SPIRIT Post: 3 Layers above The Sky

Hi all,

Another late night poetry post *2AM sessions* ! I looked up at the sky one day and it was like I could see God above the sky, with the earth below it; and wrote a short poem. As strange as it may sound it just made me realise that Earth is not where it starts or where it ends. All to life is not the material things we often crave and get caught up in letting define us. Enjoy life in abundance and know and have faith feeling assured that God is watching. Often times this has a negative connotation; but when you think about it God is keeping us safe. The world is a beautiful place, so many different colours, textures and landscapes! Whenever you feel down just look up to the sky; I know I do.

3 Layers Above The Sky

There's three layers to this life,

This life we cry,

Out why,

Like we're born to die,

So you try and reason,

Like we rule our own lives.

There's three layers to this life,

Beyond the sky,

Is the galaxy,

Beyond is the maker,

Of all things,

Don't ask why;

Beyond the sky,

Is the reason,

Watching all,

So great,

When in doubt just look up,

To the sky,

The lows higher than ever before,

The world so much smaller;

There's three layers to the sky,

The sky is not the limit,

Nor is the galaxy,

It leads to infinity,

The material things aren't,

What it's all meant to be,

We should be,

Free.

-Ekeisha E






Hope you enjoyed reading.


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Life of a Year 2 Commercial music Student

Hi guys!

I haven't posted one of these in the longest! For the Released Recording module in which we have to release an EP things have been progressing nicely. 

I'm now in the recording stages and I've found a good mic, finally. Well I thought I had before but I've discovered another and it's the akg 3000. A large diaphragm condenser mic, it gives a much smoother and gentle sound for me than the akg c214 even though they are both from the same 'family' of mics. However there is one mic left to try out, probably at my next session and it's the c414 xls. It is in a much higher price bracket so I'm hoping this will be great quality and pick up every detail of the singers voice. I think when recording singers with a unique tone to pick it up would need a great quality mic. I found that the akg 214 is great if your voice is more on the alto end than the soprano however it does deliver on clarity and depth, but peaks. I'm still experimenting with mics at the mo. 

So far I've worked with two singers for two songs on the EP- 'Heart Strings' and 'Blind' and they are both being mixed as we speak. Both songs being extremely stripped and full of emotion. I recorded both of these singers with the akg c214, which was then my favourite mic. 'Better Than Before' is still under construction. Using a grand piano I recorded the instrumental but plan to add a cajon for some rhythm and some guitar before adding vocals. The final song called 'Thought I could (make it better)' is based on piano also but has rhythm from drums. I say final song but I do have a few more I may add !

'Heart Strings' is going to be a real EP designed to be emotive and pure, staying true to the art of music. R&B/Pop and  Soul influences I showcase my earliest written songs and try to show versatility also. With the main topics love and empowerment. 

I've always written songs but creating a project has been something I've put my all into. This time last year I hadn't even entered a studio so I'm excited for the future, and the release of 'Heart Strings' this summer! To any hopefuls out there keep doing what your doing! 

I will keep blogging the progress. So stay tuned for these posts.

A photo of myself and MTV video programmer / DJ Lindsay Wesker.

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Year 2 of a Commercial Music Student: February is upon us

Hi  guys! 

So time is really flying by so fast. It's February already! 

An eventful month it's been in general. I've been so engrossed in uni work.

Right now I've been writing writing writing songs I shall be working with singers and plan to record next week. My tutor advised me now is the time to delegate. It's so easy to be so independent that you forget you may not meet the deadline. But that's the life of a perfectionist- must be a Virgo thing. My aim for this month is to work with singers and producers to record the EP, taking the songs up a notch. 

Stay tuned guys. I will keep you updated. 'Heart Strings' will be coming at you soon as well as songs I've written for the songwriting module. 

Fitness wise I've been slacking. Need to get into ze gym ASAP. There's nothing like running a cool 3-5 miles in the gym. Got to have a summer body all year round! However I have been giving in to all things containing sugar. 

What is your weekness? 

Are you ready for February? 

A little snap from the other morning. 

X

Creative Chronicles: Don't sleep on Music Theory

Happy Sunday all!

So tomorrow is Monday. Tomorrow marks the beginning of semester 2. Time really does fly!

