BLOG 6

Bridge, Instruments & Lyrics

The Bridge

Going back to notation software ‘MuseScore’, when creating the bridge, I came across the idea of using the same chords as the verses (Dm, Bb, C, C), but arranging them in a different order. The chords for the bridge firstly started off as Bb, C, F, C, although I felt that this order did not initially work well to create a build up to the last chorus. Therefore I changed the F chord to a Dm chord which creates more emotion to the song. The chords now follow as – Bb, C, Dm, C.

I further experimented with the bridge by layering various instruments such as bass and strings. I also found a Synth that worked really well with this part called ‘Sunrise Chords’, creating a gripping effect to this part of the track. Furthermore, I also had a browse at the various drum loops in Logic, this is because the drum loop that I have created for the verse and chorus is not strong enough for the bridge.

I have also decided that this drum loop should also be used softly during the chorus. This allows the chorus to be thicker in how it sounds rather than just the drum loop that I have created previously.

I am pleased with the outcome of this bridge and feel that it was important to incorporate a bridge in the song. Heartwood and Davidson (n.d., p.7) states that a bridge ‘is used to break up the repetitive pattern of a song and keep the listeners attention.’. The bridge will be further worked on once the vocals are recorded. This is so that all instrumentation work and sound good together.

Sound Effects

After ensuring that my structure and instrumentation was finally how I wanted it to sound, I wanted to also add some sound effects to the song where appropriate. An effect called ‘Riser Synth’ that I found in loops was added to my track in order to create build up from verse to chorus. This has been brought in and out of the track during the build up to the chorus.

Lyrics

I have now come up with a final set of lyrics that I believe fits the track really well. The song is based on someone not knowing what to do in their relationship, wanting to be with that person but knowing that it is wrong. This really fits the chords of the song, particularly the bridge as it creates an emotion that anyone can relate to.

Before

After

What Next?

Now that the track is finished in terms of the structure, instrumentation and lyrics, I will now plan and consider how I will record my vocals in the studio. It is important that I record the vocals in one session in the studio, this is because of the settings during the recording of the vocal, the microphone position and position of the vocalist could cause the vocal audio and track to be inconsistent (Benediktsson, n.d.).

Reference List:

Benediktsson, B. (n.d.). How to Get Vocals Consistent When Recorded on Different Days. Available at: https://www.audio-issues.com/recording-tips/recording-vocals-consistently/ [Accessed 1st April 2019].

Heartwood, K., Davidson, J. (n.d.). Songwriting for Beginners: An Easy Beginning Method. USA: Alfred Music.