Nothing much happened today, as per usual, I spent my morning in the library going through my rehearsal diaries trying to correct myself for the third consecutive time in the last 3 weeks.
When I finally went over to music it was time for my guitar lesson with Dan, so I warmed up and tuned up my guitar
First off we had rehearsal whilst our singer went to go warm up, as a band we warmed up then decided to run through Just a Girl and once we got it right a couple of times we called our singer in to get her part within place which only took a few takes, we now have to work on perfecting the ending and how smooth we look whilst playing it.
Jason came in nearing the second half of the session and helped us out with ‘Ironic’ which was great, we went through the arrangement as a band as far as we felt comfortable with the quality we were playing at. Jason helped me figure out the bass part as I had trouble the night before trying to learn it with my wrist and fingers playing up which isn’t great.
Afterwards we packed up and had a break, then we had concert and stage production with Dan which was interesting none the least. I proceeded to ask a fair few questions whilst the rest of the class chatted amongst themselves really which was very disrespectful towards Dan considering how he put time and effort in to making it a convenient thing for us.
It consisted of going through a workbook listing everything we would need as a band to go out to play a gig and or any venue in fact, we had to work out the outage all our equipment would need so we wouldn’t blow a fuse and how we would distribute power on stage which is crucial. Next week we are going to be assessed on how we set up the stage with Dan’s guidance and so forth which I am looking forward to.
In theory with Jason I did my rehearsal diaries again because I clearly lack the capability to answer questions correctly, I spent all session doing this because I have finished my Stylistic Analysis I need it to be checked and to see if I can add anything else to boost my mark and or change anywhere I may have went wrong.
After lunch we had rehearsal but our singer went home ill so we had to go out on a limb again and go through our songs as a band which we never enjoy fully, but I know that it will maker tighter as a unit. We’ve now decided on ‘Just A Girl’ by No Doubt, ‘Black Velvet’ by Alannah Myles and ‘Ironic’ by Alanis Morissette with the help from Chris and we have kept ‘I Want You Back’ by The Jackson 5 which is our go to. I need learn Black Velvet and Ironic and get my parts down in both to keep some form of efficiency within rehearsal.
Tutor was alright apart from it feeling like I was within a Guillotine with people staring at me when Chris went on about our singers attendance and how I felt about it so I kept quiet as I don’t want to seem stuck up even though I am really..
This morning we came in early to record a song to go along with our promotional video that is being filmed by a media student who was selected to with us.
As we haven’t put together an original yet because we are still trying to finish our set which should be done by this week, so we have chosen to cover ‘I Want You Back’ as it is where we all feel comfortable whilst playing without a singer.
We set our selves up within 3 separate rooms, I was in the studio with Dan playing Bass, our Guitarist was in the room to the left of us and then our Drummer was in the room in front of us. This way made it easier for us to be recorded on separate tracks and it ensured nothing would leak onto another track if we were all in the same room also, we took a handful of takes all at different tempos to try find out what best fit.
It started at the original tempo which was 98bpm then brought it up to around about 100-105bpm which was a comfortable speed for us all to play at, it took me a handful of takes to figure out how to play the bass-line quicker than usual without cutting notes which I managed in the end.
When we were finished I listened back to our take whilst the other two packed up, it was a great take for the time we were given, all that is left is for our vocalist to lay her track down on it then we only have the video left to do when our person gets in contact.
After this our first lesson was theory with Chris, today we went over how to get to the venue for our Christmas concert and the requirements we need to play there which was useful information. We then had a rehearsal session we went through ‘Just a Girl’ by No Doubt and we talked about what else we could do to improve and add to our set, considering are vocalist went home ill early on what didn’t know what to do and left it at that for the session knowing we got the structure nailed without her.
During D.I.S. I helped out with rehearsal diaries considering I have done all mine even though every time I get them checked something seems to be wrong which is excellent, after that we had a rehearsal session but about twenty minutes in we had only went through our song once so I decided to get Chris to help us choose some new songs.
