Thematic questions?

[Arkansan Raider]

I've a question about content on a solo project I'm working on. I
visited the FAQ to see where the appropriate place to post was, and got
this:

=======
Q1.1 - What is this newsgroup for? What topics are appropriate here,
and what
topics are best saved for another newsgroup?

This newsgroup exists for the discussion of issues and topics related
to professional audio engineering. We generally do not discuss issues
relating to home audio reproduction, though they do occasionally come
up. The rec.audio.* hierarchy of newsgroups is as follows:

rec.audio.pro Issues pertaining to professional audio
rec.audio.marketplace Buying and trading of consumer equipment
rec.audio.tech Technical discussions about consumer audio
rec.audio.opinion Everyone's $0.02 on consumer audio
rec.audio.high-end High-end consumer audio discussions
rec.audio.misc Everything else

=======

Since it's about content and not gear, does it need to go to "misc?" Or
should I bring it here?

To flesh it out a bit, I've a themed project in mind, with an arc that
covers a bio of sorts tentatively called "Real Life." It deals with some
life issues such as an addict hitting rock bottom and the recovery and
grief processes.


---Jeff

[soundhaspriority]

"Arkansan Raider" > wrote in message
...
> I've a question about content on a solo project I'm working on. I visited
> the FAQ to see where the appropriate place to post was, and got this:
>
> =======
> Q1.1 - What is this newsgroup for? What topics are appropriate here, and
> what
> topics are best saved for another newsgroup?
>
> This newsgroup exists for the discussion of issues and topics related
> to professional audio engineering. We generally do not discuss issues
> relating to home audio reproduction, though they do occasionally come
> up. The rec.audio.* hierarchy of newsgroups is as follows:
>
> rec.audio.pro Issues pertaining to professional audio
> rec.audio.marketplace Buying and trading of consumer equipment
> rec.audio.tech Technical discussions about consumer audio
> rec.audio.opinion Everyone's $0.02 on consumer audio
> rec.audio.high-end High-end consumer audio discussions
> rec.audio.misc Everything else
>
> =======
>
> Since it's about content and not gear, does it need to go to "misc?" Or
> should I bring it here?
>
> To flesh it out a bit, I've a themed project in mind, with an arc that
> covers a bio of sorts tentatively called "Real Life." It deals with some
> life issues such as an addict hitting rock bottom and the recovery and
> grief processes.
>
Jeff,
Is it music? Rap? Multimedia?

Bob Morein
(310) 237-6511

[Arkansan Raider]

Soundhaspriority wrote:

> Jeff,
> Is it music? Rap? Multimedia?
>
> Bob Morein
> (310) 237-6511
>

Music. I write in a fairly eclectic form, as I like many different
genres of music. So there's gonna' be some classic rock, some a
cappella, possibly choral, some acoustic--just a mixture.

And funny you should ask about the multimedia--I plan on working with a
local university's drama and A/V departments to make this project a
video tool as well, with a lesson for dealing with various life situations.

I would be working on the vid project after releasing the CD, as I don't
want to have *all* of those plates spinning at once.

It would be almost a Rob Bell-type of thing--like about 15 or 20 minutes
per topic.

---Jeff

[soundhaspriority]

"Arkansan Raider" > wrote in message
...
> Soundhaspriority wrote:
>
>> Jeff,
>> Is it music? Rap? Multimedia?
>>
>> Bob Morein
>> (310) 237-6511
>
> Music. I write in a fairly eclectic form, as I like many different genres
> of music. So there's gonna' be some classic rock, some a cappella,
> possibly choral, some acoustic--just a mixture.
>
> And funny you should ask about the multimedia--I plan on working with a
> local university's drama and A/V departments to make this project a video
> tool as well, with a lesson for dealing with various life situations.
>
> I would be working on the vid project after releasing the CD, as I don't
> want to have *all* of those plates spinning at once.
>
> It would be almost a Rob Bell-type of thing--like about 15 or 20 minutes
> per topic.
>
> ---Jeff

Well, you know, you're a member in good standing. Who's going to object to
an artist talking about what he loves to do?

