in B. Presentation 1 : Video Recording Submission & Comments |

Presentation 1 – Sandcastles by Beyoncé

Sandcastles is one of my favourite songs off Beyoncé’s last album Lemonade.

Beyoncé has played an enormous part in the way I sing today. First discovering her back in 2006, she quickly became my favourite artist and I would spend hours everyday trying to emulate her. Being influenced by her music also shaped the genres of music I’m drawn to nowadays – R&B, Soul, Pop and a touch of Jazz.

I recorded this in a classroom in ADM one morning. I got my friend to hold up the camera as I stood in front of a screen and we projected something fun (read: pretentious). Apologies for the abrupt cut at the end, didn’t want to lose some moments but also didn’t want the video to drag out too long.

 

Self Evaluation:

I liked my overall performance in this video. However, I feel that I could have managed my breath better and dragged out some notes longer. Also, I know I tend to close my eyes a lot especially for this song in an effort to emote but I think the eyes are the windows to the soul. Closing my eyes too much would, therefore, lose connection with the audience and that is not something I want. Perhaps in the future, I can work on emoting through my voice and using my eyes and facial expressions to fully convey the story in a song. Here’s to learning more throughout the next few weeks in this module!

I slay. All day.

Published

12 Comments

  2. Hi Duane,

    Amazing work! Nice video too. It looks really good. I feel that you nailed the song perfectly. The technique, breath and emotions in the cover brings out the song really well. I really enjoy your singing. I think that it would be better if the song is dropped by half a key though. In my opinion the current key is really good but a slightly lower male voice can bring out the essence of the song better. Keep up the good work! 🙂

  3. Hi Duane,

    Love it, so much, so relaxed, so easy singing. It looks like you didn’t have to put any effort, sorry if I’m bringing crude. I enjoyed the expressiveness and appropriate amount of vocal fry in your voice, as well as subtle vibrato. To me the key doesn’t matter cause you basically wrecked the song. I don’t really have much to say regarding your submission as, to me, it was on point! Great job 🙂

  4. Hi Duane! Your singing is really powerful 🙂 You have a bright and smooth tone and I liked how you sang with emotion. A lot of feels from the video. Although I’ve never heard this song before and I’m clueless about the message, I think I’m touched by the sadness/anger. Good job!

  5. Hey Duane! What a heart-wrenching and beautiful rendition of Sandcastles; top marks for musicianship and stage presence! I can really feel all the sorrow and frustration especially through how your notes glide effortlessly through the various vocal runs.

    Though I can hear a little bit of strain at your highest notes, I think you managed it well and it really brings out the desperate feeling in the song.

  7. Hello Duane,

    I truly enjoyed listening to your rendition of Sandcastles. You have a beautiful voice. I think you have the ability to express your emotions through song, very well. My only criticism: I wished the video recording was longer :p

  8. Hi Duane,
    I think it is a known fact that Beyonce’s songs are not easy to cover, but you made it look effortless. You have a wide vocal range: highs and lows sounded smooth and were on pitch. The tone of your voice helped to express the emotion behind the song too. To add on, your vocal control is on point. So obviously you have gotten the singing technicalities down to sound this great! Great job:)

  9. Hi Duane! Awesome coverrrrr! This song is pretty challenging but you pulled it off really well! Really loved how you are so expressive at singing and how powerful your voice is. Also the way you control your voice and reach the high notes~ Great job!!! 😀

  10. Hello Duane,

    I got nothing to say. I heard you sing many times in hall and I am often in awe. The way you manage to transition your head voice to your chest voice is so smooth and it fits this song very well. I don’t know how you bring out the husky side of your voice to bring out the emotions, I always want to learn how to do that.
    Excellent cover and hope to you hear you again for presentation 2. 🙂

  11. Hi Duane!

    I’ve heard you singing so perfectly during class behind me a couple of times, and I must say hearing you sing this cover really made me smile. What a powerhouse! I think Beyonce would be proud to hear you sing her song, you did it so beautifully. Its perfect, and I love it! 🙂