When I created WFY, I had something simple in mind. I remember thinking about the Joni Mitchell songs that I used to listen to (Both Sides Now, Chelsea Morning and so on). I’ve always liked the sound of alternative tunings as it, and so I opted for the DadGad tuning and come up with a guitar riff for the song. I really liked the simplicity of the guitar melody and I felt like it was memorable.
“With the lyrics for WFY, I seemed to be drawn towards themes like patience and commitment”
I don’t always know what a song will be about. With the lyrics for WFY, I seemed to be drawn towards themes like patience and commitment. To me, WFY is about the highs and lows of a relationship- a promise of encouragement and support. In the song, there is gratitude for how people can make life more vibrant.
During the drafting stage, I reworked the verses, bridge and chorus. In fact, the final lead vocal melody is a little different from my original voice memos. I wrote the middle 8 during the production process. I felt that WFY needed that middle part because I had more to say! In the acoustic version of the song, the lyrics “And it’s funny how/You filled a space/In my life” became the last section of the song- I thought it was a meaningful way to end it.
“What started off as an acoustic song turned into an uplifting pop track”
I produced the song in my bedroom. This time I executed the majority of the production process (apart from mixing and mastering). It was my first time recording, producing and arranging music from home on proper equipment, although I had been in the studio before and recorded songs. You can hear an example by listening to my song Grow.
I can’t say that I had a specific plan for the production process. What started off as an acoustic song turned into an uplifting pop track. My mindset was this: add a drum beat and see if it works, add some piano and experiment with backing vocals. In fact, I love harmonies and I’m trying to use them more often!
“…My aim was to embrace my lower register even more than I already do, because there is beauty in being able to hit those low notes”
In WFY, my aim was to embrace my lower register even more than I already do, because there is beauty in being able to hit those low notes. Thus, I decided to just sing in a register that was comfortable for me. I consider myself a lyrical Alto (I’m not sure if that’s even a thing!)
Recording and producing music can be challenging at times. However, making WFY was an immersive, creative and enjoyable experience.
Pre-save (Spotify) the acoustic version of Wait For You so that it saves to your library on 7th January 2022.
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/afialorraine/wait-for-you-acoustic-version
Stream WFY on these platforms
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3zlPIXkZKr9nPh4XPy06BH?si=CmxiwAtJQISJxJny4JB9aQ[
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMMC2UNDNWI
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/afialorraine/afia-lorraine-wait-for-you?si=e3504afcd27f44e58cb3858597471fde
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/wait-for-you-single/1587507979?uo=4&app=music&at=1001lry3&ct=dashboard
Afia Lorraine 