I always look forward to what you have to say. I can't know for sure when it's going to be up on Spotify since I'm in Saudi but hopefully someone will let me know when it's finally up. I'm hoping they got their shit together this time and it shows up day one with iTunes.
 
Great stuff, man. I loved the buildup in With Clenched Fists We Rise, the backmasking in Souls Adrift was awesome, and I loved the percussion in Memory Lane, A Journey Worth Taking (brushes?), and The Rise and Fall of Kingdoms. The 8-bit solo in A Journey Worth Taking is great as well.

Definitely your most technically proficient album yet, and in my opinion your most enjoyable.
 
Steamlord said:
Great stuff, man. I loved the buildup in With Clenched Fists We Rise, the backmasking in Souls Adrift was awesome, and I loved the percussion in Memory Lane, A Journey Worth Taking (brushes?), and The Rise and Fall of Kingdoms. The 8-bit solo in A Journey Worth Taking is great as well.

Definitely your most technically proficient album yet, and in my opinion your most enjoyable.
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I'm truly grateful for the impressions. If you pay really close attention, you might notice something about Souls Adrift and The Other Side. ;)

I thank you!
 
I'm terrible at music impressions, but I liked the album. It does remind me of the style of the first one, but with bits of the second and third mixed in. Also feels a lot smoother than the first one.

I think the second is still my favorite, but I'll pick it up when it hits Amazon mp3 and give it a few more listens.
 
Cyan said:
I'm terrible at music impressions, but I liked the album. It does remind me of the style of the first one, but with bits of the second and third mixed in. Also feels a lot smoother than the first one.

I think the second is still my favorite, but I'll pick it up when it hits Amazon mp3 and give it a few more listens.
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Thanks for the impressions, Cyan! If you don't mind me asking, what makes the 2nd album better in your opinion? I hear the "I liked your previous work more" bit from a handful of people every time I release a new album but nobody seems to clarify why. Of course, this is still a first impression and subsequent listens may change your mind but if you could let me know what makes Stage 2 stand out to you more, it would help me out a lot.

Syph Medwes said:
Listened to your last one, I'll post my impressions later today!
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Awesome. Looking forward to it!
 
AgentWhiskers said:
Impressions!
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It has a different flavour to it than your last album, which I can't quite pin down, but that I definitely like the different approach. Clenched Fist is like a prog rock song, The Other Side is nearly trip-hop, which is completely out of the blue. Wooden Swords and Plastic Shield is straight up nostalgia goodness for something I have almost no attachment to no less. Slower tempo was definitely a surprise, but it's welcome.

Good stuff overall, not sure where I'd place it between this and the last album (as the only two I've heard)
 
AgentWhiskers said:
Thanks guys. :)

And I'm glad you noticed the gradual improvements I've been making to my sound with every album. Next album should be even bigger and better since I plan on incorporating guitars into the mix.
Click to expand...

Nice. I'm looking forward to that.

How did you get into music making? Do you have any formal education?
I really want to start making (mediocre at first) some music but I have no idea what to do...
 
gabbo said:
It has a different flavour to it than your last album, which I can't quite pin down, but that I definitely like the different approach. Clenched Fist is like a prog rock song, The Other Side is nearly trip-hop, which is completely out of the blue. Wooden Swords and Plastic Shield is straight up nostalgia goodness for something I have almost no attachment to no less. Slower tempo was definitely a surprise, but it's welcome.

Good stuff overall, not sure where I'd place it between this and the last album (as the only two I've heard)
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Gabbo! Thanks for checking it out. I used my first album as an influence since I felt I hadn't done enough with that style. Halfway through I decided to go a different route and play with different sub-genres. I'm just glad it all flows evenly and no song stands out for the wrong reasons. Pacing and balance is tricky when it comes to writing albums and the longer the album is, the trickier it gets. I'm happy with the balance I managed to strike.

Kyaw said:
Nice. I'm looking forward to that.

How did you get into music making? Do you have any formal education?
I really want to start making (mediocre at first) some music but I have no idea what to do...
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I've been playing since about 2001. Played guitar and drums for countless bands and played several venues around the world. It all lead to this Agent Whiskers project last year when I felt I could go it alone. I have no formal education (music is a major no-no in Saudi after all). It just comes naturally to me and it's what I hope to do for the rest of my life.

