New Song: Listen
‘Listen’ is the title of the last of the 3 songs that I am releasing this month! My inspiration of writing original lyrics started with this song so it has a special place for me as this is where my journey of song-writing really started.
The song was originally a piano piece composed as a ballad but Jarome decided to experiment with the song to see what we could do with it. He tried some different ideas that I hadn’t explored before but I wasn’t sure about whether they were working. It was all so new to me and I felt I was just starting to break out of the regular mold of writing music that I was used to. So we tried several different versions with various arrangements. After hearing all the versions, I asked for a simpler arrangement with strings but felt it didn’t work either. We left the song for quite a while to just let it sit and see how it felt after a few months. I finally decided to go with a version with original drums because it had more impact and energy. With Jarome’s recommendation, we changed the structure of the song quite a bit and added a stronger chorus with the background harmonies you will hear with the words, ‘Listen to how I feel.’ It finally felt right and I’m ecstatic with the result of the song. I’m tempted to let you hear the original version with the piano. I may decide to post it in a subsequent blog just for fun so you can hear the difference and how far it has come.
I won’t share the meaning of ‘Listen’ in this blog as Ill let you create your own idea of the meaning of the song. Let me know what you think. Enjoy!
You can hear ‘Listen’ below:
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For more information for downloading the new songs, please click here.
Tags: Edge of Forever, Listen, New song, original lyrics
1902
February 13th, 2010 at 7:11 am
I know I’m biased Elika, but I think your voice sounds so exciting on this new style of music!
Your vocal performances are by far the best you have ever recorded on these 3 new songs, there is so much feeling and emotion, and all the little nuances that you have added to the vocals are just incredible.
I’m so proud of your work on these songs, great job!
Can’t wait to work on the next 3
February 14th, 2010 at 8:32 am
Thanks Jarome for all your support, encouragement and hard work on these songs. I’m so grateful for all the time and effort you took in making these songs sound so polished and in bringing out the best in my voice. Looking forward to working on more projects together!
February 16th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
I love this new song and new arrangement. Your voice is beautiful and uplifting as always. I like the style of music as well, the drums are a great addition. Looking forward to hearing more!
February 17th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Elika……….Wow! This is very differntly rhythmically than what I’m used to hearing
you do. Good for you! We should always be trying to reach outside of our boxes to
unexplored territory as artists. I want to do more of that myself. I love the drum
beats. The long tones that you sing over the lively drum beat is a nice contrast.
It’s like your melody is floating over the strong rhythmic base. Keep doing more of
this and keep reaching out even farther; great harmonies and a beautiful melody.
Keep up the great work!———Keith
February 18th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Hi Dear Elika,
Iloved it!
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:57 am
Love it, Elika! Love the new style and how your voice is intertwined with the tunes!
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:57 am
I am suitably impressed my dear, your voice is that of an angel. Certainly a soul from the next world is using you all to touch the hearts of millions. That voice of yours is outstanding to say the least. I love the new style. Keep doing what you are doing, and as others have said, i cannot wait for the next set of 3. Baha’i Love and greetings from New Zealand. I would love to see what you can do with that beautiful Hidden Word from Baha’u'llah, that starts out “Have you forgotten that true and radiant morn…….when beneath the shadow of the tree of life… etc.
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:54 am
Dear Elli, this is a beautiful track – as all of your work is. But this is the first time that I hear one of your pieces with drums involved. Personally, I’m somewhat partial to contemporary jazz, and this one is going that direction. I’m curious what the addition of an alto saxophone would do for one of your next recordings.
Sending you love and best wishes from all of us in the Windy City.
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Lovely!
February 22nd, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Dear Erika!
Waht a beautiful and lovely voice jou have!
Sending you best wishes from Sweden:)
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Dear Elika,
I love this song! I close my eyes when I listen to it and not only hear it but feel it. I started my Tuesday evening Interfaith devotional meeting this week with Listen. You are so talented, thak you for sharing it with us.
February 24th, 2010 at 4:01 am
Beautiful song.,Melodious voice.
I greatly
February 24th, 2010 at 5:00 am
Beautiful song ,Melodious Voice!
I greatly appreciate.
February 27th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Amazing song. Your voice has such power, effect and emotion!
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:35 am
So brilliant ,beuatifull singer,voice and the lyrics touch and reach out to the hearts everyone ,who listen to it.
March 8th, 2010 at 6:18 am
Thanks everyone for your very kind messages about ‘Listen’. I’m so thrilled that you’ve enjoyed it and shared it with others.
March 8th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
The harmonies are inspiring, and they gave me goose bumps.
Your songs are so well-done, that many bring tears to my eyes, some of joy, some of sadness, some of remembrances.
Thank you for sharing.
April 8th, 2010 at 11:42 am
I like it. Great !
April 13th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
You can sing anything! And sound great doing it. I love your vocal tones, and the passion. This is magnificent. Jarome’s production is so right on.
April 17th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Elika joon, I am one of your biggest fans! :-) The song, Listen, is very beautiful! It has become my favorite song, and I listen to it several times a day! I absolutely love the lyrics and melody! Thank you very much!
April 19th, 2010 at 6:11 am
Beautiful song! I love your voice…whatever you sing always sounds sooo beautiful!
May 14th, 2010 at 5:29 am
It’s just great!