Inspiration and Concept
"Cause of You" marks a pivotal moment in my musical journey where I started integrating elements of funk into my production style. Inspired by the timeless nature of future funk, I combined it with my knowledge of melodic riddim sound design in future house music. This blend of genres made the creation process incredibly enjoyable and opened up new creative avenues for me.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Cause of You" delve into the theme of betrayal and moving on. They express the realization of being deceived and the strength to let go and move forward. The repetitive chorus emphasizes the determination to break free from the toxic relationship.
Production Details
This track marked my first attempt at incorporating funk elements into my music. I added a funky bass guitar bassline, bounced it, chopped it up, and strategically placed it to enhance the drop. This approach added a unique and vibrant texture to the track, making it stand out.
Visuals
Cover Art: The cover art showcases a vaporwave-inspired design portraying a spherical planet with a ring, accompanied by multiple modular mannequins gesturing towards a focal point, a gesture commonly associated with "you." I believed this visual concept would enhance the song's relatability to listeners.
Music Video: I created a visualizer video myself to complement the song, adding to the overall experience for the listeners.
Reception and Impact
Despite being self-released with minimal marketing, "Cause of You" has been well-received by my friends and continues to be actively streamed. The track's unique blend of house, melodic riddim, and funk has resonated with listeners, sustaining its popularity over the past two years.
Songwriting Process
For this track, I utilized an acapella from a vocal pack to give the song a voice, as hiring a singer-songwriter or writing lyrics myself wasn't an option. The acapella served as the foundation, inspiring the leads, chords, and bassline. The process was smooth and inspirational, with the melody and harmony coming together effortlessly.
Personal Reflections
Integrating house music with melodic riddim sound design and funk was a groundbreaking experience for me. It felt revolutionary and helped me discover a potential unique selling point (USP) for my music. This fusion of genres has become a defining aspect of my style, and I'm excited to explore it further in future projects.