Bob Morein
(310) 237-6511

[Arkansan Raider]

Soundhaspriority wrote:

> Well, you know, you're a member in good standing. Who's going to object to
> an artist talking about what he loves to do?
>
> Bob Morein
> (310) 237-6511
>

Roger that, and thanks, Bob!

<deep breath>


I've a li'l anxiety about it because much of the subject material is
Christian-themed, and having had some flame wars in the direct vicinity,
I'm not wanting to go down that road again.

However, I *do* want some opinions on this because I think that this can
have value outside of the Christian faith, given where I want to go with
this project.

That said, here's a brief outline of the subject matter/thematic arc of
this proposed project:

The working title is "Real Life."

1. Mountain top/positive song to start, get interest in the project as a
whole.
2. Backslide--some sort of song to sling into rock bottom.
3. Rock bottom--I've a number of ideas here--bluesy-type stuff.
Then we delve into the grieving cycle:
4. Anger
5. Denial
6. Bargaining--maybe some sort of Psalms-like song?
7. Acceptance
8. Maybe another backsliding song or possibly a Job-like intervention
from a friend or family member?
9. Some sort of song about clawing back from the precipice, so to speak.
10. A thankful song of praise to God for redemption from rock bottom.

I've some songs that I've already written that may work here, and I've
also toyed with the idea of using songs that are already in the public eye.

For instance, I'm thinking about using "Mother" by John Lennon in the
rock bottom area--or possibly in the #8 slot--to be followed by a song
that I wrote called "You Took Me In," which is about my grandparents and
my foster parents, maybe at the #9 slot.

Anyway, this is a *very* rough draft for the framework for this project.

Lookin' forward to hearing your ideas!

Thanks much,

---Jeff

[soundhaspriority]

"Arkansan Raider" > wrote in message
...
[snip]
>
> Anyway, this is a *very* rough draft for the framework for this project.
>
> Lookin' forward to hearing your ideas!
>
> Thanks much,
>
> ---Jeff

My competence is limited to enjoying the performance ;) But I look forward
to the discussion.

Bob Morein
(310) 237-6511

[PStamler]

My only advice:

Hone the songs. Don't just run into the studio the day you write one
so you can capture the spontaneity. That works for Bob Dylan, but it
doesn't work for anybody else. Work on the songs like they're a piece
of fine furniture, then set 'em on the shelf and let 'em ferment for a
little while, then come back again. If something doesn't sit
comfortably in your mouth, if you have to work to fit all he words
into a line -- fix it.

This advice comes from having heard some good songs and a whole lot
more bad ones.

Oh, one more thing. Don't assume that because something affects you
powerfully, it'll automatically be meaningful to somebody else. That
takes not just personally-meaningful content, but craft -- see first
paragraph.

Oh, yeah, and think REAL hard about covering an iconic performance
like Lennon's "Mother". He had one of the best sets of pipes in the
history of rock'n'roll, and it was one of his great performances, and
you'd be inviting comparison to that.

Of course, once you've thought REAL hard about that, if no other song
says what you need to say here, go for it. But think REAL hard first.

Peace,
Paul

[PStamler]

Oh, one MORE thing: For that last song of praise, take a listen to
some of the really old hymns, out of perhaps the Sacred Harp. There's
some mighty powerful writing there, and it'd anchor the project.
Please do me the favor of avoiding "Amazing Grace", since it's been
sadly overdone, but try some of the other old songs. You want
Christian music, William Billings and his pals knew how to write it.

Peace,
Paul

[Arkansan Raider]

PStamler wrote:
> Oh, one MORE thing: For that last song of praise, take a listen to
> some of the really old hymns, out of perhaps the Sacred Harp. There's
> some mighty powerful writing there, and it'd anchor the project.
> Please do me the favor of avoiding "Amazing Grace", since it's been
> sadly overdone, but try some of the other old songs. You want
> Christian music, William Billings and his pals knew how to write it.
>
> Peace,
> Paul

Thanks very much for the input, Paul!

We did some Billings stuff when I was in collegiate chorus. Absolutely
wonderful stuff. I dig old-school hymns a lot, especially when you can
do a cappella choral.

