| Author |
Message |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:40 am |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
Hello Gang,
This is the first time I've started a thread, and I apologize in advance if it seems like a dumb one, but . . .
I've been learning "Speeding Cars" on piano and, as such, have been watching every video of it that I can get my hands on (This preamble is more to distance myself from "having too much time on my hands" or being accused of "stalking" Immi ). I came across this version live at poptech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sb4sfkFd38
In it, I noticed that Immi is using her left foot to play what I presume is the sustaining pedal. Does she normally? Is this a UK thing (tied into driving, maybe)? Or because she's left handed?
Cuz I've only ever used my right foot and have only ever seen people use right foot.
Again, I know this is a tiny thing, but it jumped out at me, and was wondering if anyone could shed light on it.
Thanks,
EmmaRose |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| DavidB |
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:14 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 02 Jul 2009
Posts: 1202
Location: London
|
| She may be left-handed. I noticed that in the video of the NY 'signing' event she signed autographs with her left hand. She plays guitar the standard way, but most lefties do that (Jimi Hendrix being a notable exception). Don't know about the pedal thing. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| niko niko |
Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:20 pm |
|
|
Joined: 11 Apr 2007
Posts: 41
Location: Berlin
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 12:41 am |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
Thanks, guys. It's the logical explanation. I know she's a southpaw -- I'm actually one, too. I'd just never seen the left foot on the sustaining pedal thing before. Kinda kewl.  |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:37 pm |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
| There is something else to consider too.. I've seen other pianists using the left foot on the damper pedal because it allows them to "cheat" their body out to their audience. Typically a piano is set up so that when you are playing it, the audience is on your right. With your right foot on the pedal, you can't turn yourself open to the audience very much. Using your left foot allows a more open rotation. All it does is make the audience more inclusive to what you're doing. Just a thought... |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:37 am |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
Hi Tomas,
(Sorry, can't figure out how to do accents here, no disrespect meant!)
That's a great thought, but it's not the damper pedal, it's the sustaining pedal. I think everyone (?) uses their left foot on the damper, but unless it's natural, it'd be damned uncomfortable to use your left foot on the sustaining pedal.
I would think (but what do I know?) that'd it be easier to set up the piano on the other side than to change your playing style, no? Except that she wants to scooch in and out the leftie way (left side leading), so maybe that'd be uber-uncomfortable.
I also think that if it were about cheating out, we'd see it more often with other artists, no? You've seen others do this? I never have before, but maybe I'm not well-enough versed.
I dunno. Just a neat little quirk, I guess. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:44 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
The sustain pedal is actually called the "Damper Pedal" because depressing it removes the dampers from the strings allowing them to ring in a sustained tone. If you would like to see another artist that does this LOTS, check out Tori Amos performing. She not only plays with her left foot on the damper pedal most of the time (and is right handed), but also shoots her other leg behind her to open her up to her audience even more.
I suppose you could change the direction of the piano but the shape of it is generally why it is traditionally set up that way, the insweep of the sound box making an excellent standing place for a singer or other instrumentalist. I don't think I have ever seen a piano set up so that the keys are facing stage left except in a dueling piano set up. |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:46 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
I just found out that "Sustain Pedal" and "Damper Pedal" are two names for the same thing. So technically we were both right lol.  |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:49 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
| And one last thought, lol, I am another pianist that uses this technique on occasion to cheat out to my audience. I find it allows me to feel more interactive with them while performing. I learned it by watching Tori do it. |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:53 am |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
I've been schooled!
Seriously, thanks for answering.
And I'm slightly abashed cuz I'm old enough to have been a huge Tori freak & have her videos on VHS (now that's oooooold), but never noticed the technique. I've tried to do it, but it feels akin to putting mascara on with my other hand -- yuk!
Where/what do you play? You're a Canuck, right? (Me, too!) |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:06 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
You're most welcome. I hope I didn't come across too critical, that wasn't my intent. I'm from Edmonton and play at the Ivory Club and Ebony Grille, a dueling piano club in our downtown area. Being an "all-request" venue we play EVERYTHING lol. Beatles to Eminem to Black Eyed Peas to Johnny Cash.. EVERYTHING.
