Stay Awake And Repeat: No Sleep, All Action!

Grunge-pop artist 44phantom, also known as Brayton Matthews, and rapper Machine Gun Kelly have collaborated on the intense track 'Don't Sleep, Repeat'. The song, which sheds light on mental health and coping mechanisms, was born out of the duo's shared struggles with their inner vices. With vulnerable lyrics and a catchy beat, the song consumes listeners, addressing themes of depression and anxiety. The track is paired with a psychedelic music video that is reminiscent of the grunge style of the 90s.

The song's exploration of inner demons and mental health

Sleep demons, or sleep paralysis demons, are hallucinations that occur when a person is transitioning out of sleep. During the transition from REM sleep to wakefulness, the brain becomes somewhat awakened, and the body remains paralysed. This phenomenon can be terrifying, as people sense or see a menacing presence or figure in the room, often described as a demon or a witch.

These hallucinations are a result of disrupted sleep and can be triggered by various factors, including stress, anxiety, trauma, and underlying sleep disorders. While sleep demons themselves are not real, the experience can be very frightening and may lead to feelings of anxiety and insomnia.

The concept of sleep demons has been explored in various forms of media, including art, television, novels, and movies. The exploration of this phenomenon often delves into the inner demons and mental health of the characters experiencing it. It is a way to visualise and externalise the struggles and fears that people face in their daily lives.

For example, in the 2018 horror movie "Mara," directed by Clive Tonge, the protagonist, a criminal psychologist, investigates the murder of a man who died in his sleep. As she delves into the case, she finds herself experiencing sleep paralysis and hallucinations, confronting her own inner demons and mental health struggles.

Sleep demons serve as a metaphor for the unseen forces that haunt and torment us, representing our fears, traumas, and mental health challenges. They symbolise the power that these inner demons can have over us, especially when we are at our most vulnerable, such as during sleep.

The exploration of sleep demons in media can be a way to raise awareness about mental health issues and encourage people to confront their inner demons. It can also provide a sense of comfort and relatability for those who struggle with their mental health, knowing that they are not alone in their battles.

The artists' coping mechanisms and struggles with vices

"Don't Sleep, Repeat" is a collaboration between artists 44phantom and Machine Gun Kelly. The song is about the artists' inner demons and their struggles with vices and mental health. It sheds light on the different coping mechanisms they employ, with vulnerable lyrics that listeners can empathize with.

The song describes the artists' experiences with depression and anxiety, expressing the desire to "run wild to forget the pain". The lyrics portray a sense of hopelessness and a struggle to trust in love due to trauma. For example, the line "You told me you love me, but my trauma doesn't trust that" captures the artists' inner turmoil.

Both 44phantom and Machine Gun Kelly have their own unique coping mechanisms and struggles with vices. 44phantom, also known as Brayton Matthews, is a grunge-pop artist from Seattle. His music is influenced by a range of genres, including artists such as Kurt Cobain, Carrie Underwood, Bob Dylan, Lil Wayne, and Drake. Machine Gun Kelly, or Colson Baker, is a rapper, singer, musician, and actor from Cleveland.

In "Don't Sleep, Repeat", 44phantom and Machine Gun Kelly's lyrics reveal their individual and shared struggles. They use their art as a coping mechanism to express their inner demons and connect with listeners who may be facing similar battles. The song's intensity and vulnerability, paired with a catchy beat, create a captivating and consuming track that has resonated with audiences.

The intensity of the track and its vulnerable lyrics

"Don't Sleep, Repeat" is an intense and vulnerable track by 44phantom and Machine Gun Kelly that delves into the artists' inner demons and struggles with their vices. The song sheds light on mental health and the different coping mechanisms associated with it, as the lyrics explore themes of depression, anxiety, and the difficulty of trusting in love due to trauma.

The intensity of the track is evident from the very beginning, with lyrics like, "Head lice, I think I'm itching again/ 'Cause nothing feels right, I'm gonna jump off the edge/ Another red light, and I keep running it through/ Yeah, I keep running it through like I got nothing to lose." The song continues with this sense of urgency and raw emotion, as the artists sing about their shared struggles and the cycle of running from their problems. The pre-chorus and chorus reinforce the theme of being trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behaviour, with lyrics such as "Mmm, Hollywood's unlocked/ Mmm, brain dead, heart stop."

