Bespoke songs. Varied genres. Ten great friends.
Happy Hour started as a challenge from my mentor to create a song cycle around ten of my closest friends. The only rule- each song had to be as unique and interesting as they are. Here’s a glimpse into the year and a half adventure of Happy Hour.
Fittings
After a year of writing and re-writing, the songs were finally ready for singers! Like with tailored clothing, I had taken my measurements and was ready to try the pieces on the singers. Thankfully, I had two weeks in the room with them to ensure every line was flattering and nicely draped before it was off to the runway, or in this case, the recording “studio”.
Audio Recording
Push the couch into the corner; it’s time to set up the recording “studio”. My living room served admirably as a quiet, cozy space to watch my friends do what they do best. We burned through boxes of Earl Grey on this brisk November weekend.
Video Recording
What better setting for a mix of folks to work through a variety of problems than a bar, particularly a bar with such stunning wood paneling, tartan upholstery, and stonework? My friends and I especially had fun over the semester preparing the set decoration- we needed lots of empty bottles to fill our big, beautiful bar.
This was a long weekend that required patience and problem-solving. I learned a great deal. Perhaps most importantly, I learned to never lose sight of joy and fun in the work we do. I was also reminded that with a great deal of care and thought on and behind the camera, theatrical songwriting still deserves a place on camera.
Celebrate Accordingly
As my friend Luke says, “Celebrate accordingly!” Of course, the journey couldn’t be complete without an early screening of Happy Hour for the School of Musical Theatre, in an old-timey movie house, complete with fresh popcorn. The home crowd was all too generous and enthusiastic with their reactions. Playing to a room of fifty of your closest friends may not be the best way to get objective feedback, but you certainly leave the house knowing you are loved.
Speaking of love, I give mine now, along with tremendous thanks to Dan, Ginger, Jace, Jillian, Jordan, Keely, Luke, Olivia, Paul, Rodney, and Taylor for their time and talents; and to the Faculty and Staff at OU for their support and assistance with this project.
Cheers!
