Abstract:
HOKA HAI is a Lakota phrase meaning, "It's a good day to die." There is no intent of suicide in this phrase. In fact, it was used as both a greeting and a war cry. The intention of the phrase is that I am not afraid of death, and that I am willing to die for my beliefs. Many people have described my music as "dark." I agree with them that it is dark, but it is a catharsis for me. Through my music I release thoughts and feelings in a constructive, rather than destructive, way.There are two versions of this album. The first was done in December. This version was more of an experimental stage to work with orchestration and recording techniques. It had its problems, but the overall experience was beneficial. The second version was recorded in March and April. This time I attempted, and I think I succeeded, in correcting the problems of the first recording. The second album, which is th ereleased version, contains one song that was not on the first, “k-see.” One song on the first album, “Anything but Pain,” I chose not to put on the final album because I am not happy with it yet. The rest of the paper contains the lyrics and explanations of the forces the caused me to write them.