We’ve got rid of all our other ideas and kept ‘Just a Girl’ and ‘I Want You Back’ for now Chris has mentioned we listen to and do ‘Ironic’ by Alanis Morissette for tomorrow when our singer is in and on that note we ended the day.
Today I went to my club to get graded which happens typically every three months or so depending on the majority of our members are available.
I’ve been doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since February and I’ve made some pretty solid progress considering my GCSE’s, the School of Rock production and settling into College.
I’m now two tab white belt, which essentially shows my own personal journey which is going very well in my eyes. Currently I am two tabs away from being promoted to blue belt which I should I get definitely by this time next year!
We went over the basics today, and some new techniques, escapes to prevent submissions being put on during competition which is epic.
But for now I can only keep on getting better with my second family over at Rogers BJJ Academy.
To start off the day we had rehearsal, we went through our two new songs, I picked them up pretty quickly considering I didn’t get much rest yesterday.
We went through them a couple of times then talked about how we are going to conduct our selves during our upcoming gigs which went alright, we also mentioned about doing a tune by Queen considering the sudden popularity of the hit Biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
We know as a band that we all have to work on our parts still to get them to our high standards, when I get home I will work on my bass part until it drives me insane. After that we had our instrumental lessons, well I did at least with Dan, we went over our grade 6 guitar scales and arpeggios, which is always good wholesome fun, next week we are going over the chords and then from that point on its about repetition and hardcore learning.
Lunch was fun I had the same epic meal as yesterday, this ensures me that I am always engaged within lessons and ready to destroy chord progressions, after lunch we had theory fun times with Chris.
I enjoy Aural Perception as I tend to pick up everything first time, but I tend to keep what I get to myself so I don’t seem like a big Nerd which is always epic. Chris’ aim was to go through a powerpoint by the end of class but we only managed to get through one slide properly then get on to the next one, so that will definitely be a months project right there. Throughout the lesson Jason popped in and out which kept me sane considering how disengaged I can become on a Wednesday.
After the lesson we were given the tickets to sell for our Christmas Concert which Jason painfully numbered individual which made me chuckle, I should have the money for mine by Friday, I ended up the day talking to Jason to wind down which helps me out a lot.
After that I walked home with what I need to improve upon for next week on my mind!
This morning instead of rehearsal we had Peer and Self Evaluation with Jason which I enjoyed about fifty percent and for the other I felt fairly exposed. Before our band went up we watched two other bands perform a handful of songs then gave them both some pointers on where to improve and how to do so, most people found this process funny and not a serious matter which Jason found rude and so did I.
I didn’t want to say anything to the other bands that was brutally honest so I tried just laying back until it was our turn to go up, Jason eventually found me in the back and asked me what Faith could improve on as a singer and during in her performance which I did accordingly. When it was our turn to go up our singer wasn’t really feeling like singing any of the songs we have been doing up until this point of time, so we went through ‘I Want You Back’ by The Jackson 5 which was mediocre at best when she sung but she eventually forgot or just didn’t feel like going through the song when hit a certain point which was embarrassing, so I started to get the audiences attention towards me until she came back in which didn’t happen.
Then we brought our old male vocalist back on stage and then all of a sudden she felt a lot more comfortable when singing the song, so went through the song from the beginning which I thought went well as I didn’t miss any notes or play anything wrong and everyone’s parts sounded pretty tight to me so I was expecting a subtle roast. I was trying to interact with the audience but this time my wing didn’t want to acknowledge me so I ended up walking up to the front of stage for no reaction apart from Chris watching me and Tom because the groove is where it’s at for him. Whilst performing I tend to stick to what I’m playing so it’s note perfect and I don’t end up slipping on my own mistakes, and when I think I can engage with others and feel safe with playing I’ll engage with Tom mainly or jump about with the guitarist.
But when we came off I was pretty confused and agitated for the rest of the day as we were told to keep it cool as the attention should be on the lead singer but we should still interact with the crowd but not take the attention off of her so, I am going to be on the fence whilst performing next which I think will be at our warm-gig.
