May 07, 2004
people feel, like ducks float
I have just finished another song, which is, in fact, part two of my Words and Voices project. I've had a hard time with this one for many reasons (some unknown), but I feel that it is at a point where I can share it with you. I fear it might be too obscure for anyone other than myself to like or be able to identify with. You'll have to let me know.
And I wanted to do an experiment of taking questions and comments in a more public forum than I have done in the past pre-aeblog. So listen to from us to me and ask me questions and make comments. I promise to answer them in one way or another.
Here are some from a secret source to get you going:
Who is that speaking?
I'm glad you asked that because this is important. The recording is of me interviewing my grandmother for a school project when I was 13. We were studying genealogy and my teacher (thank you Mr. Davenport!) required us to interview four family members with a set of questions he provided. After my grandmother died in 1989, I gave the tape to my mom.
There are so many words being spoken at the same time. I can't understand them all! What should I do?
Well, you could complain to me and if it seems like a consistent problem, perhaps I'll do something about it. Or you could listen multiple times and focus on a different line each time. Headphones helps as voices are spread out in the stereo field.
Why does it sound like you don't know how to play the piano?
Well, umm, I'm not glad you asked this question, but I said I'll answer anything. Truth be told, I do not have a clue how to play the piano, but I love the instrument and am lucky enough to have a Knabe baby grand at home. It's a great instrument for composing.
What is the deal with the ducks?
Another good question. Somehow ducks inhabit my subconscious. No follow-up questions allowed...
What's up with the melody at the end?
OK, no more giving stuff away.
Are you very, very well behaved?
less so every day.
I was listening to 'from us to me' again today, and very much enjoying it (both with respect to the complex 'whole' of the song, as well as the discreet components and nuggets of intergenerational wisdom). So far, I have two questions (there likely will be more): Who is the humble/modest mountain climber who inspired your grandmother? More importantly, how do I get my voice (even if it's a relatively lousy one!) into one of your songs -- thus expanding my role from that of a listener to a more active participant?
Posted by: curious at May 9, 2004 07:59 PMHello curious-
Thanks for your questions. Unfortunately, I am dying to know the answer to the mountain climber question as well. I have no idea who it is, but I haven't asked my mom yet. She might know.
As far as getting your voice into a song, that will take lots of cold, hard cash! Ha! Seriously though, my next song (I think) is going to be based on some of the random-word spam emails I get all the time. These are great collections of words that no human would ever put together, so I wanted to see if I could use them for something positive. Maybe I could use your voice for this?? But you'd have to give me something in writing that says you won't sue me, as I am aware of your litigious tendencies...
Hmmm... are you saying that yes, it's possible my voice could be included in one of your songs - but that I'll have to say something like "yrroy mcgiye ooemd veevgtvfxeg vhsvnxbnt" to be part of the current project?! Ouch. That may require more talent and verbal dexterity than I possess.
Anyway, if I am ever so lucky as to have my voice included in one of your works, I promise not to sue you or any of your heirs, assigns, alter ego entities or domesticated felines. How's that for putting it in writing? (To be clear, I reserve the right to sue the daylights out of you if you ever *surreptitiously* record anything I say!)
Posted by: curious at May 10, 2004 02:33 PM