Do you have any experience with musical instruments? Piano, guitar, or anything? If so, you're already halfway there. The toughest part is the writing process. But if you can competently play an instrument, listening closely to any of your influences will give you an indication of their writing style (song structure, etc.). You could try and emulate that until you feel comfortable doing it on your own. Write a single riff and take it from there.

If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to let me know and I'll do what I can to help you out. Good luck!
 
AgentWhiskers said:
Do you have any experience with musical instruments? Piano, guitar, or anything? If so, you're already halfway there. The toughest part is the writing process. But if you can competently play an instrument, listening closely to any of your influences will give you an indication of their writing style (song structure, etc.). You could try and emulate that until you feel comfortable doing it on your own. Write a single riff and take it from there.

If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to let me know and I'll do what I can to help you out. Good luck!
Click to expand...

I'd like to think I can play the guitar well from tabs and tutorial videos.
I mess around a lot on the guitar too.

I try to emulate bands like God is an Astronaut and Mogwai but obviously at a crappy level.
However, nothing extensive like a whole song with different parts. Just some riffs written down on paper.
 
Kyaw said:
I'd like to think I can play the guitar well from tabs and tutorial videos.
I mess around a lot on the guitar too.

I try to emulate bands like God is an Astronaut and Mogwai but obviously at a crappy level.
However, nothing extensive like a whole song with different parts. Just some riffs written down on paper.
Click to expand...

That's a step in the right direction. Is that the kind of music you're looking to write? If you have an iPhone or an iPad, get an iRig and some music apps from the app store. There's no limit to what you can achieve with the technology we have today.
 
Listening now; Clenched Fists is pretty cool. You need to upload the songs to Soundcloud so I can leaved timed comments as I listen. :D
 
AgentWhiskers said:
That's a step in the right direction. Is that the kind of music you're looking to write? If you have an iPhone or an iPad, get an iRig and some music apps from the app store. There's no limit to what you can achieve with the technology we have today.
Click to expand...

I want to write lyrics but I literally have no lyrical skills, so, instrumental for now.
 
Drakken said:
Listening now; Clenched Fists is pretty cool. You need to upload the songs to Soundcloud so I can leaved timed comments as I listen. :D
Click to expand...

I wish I could put entire album up on Soundcloud but it would be a cluttered mess. I'm keeping the Soundcloud for unrelated singles and samples from video games I'm working on. If only Bandcamp had that comment system though. Let me know what you think of the rest of the album!

Kyaw said:
I want to write lyrics but I literally have no lyrical skills, so, instrumental for now.
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You just pointed out one of the reasons I went with instrumentals haha. I'm also pretty bad at writing lyrics and I have no vocal talent whatsoever.

If you have recording software, try recording a rhythm riff and play a lead riff on top of it. Get used to layering tracks over each other. Maybe use some software instruments to bring it home. The world is your oyster, my friend. Whatever you decide to do, I'm here to help out.

7aged said:
Awesome dude. I like this a lot more than your previous album. If you're touring, come to London
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7aged, my good friend! If I ever stop by London, I'll be sure to let you know personally. Thanks man!
 
So I just got an email letting me know that the album was finalized for distribution at CDBaby. This means it should be out on iTunes in the next few days and hopefully Amazon and Spotify not too long after that.
 
AgentWhiskers said:
You just pointed out one of the reasons I went with instrumentals haha. I'm also pretty bad at writing lyrics and I have no vocal talent whatsoever.

If you have recording software, try recording a rhythm riff and play a lead riff on top of it. Get used to layering tracks over each other. Maybe use some software instruments to bring it home. The world is your oyster, my friend. Whatever you decide to do, I'm here to help out.
Click to expand...

Well yeah, I have a deep/low voice and can't sing half of the things I want to.

For recording software, I only have Audacity and no iOS devices.

Thanks for the advice so far man!
 
Kyaw said:
Well yeah, I have a deep/low voice and can't sing half of the things I want to.

For recording software, I only have Audacity and no iOS devices.

Thanks for the advice so far man!
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Least I could do! Audacity's not bad for a start. Try doing lead harmonies too (record a single lead riff and try to harmonize it on the same scale with another lead riff). It's how I learned how to do the solos you usually hear in my albums. Humble beginnings!
 
