THE RIBBON | Alan Wake 2 Song feat. Cami-Cat!

ALAN WAKE 2 IS AVAILABLE NOW: bit.ly/AW2Stup...
In the long awaited Alan Wake 2, Remedy take us back to the world of Bright Falls, Cauldron Lake and the Dark Place that lies deep within it. Since the events of the first game, Alan, a renowned writer, has been lost for 13 years, trapped by the Dark Presence in a twisted world built from his own words deep beneath the shores of Cauldron Lake. Stuck in an endless, undying loop he must find a way to write an ending and his escape from a world that feeds on his own creativity and turns it against him.
Meanwhile, on the surface, new character to the series Saga Anderson has been assigned to solve a string of terrible, ritualistic murders in the town of Bright Falls and soon discovers that there may be a connection to a famous writer who vanished from the town 13 years ago…
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It’s been a little while, huh? But I’m back! A heady mix of delays beyond my control, international travel (for both pleasure AND some exciting international projects!) and good old fashioned mental health lead to a totally unplanned span between new songs here on the channel!
I’ve been so excited to release this for the longest time! Way back in 2020 when I released Slide Into the Void for Remedy’s ‘Control’ (one of my favourite games in recent memory) they reached out to me and expressed an interest in maybe working together in future. So when Alan Wake 2 was announced I immediately reached out in kind. A song touching on themes of creator vs creation and artistic legacy whilst also occupying the fantastically weird world of the Remedyverse? Sign me up!
What followed was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, video production I’ve yet attempted! Four solid days of shooting, the largest set we’ve ever built based on Remedy’s own schematics for the version built for the game’s live action sequences.
Not only that but Remedy were kind enough to send me multiple props and costume pieces that were used when filming for the actual game! The cultist costumes, their masks, Saga’s unique sweater, the books, the desk lamp, all the 100% genuine props you’ll see in game!
Together Remedy and Epic have been so fantastic to work with, providing in-depth access and references for the game way ahead of release so I was able to research and write, and placing incredible faith in my crazy ideas. Projects on this scale are both a joy and a nightmare to pull together and I couldn’t have done it without their support!
But not just them! Yet again I am blessed to be able to thank my incredible team for coming together and making this happen. As always thank you to the incredible Lizzy, my editor and production coordinator, Paul, my DOP and cinematographer and Nick, set builder extraordinaire. As well as new team member Benedict who has become invaluable as a prop and costume fabricator over the last few projects.
I’d like to thank my good friend Storm for taking on the role of Saga! Storm and I go way back and I’m so happy to finally be able to bring her on for a project!
And another newcomer to the channel, my incredibly talented sister, Caitlin, carpenter extraordinaire! Those stunning chalk boards? Made from scratch by her according to Remedy’s blueprints. I’m thrilled to be able to work with her and I hope to do so much more in future!
Thanks for sticking with me whilst I was away, everyone! I'll be back again soon, there are a LOT of things on the way!
#alanwake #alanwake2 #ad
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Check out the full Stupendium originals playlist for all of my original songs!
STUPENDIUM ORIGINALS: • STUPENDIUM ORIGINALS
THE STUPENDIUM ON SPOTIFY:
bit.ly/Stupendify
THE STUPENDIUM ON iTUNES:
bit.ly/Stupendi...
Lyrics and vocals by The Stupendium
Video by The Stupendium and Lizzy CJ
Production Coordinator: Lizzy CJ
Guest vocals by ‪@Cami-Cat‬
Cinematography by Paul Marke: www.paulmarke....
Costume and prop design by Benedict Marshall: ‪@LawlessMarshall‬
Cast:
Storm Stewart as Saga Anderson: www.flowcode.c...
‪@Shwabadi‬ as Cult of the Tree member
‪@LawlessMarshall‬ as Cult of the Tree member and taken townsfolk
Set fabrication: Nick J. Henderson
Set fabrication assistant: Benedict Marshall
Master carpenter: Caitlin H
Track produced by ‪@OxygenBeats‬
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Join the official Stupendium discord server!
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Drop me a tweet? @TheStupendium
The Stupendium is a musician, animator and content creator, creating weird, wonderful and usually incredibly nerdy songs and animations. Join them on their journey to obscure, niche internet stardom! They have some pretty decent videos, wonderful facial hair and a great sense of discomfort describing themself in the third person.

[@TheStupendium]

