“The Contest” is a unique and creative piece from the artist Stuart Styron his archive. After more than a decade of development, it is finally ready for release—a perfect example of timeless music. This album combines powerful organic electronic sounds with melancholic yet rock-infused guitars, resulting in a highly creative musical journey. Below, he will discuss the theme and the individual tracks of this album after my Interview with him.
Album Theme
“The Contest” tells the story of a competition between robots, each with distinct powers and personalities. The listener becomes the judge, deciding the ultimate winner. Here is a breakdown of the competition and each robot’s unique story:
Track List
- “A Unique Planet is Born”
This is the album’s intro, setting the stage for the competition on a newly formed planet. - “Awe”
The robot “Awe” opens the competition with a strong, confident, and dangerous presence. His final words, “I will win the contest!”, establish his determination. - “Awe’s Twin Brother”
The twin brother of “Awe” is equally consistent but exudes more confidence and coolness. He enters the scene with a simple yet memorable “Hello.” - “Viceroy”
A returning competitor, “Viceroy” is experienced, playful, and dynamic. His self-love and flair suggest he believes it’s his time to win. - “Interval”
A reflective intermission where I, as “Stuart Styron,” convey the competition’s mood. Listeners can revisit the personalities of the robots during this break. - “Ararobot”
A cold, dangerous competitor wielding swords to showcase his power. “Ararobot” does his job with no hesitation or humor. - “The Newcomer”
A tragic story of a new competitor. The song begins with hope—”Good Luck! I’m here for the first time…”—but ends in mishaps, blending sadness with vulnerability. - “The Egoforcer”
This selfish and deceitful robot storms onto the stage, exuding mercilessness and danger. The synthesizer work in this track is particularly striking. - “Quiet Minutes for the Widows”
A melancholic piece linked to “The Newcomer,” reflecting on widows who lost their husbands in past contests. Lyrics like “Heroes” and “Please don’t cry” evoke deep emotions. The addition of a guitar amplifies the melancholy. - “Scarydeepthinker”
True to its name, this robot is both frightening and intellectual, stealthily destroying its enemies. - “My Secret Tip!”
A personal favorite of mine, this avant-garde robot takes calculated steps backward before defeating its enemies. The musical complexity here is captivating. - “Guitbye”
Marking the end of the competition, this track features unplugged, live guitar work. Similar in tone to “Interval,” it offers a fitting conclusion to the event. - “Winstar”
The winner is celebrated in this triumphant rock piece, one of the most energetic tracks I’ve ever released. It’s up to the listener to decide who wins. - “Take My Advice”
The final track serves as advice or a suggestion to the contestants—perhaps advocating for more peace or love. Interpret it as you will.
Closing Thoughts
“The Contest” is a creative journey of sound and story, where listeners become part of the narrative. Each track offers its own unique flavor, blending electronic and rock elements. Turn up the volume, immerse yourself, and decide the victor for yourself!