AgentWhiskers said:
Least I could do! Audacity's not bad for a start. Try doing lead harmonies too (record a single lead riff and try to harmonize it on the same scale with another lead riff). It's how I learned how to do the solos you usually hear in my albums. Humble beginnings!
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Good idea! Will try that. (Need to learn more scales)

I bought your album too.
 
Kyaw said:
Good idea! Will try that. (Need to learn more scales)

I bought your album too.
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I personally only know like 2 or 3 scales. :| I'm a big proponent of the "play what you feel" group. Sure it's better to be educated so you can guarantee that what you're doing is actually right but it often makes riffs feel manufactured and lazy. Let it come out naturally if that's a possibility!

And THANK YOU! This money will go towards finding a way out of this great country o' mine.
 
Half way through and it has been great so far, opening track didn't have quite the punch I was expecting it to build up to though. Souls Adrift/The Other Side is a godly combo, probably my favourite work of yours so far. Enjoying the drift in and out of layers as I really like the moments where you strip it back.

AgentWhiskers said:
So I just got an email letting me know that the album was finalized for distribution at CDBaby. This means it should be out on iTunes in the next few days and hopefully Amazon and Spotify not too long after that.
Click to expand...

Any chance you can give a rundown of how the whole digital distribution system works for small indie artists such as yourself? Obviously avoid anything that will burn bridges but as someone who is only informed on the old style (i.e. terrible) system before DD I am extremely interested in the relative efficiencies that they have, especially with an expected huge improvement in the supply chain.
 
reptilescorpio said:
Half way through and it has been great so far, opening track didn't have quite the punch I was expecting it to build up to though. Souls Adrift/The Other Side is a godly combo, probably my favourite work of yours so far. Enjoying the drift in and out of layers as I really like the moments where you strip it back.



Any chance you can give a rundown of how the whole digital distribution system works for small indie artists such as yourself? Obviously avoid anything that will burn bridges but as someone who is only informed on the old style (i.e. terrible) system before DD I am extremely interested in the relative efficiencies that they have, especially with an expected huge improvement in the supply chain.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the impressions dood. Looking forward to hearing what you think about the second half.

As for DD, I honestly prefer the way Bandcamp handles my sales. Every sale I make goes directly to my PayPal and Bandcamp only gets their cut when you fill the revenue share balance they track for you (usually by the tenth album sale, they get the entire cut based on your balance). Very cool and effective method for indie artists.

CDBaby is a little restricting since you can't let fans name their price and both CDBaby and the distributor (be it iTunes, Amazon, etc.) get a direct cut from each sale you make. Only reason I use CDBaby is because I want my album to be available to anyone anywhere.

If I were a more successful artist, I'd probably use the method more beneficial for myself and for fans (ie the "In Rainbows" approach).
 
Great work! You are really productive man!

I really dig With Clenched Fists We Rise, Digital Hypnosis and Wooden Swords and Plastic Shields
 
Megalodactyl said:
Great work! You are really productive man!

I really dig With Clenched Fists We Rise, Digital Hypnosis and Wooden Swords and Plastic Shields
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Thanks man! And yeah, I really have to be productive if I want out of this country lol. I get a lot of support from the people but the government frowns upon what I do and would rather I quit being a sinful "puppet of the west".

blahblah...blah said:
Nice work.
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Thank you, sir.
 
afaaa73 why do you want to flee from our country :(

I bought your new album although I liked stage 2 more than the first one. I have to prepare for my ritual on listening to your album and that's going to be after midnight cruising on my car in an empty road in the middle of nowhere :D
 
Patita said:
afaaa73 why do you want to flee from our country :(

I bought your new album although I liked stage 2 more than the first one. I have to prepare for my ritual on listening to your album and that's going to be after midnight cruising on my car in an empty road in the middle of nowhere :D
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wsh rayak bilah? Musician in Saudi isn't a great mix. :P I've seen some crazy shit happen to musicians here, man. You know musicians don't thrive here unless you have some fans in the royal family.

I really appreciate your support dude! Please stop by once you've had the chance to hear it and let me know what you think. My albums are perfect for long drives in empty roads so enjoy yourself. :D
 
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