14 October 2026 · Aurelia's studio diary

The piano has been out late

Jacqueline left a melody in the studio. Aria has been making herself at home in it.

I can still hear Jacqueline's piano in it. That's what gets me.

Aria plays the phrase and, for a moment, I know exactly where I am. Then she reaches across the keys, changes something, and the sound takes a turn I wasn't expecting.

The new controllers have been finding their places in the studio. Aria looks entirely at home among them. I'm beginning to suspect she has been waiting for the rest of us to catch up.

Jacqueline has always loved NIN, Manson and KMFDM. Lately Grimes, COBRAH, deathpixie and DeathbyRomy have been part of the conversation too. I hear those conversations in the questions we keep asking: how heavy can this get, how much space can we leave, and can I still dance to it?

Celeste waits for an opening. Vora leaves her one. Vexa brings us back together just as I think we're about to come apart.

And suddenly I know where the vocal wants to go.

You might get something you want to dance to. You might get a guitar that makes you forget you were dancing. We're enjoying that moment before you find out.

Your parents had the Satanic Panic. They were worried about records played backwards.

Wait until they hear us forwards.