Jayneen Orwa, winner of the Psalter Music Prize at this year’s Manifest, has decided to take Psalter Studios up on their alternative prize offer.

 

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Jayneen Orwa in Psalter Studios, Sydney, July 1-3, 2014.

 

This is the first time Psalter Studios have offered a choice between the $1000 prize money and three days in the studio, the latter is of course much more valuable. Dale Willis, Psalter Music Prize judge and Psalter Studios manager and producer/engineer reflects on listening to Orwa’s prize entries, “We wanted to give her the option of having her songs professionally recorded because I felt they really deserved and needed that presentation. It helps give opportunity for young artists such as Jayneen to come in and ‘test the waters’ at Psalter Studios, with the hope they may return at some point as their song writing and careers develop.”

 

Little Bird, Jayneen’s prize-winning piece, was recorded first. A little bass, piano, light percussion and rhythm were added to the fragile melody. “I was initially quite hesitant to change up this song, but we ended up adding a lot to it and I’m really happy with how it turned out.” Having only performed it with one guitar and her voice, the additional accompaniment creates a rounder song, underpinning the lightness and delicacy of Jayneen’s message. “What struck me most,” says Dale, “is her consistency to deliver excellent vocals, take after take.”

 

When discussing weather or not to add light percussion to Little Bird, Dale found that he had misplaced his egg shaker. “None of us had one or knew where to find one at such short notice,” says Jayneen, “Somebody jokingly suggested we use and actual saltshaker, and at first we all laughed at the idea, but upon hearing the final recording we all agreed that a shaker would definitely add another layer to the song. So we tried salt and sugarella – and they worked! I think a combination of the two was used in the final mix. We literally added a bit of seasoning to the song.”

 

The next song, entitled You’re Special, was a delight to record. Jayneen took the opportunity to explore and add more, changing from guitar to ukulele and added bass riffs and rhythm, “to bring out the joy a little more.” This song was also entered into the Manifest Psalter Music competition, and Dale had much difficulty deciding which song should win. “Both songs have equal merits in different areas,” says Dale.

 

“The end result is a song that I feel really embodies the lyrical message. You’re Special is a celebration, it’s a reminder of the value that God sees in us – His creation – and the awesome love He has for us all. If that realisation doesn’t make you want to get up and rejoice, I don’t know what will!” says Jayneen.

 

Tapestry is the last song recorded, unheard at Manifest, and according to Jayneen, was a great success in the recording studio. “It was recorded in one take! We didn’t add any other instruments to Tapestry; it’s just one voice and guitar. It came out with such a clear and simple sound that we decided to just leave it the way it is.” When she listened to the finalised recording, she felt deeply moved by the message of the song.

 

The first to the third of July marks Jayneen’s first experience in a professional studio setting, and despite her previous inexperience Dale says, “She handled herself like a seasoned pro in the studio. Her music is obviously spiritually driven with a strong message of God’s love. She has a way of delivering her message that feels fresh, very personable and intimate, it really draws the listener in, I think.”

 

“I absolutely loved the experience,” says Jayneen, “It was definitely a steep learning curve, I was able to grow so much in such a short time, and for that I am beyond grateful. We laughed, we prayed, we created, we experimented, we brainstormed, we drank herbal tea (perpetually), and most importantly, we made a joyful noise unto the Lord.”

 

The three songs are under consideration to become an EP. Jayneen’s songs should be released in the coming weeks, so keep an ear to the ground – or an open tab on the Psalter Music web-site, www.psaltermusic.com – to support and share Jayneen and her message of God’s love and joy to the world.