Modulation

I don't normally use any known chord progressions. But on a local forum, there was a contest for songs using Folia rotation. I made the Finnish language version of this song for the contest. It uses Folia in verses, with some small additions and ending the verse in major chord, because I believe that Folia means merrymaking in Portuguese and the message of this song is cheerful. While having fun, I went further by using Miles Davis Tune Up progression in the chorus. And on top of that all, each verse is modulated upwards

The lyrics were inspired by artistic freedom - to do whatever you want, despite all the critics and the humorless perfection seekers. Also by quotes likes "the goal is that life would become more free and happier, free of grudge and negative thinking", "People think that what if somebody laughs or someone thinks that this is not a good thing. Many skills that could delight others remain hidden", "I'm an artist to be free". One inspiration was also the human trumpet instrument which I found in VST AntiDrum machine and wanted use it in this Song, just for fun. Well, listeners didn't like it that much, for some reason

So, here is finally the English version. For international listeners, I have softened the language and used much much less the human trumpet. So actually I have self-censored myself, which is perhaps against the message of this song, but I hope you'll thank me for that and enjoy this friendlier version

RealDrums: BodhranCelticJig

RealTracks:
Acoustic Bass #1161
Electric Bass #2610
Ukulele #1143
Acoustic Guitar Picking #2440
Acoustic Guitar Solo #2405
Electric Guitar #447
Electric Piano #2198
Horn Section #2592

MIDI:
Strings in Michel1.STY (VST The Orchestra)
AntiDrum Machine/Human Trumpet

Vocals: Janne S

Mixed in Cakewalk by BandLab

Lyrics:

Freedom means to be
uncontrolled, an artist your own way
you can express your inner self
even when you cannot play.
Let words come straight out of your mouth
use your band in a box
set the plugins of your choice
adjust the volume knobs.

I'm here to modulate
not your life to regulate
I don't want to speculate
is it right to flatulate.
Decency falls apart
here's a message from my heart
I can use a word like fart
that's the beauty in my art.

I don't want rules, conditions
to limit the freedom of my speech
norms can cause me neurosis
demands make my guts screech.
I don't care about critique
telling me that I have sinned
without grudge, guilt or shame
I can go on breaking wind.

I'm here to modulate...

Many freaks are trying
to play like all the biggest names
by soloing they want to show off
in anguish seeking fame.
What's the point of mimicking
duly shredding, flawlessly
I just use my heart and wit
don't expect perfection from me.

I'm here to modulate...

Please understand my hobby
it's just a fun activity
don't judge this simple amateur
boost thinking positively.
The chains of music business needs
or the pressure to be hip
won't choke me, I am free of
trends and censorship.

I'm here to modulate...

-------------------------------------
Janne

Janne,
Ha-ha. Funny! "humorless perfection seekers" -vthat alone is worth the title for new song...
Interesting arrangement and reggae approach! Happy! I would not mind the un-softened version

Thank you for sharing!
Misha.

Janne,

Hilarious! Innovative and clever.

Good backing tracks. Good mix. Good modulation!

This is well done and quite entertaining.

fj

Janne, very cleverly done, and the song itself serves as poster child for the message contained therein!

I must say, considering the fact that the original song was not in English, your translation certainly maintained the rhyme and meaning. I'd guess not everyone could make that happen, so hats off to you for your many varied successes in this project!

Great song & great philosophy...
Many of us would do well to at least consider your message when writing...
Come to think of it...
I can think of some songwriters on the User Showcase that do seem to follow your message...
And they write some pretty unique songs...
Anyway I enjoyed the listen!

You always show us something interesting Janne.
This is no exception. Clever fun song.
Thanks for listing. Rob

Captures the full spirit and joy of this internet-based front-porch song-swapping thing where we have more tools than a guitar and a dulcimer, but the spirit is the same.

I was expecting some simple modulation, but (to my untrained ears) you accomplished much more than that while making the song continue to flow naturally. Ending on the major chords was precisely right, and right of you to point it out. Huge fun. Thanks.

Hi Janne,

This is what I call a Song!
You go over the edges of songstructures, lyric structures and the vocals.
The vocals themselves are very special, while the mix of this all is very well done.
So, my compliments for what it became; a very funny song with great suggestions.

Hans

Very clever! Both the (hilarious) lyrics, and the modulations. You held my attention throughout the entire piece.

Well done, enjoyed the listen.

Thanks Misha, I'm glad you found humor in my song I'm surprised you found also reggae in the arrangement, I thought it was more jazzy. Actually those "dirty" parts in the original lyrics were mostly based on certain comedy series in Finnish TV, so they cannot be translated. I could have used some more inappropriate words with -ulate ending, but they didn't fit well, you can find your favorites in dictionary

You are free to use those words in your song title

Janne

Thanks Floyd, I'm honored to get such a positive feedback from you

Janne

Thanks Pat for your kind words, very nice to hear from you! It wasn't direct translation, because some parts couldn't be translated (either referring to local tv and net site, or just Finnish sayings), but I'm happy I managed to make an English version that works on its own. And translate 'quipping a kite' to breaking wind

Janne

Nicely done - very floaty and easy on the ears. I liked the groove, and found the lyricism to be very clever. I loved the subtle percussion throughout too. Gives it a really unique and mesmerizing feel.

