The "Split Debate" album is the brainchild of Darkovika (YouTuber on gaming channel) and Bate (folk punk duo). However, the concept of the "Split Debate" album was not planned from the start. Bate was a simple acoustic guitar singer-songwriter duo, Nate Filichia and Brett-Bit. They had plenty of songs to start recording and performing live (which they did at the House of Blues in Hollywood) so Nate's first thought was to contact producer Art Bertik Marquez of Entelodon Records. Nate and Brett would visit Art for months squeezing in recording sessions between conflicting schedules, day jobs, junior college and more. After many of the songs were "finished" (or so they thought) the idea came up to take advantage of Brett being an awesome pianist. So here and there, sprinkles of piano were added tastefully to their sweet songs about heartbreak. They even invited their friend Darkovika to throw down a couple violin tracks here and here. It is apparent in hindsight that the idea of orchestrating and adding other instruments was a gradual subconscious process. "If you ever need bass tracks Brett is a sick bassist" Nate told Art who was immediately thinking of an excuse to get Brett to play and record on something. But what? Art, who was producing and juggling a plate full and a half of bands, artists, projects, EPs, demos, etc., figured there's no doubt Brett's bass playing would be needed. What about Bate? Art suggested that in a future Bate release perhaps bass and percussion could be incorporated. Reluctant, Bate wanted to stay an acoustic duo and keep the songs lean and raw. Bate performed their first show in ages at the House of Blues in Hollywood, with Darkovika playing her violin parts for a couple of the songs, which everyone loved. They even gave away a 4-track demo EP of the most put-together songs. The live experience as a live trio unlocked Bate's hesitation of fleshing out the Bate songs with more instruments and flavors. Now here we are. An album full of vocal harmonies, acoustic licks, driving percussion and bitter-sweet yet honest lyrics.