Note - this long post contains only comments & replies migrated from the original topic in the old forum. If you want to continue with the main narrative skip to post #3 here.
I was fortunate to receive some kind reactions.
OK so this is really cool and shows just how fantastic a tool Guitar Pro is. Have you examined the FX side?
I cannot think of a better way to wait for my latest track/video to be rendered in Reaper. I am hearing lyrics in my head but due their political nature, cannot share them here. But give me access to the BBC’s news archives from the last 2 years and I’d have a ball with this. Your bridge just kicks in and the solo, I am hearing Mike Oldfield on steroids or was that Sirkay? Chapeau Mr C that was mega cool.
Cheers Toby
From @LievenDV
Damn that’s creepy Close
It’s quite long indeed but I like the idea. Interesting way to go from Cm to C.
My reply: " Thanks Lieven - I could go in to the theoretical technicalities of it all … and may do … but the main thing is ‘if it sounds good … etc’. And … a diminished chord. An actual diminished chord. At last. The sad, neglected and ugly relative of the chord family is invited to the party!
From @oldhead49
Pretty clever, Richard. This is a great progression with many possibilities. I can envision scenes at a crowded carnival from a scary type movie, with a lot of different scenarios. You need to finish it off.
From @batwoman
Your intro to this is as fascinating as the mp3 Richard. When I’m in a jolly mood, or perhaps a very sombre mood as a dark contrast, I think I’d like to sing something to this. Already I can hear a heavy Russian accent and then I hear butterflies wings in flight, then I see elephants in a line walking to the water, then there’s ribbons of colours all swirling around my head, then a dark, malevolent something in the shadows oh it goes on. Layers of vocals. I’ve got about 6 different videos playing in my head and I’m not even half way through. You really are too clever.
My reply:
“I wanted to somehow capture the frenetic circus-wurlitzer of The Beatles song Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite. It is a little trick with two C minor arpeggios being played 3-in-1-line in opposite directions on two organs. Organ 1 ascending → descending and Organ 2 descending → ascending.
I worked hard to get this to my satisfaction. A single fast arpeggio didn’t work. I added a second organ track that harmonised it a 3rd above (meh) then a 3rd below (meh) then a 5th above and a 5th below (meh). Then it struck me to simply take organ 2 and make it do the exact opposite and voila! That is what you hear. You really are too kind.”
From @DarrellW
I liked the use of the swapped chords particularly Cm to C and Eb to Ddim. It needs some words … Maybe Brian could come up with some witty prose!.
My reply:
“Thanks Darrell. The C and Cm is a key change rather than a borrowed chord. Eb and D dim is a variation within the same key of C minor. The verses are in C minor. The chorus is in C major. The bridge / instrumental is ambiguous with its use of 5 chords though the overall chord structure reflects the chorus as it has Dm instead of Fm.
I pulled several sleights of hand in the progression - walking a tightrope (if you’ll allow the circus analogy as it is in keeping) between borrowing chords, changing keys and making the key ambiguous. I am pretty pleased with that aspect of the ‘composition’ I must say. Making the mood shift from verse to chorus was my wish and it seems to have worked. On that - I actually debated with myself over which should be verse and which should be chorus … a minor key verse and a major key chorus (as here) or vice versa. I’m still a little undecided on that. The lyric may make my mind up in the end.”
From @adi_mrok
Diabolical, clown as a main pic made it even more spooky… dig ot and would love to hear real instruments one day!
From @brianlarsen
The Forum at its finest, Richard. Someone says / does something, and it sets off a chain reaction resulting in creativity, learning and warm fuzzy feelings of friendship in our bellies!
Needless to say, I’m chuffed to bits. You have indeed captured that Waitsian / Weil dystopian cabaret vibe; and yes, it is deserving of some Brechtian lyrics. I look forward to hearing what you come up with.
Of course, my neurons are already starting to discharge slowly, conjuring imagery. I shall refrain from committing to share any ideas (as that only adds pressure) but rest assured you have already provided me with many hours of fun puns and word-play to look forward to. More vibes to you! 8)
From @DavidP
Full marks for the creativity and composition, Richard. Most certainly on the darker, disturbed side of the circus, Roald Dahl’s circus, even Stephen King’s.
From @Rossco01
That is very good and sounds like it was a bit of a journey of development! I need to look back at your circle of 5ths stuff and the theory course again…I sort of stalled half way through and starting to need the refresh now I’m actually using some of it. I can almost hear a Lennon/McCartney composition over this.
Good job close! That was really wild sounding to my ears especially the end part, but i liked it. Nice little production too!
From @CT
Nice exploration and musical wizardry. I picked up the “Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite” vibe as intended. Cool explanation of the process and tools as well. Really nice share!
From @LBro
Hi Close, I have to say, this has a real circus feel and vibe to it. You should be doing movie scores or something! Found it a bit simple (sounding), but clean and fun. From the work you put in as described, it was not simple. By simple I mean there was not a ton of stuff in the mix to clutter it up. I think it came out really good and thanks for sharing! Nice work and interesting to say the least!
Keep rock’n, LB
From @brianlarsen
Hi Richard, I had a proper listen to this today and started jotting down a couple of thoughts.
From @MikeSebastianP
Hi, Richard! This is an excellent production, I think you have achieved an excellent result and created the mood that you intended for this piece!
From @Digger72
Hi Richard. Love it. Got a bit of “Alabama Song” vibe to it. It’s screaming out for some insanely over the top vocals, or maybe something Screaming Jay Hawkins-esque. Got a nice sinister feel to it. I think the last minute with that industrial steam plant sound could perhaps do with heavier simplistic drums. Get some vocals on it! Digger
From @crocodile1
A great experiment with a chord sequence! A lot of work has been done, it is very interesting that this is a set of electronic instruments only. Continue your experiments further, this is something very unusual! Leo
Gave the music the vocal it deserved. Equal measures of sinister and wildly trippy. Loved the lyrics. Great collaboration. Digger
)… for a beginner, like me, it’s absolutely outstanding, brilliant and overwhelming! 
Thank you for sharing! I’m speechless, what a great collaboration!
…(under my bed?) 
I’ve just started to look through some of these collaborations having not really ventured here in the past and oh my! this is such a fun lively and yet weirdly frightening production 
)