#OnRepeat: Etta James' "Something's Got A Hold on Me"

This week, I've had Etta James' song, "Something's Got a Hold on Me," #OnRepeat. I've been listening to Etta James since before I can remember, but I always end up coming back to her music because of her sound and musical taste; she is one of the few singers out there who are timeless to me.

I've written about Etta James before, but just for some of you who still haven't familiarized yourselves with her, Etta James is an American Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and R&B singer. She is associated with the 1960's record company, Chess Records and implemented Soul and Gospel music into her songs; and was also inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame in the early 1990s. Some of her well-known songs are "All I Could Do Was Cry," "At Last" (one I wrote about in a previous post), and "I'd Rather Go Blind."

The song, "Something's Got a Hold on Me," is considered to be one of Etta James' greatest hits, aside from her countless other hit songs. The song talks about a person who has fallen in love with someone and how it has completely changed how they act, think and feel. The song has a doo-wop and blue-sy feel, and is, in my opinion, one of Etta's best songs because it really showcases her full range and power of her voice. She has a great way of manipulating her voice, going from a nasal-like,  bright sound to a deep, powerful quality, all the while having a very distinct soulful sound that you don't find with many singers now.


Take a listen below:

Is there a singer or group that you can't stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

Lyrical Approaches to Songwriting

I've been putting off writing this post for awhile because it is the most intimidating to me. There are so many different approaches to songwriting--song forms, styles, etc--and there really is no wrong way to write a song because it depends on what works for each individual musician. With all the elements that make up songwriting, this can be a potentially daunting topic. I'm not a professional songwriter, but I am a vocalist and a performer, continuously trying to find new ways to connect with the audience. Although I'm no expert, if my songwriting approach can help at least a couple individuals get their ideas out easier, then I'm okay with that.

Tips for Lyric Writing

Here are a few quick suggestions to help get started in the process of lyric writing (something that I am fairly more comfortable with). Again, these are some of my strategies for getting my ideas out; you can pick and choose what you like from each to create your own original sound.

1. Always have a notebook/paper and pen handy. 
Sometimes ideas hit you at the weirdest, most in-opportune times. Make sure you're ready to jot it down before you forget that phrase or idea.

2. Have something that you can record with handy.
One of the great things about cell phones is the fact that almost every mobile phone comes with a recording device built into the phone; both video and audio. It's always easier for me to write lyrics if I have a melody already in my head. When that random melodic idea hits you, you need something to record it so you won't forget it.

3. Pick a theme or main idea for the song you're writing.
Are you writing about love? Friendship? Loss? Enjoying life? Whatever it is, focus on that theme and think about what phrases, images, sayings come to mind when you think or talk about this idea. I tend to go the writer's route on this one: make a bubble chart. These allow you to see what some of the key elements are of the theme you picked and what other things are associated with it, helping you to keep a central focus and develop more ideas.

4. Listen to some of your favorite singers and/or groups. Then listen to different and new artists.  
They can help you get ideas for song form and approaches to writing lyrics. Are their verses literal or filled with imagery? Do they just have one verse that they repeat multiple times or do they choose the classic "verse/chorus/verse/chorus" route? It's okay to emulate something that you hear when first starting out; just make sure to give credit where credit is due.

5. Listening to looped tracks on Garage Band, Sibelius, or even Youtube helps.
Seriously it does. I like to create melodies and lyrics that have come to me while listening to looped tracks and have even used some of these ideas in my own songwriting. This can also help with your improvisation skills because you learn how to create words and melodic phrases  on the spot.

This post mainly focuses on the lyrical aspect of songwriting, but there is also the harmonic and melodic side of it. I will admit, I am seriously lacking when it comes to composing and arranging, so I will leave a link here to check out a great post at themusicorum.com, called "Song Writing 101: Part 1--Getting Started," where David Castañeda writes about  tools and hacks when it comes to composing and arranging. There are also other great resources that you can find in that post that will aide you in your compositions.

I hope that this post helped you get started in your creative process. However you choose to write, remember that there is no real right or wrong way to write songs, as long as it is something that is your own voice.