I also have the Tori vids on VHS lol. I don't think that makes us old... he he. Lets say "Vintage." I saw an interview with her once where she talks about her posture while playing and she described it pretty much the way I have, that it grabs the audience's attention because "both legs under" is more closed off. I still find the left-foot damper technique awkward but I'm working at it lol.
How about you? Where are you from? What do you play? |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:13 am |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
From Toronto originally, then went to drama school in NYC, and did my Master's at UBC.
My baby bro went to UofA & braved the Edmonton winters for 4 years. Brrr . . . He was actually getting a PhD in musicology (sp?) and had his own band for awhile.
I'm in farm country these days (Innisfil, Ontario).
I play very bad piano alone in my living room. I'm a "thumper" who only sounds okay on Bartok & Grieg & anyone who puts the melody in the bass clef.
Are you from Edmonton originally? Has it snowed there yet? I was playwright in residence at U of Lethbridge a while ago and arrived on May 31st in a blizzard. Gotta love AB! |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:17 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
Ha ha. You do have to love Alberta otherwise you'll hate it! lol. I was born and raised here. My family's from Nova Scotia originally but my brother and I were born here. it has indeed snowed here, a couple times. Surprisingly though, its not that cold yet. I don't think its dropped below -10 yet. Days have been hovering between -2 and +8ish. Bizarre...
So what drew you to Immi? |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:34 am |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
I'm a late Immi fan.
Inadvertently, Alan Ball drew me to Immi. I was a die-hard fan of SFU, and had heard Lonely Little Petunia, but didn't know the artist. However, I went ape for Sia's "Breathe Me" and in scouring the internet for it, discovered Immi's name (with LLP) and fell in love.
I started with Hide and Seek. I listened to it for a week straight (nothing else) and still wasn't sure what I thought. I mean, I knew it was brilliant musically, but I couldn't figure out if I loved it. It was an itch I had to scratch. I HAD to hear it.
So I thought maybe I'd check out her other stuff. Instantly fell in love with Speeding Cars, Say Goodnight and Go, and The Walk. Then worked backward and found Frou Frou. Let Go, Flicks, Breathe In. Especially Breathe In.
Then I heard Sleep, and that was it. I needed to own EVERYTHING this woman had ever made. I'm coming pretty close, but still missing some.
What about you? How'd Immi find her way to you? |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:49 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
I am also a late fan. I only just started listening to her work about a month ago. I was learning "Whatcha Say" by Jason DeRulo for the Ivory Club and wanted to hear the song that he'd sampled for the chorus. So I checked out Hide and Seek and that was it for me. I was done. Went out and bought Speak For Yourself and Ellipse that week (both of which have been trading off in my car stereo since then lol) and purchased Details and iMegaphone through iTunes since I haven't been able to find the physical CD's anywhere yet. Any collaborations and b-sides I've managed to find on iTunes have made their way into my playlist (I am in LOVE with Glittering Cloud!! and Hide and Seek 2). I am desperate to find the song "MeanTime" that she wrote with GMT for the G:MT soundtrack but I haven't found it anywhere yet...
I am so inspired by Immi its unreal. I'm in the process of putting together my own record of Electronica/Dance music which incorporates the acoustic piano (run through filters and effects and so on) and electronic washes and beats. I just sent off my second grant application today, actually lol. Watching the vBlogs and any interviews I can get my hands on, watching her live performances has been a real education for me as to how to accomplish my goals for the record. Not that I plan to copy, mind... lol. But I certainly understand the tools I'll need a bit better.
So yes, in a long-winded, round about way, it was Hide and Seek for me also lol. I watched her perform H&S along with Just For Now and Let Go live for Zach Braff in a youtube vid and then saw her perform Goodnight and Go on David Letterman and I was hooked beyond saving lol.
Which is your favorite album so far? iMegaphone, Details, Speak For Yourself or Ellipse?
I think mine's Ellipse although Speak For Yourself is VERRY close behind... |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:58 am |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
Oh god, grant applications! *groan*
I'll cross my fingers & toes for you.
Elwood has the video for Meantime on Teleheap (http://www.teleheap.us/video/111/Imogen-Hep--Meantime) It's awesome.
I love Blanket (such a 90s baby!), I hafta say.
Fave album is hard cuz I listened to all her stuff mushed together, so I still confuse songs from SFY and Details. I think SFY is my fave, although I haven't lived with Ellipse as long yet, you know? Ask me in a year!
