My son, Zephyr's teen group is planning to go to New Orleans over spring break to build houses for Hurricane Katrina victims. Yeah, eight years later and they are still suffering. Zephyr brought home a Spike Lee video about the aftermath of Katrina, and it was incredibly powerful. I didn't really think I would write a song about it at the time, but I guess it was percolating in my mind, because I sat down one day and wrote the lyrics for this song. I showed Zephyr, and he agreed it was a song that should be written.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
January Song of the Month: Nobody Knows
In the flow? Or just insane? I dunno, but I got home at 5:30 this evening, went right to my studio, started working on this song, and didn't come up for air again until 10:30 -- and that was just to tell my son to go to bed. I forgot everything else: I forgot to eat, forgot to pee... okay, TMI. In any case, then I went back at it until now, when it is finally finished. It's the fastest from start to finish I have ever done with a recording. And strangely enough, I think it is pretty good, in a weird way.
My son, Zephyr's teen group is planning to go to New Orleans over spring break to build houses for Hurricane Katrina victims. Yeah, eight years later and they are still suffering. Zephyr brought home a Spike Lee video about the aftermath of Katrina, and it was incredibly powerful. I didn't really think I would write a song about it at the time, but I guess it was percolating in my mind, because I sat down one day and wrote the lyrics for this song. I showed Zephyr, and he agreed it was a song that should be written.
Then I procrastinated -- ahem -- I mean incubated, for the next few weeks, until today, the last day of the month, when it all came together. In my mind, I had imagined the accompaniment would have many more instruments and have an undulating, climbing sort of pattern, but when I sat down at the keyboard, the song took on a life of its own, and I decided to just get out of the way. So here it is. I can't say I hope you enjoy it, because it's not that kind of a song. But I hope you listen to it, and I hope you give me feedback. And I guess I hope it makes you feel something, as it did me. Thanks for listening!
My son, Zephyr's teen group is planning to go to New Orleans over spring break to build houses for Hurricane Katrina victims. Yeah, eight years later and they are still suffering. Zephyr brought home a Spike Lee video about the aftermath of Katrina, and it was incredibly powerful. I didn't really think I would write a song about it at the time, but I guess it was percolating in my mind, because I sat down one day and wrote the lyrics for this song. I showed Zephyr, and he agreed it was a song that should be written.
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My favorite part is your soft echos, like little waves still lapping against debris. Very haunting and provocative. This is a beautiful song, Zoe. Love, Lori
ReplyDeleteYou are so amazing! I listened first without the video and had not read your notes. I was moved to the state of despair that is now evident in the video and message you posted. Well done! For constructive feedback. I imagined you creating the piece and recognize the back up vocals as important in getting the listener to feel the anguish in New Orleans. With that said, when all the vocals are over lapping around the three minute mark it was uncomfortable to listen to and to follow the main lyrics. This is fine for message impact in the video but for air play I might be moved to turn it down. This is appropriate though I know for Jazz genre so perhaps I speak with no constructive comments. I would not turn this down though because this is you and I feel like you are with me when I hear you sing.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sarah
Thank you, Sarah! Your feedback is great. Definitely something to consider, and you are right, I wanted it to be uncomfortable, but maybe it takes away from the main lyric. I will have to think about that. Love you!
DeleteI somehow missed out on a few months of your songs, and what a cool way to jump back in. OK, I kind of agree with Sarah, BUT: what if you had sort a "bridge" section with NO main lyrics over it, and it could build even BIGGER (kind of like... a storm?) and then finish with maybe even the last verse being acapella? or leave it exactly as it is because it totally evokes a mood of despair and grief that KEEPS echoing after this disaster. (REALLY, America???? YEARS out and we still can't manage to help the most helpless in the wake of Katrina????? Thank you for the song, the video, and the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing, powerful song, Zoe. I cried. I remember feeling this way when it was happening, but I've thought that the whole episode was much more positive now. Just this week, though, some news people have been reminding us and showing some of the areas that are still suffering. You've shown that,too. It's very beautiful and haunting.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Mom