Welcome to HeatherSong! Independent Music.
LOOKING FOR YOU is the first of an upcoming series of digi-only albums – 3 or 4 songs per album. Songs will be almost exclusively originals by Heather Pahl of HeatherSong (artist/label). Hear these HeatherSong productions as recordings since no live performances are planned, and hear the whole song for free at my website. Please share your enjoyment of these songs with your friends. Attention Music Supervisors: originals are available to license. Attention Music Lovers: songs are available for purchase as digi downloads through many Internet sources. So you may always try your favorite source for HeatherSong availability. Songs will be written/produced/performed by Heather Pahl. They cover a wide variety of musical styles; some will be instrumental. Defining features include female vocals, combined acoustic/electronic instrumentation, and lyrics that address life’s diversity of experience. Good creative music! A compilation physical CD will likely be available in the future. Be sure to give HeatherSong’s Christmas CD “YO, IT’S CHRISTMAS!” a listen as well – currently for purchase as a physical CD and fundraiser, with digi downloads available. Fifteen of 17 of these Christmas tunes are public domain, so Music Supervisors: these Christmas songs are to license too.
Many of you truly love music and are inclined to think about it beyond your embrace of a favorite tune. You’re curious about how songs get written, produced, performed, recorded, protected, published, covered and so on. The whole process intrigues you, as might the complexities of marketing. Consider this. I’ve been encouraged directly and personally – and more than a few times – by powerful and accomplished people in the music industry. The emphasis was on writing – that many people can sing, but not everyone can write! That’s music and lyrics. Now consider that as an artist I have developed to the point where I write music and lyrics, produce and arrange the originals while performing all instrumentation, record my vocals, and market the resulting product. I’m truly behind these productions. I don’t like to emphasize “competition” since I don’t personally believe it’s the true nature of music or the arts. Art affords very personal exploration that facilitates positive growth of the human spirit – personal development. Results can often be universally beneficial and appreciated. But dodging false humility, I must also reflect upon my accomplishments and direction. I’m willing to say that I don’t believe there’s a huge female population aspiring along these same lines and covering all these bases. As a recipient of this GIFT of music and lyric, I must reflect that my ability to demonstrate it seems to be exceptional and multi-faceted. Necessity being the mother of invention? My interest in learning production grew from the practical need to make song demos as a prolific writer. I was more surprised than anybody to discover these related but latent abilities lurking deep within. I hear from an amazing assortment of DJs and prominent engineers and producers who make it clear to me in a personal way that they appreciate my creativity and experimentation, and admire the skill required. So I persevere in my effort to develop it as best I can, and hope that I may ultimately successfully share my music with many enthusiastic “fans”. To their enjoyment and benefit, to mine, and to that of the family who has supported my efforts. Especially to my husband Kurt who perseveres with me (politely put!) and provides hefty studio systems support/expertise that I greatly need to succeed. When music is not at all his career background. What a guy! Thank you, Kurt! And thank YOU for listening to HeatherSong music!
Buy Indie songs that touch a range of emotions and lyrically reflect more of your life experience. Hear Indie music for free, and purchase original songs – innovative independent music to play on your ipod, mp3 player or portable player. Give each song a listen to find those just right for you. HeatherSong is creatively experimental so there are many styles of songs that may appeal to a real range of audience. Use of occasional over-the-top dramatic scenario, character interaction and sound effects that are FUN, funny . . . touching. Inventive, HOOKY. All the world’s a stage. Don’t miss out. See me on the web at HeatherSong for much more info, lyrics, links, free photo treatment and more. Music is a great opportunity to explore yourself and life! Let’s agree on an ASSUME NOTHING listening policy. Remain receptive at all times and you will be rewarded!
1. LOOKING FOR YOU
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Music and lyrics by HeatherSong. OK, this is hooky-HOT! Unique yet commercial. A celebration of the search for love, with a nice mix of acoustic/electronic instrumentation. I followed Jim O’s production inspiration for this song. He’s a skilled bass guitarist (among other things) and recorded his track over a completed production, smoothly and artistically grounding things. Then gutsy Josh – a young talented studio drummer – laid some inspired, contemporary drums over my completed tracks, many of which I later ditched. How did Josh do it? Oh, the courage – and the EARS! In this unlikely and not ideal approach, an endearing quirky ambiance was created which suits this song perfectly and adds to its laid-back, hopeful search for future love, you know? Playful mix of styles in a sensual acoustic/electronic youthful zone. Enjoy the Search!! Anyway, these two gentlemen cheerfully came through with their inspiration for this song and I’m grateful. Their fine work will get another exhibit my next album, to include a very cool instrumental version of this tune. Thank you Jim and Josh!
Words, Music and Sound Recording by Heather Pahl dba HeatherSong
© West HeatherSong Publishing 2008 BMI All Rights Reserved
Heather Pahl, Vocals; Jim Olson, Bass Guitar; Josh Sargent, Drums
Arranged, Produced and Performed by Heather Pahl
Heather Pahl dba HeatherSong owns Master Recording and all Artist Rights
Time: 3:06 147 bpm
Ride a daydream into the sun
It calls me – and I will come
Creep gently into my mind
I’m asking . . . what will my heart find?
