Brent Faiyaz is an American R&B singer known for his ability to brilliantly capture the emotions and paradoxes of love and traditional masculinity. He is also known for his very calm tone and ability to transport listeners into a state of deep relaxation with his voice. The intro of “Home” by Brent Faiyaz is an excellent topic for audio production analysis because it makes use of “foley” in a musical composition. In other words, Brent Faiyaz demonstrates how “foley” or a “soundscape” can be created and employed outside of academic exploration and film.
The term “foley” refers to the creation and addition of recorded sound effects which often includes the reproduction of everyday sounds. While we have been previously introduced to the art of foley via our “Soundscape” projects, it is worth mentioning that “foley” is also a profitable professional endeavor (i.e., recording artists like Brent Faiyaz employ and need the art of foley).
In the intro of “Home” we are taken to a neighborhood where we can detect sounds such as a dog barking, kids playing, birds, a car, footsteps, doors, stairs, keys, and a garage door lifting and closing. These sounds are “everyday” sounds that when combined create what Brent Faiyaz calls “home”. We get the impression of action, movement, and environment all from audio that does not have a visual counterpart (i.e. this song has no video but through audio we know and understand implied place). This unique combination creates its own soundscape that is thematically and intentionally connected to the mood and message of the actual song.