For Unit 9, I have decided to do a compilation of a band, instead of an album. This has been permitted by my tutor as I did worry I would have to cover an album, but I can’t say I really listen to albums. For example, I know every song on the album ‘Nevermind’ by Nirvana but can’t say I’ve ever listened to the album as I just have all the songs on one of my spotify playlists as well as others on there too. However I do listen to one album which is ‘The Kick Inside’ album by Kate Bush, although I wasn’t really sure about covering it.
What I have decided to cover, is a compilation of six Libertines songs, as I am a huge fan of them, having listened to them since I was young, and also attending one of their shows back in December 2019. The other reason I have chosen this is because I am going to be singing and playing guitar, instead of drumming. This is a massive step for me and I am nervous just thinking about it. Singing is always something I have enjoyed, but I have never sung in front of anyone other than my parents and close family, due to having practically no confidence. But, I really want to use my unit 9 as the reason to get myself out there with singing, and to get some real judgement on if I’m actually good, instead of my parents just being overly nice and me hoping they are telling the truth. I think the ‘Libertines’ sound definitley suits my voice more then most options I considered. From what I’ve sung and taught myself on guitar in the past, I’ve much prefered to do the indie/punk type as I enjoy singing it and it’s still challenging.
The guitar section of the songs I have chosen is reasonably difficult for me, considering I’ve only been playing since the first lockdown, I think it’s a challenge for me (I taught myself) but it is able to be done. It’s all chords, but the changes are fast, and singing at the same time can make it hard for me, but I will get used to it after a while. The reason I am not drumming is because I want to try and broaden my skills, and I think that using my unit 9 to do this, is a perfect idea. I like challenging myself, especially at the fact that I am singing and playing guitar, which is completely unexpected!! When people have asked, they have all been shocked and said “Oh you can sing?”, and my response being something a long the lines of, erm I don’t know. Again just showing the real lack of confidence that I have, but I am really hoping that this unit will benefit me a lot, and improve my confidence in myself as a musician and a person.
The six songs I have chosen to do are…
- Don’t Look Back Into The Sun
- Can’t Stand Me Now
- Gunga Din
- You’re My Waterloo
- Time For Heroes
- Music When The Lights Go Out
Charts for the six songs:
- Don’t Look Back Into The Sun
2. Can’t Stand Me now
3. Gunga Din
4. You’re My Waterloo
5. Time For Heroes
6. Music When The Lights Out
Below I have attached the links to the videos of me practicing my Unit 9 songs… they range from now to the last month or two ago, I will do my best to place them in order. They should have the dates in the title of the video.
https://youtu.be/-xe51ajHAR0 (music when the lights go out)
https://youtu.be/k2gxS5b87MM (you’re my waterloo)
The way i’m going to show you my results for my song compilation, is of another six youtube videos, but of course they will be videos of the songs when I have perfected them as best as i can! Although it’s not a studio recording like others have done, I find that this is a challenge for me as I am already just nervous just having my voice heard by my tutor! I’m hoping these below videos will be good enough as my final project…
Also, I will chat at the end of each video to show you my evaluation of each one and how I thought it went!
Don’t Look Back Into The Sun
Can’t Stand Me Now
Gunga Din
You’re My Waterloo
Time For Heroes
Music When The Lights Go Out
Here is the video of me doing my evaluation! I have chosen to video myself talking instead of me writing as I think it’ll make much more sense!
I hope that this Unit is okay! I’ve definitely tried as best as i can!
Fran Adams Drums 