Choral Album by Grant Wiliford
Love Embodied
Overview
“Love Embodied” is an album, made in conjunction with Dr. Nicole Mattfeld and the Alma College Choir. From romantic and friendship, to self-love and love for the universe, the album incorporates songs that covers the various ways how we view love. Featuring songs from their February program, the Alma Choir explores these topics through music.
Purpose and Process
The Alma College choirs has not recorded a full album since the early 2000s, and none of them have been available on streaming services, such as Spotify or Apple Music. After talking with the Choir Director, Dr. Nicole Mattfeld, we decided that this would be a good opportunity to attract new students, preserve the music digitally, and show that even non music majors can create amazing music.
There is a lot that goes into making an album. I had to look at the space, find the best placement for the microphones, record the songs (sometimes 5-6 takes per song), editing, mixing, and mastering. All of these steps are important to create a comprehensive album. The editing was the hardest part. I had to cut together the best takes for each song and put them together to make the best cut possible, which was challenging at times. I also had to add Equalization, Compression, and Reverb to make the tracks more live. All of these put together makes Love Embodied.
Senior Biography
From Traverse City, Michigan, Grant is a New Media Studies major with a focus is Sound Engineering. During his time at Alma College, Grant has worked with the theatre department and been the lead sound technician for two shows. This past summer, he interned with Jack Connors at Perfect World Studios in Traverse City.
After graduation, Grant will work with the theatre department at Traverse City West Senior High and hopes to eventually work on sound for video games.
