Thursday, 9 December 2010
B-Side: Rough Instrumental Recording
Track Notes:
General
- Stark, introspective, less positive, fear striving for comfort, love as hope (intertwined), trying to make peace with oneself.
Segment Spotlight
00:00-01:31 - verse idea.
01:31 - possible chorus idea
02:50 - Dream-like; confusion; wonderment; unease; trying-to-seek-optimism; nature (the cobbled lane, the buds of lavender in the pages).
B-Side in the Bedroom: Recording
The past weeks since the commencement of this new music project has seen the development of A-side, 'Buds of Lavender'. In that period, through instrumental arrangement changes and lyrical modifications, an almost-complete piece has been moulded.
Now, a look at the the workings of the B-side. The video diaries, below, show experimentation with percussion using firsly a box. Then, using stripped-back hot rods upon a stick bag (that sports a rubber pad on top).
Since 'Buds of Lavender' is the signifier of 'hope' within the metaphorical journey in relation to boh finding and taking wisdom from the book, 'The Greatest Thing in the World'; the yet-to-be-titled B-side must surely bring another perspective on the whole affair/concept...
In order to do this, I thought the best way to capture another mood/perspective, would be to make certain contrasts to the A-side. The format of release in itelf (traditionally) literally has two sides, thus literally embodies this conceptual framework.
The first move on making one contrast, then, is to create a B-side which is much more stripped back, using mostly acoustic guitar, percussion (decided through experimentation) and one vocalist. Here are the workings so far...
Towards the Project Finale...
To highlight the decision-making process in relation to each song for this project, I shall present an annotated version that underlines significant parts with respect to the brief.
Now, a look at the the workings of the B-side. The video diaries, below, show experimentation with percussion using firsly a box. Then, using stripped-back hot rods upon a stick bag (that sports a rubber pad on top).
Since 'Buds of Lavender' is the signifier of 'hope' within the metaphorical journey in relation to boh finding and taking wisdom from the book, 'The Greatest Thing in the World'; the yet-to-be-titled B-side must surely bring another perspective on the whole affair/concept...
In order to do this, I thought the best way to capture another mood/perspective, would be to make certain contrasts to the A-side. The format of release in itelf (traditionally) literally has two sides, thus literally embodies this conceptual framework.
The first move on making one contrast, then, is to create a B-side which is much more stripped back, using mostly acoustic guitar, percussion (decided through experimentation) and one vocalist. Here are the workings so far...
Towards the Project Finale...
To highlight the decision-making process in relation to each song for this project, I shall present an annotated version that underlines significant parts with respect to the brief.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Hands
I dedicate this post to hands.
After posting the scanned sketchbooks containing lyrical ideas in the last post, I decided to scan my own hands. For me, a hand symbolises creation. I don't think my hands are aesthetically pleasing as such, however, hands, in general, provide a consensus of much fascination to me. Perhaps it is because of this associate with creativity and creation it has for me.
Just presenting images of my hands, I think, is valuable in portraying some pictures in my inner thought process. Just photographs in the form of 'scrapbook imagination'.
After posting the scanned sketchbooks containing lyrical ideas in the last post, I decided to scan my own hands. For me, a hand symbolises creation. I don't think my hands are aesthetically pleasing as such, however, hands, in general, provide a consensus of much fascination to me. Perhaps it is because of this associate with creativity and creation it has for me.
Just presenting images of my hands, I think, is valuable in portraying some pictures in my inner thought process. Just photographs in the form of 'scrapbook imagination'.
Verses to Buds of Lavender
I know there are a couple of spelling errors here, however, I feel I should nevertheless present both rough sketches of lyrics to Buds of Lavender as a means of portraying validity within the stream of consciousness.
A few words here and there may be modified after running the song at the next studio session.