I also completely agree with your thoughts on "Amazing Grace" being way
overdone. Also, in being overdone, some outstanding performances would
invite comparison--kinda' like what you said about Mr. Lennon.

I've a song that I co-wrote with some good friends that was originally
done with two acoustic guitars, drums and bass, with a lead vocal and
bass vocals. We recorded it that way, but ended up re-doing it on an a
cappella project instrument-free. I'm considering using it in
instrumental form, but I'm not married to it. It's also a little vague,
but is titled "Redemption."

The a cappella version, along with the rest of the Variety Show project,
is here:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=336103&content=music

I'm singing bass and baritone, a buddy of mine is singing lead and the
rest of the parts.

There's a couple of other songs from that project I'm considering, but I
don't want to re-do the thang... <g>

---Jeff

[Arkansan Raider]

PStamler wrote:
> My only advice:
>
> Hone the songs. Don't just run into the studio the day you write one
> so you can capture the spontaneity. That works for Bob Dylan, but it
> doesn't work for anybody else. Work on the songs like they're a piece
> of fine furniture, then set 'em on the shelf and let 'em ferment for a
> little while, then come back again. If something doesn't sit
> comfortably in your mouth, if you have to work to fit all he words
> into a line -- fix it.
>
> This advice comes from having heard some good songs and a whole lot
> more bad ones.

I hear ya' loud and clear. No rush at all. I want to get this right.

>
> Oh, one more thing. Don't assume that because something affects you
> powerfully, it'll automatically be meaningful to somebody else. That
> takes not just personally-meaningful content, but craft -- see first
> paragraph.
>
> Oh, yeah, and think REAL hard about covering an iconic performance
> like Lennon's "Mother". He had one of the best sets of pipes in the
> history of rock'n'roll, and it was one of his great performances, and
> you'd be inviting comparison to that.

Abso-stinkin'-lutely. The reason I'm thinking about using it is that it
fits hand-in-glove with a song that I wrote, and I cried my eyes out as
a child listening to that song about every night.

That said, I'll record it, and if it doesn't work, it doesn't get
released--though I'll keep a copy. <g>

Of course, other ears will hear it, too. I'm probably too emotionally
invested in it to be objective.

>
> Of course, once you've thought REAL hard about that, if no other song
> says what you need to say here, go for it. But think REAL hard first.
>
> Peace,
> Paul

Paul, you rock for your input. Thanks!

---Jeff

[Don Pearce[_3_]]

On Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:58:40 -0500, Arkansan Raider
> wrote:

>Soundhaspriority wrote:
>
>> Well, you know, you're a member in good standing. Who's going to object to
>> an artist talking about what he loves to do?
>>
>> Bob Morein
>> (310) 237-6511
>>
>
>Roger that, and thanks, Bob!
>
><deep breath>
>
>
>I've a li'l anxiety about it because much of the subject material is
>Christian-themed, and having had some flame wars in the direct vicinity,
>I'm not wanting to go down that road again.
>
>However, I *do* want some opinions on this because I think that this can
>have value outside of the Christian faith, given where I want to go with
>this project.
>
>That said, here's a brief outline of the subject matter/thematic arc of
>this proposed project:
>
>The working title is "Real Life."
>
>1. Mountain top/positive song to start, get interest in the project as a
>whole.
>2. Backslide--some sort of song to sling into rock bottom.
>3. Rock bottom--I've a number of ideas here--bluesy-type stuff.
>Then we delve into the grieving cycle:
>4. Anger
>5. Denial
>6. Bargaining--maybe some sort of Psalms-like song?
>7. Acceptance
>8. Maybe another backsliding song or possibly a Job-like intervention
>from a friend or family member?
>9. Some sort of song about clawing back from the precipice, so to speak.
>10. A thankful song of praise to God for redemption from rock bottom.
>
>I've some songs that I've already written that may work here, and I've
>also toyed with the idea of using songs that are already in the public eye.
>
>For instance, I'm thinking about using "Mother" by John Lennon in the
>rock bottom area--or possibly in the #8 slot--to be followed by a song
>that I wrote called "You Took Me In," which is about my grandparents and
>my foster parents, maybe at the #9 slot.
>
>Anyway, this is a *very* rough draft for the framework for this project.
>
>Lookin' forward to hearing your ideas!
>
>Thanks much,
>
>---Jeff

Two things. Watch out for the metaphors - they bite. You aren't on the
edge of the precipice when you reach rock bottom ;-) Secondly, don't
go for emotion all the way through. Make it a roller coaster for
greater effect. Old saying - it isn't the wearing of hair shirts - it
is the putting on and taking off.

