Finlay Johnston Music
DEGREE PORTFOLIO
Toughest Type
‘Toughest Type’ is a raunchy, bad-ass number, introducing the character of a seemingly heartless woman in charge. The punchy backing sets the scene, highlighting the harshness of the character. This is also mirrored in the lyrics, using sarcasm, cheek, and authority. The music uses stabs and dissonance to make the audience feel uneasy and to let them know that this isn’t a character they’re supposed to like. There are also some glimpses of softness which can foreshadow a possible change of heart, later in the story.
I wanted to create a “baddie song” that would leave space for this character to change and become someone good in the end. This is why I decided it should be catchy, up-beat and memorable, almost making you like the character as well as disliking them.
I got inspiration from Queen’s hit musical ‘We Will Rock You’, as well as bands such as Foreigner, TOTO, and Christopher Cross. They all are from a certain era, and their distinctive ‘bad-ass’, ‘punchy’ sounds were the perfect fit for the style of song I hoped to create.
I Don't Know Why
‘I Don’t Know Why’ is a conflicted love song. Both parties have reason to dislike one another but feel intensely drawn to each other, but they ‘don’t know why’…
This classic duet features interwoven melodies and beautiful harmonies, whilst using space to mimic doubt and confusion. This song is significant in the story as it’s the first time the characters realise and accept their true feelings. A distant organ was used to symbolise the possibility of a wedding, and the hope and fear is highlighted through the dynamic movement throughout. The ending infers a decision to act upon their feelings and to do the right thing, which is shown through the musical ascents and the lyrical conclusion.
‘Love is an Open Door’ from Frozen was a big influence in the making of this duet. The harmonies and intertwining melodies are amazing and I hope that my song has captured the same musicality, but with a more complex story between the characters at this point.
The Chance
‘The Chance’ is a song of choice and is what I like to call the ‘I want’ song from musical theatre repertoire. The character has two different paths to choose from, unsure of the right one. The ending infers that a decision has been made, typically by the end of the first act.
This indecision of two paths is mimicked in the music through dynamic changes and melodic choices. The delicacy of the character is also mirrored in the delicacy of the piano and strings, showing fragility, uncertainty, and femininity. It takes you through the journey of the thoughts and feelings the character is going through when they have to make a life changing decision, only to reach a dramatic climax, leaving you with goosebumps and questioning whether she is happy with the decision she has made.
My biggest inspiration for this song was Alan Menken. He has written countless ‘I want’ songs for Disney classics and more. I was particularly drawn to ‘Part of Your World’ from ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Somewhere That’s Green’ from the musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.
Lost
‘Lost’ is a dark responsive song to ‘The Choice’. The lead male character is lost and hurt by the females decision and finds himself with his own decision to make.
The structure and music of this song was intentionally similar to ‘The Choice’. It is meant to be a reflection of ‘The Choice’ but from a darker place with a different decision to ponder. The slow, lilting tempo imitates the sadness the character feels. Notice how the music begins slowly and is uncertain of where its going, to then progress to a much stronger and steadier pulse. This shows the development of the character’s mental state as he turns towards the dark side. There are passages where his lighter self tries to save him, which is shown through sudden glimpses of desperation through the music. This song symbolises the side to a character the audience hasn’t yet seen, hopefully creating an empathetic but disappointed reaction in the characters choices.
Until The Dawn
A finale number, ‘Until The Dawn’ speaks happiness, fulfilment and excitement. It encapsulates the joy from the characters as they have all grown and are in better places than they were before. It let’s every character have a chance to shine individually as well as a whole cast choir. This is a feel-good, dance song that symbolises the happy end of the story.
The intro is lengthy but reflective. It leaves time for dialogue and for characters to wrap up stories. It symbolises a new start and a classic happing ending. The music increases in tempo and continuously modulates higher and higher, representing the rise of excitement and happiness that the characters feel. The whole cast singing in the final number shows that all of the characters have come together in the end for a celebration.
‘A Brand New Day’ from the The Wiz was inspiring when writing this song. It’s swift modulations and increasing tempo is infectious. Sister Act’s ‘Spread The Love Around’ was another during the creative process that inspired this up-beat finale song.