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- Mitxoda Weekly #6: Halloween Vibes, Indie Sounds, and a Journey Through Pain and Resilience
Mitxoda Weekly #6: Halloween Vibes, Indie Sounds, and a Journey Through Pain and Resilience
Strange, spooky, and stirring: a Halloween bash, a cello-playing robot, and my personal journey. Dive into new music, debates, and resilience!
Mitxoda
November 01, 2024
Song of the Week : Buried in Glass by Bärkər (released on October 1, 2024).
Hello Dear Friend!
Welcome to this special Halloween edition of Mitxoda Weekly! This week, we’re diving into spooky celebrations, new releases, and a bit of raw emotion. From Vox+Stix’s costume-filled show to Desertland's official release and a closer look at SPA, je te hais, there’s plenty to explore. Plus, we’ve got a community poll, a robot cellist making history, and a big question about Spotify's anti-bot policies.
Settle in, hit play, and let’s dive into the heart of indie music together!
Au menu, this week:
Halloween Special 🎃
Halloween is still finding its place in Belgium, but the festivities are definitely taking off! Vox+Stix led the way this year with a show packed with spooky surprises, costumes, and plenty of laughs. If you missed it, you can catch the Halloween fun and eerie vibes here: Watch Here on YouTube.
Open Debate: Is Spotify’s Anti-Bot Policy Hurting Indie Artists?
This week, a fellow indie musician from The Fods shared their frustration after Spotify dropped one of their EPs, suspecting bot-like activity—despite never using paid promotion. With platforms increasingly strict on bots, are they also impacting genuine artists? Have you or anyone you know faced similar issues? Let’s open the floor: how should streaming services balance bot control with fair treatment for indie artists?
Desertland OUT Today!
Today’s the day—Desertland, my latest instrumental track, is officially out! This release is a journey through vast sonic landscapes, inspired by open deserts and endless horizons. With layered textures and a sense of mystery, Desertland is an invitation to explore the unknown. Click to listen, and let the music take you somewhere new.
Poll: Which part of the music-making journey fascinates you most?
🎛 Sound design and unique arrangements
🎙 Songwriting and lyric inspiration
🎚 Mixing and mastering techniques
🎻 Instrument choice and creative experimentation
💻 DIY setups and recording tips for indie artists
Thanks to everyone who participated in last week's poll! It looks like the majority of readers are satisfied with the current style and length of the Mitxoda Weekly, though a significant portion would appreciate a blend of both short and long formats to keep things varied. So, let’s make it happen!
Story Time: SPA, je te hais – My Battle Set to Music
SPA, je te hais isn’t just another song for me; it’s a raw, unfiltered expression of the frustration, resilience, and endless struggle of living with a chronic illness. The title, “SPA, I Hate You,” is my personal shout against Ankylosing Spondylitis (Spondylarthrite Ankylosante, or SPA), a relentless disease that targets the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and—over time—even immobility. For me, this isn’t just a health condition. It’s a constant, dark presence that impacts my everyday life, my creativity, and my outlook. Through this song, I’m opening the door to that world, letting listeners experience this journey right alongside me.
Turning Pain into Expression: How SPA, je te hais Was Born
Living with a chronic illness like AS (SPA) brings you to breaking points—moments when the frustration builds up to an unbearable level. SPA, je te hais was born from one of these moments. The discomfort, the restrictions, the days that feel endless—it all reaches a boiling point, and I needed to release it. Music became my outlet, my way of confronting the reality of living with SPA. It’s a form of therapy, a way to push back against the feeling of helplessness, and to share with others what it’s like to fight a battle that most people can’t see.
  | Building the Sound: A Reflection of the Emotional LandscapeThe music in SPA, je te hais is designed to reflect the intense, often overwhelming feelings that come with SPA. This song isn’t a quiet lament; it’s filled with fierce, pulsating energy that matches the relentless pain and frustration of living with a chronic illness. Dark, driving synths and a heavy bassline set the tone, creating a world where strength and vulnerability coexist. Each beat and melody pushes back against the disease itself, creating a wall of sound that’s as much a defense as it is a release. The rhythmic patterns mimic the unpredictable nature of living with AS—moments of calm followed by intense waves of pain. With these sounds, I wanted to bring listeners into my experience, where every day feels like a different struggle. It’s not just music; it’s a way of transforming that pain into something tangible, something others can feel. |
A Direct Confrontation: The Lyrics of SPA, je te hais
The lyrics in SPA, je te hais don’t hold back. They’re personal, direct, and filled with the anger I sometimes feel towards this illness that I never invited into my life. I address SPA almost like it’s a separate character—a shadow that’s always there, lurking. Writing these words was a way to confront it, to push back against the mental toll of dealing with a body that’s constantly at war with itself.
Each line is a reflection of the frustration, the sleepless nights, the restrictions I face. It’s not an easy truth to share, but it’s a real one. And as much as I hate this illness, there’s also a complicated acceptance woven into the words—not resignation, but an understanding that this battle isn’t going anywhere. This song became a way to voice that complex relationship.
Why This Song Matters: Giving a Voice to the Invisible Battle
SPA, je te hais isn’t just for me; it’s a voice for everyone fighting invisible battles. Living with SPA, or any chronic illness, often feels isolating because the pain isn’t always visible to others. This song is my way of giving form to that unseen struggle, a way to connect with others who might be feeling the same. I hope it resonates, not as a cry for pity, but as a bridge—a way for people to understand the mental and physical toll of living with a chronic condition.
For those who know AS/SPA, I hope this song offers a sense of solidarity. For those who don’t, maybe it will bring a new level of awareness and empathy for those who quietly face these battles every day.