Monday, 15 November 2010
A cappella section focus - Buds of Lavender
Listen to section: 'A cappella section focus'
This is the section I'm thinking of implementing to the introduction. During an acoustic run-through with Paul, I though it might also be a good idea to draw-out this a cappella section in some way. An emphasis on four key words seemed to work - using 'In'; 'Love'; 'Smile'; 'Do'. The last word in the chorus in this sense is actually 'knew', however, 'do' seems more appropriate at this point.
This is the section I'm thinking of implementing to the introduction. During an acoustic run-through with Paul, I though it might also be a good idea to draw-out this a cappella section in some way. An emphasis on four key words seemed to work - using 'In'; 'Love'; 'Smile'; 'Do'. The last word in the chorus in this sense is actually 'knew', however, 'do' seems more appropriate at this point.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Video Diary 3 - Studio Session
Well, what a week. Besides many other interesing happenings, including the writing, recording and releasing of mini album '27.10.10' a.k.a The 24-Hour Record, I can express with enthusiasm that in other creative areas, the week has been bursting with productivity. This, I like. Wait - 'love'.
Saturday 30th October 2010 involved the first full band rehearsal session of Buds of Lavender; the lyrics to which can be found in a post from last week. This was an incredible eye-opener for me. Dropped well and truly in an area far from 'destination comfort', I felt challenged for the second time in the same week. I relied heavily on the use of a synthesiser/keyboard to communicate the basic melody - (positioned just outside the shot to the far right). Although lacking confidence and somewhat sheepish with regards to using said mechanism, it did seem to do the job.
I have a new-found respect not only for songwriters worldwide, but in particular towards my close fellow music creators.
The footage below highlights Saturday's session at The Tollhouse Studio, Glasgow - unveiling development of Buds of Lavender (as a potential A Side), so far.
Featured musicians:
Brian Cunningham (lead vox, guitar)
Paul Duffin (backing vox, guitar)
Mark Duffin (backing vox, bass guitar)
Clare Kelly (drums).
Saturday 30th October 2010 involved the first full band rehearsal session of Buds of Lavender; the lyrics to which can be found in a post from last week. This was an incredible eye-opener for me. Dropped well and truly in an area far from 'destination comfort', I felt challenged for the second time in the same week. I relied heavily on the use of a synthesiser/keyboard to communicate the basic melody - (positioned just outside the shot to the far right). Although lacking confidence and somewhat sheepish with regards to using said mechanism, it did seem to do the job.
I have a new-found respect not only for songwriters worldwide, but in particular towards my close fellow music creators.
The footage below highlights Saturday's session at The Tollhouse Studio, Glasgow - unveiling development of Buds of Lavender (as a potential A Side), so far.
Featured musicians:
Brian Cunningham (lead vox, guitar)
Paul Duffin (backing vox, guitar)
Mark Duffin (backing vox, bass guitar)
Clare Kelly (drums).
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Henry Drummond - and Ideas from Me.
I hope you can read my handwriting. Over the past week, I have made some notes, read some things, made some more notes, gazed out windows - and generally experimented with some ideas, both on the recording-front (albeit raw) and on the lyrical land. No idea why the word land is appropriate to use here, but alliteration pleases me.
Firstly, a photograph of the special book by Henry Drummond
Sketches - from head to hand...
Firstly, a photograph of the special book by Henry Drummond
Sketches - from head to hand...
Lyrical ideas...
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Friday, 15 October 2010
The Story of Lavender in the Library
On Wednesday this week, I felt inspired. Jo Mango - a wonderful singer-songwriter - performed one of her latest songs, Black Sun, in Glasgow's CCA. The vocal delivery touched me. So much so that it got me thinking about my own composition. How important is the human voice in portraying human emotion. Indeed, many instruments demonstrate well how this can be embodied. On a personal note, however, I gain so much more insight from a vocal. Vocals. Volcanic. Eruption. I digress...
Lavender in the Library...
