Oodan and the Uaghan - Singles

As a writer, I have created many worlds and civilisations, but none more detailed as the planet  Oodan /uːdan/. A small globe with three main islands, Oodan is primarily forest, being populated by more trees than peoples. Because of this, their culture is founded on wood and leaf. Their music is no exception, every instrument being made from trees, including strings, woodwinds and percussion. With native instruments influenced and accompanied by the music of human settlers, the music of Oodan, although unique, is mostly recognisable by humans.

To articulate this musical culture, I wanted to write a song within the constraints of the culture. Because of this I used my Native American Drone Flute as a starting point and accompanied it with congas, double bass, piano, acoustic guitar and various percussion instruments. The piece is intended to represent the peaceful yet strong nature of the world, acting as a meditation on the land.

One of the legends in this world is of the Uaghan /uːəxan/; a bird spirit who governs the planet and punishes its abusers. Although a real bird, the Uaghan is one of the most elusive creatures in the galaxy, seen by almost none. Because of this, the Uaghan has become a legend, an old tale told to children to teach them to respect their planet.

To create a piece based on this legend, I wanted to again use my Drone Flute. However, I wanted to focus on texture rather than melody, attempting unorthodox techniques. Through this, I discovered the ability to imitate certain sounds: lightly blowing above the sound hole created a subtle owl-like hoot, and breathing into the instrument with the bird removed created an atmospheric tone.

I decided to suggest tension through atmosphere, instead of melody and harmony. Because of this, I used minimal instrumentation, leaving space for the sound design, the main instruments being my Drone Flute, a Water-phone and a Cabasa. I started by mimicking the atmosphere, emphasised by blowing over my water bottle, which lent a harsher timbre. After adding hoots and gliding drones, I recorded the Water-phone, tapping and brushing my fingers across the rods. I also added Taiko drums to add power and awesomeness to the bird.