A Tribute to Resilience
SPA, je te hais is ultimately a tribute to resilience. Creating this song was my way of taking control, of proving that I can still create, still push forward, even when faced with relentless challenges. It’s a reminder that music can transform even the most painful of experiences into something powerful.
This track carries my anger, my exhaustion, and my determination. It doesn’t ask for sympathy. Instead, it’s a call for understanding and respect for the strength it takes to live each day with SPA.
Thank you for listening, for sharing this journey with me, and for being part of something that’s more than just music—it’s life, transformed into sound.
Featured Indie Artist: Electric BlindFold
Electric BlindFold is the musical brainchild of Chris, who reignited his passion for music in 2022 with nothing but a laptop and headset. Influenced by legends like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and the grunge wave of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, Chris blends these inspirations into what he calls Alternative Electronic Music. His debut album, Shadow Work, and the follow-up EP The Alternative showcase his raw, DIY approach, capturing a sound that’s both eclectic and deeply personal. With much of his work as instrumental, Chris’s creations are immersive experiences that invite listeners to explore their own interpretations.
 | A huge applause for Chris’s commitment to the indie world! Creating with minimal gear and maximal passion, he’s a true embodiment of indie spirit—crafting music that speaks to authenticity and resilience. Dive into Electric BlindFold to hear the soul of a creator who’s as indie as it gets. |
Playlist of the Week: Video Playlists by Berlos Band
This week’s playlist comes from Berlos Band, curated by none other than Stephen. This time, it’s not a mix, it’s not on Spotify, but on Youtube. And I suggest you keep a solid eye on these upcoming playlists. It helps you understand each artists behind! Perfect for anyone in search of new sounds. Have a listen and let the music lead you somewhere unexpected! |  |
Historical Fact of the Week: October 30, 1987
On that day, English singer George Michael released his first solo album, Faith, featuring iconic hits like “I Want Your Sex,” “Faith,” and “Father Figure.” A groundbreaking record, it showcased Michael’s talent and cemented his place in music history. A fitting Halloween treat for those craving some classic pop.
Community Spotlight: Finding Parnell’s Live Feedback Video
This week, Joe from Finding Parnell dove into something special: he listened live to three tracks chosen by the Vox+Berlos community, including Girl by 8 Evolutions, Nothing in Return by Steam Slicer, and No Rescue by Mitxoda (your host 😉) featuring Sonophagen. Joe’s feedback throughout the video is genuine, insightful, and incredibly supportive—a true celebration of indie music and the artists behind it.
 | Receiving feedback from the community is honestly one of the best gifts I could ask for, so a huge thanks to everyone who participated! |
Quick Indie News
Robot Cello Makes History in Sweden
Last week, on October 17, a cello-playing robot joined the Malmö Symphony Orchestra in Sweden for a historic performance. According to composer Jacob Mühlrad, it was the first time a robotic cello has played alongside a full orchestra, pushing the boundaries of music and technology. Could this be the start of a new era in orchestral performance?Jay El Dee’s True Story of the Big Bad Wolf
Jay El Dee’s Big Bad Wolf is now at chapter 12—because one wolf story was never going to be enough for this indie powerhouse!In Memory of Paul Bindrup
This week, we lost Paul Bindrup of Glass Iron Syndrome in a tragic car crash. Honoring his legacy, I’ve been keeping Glass Iron Syndrome’s music spinning. Here’s a track to remember him by: Listen Here to “The Life”, released in August 2024.
Spotlight Artist: Hollow Words – I Don’t Like Zombies
In a world obsessed with the undead, Hollow Words takes a different approach with their latest single, I Don’t Like Zombies. This song was born out of vintage synth experiments, conjuring up images of an ‘80s gothic party on a badly-recorded VHS, complete with darkwave aesthetics, big hair, and a healthy dose of hairspray.
But instead of celebrating the zombie craze, Hollow Words flips the script: “Zombies suck!” they declare, fed up with the overdone slasher gore and lifeless shuffling. And as a twist, they mix in a little sci-fi, imagining what would happen if machines, with their efficiency and power, ever decided to take over. The result? A retro dance track that’s as catchy as it is ironic—bringing some Halloween vibes with a playful punch.
So, whether you’re a zombie fan or a skeptic, get ready to dance. Just remember, it’s Hollow Words—don’t take it all too seriously. Now, shut up and enjoy the beat!
Until Next Week: As the Curtain Falls on This Haunted Edition…
As this Halloween edition drifts to a close, remember: not everything is what it seems.
Vox+Stix’s laughter lingers, echoing from shadowed corners. Desertland stretches out like an endless, barren horizon, a place of mystery that beckons yet warns. SPA, je te hais claws at resilience, a reminder of battles hidden from view, unyielding and relentless.
The debate about Spotify policies hangs like a ghostly question, haunting the music industry with whispers of fairness. Electric BlindFold’s sounds float through the darkness, an indie spirit driven by nothing but sheer will. And then there’s the robot cello, an eerie figure strumming among the living, blurring the line between machine and man.
Thank you for stepping into the unknown with us. Until next time—stay inspired, stay indie, and let the haunting melodies linger.
What’s Next for Mitxoda?
December 12: New Collab coming… (stay tuned for more info, soon!)
Another Collab is currently in progress with someone very special to me!
Stay tuned—things are about to get very interesting!
Want to Be Part of the Creative Journey?
Before you go, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you want to see more of, and what indie sounds are you craving? I’m deep into new projects with friends, and let’s just say the studio has been full of surprises. Have any wild recording stories of your own? Drop them on social media—I’d love to hear them!
Let’s Keep the Music Flowing
Thanks for joining me in Mitxoda Weekly #6. Here’s to pushing boundaries, staying curious, and letting music be our guide through every unknown. Until next time, stay inspired, and keep the indie spirit alive.
See you next week,
Stay Safe,
Stay Yourself,
Mitxoda
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