Like a ring, a knife or a photograph, a song makes a good souvenir. 
​ ~Oliver Wood~

You know that song, the one that pops on your playlist? Timewarping you to the tenderness you last shared? When the sound of its few chords and its truth pluck your heart’s strings and you're compelled to reach out before the end of the day? That song.

Let's write it together. 

Giftsongs take that very human moment one step further. When you commission a Giftsong, you  co-write *your* song, ensuring the song captures exactly what you want it to say. Lyrics are based on your special spots, your inside jokes, the significant details of how and what you all mean to one another.

Giftsongs use your love language to convey your love for your loved ones.

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The Process
Giftsongs are written for the moments that require their own soundtrack. Memorials, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, milestone occasions. 

FIRST :: Lyric Gathering
As a first step, I listen. To you and the loved ones you gather, to identify the images, genre, sounds, phrases upon which the lyrics will draw. Sometimes this listening is by way of scrolling select social media to read people’s comments and memories. Sometimes it is providing questions for you to answer in writing. Often, it takes the form of an in-person interview. 

THEN :: Writing
After the Listening, I work it out in the studio. Depending on your need, Giftsongs can have a 1 day to 1 week turnaround. 

LAST :: Producing
You have several options to complete the process. 

• Basic. I record a simple scratch track and provide the lyrics, chord sheet for your musicians. Your musicians can then give the song its final shape at a service or in the studio. If you need sheet music to voice the ensemble parts, we can provide that as well.
• Studio Recording. My bandmates and I record your song in the studio, for, or with you. The recording can be coordinated to soundtrack your chosen video at a service or celebration. As seen in the sample video below Foster, Mom. 
• On-site recording. Within a reasonable distance in my travels, I can produce a short video filmed on location in a special, meaningful spot as seen in the Carolyn Mae video below.

Studio Recording (as video soundtrack)

On-Site Recording (video)

Click on each song title in the player to see the inspiration for each tune.

To read lyrics, click on the ‘share’ link to go to Bandcamp and explore each tune. 

Rates: 
A Basic Giftsong ($250),  includes

• the listening session
• the writing time
• chords, lyrics & scratch track

Additional rates for studio recording with our studio musicians and engineer will be applied, if needed. 

Ready?
Contact me: Mary Overlie,
​maryo {at} mudsong.net