Musical Inspiration from a 7th Grader

[Ollie]

Hi all,
Let me introduce you to a budding songwriter that I think is something special: Henry Mosher. Henry has just graduated 7th grade. We did three tunes. Pretty much whole performances. It was done quite simply and we moved quickly. The performances are not perfect, but the songs have a certain something where you know this kid is going to be something really special some day. He played all of the instruments, wrote the songs, and sang. The one on piano(Made you cry last night) slays me. There is a magic thing there. Here are two of the tunes.

It is just a joy to hear from a very young person with an approach that is based on sensitivity, honesty about their feelings, and creative touch to boot.


http://riverbendstudio.com/stash/Mad...Last_Night.mp3

http://riverbendstudio.com/stash/Subtle_Signs.mp3

[mikelang]

Cool stuff! Great to know there are kids putting more into music than the kids that are on the pop charts!

[TroyTempest]

Killer, when I was 12 I was writing about animals, lol

But I disagree with you, Subtle Signs is my fav

[piotr]

Very nice!

Please pass the congratulations to Henry.

There is sincerity and simple honesty in these songs.

p.

[PlugHead]

Sincere and simple. His writing is honest, and has broad emotional depth. Reminds me a bit of Vic Chestnut.

Some of my favourite sessions were with young players who were focussed on their songs, not the glitter of stardom, nor carrying the 'know-it-all' attitude we all know and despise. There is hope for the future generation.

I agree with Ollie: Made You Cry Last Night has the shizz.

I wish I had that writing talent as a kid.

thx for posting!

[Ollie]

You hit it right on the head. He is focused on writing, music and emotional expression. He plays a several instruments. There is absolutely no ego there and it is so refreshing. He is decisive and moves quickly. Straight to tape, whole takes. We may of taken two whole vocal takes on one song, but only used one take straight thru.

He also takes suggestions well. On the tambourine on Subtle Signs, I could offer a suggestion, play less here and more there and voila it was done. Henry has the unique ability to know where to fill the hole and where to leave it open.

I believe he will be a great writer in the future. My goal is to just give him studio opportunities to work on his craft. He is a nice kid.

Originally Posted by PlugHead

Sincere and simple. His writing is honest, and has broad emotional depth. Reminds me a bit of Vic Chestnut.

Some of my favourite sessions were with young players who were focussed on their songs, not the glitter of stardom, nor carrying the 'know-it-all' attitude we all know and despise. There is hope for the future generation.

I agree with Ollie: Made You Cry Last Night has the shizz.

I wish I had that writing talent as a kid.

thx for posting!

[Kammy J]

I think he's got some potential! Songs are sort of boring though, and I'm not sure about the whole Tom Delonge vocal thing he's trying to pull off. If I had to give him one line of advice, I'd tell him to try to sing naturally without the pop punk front, because that may hold him back.
Hey! I used to do it too!

I know you're going for an intimate sound, but try putting a little reverb on those vox!

[Ollie]

I guess I do not totally understand your response. The kid is a 7th grader. I see some really good natural potential for him. I do not think he is trying to emulate any one in particular, but I do know that he does enjoy listening to Death Cab for Cutie. So that may be an influence

There was a subtle verb on the vox. I guess for you taste more would of been better. That is a thought. I think he is pretty damn good at turning a phrase already and I would expect him to grow even more melodically and as a word smith. For a 7th grader, I was impressed. As far as your advice on his singing, I think just allowing him to grow and make some choices along the way is the encouraging and smart thing to do presently. If needed, he does know a pretty famous pop rock songwriter that could give him any needed direction vocally and musically.

Thanks for giving it a listen though.

Originally Posted by Kammy J

I think he's got some potential! Songs are sort of boring though, and I'm not sure about the whole Tom Delonge vocal thing he's trying to pull off. If I had to give him one line of advice, I'd tell him to try to sing naturally without the pop punk front, because that may hold him back.
Hey! I used to do it too!

I know you're going for an intimate sound, but try putting a little reverb on those vox!

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Kammy J

I think he's got some potential! Songs are sort of boring though, and I'm not sure about the whole Tom Delonge vocal thing he's trying to pull off. If I had to give him one line of advice, I'd tell him to try to sing naturally without the pop punk front, because that may hold him back.
Hey! I used to do it too!

I know you're going for an intimate sound, but try putting a little reverb on those vox!

LMFAO!~ you did read that the kid is a 7th grader, right!@? And I personally like the drier vocals. No need to teach the kid to hide behind grease while he's still developing

Pretty darn good for his age. All the power to him.