Emotions of the Musical Keys

I've been editing lyrics for the past few hours. Funny enough, I discovered a book in the studio called "Songwriters on Songwriting-" flipped randomly to the middle and found a great interview with Leonard Cohen. He speaks humbly about his novelties and has a lot to say about the constant evolution of songs. Many verses were discarded, revised, and recycled- a very familiar process for most working songwriters.  When asked if he intentionally writes in a key that matches the song's mood, he mentions Garth Hardson's philosophy of music.  This refers to the moods that different keys produce, something remarkably valuable but not a tool that he used in his songwriting.  I did some research on it and just wrote a chord progression in every key, seeing if I felt the emotions that these keys characterize.  It's quite interesting to see how much truth there is to this. The description for the key of "D major" particularly made me smile, as I recently noticed how much I enjoy writing in that key.  I never knew the reason until now.. It's noted as "The key of triumph, of Hallelujahs, of war-cries, of victory-rejoicing. Thus, the inviting symphonies, the marches, holiday songs and heaven-rejoicing choruses are set in this key." I was asked recently if I am a Christian songwriter based on the positivity in my music with frequent mentions of light and love.  I gracefully expressed that I am a spiritual person embracing all life forms, connecting with energy and human existence (with a long, deep conversation following).  I choose not to pigeon hole myself into one thing ever, hence my need write more songs in different keys!
Here is the link:
http://www.gradfree.com/kevin/some_theory_on_musical_keys.htm

Peace Valley

I took a break from the studio for a few hours to enjoy Peace Valley. Ducks are singing on the breath of breeze, harmonizing with motion of water. It's calm here between air and the underworld. Families of nature respond to one another from beyond where my eyes can see. I stop for a moment to take it all in- stretch out on dock as the foundation sways beneath me. Creatures swim to the ripples of waves. Sun glistens like pearls on lake reflection.
I'll take this peace with me- internalize earth's vibrations and channel it to the rhythm of my being. There is something so simple about life, the purity of existence. Mind re-centers and lets go of thought. When one with nature I can better connect to human consciousness and flow through the evolution of my music.
I give my breath to the world and breathe the peace within me. Give, take in.
Live, create, explore...
Christie Lenee
www.christielenee.com

First night in studio

2/12/12
I officially moved into the studio tonight and went right to the piano, before even taking a sip of water- exploring choral and vocal variations for songs on the album. During that time I took a moment to tribute Whitney Houston's timeless song "Greatest Love of All."  Bless her brilliant soul!  I noticed how she used octave displacement, and sometimes vocal leaps as expansive as a 10th up (referring to the melodic intervals).  I've been wanting to use more of my vocal range within a song, play with tonal textures and treat it more like an instrument than a lyrical device.  Since I started as a guitarist this didn't begin natural for me, but every time I explore melodies on piano it opens my mind to new possibilities.  It's amazing how lyrics pop out even more when these techniques are used!

Once Pier arrived we got into an inspiring discussion about the narration of a good production- how it takes you through a journey using melodic variations and changes in harmonization.  Every instrument has its' place, only to enhance and support the song.  After sitting at the piano and exploring some examples of this, we then went into the control room and listened to some of our favorite productions.  We pointed out many of the details that contribute to "why" these tracks grab us and keep our attention throughout the song- all of the little things that the average listener might not notice but make the world of a difference in an arrangement.  We also talked about adding passing chords here and there to spice up the harmonic possibilities.

I've been on the piano ever since he left coming across amazing discoveries.  Particularly in "Daylight Comes," I just re-harmonized parts of the melody (meaning, using a different chord beneath the existing melody, creating variety in tonal texture).  Earlier in the night Pier had suggested a few possibilities, all which opened my mind to new explorations. We were bouncing back and forth with ideas and getting really creative.  Now after he went home it's just been me here at the studio, surrounded by instruments and recording gear.  Of course it has been impossible to sleep while experimenting with these new ideas....

Incorporating passing tones, vocal variations, and bass counterpoint has been quite productive.  I just discovered something magical- a seamless key change in the chorus of Daylight Comes, while still singing a similar melody but different selection of chords!  Since the song uses an open tuning (no shocker there), my perspective as a guitarist would have never thought to play these chords.  Approaching it from a purely vocal and chordal standpoint has allowed me to find this hip harmonization.

I can't begin to explain how inspiring it is to be surrounded by instruments and recording gear.  It's my first night living here at the studio- no cell phone service, just creating and going deep into this production.  I will be using my computer to blog, but other than that this is about the album.  Being here in this creative space is a wonderful blessing and I can already tell, just one night in, this album is going to be something special.  It has already taken a new level of possibility, not to mention some of the musicians that will be playing on it.  The next two months shall consist of constant flow of creative energy, producing music, and making the album I've been dreaming of for the past two years.  This is bound to launch a new level in my career as a recording and performing artist.

"May we be here now and be the best that we can be."  Go for it!

Live, create, explore...

Christie Lenée
www.christielenee.com
www.facebook.com/christielenee
www.youtube.com/christieleneemusic