"The Stupendium thanked Remedy & Epic Games for sponsoring this video and pointed their viewers to the website where Alan Wake 2 could be purchased: bit.ly/AW2Stupendium" LYRICS: INTRODUCTION: At the edge of understanding, the border of the known The breaking point of reason, where logic is dethroned Where sense is defenseless and festers on the bone One writer fights a cycle, trying to write a way back home In Night Springs Tonight’s episode ‘The Ribbon’ VERSE 1: We open, our protagonist, brash, pragmatic, fantasist Trapped within a cabin, frantic, grappling with a manuscript Passionately grasping for a catalyst but the syntax isn’t landing Grabs the draft out from the carriage and abandons it He doesn’t really know quite what he’s writing, but he has to Sits enraptured in the flow of what he’s typing Cramping wrists, his hands in fits The hammers slam the characters They writhe and dance and twist But never seem to parse more than ‘surviving’ As the grammar shifts A bulb, it flickers for a moment Darkness falls for just a second But it lingers, forms unspoken Hark the call, the shadows beckon Swallowed dawn, still all-consuming Every corner lurking, looming Hear the ichor hymns so soothing As the screaming silence deafens Another page, a hurried scrawl A night replays, a dozen more Another failed and crumpled ball Of ‘almost, maybe’ on the floor Framed within the maze within the print His escape from all this hinges On which page becomes the door CHORUS 1: Existence is cast in the answers we write To riddles in chapters that can’t be defined Pigment of black and the parchment of white The figments they track through the dark to the light The hammers and keys and the patterns they weave The fragments of me that they trap in between We all have to write on the pages we’re given But you can’t live life on both sides of the ribbon Tied to the ribbon Legacy It is the dream of any creative to leave their mark, indelible, on the world around them Which side of the ribbon? But be careful what marks such an obsession might leave on you VERSE 2: Another chapter opens But our hero isn’t sure If the pattern is unbroken Has he penned this page before? Is he writing what he’s lived Or now reliving what he’s written? Every end with failed beginnings Cast adrift within the lore On a lake that turned to ocean Drowning under weight of legacy When any sentence could be sentenced As the last they ever see Our pages pass relentless Count or not, there is no remedy And so, he sits again Attempts to pen pre-emptive threnody Amorphous in memoriam In effigy uncertain Unsure if all this really is himself At least, a version? But these whispers grip the narrative Treat sense with bleak aversion Tendrils bend and break immersion Twisting cursive through recursion His words branch out in paths Too dark to follow through trees With pages piled so high He’s lost the forest for leaves No saying what’s to believe It doesn’t want him to leave And so these pages end up bound To make the story repeat BRIDGE: Wake up, day starts as the night falls See what dark part of your mind calls You can’t fight what you write And you write what we like Find the light, you might see how the bright fall YOU’LL NEED THE PROPER TOOLS TO GET A PROPER SERVICE YOU WON’T BELIEVE THE THINGS THAT HIDE RIGHT THERE BENEATH THE SURFACE Hopelessly floating through tomes With no way of knowing If you are composing or you’re just quoting The prose you’re sewing Ergo ergodic, eroding your ego Going for broke but just broken NO FIXER-UPPER LIKE THE COFFEE POT A FLOWIN’ A hero’s journey burdened By the characters deployed When all your thousand faces Are so narratively void Were the adjectives employed Worth the marriage you destroyed? YOU KNOW HUNTING IS A HOBBY THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY SAGA BRIDGE: Deep in the dark and winding eaves of your mind Read from a Saga, blind but reaching in kind Leads down a path where leaves and secrets entwine Even apart, two heroes, one storyline Small town - And I know the narrative conventions Establishing shots in the dark A plot with an arc beyond all comprehension I’ll be the first person to admit The present is tense and Not sure if I’ll get these words to fit The presence descending I hear it calling my name I feel me falling away Chasing these pages but questioning my agency Tasked with a story to break I hear it calling my name I feel me falling away Am I a character? Actor? A passenger? Cast from the shores of a lake? CHORUS 2: Existence is cast in the answers we write To riddles in chapters that can’t be defined Pigment of black and the parchment of white The figments they track through the dark to the light The hammers and keys and the patterns they weave The fragments of me that they trap in between We all have to write on the pages we’re given But you can’t live life on both sides of the ribbon Tied to the ribbon Creativity It is the impetus of any artist to pour themselves into their work Which side of the ribbon? But pour too much and you might not like what you find at the bottom of the bottle VERSE 3: Our hero, once again attempts to find the words he lacks And peers between the lines to see the lines observing back A scratch all too familiar and - oh! - The surface cracks What’s the matter, Alan? We can’t both be worthless hacks Now, I know what you’re thinking This is crazy! Oh, he can’t exist! You could have made a killing Just embraced a little masochist ‘Stead you’re dried up Trying to earn a living from a manuscript But have you tried for just one second Living as the man you script? I’m the parts you were ashamed of I’m the parts you tried to fight I’m the parts you told yourself Didn’t keep you awake at night I’m the part of you that’s better You just can’t concede I’m right So, you poured me into pages Then I guess I’m just your type You meld work with your self-worth But tell me, what does that sell for? And was the journey through hell worth How short you fell on the bell curve? Then one day they’ll forget you, ooh! But I’ve stories to tell first ‘Cause I’m that face that you gave them to be you And baby, I’m well versed What am I When you’re already a shadow of yourself? Tell me who would look at this And then take that down off the shelf? You had it, buddy! All of it! The fame, the glam, the wealth But what’s it worth if you won’t play The hand the round has dealt? ‘Nightmares don’t use logic’ Yeah, we know that you can read Sat there hoping for the credits But it’s me who’s supposed to lead All that hokum in your head But where’s the quote to make you see? That perhaps YOU’RE antithetical To the poetry of ME! CHORUS 3: Existence is cast in the answers we write To riddles in chapters that can’t be defined Pigment of black and the parchment of white The figments they track through the dark to the light The hammers and keys and the patterns they weave The fragments of me that they trap in between We all have to write on the pages we’re given But you can’t live life on both sides of the ribbon Tied to the ribbon, the ribbon, the ribbon, the ribbon Which side of the ribbon, the ribbon, the ribbon, the ribbon? OUTRO: Another chapter ended But not an arc adjourned A narrative repeating For a plot he can’t discern He’s writing a Departure But he’s still yet to learn That every line he starts Must always end at the Return And there you have it A vicious cycle scored by the hammer of keys and the ring of the typewriter A writer cursed to relive his own words, trapped in a world of his own making A novel concept Everyone likes to get lost in a good book But be careful what you read In Night Springs

[@amra6126]

play lair of the clockwork god

[@McLoughlin.x]

SLAYYYYY

[@TheGameChangerLord]

thanks stupes

[@LittleJellyHat]

Omg thanks so much for this song Stupes! You never fail to impress us all.

[@AndrewD8Red]

If you can't place the pin, where patterns end, and you begin...