Oh -- I’m looking for you
Looking for you – for you
Now I’m -- now I’m looking for you
Oh -- I’m looking for you
Looking for you – for you
Now I’m -- now I’m looking for you
I’m looking for you – Looking for you
Move seductively into my night
Inhibitions giving up the fight
I’ve seen you and felt your touch
I’m out to find you – ‘cause I want you so much
Oh -- I’m looking for you
Looking for you – for you
Now I’m -- now I’m looking for you
Oh -- I’m looking for you
Looking for you – for you
Now I’m -- now I’m looking for you . . .
You’re a vision – it’s true
Guide me . . . to you . . .
Looking for you . . .
Looking for you – for you
Now I’m – now I’m looking for you
Looking for you
Looking for you you you you you
Now I’m – now I’m looking for you . . .
Now I’m looking for you -- Looking for you
Gonna be true -- Looking for you
Now I’m – Now I’m looking for you . . .
2. EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE ____________________________________________________________________________
A cover by Sting. Another interesting mix of acoustic and electronic, with sound effects and tongue-in-cheek humor. Here’s a “female stalker perspective” with a surprise scenario! Open your mind and enjoy . . . First, Paula was game for this freaky little scenario and we had some fun. Thank you, Paula. Like I said in the car: just TRY to live this down! And Jim B. joins in with dulcet sax tones in all the right ways. Then – well after the fact – Jim O. at my request adds his sexy supporting bass. Nice! Definitely a different spin on this cover! (On a personal note, this song is dedicated to the memory of our friend Dan Reese. We hope you now know how wonderful you really are!)
This song is a COVER: Words and Music by STING
EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. OBO Magnetic Publishing, Ltd.
Vocals: Paula Higdon, Heather Pahl
Jim Bilinski, Tenor Saxophone; Jim Olson, Bass Guitar
End Scenario written by Heather Pahl; includes sound effects
Heather Pahl dba HeatherSong owns Master Recording and all Artist Rights
Time: 4:08 120 bpm
3. YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE ____________________________________________________________________________
This song is a cover – and I think a national treasure – by Jimmie Davis who was once Governor of Louisiana. He died in 2000 at a probable age of 101! Nobody knew for sure. But everybody knows this extraordinary song! Once again, Jim Bilinski contributes SO much to this classic with his sax and flute colorings. He especially appreciated Cathy’s vocals and framed them sensitively. Much later, now living in Washington, and my new friend Jim O. comes to the rescue for a diagnosis of “seriously bass-deficient”. His remedy was really hard to take! Thank you, Jim -- let’s do some work, shall we? In this arrangement, young Cathy sings her heart out in an emotional exchange with Grandpa Kurt. Special, and “YOU GO, CATHY!” At the age of ten, Cathy flew out (her first time alone) to visit and record. Lots of fun planned, two solid days of recording scheduled. She loved to sing and was jazzed. Did her homework -- knew the tune inside out. She recorded three entire tracks of vocals cheerfully – and this is a long song! You hear all three tracks playing in the final version. This technique yields more presence with quieter (but expressive) voices, adding layers of interest. Sometimes more interesting and natural than just heavy reverb on a single track. More labor-intensive, but Cathy moved along beautifully. I had a charming cottage studio in Los Angeles then – Glendale. We walked down the alley to Fish King to pick up lunch. This recording was just the two of us and a very special experience to be treasured! I’ve learned that to maximize quality of vocals for recording, the last thing you need is projection. So the vocalist always sits, relaxed. Line by line, retakes for quality, taking your time, achieving and moving on. Enjoying. So Cathy sat with headphones on (me too), with her profusely pink stuffed poodle Pinky in her lap. Smiles all ‘round. Pinky very supportive and well-behaved. Cathy’s natural instincts, knowledge of the song, passion, stamina and delivery were amazing throughout the day and a half; we finished early. In my studio, both producer and artist should be proud of the outcome. Each recorded line to be approved by producer and singer/musician before recording the next line. But to my surprise, even Pinky got into the mix at the very end. (Everyone wants a piece of the action!) Cathy and I were reviewing one of the last lines when suddenly she announced that Pinky wanted to hear too, was that OK? Didn’t anticipate it – but sure, why not? Cathy slipped her headphones over Pinky’s generous ears, and gratefully got Pinky’s approval quickly! It doesn’t get more charming than that; lucky me! Do I mention that I got the inspiration for the end scenario sipping on a margarita at El Agave in Old Town San Diego? Incredible Mexican Nouvelle Cuisine; boasting of maybe 500 tequilas (they lost count). They offer authentic labor-intensive moles that not enough Americans know about. A favorite spot; I watched Kurt with his appetizer as I sipped and visions of SCENARIO danced through my head. I’m not saying a great margarita is prerequisite to my musical inspirations. I’m also not saying it didn’t help! Detour/travel log done. And with Cathy’s recording done, off we went with Grandpa Kurt for days of fantastic, kid-friendly Southern California trips and activities. Great times were had by all. On Cathy’s last evening Kurt made a very special dinner – Kurt being an exquisitely talented cook. Our guests included two other HeatherSong recording artists: Paula Higdon and Zola Brink, who sings in NEW LANG SYNE. A memorable evening to complete Cathy’s exciting and unique visit. Now shared fond memories . . .
This song is a COVER: Words and Music by Jimmie Davis
Publisher: Peer International Corporation
Cathy Pahl, Vocals; End Scenario Voiceover by Kurt Pahl, Cathy Pahl, Heather Pahl
Jim Bilinski, Tenor Saxophone and Flute; Jim Olson, Bass Guitar
End Scenario written by Heather Pahl
Heather Pahl dba HeatherSong owns Master Recording and all Artist Rights
TIME: 3:40 120 bpm
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