Get Flash to see this player.
Having playback trouble, try the Quicktime player:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial
Fan List
Description:
Well, this is just my bongos (with some echo) and my voice. It's about changes, as the title implies. Making great changes in order to feel. I happen to have nothing to say unless I feel tortured. And yet who wouldn't make a drastic change to feel ecstatic? So, I'm never content.
Lyrics:
Because of my first yearnI've been singing for this long.
Who am I if I don't burn.
if nothing feels wrong
I have nothing to say.
Ashes where there once was
wood ablaze.
A tree that must turn human lays
to die of the pleasure.
The people are guitar strings,
at last
taut, stretched over,
gaping holes vast.
They separate the darkness
with their metallic sheen,
and when touched,
warm human song.
You must be registered and logged-in to comment.
Slotogenic
I think this is great! It needs nothing else. The vocals sound fantastic, espacially the "oohs". Really good writing as well. I love the line about how people are guitar strings. Excellent!
estellie
I was really surprised and happy to see that you had listened and commented. Thanks for the good words. I have missed hearing from your music.
---
*estella
ooo SISter, i salute your bravery! you make it work sans backing music with a focused intent that never veers off an invisible course.
i appreciate your beautifully relaxed vibrato - phrase endings were VERY nice thru-out. "gaping holes vast" = stellar. the ghostly harmony was the perfect thing. huevos of steel and a softly powerful creation. NICE.
anne
estellie
Your comments on my singing/phrasing mean everything coming from you. Thanks!
"Huevos of Steel": I think I'll add that to my biography? LOL.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
---
*estella
ledebutant
The empty spaces say as much as your gorgeous lyrics and even more beautiful voice.
I especially love, "Ashes where there once was wood ablaze."
estellie
I am moved by your kind compliments.
Thank you for listening. I actually respect and enjoy your songwriting very much. It's been a while since I check out your page. I will be visiting soon!
---
*estella
Feter
Charmin singin ...and feelings ...
dunno why the bongos sound so sorrow
welldone !!
estellie
I appreciate you coming to listen.
Do you say the bongos sound sorrowful? I kind of like that idea.
I was thinking, 'cause I recorded the drums first, not knowing what song I would make of them, that that this would be a cheerful piece. I guess I turned it a bit dark, but with some hope and beauty. I love the idea that my darkness could turn the feel of the drums, that the happy drums can be sorrowful, too.
---
*estella
echoroom
... and finally, you give us a new track, Ella. Stark and stripped, this is lyrically stunning ... the whole last stanza is ... beyond my capacity, i'm speechles, Your voice sounds more beautiful than ever... this is challenging, sweet poetry.
Art and song, baby... this is the real thing!
steve
estellie
That is the whole thing.
(*blush*) - too kind, Steve!
But I always look forward to hearing what you pick out of the song. I'm glad you enjoyed the last verse.
P.S. Arcade Fire put on an amazing show! You will be in for it when you go!
---
*estella
Peter Bauckham
With your voice I don't think you need any backing - Simply outstanding! Thank you.
Peter
estellie
Thanks! I really expected to get comments about how I needed this or that. I felt this could be the start of something good, but not something complete, necessarily (though I'm very proud of this, and I like it just the way it is).
Thank you for coming by to listen. I'm happy you liked it.
---
*estella
kristyjo
since I saw 'other' as your genre. But it really is interesting how you use those most elemental textures- voice and drums- and make such great music. I especially like the 'ooo's. That touch of harmony with the reverb turned up was excellent.
estellie
Thanks Maryjo,
you know, I just couldn't find a category that said, voice and drums or something to that effect. Any ideas about what category might be?
And believe it or not, There are no effects on the vocals, whatsoever. In fact (I'm ashamed to say) I didn't even bother to EQ! I basically thought this was just a quick sketch to show everybody and see what I could do with this. I'm pleasantly surprised people like it as is, so far.
