Killer from The Lockdown Sessions – Willard Overstreet
Let’s look at the second single released by Willard Overstreet in his Lockdown Sessions releases. The single “Killer,” released in the summer of 2023, features keyboard contributions from yours truly. We’ll take a look at the Killer Keyboards in this post.
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Background on Killer by Willard Overstreet
Killer came to me in a starter format from Willard Overstreet on a single track combining his vocal and acoustic guitar. The palette was open to add colors to this song and bring it along into the production space.
This 3:23 minute song describes a girl – “a killer in disguise” – in true-to-form musical storytelling by Willard. As Will says, “It’s a tune about a young girl who turned adversity into compassion, the ultimate “killer”!”
Killer Keyboard Tracks
I used about 13 instruments in creating this track. Not all were used in the final mix. Below, I’ve dropped a screenshot of my session in Logic Pro X for Killer.
Drums – I used Vintage Drums from Native Instruments for basic drum tracks in the session. These offered a nice acoustic vibe that matched the style of the song.
Piano Grandeur (Native Instruments) – There were a few tracks during the “Lockdown Sessions,” for which I played piano parts on my Kawai RX-6 grand piano. After time passes, I suppose it’s easy to misremember what instrument appeared on which tune. I was sure the piano on this song was my Kawai as in playback, the piano sounded more authentic to me than I’m used to from digital reproductions. So it was to my surprise when I reopened my session to see the piano was not my acoustic piano, but rather Grandeur from Native Instruments. I love the tone of this instrument. Along with my Pianoteq selection of pianos, this one is at the top of the list for future digital piano considerations.
Mellotron Stereo Strings (Arturia) – This Mellotron selection added a slightly haunting sound. I played just a single-line melody under the chorus vocal. This becomes a two-part harmonized melody on the final chorus.
Mellotron Chamber Strings (Arturia) – A second taped-string option provides a somewhat transistorized sounding patch that enters as a harmony to the vocal on the bridge. The sound reappears at the end of the final chorus.
Horns – Studio Horns from Logic Pro X were called up to craft the horns on this track. I used the Alto Sax and each of the Trombones (1, 2, and 3) to develop the horn parts on this song. I hoped to get a local horn player to play on these tracks before finalizing the tune. However, schedules with a few local players didn’t sync with my calendar, so it’s the Studio Horns you hear on the song. Serviceable.
Unused Tracks on Killer
In my mind, I did hear a quasi-80s vibe, especially in the chorus, so I laid down some eighth-note rhythmic notes during the chorus using a variety of instruments to provide options for the final mix. These tracks included the following instruments and sounds:
- Synclavier (Arturia) – CMI Grand & JX Strings combo patch – a very 80s digital-sounding option
- Farfisa (Arturia) – Fast Leslie doubling the Synclavier
- B3 (Arturia) – Manual setting of 85-8602-003
- CS80 (Arturia) – Prophet patch – duplicating Synclavier and Farfisa
- DX7 (Arturia) – The Deeper Love patch
The above tracks and approach were an option, but the final mix selection kept the sound of the 80s on our local hard drives.
The bass Track on this song was played by Ricky Rat. Yes, THE Ricky Rat who has credentials of playing with The Monkees and Alice Cooper, among others.
Killer – Song Lyric
Dresses like she doesn’t want to be seen
Comes from hard circumstance
She left that long ago
It was her only chance
She’s a knock down drag em out killer
A hero in disguise
Her heart is filled with sunshine
She’s got a fire in her eyes
She’s a killer
She can handle a fight
Doesn’t rattle easily
She doesn’t believe in holding a grudge
Says it keeps her from being free
She’s a knock down drag em out killer
A hero in disguise
Her heart is filled with sunshine
She’s got a fire in her eyes
Whoa oh oh she’s a killer
Whoa oh oh she’s a killer
She’s as free as the wind
As deep as the sea
She’s a beautiful poem
A haunting melody
She’s a knock down drag em out killer
A hero in disguise
Her heart is filled with sunshine
She’s got a fire in her eyes
She’s a killer
More Information – Willard Overstreet
Where to Listen to Killer by Willard Overstreet
Killer is the second release from Willard Overstreet’s Lockdown Sessions. You can listen on YouTube (video below) or call it up on Spotify or your favorite music streaming service.
Listen to Killer – Purchase Killer
Link for Killer by Willard Overstreet
Read More Behind The Keys Stories
Speaking of Killer Keyboards – Check out the Nord Stage 4
The Nord Stage 4 is my current top pick for an 88-note weighted keyboard. The full keyboard range allows access to a full range of key-switching options in your DAW. And this keyboard is a joy to play!
Thanks for your support!
Arthur Dobrucki
#behindthemusic #behindthekeys