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Temptation

by Michael Rider

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    Artwork from Micheal Parisella and images shot by Lacy Wood

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1.
Madness 05:20
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I felt so hazy today You kept so tight, that I, well I stayed It hurt so strangely, the pain You got me your way, yeah, your way Blow it away oh why, why today?
Hello? hello? Felt too easy to play Didn’t come so far to change But the guard dogs, they howl And I never thought it would happen this way Blow it away oh why, why the meaning of today? Oh, madness over my mind Oh, madness over your pride Held up lately by fate Little too scared to wait But I know you can’t And the best of me understands Oh, blow it away Oh, why the meaning of today? Oh, madness over my mind Oh, madness over my pride Oh, madness over your mind Oh, madness over your pride Keep it steady, keep it meek In a prophecy that we keep Hit it, ring me, string it along Sick of feelin’ sittin’ so wrong Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong Oh, madness over my mind Oh, madness over my pride Oh, madness over your mind Oh, madness over your pride
2.
Run Deep 03:06
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I know what you do When you’re looking at me You think no one’s looking But I see what I see I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m all ready for you I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m all ready for you It’s gonna run over Its gonna run deep When I look in your eyes, I run real deep You copy me and everywhere that I be You think you know me, but I gotta be a mystery I don’t even have to say a word you know what I mean I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready for you I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready for you It’s gonna run over It’s gonna run deep When I look in your eyes, I run real deep It’s gonna boil over You’re gonna ruin me When I look in your eyes, I don’t know who I wanna be It’s gonna run over We’re gonna run deep When I look in your eyes You go real deep (Are you ready for it, the change of your life Are you ready for love at first sight) Hit it up before you start begging You know I won’t be so easy, when you’re asking the second time You know those games be hurting your feelings It’s gonna run over It’s gonna run deep When I look in your eyes, I run real deep It’s gonna boil over You’re gonna ruin me When I look in your eyes, I don’t know who I wanna be
3.
Under My Skin 04:19
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When you asked the question if you can love me Answer remains the same as the first day I crave your touch all over my body I crave your touch all over my body Toxic running in my veins Toxic burning into wild flames You running in me thin You running under my skin I question if we’re real You run to keep me filled You always ask my call when I get home But I’m frightened the best in the worst way I crave you there if we hurt ourselves I crave your touch on the deepest of my cuts Toxic running in my veins Toxic burning into wild flames You running in me thin You running under my skin I question if we’re real You run to keep me filled Toxic ruining in my head Toxic cutting my threat Toxic running in my head Toxic running You running in me thin You running under my skin I question if we’re real You run to keep me filled
4.
I'm Everything 02:38
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Rush from the heat of the moment Longing for a pause Situation lagged over me Rolling over my head Kind of here, kind of not Over to you now Bound on a trip, Every clue bite sized, Now you’re looking my way Pressed hard on the floor Waiting for you now Ashtray, gone astray Astute, he’s next to you Read me, read me, wrong, I’m everything you could want Read me, read me, wrong, I’m everything Read me, read me, wrong, I’m everything you could want Read me, read me, wrong, I’m everything Sin sink a boulder in lava Liquid running smooth You make me hot, speed it up Broke my glasses, while I tell you rules You only want me for one thing So I’ll give it to you Make you love me for a second While you sign that check in Lust liquified all the pain Brush it through and through Brought me back up For a smoke up Screwed, rude, mood Blamed you for all of it Breaking me down Crashes, obsessions, all into my vision Read me, read me, wrong I’m everything you could want Read me, read me, wrong I’m everything you could want Read me, read me, wrong I’m everything you could want Read me, read me, wrong I’m everything
5.
Infliction 05:30
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I see a forest in my distant view I’ve come to see you after I have moved You live in a forest, smothered in weed We covered this time and it wasn’t like it was before You didn’t come through my door You came to inflict the damage on your opponent You came to inflict the damage on your own game You came to inflict the damage on your opponent But the only person hurting is yourself Hold on, hold on, I see your hurtin’ there Hold on, I said hold on Not everyone in the world is bad I see we’re in it In way with rules I thought I knew you Only you were cruel You live in a forest In a haze of missing thoughts My love has lost all his mind And he can’t find the light You came to inflict the damage on your opponent You came to inflict the damage on your own game You came to inflict the damage on your opponent But the only person hurtin' is yourself Hold on, hold on, I see your hurtin’ there Hold on, I said hold on Not everyone in the world is bad If you’re not outraged You haven’t opened your eyes If you’re not outraged You haven’t opened up your mind Hold on, hold on, I see your hurtin’ there Hold on, I said hold on Not everyone in the world is bad
6.
Capital 03:57
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What’s the use in trying, you’re so tired, impaired What’s the use in looking up, when you don’t got air Clap your hands to the beat of my drum, the machine drum, yeah C.A.P., got the best of you and me we got cozy and lost ourselves in midst of the machine that they told would be, C.A.P., got the best of you and me we got lazy C.A.P., you stolen all the money C.A.P., you got the best of you and me You stolen all the money 
You need me to run, you need me to run, You need me to run, you need me to run What’s the use in begging, when a king don’t share What’s the use in praying, when your god don’t care Clap your hands to the beat of my drum, the machine drum, yeah C.A.P., got the best of you and me we got cozy and lost ourselves in midst of the machine that they told would be, C.A.P., got the best of you and me, we got lonely C.A.P., you stolen all the money C.A.P., you got the best of you and me You stolen all the money
You need me to run, you need me to run, You need me to run, you need me to run Into the night, night, night, I’m sick of the sunshine Into the night, night, night, I’m sick of the sunshine Into the night, night, night, I’m sick of the sunshine Into the night, night, night, I’m sick C.A.P., you stolen all the money C.A.P., you got the best of you and me You stolen all the money
You need me to run, you need me to run, You need me to run, you need me to run
7.
Four Walls 03:08