I did put echoes on the bongos, however, 'cause my bongo playing leaves something to be desired! I wonder if that together with the timbre of the harmonies is what creates the reverb illusion in the vocals.
---
*estella
estellie
of course, I meant Kristyjo - please forgive me!
---
*estella
dolby
What a great track -
Fantastic voice. First song of yours I have listened to and am very impressed. Will check out your back catalogue.
Cheers,
Phil
estellie
Oh please do check out some others. I have some collabs - with APB (Alan), Musichead (Steve) and other great guys - that were a lot of fun and I'm very proud of. I would say they're very different from this, but you'd enjoy them just the same.
I'd love to return the favor soon and visit your page!
---
*estella
guitapick
...the beat's perfect for the lyrics.
estellie
I had so much fun with those drums. Actually, I'm hoping to have a song in which I use every instrument I own:
bongos
guitars
harmonica
electric piano
kazoo ;)
egg shaker
I should be a riot!
---
*estella
drakonis
I was intoxicated by your singing and harmonies, and by the implications in the lyrics, very nice sparse piece. My only suggestion would be to have the bongos, when they first start, be low in volume and slowly grow in volume before your singing starts, not sure why, but that feels like it would sound better for the song than being suddenly startled by the bongos starting. But other than that, I sure wish I could sing that beautifully... it takes talent and courage to sing a capella, and you do very nicely at it! I wish you occasional periods of stretching to reach each goal in life, and also lots of ecstatic revelry after crossing each chasm!
ttfn,
Drakonis
estellie
thanks for the good wishes. Very encouraging.
You know, I actually tried it with the drums leading up the way you described. Now I don't remember why I changed it back. Good to think about.
I'm glad you enjoyed the singing. Anne says I have huevos of steel for doing that. I'm thrilled.
---
*estella
blaky smith
Glad to hear you Estella, still more glad because this new track is excellent...
I appreciate this style and you make so good music with just this beautiful voice, you don't need many musical instruments to give us a piece so pleasant to listen...
A great talent, really, and a great performance. Bravo Estella !
Marc
estellie
so wonderful to hear from you. I'm happy you liked it. And honored by your kind words.
I hope you are doing well and will be giving us more music soon!
---
*estella
cjdaley
you're not off your bongos. Really great vocals performance, with beautiful harmonies. The guitar string metaphor is stretched over the verse,but makes warm human song as well
estellie
You're silly - "off my bongos"
Thanks for the compliments. I'm happy you came by to listen.
---
*estella
Intimate and soulful. Tremendous individual expression. Very good intonation and ornamentation. Lyrics that dig deep and twist the gizzard.
estellie
twisting of gizzards - what more can we ask of music? That's great. I am extremely flattered. Thank you for giving this a listen.
---
*estella
This has real SPINE. Beautiful lyrics, direct performance; a very refreshing challenge to the reverb-saturated, pitch-corrected path that leads so many others so woefully astray...........
I'm sorry you felt tortured, Estella, but if this is what lies on the other side, well:
take THAT!
and THAT!
and here's ANOTHER!!
estellie
Thanks for your seriously nice compliments, and added torture for inspiration ;)
I'm actually very lucky and happy at the moment, which is, strangely, not as satisfying as I thought it would be. It's like: where's the terribleness I was used to? Hence, changes - we're tortured, we want to be happy; we're happy, we want to be tortured. Humans are a crazy bunch.
---
*estella
djdrshaman
so direct, cuts right to the soul, stings at the heart. 10!
estellie
What a name you have!
I appreciate the kudos. I'm happy you liked it so much!
---
*estella
Wonderful Vocal, Wonderful Beats .. I've listened to this piece in the same moment you've upload it (3 days ago as i remember) but i haven't got the chance to comment ! This is really wonderful song ! Charm singin ! 1st time to hear you and will be looking for more !
Take Care
==============
Yeman Auf Al-Rawi
estellie
Thank you for the compliments.
