My niece is writing her first song

[bigbluebarry]

Jun 4, 2009, 2:57am, feaker wrote:I am going to show her the list of artists you mentioned and see if she knows their work. The only artist I heard her talk about was efervescence. I know I slaughtered that but she said a song I was working on instantly reminded her of that?????Hey Paul, The artist she mentioned is Evanescence - http://www.myspace.com/evanescenceI listened to the song and I think she could really pull off the Evanescence sound. I listened to her song, paused it, listened to some Amy Lee (that's the vocalist for Evanescence) and then went back to Sam's song... Paul, I think that's a direction she could really do. She'll need to lose the vibrato though. I know, easier said than done.I can hear the "Broadway" in her voice too, and even some Pop/R&B. I guess what I'm saying is, she has the potential for a range of styles. Me being a rock guy, I'd push her towards Evanescence Regardless, keep encouraging her. I think she's got some talent. I enjoyed listening to her song. Looking forward to hearing where you guys go with it!- Big Blue

[feaker]

BlueJust had a listen. Wow, very close indeed. I wasn't even close with the name:)She has had music lessons that has developed her voice in the wrong direction as far as I am concerned. She does the Italian opera stuff etc. She does not like it.She loves the uptemo stuff. I am an old rocker also, so I am trying to corrupt her.I just thought it would be cool for folks to hear what goes on when one is trying to first develope a song. Thanks for your input. It is very valued here.SincerelyPaul

[suzdoyle]

Hey Paul et. al. Evanescence has some beautiful songs; I particularly like "Hello" and "My Immortal" (great piano parts on those).Dave -- Perhaps I'll expand my repertoire to babbling and dithering . . . and then perhaps pontificating prolifically Lyric boy -- great advice about looking at the story behind the song. I used to accompany voice students for a wonderful voice teacher who had students think about a song using the following ideas. Here's what she had students think about:------------------------------------------SONG INTERPRETATION WORKSHEET by Vicki Righettini, 1988 Name of song Composer/ arranger Style (jazz, rock, classical, country etc.) WHAT is the song about? Does it tell a story? If so, rephrase the plot in your own words. What kind of action is taking place? What is happening? WHO (what character) is singing the song? Is it someone like you or very different from you? In what ways? Are you (the character) singing about yourself or someone else, or both? What is/ are the character(s) of the song like? Describe in as much detail as possible. WHEN is the action taking place? Right now, in the future, or a long time ago? Morning or evening? Broad daylight or the dead of night? Describe. WHERE is the action taking place? Indoors or out? In a vaulted cathedral or a one-room shack? Picture the "set" as vividly as you can and describe in detail. What colors do you see? What is the weather or temperature like? What aromas do you smell? A field of flowers or the smokiness of a nightclub? Let your imagination run wild! Now, imagine your character (WHO) living in the time (WHEN) and place (WHERE) you have created. How does this setting affect the action (WHAT)? HOW is your character feeling the situation? How would you communicate those emotions vocally? You now have the tools to get your song across to your audience. By activating your imagination, you have explored the WHAT, WHO, WHEN, and WHERE of your song. In doing this, you arrived at the emotional content (HOW). Now you can use everything you know about technique (breathing, diction, projection, etc.) bring out those emotions and (hopefully) have more fun in the bargain. Remember: The purpose of any musical technique, instrumental or vocal, is to serve the expression of the music. The challenge of performing is using your interpretive skills so that, by the end of your performance, the audience understands the song as well as you do.-------------------------The more one can be in the story of a song, the more powerful the performance. And Paul, a growing number of voice teachers are offering "Natural Voice" style instruction, focusing on the unique style and interests of the student rather than assuming a goal of formal classical singing for everyone. Rock singers are going to have some similar vocal techniques as classical opera singers, but there will be some major differences, too. Some good resources re: Natural voice instruction are:Claude Stein, The Natural Singer workshopsMedicine Voice - yikes can't recall the name -- Chloe Goodchild???Speech Level Singing/ Mary Beth Felker-- most likely oodles of others . . . Each one is a bit different, but the common focus, in my view, is that the voice is our most vulnerable -- and powerful -- aspect of our personality. Natural singer coaching is about finding your own voice (rather than conforming to someone else's ideal of what a good voice is), and in combining effective technique (good vocal self-care) with emotionality and one's unique personality and style. Most focus on supporting diverse styles of singing.And with that, I'm going to Yodel my way out to my morning walk. Yee-HAH! I'd love to hear how your niece's song unfolds. SuzP.S. One really good voice training book is "The Rock-n-Roll Singer's Survival Manual" by Mark Baxter . . .

[feaker]

Holy wow Suz, you sure are thorough:)Those are some really good questions. Good thing for copy and paste.( more info going to Word)I thought about just leaving her voice alone, but I have heard too many comments already to be stuborn about this.I think we might hit it again today. I am going to ask her a few questions about the song with no direction yet.Hope you enjoyed your stroll. I planted my entire garden this morning. (20 X 120) We had a hard frost last night again and I hope it is the last:)Paul

[suzdoyle]

Hey Paul;I just listened to the song and am quite impressed with your niece's voice. Lots of potential there, and a very unique quality. Plus I loved hearing the obvious joy you two were sharing in making the recording. That's what it's all about!It might be helpful to have her listen to female vocal jazz artists for ideas on how to sing with a more straight tone, and also she might benefit from listening to the late Eva Cassidy, who I think has some of the most powerful phrasing and intentionality in how she uses her voice.





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,Suz

[suzdoyle]

And another good example of use of straight tone style singing:Celtic Woman - "The Voice"





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Suz

[feaker]

OkSuzI'm a mess now.That is my all time favorite.What a beautiful voice.Always brings me to my knees.The acoustic work has a James Taylor touch.She can really play. She does use vibrato, but sparingly.Thanks againPaul

[davekershaw]

Jun 4, 2009, 8:38am, suzdoyle wrote:babbling and dithering . . . pontificating prolifically So when the cat has got your tongue, there's no need for dismay!Just summon up these words and then you've got a lot to say!

[davekershaw]

Jun 4, 2009, 9:51am, suzdoyle wrote:she might benefit from listening to the late Eva Cassidy, who I think has some of the most powerful phrasing and intentionality in how she uses her voice.Yes, simply beautiful voice!

[k o star]

Good start! -Kel