Back in February, I wrote about how I was just getting started with AI music and had already crossed the milestone of 50 songs. At the time, I wasn’t sure where the path would lead—but looking back now, I can say that this year has been one of the most creatively alive periods of my life.
Since then, music has become a daily practice for me. What started as an experiment quickly turned into a rhythm—I’ve spent almost every day in the studio, sometimes crafting one song, sometimes two. By the fall, I had passed 300 uploaded tracks, each one carrying a piece of story, curiosity, or reflection. Along the way, I also began grouping songs into concept albums—collections that follow themes like mystical science, cosmic consciousness, and even my own Maine lakeside experiences.
Finding My Flow
One of the most meaningful discoveries this year has been the sense of flow in the creative process. I call it my “song-a-day” journey, and it’s been a mix of discipline and play. Some songs come together in just a couple of hours, while others unfold slowly, weaving through layers of sound, story, and emotion.
Many of these songs are connected to themes I’ve written about on this blog before—consciousness, kindness, dreams, and the mysteries of life. Others are inspired by the everyday details around me: the fog rising off the lake in the morning, the sound of wind through the trees, or even climbing ladders to repair cedar siding at camp. These moments often find their way into lyrics, becoming metaphors for something larger.
Expanding Beyond SoundCloud
Earlier this year, I shared my music mainly through SoundCloud. But in August, I started expanding to other platforms. I opened a DistroKid account, which allows my songs to reach places like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. I’ve also been experimenting with lyric videos, visualizers, and even some physical album projects. It’s still all DIY, fully independent, but I’m enjoying the process of finding new ways to share the music.
A Growing Catalog
Some highlights along the way include:
- “The Breath Between Stars” – a song that resonated deeply and found its way onto several trending playlists.
- “Orange Veil of Morning” – inspired by Maine’s wildfire-smoke sunrise skies.
- “Cosmic Crush and the Great Attractor” – part of a series exploring the universe’s mysteries.
- “Fall of Soul” – a reflection on autumn’s beauty and the seasons of life.
I’ve also been shaping albums such as The Long Road Home, Infinite Stories, Flow, and TimeLoom—each a way to gather songs into a narrative arc.
Looking Ahead
As I write this, I’ve just finished what feel like two milestone albums. Spheres of Memory, with 22 tracks woven around mystical science, embodiment, and the poetry of awakening, became my next-to-last release. Most recently, I completed Flow—an album centered on Maine imagery, cosmic consciousness, and the way music carries us like a current.
Both projects feel like a culmination of the past year’s work, yet also like doorways into whatever comes next. When I think back to where I was in early 2025—just dipping my toes into AI music—it’s amazing to see how much has blossomed since then. My guiding thought has been simple: follow the flow, stay present, and let the music find its own way into the world.
You can listen to my latest songs and albums directly on YouTube (where everyone has easy access), or find them on all major music platforms including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, Tidal, and many others.
I hope they bring you as much joy in listening as they brought me in creating them.
Riven Waters 