[@FloridaMan178]

The callback to "slide into the void" with the "Night Spring" series in game was genius

[@Wepium]

Not only that, but some of the first words in this video are also from Slide into the Void!

[@DanteBC]

My favorite song of his. Underrated as hell in my opinion

[@AlexanderAzarov]

Don't forget the scene sitting in the corner surrounded by walls covered with sheets of paper, ranting.

[@the_expidition427]

Saving this @@Wepium

[@a_puntato29]

@@Wepium isnt that.. exactly what they were saying?

[@Zippsterman]

"questioning my agency" is such an incredible line for an FBI agent who suspects they're a fictional character

[@TheStupendium]

You might be the first to catch that one! :D

[@Cami-Cat]

YESSS I'm so glad that this is out now! Thanks so so much again for having me, this was INSANE

[@TheStupendium]

And thank YOU for elevating this track to another level with your INSANE performance! :D

[@Endtherinbetween]

@@rateocleo3622aren’t you too young for youtube?

[@AndrewD8Red]

It really is a sequel to Slide Into The Void!

[@VannyXan]

Absolutely beautiful performance! Your vocals are wonderful and they're not only a perfect addition, but a great continuation. Congratulations for a job very well done!

[@mr.glitch6781]

Yeah this performance by the both of you was top tier and I absolutely loved the song

[@danbull]

i am watching your alan wake song i like the frantic anxious raps this song is not making me feel relaxed is it bad that my thought is "i wish i was as productive a writer as alan wake" i dont think thats the message i am supposed to take away haha well done sir/madam i think this will be a slow burn success

[@chasethemaster3440]

First

[@Mr.Shmeat]

Last in originality though @@chasethemaster3440

[@Hifuutorian]

I hope you're doing well man.

[@haldalas]

I mean as long as the message is “be more productive” and not “isolate yourself in a realm of darkness and nightmares,” I think you’re good

[@alexandermacer5226]

13 years writing Zero published books Not that productive

[@HeisenbergFam]

This is ultimate proof Stupendium is the embodiment of quality over quantity

[@JudyAlvarez2077]

GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD

[@Place_Your_Order_Here]

​@@JudyAlvarez2077 Lovely~

[@theulmateunit648]

I feel like it’s becoming more poem driven like instead of lyric driven.

[@LiderKonmils]

​@@JudyAlvarez2077Get out of my head before I do what I know is best for you. Get out of my head before I listen to everything she said to me. Get out of my head before I show you how much I love you. Get out of my head before I finish writing this poem. But a poem is never actually finished. It just stops moving.

[@mokasaam1819]

Agree 💯

[@blujayvox87]

"Am I a character? Actor? A passenger? Cast from the shores of a lake?" Absolutely GENIUS. On one side, cast from the shores of Cauldron Lake, where the Dark Place is. But also, Sam Lake, the writer of both Alan Wake games, who literally "cast" all the characters into existence.

[@moxie6132]

Somehow, I've never heard of Alan Wake in full until now. A writer housed in a prison of his own words? That sounds incredible! Thank you, Stupendium, for putting this on my radar

[@Void6-]

Give both games a shot, and also play Control. They are tied and ocurring in the same universe (theres even an alan wake DLC). What Remedy is cooking is pure gold.

[@trashypunkman7559]

@@Void6- Can't forget American Nightmare

[@KutluMizrak]

Control is more of an action horror game, but damn it is good. It is, inevitably, a part of this universe as well. ============= SPOILER============ And the whole FBC, Old House, Faden all implied to be Alan's creations as well.

[@trashypunkman7559]

@@KutluMizrak i like to think it isn't the FBC but just the investigation wing of the FBC are Wake's creation

[@danielfraser6034]

@@KutluMizrakthe oldest house has always been around, the FBC moved in in the 60’s Bright falls/cauldron lake is a localised Altered World Event(AWE), so it is “real” within the story

[@graysongoal]

Having recently finished The Final Draft, the commenter searched for more AW2 content and was led to The Stupendium for the first time. Always having loved rap, he watched with glee, giddy over the references and the details in the scenes. Quickly, he clicked both 'like' and 'subscribe,' excited to see what new treasures he'd find.

[@TheStupendium]

The Stupendium was incredibly grateful to the commenter and welcomed them to the channel!

[@bennydoesthings7866]

The "Slide Into the Void" rip got me almost immediately ready for this absolute adventure of a song. Between "Ergo ergodic, eroding your ego", the flip on manuscript, and "just your type", the wordplay was out in full force. Great song as always

[@DeaconBlues117]

I mean, my understanding is that Alan Wake and Control share a universe anyway, with the typewriter being (as far as I can tell) an OoP.

[@theblackphantom121]

I think that he also referenced other songs in a way. The part around 5:40 or 6:00 sounds very similar to The House Always WIns

[@patfre]

@@theblackphantom121i do not see what you mean by that it doesn’t remotely sound the same

[@Zippsterman]

Also the realization of the typewriter hammering out characters in the first verse meaning something quite different later

[@joshuanorman2]

@@patfre maybe they are referring to the part where House mocks you for voting

[@Shwingoman]

5:10 Is my absolute favorite line in any stupendium song. "What's the matter Alan, we can't both be worthless hacks!"

[@doctorjackson7024]

"The song in front of the listener would leave them shaken as it makes them remember the slow realization that madness is eternal and never ending. A perfect loop, needing to be rewritten"

[@xaver1202]

"His escape from all this hinges on which page becomes the door" I JUST got that

[@korbinslookingglass5467]

Stupes wasn't lying about the production quality! Did you know to prepare for this song, Stupes trapped themself in the WRITER TORTURE DIMENSION so they can perfectly convey the feeling of being trapped in the WRITER TORTURE DIMENSION!! Kudos to the Stupendium!

