Subdivisions | Rush | Gothik Serpent Cover

One of my favorite songs of all time, Subdivisions is the song that made me fall in love with Rush. The first time I heard it was in the car while I was being driven from the airport at Grand Rapids, MI by my friend Mike. Right away, the song's blend of poppy hooks, bold analog synths and time signature changes stood out to me and ignited my interest in a band that I give much credit for inspiring me to pick up music.
Another aspect of Subdivisions that I cherish very much is that it's a song about introverts. Unlike many other rock songs that sing about love, partying, and sex, this one was about the struggles of being the awkward kid trying to fit in with society, which was a very, very real experience for me during high school. In it's own ironic way, Subdivisions helped show me that all the feelings of inadequacy and being uniquely out of place were actually shared by many others, and therefore we weren't quite all alone.
For this cover, I paid special attention to giving the guitars a distinct ferocity; something I felt was lacking in the original, by playing more staccato rhythms during the chorus and mixing it evenly with the synthesizers. To help modernize it more and not try to imitate the original too much, I elected to use my Zon Sonus Special rather than the Rickenbacker (which the original had).
Kerwin Tsang - Lead Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Synthesizers, Drum Programming, Mixing & Mastering, Video
Olivia Jean Kong - Supporting Vocals
Don Tan - Driver
AFBA - Flight Simulator Video
Originally written and performed by RUSH

[@dougarnold9337]

As a Canadian who not only grew up listening to this song but is actually from the Toronto suburbs that inspired the song, I give this cover two massive 🤘🤘 !!! Great job on this, and thank you for keeping the spirit of Rush and rock music alive! 🤘😁👍

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thank you, I'm honored!

[@paulstewart238]

Love your version!

[@SilentKnight43]

Although the video featured a lot of footage of Toronto (mostly Scarberia) subdivisions, Neil actually wrote the lyrics based on his growing up as a youth in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines. The same area that inspired Lakeside Park.

[@gcdmade]

"Another aspect of Subdivisions that I cherish very much is that it's a song about introverts. Unlike many other rock songs that sing about love, partying, and sex, this one was about the struggles of being the awkward kid trying to fit in with society, which was a very, very real experience for me during high school. In it's own ironic way, Subdivisions helped show me that all the feelings of inadequacy and being uniquely out of place were actually shared by many others, and therefore we weren't quite all alone." Your words are so right on. I always felt the same way too... Love to you, Christine

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks so much Christine. Glad you resonate with the song the same way I do.

[@jerrysay8133]

I am a lifelong Rush fan, and I have listened to a lot of covers. I must tell you, THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! That is my favorite song by Rush. You execute a beautiful cover that showcases every time signature change AND you even programmed the drum track nearly identical to Neil Peart's original drum track... AND to put a special bit of your own, the backing vocals were ALSO AWESOME! I am so impressed. Thank you so much, that just made my day! Many thanks to you both!

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@Gitareur]

Much respect for you and the music and also the art of the moving pictures that go along with the famous song. Enjoyed it!

[@dwl1117]

My favourite song, from my favourite album, by my favourite band. As a kid growing up in the suburbs of Toronto, this song meant the world to me. Great cover, I really enjoyed it!

[@kanenomoja]

Really great job, all!! I’ve been listening to and loving this song for decades and you did a great job!! 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻 You guys rock!

[@rajivbalasuriya5975]

This was absolutely the best Subdivisions cover I’ve ever heard. Brought tears to my eyes. Great job 👏

[@gothikserpentmusic]

I'm deeply flattered it brought that out of you. Thanks so much!

[@karllemut]

This is an epic crossover between Subdivisions and Transformers! EPIC EPIC

[@coldfire2812]

40+ year RUSH fan here.... one of the best covers I have heard!!

[@SonOfSyrinxia1993]

Spot on. Everything was exact to the original. Neil would be proud.

[@12ealDealOfficial]

Congratulations You understood the assignment in every regard, right down to the description and your sentiment on the song. This is one of my favorites too. Easy sub from me, man!

[@RKDriver]

Very late to this show but I really liked this. Rush fans are VERY discerning so covering one of their iconic songs is a monumental task which you did very well.

[@darrin2Bdifferent]

This is by far the best Subdivisions cover and perhaps the best Rush cover I’ve heard!!!!

[@lemonsquadd]

Wow massive respect. What an epic tribute.. A huge compliment 👌🏼❤️👍🏼

[@shiggmeister]

Rush fan since 1980... this was very, very good!

[@Citizenfourteen]

That subdivisions cover is fire! 🔥 You guys are really good! Got another subscriber..

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thank you, really appreciate the subscribe!

