Home » Follow The Water
Follow The Water
A collaborative song with a screen-split video
Approximate reading time: 3 minutes
Current weather: 12°C (Sunny)
Liner Notes
@elesimo[archived]: I've been wanting to do a 4-way video collaboration for a while, so this year I asked for volunteers before FAWM started (https://fawm.org/forums/topic/10929/). We managed to assemble a total of 7 groups, but unfortunately @cairobraga[archived] had technical problems and had to drop out of my group.
As soon as I listened to what @fireball[archived] and @brownium[archived] had written I thought that @carleybaer[archived] would be perfect for vocals! I sent her a message and was able to recruit her to our group a few days before the end of FAWM.
I love how this song turned out, it has such a warm upbeat mood to it that I couldn't stop smiling while playing. This went way beyond any expectations I had for this challenge! Thank you all for collaborating!
@carleybaer[archived]: @elesimo[archived] tapped me to step in with lyric/vocals when @cairobraga[archived] succumbed to tech issues. I was intrigued by the concept of a video collab but was too shy to speak up in the forum, so I took this as a sign that I should do it, and I'm glad I did! It had such a calming, happy vibe. It reminded me of waking up in a new city and going out to explore (but to be fair, in these no-travel times, everything reminds me of that lol). I think it turned out really well and I'm eternally grateful to these chaps for letting me jump in 😀
@brownium[archived]: I loved the idea of a video collaboration. In my head, this was an exquisite corpse-style collab. When @fireball[archived] sent me his bit, I realized we had a complete song structure, and I needed to add something to it. And that is exactly how you grow - find yourself thrust into an unexpected situation and find a way to make something of it. My part here was quite small compared to what the rest of the group did, and probably wildly complicated the stitching by @elesimo[archived], but I can say that I am extremely happy to be part of this finished product. Many, many thanks, @fireball[archived], @carleybaer[archived], and @elesimo[archived].
@fireball[archived]: this was the first thing that i did in february. to play it through relatively clean, on video, required more practicing than i normally do… and i think this was about my 15th take. then my little instrumental faded back into my mind as i spent the rest of the month churning out lyrics and recordings. the final product got posted at the end of the month, and i’m still processing all its parts and how it developed. @brownium[archived]’s additions are so tasteful and great, and his video parts are priceless. @elesimo[archived] deserves triple credit --- not just for organizing the challenge and organizing/complementing/editing this video song --- but also for actively recruiting the shy @carleybaer[archived]. the lyrics and vocals are wonderful. i almost always write lyrics first, so i’m keenly interested in going the other way. since i practiced my part so much, i knew there was a 50% bonus when the 3rd “verse” rolled around, and the longer faster lines are so so good. “time making music is time well spent.” indeed. thanks so much to all of you.
Lyrics
When the sunrise Hits your sleepy eyes It's time to put on the day So you step outside Expectations high Ready to be carried away CHORUS Follow the water That's where I go Follow the water Somewhere I don't know Follow the water It sings to my soul Follow the water When you're new in town Have a look around Find yourself a new routine Flowers everywhere New words in the air Time to see what can be seen CHORUS BRIDGE/INTERLUDE Sandals in the sand New money in your hand And nowhere you have to be Maybe find your way To a sidewalk cafe Revel in being so free Not lonely even though you're all alone Don't need to bother with the telephone Grab a book and a pen and an instrument Time making music is time-well spent And when you're done, in the setting sun CHORUS BRIDGE/OUT
Comments
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Wow!
Really lovely textures in the pads, banjo, and really sweet vocal, with some light drums. This turned out really well, flute, and is that the macarena on the piano take?? I enjoyed when you all were clapping in time, that was a neat element. Great work!
This is wonderful! So warm and feel-good and lovely, it genuinely brought tears to my eyes. Love the banjo, and @brownium dancing and clapping along made me smile (plus flute!), @elesimo's guitar and shaker fill out the mix beautifully and @carleybaer's vocal is beautiful, this is one of my favourite songs I've heard all month.
This looks and sounds so joyous! Love seeing your bodies move. And the orange flowers!
This is bloody gorgeous. well done all of you xx
Great - awesome! i like videos songs - i enjoy your interaction! All around very beautyful <3
Really fun vibe to this song. Nice to see everyone smiling and enjoying themselves on this wonderful collaboration.
I JUST LOVE VIDEO SONGs. Enjoyed the interaction of the players....you guys were having fun. AWESOME COLLAB
I JUST LOVE VIDEO SONGs. Enjoyed the interaction of the players....you guys were having fun. AWESOME COLLAB
It's big fun to see you all having fun. Is it @brownium having multiple fun? I like how the banjo plays a major role. Such relaxed singing by @carleybaer - all of you play in a very supporting manner. This sounds like a complete song already rehearsed.
Oooh, this is so very nice! What a treat!
Wow how did you manage this? We're you playing at the same time or recording everything on her/his own? This sounds so damn good. A lit of good musicians here. And a good vibe. One of the best video collabs ive seen.
That was awesome! Love the video of it all (which frankly intimidates me more than even learning a DAW does) so mad props to all of you for pulling that off, especially the triplicate of @brownium I think.
Something about the flute and banjo playing in unison sounds like a steel drum. Light-hearted tune about living in the moment, which is so very hard to do, but sounds worth the effort in this song.
This turned out amazing! It does come across as something you'd been rehearsing for a while too, so really great job all around everybody. Though I will say I was slightly disappointed when ........is it @brownium? in the top right actually started playing the piano as that was some pretty fancy nonplaying that was really making me laugh 🤣 I too like that the banjo is the driving instrument in this and everything else blends so nicely really great job all around!
A joyous and lovely song. Everybody says that cos it's true so I'll go technical. Congratulations on the succesful 4-way vid! It's not simple, it's not easy despite what everyone says and what you've achieved here is pretty damn flawless. Applause!
this looks like a lot of fun...great job, folks!
LOVE this!!! great collab song but omg the video is fabulous!!
Wow, I'd love to collaborate in this way. What a lovely tune. Well done, everyone!
This sounds so positively positive, what a great vibe,love the vocal delivery! The video just adds to the general fuzzy feelings of fawmishness! Love the breakdown section and the handclaps are great. In fact it's exciting to see everyone going for the different instruments during the song. I think the banjo sounds awesome, but it's the whole band experience and the joy on your faces that really lifts the song. Super!