I.B. Fokuz commetary on "Artsy Girl"

IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE SONG OF THE WEEK, GO TO HTTP://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ADVENTISHERE TO LISTEN TO IT.



Before Gilead wrote the song, the vibe of this instrumental had so much imagery of its own. Before words were even thought of, I knew it was going to turn out to be a very intimate story. The flutes were mesmerizing with an ambiance that grabbed you by the instant you heard it. So when he finally presented me the song after he wrote it, I was blown away. This story is a story that should be heard by all. This song is like meditation that heals the wounds of kids born in a box that never had room to breathe and grow.
The first verse about the girl and how she felt like an outsider in her own neighborhood hits a vital point that is never talked about in the hood. Why, maybe because the so called popular crowd is only attracted to popular music. But then again, whats the difference between popular music which is only popular to an agree, compared to popular art forgotten with no importants to the younger generation. I remember when I was a senior in high school, seating in a classroom of only black kids. My math teacher made a comment about the Beatles and everyone laugh as if they had no interest because the Beatles were for old people. I was probably the only black kid in the classroom that knew a Beatles song and had an appreciation for it. I spoke up and said "the Beatles are dope" and everyone stopped and look at me to see if I was being humorous or serious. They quickly left it alone when they didn't even see me crack a smile.
I feel like me and my comrades is like the last of a dyeing breed that actually appreciates good music no matter what genre or artist it turns out to be. When you realize that you are a fan b4 you are an artist. Your appreciation for things is much more intimate than others.
I wish all the fans and listeners of this album could have been at the studio when Lana sang that chorus. It was a sight to see. Even though the chorus might be simple to others, it was the heart and emotion behind it that convince me and Gilead to have her on this particular song. When she got in the booth, I could sense she wasn't in her full element. So I told her to shut off the lights and really zone into the song. Not knowing she was going to freestyle, I was assuming she was just going to record a layer of vocals under the verses. When she zoned out and created the chorus on the first couple of takes, I knew we had something. (You'll hear about Lana soon enough)
The second verse I felt put the icing on the cake. Him stepping in the shoes of an alien observing our worldly ways was brilliant in my book. Sometimes to get the real outlook on things, you have to step back from who you are and analyze things on a broader scale. And only then you can get a true look at the universe beyond yourself.

But overall, this is one of my favorite trks on the album. The sound-scape I built was complimented and written over well. I just hope that everyone else can at least take something from this story and apply to their lives. Life is only as beautiful as you make it.

Til next time... I.B. Out

Peace