[@Fuzzywuzzywasawoman]

Harmony on the solo too…nice

[@elespiritudelradium4805]

I spent one week and a half in Singapore many years ago. I keep very good memories from there. Very good job!🎉🎉❤❤

[@rayanreyguitar3996]

Świetny cover.👋👋👋Miło się słucha mojego ulubionego zespołu z młodych lat. Uwielbiam RUSH

[@brightonmischief]

One of the best covers of this song I’ve heard! Great work!

[@cvn6555]

Very well done. Not an easy song to play, like most Rush songs. First heard Sub-d in the fall of 83. Nobody else had music like this or was singing about these types of topics. Hooked immediately. I have listened to this song more times than any other Rush song.

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Honored that you like it. It's true, none of Rush's songs are easy to play; otherwise I'd have done more covers of them!

[@1JackTorS]

I really wasn't prepared for how much I was going to enjoy this cover. Well done.

[@interminablyperplexed4903]

Wow. Beautifully done.

[@johncopple6479]

Very nice rendition of this iconic song ! Love the way she sings the Subdivisions part !🐰📺🔩

[@mags24]

The best subdivisions cover ive seen ! Great job bro

[@max1664]

Wow dude!! Amazing this is one of my favorite songs. You did it justice. And the harmony on vocals. 🔥

[@johnoneill6077]

U R BLODDY BRILLIANT!! I am older than dirt and grew up on RUSH and this was amazing. PLEASE PASS UR KNOWLEDGE DOWN

[@Proggydan]

Great voice. Great arrangements. Killer job !

[@romanhollow2985]

Amazing. Grest job

[@adam872]

I'm enjoying the energy of this cover, as well as the footage of Singapore (a place I've been to several times).

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks so much. Hope you enjoyed your time in my tiny country.

[@gabrielpowers766]

What's funny is I would never need taped on letters on the pedals to know which was which. But I would never be able to play anywhere near as good as this. I know all about music but I just don't have the ear for it to ever be really any good. You guys are great! You are so lucky to have been born with an ear for music and you've obviously worked hard to develop your skills and talents. I am impressed.

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks so much. Yes, I rely entirely on my ear as I was never formally trained in music.

[@JohnkMaxwell]

Great job. Its nice to see a male singer in these cover bands.

[@nunyabusiness3666]

Must be good because the original always gives me chills, and this did also.

[@michelcarrier7695]

Fantastic! Sounds great. Love the choices you made.

[@beachem1]

I have seen the future of rock now. We are in great hands. Outstanding job all around instruments and vocals. Great editing and production also. Thanks for this video 🎸🎸

[@gothikserpentmusic]

That's a pretty huge compliment, thanks!

[@graemehumfrey3955]

Sweet ! 🇨🇦

[@jackfetter]

Dude, you totally slayed that song my friend! I would have appreciated seeing the drummer or track used, as that wasn't Neil (slight variations in tuning but fully on-point!). Awesome job!

[@Nicholas_Burmeister]

Stumble upon you guys for a Porcupine Tree cover, and am glad I dug a bit further. You my dear folks, have given a very worth cover, and what's more, a perfect art accompaniment to this classic song. Thank you from Seattle!

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thank you from Singapore. Really appreciate it.

[@donaldlangeliersjr6704]

1:51am Washington state this was very good signals and grace under pressure where two of my favorite. Good job

[@alfredravenbolivar3671]

excelenete amigo ,el tema quedo bien la edicion todo cantan bueno, amo a ruhs , y saque ese tema por q me encanta para teclado , sigan asi ssaludo desde venezuela alfredraven

[@genesimmons2676]

perfect!...more please

[@CalebNathanaelNettles]

Nailed it. It’s baffling how spot on the mix and tones are. I love how accentuated the vocal harmonies and bass runs are too. Well done sir 👏

[@tanner7495]

Great interpretation of a classic song!! Now i have to see Neil purcuss.

[@davebauerart]

Great job making your own version that still brings out the same feelings.

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@coverup7428]

Very sweet guys …truly some total respect to you all !

[@HeroUnderpants]

Love the music!

[@rej4166]

This is incredible. Thank you!

[@davidreichert9392]

Many years ago I attempted a cover of this song and it was terrible so I appreciate just how hard it is to do. Happy to see you do such a great job of it. Cheers from YYZ.

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks David! Honored to be complimented by a Rush-town resident.

[@cliftonhenderson3155]

Y’all are so amazing! Great job bro!

[@MVelt7]

Another late-comer to this cover, but I'm loving it---and playing it over and over! Your performance and mix are so spot-on!

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks so much. Looking back at it now, I think I can do a lot better.

[@user-xo5uz4lh1q]

Not just about introverts etc. but also about the fact that when we are young we want to have fun and when we get older, as adults, we want a calmer life (some go for that too but wanted big flights and got tired or gave up, ok).

[@gothikserpentmusic]

That's a great observation, thanks.

[@matthewparker7515]

New subscriber here. Very well done, great job on a tough song to cover.