Your stuff sounds really kewl. D'you have any of it posted? D'you write your own lyrics? D'you self-produce?
What's your favourite collaboration of hers? Blanket, yeah. I also like her new one with Mika & the Blue October one.
Gliterring Clouds rules!!! Makes me wanna move and bop around. She said that when she comes back to TO in April she's gonna look for a venue that's standing. Yay!!
What's your favourite song to play/perform? |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:15 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
Thanks for the crucidigitation lol. The Meantime vid is the only place that I've seen it. The GMT album isn't available on iTunes...
I have two songs in Demo format on my myspace page (which sucks right now cause its brand new and I can't figure out how to make it kewl!) www.myspace.com/tomskander.
I write the music and lyrics and Jesse Peters of Paramedic (a Canadian Funk/Soul band) is producing for this record. For my next one I'm gathering the tools together to produce it myself. So the two that are on my myspace are produced by Jesse. They don't feature the piano as prominently as I'd like but they're just demos so they are slated for alteration lol.
AND if you do happen to go check them out, for the song called "compass," imagine that the verses are being sung from a tape recorder lol. That was the effect that I wanted but will have to wait until we go to record the real thing lol. When I wrote the song I had this image of a doctor sitting to review a psychological assessment interview on tape and the song would be the patient's response. The chorus would cut to an image of the singer (me lol) in a straitjacket and a padded room.
My favorite collaboration...I love Blanket for sure and Embers of Love...I think my favorite though is My Secret Friend with IAMX. I used to love Sneaker Pimps back in tha day. lol.
I hope in her April tour she can make it out to Western Canada... even Vancouver is closer (and therefore cheaper) than Toronto...
At the moment my favorite song to perform is "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon. I love playing any Elton John that comes up too. |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:20 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
| Hmmm... for some reason, my url is not working... |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:22 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
| I guess it works if you type it in, not click on the link. Ah well. |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:23 am |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
I tried the link & got an "invalid friend i.d." that told me that the account had been deleted. Such a tease! Seriously, though, I'd love to hear your stuff.
Yeah, Embers of Love is great, too! Hell, they all pretty much are. Although, I hafta admit, I'm partial to her upper register, which I guess means I'm partial to her later work.
Crucidigitation? Hunh? That some newfangled word that you hipsters are using?
Ah, Elton John. You really are a piano boy, aren't you? Tee hee.
Try the link again so that I can hear yer stuff! |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:25 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
| Crucidigitation=Finger crossing... lol. Like Prestidigitation for "sleight of hand" or cruciverbalist for someone who writes crossword puzzles. |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| frooosh |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:39 am |
|
|
|
Joined: 04 Oct 2009
Posts: 34
Location: Upside down
|
TómasAlexander wrote: Thanks for the crucidigitation lol. The Meantime vid is the only place that I've seen it. The GMT album isn't available on iTunes...
I have two songs in Demo format on my myspace page (which sucks right now cause its brand new and I can't figure out how to make it kewl!) www.myspace.com/tomskander.
I write the music and lyrics and Jesse Peters of Paramedic (a Canadian Funk/Soul band) is producing for this record. For my next one I'm gathering the tools together to produce it myself. So the two that are on my myspace are produced by Jesse. They don't feature the piano as prominently as I'd like but they're just demos so they are slated for alteration lol.
AND if you do happen to go check them out, for the song called "compass," imagine that the verses are being sung from a tape recorder lol. That was the effect that I wanted but will have to wait until we go to record the real thing lol. When I wrote the song I had this image of a doctor sitting to review a psychological assessment interview on tape and the song would be the patient's response. The chorus would cut to an image of the singer (me lol) in a straitjacket and a padded room.
My favorite collaboration...I love Blanket for sure and Embers of Love...I think my favorite though is My Secret Friend with IAMX. I used to love Sneaker Pimps back in tha day. lol.
I hope in her April tour she can make it out to Western Canada... even Vancouver is closer (and therefore cheaper) than Toronto...
At the moment my favorite song to perform is "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon. I love playing any Elton John that comes up too.