[@lionman8295]

Wait, what?!

[@themostbritishpersonalive868]

@@lionman8295I don’t know what part of this confuses you

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

I thought Stupendium always dwelled in the WRITER TORTURE DIMENSION, it's only Gregory Holborn who doesn't but gets regularly possessed by their more glamorous alter ego.

[@sourwitch2340]

​@@HaganeNoGijutsushi a) I didn't know the Stupendium had a mortal name 😱 b) also, it's apparently Holgate, not Holborn, but it's funny, as I've been working on a manuscript where a crucial character is indeed named Holborn, after the street.

[@kingofsoy2413]

Out of all of the lines, the one I feel has the most impact to me is the simple "What's the matter, Alan? We can't both be worthless hacks". The symbolism aside, the line pulls you in, as this whole time, even in Saga's section, there have been a ton of long technical words, poetic structures, and a very distinct feel from it all. Then suddenly it's gone, not in a new section but in a reveal of an Alan, you're not used to, simpler, the creation not the creator. Another shocking departure that pulls is that this is the first use in the song of addressing anyone by name, and the first instance of "We". Really good job of setting up the dichotomy in one line.

[@forrestpatterson6053]

I completely agree. The first time I heard this song, that moment made me snap to attention and actually listen to the song from the beginning. One of your finest works!

[@tomasmurphy9888]

"But he's let to learn that every line he starts must end at the return" - holy hell, Stupes, the *delivery* of that line was impeccable. Cami-Cat did an excellent job (as always) on the chorus, and there were some killer bars in this one. Excellent job.

[@VillainousEater]

"Another failed and crumpled ball / Of ‘almost, maybe’ on the floor" - as a writer and artist, this line is painfully relatable.

[@SecondaryLoop]

GOD DAMN. The way the voice switches character to character, sometimes the author and the narrator, it just gives me chills. Great job!

[@sourwitch2340]

I love the line "a novel concept" so much. Makes me smile every time. The way it's both the explanation of what he's trapped in, and praise for the hypothetical TV episode we just watched AND the game. It's great. Such simple phrasing with several angles.

[@NerdRaps_]

Oh my Goodness Stupes. This is amazing. The sets, the editing, Jazzy's performance. This is by far the most cinematic video you've ever done. Bravo

[@arthursgarage6550]

"Creativity, it is the impetus of every artist to pour themselves into their work, but pour too much, and you might not like what you find at the bottom of the bottle" I quote this line far too much, genuinely amazing line.

[@Finzombie]

I'm going to choose to believe that the line at 2:45 is not only a clever nod to sheets of paper being called 'leaves', but considering the set dressing of being surrounded and trapped by unnervingly formatted pages, it's also a reference to hit novel House of Leaves. What an excellent reference, Stupes! You've done it again!

[@TheStupendium]

You are correct on both fronts!

[@nekodarklink7813]

Omg, I thought the same but I'm just so used to people not knowing that book that I thought I was just hoping too hard! Edit: I am so glad to see that book get a shout out like this!

[@TheAshenCouncil]

@@nekodarklink7813 Since Alan Wake and Control were both heavily inspired by House of Leaves as well it's not too surprising!

[@kalimaude3532]

@@TheStupendium god DAMMIT my dude I am straining at the very bit to be even a little less effusive about these songs and you are making my pretensions of Control even more obviously shadowpuppetry. stop being SO GOOD it is HURTING ME to not LOSE MY MIND about it.

[@lolman6759]

Alan wake is basically video game house of leaves, we've got a perspective shifting between two characters one being a crazy unreliable narrator and saga a person in a story like Navidson, a strange entity without a defined physical form that haunts people using their personality to take control (the house using Holloway's desire to kill the minotaur to make him shoot at the protagonists and the dark presence using wake's rage to make him take the clicker) and the general weirdness of the storytelling that makes me think of house of leaves

[@ZariesTheHealadin]

The viewer returned to the song yet again, unsure if he'd already left a comment once before. He only knew he hoped for more songs from the Stupendium - particularly in tandem with Cami-Cat - when further games from this company, remake or otherwise, were released. Then, pleased with his new comment, he posted it and the viewer returned to the song yet again...

[@torazely]

The viewer returned once more to the song. A strange comfort rested in it's dark words, a familiarity foreign to the viewer. They scrolled the comments, usually a hotbed of discourse, now unified in their exaltations of the product above them. One comment caught the viewer's eye, and they paused. Simply written, matching the style of both the art form playing in the viewer's ears as well as the multi-media sensation that inspired it, the comment held such rapture on the viewer's attention. An unknown force compelled them, their fingers typing up a response comment, unsure of their reason. They scanned it, processing the words they had written, and then posted it content that whatever once-unseen feelings had grown in them were now known. The viewer returned once more to the song...

[@marshalloverturf9040]

Every song they watch must always end at the return

[@threesofthree6100]

Oh my, this one's definitely one for the history books. The set work, costumes, the editing, the vocals, it's all just so fabulous. You've outdone yourself with this one Stupes!