I'm in awe of your talents. Keep it going!
It was nice meeting in you chat. And thanks so much for listening to Release Me.
---
*estella
five_extra_arms
First off, I have to thank you for posting another song. Second off, I have to say that you are quite a good drummer. Third off, your vocal harmonies are out of this world. Dark and exotic and really beautiful. I've already downloaded it. Forth off, the poetry is so very rich. I can see why it caused Steve speechlessness. I can't wait to see/hear what you do with the kazoo!
Bob
estellie
I'm not such a great drummer. The echo effects added more depth than I could play. But ooh, I like how it sounds!
Thank you, thank you for your kind words. I'm pleased you liked it.
Oh , and Ha Ha. Don't get your hopes up about the kazoo: I'm so bad at it, it would have to be a song that depicts the sad tale of a strangled duck.
---
*estella
five_extra_arms
Now you're finally talking some sense!
Let me know if you need some help on this Strangled Duck/kazoo song. It's right down my alley, or is that up my alley?
(Gee Bob, what kind of alley do you live in that has strangled ducks and kazoos?)
(Gosh estellie, I guess it's just a regular alley, lined with strangled ducks and kazoos..... why do you ask?)
(Jeepers Bob, I don't know... maybe because I'm scared to death?)
(Don't be afraid of a few dead ducks and a slobbery kazoo. Neither one of them can hurt you now)
(Thanks Bob. I'm no longer afraid of the ducks nor the kazoos. Could either of them hurt me before?)
(Before what?)
(Before I strangled them?)
(Willikers! I knew you had something to do with all those ducks! And that slobbery kazoo.... was that you too?)
(Yes, Bob... It was me.... and if wasn't for you and those pesky kids, I would've gotten away with it)
(Sorry estellie. If you don't wanna collaborate on a song with a kazoo, all you have to do is say so....)
(Sorry Bob. Sometimes I get a little crazy when I'm surrounded by duck carcasses.)
(Hey, your preachin' to the choir! I understand exactly)
(I knew you would. I'm emailing you the kazoo song right away)
(Cool. It will be the best song ever)
(You have a really vivid imagination, Bob)
(Thanks estellie. Coming from you, that actually means something)
(Goodbye Bob)
(Goodbye!)
estellie
Conversations with you are so effortless - I don't even have to participate!
I'd be honored (and a little frightened) to work on a song with you! If no animals are harmed during the making of the song, mind you. I'll keep you posted on my next one. I'll send you a note.
---
*estella
Axgrinder
This is very dynamic for simply you and your bongos! Once again your beautiful voice has mesmerized me. To add anything to this piece would merely subtract from it. Simply put, it's a "standalone" in it's entirety, if that makes sense? (I don't always make sense) I really enjoyed this me lady! Kudos.
Alvin
estellie
I am humbled by your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. I accept your kudos! And thanks again for listening.
---
*estella
Great bongo playing...
Delightful
estellie
I'm so glad you've listened to my stuff. I love the comments you made on "The End". I appreciate that.
As for the drumming, they are an illusion. The echoes make me sound like a better drummer than I am ;)
Thanks for the compliments on my voice, too.
---
*estella
SecaMode
this is really good, a great example of "less is more". who would've guessed just bongos and voice would make for such a captivating song? your voice is beautiful and i like who you faded the bongos back in after their rest. nice job all around. since we're all picking favorite lines, here's mine: "who am i if i don't burn?" i really like that, you're a great writer. cheers.
estellie
It's good to hear from you. thanks for listening.
I'm happy you think I'm a good writer, and that you liked how I structured the song. I'm glad you liked it. Hope all is well with you.
---
*estella
lavalamp
Haven't really heard from you much since I joined this site, but it's great to hear a new one from you. Enjoyed the simplicity ans the lyrics especially.
I bet you that this was a poem before a song........right?
