Interpolations
They are the musical version of sampling. A tried and true process of creative expression.
I learned a new word recently, “interpolation”.
the addition of something different in the middle of a text, piece of music, etc. or the thing that is added:
An actor reads the poems in English translation, with brief musical interpolations.
- Cambridge Dictionary.
As I’ve recounted previously, I spent a few weeks back home, N. Canada. My best friend turned 65 and we held a weekend long party. He’s a musician and I hung out with many of his musician friends. One in particular - Rob, a precocious “idiot savant” of the music scene and mighty decent keyboardist to boot.
Somehow or other, this song of mine came on.
I was surprised it was liked and Rob kindly informed me it was musically, legally, for licensing purposes an “interpolation”. He told me that it allowed for “remixing” without permission so long as its “sampling” is additive. You insert your own words/meaning and own music over the original. It’s a special kind of interpretation. A tribute to the original artist(s) though parady (you remember Weird Al Yankovic?) is the exception. Remember Eat It?
I’ve been “interpolating” for a long time it seems. You can find a playlist here with some more of these song creations - Amazed by Bliss. Gotta Hurt Somebody. Nobody Knows. Bastards of War and more …
I make no claims of musical genius and brillance. These songs are more just of my wild, poetic spirit and an example to others to just put your voice out there, be creative and alive. Here’s how typically these songs are born and popped out.
My steps whilst creating an interpolation:
Cycle long. My music isn’t in my ears, that’s too dangerous when riding. So I’m listening to it from a tiny speaker. Often, it is rather noisy and I can’t make out the lyrics at all. But I can hear the melody. I then sing my own words, vocalize my own version and take. If I want to make a song, I’ll record my bike “screech”.
Internalize. I get home and listen to my singing. I find what lines work, which ones don’t. I get this pattern in my head.
Music. I will remove the vocals from my recording. Usually using Audacity or Wavepad, two tools I’m very familiar with. I’ll edit the background music, add what is needed. Slow, speed up. Change the pitch. Much more.
Record. I put the music on and just freestyle it. I’ll sing and record. Sometimes it is one take. Sometimes it takes a few attempts. I use the lyrics I came up with on the bike but also just put in new lines, go where the music takes me. The final output is more natural.
Produce. I’ll add an image. Edit and filter the final take combining music and vocals. Export. Boom - an “interpolation” is born.
I’ve been doing this kind of thing for a long, long time. It first started with me becoming the “Karaoke King” when teaching ESL in Toronto in the 90s. Then later in Korea early 2000s.
Kids were bored with grammar and book lessons so I brought in a Karaoke machine and we learned English by song. Eventually, I started making my own karaoke tracks using Karafun and background karaoke music. Students loved it and we created songs together. For over a decade, I did workshops all over the world, showing teachers how to do this. I was joined by so many teachers throughout the years - my fav. memory of this time was collaborations with an American teacher in Vietnam, Ken Darling. What a voice! Here is one video example we co-produced - Starry, Starry Night.
On my educational YouTube channel, I have made many, many of these styles of videos for kids. Here is my latest - my own total interpolation - I Am A Sandwich.
Enjoy these “sounds” I’ve produced. My own contribution to the “remix revolution”. When the spirit comes over me, more to come … let the music run through you. It uplifts, it heals, it lends life itself.
