Someone to Somebody – Tiny Desk Contest
When I heard about the NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk’ contest I immediately thought of performing my new and unreleased song “Someone to Somebody” with a string quartet. This opportunity really gave me the inspiration to do something for my artist career. I called up my friends and highly talented musicians Hope Easton, Jon GK, Ross Levinson, and Trevor Rose, arranged the score and sent it to them immediately.
The next day we all met, rehearsed the song several times, and recorded the live performance in my dining room. This song was written by myself and one of my dear songwriting partners Sheppard Solomon. In terms of the production of the song I wanted to try a different approach than using, samples, 808’s and software synths, which is why decided to take a classical spin on the song. I also thought that it didn’t need anything more than the strings and one synth solo. When I am composing music, I always ask, what does this song need, and sometimes less can be more, which is what felt right to me for “Someone to Somebody”. All that it needed was the minimum to transport the feeling and emotion of the piece. Classic and timeless.
The idea behind the song is about relationships between humans, and how love is forever changing and evolving. There is the loving and the wanting to be loved aspect. I felt like there was a universal message in the song and I liked how it can be interpreted in many different ways. One of the reasons I am enjoying being an independent artist currently is that it is fun having the creative freedom to express myself in the way that feels most authentic to me.
As a producer and songwriter, I have lent my craft to helping other artists fulfill their dreams, including Jon Batiste, The Pentatonix, Diane Warren, and Belinda Carlisle, and now I am really excited to also begin exploring my own artistry, which is where it all began.
This performance was filmed and recorded in Mt. Washington, Los Angeles on March 12, 2023. Thank you for your consideration!
The Musicians:
Hope Easton: Cello – hopeeaston.com
Jon GK: Viola – jon-gk.com
Ross Levinson: Violin – facebook.com/ross.levinson.1
Colin Rose: Cello – instagram.com/total_trash
Production: Mati Gavriel & Jennifer Karr
Mixed by: Mati Gavriel Video
Editing: Mati Gavriel
© Mati Gavriel 2023