[@classyrobot5648]

I'm so glad somebody else felt as moved by the story as I did. No, MORE than me. This is exactly the love the story of Alan Wake deserves. This is some damn fine work, putting it mildly

[@ellen7930]

Having only recently found out that control and alan wake canonically share a universe, the cinematic similarities between slide into the void and this make them beautiful sisters. Slide into the void is what convinced me to play control because I was so intrigued by the world that could inspire that song. So the lyrical call backs, having the same featured duet artist, the brilliant camera tricks for multi characters, the repeating overlay of a character that was more in game for control and works well here. I love that these two songs I love feel like they could exist together. Both feel like they embody their story but have those subtle shared visual motifs to make them feel like theyre cohesive. I just feel like it shows the incredible skill you have in your craft to make two wholly unique works years apart that feel like they fit together. You consistently make me want to explore these worlds with the way you bring them to life in your videos and songs. Fine Print is the reason I finally played Outer Worlds because it finally sold me on the story. I can see why the games studio would want to sponsor something this high quality especially for a series that wants to highlight narrative. Your work does a better job of making me want to play this game than any trailer ive seen for it. The way you write and play the characters in your videos breathes so much life into them. I'd watch a whole musical of you playing everycharacter with how diverse your skills are. But you already DID THAT so I'm gonna go watch that next

[@TheStupendium]

Awh, heck! Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🧡

[@Hunter-ze3my]

If I'm not wrong, Quantum break is also in the same setting.

[@IDFKaname7890]

​@@Hunter-ze3myno, remedy already said that Quantum Break isn't in the same universe

[@CircusFoxxo]

​@@IDFKaname7890 Since when? Also explain the Alan Wake references in Quantum Break

[@Batshadow33]

Alan Wake heavily implies a connection to quantum break, whether it's the same universe or a parallel one but as Microsoft, not Remedy, owns the ip for quantum break they are currently legally unable to outright confirm it

[@ccbot5000]

"Establishing shots in the dark" and "living as the man you script" made me need to fully pause the video and take a walk around my room, those lines are ABSOLUTELY WILD??!! Well done, as always!

[@forcicri93]

Hell yeah dude! "Ergo ergodic, eroding your ego" also had that energy imo

[@Eric_Nomad_Hixtone]

I didn't got the reference from the first line you have mentioned that tbh

[@Lazarultos]

@@Eric_Nomad_Hixtone "Establishing shots" it's a camera technique where you show a wide view of the landscape or setting of the scene to "establish" where the scene/story is taking place, the time, the weather, etc.

[@DejectedJester]

@Lazarultos Also includes the phrase “shot in the dark” meaning to make a guess or decision with little to no information available

[@Lazarultos]

@@DejectedJester Yes! And put together it can be taken literally, as literal establishing camera shots in a dark setting, which fits for Alan Wake. There are so many layers of meaning in that ONE line.

[@betterlooking120]

I’m so enthralled and amazed at the way stupes seems to effortlessly write in character. That’s not a credit I’d give a lot of nerdcore creators, often write songs About Things, not As People. Each song feels like it’s genuinely coming from the character they’re playing, not Stupes in a costume doing a bit. I can only imagine the amount of research, rewrites, and dedication it takes to not just write a song about something but take a dip into a character’s mind and say it in their voice.

[@eazolan]

... what character? That's just him.

[@DisKorruptd]

@@eazolan yes, it's him, but he plays the characters in his songs. The lyrics are all things that you could expect out of the characters from the media they're from. For the very best example of this, see Dr Bunsen Honeydew's part in the Muppet Cypher

[@johnclifford369]

@@eazolan Just a heads-up to you and @DisKorruptd, Stupendium currently uses they/them pronouns (and seems to be experimenting with she/her occasionally currently)

[@mus4u]

I cant get over how well your and Cami-Cat's voice compliment eachother, always love it when she's in your songs.

[@arimari8176]

You’re not allowed to be this amazing! How am I supposed to answer when someone asks what my favourite Stupes song is? They’re all too outstanding

[@chrisjones5949]

There's so much to be impressed by here! The opening callback to Slide Into the Void. The Night Springs framing device. The snippets of the Taken. The visual effects when a light shines on the enemies. The portrayal of Alan's dark side and self doubt. And, as ever, the very witty lyrics. Especially "remedy," "presence," and "manuscript." Always happy to see a new song from you, Stupes!

[@LakkzScratch]

The last word, return, is and has to be the absolute pinnacle of creativity.

[@mateussantos6536]

Damn, that chorus hits HARD. Your work is always of the highest quality, mate. It is actually shocking. You're probably the best example of what value art can achieve if treated with the patience and care it deserves. If only more people (and companies) worked like you do... It is appaling the absolute attention to detail in every aspect of your production, be it the scenario, the costuming, the acting... It is a masterpiece of planning, but also so much more... Congratulations, man. You more often than not make me want to play whatever game touches you, because your music touches me.

[@TheStupendium]

Thank you so much! :)

[@Bipthefool]

Amazing. From the call back to "Slide into the void" to the end "ad" for the game...that was beautifully done.

[@myeyesdontbreathe3555]

Stupes songs are always amazing, and you know it's gonna be amazing when Cami's here too

[@lissythearchitect]

Yeah; I pressed 'Like' before watching. :)

[@justkeveroni]

I don't know if anyone has ever pointed this out, but I absolutely LOVE the fact that the lyrics are being written on the typewriter at 1:02 as they're being said. Its a really neat detail!

[@maxlyrenhex]

oh wow, this is incredible. Every time you outdo yourself somehow (the cinematography! the writing! it's so good!) and that opening callback to Slide into the Void is so good... Spectacular.

[@arlom5132]

@@LilithAiCreations You're definitely right, but heads up that Stupes uses they/them.

[@DeaconBlues117]

@@LilithAiCreations Stupes doesn't seem to get insulted by being mildly misgendered, it's just that other people get upset on their behalf (without being asked).

[@TheStupendium]

@@DeaconBlues117 My stance has always been 'please don't get mad at folks for misgendering but I really appreciate people taking the time to politely correct/inform others when they see people getting it wrong'. I'm never insulted if people didn't know, but it means a lot when people help spread awareness.