[@keyzone72]

Wow, this is AMAZING!

[@timmerred5]

Superb job! I’ve been lucky enough to cover this song singing, playing bass, keys, and pedals myself. I love all of the sounds and tones you’ve captured in your cover!

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks! Would love to see/hear your cover.

[@timmerred5]

@@gothikserpentmusicI wish I had a copy of it, but it was many years ago and we didn’t often record our stuff.

[@tommyb_rocks]

I like what you did with the arrangement. Especially playing the synth part on guitar right before the solo.

[@marctorrez774]

Awesome!

[@albiss1164]

WOW !!! Sounds organic and magistral, so well done !!!

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Many thanks!

[@marvinbraga]

TOP!!!!!!!!! God bless you!

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks! God bless you too.

[@toddwalker4301]

Love the added vocal harmonies. Best cover of the song I've heard.

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks so much!

[@toddwalker4301]

Subdivisions has such an ethereal sound to it. I think that's what makes it so addictive.

[@LandYacht]

Incredible!

[@luccianoedita]

i LOVE the fact that you incorporated footage of your city (im assuming). Greetings from another Rush-head somewhere in the world brother!

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks! Yup this is Singapore; I filmed this in the middle of COVID lockdowns.

[@joshuafreedom5198]

Awesome!!!!!! 👍

[@joerichmond8163]

Excellent cover! Very well done.

[@photoniccannon2117]

Very nice job on the vocals. Very clean, great job matching the right style for the song.

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks so much. Check out my new cover of The Garden: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJraZpZoo82fq5Ysi=wwkpYQ60jf324n33

[@gerrylopez6674]

Well done!! You pay a great homage to Rush!

[@davidmorgan6000]

Amazing work! You two made my night!!

[@SupermanNew52]

Sorry I'm late. I've seen a BUNCH of covers of this song and this one is up there. Sounds very close to the original in many ways. Well done, subbed.

[@LD-qj2te]

great job and super fun !

[@V1kingr]

This is excellent!!

[@chunonlam40]

Awesomely Great!

[@svartmetall]

Rush fan of over 40 years' standing here, well done sir :)

[@dukemetzger3784]

This is not a bad cover. I remember when this song hit the radio. At the time I had no clue who it was, but man this song was amazing to hear!

[@LorenScott69]

Excellent cover!

[@boshmow3600]

Your video has 1,212 views. 😊...Nicely done. I loved the layered vocals.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

sounds incredible

[@audiohub1568]

Like! Really great job guys!

[@davidmcclinton895]

Brilliant!

[@MrStrongbox]

Yeah man! Awesome cover version. Kept it very traditional but love the heavier emphasis on the guitar work.

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks muchly. The heavier guitar was very much a main reason I wanted to cover this.

[@Ionizap]

Looking out the window and seeing what might be Toronto adds a bit to this song,

[@gothikserpentmusic]

That was the idea. Thanks for watching!

[@giannij.centenocenteno6675]

Holy hell! Amazing cover guys! 🔥🔥🔥💯💯👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@gafferanon]

Rush fan since 1982, Amazing cover of this timeless classic 👍😎👍

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks so much. It's an honor!

[@Hyzblood4Lyfe]

I listen to the the original.....and you.... fantastic!

[@boradis]

🤘🤘🤘🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@rwfrench66GenX]

Thank you! You worked very hard not only to learn to play music but the video editing was also excellent. You replicated the same shots Rush used in their video of Subdivisions like the aerial shots of the residential areas and cityscapes. The girl singing back up did a great job too! Have you done a cover of Time Stand Still yet?

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks! Yes, I am in fact working on Time Stand Still...currently learning the guitar parts.

[@bruceleggett568]

Loved it

[@zentan911]

Good job Kerwin!! So much effort

[@johndelaney1818]

Perfect take!

[@udynes4457]

Fantastic! Cheers from Brazil.

[@user-ew2zo9wz4i]

Great cover !!!😀

[@mohansubramaniam7487]

Great cover!!! 👏👏👏

[@schlagsaite1378]

This is an amazing cover!

[@vadeking]

Really, REALLY well done.

[@malcolmh5736]

Very nice 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham]

This is a great cover!

[@paladin677]

Thank you algorithm. Great job on the video!

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks bud!

[@matthiasottowski6483]

Great job guys

[@BobDacat-py6so]

Damn took me back to highschool and my desire to gtfo the suburbs I grew up in. The reason I way bsck in 84 vowed to never raise any child I had in the burbs. Amazing job

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thank you!

[@highstepperARF]

Guitar is nice and tight. Well done.

[@MrPedrotec]

Parabéns! Mandaram muito bem.

[@tomhogan2276]

This is really really well done!!

[@gothikserpentmusic]

Thanks so much Tom!