Sam Melvin - Music Production

For my project, I chose to focus on music production and the making of an EP (short album). One of my goals was play and produce (record) all elements in my songs with very little, to no outside help. People might assume that going into music production after having experience writing might be easy, but I have learned that, despite sharing qualities, playing and writing are two different jobs entirely. Despite the learning curve at the beginning (which was an experience on its own), I went on to start writing songs which I am quite proud of creating. My goal for these songs was a fun, pop-like setting with darker undertones. This odd creation is not quite the easiest thing to comprehend or, ironically, listen to, but it carries weight in that it tells a story. 

Despite how successful I personally felt after making this fever dream of an album, it had an odd shift in tone almost instantly after a brainstorming session. I started off the semester wanting to make something serious, but I felt like it did not truly reflect the work I wanted to present. Sadly, this caused an early identity crisis for this passion project which remained for a large portion of the time. I had felt down about the venture and the way it was becoming just another “pop album” that would disappear with time. That is, until inspiration came from a ‘Thank You!’ card found in my desk when I threw my music drafts aside in disappointment. I’m not sure what sparked this revelation. It could’ve been the combo of sleep deprivation and a new view that lead my crusade. Powered by nothing but Catharsis, I immediately picked up all my notes and relished in the idea that despite it being my first album, “Why should I be so serious?”. All the work I had done up to the point was still used in this current satire album, but with the sick twist added to it, it really gave the felling of loose ideas outside the box. In that pivot I felt like my work was truly born and had the identity to match.

Despite setbacks, and through my own drive and stubbornness, I feel like I have done something that many others might not - I persevered. This makes me very proud of all I achieved this semester even if I am an amateur at songwriting - both the struggles I have conquered and/or deferred, and the many hours put toward this wondrous goal. After challenging myself to do in a semester what professional teams struggle to do over a year, and while working through a global pandemic,I am quite proud of all I have conquered and my successes. I would like to thank my support team for helping me get this far. I would also like to thank my peers for making this semester great, my teachers for never giving up on me, and, finally, my parents. I look forward to next year with great interest with new ideas, greater understanding, and moxie.

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