XLR is BACK!
XLR Sessions are KWMC in Bristol kicked off last week with a bang!
After our launch party in house, and 3 free masterclasses during the May holidays alongside the amazing team at Access To Music Bristol, we were ready to get the new group running.
On the first session we had some fun with warmups and ice-breakers, bonding as a group through rhythm and call and response activities. The group got to know each other, and find out a little more about what they’ll be doing over the next 6 months.
So, onto this week, and we were ready to unleash the instruments!
We started the session off with a songwriting for dummies video giving 5 key tips, then went around the group to find out what instruments everyone plays and the music they’re into. We quickly moved onto creating some ideas. Through a process of elimination, voting and a good old game of rock paper scissors the group settled on a mid paced, upbeat track themed around death and destruction!
They split into 2 groups initially, one focusing on instrumental composition, and the other working on lyrics. These 2 groups further split up to concentrate different sounds and emotions.
Louis, Justin, Morgan and Alexis worked on a Rock track, and were later joined by Jordan to develop some lyrics for the track. The aim is to complete the track next week and begin a rough recording. Kieran, Mickey, Andrina and Germain began work on an acoustic, piano led piece using a lovely call and response section with 2 acoustic guitar riffs.
Ella and Charlie, who have now become regular lyrical collaborators began work on a track interpreting the theme, as did Solace, Laura and Toni. They, coming from a more Soul and Gospel background routed the track more around lost love and a destructive relationship.
Next week, Bim will be working with the group showing them live composition techniques in Ableton Live,. and develop one or more of the ideas from this week.
Our team this week were - James Kennaby - Production / Lyrics Bim Williams - Production / composition Joss Murray - Songwriting / instrumental composition Jake Green - Session support - structuring