FROM OUT OF THE DARKNESS AND INTO THE LIGHT by Ayisha Rodney
Creating this Ep was not as straight forward as I thought it would be. I decided on 5 songs to introduce myself to the world. Most of the songs on there are made whilst at the university. I decided that I wanted to include older materials because it was a depiction of who I was, who I am and who I will be. Over 29 years, I have complied 5 songs, an illustration of my education, travels and experiences around the world.
I begin with ‘Sweet 14’, I decided to start with this one as it was created during a time when I was innocent, raw, and wanting to learn more and fast. Illustrated through the usage of vivid enriched notation, however, at the time I was allowed access to play on all the piano at J Reid's pianos (as he was like a surrogate grandfather to me) as I used to visit the shop frequently for the next 4 years as well as talk with him, till he passed. This song has connections to the shop as I practiced and wrote some of it whilst there. This song is reminiscent for me.
The next song I wanted to include was titled ‘Another Chapter’, which is a song which is simple in notation yet very emotive. When writing it, I asked myself why this style? Then when I analyzed it and I realized it was yet again created as my approach to life was now different and how I responded to it illustrated this. It’s a song of hope, apprehension but ready.
With ‘Simplicity’, this is a song I wrote 10 years ago and is a illustration of love and how it is anything but simple. The introduction is slow paced then as the song progresses the tempo changes and at one point the tempo is extremely fast, which again illustrates how love is not simple, there are many bumps, hurdles and surprises at certain points.
‘Sublime’, is a song which was created as a response. Regarding my ex who has made this university experience unforgettable and for many reasons. This had spurred me to write this one. It's a very dark, dramatic song which also involved technical movement on the keys which I had to adapt to.
With the song ‘Alone’, when it was decided that it was going to be focused on a woman, who is wanting, to go on a journey to save her relationship, I had already decided that the outcome would be pathos and would have a twist. This is revealed in the 3rd verse where you discover that even though they have parted ways she is pregnant (how long is not determined) carrying his child and he doesn’t want this as it will ruin the harmony between the two of them. He has also abandoned her whilst on their travels, which towards the end seems ironic because even though she’s pregnant she feels very much alone. When initially starting the Ep I thought that it would be straight forward as I had either used these studios in the past or worked with or recorded with them. So, after speaking with the recording studio in Sheffield I realised that £500 was too much so I opted to record in London at a price of £200. I also did not initially get him to sign a written agreement which PPl advised me to go back and get them to sign it. Once the recordings were completed it was a further week and a half to wait and then I sought my violinist who I had known for a few years. Unfortunately, the recordings in London were not of satisfactory quality according to my technician who is a student at the university. I therefore had to start again as I received £100 back, had to destroy the recordings and the contract was non-void. After several attempts of sampling various pianos, I had found one that had a lovely feel and sound. It was on 15th May, the day that I performed my Ep alongside Will, the violinist. I was not entirely happy as I did not perform on the piano and that is my tool. Overall, I was happy. On that day I managed to negotiate piano hire at St Philip and St James Leckhampton church in Cheltenham.
Below is the initial E mail and then on the day of recording the Ep (the communication from London out of respect I will not include).
Rode n5 in Xy configuration
Things that I could have improved were researching where to record beforehand. With the studio in London, I hadn’t the opportunity to sample the piano so by the time that I had arrived there were many keys which were out of tune and the owner was not around on the day of the recording. In the future whatever is agreed in the contract needs to be adhered to. Also do not be complacent. I knew that playing the songs was not the problem, the issue was finding a good one, and it seems that performing live on pianos is an expense that not everyone can afford. Also, it took longer than expected to get in contact with my friend Will, for his violin contribution. Finally having to yet again secure piano hire, which i was charged for and was very last minute meaning that it added pressure on the technician. I have decided to release it as a demo Ep as I did not have the time to add the lyrics the guitar for ‘Alone’ as well as other organic sounds which would have given it an Avant guard feel. I would like to thank Will Diamond (violinist) and Bartek Polerowicz (my technician) for their contribution and collaboration.
This has been uploaded for my Ep as I feel it represent who I am, the composer the lady and woman who has lived is living and trying to live better.
Lyrics to Alone the track that will also be promoted as a single.
A melancholic classical piece
Intro:
Baby, I’m looking for a journey
Won’t you come with me
Stop this fussing and fighting
Pleeeease
I
snowghoul
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prguitarman