#OnRepeat: Liz Vice's "Empty Me Out"

So I really can't get enough of Liz Vice's "Empty Me Out." I came across this while on my computer last weekend and it's been #OnRepeat for the last week. This is one of those songs that makes you feel good, whether you're religious or not.

Liz Vice is a singer-songwriter from Portland Oregon whose music blends influences from R&B, Pop, Gospel, 1960's Soul and Contemporary Christian R&B music. It's always interesting hearing about musicians who overcome health issues; things that tend to completely alter their lives in a huge way. Such is the case with Liz Vice, who was on hemodialysis for three and a half years in her early twenties, finally receiving a kidney transplant which led to a full recovery. There's a Light, was Vice's  first album debut in 2015 and she is currently touring and performing along the west coast, in Canada, and in parts of the South East.

"Empty Me Out" is essentially a song of prayer, like many of the songs on Liz Vice's album, There's a Light. I enjoyed listening to much of her music because of the vulnerability, intimacy, and yet bright, powerful timbre that you can hear in her voice. It is very unique, and yet familiar at the same time. The music video for "Empty Me Out" is pretty interesting as well because you get to see how different people, while listening to her music, interpret the song. 

Take a listen below:

Is there an artist or group that you can't stop listening to? Let us know in the comment section below!

#OnRepeat: Gregory Porter's "Don't Lose Your Steam"

This week, I've had Gregory Porter's "Don't Lose Your Steam" #OnRepeat. I've written about Gregory Porter before (for good reason), but I have to write about him again because he has a new album coming out soon.

Just a refresher (or in case there are still people out there who still aren't familiar with this musician), Gregory Porter is a singer-songwriter and actor who won the Grammy in 2014 for Best Jazz Vocal Album for his Liquid Spirit album. His mixes Jazz, Soul, Funk and R&B  and his tone is reminiscent of Donny Hathaway, Bill Withers, and Nat King Cole. Even though he won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album, it's not realistic (and frankly difficult) to categorize Gregory into any real musical genre. Whenever I think of Gregory Porter, I think of him as a musician, performer, and a vocalist.

"Don't Lose Your Steam" is a song that Gregory wrote for his son. His lyrics, like always, are poignant and poetic, conveying the universal message of hope for the future generation. One thing that I have always enjoyed about Gregory Porter's writing is the fact that he can come up with catchy melodies that you find yourself humming long after you've finished listening to the song. There isn't much left to be said about this fantastic musician; I would much rather you take a listen to this new song and buy the album, Take Me to the Alley, as soon as it is available. 

Here is the song below:

Do you have a song or musician that you can't stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat: Melody Gardot's "Our Love Is Easy"

This week, I've had Melody Gardot's "Our Love Is Easy" #OnRepeat. Most of Melody Gardot's music is great, but this song is one that I frequently come back to when I think of this musician.

Melody Gardot is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. She started taking music lessons at an early age, but began to teach herself how to play guitar when she was in a hospital bed for a year due to being hit by a car. Writing and playing music helped her to cope with her injuries, which included some short-term memory issues. Because of this, Melody frequently advocates for music therapy at universities, citing music as something that has aided her in her recovery. Her music is a blend of elements of Jazz, Blues, Pop, and Country music. Some of her most well-known songs are "Who Will Comfort Me," "Pretend I Don't Exist," and "Love Me Like a River Does."

"Our Love Is Easy" is reminiscent to me of music from James Bond films; sleek and subtle, yet extravagant. The lyrics are poignant and the lyrical imagery is beautiful, causing you to feel almost overwhelmed from the emotions that are being expressed in the words, yet Melody's voice is warm and intimate, giving the song the Jazz-like feel that is Gardot. I was immediately drawn in by the string arrangement in the beginning of the song and I couldn't stop replaying this song over and over.

Take a listen below:

Is there a musician or group that you can't stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

Damaging Your Vocal Cords: What That Means for Your Voice

When talking to other musicians about shedding (practicing), many drummers, percussionists, and horn players tend to brag about being in a room for 6 to 8 hours straight with their instrument. However, as a vocalist, there have been very few times for myself where I practice more than 2 hours of singing because once you damage your vocal cords, you not only damage your singing voice, but your speaking voice as well.

