Can you help me out?
When people ask what kind of music I record, I flounder. I want to describe it accurately, but I don’t know how!
Sure, I grew up playing classical piano. As a clarinetist, I’ve played jazz, too. I’ve been known to dink around on the guitar and flute, but when it comes to writing and recording my own songs… I never know what to call the result!
What genre is this song?
I realize that musical tastes vary greatly, but if you could please listen to my song “Undertow,” then leave a comment telling me what genre you think it is, it would really help me out.
I’ve been so wrapped up in researching, writing, and promoting my books lately that my music has been completely pushed to the back burner. Even so, I plan to record and release a CD this fall and winter. When I finally get to the point of releasing my CD, it will be important to know what genre to classify it as!
Your input is greatly appreciated!
What instruments are these?
In case you’re wondering, the instruments you hear in “Undertow” are guitar, clarinet and synthesizers. To hear the song, “Undertow,” click on the player below. (Make sure your speakers are on!) If you’d like to read the lyrics, scroll down. They are pasted below the song file:
ad the lyrics.
To hear the song, “Undertow,” click on the player below. (Make sure your speakers are on!):
Undertow
music and lyrics by Mental Mosaic (Tui Snider)
I threw my luck to the tides
Thinking the moon was in control
What a perfect couple, they’d say
The current swept me along
Where did my choices go?
Into your undertow
Where did your promises go?
Into the undertow
Into the undertow
You took my chances; you pulled me under
The surface remained so calm
Will I be another driftwood corpse soon,
Stacked upon your shore?
Where did my chances go?
Into your undertow
Where did your promises go?
Into the undertow
Into the undertow
Water is a colorless reflection
Of the changing sky
Why’d I keep my eyes on you?
I could have learned more from on high
Where did my future go?
Into your undertow
Where did your promises go?
Into the undertow
Into the undertow
Water is a colorless reflection of the sky…
Water is a colorless reflection of the sky…
What Genre is this Music?
I’m really curious what genre you would call this song. Do you think, “upbeat pop synth,” is a good description, or would you call it something else?
Also, did the sound file work all right for you? Please let me know.
Your input is greatly appreciated!
Tui Snider is an author, speaker, and photographer who specializes in North Texas travel, cemetery symbols, and haunted lore. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction – but then, I moved to Texas!”
Snider’s best-selling books include Paranormal Texas , Understanding Cemetery Symbols, and 100 Things to Do in Dallas - Fort Worth Before You Die.
Snider has several more books in progress, and enjoys connecting with writers and readers all over the globe through social media, her newsletter and her website: TuiSnider.com.
Yes, Tui…I also find it bears a strong resemblance to middle-eastern music. The words and music are both quite nice. BTW, do you know where your first name comes from? I only as because a Tui is a well-known native bird from new Zealand.
Hi, Ray! Thank you so much for your input on this song. I’m glad you enjoyed it! And, yes, even though I’ve never been to New Zealand, it is on my bucket list because there is a bird, a beer, and an airline there that are all named Tui! :D
Tui,
Good luck with that bucket list, baby! I’ve never been there either; however, was fortunate enough back in 2001 to have spent three months in Australia and I LOVED it! I know about the beer and bird; however, wasn’t aware there was an airline with that name. BTW…there are several other kinds of wildlife in NZ which are endemic only to there.
Be well,
Ray
[…] in all its forms. Morgan has been a champion not only for my writing, but also my photography, and my music. I truly appreciate […]
[…] of 2013, I started sharing my songs on this blog. Well, OK, so far I’ve only shared this one: “Undertow”, but there are plenty more where that came […]
Your sound is awesome, Tui. I love the use of harmonic minor. Your images illustrate the song well. Thanks for sharing you.
This is great! The song sounds good. I love the pictures and I like that you included the lyrics.
Pretty cool song, Tui. I like the middle-eastern background sound on it. All of the pieces fit together really well. I like it!
Thanks for putting it out for us to hear.
Also enjoying your blog entries. Nice writting!
Ken – http://www.1dustytrack.com
Hi Ken,
Thank you for checking out my song! I’ve been pretty caught up with the A to Z blog challenge, but I plan to post some more tunes soon.
~Tui
Dream pop came to mind. It does make me think of Cocteau Twins (though I don’t know their music all that well) but doesn’t sound like an intentional similarity. If I were to call Cocteau Twins theatrical dream pop I’d call Mental Mosaic literary dream pop.
Heya woofmutt!
There’s that word again: dream! As a big Cocteau Twins fan, I take your words as a compliment. I love Elizabeth Fraser’s voice.
Dream pop, it is, then.
Thank you!
~Tui
I’ve been waiting for you to share this! When I first came across this on MySpace, I instantly loved it.
Seriously. And I am VERY picky about what music I like, so I’m really glad you’re getting this out there more. I want to hear more!
In terms of description, Pop Synth isn’t far off. I’d even call it “Dreamy Pop” or “Dreamy Synthpop”
When am I going to buy an album already?
Hi Andrew,
Hey, thank you! I kept thinking that I needed to share my music on a separate website, but – hey – this is Mental Mosaic, a place to bring all my pieces of creativity together.
Thank you for the input on genre. People keep using the word, “dream,” in one form or another.
I’ll let you know when the album is complete! :)
~Tui
I love the song and the website redecorating! It is easy to maneuver and it is apparent what it is all about. Beautiful pictures!
Nice song. It has a nice middle-eastern feel to it, in the tone of the clarinet, little finger cymbals in the background in the chorus – thanks for posting.
Hi Mike,
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the song. Always nice to hear from a fellow ROWer. I’ll pop over to your blog now and see how it’s going for you.
~Tui