Dave
estellie
I usually use scribblings from my notebook to just fill in the music I've made, and then integrate the music with the content of the lyrics. The problem is, my scribblings aren't polished, so my imperfections sometimes show through. I'm pretty happy with this one, though. I think it was meant to be a song now.
I'm glad you came back after all this time I've been away. Thanks.
---
*estella
lengold
ashamed to say that this is the first I've listened to of yours' but it won't be the last. This is exceptionally exceptional.
Cheers
Len
estellie
I enjoyed listening to your latest, too.
Really nice compliments you give. Thanks.
---
*estella
So stripped down but full and deep THe lyrics are well written! Enjoyed this very much!
estellie
for the all around good word about the song.
You know, looking at your avatar makes me want a nice tall glass of lemonade ;)
---
*estella
DUAL TONE
I loved it. But i think i rather hear it as an accapella. No bongos for me.
Rolo.
estellie
thanks for your feedback on chat the other day.
I can see how the drums can get a bit tedious. maybe I could play around with fading them in and out a little more or doing something with them for the sake of variety. Thanks!
---
*estella
kentmoore
I tend to play my gtar like a drum and this was just wonderful. Lovely voice. My little girl told me she wanted to grow up to be a "girl that plays drums." I'll let her hear this.
estellie
a) I also use my guitar like drums.
b) I also want to grow up and be a girl who plays drums! I wish your daughter well.
---
*estella
Schello
yeahhh, welcome pretty voice, its good to hear soulfully.tnx Estellie
im not musician
---------------
Schello
moorlandt
...if I don't burn. If nothing feels wrong.' Great poetry as ever. And a chorus that gets in ones head instantly. But I'm with Luis (Rolo) when it comes to the bongo's. This great voice, this song... it deserves a very fine orchestration... I know you don't mind my honest thoughts;)
- walt
Komrade K
This song has such a great stripped down feel that makes it all the more powerful than if it had been highly produced and fleshed out with lots of instruments and effects. I just love it when that harmony vocal comes in - gives me tingles down the spine!
KK
estellie
I'm so flattered. For me that's the sign of a good song. Thanks for saying that.
Dj French Toast
the simplicity of the music with the contrast of mind moving lyrics great harmonies and lovely jam !
Dj French Toast
the only instrument I claim to play is the hand drums djembes mostly so that too had my prejudice ear as well any way downloaded and cherished thanx
estellie
Thanks so much. "Cherish" -- what a nice word. I appreciate it. I'm a drum wanna-be.
Doadars Uncle
Your voice is accentuated by the percussion!
Nice harmonies.
Doug
freefalleffect
hell yes....gotta love them hand drums....cool vocal work....obviously sparse but it works well for this tune....a very brave move on your part....most haven't the guts to just let it hang out there like that....kudos to you for being so bold.....dig the harmonies btw.....off to listen to more of your work....peace
DrToasty
I am definitely a fan of minimalism. I think it says much more and is much more effective...
Maybe your no world famous bongo player, but I find them to be quite effective in this piece. They are quite aesthetically pleasing int he context of the song; aesthetics being, what I believe to be the most important components of song writing and production.
The ooh's offer a wonderful accent to your verses.
I am a fan.
-Nicholas
Sir Bass
Your vocal arrangement is pleasing, with no reverb, that makes it even more astonishing, I'm going to try that, inspirational,
Thanks for sharing
Yes, I dig this. An open weave shawl the begs to be waved and worn, waved and worn, beckoning.
HipHopMoses
I enjoyed the open vibe and your wonderful words and vocals. Thanks for sharing...
Moses
8piscean8
At first I was startled by the bongos because my volume was cranked up, then your voice kicked in and I was mesmerized by the rest of the song.
This is just a nit-pick but the bongos start to sound a little repetitive. It also only sounds like there is only one bongo instead of a "set" of bongos. I understand if you only have one bongo then that is all you have to work with, but another bongo varying in pitch might add some more variation.
