From Demo to 'Disc'

In addition to our regular activities around ensemble work and vocal technique, The Urban Vocal Group (UVG) regularly provides opportunities for its young singers to record new arrangements and original compositions.

The aim is to give them experience of working with industry professionals and to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to work in a studio. In a recent session we worked with Lauren to produce a studio recording of an original demo.

Lauren initially sent links to three demos songs that she recorded on a phone and uploaded to YouTube. These were reviewed by UVG vocal tutors and after consulting with Lauren it was agreed that her song ‘Fears’ had the best potential in terms of structure, lyrics and ‘hook’. Prior to the recording session she created a chord / lyric sheet which, together with the demo, was sent to the engineer.

The three hour session was very successful resulting in a polished performance by Lauren and a fantastic first recording which can be heard below (which begins with a short section from the original demo)

We asked Lauren to give us feedback on her experience…

“When I first got to the studio I had no idea how it was going to work, I was welcomed by the producer Neil and we went through what I wanted to happen with my song. Firstly I heard the drum loop which was going to be the start of the build up to my song, I then recorded a basic version of the song (vocals and guitar), Neil then worked on the piano and the bass etc. Everything was recorded and was being put together. The session in my opinion went really well, the help and encouragement from Neil and Charlie really helped me push myself so the best could be done in that day. There were certain high and low parts of the song that I struggled to do but with help, encouragement and technology we managed to make it sound good. I could have worked more on my pitching beforehand because a part of the song wasn’t up to my standard however this can be changed using the technology. I learnt new singing techniques and musical techniques which will come in handy with future songs.

This song was written on family inspiration, I used a past experience to help me write this song, most songs are about love or relationships nowadays so I chose a different subject to be original and not 'follow the crowd'.

My influences for this particular song are Coldplay and The Script, I also but my own style on the music to make it my own. I’ve been making music for around a year and a half now,

UVG has helped me with my confidence and vocals. UVG has taught me what you can do to a song and what you can change in a song to make it your own, they have also helped me by teaching the group different harmonies which are easily picked up in songs. In the future I want to keep recording, keep gigging and keep on making music. Music is my passion and by doing this experience it has helped me realize how much I want to carry on recording and making music as it was a great experience as a young singer/songwriter!”