Common Problems That Result From Overuse or Misuse

As stated in a blog post on themusicorum.com site, misuse of the vocal cords and overuse (or not resting and practicing too much) results in "Overuse Injuries, a term used to describe injuries that can present as anything from decreased range of motion to pain." For singers, this manifests in several ways: 

1. Laryngitis 
When you get a viral infection, you can lose your voice or become hoarse. Vocal cords swell and vibrate differently, resulting in laryngitis; the remedy is to drink lots of water and REST your voice. Even worse problems can occur if you don't rest (which is why singers shouldn't sing when they're sick).
2. Vocal Nodules, Polyps or Cysts
These bumps or lesions can also lead to hoarseness; vocal nodules can be cured with vocal therapy, as well as vocal rest to remedy the damage. Polyps or cysts, however, could possibly lead to minor surgery along with therapy and rest. 
3. Vocal Cord Hemorrhage 
When you suddenly lose your voice after shouting (or possibly straining your voice while singing) a blood vessel could rupture on the surface of one of the vocal cords, resulting in the tissue of the cord filling with blood. This is considered an emergency and you should consult a doctor immediately. 
4. Other Problems
Vocal Paralysis (a rare problem) is usually a neurological condition which can sometimes go away within months. 

This information is not here to scare you, but to make you more aware. Since we also use our voices to speak, we need to make sure we are extra careful when singing, whether practicing or performing. If you feel any pain or discomfort when singing, stop immediately and seek medical attention. 

Prevention is Key 

The way that we prevent injury is by learning proper technique and learning how to take breaks when practicing. Make sure to seek out a local vocal instructor or coach when learning the basics: proper breathing technique, proper posture, good vocal exercises, etc. Learning how to release all tension from your body, breath properly, and stand properly can prevent injury and problems such as the ones listed above. Also, knowing and listening to your own body can help you know, not only where you need to improve, but when to slow down or rest.

Did this information help? Have you experienced any other types of problems when practicing too much or straining your voice?

#OnRepeat: Dianne Reeves' "Tango"

This week I've had Dianne Reeves' song, "Tango," #OnRepeat. I've actually been listening to Dianne and have been aware of her for awhile, but it wasn't until I heard the recording and saw a live performance of this song, that I really started to take notice of her voice and performance style.

Dianne Reeves is a Jazz vocalist from Detroit, Michigan. She has performed and toured with musicians such as Billy Childs, Harry Belafonte, Esperanza Spalding, Richard Bona, Robert Glasper, Gregory Porter, and Lala Hathaway. She has won several Grammys and some of her most well-known songs are "River,""You Go To My Head,""How High the Moon."

The song, "Tango," consists mostly of riffs, licks and scatting performed by Dianne. The song starts out with Dianne singing a cappella in free rhythm, but in a flamenco-inspired style of singing, and slowly, other instruments join her. There are no lyrics for this song--more of a theme that Dianne and the other musicians return to throughout the piece--but Dianne's musical choices make the song very interesting. I was truly impressed with her range and how effortless her improvising appears.

Take a listen below:

If you have a new musician or group that you can't stop listening to, leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat: Cécile McLorin Salvant's "John Henry"

This week, I've had Cécile McLorin Savant's "John Henry," #OnRepeat. I always love discovering new vocalists who utilize their whole voice; it's refreshing to listen to a knowledgeable vocalist.

Cécile McLorin Savant is a singer-songwriter from Miami, Florida. She has studied classical voice and improvisation, spending a lot of time in France. Her music focuses mostly on unique interpretations of rare Jazz and Blues pieces, singing in English, French, and Spanish. I can't believe I haven't heard of Cécile before now; she received Grammy nominations in 2014 and 2015 for Best Jazz Vocal Album and she has several albums out already. Cécile also won the Thelonious Monk competition in 2010, a prestigious award for many aspiring, young musicians.