[@gengarghast]

The callback to Slide Into The Void in that intro hit me WAY harder than I expected it to

[@PhoenixGamerxx96]

The editing and singing was awesome. It was frightening and entertaining and the acting performerance with Jazzy was stupendous. Excellent video, Stupes.

[@mondy4119]

I wish youtube wouldn't punish those who want to put more effort in their work. 300k in two weeks is criminal man, for such quality. Keep it up, been a fan since 2018, and you keep getting better with every song

[@Squeleton]

I love the reference in the intro, the control song will always be one of my favourite!!

[@hamzamotara4304]

Some years ago, I was essentially insane. This captures the whole thing. The broken thoughts still making sense, but also never staying the same.

[@alpha198delta]

I maintain that you, Mr. Stupendium, are the single best lyricist alive. To receive a WHOLE SEVEN MINUTES of your as-per-usual outstanding work is quite a way to end a day. Thanks for being so damn talented. Best of days, nights, weeks, good sir. This goes to all the wonderful people listening too.

[@BigForte]

5:38 is a brutal line. "You put in so much effort that you are your work now and even then you came up short". JEBUS

[@DirectorWander]

This is incredible. The production. The writing. The performances. The Control song reference. Every song Stupes makes is a banger, and this is no exception. ❤

[@mechamechanic]

Video production is top notch as always. The callback to "Slide into the Void" is just the cherry on top.

[@VannyXan]

The sheer amount of effort put into the costumes, cinematography, and the sets is AMAZING. And the throwback in the intro to Slide into the Void? I love it. And shout out to Cami-Cat! Amazing vocals from her! Storm looked amazing, and Shwabadi gets his turn to be a cultist! Perfectly done. This is absolutely one of the very best yet. I cannot wait to see what ceilings you'll break in the future. Wonderful work for all of you, congrats!

[@Someone-kw1eu]

The more i listen to this song the more im convinced that this might be their best work yet. Simply a Masterpiece.

[@MustachioGonZ]

The sounds of what's happening in the background like the typewriter for instance. It being weaved into the beat is increadible! 🧡

[@Steelmage99]

Without knowing exactly why, I keep returning to this video....playing it over and over again. ....and again....

[@PoisonFlow3r]

Beautifully done Stupes. I know you probably hear this every time you release a new song but you have truly outdone yourself with this one. I loved the callback to Slide Into The Void, and everything looks so good as well; the lighting, set, everything. Thank you for this masterpiece

[@AlexanderAzarov]

Multiple callbacks, which fits since the games are tied together.

[@DkSharp96]

I adore the callback to that little often overlooked "Alan Wakes American Nightmare" in the scene with the man in the chair. I love this series with a passion and you did an amazing job of bringing it to life. Well done!

[@MinerMike24]

Oh man that intro calling back to Slide Into the Void! I love it!

[@cloverandanais]

The commenter found themselves drawn to the moody melodies of The Ribbon after finally finishing Alan Wake 2 after months of procrastination. While the song was familiar, as they'd heard it plenty before- seeing the video in it's full scope gave the song even more weight to it. It was then they realized the truth- even though they had completed the game at last, the world would never leave them, and they would never truly be able to leave it behind. After all... It isn't a loop, it's a spiral. 🌙

[@THE1vbLLover69_]

Glad you're finally getting the recognition you so long deserved, companies realizing hiring you to make music on them is the best choice for everyone involved. I don't regret to say I'll be listening to this for the next 9 hours at least. It was such a pleasent surprise not only the call back to Slide Into the Void, but also letting Cami-Cat have half of the track. I like how eratic half of your lyrics are, I don't know much about Alan Wake, but you really nailed the paranoid persona. The scene with the FBI agent in the woods is phenomenal, really giving intruige. Not to mention the TV screen between the two character(s?) Is beatifully crafted. The beat is also very smooth, amazing job as always Stupendium! Thanks for never disappointing.

[@WillScura]

The kind of effort they put in is superhuman sometimes. Alan Wake is one of my favorite things ever. When I ran into this song at work today the first thing I did was click it. I had to, I needed it. I didn't wait, it had been out 3 minutes. I liked the video on my work account. I don't care, its amazing.

[@ronandtabwilliams2161]

Superhuman

[@tylerf5914]

As someone over halfway through the game. There will be no better song for AW2 than this! From the beginning reference to Control, Cami's chorus, Stupes stellar as-ever prose articulates the story more eloquently than Alan Wake himself. Your Scratch lyrics are beautiful! Truthfully I cannot thank you enough for taking this as it is phenomenal!

[@sharcc2511]

I absolutely LOVE the lyrics "You could've made a killing Just embraced a little masochist, Stead you're dried up, trying to earn a living from a manuscript, But have you tried for just one second Living as the man you script?" These hit so hard, especially with the double entendre in "could've made a killing". Rhyming Manuscript with Man you script is fucking phenomenal.

[@tomireland3644]

100% agreed

[@kairasakamoto3187]

I only recently was introduced to The Stupendium by a friend, through their song for Remedy's game Control "Slide into the Void", but I've been a massive fan of Remedy's storytelling, having fallen in love with Alan Wake more than 10 years ago when it was released, and then further into Quantum Break and Control, with it fully justified into Alan Wake II. When I listened to this song on call with my friend, he had to stop and ask if I was ok, and for good reason! Stupendium's lyrics and prose, the masterful way they wove this song into existence--I legit cried. In Alan Wake, there is a supernatural force that brings works of art into reality--makes them things of power, for good or ill, and it is Alan's talents as a writer that frequently give that supernatural force the greatest influence. If Stupendium lived in such a world, I fully believe that they, too, would create a world as powerful as Alan's--perhaps even more so. I'm so glad that Remedy (and Epic Games) sponsored them for this song, they fully deserve it and did such a magnificent job. As a hobbyist writer myself who enjoys creating worlds and twisting words into something beautiful, I could only hope to one day take this inspiration and joy that Stupendium has ignited in me and give it just as much justice as they did to the Universe I love so much. Thank you, Stupendium.

