Retired musician Maryanne Shore looks back on her big break in the 90s where she meets Blur frontman Damon Albarn...follow the ups and downs of Maryanne and Damon's relationship up to current times 2024.
It had been a good number of years since I'd put any new music out and what with the twins now being 23 years old I felt now was the right time to dip my toes back into the creative process of music making as I itching to experiment with some new sounds and really wanted Damon's help with the production and filming some visuals for the track, he was of course super talented at that and his style was something I found unique. Plus I got to work with my Damo babe.
"Dame, you know the lyrics I've been toying with...I think I'm done with them now and I know you're busy with Africa Express...you know I asked for your help in helping me produce it and filming visuals we can get started whenever you're ready," I explained while we were sitting at the dinner table, now just us as the kids (yes they'll forever be my babies) were out doing their own thing.
"Oh that's fantastic news Mare...we can get into the studio and try out some sounds I've been playing around with, maybe you'll like one of them," Damon smiled showing a glimpse of his new gold tooth, replacing what had accidentally got knocked out during a show.
"Fab hun, could we get started bit later? I'm really keen to surprise the fans with a track after it's been years and years. Will be awesome to reconnect with all those who've supported me throughout the years," I responded with excitement clear in my voice.
"We'll head straight there once I've finished this delicious pie you lovingly made darling," Damon agreed.
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That evening in the studio
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Damon played me a hip hop/ trap beat, one genre I'd never thought of venturing into before...but when listening to the play through of what he'd masterfully put together, it struck me that this would mesh together perfectly with the lyrics.
Damon sat at the mixing desk as I stepped into the recording booth. I took a deep breath and he told me start when I was ready. Hearing my voice fill the headphones placed firmly over my head, it confirmed to me how much I needed this return to a passion that I'd chased since I was a kid and lived hard-core throughout my teens and early adulthood then of course meeting the love of my life and the twins coming crashing in the world I had to take a step back focus on giving them the best childhood that I never had.
Every lyric sang which I had written on my well-worn notebook was from the very depths of my soul and though I'd never mentioned it to Damon before, the song is a tribute to him. He's my superstar and changed my life in every way possible.
Once the last word was sang, I looked through the window of the booth and he Damon gave two thumbs up and mouthed 'well done'....I'd done the vocals in one take! That's how ready I was I suppose.
I then sat next to him at the desk and he played the recording back... what a pinch-me-moment it is to hear my voice on a recording again.
"It's fantastic...thank you so so much honey," I jumped on his lap and gave him the biggest hug and kiss possible.
"Well lovely, we better get the visuals filmed and have this released as soon as possible. I'm so happy for you," Damon gushed and stood up to find the camera equipment.
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Recording the visuals (watch video in header)
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So here I am lying inside our very own hot tub! It was big enough for me to float above it and just gently bob about.
I did my own hair and make-up which was just a simple light touch of foundation and red lipstick. Clothes was classic black dress.
Damon suggested we frame the shots to only show my top half and as it's just the official audio thought it would be artsy to put it on a loop and let the lyrics speak for themselves. The finishing edit looked stunning, and I had to agree for once that I thought I looked stunning, Damon knew how to boost my confidence and with a touch of his recording and visual genius I couldn't wait to release it onto my socials later that week. I felt incredibly grateful for his help as he was about to get stuck into his musical endeavours with Africa Express.