"John Henry" is a song based off the tall tale of John Henry, the African American folk hero who had the job of hammering drills into rock to make holes for explosives to make room for railroad building. The legend goes that John Henry's skill and strength is put to the test in a race against a steam-powered hammer; a competition which he won, but ultimately also killed him because his heart gave out from the immense work. Cécile conveys the ballad of John Henry perfectly, accessing the heavier, lower part of her range to imitate John Henry's speech and adding licks and riffs that are stylistic of a bluesy, folk song. The ease at which she uses space, phrasing, and range to convey musical messages is at times staggering and something that many vocalists aspire to. I encourage anyone who is looking for ways in which to access all parts of their range and voice to use Cécile's album, Woman Child, (along with all of her other music) as a good listening to reference.

Take a listen below:

Do you have a new musician or group that you can't get enough of? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat: Halie Loren's "Butterfly"

This week, I've had Halie Loren's "Butterfly" #OnRepeat. I just recently discovered this artist while at work (I love being in a place where you're exposed to new music all the time).

Halie Loren is a singer-songwriter who is originally from Alaska (not something you hear everyday), but moved to Oregon. She has won multiple awards for songwriting and some of her most well-known songs are "Thirsty," "C'est Si Bon," and "Sisters Song."

The song, "Butterfly," is a song about facing challenges and transforming because of those challenges. Loren's voice is reminiscent of Billie Holiday and even Norah Jones; her music blends Rock, Blues, Jazz, and elements of R&B music. Her performance style and lyrics give an air of being an "old soul" and her voice is a great blend of crisp clarity with sultry raspiness. However, I really admire her lyric writing for its elements of imagery and warm undertones. This song was beautifully arranged as well; the musical accompaniment compliments the lyrics very well.

Take a listen below:

Do you have any artists or groups whose lyrics inspire you? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat: Marisa Monte"s "Dança da Solidão"

This week, I've had Marisa Monte"s version of "Dança da Solidão" #OnRepeat. I've been recently getting back into listening to Brazilian music and I think this is the perfect vocalist to reintroduce myself back into the music with.

Marisa Monte is a singer from Brazil who sings mostly Pop and Rock music (Música Popular Brasileira). Her music is eclectic and distinct, and you can tell--Monte was classically trained, yet grew up around the sounds of the Portela samba school. She also plays ukulele, cavaquinho, and guitar while she sings. Much of her music blends popular musical influences such as Rock, Pop, and Blues, with that of traditional Afro-Brazilian musics such as Forro and Samba. Some of her most well-known songs are "Nú Com A Minha Música"and "Aquele Abraço."  

"Dança da Solidão" was originally composed by Paulinho da Viola, a famous Brazilian singer/songwriter who also played guitar, mandolin, and cavaquinho. The song talks about the solitude of dance and disappointment that comes with life and love. My interpretation of the words were that dance, like solitude, were the only things that could bring happiness and contentment, but then again, I'm not fluent in Portuguese and I didn't write the song. Either way, Monte's interpretation of this piece is absolutely haunting--the voicings that she chooses to play on her instrument and her choice of vibrato placement and embellishment adds just the right amount to this already beautiful song.

Take a listen below:

Are there any new artists or groups that you can't stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

Too Much or Too Little?:The Art of Musical Taste in Singing

One great thing about the holidays is all of the great holiday music that you get to listen to and all of the different interpretations of these holiday classics. Hey, I'm a vocalist and I love the holiday season--this was bound to be brought up at one point or another. Lately, I've found myself trying to actively listen to the music that I've been exposed to in regards to the musical taste of the musician or musicians performing.

What is taste?
The term isn't normally something that is referred to when you talk about your favorite vocalist or band with others, though it is something that you talk about, unknowingly.  Many musicians take about this on a daily basis, but coming up with an actual definition can be tricky since it is so hard to define. For the purpose of this post, though, here is a basic definition. Taste is each individual's musical instinct--when to add vocal affectations, dynamics, inflections on certain words, how you interact with different members of your band or audience, etc--that gives that musician their own unique sound or quality. This can differ slightly from song to song, set, or performance, but that underlying quality is always present. So, in other words, taste is choosing what and what isn't appropriate for each musical situation.