[@Kerminator482]

After I had listened to Slide into the void about 86 times I decided to bye the game. Just because of the song, and with no previous knowledge of the game I got to experience the fantastic story and gameplay and am now hooked on the control/ Alan wake universe. Thanks.

[@Newbiespud]

I'm a simple man - you hit me with a triple-plus entendre like "establishing shots in the dark" and it gets stuck in my head for *weeks.*

[@stormagedden785]

Is it a coincidence that when Stupendium, Cami-Cat, and Remedy are involved we end up with a masterpieces.

[@Voltaic_Fire]

Remedy were involved with the music and/or video? _Edit: I just watched the end of the video after the music for the first time and got my answer, sorry for wasting your time._

[@theworstghost123]

I can see why you called this the biggest production you’ve ever made. The editing effects visuals and acting in this video are perfect, and the song itself is amazing as well. Amazing job on this one Stupes!

[@Novanoir]

Love the nearly slam poetry-esque way the verses are delivered in this one, feels like you can never really quite grasp the rhythm of it, which is very fitting. I also love how all the verses are in a detached, observational perspective up until the third where it gets unnervingly direct. It makes the introduction of the alternate Alan so much more jarring than it already is by putting his segment in a spot we've already conceded to be some sort of objective, omniscient narration, only to blindside you with the painfully personal monologue. Every verse leading up to this has been somewhat of an off-beat ramble, but when Verse 3 kicks in, suddenly the whole flow changes into something more rhythmic, which makes that entire section hit way harder. (On a side note, and it might just be me, but Verse 3 of The Ribbon particularly reminds me of Verse 2 of The House Always Wins, with pointed questions asked scathingly in rapid succession, I feel like they have very similar energies to each other.)

[@BurningGeneral]

The production quality is insane my friend! Very well done. Always astonishing how much you pour into your craft.

[@The_Alex_Croft]

Looking from his typewriter to the screen, the writer smiled. The video was a fun break and he clicked it to replay, turning back he skimmed the page and his fingers danced over the keys. The typewriter came to life once more and the dark place shifted around him the lighthouse by the lake died as a half crazed writer opened the door. And the dark presence touched him.

[@JamesSarin]

This captures the feel and really shows how the main character is dealing with insanity. Yet this is him dealing with an epic song and we are all enjoying it. Amazing job!!

[@DefenderTerrarian]

I love how this reads almost like a Twilight Zone episode. I love the show. I loved the call back to Slide into The Void at the beginning, shivers. Great job, as always. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@arty3090]

Phenomenal, but that's no suprise! Between this and the Fallen London musical, I'm seeing a lot of passion and creativity in these longer songs. Whether you take a break from these longer-than-5-6-minute songs or keep going with some, I'm stoked to see what's next, like always!

[@notoriosj]

Jesus Stupes I loved the callbacks to "slide into the void" and the fact you were able to make such a great song with a game that has a narrative as mindbending as it is, is a testament to your skills as a writer, video creator, editor and singer. It was also great to see Cami do an amazing job on this song alongside yourself. As always Stupes, another banger yet what else are we to expect at this point ;)

[@criticalboot2567]

THE CONTROL REFERENCE???? AND THE CINEMATOGRAPHY??????? this is an absolutely amazing song stupes 100/10

[@SimSummer]

Wow, i have to say, as a film creating hobbyist, This music video is a masterpiece, a real work of art, be proud.

[@backdoorsystems9762]

Cami-Cat coming in to steal the show as always, amazing song!

[@Cami-Cat]

I WEEP thank you! I was given a fantastic base to build on obviously 🤩

[@SioxGreyWolf]

I thought this was gonna be an Alan Wake II song, but instead we just got a video of Stupednium writing these song lyrics. Just about as intense as I thought it would be.

[@Cydoniaxx]

Well, once again you've blown my expectations out of the water. Songs that have the sort of techy, electronic voice from you are guaranteed bangers, it's just enchanting. Of course, it wouldn't be complete without the tension and buildup of your rapidfire rhyming.

[@midnightMoonlight09]

as someone that ADORED Control and Alan Wake (even playing through American Nightmare despite the reviews), It's hard to fully describe just how close this is to my heart. I feel like this video was made just for me, i suppose is how i could put it. the callback to Slide into the Void at the start, the Taken having their parts at 2:53, the exceptional visual effects and acting of the Taken being hit with light, the -Scratch- at 5:10... there are so many details that left a smile on my face, it would be tough to list them all. here's to another excellent song, and another night of terrorizing my friends with a rediscovered obsession in Remedy's games, lol

[@matejnentwich1376]

No trees were harmed in makeing this video. No papers were killed during this video. It was pleasure watching new song. Thanks stupendium.

[@Jamez229]

The song was fantastic. I think Remedy made an exemplary choice when sponsoring you to make this song. I can't speak for anyone else, but your song about Control was my first experience with Remedy's games and I was so infatuated with Control through your music that I eventually just had to make the purchase. These songs are not only worthy of continued listens, but they are also - at least from my perspective - excellent advertisements.

[@arlodurham2040]

I have an uneasy compulsion to comment. I fear for my free will. Is it me typing, or is it you? Alas, with a song like that, it hardly matters whose impetus is giving rise to these words. Awesome as always. Thank you. You are absolutely amazing!

