"Onwards & Upwards" ft Mr. Lawrence

Thematic Song Synopses:
“Onwards & Upwards” is meant to be a motivating, forward thinking and driving song, as the title and lyrics make quite clear. But it’s also about choosing and chasing the right path: Do the right thing! Knowing that you if you do, your courage will be rewarded. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you …. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” At the same time the song points to the obvious other end of the stick. Be kind, and give before you take, otherwise your road will be very lonely. Especially in your hour of need, when you will find no helping hand if you have never lent one yourself to another.

Technical Song Synopses:
The instrumental track has a beautiful progression from calm and contemplating to energized and driven. The lyrics, vocals and sound mixing aims to strengthen this further. Which is why, for example, the Intro, Bridge and Outro only have a “held back” lead vocal. Whereas the verse and chorus climaxes that intend to underline the message are belted in full force by an entire crowd in “live stadium style”, compared to a very staccato sung style in the verses that matches the rhythm guitar and musical energy of the verses.

Performance Description:
Zero Expectation’s “Onwards & Upwards” is a punk-pop track produced by the Mexican based xKori.

Zero Expectations is the creative pseudonym of the Dubai based Dutch Singer, Songwriter & Producer Marlon van Maastricht, publishes his work under his own independent label Zero Expectations Music.

The song was recorded, mixed and mastered by Assaad Lakkis, aka Bull Funk Zoo, at Bull Funk Studios in Dubai.

“Onwards & Upwards” features Remi Bint aka Mr. Lawrence as second vocalist to Zero Expectations’ Marlon lead vocals. Marlon also composed the structure of the song in collaboration with xKori, wrote the song lyrics and produced/created the music video, which form the basis for this 2022 LIT awards Season 2 Entry.