Every Christmas, we hear Mariah Carey's famous song again and again. After all these years, I started thinking: why not me?
That's how the idea behind Disco Wonderland came about.
I composed this track in 2023, just after buying Synthesizer V with Natalie's voice. At that time, Natalie was the only virtual singer I had, so the choice of voice was pretty straightforward!
From Christmas music to disco
I was born in 1970, so disco has been part of the music I grew up with. It's still one of the many musical styles I enjoy.
What I particularly love about disco is the richness of its sounds and musical lines. The different instruments intertwine to create the whole piece. That's something I really appreciate in this style.
Originally, I had something more traditionally Christmas-oriented in mind, a little like Sia's Christmas album. But things took a different direction quite quickly, and the disco groove naturally found its way into the song.
How the track took shape
As usual, I started by writing the lyrics. Then I put together a chord progression, and the disco bass line came naturally afterwards.
For the title, the word Disco was an obvious choice. Then I remembered Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire. I liked the idea of adding Wonderland to the title. Christmas is a world of magic and wonder, so it seemed like a good fit.
I created the track in Cubase Elements 14, using many sounds from SynthMaster 1, Rob Papen's RG, Analog Lab V, and some Cubase samples.
Natalie handled both the lead vocals and the backing vocals. She was the only virtual singer I had at the time, so I made the most of what I had!
My favourite part
One of my favourite moments is the bridge. I feel it creates a real break from the rest of the track.
Sometimes, it even reminds me of certain passages by Boney M. I wouldn't claim to have their talent, of course, but I like that little connection!
Looking back, I might try something different with the vocals. Perhaps I would use two female singers in a duet. It would be interesting to hear how that could change the song.
With Disco Wonderland, I wanted to bring together the joy of Christmas, the nostalgia of disco, and the desire to dance. A little bit of everything, really!
Listen to Disco Wonderland:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/track/6fhI7nduNY7P0wMfSzNDea?si=18c2e9ec1df94fae
YouTube:
Now I'd love to hear from you!
Does this mix of Christmas and disco put you in a festive mood? And what do you think of the vocals? Can you imagine this song as a duet between two female singers?
Thanks for reading, and happy listening!