Hey! I’ve been writing about the album I’m working on over at nightdriverecords.com. Check it out!
Archive for the ‘Composition’ Category
February 15, 2011
wgl
January 21, 2010
Some Old Tunes, and a Song About Snow
Firstly, as an fyi, I uploaded most of my old recordings last night. These include the fabled “College Demo Sessions” from way back in high school. I was young then, so go easy on me–two jazz tunes, and two classical pieces.. consume at your own risk. The entire process of putting that demo together undoubtedly planted the right ideas in my head about what I might enjoy down the road. I learned some basic things one doesn’t usually consider going into their first recording experience. The most frustrating of these, is knowing you have a stellar grip on a tune you’re going to record, and when the mic goes in the piano and the red button is pressed, you tense up. It’s crazy–especially if there’s no one else around, but it happens. I’ve learned that piping up the environment to make you feel like a rock star goes a long way–incense/candles lit, dim those lights, stand up, put on the big headphones, and seep it all into the mic.
I’m just about done with a song I’ve been working on for a few weeks. I’d really kill for another verse though, so I’m going to try and make that happen over the next few days. Unfortunately, I’ve been at a loss for inspiration, and have found it difficult to write a song titled “There’ll Be Snow” when it’s been all spring fling this past week. With any luck, we’ll be back to the romance of freezing rain and glassy roads in no time.
Tags: high school, lyrics, recording, snow, writing
October 12, 2009
Dabbling in Classical Composition
Dabbling Alright, so maybe not “classical,” but a greater focus on transition and themes. Less focus on lyrics, though there is atmosphere that evokes emotion and ideas. I thought getting back to the basics would be a useful endeavor. Almost like when you revisit a piece of music you’ve been playing for years, but go over those few complicated measures at half-tempo to realize the detail of the music in it’s entirety.. a measure that discourages you from taking the notes for granted.
I wrote a short piece tonight, and drafted it with a hasty hand as to not lose inspiration. I’m looking forward to scoring it formally in the days/weeks to come. This will undoubtedly prove to be a good use of the evening hours in Lafayette Hill.
October 8, 2009
On Inspiration to Write
For me, inspiration to write something new comes in swells. I go through phases of writing for acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, all the way back to the acoustic again. My lyrical path tends to stay the same though. I don’t plan for a lyrical idea I have to be attached to a particular instrument, so it seems that idea will be conceived accompanied by whatever instrument I’m into at the time. This type of writing is probably just a phase as well. I’ve been writing songs for less than five years… I imagine my process will mold it’s way in and out of various styles.
Here’s something I’m working on. Piano.. folky melodies.. sort of feel good.. nostalgic and positive. I think many people can relate to the vibe of this one.
Tags: inspiration, process, writing
February 10, 2009
On The Dynamics Of Lyrics
I’ve been thinking a lot about lyrics lately, and how they dynamically work with the supporting instruments. These thoughts are underdeveloped, but I felt the need to share. Writing effective lyrics has always been a difficult area for me — I feel much more capable of writing interesting progressions. The way vocals complement accompaniment is somewhat of a creative science though.
It seems that some words/phrases sound extraordinarily well with their accompaniment. Phonemes have, what I think, the ability to uniquely bring life to a musical phrase. Think of a phrase in a song that for some reason sounds perfect the way it is, and now change the words — retain the melody, but switch up the words. Now, ignoring the chance that you picked silly words, think about how the notes feel with the phonemes of your new lyrics. The variation in vowels and consonants play a significant role in flow of the song.
Every so often, I just hear the perfect implementation of music and lyrics, and I think of how that phrase came to be. I imagine there are no rules for a finding these phrases, and it’s more of finding out what is dynamically compatible with your own voice and playing style.
Tags: lyrics, music, songwriting