Ahh, contemporary a cappella. Been into it since I heard the Whiffenpoofs, Rockapella, and the Nylons in high school. Founded Controlled Mayhem with some other kids at school, then joined the Pomona College Men's Blue & White in college, and was promptly exposed to the House Jacks at a West Coast CASA gathering. It was an eye opener, to say the least. They really got a full rock band sound out of just their bodies, and I was hooked. Due to funding (for equipment) difficulties, my college group never got mics and amps enough to do the really intense stuff. Later on joined a group in San Francisco and another in Florida. Nowadays, it can all be done in the computer, so it was time to try for a one-man attempt.
Every sound here originates from my body. The bass is doubled down an octave from what I sang and eq'ed to sound more like a real bass, because I'm a tenor. I added a little amp model here, a little chorusing there, echo, reverb... it's not what I could actually reproduce in person if there were 6 of me. Still, I'm happy this turned out so well. Had to do a lot of takes to get the intonation good enough, and almost said screw it I'll use Melodyne. For the record I'm not ethically anti-autotune; it's just another tool. But under a deadline like I was, it actually takes more time to do the editing than it does to do a dozen takes and comp together the best parts of each.
Oh yeah, and modulating back and forth a major 6th (or minor 3rd if you prefer). Fun. It's what Jonathan Coulton does in the song from Artificial Heart: "Tuscon Still Wants You To Dissolve, Sucker". Allowed me to get a nice big range and mood change when the chorus comes in. I originally had it up a minor 3rd, but that wasn't dramatic enough, so I decided on going up the major 6th. My voice is still recovering.
lyrics
[Verse 1]
I understand. You think that I don't get it, but I do. You need your space.
It's your own hand you'll be holding as you lead your heart from me
To find its place.
And I wish you all the best. I wish you all of everything I couldn't give to you.
So as a last request, while you're searching for yourself, there's something you can do:
[Chorus]
Can we still have the sex? You should be on your own, but even so,
Can we still have the sex? Promise me that you'll promise me, before you go.
[Verse 2]
Can't imagine envisioning forgiveness for breaking me, but I would.
More than ever, it's ironic how no one can repair me like you could
So what were we, if not just a couple spirits in love?
Can you grant that to me? Baby throw me a bone. Speaking of…
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
Hush, hush, hush, I know, I know.
This is my best idea yet, simple, but ingenious, so…
[Chorus x2]
credits
from Every Song in the Universe,
track released March 11, 2012
Music by Brian Gray, Lyrics by Brian Gray and Heather Gray
Melvins fans will flip for this lost ’90s indie classic, with its sludgy guitars, hypnotic rhythms and irresistible hooks. Essential. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 13, 2020
Four speaker-melting singles from New York's premiere "live techno" outfit, descended from vintage synthwave, deep house, and dance punk. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 18, 2024
Off-kilter Portland indie rockers make an unexpected return with a tight three-track EP, their first new release in 12 years. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 18, 2024
An earthy yet somewhat chilly record about life, death, and reconnection, the latest from LOMA experiments with a turn towards the gloomy. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 16, 2024