Written in a 3 AM session as a newlywed and recorded with his wife on backing vocals, this track trades polish for honesty, pushing a sweeping, stereo-drifting string section to the front to argue that loyalty and trust outlast any surface-level beauty. Here for Ya by George Moore is this month’s MusicSpot!
What’s the real meaning of this track beneath the surface? (2–3 sentences)
The meaning of this track is the rejection of external beauty as a measurement of value. There will always be a more attractive or youthful person than your significant other, but true beauty exists in the bonds of commitment between a couple. Sometimes we have to ignore the spectacles that the world displays and focus on the art that is our significant other. Dopamine and Oxytocin are easy to come by, but loyalty and trust are rare commodities.
What line (or moment) is the emotional core of the track? (quote + why)
The emotional core of the track is actually towards the end of the song, "Shut up, they want us to split up, they'll never get with us, we live with our status on 'grow', Average in looks but the baddest at heart, when we start we depart from the lavish and low." Oftentimes it seems like the world pushes instability, drama, and pain as some superior form of art. That prevailing perspective can seep into our subconscious and make us seek out relationships that align with those negative influences, or alternatively it can separate lovers from each other. Still, when we focus on loyal love, we begin to realize that we don't need the highs of a lavish lifestyle, nor to be content with considering ourselves beneath others... We just need to start on the path towards growth.
What was the first spark? (lyric / riff / groove / sound / concept)
The first spark was the feeling of commitment I felt towards my wife, we were newlyweds at the time so I was overcome by waves of happiness intertwined with anxiety. The instrumental of the song (though unbalanced) spoke to me and made me want to write about what I needed in a woman. I eventually came to the conclusion that my now wife provided what I sought in a woman and had an even greater value beyond her external beauty, and the things I already knew. A loose concept for the song began forming in my mind, and in a bout of hypo-mania, I pulled a 4hr (3 AM) session, fleshed out some simple yet (subjectively) heartfelt lyrics/recordings for the song, and roped my wife into doing backing vocals, so that it could be a shared experience.
What was the hardest part, and how did you solve it? (one problem + one solution)
The hardest part in making the song was the vocal performance quality, I was stuck with a microphone that spotlighted the issues in my (at the time largely untreated) room and recovering voice (I used to be a habitually excessive tobacco user). The song had me being more vulnerable than usual, I had never written about love in a positive manner before, but bad acoustics and an untrained singing voice posed a significant obstacle when performing.
I solved the issue by focusing more on the message than attempting to make the vocals sound like a polished record done by a pro vocalist, Instead I chose to significantly alter the arrangment's balance and bring subtle instrumentation to the forefront (to somewhat mask my recordings issues). Though the mix is far from perfect, it still accomplished emotionally what I set out to convey.
If the track’s world was one image/scene, what is it?
The scene of the track's world would definitely be two lovers holding on to each other after a 'Titanic-like' disaster, while trying to stay afloat in a sea of distraction and hardship. I've always had a deep fear of the ocean, it represents struggle and danger in my mind, so it only felt right to make the cover art symbolize that. No lifeboats, no land insight, just the love between two people keeping the couple afloat. Something about that visual resonated with me while making the song.
Which production element carries the feeling the most?
The production element that carries the feeling the most is definitely the string section that somewhat pans in the stereo field, it represents the symphony of our lives and connections, and how they are always in motion. Many producers would probably dial it back, like it was in the original arrangement i heard for the song (so it wouldn't compete with the vocals), I chose the opposite, balance isn't always the most emotional solution. Though, I had to sacrifice much of the movement and width of the song to make it not unbearably distracting. Can't win every battle.
Which production element carries the feeling the most?
I would definitely tell the listeners to focus on the lyrics in the first verse, though not sung the best, they relay feelings that (though not universal) can easily be understood. My Dad used to say "feelings aren't real" (He recanted that mantra recently), yet I believe that the majority of feelings are valid, they are unintentional reactions and insights on who we are, our struggles, and what we cherish. Sometimes a song isn't about the reaction of the audience, but an expression of an ideal the artist wishes people would adopt. I enjoyed making this song, and hope listeners can piece together the thesis within the track.
Credits:
Hido - Beatmaker
George L. Moore III - Executive/Additional producer, Artist, Lyricist, Recording/Mixing Engineer
Jonas W. K. -Mastering Engineer
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