Coming Home

Intention

I set out to write a song about a difficult period with my best friend. Musically, I was inspired by Amy Winehouse which influenced m vocal styling. I chose vocals, piano and strings, a moderato tempo and the key of Cminor for a sad mood.

Process:

I started by experimenting with chords from a Jazz theory book, until I settled with a harmonic sequence I liked.

Eb,Gm7,Fm7,Cm9

Abmaj7,Gm7,Fm7,Gm7,Gm,Cm

They enter as sustained piano chords to focus attention on the vocal melody

Different chords used in the verse for contrast.

For coherence, I used antecedent and consequent melodic phrasing. The verses are lower in pitch than the chorus where the melody is higher to heighten emotion.

I developed the sections in terms of dynamic variations, changes in the vocal style and in melodic variation

Verse 2: Vocal embellishment to add emphasis

Pre Chorus 2: extra string layers – melodic unison with the vocal, stronger dynamics

Chorus 3: Piano syncopated rhythms

Outro: Repetition of “I’m coming home” to emphasise most important line in the song.

Overall structure: chorus-verse1-chorus-verse2-bridge.

I explored alternative ideas when adding multiple harmonies. I understand I could have added different timbres and countermelodies, but I decided to keep things simple to give more emphasis on the melody.

Outcome:

This was my first multi track recording. I learned to play simple jazz chords, vary texture and timbral variations not only with different instruments, but also with my own vocals. I learned to create a soundstage with stereo panning and layer different effects, e.g. reverb and telephone at points to create a bit of distortion to mirror the sadness and anger. My intention was to create an emotion journey and I think I achieved this.

(299 words)