Sound
The sound of “As It Was” is both a fusion of the typical popular melody and unique instrumentation and structure that is a clear expression of its influences. The song feels both kind and upbeat, as well as melancholic and mournful, a juxtaposition of emotion that sings true in the composition as well. In an article on the website, Secrets of Songwriting, analyzing the song’s melody, blogger and musician, Gary Ewer, explains that the song has a very consistently descending structure, with notes generally getting lower as the song progresses, with the verses having the shortest 3-4 note structure, and the chorus having the longest and steepest descent in melody. Ewer goes on to express that a descent in tone is often associated with feelings of “nostalgia and introspection,” which certainly supports the general feeling of somberness which can be felt in the song’s core. That is not to say that it is a song devoid of joy. It also has an undeniable energy to it too that is common in other pop music. This is due to, as Ewer also explains, its simple chord progression, which is an apparent necessity to appeal to a wide audience. According to Ewer, “As It Was” has a very simple chord progression during its chorus, of A, D, Bm, E that helps it maintain its pop-music sound while still dabbling with that solemn energy that gives it an extra dash of mystique.
Harry Styles and his musicians recorded this record in A&R man, Rob Stringer’s living room (Rogerson, MusicRadar, 2023). Being recorded in a home studio can affect sound and performance too, of course, and possibly influenced the general essence of the recording as well. The environment can change sound and the creative process. In an interview with Shelby Young, who just released her debut album, Falling in Love with the Stars and the Moon, she expressed that she also recorded her music in a home studio. “I wrote most of the songs on acoustic guitar…We have a little set up in our bedroom and played a lot with the synthesizer…” Young explains, a surprising feat to record an entire album in a bedroom studio, the production still sounds professional, and according to Young’s interview, definitely affected her ability to be playful and creative. In other contexts, the general location or city can also create a different energy to production and performance as well. For example, in an interview with Habeeb Olayinka, a musician and producer based in Lagos, Nigeria, when he was asked about what it is like to be a producer in his city, he described it as, “Hectic…hectic--but also adventurous,” highlighting that the creative process and attitude of music can be influenced by its surroundings.
"AS IT WAS" OFFICIAL AUDIO
Harry Styles and his musicians recorded this record in A&R man, Rob Stringer’s living room (Rogerson, MusicRadar, 2023). Being recorded in a home studio can affect sound and performance too, of course, and possibly influenced the general essence of the recording as well. The environment can change sound and the creative process. In an interview with Shelby Young, who just released her debut album, Falling in Love with the Stars and the Moon, she expressed that she also recorded her music in a home studio. “I wrote most of the songs on acoustic guitar…We have a little set up in our bedroom and played a lot with the synthesizer…” Young explains, a surprising feat to record an entire album in a bedroom studio, the production still sounds professional, and according to Young’s interview, definitely affected her ability to be playful and creative. In other contexts, the general location or city can also create a different energy to production and performance as well. For example, in an interview with Habeeb Olayinka, a musician and producer based in Lagos, Nigeria, when he was asked about what it is like to be a producer in his city, he described it as, “Hectic…hectic--but also adventurous,” highlighting that the creative process and attitude of music can be influenced by its surroundings.
"AS IT WAS" OFFICIAL AUDIO