This year I plan on taking my grade 5 theory. No more putting it off or forgetting. When it comes to piano exams I've always learnt the scales and pieces I.e the practical side but never have focused on theory. I'd recommend to any music students out there who take traditional classical or jazz grades in either Trinity or ABRSM like myself to start taking the theory tests from the beginning. Once you progress to grade 5 like I have in order to be able to register for a grade 6 practical exam ou must have your grade 5 theory.

Alas, here I am with my books! It's never too late guys!

 It's so nice to refresh my theory. I'm lucky to have a GCSE in music, as it is equivalent to grade 5 theory

If you would like any more info on piano exams practical or theory. Let me know and I'd be happy to help.

X

Life of a Year 2 Commercial Music Student: It's Christmas

Hi guys!

Wow. Christmas is 9 days away now. I cannot wait, this has always been my favourite season. I don't know what it is about christmas but I can feel the magic in the air.

So semester 1 at uni is over! Bitter sweet, as the intensity heightens to the release of the EP but it's nice to have a rest. The studios at uni closed for a whole month last Thursday! Shock horror. But gives time to work on the theory side of things. One hell of a semester it's been, literally studio studio studio, essay, studio, essay.

On Friday I submitted assignment 1 for released recording. It was something. 12 ideas and 6 unmixed demos. As everyone wanted to use the studios it was literally impossible to get a studio. And when I did I fainted, yes fainted on the day my assignment was due. I managed to record with my trustee c214 mic despite it and my two friends brought me to safety lol. But on top of that my logic projects didn't bounce in time so I had to work with what I had. This is something that I've learnt a lot this semester. You have to be quick and time does not wait; literally. No pun intended there.

When setbacks arise don't get down and :

Bring on the festivities. Eating & being merry. Stay tuned as I write the top happenings for 2013!! 

Have you got anything planned this christmas? What is on your playlist this christmas?

X

Year 2 Of A Commercial Music Student: Goal Digger

Hi everyone!

This week has flown by. As part of our course we have Professional Development, as intense as it can be thinking about the future regarding chosen career and field and planning HOW to get there; once done a weight is lifted off your shoulders. Felt awesome! Taking these goals and creating weekly objectives to make progress.

In terms of studio I've been everyday this week. Definetly improving. My friend singer/songwriter Diamant Ballou recorded a rough demo of 'Better Than Before'- I felt like it would sound great with her voice. To hear a singer sing your songs is a great thing especially when delivered exactly how I imagined. And this is just a rough. Also on Wednesday I recorded a rough demo for 'HeartStrings'  , I recorded the keys using the standard logic Yamaha plugin, I was so thankful to be in CR4 this studio has a full sized keyboard great for a piano player like me, no fussing with shifting octaves etc. for both vocal recordings I used my favorite mic AKG C214. Out of all the mics I've used at university so far this one is great, I love it for my vocals. 

For this upcoming week I plan to finish up the rough demo with my Chica Diamant and shorten the actual instrumental, as it's 8mins long! True Ekeisha fashion. Also see what I can do with HeartStrings, I feel it needs something eve though it's a rough demo.  Also I wrote a new song last Thursday enroute to uni 'Look What You Did' this has a Cassie vibe to it. So need to get that idea recorded too. As you can see guys I'm working, working hard.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

X

SongSpiritSoul: Earth Wind & Fire

Hi guys!

Wednesday already, well technically Thursday now. This week has been an exciting one. 

So yesterday, Tuesday I was lucky enough to be one of four to attend the filming of Earth Wind & Fire for Sky Arts filming at Battersea Arts Centre! Thanks to my tutor. Learnt so much. Being in line with your audience is key. They really focus on making their music universal and in doing so broke so many walls within the music industry particularly being a black band during the Motown era. 

They've been together as a band for over 40 years and are currently on their 12th album! Just amazing. Maurice White who was instrumental in keeping the band together is unable to tour unfortunately but still plays a major role in the musicality to this very day. It's amazing to hear that they've still got the funk! And yes Phillip Bailey has retained his falsetto. Also with him being interviewed were the other two members Ralph Johnson and Verdine White. It was interesting to the hear the stories of those who ceased opportunities and worked on their craft to create a unique groundbreaking sound and still feel lucky to this very day to be working actively in the music industry.

Look out for the interview on Sky Arts

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