Music is a universal language. I have become amazed by Bobby McFerrin because the way he sees music is through the eyes of a child. You may recognixe his name from ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy‘. When you were young, everything excited you, and everything seemed ‘awesome’ and ‘different’. As we grow, we tend to stop being surprised, trying new things, and staying interested. Its important to never lose that – and Bobby McFerrin hasn’t.
He also has another performance where he beat boxes, which blew me away! But this time The World Science Fair was his stage during his pentatonic scale audience song. As the name implies – the scale is called ‘Penta’ because it has 5 notes in it, and the audience fills up the other notes without his assistance. It shows the universal understanding of music, the power of what it can do to us, and the wave of emotion and awe it can leave us with.
Big thanks to my good friend Jack Sparks for letting me know about this!
Wired had a store opening party the other day in NYC’s MeatPacking District.
Moby was spinning on the tables as the special guest, and there were a lot of cool peeps there, many of who I had no clue who they were, but they were surrounded by people. I’m more about internet culture, so I tend to do bad when it comes to pop culture. I couldn’t tell you who half these people are when I attend events. It’s just as well, because when I talk with them I find our conversations are extremely fun, interesting, and authentic.
I enjoy everything Wired writes about. I made the connection last year while I was asked to attend the Shorty Awards after NY Time’s Jenna Wortham wrote about my music show. Wired Magazine is always in the know of cool new things that are happening, and all the people there are awesome. Was thrilled to reconnect with friends like Dan Patterson, Jenna Landry, and met tons of more people.
There was a moment throughout the night when I was with the Shamwow Guy, and once again I didn’t know who he was. Super cool guy, and we were talking for a while. I went back and took a picture with him anyway because everyone told me to.
Ehhh… so I spent my time meeting tons of people and telling them about For Orchestra and learning about what they do. I’m always way more interested in learning other people’s motives, stories, and perspectives on things. I even spoke with Moby, and may be doing his favorite song soon! So what’s his favorite song – you’ll have to wait to find out – I hope to be doing it in a few weeks!
I just thought this was so cool, I already watched it 5 times today. When a composer for an orchestra, you begin to look at instruments different. You write different songs, try and integrate multiple arts into one, break down walls, take chances. This video is a breathe of that vision. I’ve seen (and written) for odd instruments and ensembles. I’ve composed for a pile of bricks, and had ideas for some of my music. Its all in experimentation. Its the only way to grow, by simply learning from your mistakes. “If it scares you do it.” Well, here’s a video that is new, and fresh, and is scary when considering the hours and ‘what ifs’ that they had when they started.
If orchestral arrangements are more your thing, then this reminded me of the Two Guys One Flute video. There is also the Guitar Duet. But this is different, because there’s a connection between the two performers. It draws you in. In addition, it appears to be much more advanced than the other 2 videos – not that the other two aren’t advanced – they are. But this video moved me, both in its performance, and the connection between the two performers. When the performers are authentic and enjoying their work, the audience takes notice. There is nothing more important to a composer, because to write the music is one thing, but leave your audience changed is another.
“Code Monkey have every reason to get out this place ”
One of my biggest inspirations is Jonathan Coulton. His songs are licensed Creative Commons, which allows you to remix them, send them to friends, and more. So when I started seeing people arrange his work, I thought “I wonder if I can do that For Orchestra!” And so there you have it – that perhaps JoCo is the reason of how I even came up with this idea in the first place. But after I arranged it, I kept doing other songs every few months, and it wasn’t until a few months ago, when I decided to tackle this head on.
The brass take the ending chorus in this piece, which is a remix of the one I made years ago. I also added a monstrous percussion section: Xylaphone, Anvil, Drums, Harp, Orchestra Chimes, Triangle, and Timpani. Looking back at how I was years ago is something that makes me appreciate all the hours I work on my craft. But improvement as a musician isn’t simply about better production, arranging, or writing. Its about being a better person all around. Life is about improvement, and change.
This song means alot to me, not only because it was the first of all the pieces I had done, but because Coulton’s songs (while covering everything from IKEA, to Zombies) are also about “breaking away from the mold.” He broke away from his job to pursue his dream, and the lyrics of Code Monkey represent that. It could be relationships, friends, your car, or even your career – If you don’t like something you change it. You do this until all the chips fall on your lap, and everything in your life makes you smile. Everything.
I was asked to hang out at StadiumRed earlier in the week – and shot some video for everyone. They have a large space (perfect for orchestras!) and some really cool stuff going on over at the studio. Big ups to Claude for asking me to stop over – lots of space, great acoustics, and a fantastic location over in NYC Harlem at 125h Street.
Claude Zdanow began StadiumRed a little over 2 years ago – a space that was previously occupied by Ornette Coleman. We recently crossed paths at CMJ this year at an event they ran that week. I was there with Rachel Miller which Sonic Scoop also briefly covered.
Lined up against the wall are Grammy’s, Platinum Albums, and more – with a team that even included Ariel Borujow and Tom Lazarus who work with T.I., P.Diddy, and more. I saw no orchestra credits, and yes – i was deeply saddened.
Awesome guys. Check out the vid – its really an amazing space.
BTW Don’t forget to follow us both on Twitter:
Me = @WaltRibeiro
Claude Zdanow = @StadiumRed
Every week Walt Ribeiro releases a new song arranged 'for orchestra'. He's covered MGMT, Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Motley Crue, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, The Cure, Guns N Roses and more.
Then please buy me a pizza so I can keep doing this. Or feel free to purchase the music and tell your friends. Anything helps, and I appreciate your support as I get this off the ground!
Jenna Wortham and I
(L to R) Sonali Bijor from 
