Kings College invited me and Jordan Luck to be judges at one of their House Music competitions. I...
The world has taken time to pay attention to the songs of those who live on planet earth. That’s a simple observation. But there is much that proves the value of these inventions And with that, the reaction of humanity is something we need to ascertain. To hold fast. It’s the wherewithal of our hearts and minds. And it happens as we learn to ‘believe in’ songs. And why do we believe? After all - what are they?
Songs are unique constructions that have two components.
“What! Only two?”
“That’s right. C’est two!”
They are a simple formula and take no time at all to be forged into a reality. Words and music. Play two guitar chords over and over. If you can’t do that ask your next door neighbour. That may work. Get someone to create a musical subtext for you. Countdown to 1 and then you can start……How about:
A C major then a D major. Then another C then another D. And so on. Maybe throw in an A minor. That’ll work! Then pin those chords to the psychic wall. Make them special and eternal. Throw them all out for everyone to hear. And sing words to whatever melody your voice brings to bare. Melodies have a vibrancy in their potential to be simply spontaneous. Tell your story as you sing. Or recite. What might those words be? Words like these written by Olive Mortimer who was at Rangitoto College when she took the words from her imagination and the music from her colourful past and put them together.
Her smashed perfume bottle on the floor
Runs her fingers through it
Vanilla galore
And Red nails chipped
She deserves it
Dad thinks
“Red’s asking for it”
Words and music that merge together such that the listener forges their own understanding and ponders. It’s that simple. But if someone’s song takes its fabric out across our planet and is heard and loved by many thousands of people then we have a scenario where a vast amount of talent needs to be brought to the surface. It needs to be realized. And then there’s a chance for a permanent reality. A song that comes to be with an audience that is massive. A classic case of joy in the listening of the masses.
Yes. Words and music much as outlined here and when rated by a panel of judges, run a gauntlet from whereby they may be selected for a professional recording session.
With the secondary school songwriting competitions in place through the Play It Strange trust, there are hundreds of songs written, recorded and submitted that are a true indication of young NZers. But where their truth is really at hand is when they tell us about the inspirations behind their compositions.
‘Inside’ - Declan Matthews
Kerikeri High School, Bay of Islands
Best Lyric Award 2024
I wrote this song about self-worth, self-confidence, and the aftermath of a relationship. I tried to really exaggerate those feelings.
‘Lambs Aren’t Waking Yet’ - Keira Wallace
Taieri College, Dunedin
National Winner 2024
“Lambs Aren’t Waking Yet” draws from a childhood experience of my cat catching a wild bunny just before a trip to my grand-mother’s home in Geraldine. I begged to bring it along and nurse it back to health, and when we arrived, I distraughtly unveiled a deceased bunny to my grandmother.
‘Aku Karu Pohewa’ - Uta Te Whanga Ripia-McGregor
Te Kura Maori o Porirua, Porirua
Te Reo Maori Winner 2024
This waiata speaks of how I feel about my Koro and his journey over the last ten years since he suffered a severe stroke. Emotional challenges for me are that he is nonverbal and reliant on his wheelchair. He is a strong man now dependent on his children, mokopuna and extended whanau.
‘Be There With You’’ - Joy Feng accompanied by Auckland Philharmonia Aspiring Musicians
Westlake Girls High School, Auckland
Peace Song Winner 2024
I got inspiration from my family and siblings because I realised no matter how we are different from each other, we’ll always protect and stand for each other no matter what. So, I added a lot of Chinese traditional elements in my song to remind me of where I am from. I have always had a dream of making music, this is something I have been wanting to do. I believe music can be expressed not only by lyrics, but any element you want.