Thanks for sharing

"I'm here to modulate
not your life to regulate
I don't want to speculate
is it right to flatulate.
Decency falls apart
here's a message from my heart
I can use a word like fart
that's the beauty in my art."



Never a dull moment when it comes time to listen to one of your compositions.
And this certainly did not disappoint! Your chords structures are always a treat
even if we don't understand them

This is laugh out loud funny in a most creative way.

Like Pat mentioned it is amazing that you could translate the humor and the rhymes!

Really a lot of fun and so well put together!

J&B

"The chains of music business needs
or the pressure to be hip
won't choke me, I am free of
trends and censorship"

Janne,
That`s a good summing up and leads to some very creative, fun, fine music coming out of backrooms and basements.Like this clever song. I enjoy the surprise you bring to your structure and arrangements and hear you singing with more confidence all the time.
I`m curious about the human trumpet thing now; uncensored English bits my imagination filled in.

Robert

An hilarious chorus.
A "committed naiveist manifesto".
Enjoyed.

Truly experimental, joyful, and very creative art!! And some good humor thrown in for a laugh or two along the way! Very cool stuff Janne!! Take care. Greg

Hi Janne,

I have to hand it to you. This is incredibly inventive. You've experimented and come out on top shining like gold. I was captivated by what you accomplished. The music and production were great and those lyrics.... so many rhymes I'd never heard before!!! Really, really terrific work

Also... I love this chord progression! I've never heard of it before. Thank you so much for introducing it to the forum. When I looked up "Folia" on the web, I was taken to...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folia

How cool is this melodic minor chord sequence.

i V i bVII III bVII i V i V i bVII III bVII i V i

In G minor, Wikipedia gave me the below 16-bar progression (in 3/4) as

Gm | D | Gm | F | Bb | F | Gm | D |
Gm | D | Gm | F | Bb | F | Gm D | Gm||

So I went to BIAB and entered it. If anyone else who reads this is interested in giving the progression a try, the SGU file I created it below. (I've created this using the Audiophile edition of BIAB and it's an all-Realtrack progression. It might not be as effective opened on ProPak and MegaPak versions of BIAB.)

Folio Progression (SGU FILE)

All the best,
Noel

The lyrics speak for themselves, and quite eloquently.

This would be the perfect song for the Embertone Mouth trumpet.

Fun listen, well done.

Thanks Jim for your kind comment Yes I agree, there are many talented songwriters on this forum that create very original pieces which do not follow trends etc., that's the beauty of BIAB, you can try different genres and mix them together any way you like, even when some purist wouldn't like it. But luckily, other forum members are very supportive and open minded

Janne

Thanks Rob for your kind words, I'm glad you liked my song

Janne

Thanks Tangmo for your positive feedback

Janne

Excellent tune Janne. Well done

Thanks Hans for your almost overly positive words

Janne

Thanks Dave for your kind comment, I'm glad you found my lyrics to be hilarious

Janne

Thanks Deryk for your kind words, especially clever, unique and mesmerizing

Janne

Janne

Absorbing piece, nice and intricate with a clever lyric.

Very nicely done.

Peter

Hi, Janne !

This is one of your
absolute best and at
the same time most
original tune ! Will be
my Jannefav from now on !

Cheers
Dani

Thanks Janice and Bud for your very kind review I'm really glad for LOL funny reaction

Janne

Thanks Robert, I really appreciate your positive rewarding words that warm my heart every time I read them Well, we all have an instrument which can fill in the human trumpet thing

Janne

Thanks Ray for commenting and enjoying

Janne

Thanks Greg for your kind feedback IMO Your music is even more creative art.

Janne

Nice work Janne, this is excellent! The overall mix sounds well polished, and the horn section takes it to another level. You nailed the vocals too!

Thanks Noel, your feedback is always so kind and heartwarming I'm really glad you found my simple song inventive… And thanks for explaining Folia in more detail.

Here is the Folia progression I used for the verse:

Cm | G/B | Cm | Bb/D |
Eb | Bb/F | Cm/Eb G7/D | Cm |
AbMaj7 Bb | C |
Cm | G/C | Cm | Bb/C |
Eb/Bb | Bb/C | Cm G/C | C

Janne

Thanks David for your kind feedback That mouth trumpet sounds very fun and innovative, thanks for the link, maybe I'll use it next time I ran out of inspiration

Janne

Thanks Scott for the listen and positive comment

Janne

Wonderfully free! Great vibe and groove! and the lyrics - they brought a smile to my face! thank you for that!

Thanks Peter for your kind feedback

Janne

Thanks Dani, your kind words really bring a big smile on my face

Janne

Thanks Joe for your positive feedback I'm glad you liked the horns and vocals The chorus part was difficult to sing in time, and it can easily be heard, but good to notice that it seems to disturb only me

Janne

Thanks Lawrence for your nice feedback and smile

Janne