Afterwards we had composition which still isn’t my strong point as trying to work out stuff on keys for other instruments doesn’t feel right, I’d feel a lot better using my bass to come up with something a hell of a lot better than I am at the moment on a MIDI keyboard. So I need to improve massively because it doesn’t help my confidence going into this lesson and at the end of it having this 30 second piece of absolute tribe, which I do not feel like sharing to anyone as I know I could do better on the actual instruments.
We had to compose a 30 second piece based upon a mobile phone ringtone and well to be brutally honest nothing came to mind so I tried to come up with something that consisted with the following instruments, Bass, Cello, Drums and a Xylophone because I was feeling it. This didn’t go particularly well, but neither have any of my previous works so if I feel like I’m going down a downwards spiral I will be sure to tell Chris before I just spontaneously explode.
We then had a break which consists of the majority of the pack going to smoke, but with my select few we go sit down somewhere but going out side at this moment in time is like asking to become an ice cube willingly. When our venture had concluded we had Theory with Jason which consisted of us going through our stylistic Analysis work which I have essentially finished so I am just left to sit and tidy it all up which is alright I suppose.
Currently I am going through the songs we had touched upon and have dropped from our set to keep myself occupied and to display to the board that I am more than capable of assessing four different genres. When this is done all that is left to do is to ask Jason nicely to go through it and to ask if there is anywhere I can improve my work which will be fun to do.
After my incredible luncheon which consists of weekly sitting under the stairs and or in the Media corridor because eating in the music corridor is like a forbidden fruit, me and Tom exchange some fiery jokes whilst Reece and Jack talk amongst themselves which is epic.
During rehearsal for the first half I went through the set for the other band Chris has put me in for an extra challenge or push so to speak playing guitar which is enjoyable at times when things go to plan which I need to mention to Chris at some point to try help the band progress in a good way rather than the little giggles between the singer and drummer which is at the moment making me want to leave them to it as it seems to be the only thing on their minds.
When I came back in the room there was a special surprise and that was Chris standing there playing some tunes which he wanted us to learn for Wednesdays rehearsal slot which we had to book with Dan, so I will be sure to go over them briefly before trying to get some sleep tonight amongst my other work.
Then at the end of the day we had tutor which is always special fun times, today’s bulletin was about healthy eating which is a good reminder but by the end of a day on a Tuesday everybody is just asleep and or dying to leave which is fair enough.
Knowing what I need to work and improve upon, I went home laid everything out on my bed and tried to have a little nap but I couldn’t so fun awaits me.
Our first day back went fairly smooth considering we’ve just had a week off and the rest.
The first lesson of the day was Music Business and in today’s lesson we went peer assessed and critiqued each other’s blog, but before that we went through and discussed our album reviews of Carole King’s ‘Tapestry’.
I enjoyed reading through my friend Tom’s review as it was funny but also truthful and insightful, which made my day that little bit better. Whilst going through each other’s blogs, to help Tom out I wrote down what he needs to improve and how to do it, if he needs a little help making it look better and improving his work I’d be more than happy to help!
Chris told us that tomorrow Ofsted are coming in and that we have to be on our best behaviour because they’re specifically checking out our department as Chris keeps going on about how great we are which I do not blame him for, so I am therefore looking forward to that.
After this lesson we had rehearsal, during this time we went through our set list for the Christmas concert, which went smooth considering we haven’t touched upon them in a week or so. The songs we had a bit of trouble was ‘Mercy’ by Duffy and ‘Treasure’ by Bruno Mars, we aren’t to sure how to play out the breakdowns but we can finish the songs properly so on Tuesday we are definitely going to work on that.
So when I get home I’ll take notes down for my rehearsal diary at the end of the week, and I will go over our songs a handful of times so I am able to improve a lot quicker than the others.
By the early 70s Carole King’s legendary status was already assured by her work as a staff writer in New York’s Brill Building during the previous decade.
To me ‘Tapestry’ is definitely one of the most successful albums in pop music history. It’s a fairly remarkably, expressive and intimate record non the least, it’s a work of pure craftsmanship and precision all in one album.