I think it's time to tell the story now. The 'incident from 4th August 2006'. The day my grandmother passed away. She went in the early hours. Paul, my very significant other half, was the last person by her side. Sad, of course, but later that day, a strange and beautiful thing happened that made me smile.
Bleary-eyed, after little sleep, two of my best friends (Sarah Jane and Emma) suggested we go have a relaxing time, herbal tea and good food, in a wee tea house called Tchai Ovna in Otago Lane, Glasgow. En route, down the same cobbled lane, we decided to stop by a small book shop: Voltaire & Rousseau. Feeling weary, I aimlessly picked up a small, hardback book from the shelf. Right now, I cannot remember the author nor the definite title... something along the lines of 'The Greatest Thing in the World'. I do recall some handwriting in the inner cover, with a date - 1901 or thereabouts - (I remember thinking it was very old).
The book appeared to have a marker. I opened it at the directed page. There, in the top centre of two pages was a tiny, lavender-coloured, dried-out flower. I looked like a chrysanthemum. The verses read how love is the greatest thing in the world.
Lavender was my grandmother's favourite colour. Chrysanthemums were her favourite flower. Warmth and comfort surrounded me when I read the words as the marker suggested. This is the inspiration of the artefact.
The Search for the Book...
Over the past few days, I have been trying to hunt down the book. Today, oh yes, I received a text from my Godfather to say it is now in the post. Iit had been held at his mother's house (my grandmother's elder sister), not long after the funeral. She wanted to have it. I can't wait to see it again, but have promised to return it when the writing is over.
Lavender in the Library...
I think it's time to tell the story now. The 'incident from 4th August 2006'. The day my grandmother passed away. She went in the early hours. Paul, my very significant other half, was the last person by her side. Sad, of course, but later that day, a strange and beautiful thing happened that made me smile.
Bleary-eyed, after little sleep, two of my best friends (Sarah Jane and Emma) suggested we go have a relaxing time, herbal tea and good food, in a wee tea house called Tchai Ovna in Otago Lane, Glasgow. En route, down the same cobbled lane, we decided to stop by a small book shop: Voltaire & Rousseau. Feeling weary, I aimlessly picked up a small, hardback book from the shelf. Right now, I cannot remember the author nor the definite title... something along the lines of 'The Greatest Thing in the World'. I do recall some handwriting in the inner cover, with a date - 1901 or thereabouts - (I remember thinking it was very old).
The book appeared to have a marker. I opened it at the directed page. There, in the top centre of two pages was a tiny, lavender-coloured, dried-out flower. I looked like a chrysanthemum. The verses read how love is the greatest thing in the world.
Lavender was my grandmother's favourite colour. Chrysanthemums were her favourite flower. Warmth and comfort surrounded me when I read the words as the marker suggested. This is the inspiration of the artefact.
The Search for the Book...
Over the past few days, I have been trying to hunt down the book. Today, oh yes, I received a text from my Godfather to say it is now in the post. Iit had been held at his mother's house (my grandmother's elder sister), not long after the funeral. She wanted to have it. I can't wait to see it again, but have promised to return it when the writing is over.
Recording Thoughts...
Over the next couple of months I will be embarking upon a new recording project. It will comprise of a handful of compositions on drums, inspired primarily by a particular incident that happened around four years ago. The day my grandmother passed away. I will elaborate. But not right now.
Right now, I am trying to hunt down the small, very old-looking book I found in a small bookshop called Voltaire and Rousseau, in Otago Lane, Glasgow (those four years ago). I cannot remember the author’s name, nor the definite title of the book. I do know that this book is located in Rutherglen, at the home of my great-auntie Mary – my grandmother’s older sister.
I thought it was called something along the lines of The Greatest Thing in the World. The online search rings a few bells. But. I still cannot be sure. Time will tell.
The blogging idea is mostly to record thoughts, processes and the general day-to-day growth of an artefact.
Next week, I will be uploading some short video recordings of infant ideas.
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