Finals! I honestly can’t believe I made it this far. Thank you to everyone who’s been apart of this journey, the judges, participants, and viewers. I can’t thank you enough for your support. Welcome to Into the Fray: My Original Song/Animatic! Anyway, this project is pretty unique as far my SGT projects go. Unlike the others, this was a completely original concept, made up specifically for the competition (Bride of Frankenstein sheet music had been floating around on my computer for years, alongside character designs for Victor and the Monster, Stars in Her Eyes, though lacking any concrete documentation, had been a concept for a least a year, Eyes of Gold was one of my oldest compositions, and Eve was in development for a least a few months) I was messing around with a few melodies, and came up for the concept for the first verse while driving home right after the finals came out. So, unlike the others, this was a true one-month project. I have a lot more well-documented WIP stuff for this song, so I’ve included it in a “behind the scenes” sprite - check it out if you’re interested in my process! So, the concept: Basically, this song is the story of a pair of sisters, the adventurous Blake and more responsible Eloise. Blake wants to explore the world, and while Eloise doesn’t really want to go, she can’t just let her little sister go alone, can she? I tried to make the sisters’ differences really shine through in their design, both visual and audio. Blake’s design has a focus on asymmetry, from her cloak to her hair to her freckles and scars. She’s also meant to stand out, with her vibrant orange outfit and flushed skin in contrast to both Eloise and the background. Eloise, however, is very symmetrical and subdued, with earthy tones and more formal attire. You might notice, though, that her earrings are one of the few asymmetrical things about her, foreshadowing her turn toward a more adventurous mindset by the end of the song. Musically, Blake is represented by the ukulele and glockenspiel, with Eloise represented by the piano and shaker, so their verses feel vastly different Lyrics: [Blake] Just past the city limit There lies a river blue White fish are swimming in it Who knows where they’re swimming to But if I could just go out and Stand at the river’s edge I’d see the stormy mountains And the sunrise glowing red And I wanna climb that mountain I wanna see everything this world can show I wanna just come out and Say, “I’m ready,” come on let’s go And I’m packin’ a back And I’m takin’ you with me Come on now, there’s so much to explore And I’m wondering if we Should’ve left a couple weeks before The rain fell It’s wet and yet we’re still okay Yeah, oh well It’s time to dive into the fray [Eloise] I know you think that this is Just some kind of game But every arrow that misses Chips away at our luck just the same And yeah, there’s danger If you stop to look You’re waving to a stranger I wish we could go home and read a book Why must we climb a mountain? What was so wrong with our old life at home? Why must we both go out today On an adventure that’s not my own? Why did you pack me a bag? I’m not the type to go explore And if you call me a drag Don’t forget how I kept you safe before Let’s just go home Where it is all so lovely Why won’t you stop? Why won’t you listen to me? [Blake and Eloise] Why can’t you understand [Blake] That I want to see the world? [Eloise] The world is dangerous! [Blake and Eloise] Why can’t you understand That I just want the best for you? [Blake] Without me You wouldn’t have any fun at all [Eloise] Without me You’d lose your way, I promise you [Blake and Eloise] You need me And I need you, I guess I love you That’s all that matters [Blake and (Eloise)] Just past the city limit (Just past reason there’s your fun) There lies a sister who (But even if you) Won’t let me drown in each (Won’t let me go home I’m glad I’m with someone) River that I fall into (And yeah, there’s) Danger could stare me in the (Danger if you stop to look) Face and if not for you (You’re walking into) These storms could blow me into (These storms, smiling in the) Places I can’t smile through (Pictures that we took) [Blake and Eloise] I wanna climb a mountain But only if you’re climbing next to me I wanna just come out and Say, “I need you” like you need me [Blake and (Eloise)] And I’m packin’ a bag And I’m takin’ you with me (I’m glad you packed me a bag) Come on now, there’s so much to explore (Come on now, there’s so much to explore) And I’m wondering if we (I’ll prove that I’m not a drag) Should’ve left a couple weeks before (I’ll leap across the open moor) Just stay close (Until we’re home let’s make the most of each day) Let’s make the most of every day (Let’s climb a mountain) It’s almost (Touch the sun) Time to dive into the fray (It’s time to dive into the fray) It’s time to dive into the fray (It’s time to dive into) [Blake and Eloise] It’s time to dive into the fray
I learned to draw clothes! (Kinda) Keyword for voting: Magnificent Credits: Concept, Song, Lyrics, Vocals, Accompaniment, Ukulele, Piano, Mixing, Art, Code: Me Other instruments synthesized by Flat Recorded with BandLab I tried to differentiate Blake and Eloise’s voices a little, with Blake being more forward, like in musical theater, with Eloise being more rounded, like classical singing. It kind of falls apart on the high notes (like, without the visuals, would you be able to tell who’s who during the bridge? Probably not) But, I guess they’re sisters, so it makes sense for them to sound pretty similar. Anyway, please check out the behind the scenes sprite if you’re interested in my process! I’ve had a few questions about it, so hopefully this answers them a little better than my descriptions have. Thanks again!