[@Speedball57]

Gosh I love how this starts off with a verse from "Slide into the Void" it's too perfect

[@shadowstrider42]

You know, some songs back i started to wonder how long you would be able to keep up writing such magnificent songs, and your answer seems to be "you are right, i can't keep it up... i'll go MORE elaborate!" Another brilliant song that i'll need to hear 17 times to find all the meanings. You may inform Remedy and Epic Games that you got me interested in Alan wake more than any ad ever could.

[@wilhelmseleorningcniht9410]

Love to see Cami-Cat featuring in this! Loved the Control song which I believe also featured their voice

[@RockingSpaceDragon]

Holy SHIT what an absolutely incredible song! I love the shift between the parts with Stupes and Cami, I love the spoken-word flow that persists throughout the entire song that gives the VIBES that this is ACTUALLY something being written, that this is actually some kind of novelisation. I love the different locations for shooting, and the part where it's the two different versions of Alan-Stupes and it keeps swapping between types of media and perspective as to who's real and who's not is SO GOOD. God this was SO worth the wait!

[@StoryAndSong1]

Have to love the “Slide Into the Void” reference at the start!

[@galaxytoaster9679]

That's so cool you got asked by Remedy to promote their game! So glad to see how far you've come, stupes, and exemplary job on the video and the song, everything was beyond perfect and captured everything Alan wake is about!

[@Void6-]

Just finished the game tonight. What a ride. We need more triple A titles not playing it safe and making these majestic pieces of art. We need more creativity in the media, games are such a powerful medium to convey these stories. As always, incredible job on the song, you guys never miss

[@spinnirack3645]

7 minutes of nearly perfectly unique lyrics You are one of the few artists who i enioy nearly every sing they make Most get at best a 1/4 ratio You are easily a 10/10

[@jacobbradford7229]

Eight and half minutes!!! Keep it up with these longer songs!!! They rock.

[@ianmorse9381]

At first I was unsure how "The Ribbon" ties into Alan Wake, but I then remembered that typewriters use an inked ribbon to impart characters onto the page. All very clever.

[@barlyy]

Shockingly underrated for such a good song. You knocked it out the park.

[@snowkit96]

I'm so very late to posting a comment (as per usual) but I wanted to say you did such an amazing job! Everyone did so good! From the lyrics that sunk their teeth in, to the amazing and stunning visuals! Storm made an amazing Saga and you made an amazing Alan and Scratch! I loved how even Scratch had his own verse as well! And those chalkboards? Amazing! The costume designs were also amazing, it's always amazing seeing a wonderful masterpiece and you can really tell all of the love that went into this!

[@jmkool01]

I have realized on today's listen that the verses not perfectly matching the rhythm is probably intentional. Even if unintended, it's amazing how the rhythm gets more disconnected as the character gets more disconnected from reality. Frantic, fragmented, and fearful, it subtly makes the listener uncomfortable and tense in a way that perfect rhythm couldn't. It also really drives home the times when it does match, giving them a lot more emphasis. Really well done.

[@InexplicableInside]

This is in-Zane and absolutely lit! Even though we have to take every song case by case, when Stupes is involved we can always rest assured there'll be plenty of strings connecting everything together for the observant critic... and there was nothing Watery about these performances! I wonder how much coffee you consumed in the making of this legend.

[@josephschultz3301]

This really is a stellar piece of work. Stupes and Cami both absolutely kill it, the vibe transitions from creepy to terrifying seamlessly, and the Alan Vs. Alan segment is just plain awesome. Amazing stuff, Stupes. You should absolutely be proud of this one, yo.

[@pipertheos2660]

Jazzy's performance gave me goosebumps! And the whole song is of course amazing. Your lyrics are perfect, I loved the callback to Control at the start. Well done, Stupes, as per usual. ❤

[@SalahEddineH]

This is a masterpiece. I listen to your music on my drives to work, and I keep finding hidden gems that prove your mastery of your art, at every listen. I'm a huge fan. Cheers from Morocco, mate. I love your stuff so much that I often sit my poor wife down and spend an hour explaining to her every wordplay and double meaning in your lyrics (English is a 3rd language here, so she only gets the general meaning at first). She loves your stuff too!

[@EmeraldBarney1]

I've had such a stressful few months and for some reason just hearin amazin ear food has just made me feel so much better, you've never failed with any of these songs and raps, Appreciate you alot Stups Thanks

[@tristamthefriendlyknight8494]

I’m currently writing a book for my class and I’m playing this on repeat. I have to thank you so much for making this sound man, hope you have good luck in the future. And to you dear stranger reading this, I hope you have a good rest of your day! :)

[@alu2901]

So, how did it go?

[@tristamthefriendlyknight8494]

Alu2901, thanks for asking!!! Got a nice number of grades! ( assignments based on chapter/ story beat) it was modern fantasy, inspired by the monster hunter book series!

[@chr_fish]

The whole video was a masterpiece , everything you can see is awesome in here, the amount of effort on the sets, the effects and the concepts you made are incredible, I loved how fluent is when one is recording and the other is watching the recording, that’s awesome! And the song is incredible, I love how the music, the voices and everything mixes! One of my favorites 🧡🧡🧡

[@CeceliaFoxglove]

Now this is the kind of thing that would have once been called a masterpiece. I've been following your work for years now, and I must say that this is such a step above your already excellent standard that it merits something greater, something different. I think it would be fair to say that at this point, you have become a master of your craft. Combined with your recognition at the Streamy awards and your nearing the summit of million-subscriber mountain, I feel you are finally getting the recognition you deserve. Keep on keeping on, Stupes. Can't wait to see what the future holds for you.