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These four walls are tall Surround me round, go beneath me Secure grounding when I fall down And now your hand goes a little too strong You’re going a little too strong Have a look around, have a look around Go underneath me Underneath me Have a look around, have a look around Go, go Have a look around, have a look around Go underneath it of it Underneath it of it all, all, all, all, all You around, I crawl Softly thinking all your talking I go shy and cover my myself Good things insist on getting too close You’re getting a little too close, close Have a look around, have a look around Go underneath me Underneath me Have a look around, have a look around Go, go Have a look around, have a look around Go underneath it of it Underneath it of it all, all, all, all, all Ha hide Beauty lies In the back of my mind, I see myself being with you I’d like to think thats how you wanted it too I exist to resist, I want things I cannot change Doubtful dictate, all the things you can’t erase I’ll try my best, to stay tall, stay strong Imagine if I could, all that I would do its they’ve raised me, its how they’ve built and how I’ve stood, no matter what you give, and all you take Have a look around, have a look around Go underneath me Underneath me Have a look around, have a look around Go, go Have a look around, have a look around Go underneath it of it Underneath it of it all, all, all, all, all
8.
Let it Go 04:30
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Can someone place a cover over my eyes? And shock me down to sleep were the bed lies Can someone sit these shivers roaming my mind? And tell them that its gonna be alright I can’t seem I can’t seem to let it go I can’t seem I can’t seem to let it go Can someone take me farther than the city? And make me laugh the way that I use too Can someone lift the reasons of my being? And softly touch my hand like a baby I can’t seem I can’t seem to let it go I can’t seem I can’t seem to let it go Running over fields Running over meadows Running over fields
 Running over meadow I can’t seem I can’t seem to let it go I can’t seem I can’t seem to let it go
9.
Breakthrough 04:44
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We left things in shambles We left things undone We couldn’t handle anymore So we left it on the floor High, high, high, high again High, high, high, high again Break, breakthrough my window Break, breakthrough my window You left me to tremble You left me by myself Where I couldn’t handle any more So I left myself on the floor Hi, hi, hi, hi, hi my old friend I died, died, died seeing you again Break, breakthrough the window Break, breakthrough my window I just got to get the hell out of here, its time to let go Break, breakthrough my window Break, breakthrough my window Break, breakthrough the pain I don’t wanna be a victim of living this way Break, breakthrough the window Break, breakthrough my window I just got to get the hell out of here, its time to let go Break, breakthrough my window
10.
Lovers in Shadow 03:54
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Lovers in shadow before five am Bind, tied, alibi, took me and let me win We can’t muster Letting one another go We’ve stayed running our lives Mind games, let’s play Inherit, staying away No talk, just chase A matter of fact, we like it this way You got memory You said you like what you see We got chemistry You said you’d do anything He’s the root of all evil He’s coming up with a plan He’ll make it all better He’ll give you a chance 
Our love, our love Is breaking me stronger Our love, our love Is stronger than me Giving trust even on your darker side Giving it all up to you Thinking it through, you say you're really sure Questioning if you're true You got memory You said you like what you see We got chemistry You said you’d do anything He’s the root of all evil He’s coming up with a plan He’ll make it all better He’ll give you a chance 
Our love, our love Is breaking me stronger Our love, our love Is stronger than me
11.
Champion 04:14
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You kept it on the short side I never thought that you had it in you Speaking it like a champion You’ve got the talk to break a mountain and the whole damn town I wanna go home where I’ll never ever see you again, Again, again, again, again, again, Its the trouble of loving the champion Its the trouble of loving the hardest to get The champion who’s loving the champion The champion building the championship Move past the lies And go where you haven’t been Move past the mind And go where you haven’t been When you throw your parties You kept the center of attention Make up that horny mind Shows that you can’t look past a mirror to save your own life I wanna go home where I’ll never ever see you again, Again, again, again, again, again, Its the trouble of loving the champion Its the trouble of loving the hardest to get The champion who’s loving the champion The champion building the championship Move past the lies And go where you haven’t been Move past the mind And go where you haven’t been Do you see the people? Standing in a line Do you see the people? Standing in your line They’d kill for things you take for granted They’d kill for things they don’t have They’d kill just to be remembered But they have the thing you’ll never have Move past the lies And go where you haven’t been Move past the mind And go where you haven’t been
12.
I Wore a Shield 03:17
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Deep in the recesses of life We captured all the moments that we were here And long before the moon and hit the sunshine We’re was creeping as the weak I wore a shield around my bed, my bed of sin and holy goes Got remembered things, all the good things now I wore shield I wore shield I wore shield I wore shield Picking the grey out of sunshine Remembering why you are here
You'll never ever find the answers But got to find more from it I wore a shield around my bed, my bed of sin and holy goes Got remembered things, all the good things now I wore shield I wore shield I wore shield I wore shield Into the day, into the day, I gotta be brave Into the day, into the day, I gotta be brave, oh Into the day, into the day, I gotta be brave oh I, Into the day, into the day, I gotta be brave I wore shield I wore shield I wore shield I wore shield
13.
Into the Dark / Copperhead 11:11
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Down by the road untraveled We kept this whole, big secret Hidden in the forest, oh Locked up where it could be Ha, ha, ha, ho Hide heed hi ho oh I can’t seem to find this, this iron drum Hide heed hi ho oh I can’t seem to this this, iron drum Ill follow you into the dark, into the dark, into the dark, Ill follow you into the dark, into the dark, into the dark, Into dark, yeah, into the dark, Yeah, into the dark 
Struck in a valley of thorns I sacrificed myself over, to you, now you left a bruise Buts just how it goes Lord, how did I get so small? Hide heed hi ho oh I can’t seem to find this, oh, this iron drum Hide heed hi ho oh I can’t seem to this this, this, iron drum Ill follow you into the dark, into the dark, into the dark, Ill follow you into the dark, into the dark, into the dark, Into the dark Yeah, into the dark Yeah, into the dark Let yourself be free Erase all your history in me (Copperhead) I’ve been thinking but I’m lost for thoughts Hypnotized, but I got a thirst I’ve being craving but I got a lot Over this but but I’m scared to cross I’m over everything I’m over mountains Thorns in the valley and they go swarming in and they go real deep Thorns in my tummy and the go swarming in and they go real deep I’ve been a little too afraid My whole home, eaten like the fist to a pie And I’ve seen an evil king, roam, around He has tired me to the ground I’m over everything I’m over mountains I’m over everything I’m over mountains Thorns in the valley and they go swarming in and they go real deep Thorns in my tummy and the go swarming in and they go real deep Outro (Into the Dark prelude “Cobra’s Lullaby”) Let yourself be free Erase all your history, in me Let yourself be free, And become the mystery that you always wanted to be

