Task 1: Three Minute Song Production (70%) (2min43)
Task 2: 1000 Word Write-Up (30%)
Introduction
‘Reaching For You’ is a laid back indie pop track produced at 124bpm and whilst the instrumental has a generally has a mellow feel to it the lyrics explore themes of uncertainty and emotional impatience. In this write up I will outline the concept of the song as well as all the technical choices made in the sampling and mixing stages.
Concept and songwriting
The Lyrics were based around the experience of yearning for someone potentially unrequited love with the feeling of emotional distance and desire with the title reflecting this. The lines mentioning the words ‘intuition, frequency and fate’ adds a sense of spirituality to the message in a metaphorical way. With a rhetorical question in the chorus to show that it’s difficult to live without that person in their life.
So, with this track the instrumental and lyrics were from my archives as small ideas not initially together. Originally the backing was just the guitar and bass loop that you hear throughout the song then I expanded it and added drums underneath.
I would also like to mention that when I was creating this song that I was heavily inspired by the artist Tom Misch particularly his latest release ‘Full Circle’ I really like how he uses warm tones and straight grooves. His lyrics also have a conversational tone to them which creates a relaxing atmosphere I think he helped the overall mood and direction of the track.
Sampling & Manipulation
Since we had to involve one part modified using a sampler for this assignment I decided to use an audio file from a third-party source. I took a drum loop that have a fuller sound into the sampler and separatedeach section of the kit and created my own beat which can be heard in the breakdown but I also decided to take my midi beat and double track it using this new sound to add texture and depth since the midi drums sounded weak on their own.
Arrangement and Structure
The structure was designed to build throughout the track while maintaining a relaxed and atmospheric indie-pop feel. It follows a basic structure of most songs including an introduction, verses, pre-chorus, chorus, second verse and breakdown.
The track begins with the guitar on its own then gradually builds introducing the keys and bass underneath in the verses. I wanted the introduction to feel minimal and intimate so the listener could focus on the atmosphere of the instrumental before the vocals started.
As you can hear there’s not too much of difference between the verse and chorus. Originally, I had the verses stripped back by removing the guitar so that the vocals could be centre of attention however it sounded quite bare as if something was missing. So overall the energy change isn’t as much as I’d like to be, but I could always improve on that the drums have extra parts though to make it fuller texturally.
The breakdown section acts as the emotional conclusion of the song rather than leading into a final chorus. Ending the track, this way avoids giving the listener a sense of full resolution, which reflects the themes of uncertainty and longing explored throughout the lyrics. The more stripped back instrumentation allows the final lines to feel more exposed and reflective, particularly the references to fate and emotional restraint. This creates a more intimate ending and the idea that the person is still emotionally unresolved by the end of the track.
Mixing and Processing
The dry guitar felt like it needed some extra character within the tone, so I added the pedals plugin the main one has echo and chorus, and the little licks has a flanger creating a sound that matches the atmosphere. With the bass I duplicated it so that I had a low end and a high end shaping the frequencies with EQ. I also stylistically put echo delay on some of the vocals to create a call and response effect whilstalso double tracking the main top line panning them to create a wider stereo field. With the usual compression and reverb to refine the takes.
Commercial Potential
‘Reaching For You’ has commercial potential within the indie-pop and alternative pop genres due to its relaxed production style, emotionally reflective lyrics, and song structure. The combination of warm guitar tones, groove-based instrumentation, and layered vocals gives the track a modern sound that is like artists such as Tom Misch. This style of production has become quite popular on streaming platforms and playlists focused on indie, chill-pop, and late-night listening.
if I were to re-record the vocals, I would spend more time refining the lyrical phrasing and delivery. Although the vocals fit the instrumental certain lines had to be adapted to fit the rhythm and structure afterwards. Because of this, there are a few sections where I would now change the phrasing to sound more natural and rhythmically consistent with the instrumental. I would also consider rewriting or simplifying some lyrical lines to improve the flow and make the emotional message feel more direct.
Conclusion
Overall, I think this track successfully demonstrates what was required within the assignment brief while also helping me develop a stronger understanding of recording and producing vocals, as I would usually only submit instrumental work. Writing lyrics is still an area that I want to continue improving and developing as I progress creatively, particularly in relation to phrasing and vocal delivery. However, despite this, I feel the project was successful in achieving the indie-pop tone and atmosphere that I originally intended to create.
Evidence of recording vocals.
https://leedsconservatoire.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=890093ee-d31a-49d2-9833-b44d011616f2