Your link is fine, it's the full stop that ballsed it up =) Just remove that and it works. Try this: http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
Also, I am in love with Compass. Just sayin'. I feel like I may have it stuck in my head for a while. I see where you're coming from in terms of straightjackets... the lyrics have an almost threatening, possessive edge to them (in a good way!) Seriously, I am really liking your stuff! |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:41 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
| thanks very very much froosh! It was written after watching a movie about an erotomaniac so I wanted to creep inside what it feels like to be a person who is so dangerously obsessive. |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:41 am |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
Got the link working (cut & paste). Listening to "Bounty" now. Very kewl.
& now you're just showing off with your vocab. Sheesh.
'kay. I'm off to get ready for bed (like I said, oooooold.)
Nice talking to you. Thanks for the link. These tunes'll end my lovely day!
Cheers,
ER
xo |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:42 am |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
| Have a great sleep. Thanks for checking out my stuff! It has been a pleasure talking with you as well. |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
| Bone Dry |
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 12:53 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 03 Jan 2010
Posts: 218
Location: A Handbasket
|
This post got me to join after lurking for a few months. :P
I'm also trying to learn Speeding Cars--actually, let me back up. I basically started teaching myself to play piano from scratch last July and after much nifting about I can now basically sight-read treble, but since I can't do bass clef I still don't know if half the sheets I've managed to find are any good. Anyway, I found a version of Speeding Cars and although it *sounds* alright, when I watch her play it doesn't look like she hits the same keys I'm hitting. I'm wondering how you've managed to learn it because I haven't found any vids where you can see her hands the whole time (and I'm too inexperienced to play by ear). Did you make any sheets for yourself or did you just memorize? If you did make sheets, could you find it in your heart to send them to me? *offers chocolates*
Always wanted to learn piano. Wasn't until I really started listening to Immi that it got to the point where I had the confidence to teach myself to play, so it feels like I really want to learn a few of her songs on piano.
:) |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 4:45 pm |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
Hi Bone Dry. Welcome.
I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint.
I have my grade 9 in piano, but stopped playing for about 15 years. I've only started tinkering again. I have *no* ear whatsoever (it's actually really embarassing) but learned to compensate by sight reading pretty decently. I do, however, have a baby bro who is a musician and he's helped a ton.
I found online a pretty basic arrangement, actually intended for cello. It's also a semitone off her recorded version, unfortunately. That aside, I learned it and then went to my brother for places where the music is different from the actual song. He wrote in the notes I was missing (namely the variations in the second verse) and I put them into the piece.
I am still missing the part (is it the bridge?) where she sings "it's okay by me" but am hoping to hit up bro during his reading week for this final version.
If I find the online link to the music, I will definitely post it for you.
And it is quite different from what she plays.
Sorry. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| EmmaRose |
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 4:47 pm |
|
|
Joined: 11 Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Canada
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| DavidB |
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:17 pm |
|
|
|
Joined: 02 Jul 2009
Posts: 1202
Location: London
|
I don't suppose it helps much, but I once tried working out the basic chord progression on guitar. As far as I can make it out, it is as follows (with 'f' for flat and 'm' for minor):
Df ...Here's the day you
Gf....hoped would never
Af....come Don't feed me violins just
Bfm... run with me through
Df... rows of speeding
Fm... cars.
The same chord pattern is repeated in the second half of the verse, and twice in the chorus, except that at the end of the chorus there is a return to Bfm.
Despite the apparent simplicity, it is difficult to be sure of some of the chords, because the piano accompaniment is so restrained, with the chords implied rather than played in full. At first I thought there was a chord change from Af to Fm during the line 'Don't feed me violins' but on repeated listening I don't think there is.
Of course there is a lot more to the music than just the chord progression. I'm no musical expert (as you can guess) but I think there is some subtle brilliance in the interweaving of chords and melody.
(Added: if anyone thinks I've got the chords wrong, I would be grateful for corrections.) |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
| TómasAlexander |
Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:39 pm |
|
|
Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Posts: 331
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
| Hey David. I think that change you mentioned in the "violins" line is from Ab sus4 to Ab maj. There is definitely a 2nd interval in the first intonation of the chord and I think it is between the Db and Eb in Absus4. The movement from the Db to the C as the chord changes almost gives it that "Fm" tonality. |
_________________ "The best days of our lives, coming right up if we can just get through this one..."
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
http://www.myspace.com/tomskander
http://twitter.com/Tomskander |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|