A CONCEPT UNCOVERED

WHEN looking over my "Setting and Sound" post, I realised that there is a common theme in each of my songs, which is the deeply-rooted integration of technology in our lives. All the conversations feature an aspect of technology; the mobiles and internet access in Song 1, the ECG in Song 2 and the television left on in Song 3. 

Even when we are speaking to people in real life and having face to face conversations, we are constantly surrounded and bombarded by technology; from the phones vibrating in our pockets, to the laptops and tablets on our laps, to the radio sounds in stores and cars, to the constant hum of the family television. The more we become immersed into the virtual worlds, the more they effect our daily interactions in reality. 

I'm really pleased that this concept has revealed itself because I feel like it gives my work another layer and now I am able to explore it more within the three songs. 

MORE INSPIRATION

Music blows lyrics up very quickly, and suddenly they become more than art. They become pompous and they become self-conscious ... I firmly believe that lyrics have to breathe and give the audience's ear a chance to understand what's going on

- Stephen Sondheim

HAUNTING PIANO FEATURING ETHEREAL LIGHT

This is a sample piece for what I imagine Song 2 would potentially sound like. It has a melancholy feel, rises and falls appropriately, and is lacking a clear structure to echo the non-traditional structure of my songs. There is a climax (beginning around 1:49) – which would occur when the heart rate monitor begins showing negative signs – then a return to a more subdued and poignant melody as the song ends with the character realising she must accept her friend's fate. 

SETTING & SOUNDS

SONG 1:

Back seat of a car

SONG 2:

Hospital room, palliative care 

Hospital noises:

http://www.soundsnap.com/tags/hospital_machines (the first heart rate monitor in particular will be of use)


SONG 3:

Cosy living room

Ideas for programs playing in the background:

Friends theme song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vuaqDDr--Q

A Current Affair closer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-HQnADqxEI

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE MUSIC

THE SUCCESSFUL creation of the three songs relies not only on the lyrics and sounds, but on the music. Luckily, I have an extremely talented musician who has agreed to assist me, as well as play for me on the performance night.

I envision Song 1 as having acoustic guitar and Song 2 being accompanied by piano. I'm not quite sure about Song 3 yet. I want the music to complement the conversation, the pace, tone and nuances, and for the melody to differ slightly depending on which character is speaking.

The lyrics of the first two songs are already set to melodies that I devised, now I need experiment with different accompaniment. Acoustic guitar and piano are my top choices, as they would provide the simple, easily manipulated canvas that my conversations require. 

COMPARISON

I've been keeping in mind the idea of balance and contrast amongst my songs, in terms of characters, structure, sounds and overall tone.

Song 1:

• Male character (late teen/early twenties), female character (teen/early twenties).
• Equal amount of dialogue.
• Lovemaking at beginning (and end?), radio sounds, mobile phone noises.
• Comedic, naive.

Song 2:

• Female character (early/mid twenties), male character (thirties).
• Mostly one-sided conversation.
• Hospital noises, beeps, emergency. 
• Mournful, tragic.

Song 3:

• Female character (late twenties), female character (late forties/early fifties).
• Equal amount of dialogue.
• Television noises interspersing conversation.
• Comedic, heartfelt. 

I'm quite happy with the range of elements in the songs and I don't mind that it's female dominated, because, well, I'm a female who likes writing about women. 

Now let's see if I can put all this design into practice.

THE THIRD

GOOD things come in threes. Three wise monkeys, three blind mice, three muskateers, trio of desserts...

Thus, I have decided to write three songs. I already have the foundation for two and now I've thought of the concept for the third. It will focus on a conversation in which a woman in her late twenties, finally comes out to her mother that she is gay, while they are watching television (specific show is still undecided). I want to intersperse lines from the show with the conversation and fill in awkward moments, which is often one of television's greatest uses.