Sample Her

"How it Feels To Be a Woman" is a head-banging exploration of a woman's inner world, visualized through the fury of heavy metal. The song starts as a sonic assault, mirroring the chaos churning inside her head, utilizing the band "Wet Leg" and their introduction to the song"Chaise Longue". Distorted guitars and pounding drums create a whirlwind of sound, while rapid cuts and disorienting visuals depict the relentless storm of emotions. This intense metal section gives way to a brief interlude. This represents what is going on in the real world, outside of a woman's head. But the calm is deceptive. The metal onslaught returns with even greater ferocity, punctuated by screams that unleash the full force of her inner turmoil, portrayed by "Wet Leg's" "Ur Mum". 

This use of contrasting sections was heavily influenced by the concepts of music sampling learned in class. The juxtaposition between the metal storm and the calmer interlude emphasizes the intensity of the protagonist's struggle. I started by storyboarding the flow, ensuring the metal sections visually mirrored the inner chaos, while the interlude offered a contrasting perspective. 

The final product is a thrilling descent into the storm raging within a woman's psyche. I loved pushing the boundaries of metal's visual language to depict this internal battle. It was a challenging but rewarding process, and I'm excited to share this glimpse into the cruel world hidden behind a seemingly calm exterior.

"The Slow Descent into Unjust Madness" explores the feeling of spiraling into anger and frustration over a perceived injustice. The use of "Cigarette Packet" by Sorry sets the stage perfectly. The song's melancholic melody and lyrics about fading dreams reflect the initial sense of resignation. I then utilize sampling to incorporate a warped version of "Key to the City." This extremely weird sample, juxtaposed against the somber mood, creates a sense of dissonance, mirroring the growing frustration within the narrative. This song also explores some aspects of more experimental music, having striking cut-off points that lead into each different section. 

Synths and pre-made loops play a crucial role. The synths add layers of unease and tension, building as the frustration intensifies. Pre-made loops, carefully chosen for their melancholic or distorted qualities, create a sonic tapestry that reflects the descent into despair. Each different section comes together to simulate how it feels for me to be a woman today. 

This project is a unique blend of sampling, original composition, and nostalgic references. It was interesting to find the right balance between the melancholic mood of the original song and the rising anger of the narrative. Overall, I enjoyed the challenge of using seemingly disparate elements to create a cohesive and emotionally charged piece.

"Celebrating Despite Everything" is a defiant shout of joy against a backdrop of hardship. This celebratory track stands in stark contrast to the previous songs, offering a glimmer of hope and resilience.

The foundation of the song is a sample titled "Walk on Rock," recorded in class with some of my peers. We learned about the power of sampling in class, and here, this sample becomes the seed of inspiration. 

Building on this sample, I utilized pre-made loops to craft a joyful soundscape. Uplifting melodies, driving percussion, and shimmering synths will layer upon the sample's message of perseverance, creating a song overflowing with optimism.

The creative process for this song involved a playful exploration of sound. I experimented with different pre-made loops, searching for elements that resonated with the feeling of triumph. 

This song holds a special place in my project. It's a testament to the human spirit's ability to find joy even in the face of adversity. I particularly enjoyed the collaborative aspect of using the class-recorded sample. It feels empowering to have a piece of shared creation fuel this message of resilience. "Celebrating Despite Everything" is a bright closing statement to this exploration of womanhood, and I'm so happy to share it with the world.