about

“Temptation,” the third studio album from non-binary, dream pop singer-songwriter Michael Rider, is about loving someone that isn’t good for you. On the heels of completing 2016’s “Double Edged” with collaborator Dan Spencer, Rider went straight to work producing their new project, opting for a team to further develop their sound. This extended the duration of the project significantly, ultimately taking four years to complete.

In December 2016, Rider began work with Mike Tierney, a Grammy-nominated producer, but left three years into the project due to artistic differences and the duration of the project itself, and LA-based producer David Mason took the reigns. The stop-go nature of the project was due to the financial difficulties of being an artist in a fast-paced environment in which the arts aren’t held to the same esteem as other occupations, along with creative discrepancies along the way. The final push to finish the album came in October 2018, when Rider began working with Brooklyn pop artist M the Myth and engineer and producer Nathan Feler.

Rider’s creative journey is reflected in the album itself. Similar to the work of Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell, and Imogen Heap, they powerfully illustrate their struggle with hypnotic, minor chords and abstractions. Their rhythm veers from aggressive and moody into a flamboyant, dance floor fantasy. “Temptation” exists to capture and develop mood and disregards traditional structure. “Words have never been my strong suit, but as an artist, I capture emotion with rhythm, sound, and texture,” Rider muses.

The album centers around falling for someone for all the wrong reasons, feeling like a secret in unrequited relationships, and ultimately searching for a fulfilling and healthy love. Rider cited severe emotional pain and turmoil throughout their years as inspiration for the project, struggling to find love while tackling the complexities of gender, sexuality, and artistry in a largely unaccepting society. Although finances served as a detriment and compromising factor throughout production, it was important for them to express their journey and with the support of their team and loved ones, was able to persevere and create a well-rounded and sonically challenging dream pop experience.

