Today's Feature Friday is my new sponsor,
Just My Lullaby.
Just My Lullaby is a unique company in that they create personalized lullabies and theme songs for you and your loved ones. I have known
Russ Whitelock, Just My Lullaby's professional composer, since I moved in to my house 4 years ago
(and have served with his wife in the YW Presidency for the last couple of years and she is AMAZING!) and have always been in awe of his musical talent.
I wanted to help you get to know him a little better, so I subjected him to the infamous one minute interview. ;)
1. When did you first know that music was your life?
This may sound a bit strange but I remember hearing the full score to the movie "Jaws" when I was 12 years old. I was initially captivated by the rhythm of the cellos and basses in the main theme. I purchased the soundtrack and realized how much "other music" composer John Williams wrote for the film that went beyond the famous Jaws theme. The whole score was so powerful and compelling to me. The other themes written for the film were even more fascinating, it really grabbed me at that time. There was so much beauty in the music I didn't expect. I guess it was at that point that I was hooked on film music and began thinking - that would be a cool job.
2. What inspires you when composing?
There are actually several things that inspire me and help me to write the kind of music I love and want to develop. A good project is probably the first. When a well produced project is brought to me it certainly inspires me to do my best work to accompany their hard work.
I love the creative process of composing lullabies because I can start with a new melody every time. Then the best part is having other instruments pick-up that melody and carry it through the piece. It's like deciding which instruments will move the melody along and then at some point hand it over another. For the most part I use the same instruments, but because each lullaby is different I can choose which instruments get to do what along the way. It's a great process.
3. What is your all time favorite song?
I really can't answer this by naming one piece. I will mention a few perhaps in different areas. I have asked Tami more than once that I want "The Cowboys Overture" (John Williams-1972) played at my memorial service. She doesn't respond to my request. There are many scores composed by Williams and other composers that I grew up with over the years. Bruce Broughton has written some of my favorite music themes and scores. One in particular I must mention is "Young Sherlock Holmes" (1986). I must also mention the score written for "The Mission" (J. Williams-1985) This was the pilot episode for a weekly television series called "Amazing Stories". Williams composed the series theme music and two of the episodes.
I grew up watching my father perform in the annual production of "Amahl and the Night Visitors" with the Utah symphony- a one act opera written by Gian-Carlo Menotti. This music is very beautiful and the libretto tells an amazing story of a young crippled boy (Amahl) who is visited during the night by the three wise men on their way to see the Christ child in Bethlehem. It has a wonderful message of hope, love and miracles. Anyway, I am getting a bit long with this question - one more would be the beautiful carols of Alfred Burt. Many people know the music, but don't know of him.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Russ's arrangements played in church meetings as well as background for live theatrical performances and film soundtracks. I was thrilled to hear he was starting his own company composing original music and what a sweet way to commemorate the birth of a sweet new life than through a song written just for them. What a cool idea!
This is not one of those companies that sells you "personalized songs" where they just insert their name in to a pre-made song. Russ actually composes a one of a kind instrumental lullaby inspired by your little one. It will never be re-used or recycled, it is truly yours!
So here's the fun part. We are
(*edit) giving away one of Russ Whitelock's professionally composed lullabies ($150 value!). He will be writing and recording a song just for you! This way you can get to know his music and see why I am so happy to rant and rave about it!
To enter: Hop on over to Just My Lullaby and
listen to the samples and leave a comment here telling us which one you like best. My personal favorite is Isabella's Lullaby, it is so sweet!
For extra entries:Become a Fan of Just My Lullaby on Facebook (5 extra)
Blog, facebook, or tweet about this giveaway and give me the link to it (5 extra)
Please put all entries in to one comment.The giveaway will close Wednesday, November 18th so get your entries in!!
FTC Disclosure: Just My Lullaby is a sponsor which means I have been compensated to advertise, but I would rant and rave about them anyway because they are awesome and I don't feature anything that isn't awesome!P.S. Don't forget to sign up for free Tipsy updates
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