Fuzz is a very important effect in the shoegaze genre, as it is a base foundation in most songs. This video demonstrates exactly what fuzz does in Shoegaze and the different ways you can use fuzz in Shoegaze. I can use this video to implement the use of fuzz in my work. For example, Shes time.
My research into slowdive has contributed into this rehearsal, as I took the approach of having a simplistic melodic riff during the verses, before going all out in the chorus, stacking fuzz and reverb to create a warm thick layer of sound.
However we definitely need to figure out a structure for this original, and it should definitely be our goal for next rehearsal. We will do this by simply exerimenting and figuring out the form
This was the first rehearsal we had together, unfortunately I was absent during the first rehearsals due to family reasons. However without a doubt this did delay us a bit as we didnt have a full band until this rehearsal.
Our primary focus was to develop our own sound within the shoegaze genre, and to work on the first idea that we have presented. I was not around when this idea came about, I was in Poland. But our focus was to definitely form some sort of structure of the song.
My personal goal for this rehearsal however was to combine and experiment with different effects and pedals, to find some sort of combination of noise that would suit the song.
It isn't much, but its definitely a start. In my honest opinion these are humble beginings, obviously as we only began. Dynamically, we were definitely lacking. and overall this song is nowhere near complete, however this is just the development of the actual structure of the song.
We have all learnt that we should definitely focus on the form of the song rather than different ideas. We will do this by simply dedicating more time to this song and try to figure out the form by playing through and establishing what goes where.
The chords that came to my mind were on the spot, it was my choice that came to me instantly, I knew exactly what suited the song and it came to me instantly.
The chords I used were as follows:
Gmaj7
Em(add9)
Cmaj7
Bm7
Major 7ths are a 4 note chord that have a maj 7th note above the root. It is a beautiful chord that is constantly used throughout shoegaze music, A very home-ly chord. This video explains exactly what a Major 7th is and how to use them.
These are some of the different major 7th chords in the key of A for example. Moving these around the fret board will give me a different key. Lets take the 3rd position shown, that is the chord that is the 1 in Shes time. However moving it to 3rd fret will put me in the key of G. That is the 1st chord in shes time. Gmaj7
In this video, I go into detail into what effect i use during shes time, however ill go into more detail here.
My go to pedal of choice is the multi fx BOSS ME-80, which I have used for years and it is without a doubt the handiest pedal around, it gave me a very wide range to explore and experiment with different effects.
My go to was obviously fuzz and reverb, which is very common in terms of shoegaze, i know this from listening to it over the years, but more specifically the Swirlies and their tone in thier hit song Pancake
In this video the whole band was present, our main focus was to develop our sound further, for example: experimenting with new sounds. My goal was to try out the new tone I demonstrated earlier, that will be my focus.
However my tone was washed out of the mix, which is something I need to develop. Simply not levelled enough, the tone has to drive to the song.
My research into swirlies has contributed into this, as their tone in when you sleep inspired me a lot, as i used a highly similar tone throughout the whole song.
Moving forward, I could definitely make adjustments to the tone, and the mix of effects that I used.