Much of the inspiration was found in contrast of songs by one particular artist, or a strenghtening of message by the combination of two songs by one artist. Given the powerful contrast of the Smashing Pumpkins and The Postal Service and intertwined with the allure of stories of growth that I am currently drawn to, the mix began to take the focus of a whole life story. The U2 and first Smashing Pumpkins song speak of the absence of something essential to life, and the rest speak about the journey to what is vital.