Musically, keep it simple. Clear syllables that fit the timing. Make
sure that the natural stresses of the sentences coincide with the
naturally stressed beats of the music. Don't include syllables that
have to be gabbled to fit, and finally never start a word with the
same consonant that ended the previous one. Wesley really understood
that stuff, study his hymns.

d

[soundhaspriority]

"Arkansan Raider" > wrote in message
...
> The a cappella version, along with the rest of the Variety Show project,
> is here:
>
> http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=336103&content=music
>
> I'm singing bass and baritone, a buddy of mine is singing lead and the
> rest of the parts.
>
> There's a couple of other songs from that project I'm considering, but I
> don't want to re-do the thang... <g>
>
> ---Jeff

There's a form I'm particularly fond of, but haven't seen the likes of much
lately: the ballad.

Bob Morein
(310) 237-6511

[Arkansan Raider]

Don Pearce wrote:
> On Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:58:40 -0500, Arkansan Raider
> > wrote:
>
>> Soundhaspriority wrote:
>>
>>> Well, you know, you're a member in good standing. Who's going to object to
>>> an artist talking about what he loves to do?
>>>
>>> Bob Morein
>>> (310) 237-6511
>>>
>> Roger that, and thanks, Bob!
>>
>> <deep breath>
>>
>>
>> I've a li'l anxiety about it because much of the subject material is
>> Christian-themed, and having had some flame wars in the direct vicinity,
>> I'm not wanting to go down that road again.
>>
>> However, I *do* want some opinions on this because I think that this can
>> have value outside of the Christian faith, given where I want to go with
>> this project.
>>
>> That said, here's a brief outline of the subject matter/thematic arc of
>> this proposed project:
>>
>> The working title is "Real Life."
>>
>> 1. Mountain top/positive song to start, get interest in the project as a
>> whole.
>> 2. Backslide--some sort of song to sling into rock bottom.
>> 3. Rock bottom--I've a number of ideas here--bluesy-type stuff.
>> Then we delve into the grieving cycle:
>> 4. Anger
>> 5. Denial
>> 6. Bargaining--maybe some sort of Psalms-like song?
>> 7. Acceptance
>> 8. Maybe another backsliding song or possibly a Job-like intervention
>>from a friend or family member?
>> 9. Some sort of song about clawing back from the precipice, so to speak.
>> 10. A thankful song of praise to God for redemption from rock bottom.
>>
>> I've some songs that I've already written that may work here, and I've
>> also toyed with the idea of using songs that are already in the public eye.
>>
>> For instance, I'm thinking about using "Mother" by John Lennon in the
>> rock bottom area--or possibly in the #8 slot--to be followed by a song
>> that I wrote called "You Took Me In," which is about my grandparents and
>> my foster parents, maybe at the #9 slot.
>>
>> Anyway, this is a *very* rough draft for the framework for this project.
>>
>> Lookin' forward to hearing your ideas!
>>
>> Thanks much,
>>
>> ---Jeff
>
> Two things. Watch out for the metaphors - they bite. You aren't on the
> edge of the precipice when you reach rock bottom ;-) Secondly, don't
> go for emotion all the way through. Make it a roller coaster for
> greater effect. Old saying - it isn't the wearing of hair shirts - it
> is the putting on and taking off.
>
> Musically, keep it simple. Clear syllables that fit the timing. Make
> sure that the natural stresses of the sentences coincide with the
> naturally stressed beats of the music. Don't include syllables that
> have to be gabbled to fit, and finally never start a word with the
> same consonant that ended the previous one. Wesley really understood
> that stuff, study his hymns.
>
> d
>

Thanks, Don! I'll keep all of that in mind. Even if I like mangling my
metaphors... <g>

---Jeff