The vulnerability in the track comes through in the artists' willingness to expose their inner turmoil and trauma. Lyrics like "I wanna break my face, I wanna feel something/ I like the way you think, we'll make the same ship sink/ I wouldn't change a thing, I wouldn't change a thing" reveal a deep sense of pain and a desire for connection. The song also touches on the difficulty of trusting in love when trauma has left its mark, with the line "You told me you love me, but my trauma doesn't trust that" standing out as a particularly vulnerable and honest moment.

The intensity of the track is further enhanced by the juxtaposition of smooth, electric guitar riffs and fast, synth beats, creating a unique sound that is both relaxing and danceable. The psychedelic music video, directed by Andrew Sandler, also adds to the overall intensity and grunge style of the song, highlighting the chemistry between 44phantom and Machine Gun Kelly.

Overall, "Don't Sleep, Repeat" is a powerful and vulnerable track that captures the artists' struggles with their inner demons and their journey through mental health. The song's intense lyrics and captivating beat create a compelling and emotive listening experience, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The contrast of smooth guitar and fast synth beats

"Don't Sleep, Repeat" by 44phantom and Machine Gun Kelly is a captivating track that draws listeners in with its unique blend of smooth guitar riffs and fast synth beats. The song's intro, performed by 44phantom, sets the tone with a smooth, electric guitar that soothes the listener. This melodic guitar backdrop remains a constant presence throughout the song, creating a sense of continuity.

In contrast to the smooth guitar, fast and energetic synth beats are introduced, adding an unexpected twist to the melody. This combination of smooth and fast elements gives the song a dual nature, making it both relaxing and danceable at the same time. It's a challenging balance to strike, but 44phantom and Machine Gun Kelly pull it off seamlessly.

The smooth guitar riffs provide a sense of calm amidst the fast-paced synth beats, almost like a moment of respite within the intensity of the song. This juxtaposition of styles reflects the song's themes of inner demons, coping mechanisms, and the struggle between depression and the desire to forget the pain. The smooth guitar acts as a reprieve, a brief moment of tranquility before the fast synth beats kick in again, mirroring the ebb and flow of emotions portrayed in the lyrics.

The collaboration between 44phantom and Machine Gun Kelly is a testament to their artistic synergy. By combining their respective styles and experiences, they have crafted a track that resonates with listeners on a deep level. "Don't Sleep, Repeat" showcases their ability to create a soundscape that is both sonically captivating and emotionally evocative, leaving listeners eager for more collaborations between these two talented artists.

The psychedelic grunge-style music video

The music video for "don't sleep, repeat" is a grunge-style, psychedelic trip, filmed in 44phantom's hometown of Seattle. The visuals complement the intense and vulnerable lyrics of the track, shedding light on mental health and the different coping mechanisms that come with it.

The video opens with a hazy, neon-lit street scene, with 44phantom and Machine Gun Kelly performing the song amidst the vibrant chaos of the city. The duo's chemistry is evident as they feed off each other's energy, their passion and intensity reflected in the colourful and distorted visuals. The video cuts between scenes of the pair and trippy animations, creating a sense of disorientation and a break from reality.

As the song progresses, the visuals become more surreal and dreamlike. The neon lights blur and smear, creating a sense of movement and fluidity. The directors utilise a variety of camera techniques, including fast cuts, fish-eye lenses, and kaleidoscopic effects, to enhance the psychedelic nature of the video. The duo's performances are interspersed with symbolic imagery, such as broken mirrors and locked doors, representing the struggles and inner demons that the song explores.

The grunge aesthetic is evident throughout, with a 90s-inspired fashion and makeup looks. The styling adds to the overall grittiness of the video, with a blend of flannel, leather, and ripped denim. The duo's outfits become more dishevelled as the video progresses, reflecting the raw and unfiltered nature of the song's message.

The video reaches its climax during the final chorus, with a burst of colour and energy. The duo's performances are fierce and captivating, their movements sharp and synchronised. The psychedelic visuals intensify, with swirling patterns and warped perspectives, creating a mind-bending experience for the viewer.

The "don't sleep, repeat" music video is a perfect blend of grunge and psychedelic styles, creating a visually stunning and thought-provoking accompaniment to the powerful and vulnerable track. It showcases the duo's chemistry and talent, leaving viewers eager for more collaborations between 44phantom and Machine Gun Kelly.

Frequently asked questions