Mers who make music

[AniaR]

There was an ancient thread somewhere where those of us who perform were sharing videos... but I can't find it and I've searched for a while!

So I decided to start a new one. I know several of us do other kinds of performing besides being mermaids, and some of it is music. So I wanted to share some from the community and some of my own and encourage others to share!

I know mermaid Bonnie makes music:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbxyB-NhM9I

So does Mermaid Kariel:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMrck28eC2Y

Obviously there is Traci Hines:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o30kw8Zji0


The Mermaidens had some really adorable videos but I can't find them, re-writing the lyrics to some songs ;)

I've been doing music for a long time but my own videos are nowhere near as lovely and polished as these! Just some random stuff I've written on guitar etc, here's a few, some old, some new!

Way back when the mertailor Drama first happened for the first real time... I wrote a song about it... lol I recorded it seconds after writing it so it's not polished and I think I only ever played it once or twice after that

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9GZitRvTJQ

But usually I play a lot of songs by men and rearrange them to be for ladies in my key!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Huga0GvCP08

One time I did Part of Your World for my friend's son (folk cover version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUKQkA19rX8

I tried to do my own take on Skinny love, but MIXING IS REALLY HARD when you record, lol the syncing is so bad. SO VERY BAD. lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dQ-biKG3fU

um. I also really like karaoke. (anyone else?)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyZU6sNPSLY

Last night I tried my hand at rearranging Gaga

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwQEufYDWIc

[New York Mermaid]

Kariels song is so pretty and you need to change your profession, I still think xfactor needs a guitar playing mermaid

Any tips for a mermaid with a shy voice *I can sing, well use to but when I get nervous it fades out .

[AniaR]

get a good mic! I have had trouble projecting the past few years, so I rely on the mic when I can, then I can be quiet and it's still picked up!

[New York Mermaid]

Ah, Good advice. I think its ironic I can speak publicly but when it comes to singing, my voice just goes. My hubby suggests i go have some karaoke time.

[Echinacea]

I sing, but not professionally or anything even close. I also have a couple of harps that I love to play with (someday I want to learn to play them 'for real', but that is one really great thing about a harp - it sounds nice even if you don't know what you're doing!).

[Merman Dan]

My hubby suggests i go have some karaoke time.

I have it on good authority that there will be karaoke at the NCMerfest ;)

[New York Mermaid]

Oh goodness lol if I can get someone to help sing along I may do it

[AniaR]

I have it on good authority that there will be karaoke at the NCMerfest

I can't WAIT. And I also can't wait to meet YOU! <3

[Anahita]

I love performing music. I'm totally going to work it into my mermaiding once I actually get hard-core professional about it (read: when I'm serious enough to have business cards and actively pimp myself out - lol - instead of relying on dropped hints and word-of-mouth for kids birthday parties). My only problem is that a lot of the instruments I play don't do so well around water (really, what instrument does? Plastic recorders are all that I can think of actually)... Although some definitely handle it better than others. I guess I just have to avoid anything glued together, or with a skin.... So no Persian bagpipes for me :sad eyes:

Of course, I could always go a cappella I guess. And I mean, water wouldn't stop me from personal recordings to use as royalty-free music for my videos... I just have to get really good at editing myself into one ensemble-sound instead of it being obvious that each instrument was recorded separately then put together afterwards... (something I'm REALLY terrible at currently)

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Anahita - Ocarinas might work. I'm actually looking into it. :-D I have one, but it's kind of... Not a great one. :-/ I play flute, and flutes do NOT do well with water. :< Especially wooden ones. It's tough to find a good "water-okay" instrument. I think harps/lyres might be the best bet. (Seal up that wood REAL gewd. ) I dunno. It's tough. Our best music is our voice. Ja?

Also, my upper range keeps going in and out... :-/

Lanai will understand this - I keep losing my upper "dolphin" register.

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Also, Karaoke is awesome! When you can hear yourself enough to stay on pitch. -.- Stupid place I go to blasts it so loud that I can't tell what pitch I'm singing all the time.

[Anahita]

Yeah, the problem with an ocarina is that it can't work with a dastgah system like a recorder can, it just doesn't lend itself to that tuning or playing method. And I already play over twenty instruments... I really don't want to add another one to that list that isn't going to be used in anything else.... Too much effort and time, not enough payoff in the end.

[mermaidwhisperer]

Hey Raina I love love LOVE that acoustic version of POYW!

