Song Stories - Will's Wonderful Words
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
When Shakespeare got a house dance anthem!
by Steve Titford
This was the song that convinced Musicline that we were on to a winner with 'Shakespeare Rocks!' In fact, the working title for the musical was 'Will's Wonderful Words' right up until just before release.
Recording Details
Personnel:
Steve Titford (Writer, producer, instruments, harmonies)
Les Titford (Choir conductor and producer)
Lauren Cantle (Choir conductor and additional vocals)
The Musicline Essex Choir (Solo and ensemble vocals)
Date:
June - October 2013
Locations:
Villas Artenara, Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura (instruments and harmonies)
Villa Montaña Vista, Tindaya, Fuerteventura (mixing)
Daddy Long Les's Studio, Rayleigh, UK (choir and solo vocals)
DAW:
Logic Pro 9
Notable instrument plugins:
IK Multimedia Miroslav Philharmonik
Korg M1
Native Instruments FM8
ESX24 (Sampler)
I remember getting the phone call shortly after sending the first demo to Musicline. Mike, the MD, opened with a phrase that I won't repeat here, but they were words to the effect of 'I think it's brilliant!' I was relieved, as it was quite a risk to go with something so contemporary. At the time, the Black Eyed Peas were still all over the radio, even though they hadn't released anything in a while, and their songs were banging out of clubs worldwide.
'Will's Wonderful Words' was really a riff on the idea that Will.I.Am and William Shakespeare could be the same person. The song has a Black Eyed Peas feel to it. I had already produced a few dance tracks in the 90s and early 00s, so it came quite naturally.
The housey organ M1 bass in the bridges is very 90s, in contrast to the medieval recorder melody!
Of course, the choir vocals and the raps that Dad managed to encourage out of the kids are spot on. We ended up using pretty much every voice for the raps.
A great memory for me of this song was seeing it performed at a massive concert for Shakespeare Week involving loads of schools. I even got a picture with special guest Julian Lloyd-Webber!
The favourite line with the kids? 'Though we're not quite sure of the beard!'
Listen Now
'Will's Wonderful Words' from the musical 'Shakespeare Rocks!' is available to stream or buy from all popular online music stores. You can also listen for free via YouTube here:
Extras
It was an honour and a privilege be involved in this amazing musical!