I believe that the most successful singers out there know just when and how to add the right amount of affectation, dynamics, or vocal riffs to their performance. Some of the most successful performers have made their career on exaggerating certain elements of their singing or performance--Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Madonna. However, there are also some very successful singers who stuck to their guns when it came to developing their own taste and sound: James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Prince.


Too Little or Too Much?

Knowing when to add that extra note, hold a note longer than expected, or even add inflection on a word that normally wouldn't have any in a phrase is tricky.

1. Does it feel forced? If it doesn't feel comfortable, then it's probably too much. That being said, if you've never really performed, or even sung before, everything you try might feel weird. Which leads me to my next point.

2. Listen & Experiment. Find multiple versions of the song you're working on and take what you like from the singers you admire. Everyone copies or emulates others. After practicing the affectations or riffs that you've heard, try adding (or subtracting) your own ideas. Eventually, you'll find your own unique sound.

3. Remember that you're trying to connect and convey a message. First, try speaking the words before you sing them. What words do you put more emphasis on? Where do you naturally pause while speaking the words? Remember that, ultimately, you are trying to connect to others; to convey a message.

What musicians or groups do you think have great musical taste? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat: Ennio Morricone & Yo Yo Ma's The Mission film score "The Falls" and "Gabriel's Oboe"

This week I've had Ennio Morricone's pieces "The Falls" and "Gabriel's Oboe" from the film, The Mission, performed by Yo Yo Ma, #OnRepeat. I know I usually write about vocalists for the #OnRepeat posts, but once in awhile, instrumental pieces come along that are just so good that I have to let everybody know about it.

Ennio Morricone is a composer, conductor, arranger, and trumpet player from Rome, Italy. He has composed music for several films including The Untouchables, The Thing, Mission to Mars, The Holiday, and most recently, The Hateful Eight. He has won multiple Grammy Awards, Golden Globes, and countless other awards for his film score work.

Yo Yo Ma is a world-renowned cellist that gained fame as both a soloist and orchestral performer. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and plays in many different styles, collaborating with artists such as Celine Dion, Bobby McFerrin, and even the Dixie Chicks, and even several contemporary dancers.

Yo Yo Ma's recordings of "The Falls" and "Gabriel's Oboe" are from his collaborative album with Ennio Morricone, which features many of Morricone's most loved and well-known compositions. These two pieces in particular are from the 1986 movie, The Mission, which tells the story of a Spanish Jesuit missionary who travels to the rainforests of Argentina and Paraguay to build a mission and convert a Guaraní village to the religion of Christianity. It is a great movie displaying themes of redemption and faith. These themes are conveyed strongly in this piece and in Yo Yo Ma's playing. I encourage everyone to watch the movie and listen to Morricone's pieces below:

Is there a new composer or performer that you can't stop listening to? Leave a comment below!

#OnRepeat: Natalie Cole & Whitney Houston's "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

This week, I've had Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston's version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." As some of you may have heard, Natalie Cole passed away on New Year's Day, so I've been reminiscing and listening to her music for the past couple days.

I know that for many, names like Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston need no introduction, but this post is for those who are unaware of who these great performers are. Natalie Cole is a singer-songwriter, who is also the daughter of the famous crooner, Nat King Cole. Natalie recorded many of her father's classic hits, including, "Unforgettable," and also had some of her own well-known songs, like "This Will Be," "Our Love," and "Inseparable." Whitney Houston is also a singer as well as an actress, model, and producer. I remember Whitney Houston from her role in the movie, The Bodyguard, and her single from the soundtrack, "I Will Always Love You." However, she is also well-known for songs like "How Will I Know" "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," "I'm Your Baby Tonight," and "I Wanna Run to You."

This version of the Simon & Garfunkel song was improvised; not planned. However, these two women make the performance seem rehearsed.  This simplistic song has a gospel hymn vibe with lyrics that have a universal appeal. Cole and Houston's vocal licks, their musical dynamics, and projection cause anyone who listens to feel inspired. Natalie Cole's natural R&B style of singing brings a nice contrast to Whitney Houston's "powerhouse singing" (wide range, dynamics, and almost melismatic singing), providing a unique blend for this classic song.

Listen below:

Is there a song, musician, or group that you can't stop listening to? Leave a comment below!