FAWM: "Unarmored and Less Numb"

Unarmored and Less Numb

1 day ago by @atam94

Liner Notes

I initially wanted to stay up all night and record 14 soundscapes to “win” at FAWM on Day 1… After 7 rushed recordings by 2:30 in the morning, I listened back and was disappointed. The soul of the music wasn’t there. Reasons to come back didn’t exist.

…so I set an alarm for 6am and told myself I’d do better after some rest. I sat down at my keyboard with my first cup of coffee for the day, wearing an oversized sweater and comfy pants.

Several deep breaths and slow finger movements later, I had an idea that I felt would carry the song. Knowing that I like doing videos for my music, I freshened up a bit, put in contact lenses, and decided that I’d wear a new dress that I got as part of my celebration of FAWM.

I recorded my main piano layer in a single take, following with a layer of swelled piano notes that was possible thanks to the volume pedal I often use with my guitars.

Lastly, I changed the patch on my modular case and focused on adding more atmospheric textures with Four Seas, Gloop, and Sealegs primarily.

…and then I noticed that I was being gifted with such a beautiful sunrise. I recorded a live time lapse long enough to last the duration of the music video, and just like that, my first FAWM song of 2026 was brought into the world.

I’m showing up completely as myself, no mask, no secret artist name. I’m Adam, and this is who I am. I’m proud to be me, unarmored and less numb.

#ambient #piano #modular #queer #soundscape

Comments

@caitlin 10h

I came here intrigued by your title because my dad always told me to toughen up and grow a thick skin, that I was too sensitive. I don’t want to be numb under a thick skin. I want to feel everything, unarmored. Your piece is beautiful and mesmerizing, and I’m totally enchanted by watching it all unfold on the video. Here’s to taking off our armor and feeling all the feels!

@atam94 1h

Yes!! Absolutely agreed, Caitlin. I'm glad this piece resonated with you 😃

@adforperu 21h

Very calming. Really enjoyed the ambiguous chords that poke out from mixing the more upfront melodies with the ambience behind it.

@atam94 1h

Thanks Adam! I'm glad you enjoyed it 😀

@cblack 1d

Very pretty. Carried a lot of emotion in the interplay between background swells and punchy notes.

@atam94 1d

Thank you!! I appreciate you taking time to listen and share your thoughts.

@newukenewyork 1d

Lovely stuff. I really enjoyed listening to these sweet tones.

@atam94 1d

That makes me really glad, thank you for the kind words ❤️

@richbaumann 1d

Nice

@atam94 1d

thanks Rich!!

@musicsongwriter 1d

Very beautiful and special piece. Worth 14 pieces. No need to rush. Rest is so important. And your music gives a wonderfully relaxing feel.

@atam94 1d

Thank you so much, Nadia ❤️

@chill4matt 1d

Beautiful piece, Adam. I love how relaxing it is. I could meditate to it 100%. Love the ending! Great work!!

@atam94 1d

thank you Matt, that means a lot to me ❤️

@andygetch 1d

Wondrous soundscape and such a gentle melody. I love the inclusion of the sunrise!

@atam94 1d

thank you!! The sunrise was definitely not planned but once I saw it, I couldn't "not" include it 😆

@headfirstonlyMod 1d

Absolutely bloody lovely. It's a really emotional piece, full of lightness and hope.

@atam94 1d

I appreciate that a lot!! I haven't been practicing on keys much until recently. I've always been more proficient at guitar but right now... I feel aligned with keyboards, so that's what I'm moving forward with this FAWM 🥂

@hyssop 1d

This is so incredibly beautiful! I love how the music swells with the sunrise <3 So relaxing. Really lovely work! I love your dress, its a gorgeous color on you. I'm in my new Fawm dress too! The textures in the music are so satisfying. Beautiful all around!!!

@atam94 1d

Thank you!! Yay for new FAWM dresses 😀 I actually got 4 total and two of the others have arrived already.