I love the sparseness of the song. Awesome vocal harmonies. I think you might be the next Fiona Apple. Great job!
estellie
I did use a set of bongos, so I can't account for it sounding like only one, but I agree with you that I didn't give any variety on that end for ear candy.
If you'd like to hear KTB's version of this song, for which I re-recorded the vocals, you can find it here:
http://www.macjams.com/song/38272
(you know, you're like the third person to make that comparison to Fiona Apple--weird) I wouldn't have guessed it. thanks for your thoughtful feedback.
damiengh
Your voice like a treasure chest full of coins that one scoops, enjoying it's glitter. My ears enjoy your richness on top of the simple tapping of your percussion.
Nice words too expressing your need to feel alive.
estellie
I'm blessed that you can appreciate what I've done! You are too kind.
michael2
so into the fact that you recorded your vocals over bongo's and nothing else. such a really imaginative idea. you really did a great thing with this.
dajama
I first came across this in the collab version you did with karmatoburn. I was very impressed by that, and now I'm just clobbered! Your singing is outstanding - you have an extraordinarily expressive voice, and matched with these lyrics, you have created something wonderful. Words cannot express my admiration. Kudos. Peace.
estellie
I am very flattered :) I really appreciate what you're saying about my vocals.
a choice vocal offering.... of words melodically woven, words that stand alone, yet with your singing, even more of a delight... So glad to be the listener. Beautifully done.
Jack
estellie
I'm so happy you liked it! You know, ktb has a new version of this which is pretty unique and wonderful:
<li><a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/38272">Metamorphoses</a> with <a
I hope I got the reference right.
joshnyberg
It's very brave to do something acapella - gives the song a naked feel. I can't think of any improvements at this moment. Bravo
!
Hi
Thank you for sharing, what a lovely song i enjoyed listening very much and loved your sweet vocals.
Peace
Dee.
It has a warm sound... I like it.... And when then vocals comes in together, it sounds amazing.... Great song... Thanks for sharing...
tim grant
very cool. the only thing I think this needs is a bass drum to fill out the sound a bit.
sschedra
Brave, different, and well performed. I am thinking 50's coffee house. Of course in the 50's I was too young to go to a coffee house and you . . . well lets just say you probably know more of Starbuck's than coffee houses, but it just shows that good expression knows no boundaries, either time or place.
Very nice,
Stephen
estellie
Ha Ha! Actually, I know less about starbucks than coffee houses, but not the 50s variety, that's for sure. I wasn't born then.
Thank you for your kind words. KTB made a version of this, which I re-sang. If you'd like to hear this (a jazzy/ambient interpretation), it's linked on my homepage, along with some other recent collaboration. I'm glad you liked this. I enjoyed making this very much and really can't wait to dedicate more of my time to music! (Boo school).
Pete_NB
...for something so seemingly sparse. Provocative poetry and an ethereal beauty to your voice make this a very memorable song. The harmonies are magic.
I'm glad I stumbled upon this!
oldlibmike
This is great - outside my genre but I envy you the vocals. Very folky and a great idea - almost a capella. I'll have to check out more.
rsorensen
Wow how have i missed this? Beautiful! Takes guts to do this but you certainly pulled it off. Kudos!
What a voice! Estellie, you are amazing!
Nice job on the bongos as well.
Be well friend!
gregd
Love the sparse arrangement: it showcases your voice so well. And the delay gives the bongos a drum circle feel, or an experimental sound; whatever it gives them, I like it. Great last verse too.
This one's a keeper for sure. Nice work.
-g
estellie
thanks for all the great comments. and thanks for the comments on "the end"--very helpful.
kassia
Very cool, very brave, very well done. Cool lyrics and I love just your voice and the bongos. Great beats and awesome harmonies. i enjoyed this immensely.
Dj French Toast
Was Here.... again and have this one in the pod already as well :)