"Meant To Be" by VOCES8 (James Heather) Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

[@jamesheathersounds]

Thank you for shining a light. When I composed it on piano I knew my fingers should be voices working in counterpoint. I had a longer version that didn’t make my album so I sent Geoff the extended intro and outro sections. He kept the essence of the composition but in his expert way twisted it to work so powerfully for Voces8. I wrote this song to get through a hard time in life and I hope it travels into souls over the years to come.

[@StrateleStudios]

This is absolutely beautiful, James. I can relate to creating music during tough times and I think there will always be a part of that experience in it when revisited. I’m hoping you are in a much better place now. 🙏

[@JBaerden]

I have listened to this at least ten times yesterday and thus far today. Music that "moves one" is precious. It is a delightful and soothing tonic to the soul. Reading James' comments, observing Jeff's vulnerable expressions while listening, and of course seeing and hearing the VOCES8 performance, well, I am undone...

[@richardtodd7295]

Just a note about this piece; it was originally written for piano by James Heather. Geoff Lawson adapted it for voices. Every time i listen to it, I hear things I missed. It truly repays hearing again and again.

[@wilksy2008]

Voces8! Voces8! Voces8! Voces8! 🤩

[@lisedonsgrnning6518]

This one is just otherworldly beautiful and special ….. 🥹🥹🥹🙏🏼. Thank you, Richard - and thank you, Jeff …. beautiful reaction and sharings, my friend🥹🫶🏼🌈💫✨💜🙏🏼

[@baulbattle]

Dear Mr Stratele, it’s so enchanting you give space to such divine voices expressions! I’d suggest you their live performance of Barber’s “Agnus Dei”.

[@herbertwackerlin6174]

Andrea‘s voice, when she hits this lone high note, it sounds like a glass in Ešenvalds „Stars“, absolutely pure 🥰

[@wilksy2008]

That was awesome dude!! Thank Richard for the sublime request 🥹 Voces8 never miss 👀

[@jesperschultz5568]

They just defined harmony. Incredible.

[@cmorrowk]

Synesthesia is when you hear music, but you see shapes or colors. When I hear dissonance, I tend to "see" or sense texture or color. And as I listen to chord progressions, I hear them in a conversational way. It's very hard to explain, but it's like I hear suspensions as explanatory and resolutions as realization - if that makes any sense at all. But overall, thick harmonies and dissonance tend to be an almost visceral experience for me. I can't get enough of it! I love that you're reacting to groups like this.

[@StrateleStudios]

Love your comment!

[@sarahmgeorges]

It’s called staggered breathing. They simply take their breaths at different times so there are no breaks in the flow. Plus I’m sure they have exceptional breathing technique :)

[@StrateleStudios]

That is awesome!

[@michaelbradley7529]

Would be nice if they had a real bass singer to warm up the bottom end.