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Tom O'Brien
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9/12/2012 2:29:09 PM
---- Updated 9/12/2012 2:31:34 PM
You like a little reggae/pop/ska?
This is a fun little song called "Everybody Knows." Another melody first written on violin. It has an interesting play with major and minor keys trading off.
Everybody Knows
I've realized lately that my voice is sounding older and I'm thinking of finding a hot young singer to record my songs. What do you think of that idea? Is the original voice important enough, or is it the song that's important?
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Stoneman
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9/12/2012 8:16:01 PM
Sometimes it is the simple things that tend to sound complex. Those very simple chord strokes married to the vocal melody made this song sound more complex than it is. You gave this song a wonderful melody that seemed to dance around those structured Reggae guitar strikes. So, there was structure that had lots of vocal melody that seemed to fit perfectly into the song. However, I did not get a Reggae vibe from the vocal melody. It was almost like hearing a show tune put to Reggae music. I liked the song a lot though. I think the background vocals/harmonies were right on point also. This is the kind of song that could become a classic for some and a artistic quandary to others.
In regards to having other vocalists sing your songs, well, I like your voice a lot and sometimes other singers cannot fully translate what you are trying to do vocally. However, the fun thing about collaborating is getting something new and special out of your songs. In other words, the right vocalist may take your music to even higher heights. For instance, having a genuine Reggae vocalist sing this song would probably make it sound more authentic to the Reggae style. Most of the greatest songwriters have written songs for other people. So,it may be worth it for you to experiment with other vocalists.
Much Respect,
Stoneman
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Bob Elliott
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9/13/2012 11:54:12 AM
'I've realized lately that my voice is sounding older and I'm thinking of finding a hot young singer to record my songs. What do you think of that idea?"
What do I think of that idea? Stupid idea. You have a great voice.
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Tom O'Brien
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9/15/2012 7:38:24 PM
I know, Stoneman, I know I don't sound the least bit Reggae - it's kind of odd how much I love that music. I think you nailed it when you said a showtune to a Reggae beat. That's not what I intended, but it's kind of accurate. I like to mix styles and stretch boundaries. It doesn't always work. I like this song, though. Thanks for your (as ever) thoughtful input.
Peace,
Tom
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Bob Elliott
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9/17/2012 11:51:18 AM
What about my (as ever) thoughtful input?
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Stoneman
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9/18/2012 10:41:48 PM
As you know, I am a multiple genre writer. I really appreciate your pioneering spirit in music and I always look forward to hearing what new musical vein you tap into. I have many songs that no one has ever heard because I didn't like the way my voice sounded on the tracks. Some of them are Country Western. No one would ever accept me as a CW vocalist. So, I hope I find a vocalist for them some day. I hope you find a Reggae singer for this song. Many songwriters never find the perfect voice for all the songs they write. But you have found the perfect voice for almost all of your songs. Yours! But quite often the fun is in the pursuit of something far beyond your comfort zone. It challenges us to stretch out and grow. I teach my students that all the time. Many songwriters cannot get beyond their own ego and that restricts their songs and themselves. You have great vision and wisdom in knowing what it takes to get your song to the next level. Roll with that wisdom. It will keep your musical heart pure. Keep reaching for new heights and keep doing what you do Tom!
Stoneman
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Tom O'Brien
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9/23/2012 7:34:17 AM
Thanks, Stoneman. I guess I needed a little reassuring. I sometimes doubt my own abilities because I haven't been playing out enough and I never know if my songs are as good as I think they are or if my voice is good enough to get the emotion across. I know I can sing, but my vocal instrument isn't exactly a Stradivarius. It's good songwriting that I'm after and I just want the songs to be represented as I hear them in my head.
And thanks, Bob for believing in me.
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