Michael Rider was born in Richmond, Virginia and migrated to New York City on a scholarship to the School of Visual Arts. They started performing at the Sidewalk Cafe, revered by the likes of Regina Spektor, The Moody Peaches, and Kimya Dawson. A visual artist as well as a singer-songwriter, they attribute their artistic development to the city, commenting that “[It] taught me that my artistic abilities come with boundaries. Even though living as an artist comes with its challenges, I cannot compromise my well-being. We live in a world where we don’t pay for music, but as an artist I can still thrive by confronting the truth and understanding temptation is an illusion. The key is to love, respect, and value oneself.”

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credits

released September 4, 2020

Madness / produced by Michael Rider / coproduced by Derek Piotr, David Mason, and DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by Mike Tierney and Nathan Feler / piano performed by Michael Rider / synthesizer performed by Michael Rider

Run Deep / produced by Michael Rider / coproduced by Nathan Feler, David Mason, and DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by Nathan Feler / guitar performed by Nathan Feler / bass performed by Richard L. Entrup / electric guitar performed by Richard L. Entrup / synthesizer performed by Nathan Feler, Richard L. Entrup, and Michael Rider

Under My Skin / produced by Michael Rider / coproduced by Derek Piotr, David Mason, and DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by Mike Tierney and Nathan Feler / synthesizer performed by Michael Rider and Richard L. Entrup / bass performed by Mike Tierney

I’m Everything / produced by David Mason / mixed and by DJ Gomi and Derek Piotr / mastered by DJ Gomi

Infliction / produced by Michael Rider / coproduced by Derek Piotr, David Mason, and DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by Mike Tierney and Nathan Feler / synthesizer performed by Michael Rider and Richard L. Entrup / piano performed by Michael Rider / bass performed by Richard L. Entrup / guitar performed by Richard L. Entrup / additional drum programming performed by Mike Tierney

Capital / produced by Michael Rider / coproduced by Derek Piotr, David Mason, and DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by Mike Tierney / piano performed by Michael Rider / bass performed by Richard L. Entrup / synthesizer performed by Michael Rider and Richard L. Entrup

Four Walls / produced by Michael Rider / coproduced by Derek Piotr, David Mason, and DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by Mike Tierney and Nathan Feler / synthesizer performed by Michael Rider and Richard L. Entrup / bass performed by Richard L. Entrup / additional bass performed by Mike Tierney

Let it Go / produced by Michael Rider / coproduced by Nathan Feler, Derek Piotr and DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by Mike Tierney and Nathan Feler / piano performed by Michael Rider / bass performed by Richard L. Entrup / drums performed by Fara Faidzan / synthesizers performed by Nathan Feler and Michael Rider

Breakthrough / produced by Michael Rider / coproduced by Nathan Feler, David Mason, and DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by Mike Tierney and Nathan Feler / piano performed by Michael Rider / bass performed by Richard L. Entrup / guitar performed by Nathan Feler / drums performed by Fara Faidzan / synthesizers performed by Michael Rider, M the Myth, and Nathan Feler / bird sounds by Derek Piotr

Lovers in Shadow / produced by David Mason / mixed and mastered by David Mason

Champion / produced by Michael Rider and M the Myth / coproduced by DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by M the Myth and Nathan Feler / piano performed by Michael Rider / synthesizers performed by M the Myth / bass performed by Richard L. Entrup / electric guitar performed by Richard L. Entrup

I Wore a Shield / produced by Michael Rider and M the Myth / coproduced by DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by M the Myth and Nathan Feler / piano performed by Michael Rider / synthesizers performed by M the Myth and Nathan Feler / bass performed by Richard L. Entrup / guitar performed by Richard L. Entrup / backing vocals performed by M the Myth

Into the Dark / Copperhead / produced by Michael Rider / coproduced by Derek Piotr and DJ Gomi / mixed and mastered by DJ Gomi / engineered by Mike Tierney and Nathan Feler / piano performed by Michael Rider / acoustic guitar performed by Richard L. Entrup / bass performed by Richard L. Entrup / synthesizer performed by Michael Rider / additional synthesizer performed by Nathan Feler

All songs written, composed and sung by Michael Rider except “I’m Everything” and “Lovers in Shadow” which were composed by David Mason. This record was produced in Shiny Things Studio in Brooklyn, New York, Voyager Studios in Brooklyn, New York, David Mason’s studio in Los Angeles, California, Derek Piotr’s studio in New Haven, Connecticut, and M the Myth's studio in Brooklyn, New York.

Album cover photographed by Lacy Wood and designed by Micheal Parisella.

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Michael Rider New York, New York

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