The album was released within 1971 under a record label called Ode Records and it was produced by Lou Adler.
Her second album still to this day overflows withe emotionally honest, subtly soulful singing; masterfully written pieces that merge many genres like Pop, Folk, and R&B; this is all wrapped up with a toasty, organic but very smooth and laid back production.
The sheer intimacy right from the beginning with the album which is what hooked me in personally at an instant, the steady pace and pulse make the songs very enticing for everyone listening to join in and enjoy what they’re about to experience. “I Feel the Earth” is my favourite track with its piano riff right from the start which is soon led on by the inviting bass part alongside the guitars input!
Highlights such as “It’s Too Late” and “You’ve Got a Friend”, perfectly demonstrates how compassionate Carole is when it comes to song writing and production even upon her second album, it’s clear that she is more than capable to create many masterpieces at her very fingertips.
As a lover of Primus, Ghost, and all things fun – it may come as a surprise to say that this is one of my all time favourite albums to just pop on whilst working or trying to calm myself down to get to sleep eventually.It is a timeless and gorgeous album with lyrics that are still relevant to today.
When Carole King started making music, she was just writing, that was the thing in the early days of pop – there are writers and performers – this is what makes this album different to most of the others from the time and what makes it a crucial part of music history!
For the following reasons not only did it become the best selling solo album of all time (until Michael Jackson’s Thriller) but it became a cornerstone of every thinking woman’s record collection and a new edition to mine.
Tapestry will always remain a classic because it never forgets the innate urban r&b understanding of great pop while it covers itself in patchouli, satins and silks.
I highly recommend that everyone goes out and gets a copy of this album on any platform and or all of them, I could go on for pages about each of the songs but we’d be here for days so I kept it short and sweet, because her songs should be how you see them and not how other people do. It’s practically an essential album for any and everyone no matter what you listen to, without her we wouldn’t have the music industry we have today.
My half term is going well so far, today I met Daniel Strauss, also known as “The Raspberry Ape”. He is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under 10x world champion, from Roger Gracie.
He has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the past 12 years and in that time hes had an active and successful competitive career: A British and English champion at black belt, NAGA elite European champion and a number one ranked black belt by the UKBJJA. He has also been invited to and competed in the world’s biggest submission grappling tournaments such as Polaris pro, ADCC and the Eddie Bravo Invitational.
In 2016 he started “The Raspberry Ape Podcast” with the goal of creating an educational and entertaining resource for the community. Since it began it has served as an important documentation of the history of UK Brazilian jiu jitsu with some of the country’s most influential individuals as guests.
Today we went over his signature move the Guillotine, it may come across as a simple move to the untrained eye but the sheer amount of time and additions Strauss has made and has proven to work very well to himself and everyone who has attended his tour, it is a brutal game changer within grappling especially to me!
If you would like to check out Daniel Strauss, there is a short video his website can also be found under Raspberry Ape.
Today was pretty lacklustre being a Wednesday in all, within D.I.S we chose to rehearse as three and go through our songs again without our singer because she wanted to catch up with her blog. In the other band I am in we have agreed to do ‘Year 3000’ by Busted which will be fun and an easy song to chug out in general.
After we had gone over our songs as a band, I then had a guitar lesson which is always interesting we went over everything that was given to us previously and a grade 6 booklet to look over during half term which will definitely occupied.
At lunch, Jason kindly came over to the library to check my stylistic analysis work and to have a chat which I always enjoy. I now know what I need to work on to complete this work and to take it further than the state it is in at the moment.
Afterwards we had Aural Perception with Chris, which I’ve grown to enjoy and I am obviously getting better each time we have the lesson and when I listen to music whilst writing up my many works which often makes me side tracked but that’s more than fine to work through amongst the chaos.
Chris then kindly finished up the day with restringing my bass which I have been looking forward to subtly all week, during that time Jason came in and looked through my blog which he enjoyed whilst having an entertaining chat with Chris non the least. When Chris was done and Jason had to go I double checked I had everything and went home for the half term ahead of me!
Ellie Thornton Music 