[mermaidwhisperer]

I'm a KJ-Karaoke hostess of about 9 years now and was Amber Von Tussle in a production of Hairspray early this year (that was my first go at actual musical theatre) and am currently a lead in Ma Baker's Tonic for a 6 show theatre restaurant review coming up in November/December. That's exciting-I get to do hey Big Spender, All That Jazz, Bring On The Men and Candyman!!! And I also am competing in 'The Eisteddfod' which is a regional performing arts competition at the end of this month doing 'Dance Ten Looks Three' from A Chorus Line so while I'm writing I'm singing away merrily! I have no idea what I've gotten myself into-I'm a writer, that's my dream and yet I just love being on stage.
All of that aside, I find it really hard to officially class myself as a singer! I live in a town with a performing arts conservatory-there's talent everywhere! I've known at least 8 people to be in National and International competitions like Australian Idol and The voice so 2 years of singing lessons don't qualify me-but I'll keep on!
I don't think I have any videos worth posting really, they're all bad quality but Mermaid Summer has seen some.
This is me doing Pink and Ariel :)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150307399802449&set=vb.613552448&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=435340899914824&set=vb.100003167542256&type=3&theater

[Seraphina Suds]

I love to sing, but I'm really shy about it. I barely even sing in front of my girlfriend and it really makes her mad because she's been dying to record with me but I won't do it lol. She used to be a fairly successful local artist in the Hudson Valley a few years back.

[Merman Dan]

My only problem is that a lot of the instruments I play don't do so well around water...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EHJKo2SFpw

[Anahita]

Oh my god... Merman Dan, you win the internet today for finding that!!! Hahaha! Oh, if only I could lift something that size, I'd be ALL OVER THAT (or maybe I can hire an extra mertender just to carry it ;) )

[Merman Dan]

A hydraulophone is infinitely more portable than the Sea Organ of Zadar! ;)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSKli6T6-SY

[Seatan]

OMG that is SO fantastic! The sea is singing!

[Echidna]

^^
I'm intrigued by this.
I used to be a pianist, and also play several harps.
Both harps and pianos are hard to transport though, and are no use in a mermaid-gig setting :(
Ye, I can sing, but a Hydraulophon would be THE thing to accompany it!

MUST.HAVE. !!

[Anahita]

A hydraulophone is infinitely more portable than the Sea Organ of Zadar! ;)


Yeah, but the Sea Organ of Zadar has a much more badass name.

[Merman Dan]

Portable, you say?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7600721192_c32a96f36f_o.jpg

Granted, there is a slight possibility of electrocution. ;) I really should get a shot with my newer AX-Synth while wearing my tail.

[Echidna]

It's not only the portability (is that a word?).
I'm sold on the Hydraulophone.

It looks just like an instrument real merpeople would make and use; it belongs in the water.
The sound is eerie and sounds like a water-driven aeol's harp.
Bonus for me that it's quite similar to piano to play.

I'd be content with Nessie, the children version.
Any idea where to get one?
I only found sites full of photos with no links or info where to go.

[Merman Dan]

Alas, the last time I checked they were monstrously expensive. :/

You might check the Nessie Hydraulophone Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/nessie.hydraulophone)

[Echidna]

Alas, the last time I checked they were monstrously expensive. :/

:(
(we need a smiley crying big tears, why isn't there one?)

That's a shame, it doesn't even look like it had to be so expensive
(it's a tube with holes basically...), well, can only hope it becomes more popular, and cheaper in the process.

[Merman Dan]

I'd like to see a waterproof Laser Harp (http://www.mountainglenharps.com/laser_harps.htm) , especially this model:

http://www.mountainglenharps.com/modlogan/Grenn-Laser-Harp.jpg

[Anahita]

Alas, the last time I checked they were monstrously expensive. :/

You might check the Nessie Hydraulophone Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/nessie.hydraulophone)

Apparently this guy works where my partner goes to school? Hell yes. I know someone​ who's going on a quest to get me one of these bad boys!

[Merman Dan]

I know someone​ who's going on a quest to get me one of these bad boys!

Make that two. :)

[Anahita]

Hehehee. I'll definitely let you know what he comes up with. We now have him and our friend (and possibly our friend's little brother) all on the quest to get their "Banoojaan" a hydraulophone. I'm hoping the odds are in my favor.

[New York Mermaid]

Lanai will understand this - I keep losing my upper "dolphin" register.

