LUV - Single

– A sultry soulful ballad-a love story

Listen Now!

Dive Deep into the Composition

Lyrics

"'LUV' is one of the most personal songs I’ve written, born from a place of deep reflection and gratitude. As I crafted the lyrics, I wanted to capture the vulnerability of longing for a love that feels pure, kind, and unconditional—while weaving in the spiritual journey of having that prayer answered. The scatting in the song holds a special meaning for me; it represents those moments when words fall short, and the only way to express the depth of emotion is through pure melody. It’s a raw, instinctive release that speaks directly to the heart. Writing this song was like opening my soul, celebrating the courage it takes to love fully and the divine serendipity of finding that special connection."

Melody

The melody of "LUV" came to me naturally over a few days, evolving as I hummed it and eventually captured it on a voice memo. It has a smooth, easy-going vibe with a gentle bounce that feels rhythmic yet soothing—almost like a soft syncopation that invites movement without overwhelming. Composed in E-flat major, it flows beautifully with m and M 7th chords, which I love for their rich and soulful texture. The melody feels warm and flavorful, creating an atmosphere that’s both inviting and emotionally resonant. Its simplicity and smoothness allow the emotion in the lyrics to shine through, making it the perfect complement to the song’s theme of love and connection.

Arrangement+Production

The arrangement and composition of "LUV" were designed to break free from traditional song structures, drawing inspiration from the Commodores' "Zoom." Like that classic track, "LUV" thrives on its non-cookie-cutter structure, featuring instrumental breaks and unexpected transitions that keep the listener engaged. One of the standout moments is the breakdown right before the instrumental break, where the tempo slows, and the vocals gently lead into the lines, "Your smile... your eyes... your mind... oh oh oh oh." This section feels like a moment of pause, allowing the emotions to breathe and creating a lush, intimate atmosphere.
The inclusion of strings adds a layer of richness and warmth, enhancing the song’s soulful vibe. The verses, built around scatting, lean into the idea of the song being more of a vibe than a rigid narrative, which gives it a raw, organic feel. The production process itself captured this authenticity, with the band recording in just a couple of takes and layering untuned vocal performances on top. This approach preserved the magic of the song’s raw and pure energy, making it feel alive and deeply human. The result is a composition that feels expansive, vibrant, and emotionally resonant—an ode to breaking molds and embracing the beauty of imperfection.

The Story Behind "LUV"

LUV was created completely organically from melody to pen on paper then given to musicians to record in the studio, and be mixed master and released to the public. Originally, this song was supposed to be a leading single for a full EP project I composed as my senior capstone project for my bachelors degree from the Lamont School of Music. The other 3 tracks included ranged from country to funk to an alternative orchestral ballad. Fun fact, this song LUV was left completely vocally untuned to allow listeners a more raw and authentic listening experience. I composed the structure of LUV inspired initially by listening in depth to the Commodore's song "Zoom" on Christmas in 2021.

Learn More

Exclusive Bonus for Fans!

Buy LUV today and get an exclusive voice memo draft (demo for band) of the first rendition of the single!

The Creative Process

Here are a few pics and videos showing some of my creative process

Go Behind the Music

Join the journey! Subscribe for access to behind-the-scenes videos, exclusive updates, and more insights into the making of Blue Heart Journals.