I feel like there are a handful of genres that keep getting thrown out there for the song writing game. It's inevitable that overtime we will run out and have to start doing them over. But for September there is one that hasn't been officially done yet. Oh, I just squirm at the thought of it. It's...
GANGSTA RAP
That's right, Gangsta Rap! What makes it "Gangsta" anyways? Usually that comes from the subject matter which is usually controversial. With the subject matter being integral to the genre, there is no assigned subject. For more specifics, read here.
This....should be interesting. Good luck everyone. And don't forget about the songs for August!
With our first time submission from Egypt Hollow, we had a pretty good surge in voting and viewing of the blog. Of course they were the winners, bringing in over 80% of the votes! Congratulations to Kenny, Ciara, Addison and Ian! Hopefully you will turn in songs again in the future as a group or individually! Did you like the song? Go 'like' their Facebook page here.
This is the third July for the Song Writing Game and again we are doing cover songs. Generally it works out better since it's a busy month. Have a listen to the songs below and vote for your favorite!
Egypt Hollow - Pumped up Kicks (Foster the People cover)
The Original
My comments: This is the first (of hopefully many) songs turned in by the local band Egypt Hollow. I work with Ciara, the female vocalist and talked to her into submitting a song. I think the song lends itself really well to the folk-style that the band has. I really enjoy having multiple singers in the song. It's a great song from the first timers!
Danny Imig - Mr. Motto (The Bel-Airs cover)
The Original
My comments: This is a live recording of Danny's band, The Elektra Kings, featuring Gavin Paterniti on bass and Jim Sturdevant on drums, from last New Years' Eve. It's a really cool cover of a surf rock classic by The Bel-Airs. I especially appreciate that it is a live track knowing how many takes I generally have for my studio recordings. Very well done Danny, Gavin and Jim!
Brian Salapek - Lowrider (War cover)
The Original
My comments: I used to be half of a kazoo based band in high school called Cock-A-Doodle Kazoo and Lowrider was the only song we did. Toby Anderson sang and interestingly enough is not using that as part of his platform as he is currently running for public office. We played in front of people, sometimes a lot of people. It was a lot of fun in a riduculous way and I wanted to tribute those days with this song. There is no kazoo but I still had fun making the song.
Rene Zansman - I'm Not the One (Teen Idols cover)
The Original
My comments: Rene did what he does best and did a pop punk song, this time from the (very cool) band Teen Idols. He spiced up the song with some harmonica and I thought it worked really well. It had some sloppy moments but by the time it ended, he had really hit his stride and it was great; I had to listen to it again!