LOL ALL LATE, I see this, Kailani you need to work on it, my dialect is ranged differently I suppose because of oh 8 years of practice and some finned coaches :D

[Elle]

Oh my god... Merman Dan, you win the internet today for finding that!!! Hahaha! Oh, if only I could lift something that size, I'd be ALL OVER THAT (or maybe I can hire an extra mertender just to carry it ;) )


If you're really interested in it and happy to do some reading....
http://wearcam.org/acmmm2006presement_as_published.pdf

[Anahita]

If you're really interested in it and happy to do some reading....
http://wearcam.org/acmmm2006presement_as_published.pdf

Hrm, a bit technical for me, but maybe my partner can put it to use to make one if he fails to find the guy who makes them.

[Azurin Luna]

I've alot of instruments at home, but I think most of them wouldn't like water. I have one queer flute that is made of plastic with a very warm tone, so that could be used when sitting on a rock

[Merman Dan]

The music is piped in and the instruments are fake, but it still looks like fun!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L98POuwZ_Vg

Here a bit about August Powers (http://www.fla-keys.com/news/news.cfm?sid=8768), who sculpted many of the unique instruments for the festival.

[Merman Dan]

Well, that answers that question...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyqeJZ35xsY

[Elle]

Well, that answers that question...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyqeJZ35xsY

Proof that mermaids do not play guitars (at least not underwater anyway)

[Echidna]

Alas, the last time I checked they were monstrously expensive. :/

You're right.
I e-mailed a bit with the inventor.
Each hydraulophone is manufactured according to the specific demands of the buyer,
and costs usually something between 15k and 25k $ .

And that's only the children's version, a concert hydraulophone with a range equivalent to a piano
will probably be at least twice the cost.

So, if anyone feels like they want to be a water pianist, make sure you're "well endowed" :p

[Anahita]

So.... it costs the same as a regular piano. Seems about right.

[TheChimera]

This doesnt really fall into the category of 'me making music' but I did appear in a music video lol, Im the one in the dark robes

This is from a post-hardcore band , If This Is Forever ,

Its their first vid so be gentle, also my bf is the drummer so obviously I'm here to support him

Please have a looksy guys, also check out their Facebook profile 'If This Is Forever- official '

Heres the link to the video

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5Nqz9jfz_s

[ylluria]

I have a few. :) One's of a stage performance I did in DC at the Red Palace (formerly the Palace of Wonders, which has a long history of being big on the East Coast sideshow circuit- lots of fire eaters and bellydancers and glass walkers have been on that stage ^_^), and one very short sampler I made for that very same show. Since I was bellydancing in another part of the same night's gig, the audio is of me singing a bit of "Jolly Sailor Bold," while some of the video shows me in watery guises and bellydance costume, since I was also going to be singing the song in the other video. ^_^ (Which is Sarah Vaughn's "Lorelei." ^_^)
Hope ya like!
♥


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcJlETWyyhI


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRQtsq4BLYc

[Mermaid Enora]

I play the flute and piano.
When I'm in fairy attire at ren faires I play a double flute aka an aulos.
I've bought a few pairs, but now I've figured out how to make my own.
Mine are metal and plastic and can still be played if they get wet.
Wish I had some videos of my double flute sound its really cool since you are
basically playing a duet with yourself.

[Little_Orca]

I have played and tried to play several instruments in the past, but my main one I have right now is a harp. I have often used my little one when it came to posing in my tail, as seen in this image of her and myself on the coast:

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=4676&d=1343024269 (http://mernetwork.com/index/album.php?albumid=44&attachmentid=4675)

I have videos on youtube of me playing my harps, but they are all old and the sound quality is terrible I am afraid. I need to find the time and re-record them with a better camera... and for pure vanity reasons as well as the videos below were done before I lost all my weight. The videos feature my large harp.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x39XNAGiXO4&amp;list=UU1cRl0hGj6r1CmbFcfUQqQQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBTSUzXCsdY&amp;index=84&amp;list=UU1cRl0hGj6r1Cmb FcfUQqQQ

[Mermaid Cecelia]

I play trumpet, piano, and a purple ukulele :) I also like to think that I can sing haha

[Raayvhen]

I'm starting to get to a place where I can record and perform! Once I'm recovered I'll be posting original songs. Here's the one I recorded a couple months ago, it's a cover and I'm pretty pleased with it.

https://soundcloud.com/raayvhen/tracks

i play piano, guitar, and can tinker on a ukulele.

[Mermaid Galene]

I've got several works-in-progress Neptune's Keep songs kicking around in my head. Today this one just won't let me go! (But I have to clean my seahorse tanks, so sorry, song. The verses will have to wait!)

https://soundcloud.com/smart-small-fry/water-wings-work-in-progress