* * *
『Omamori』
That day you flipped the world with just a single word
From the bottom of my heart, I thought you were so cool
You will surely continue to steal this gaze from now on
From the bottom of my belly, I laughed, knowing I couldn’t compete
Receiving a share of that courage
Spinning threads from it, weaving them vertically and horizontally
Look, a single song has been born
It might not amount to anything at all
But surely, as much as you think of that person
I love you too
Though what that means is a secret
Then if you say, "What’s that?"
And laugh like you always do
If your heart becomes even a little bit warmer
I’ll be so happy I could cry
Hey, just for that, I’m glad I told you
That day you flipped the world for the sake of someone else
From the bottom of my heart, I wished for your happiness
Borrowing that resolve
Spinning those words, weaving them with care
Look, a single song has been born
It might not be of any use at all
But surely, as much as you think of that person
I love you too
Though what that means is a secret
Then if you say, "What’s that?"
And laugh like you always do
If your heart looks forward even a little bit
That person must feel the same way
Look, just for that, I’m glad I told you
When it’s painful, sing
If that becomes the power for your usual smile
If your heart becomes even a little bit warmer
I’ll be so happy I could cry
Hey, I’m truly glad I could fall in love
Sorry it got so long
I wove in all my thoughts and all my prayers
To make this Omamori
If it’s alright with you
Please keep just this song by your side
Please keep even just this song by your side
* * *
"I see...!"
After the song finished, a small round of applause broke out.
The mixing Tsubame-chan did made the sound image of each instrument very clear, making it extremely easy to listen to.
"It’s wonderful, Tsubame."
"Do you think so!"
Being praised by her master, her face lit up instantly.
"I think it's good that it's become easier to hear."
"Yeah, it was great! Mixing really changes things a lot, doesn't it!"
Sako and Ichikawa also nodded happily.
"Thank you, Tsubame-chan."
"No, no, if I could be of help, then that's all that matters!"
When I thanked her, she directed a perfect, small-animal-like smile toward me.
At the same time, a thought suddenly occurred to me.
"I want to give this a nuance like reading a letter, but I wonder how I should do that?"
"A letter, is it...?"
"Yeah."
Thanks to Tsubame-chan, the vocals now came forward properly, and accordingly, the lyrics became much easier to understand.
Listening to it again, I think the lyrics are amazing. I think it shows incredible resolve.
...I feel like I shouldn't treat it like someone else's business by just 'thinking' that.
What kind of production would be appropriate for these lyrics?
I've been thinking about that somewhere in my head ever since we started the pre-pro.
When the quality of the sound source was low, I couldn't even reach the point of thinking about production—meaning I hadn't even stood at the starting line—but now that the quality of the sound source has improved, I've finally realized it.
And that was: 'This song is a letter.'
"I want the vocals to feel like someone reading a letter."
"Should I re-record the vocals?"
Ichikawa tilted her head.
"No, it's not quite that... how should I put it..."
I think Ichikawa's singing style already has the nuance of a 'letter' firmly in it. That's why I realized it too.
So, I don't think it's the song itself...
However, as usual, I could only speak in vague terms, which was frustrating.
While the members of amane leaned in to try and grasp what I meant,
"For something like that, you just need to apply a short delay."
Hirosue spoke up as if she were exasperated.
"Short delay?"
"Yes. ...Don't tell me, you don't know?"
"Ah, yeah..."
"...Right, that's the level we're at."
Hirosue let out a sigh that somehow sounded lonely before continuing.
"A normal delay repeats things many times, but you set it to just once, and the distance of the reflection... no, it's faster to let you hear it. Tsubame, can I borrow this for a bit?"
"Ah, okay...!"
Tsubame-chan, unusually using casual speech, handed over the computer.
...Wait, unusually, or rather, isn't this the first time?
Inwardly, my tension rose a bit, but I felt it was better not to show it in this atmosphere, so I stayed quiet. Still, a casual-talking Tsubame-chan is rare...
In the meantime, Hirosue put on the headphones and, with a serious face, clicked around and adjusted things on the PC.
"Well, it's rough, but it's done."
After a few minutes, Hirosue took off the headphones and said,
"It's like this."
She played one phrase of the chorus.
"I see...!"
The singing style remained the same, but it had gained a sparse, conversational nuance.
"It's similar to the effects used in flashback scenes or monologues in dramas and movies. By doing this, it creates a somewhat introspective atmosphere."
"Whoa...! As expected, Hirosue, you're amazing...!"
"...I-It's only natural, something like this! Y-you're the bedroom musician, so you should at least learn this much!"
Hirosue turned away, literally saying "Hmph!" Azuma-san, seeing that, whispered "I knew it..." with a smile. What do you mean, 'you knew it'?
"...Hmm, but this might be a bit too dark."
Sako spoke up.
"Dark?"
"Yeah, I think it definitely brings out the introspective feel, but I feel like it's giving off a nuance of regret. Since this girl is a light-attribute, that kind of dark-attribute vibe is a bit..."
"Am I being praised?"
"I'm neither praising nor insulting you."
"Hmm...?"
Beside an unconvinced Ichikawa, a lightbulb went off above Tsubame-chan's head.
"Ah, in that case...!"
Tsubame-chan stood up and began rummaging through the Rock Club's storage outside the studio.
"What's wrong?"
"Please wait a moment!"
"I wonder what she intends to do...?"
Hirosue stood on her tiptoes, looking over with interest.
After a short while, Tsubame-chan returned.
"I found this in the club room the other day!"
In her hands was an old-fashioned boombox. The kind you sometimes see in old American movies.
"What are you going to do with that?"
"Yes, well... wait, how do I..."
"Shouldn't you do it like this?"
Sako, who is knowledgeable about old audio equipment, sat down beside her and gave some instructions.
"It's ready! Now! Amane-bucho, I want you to speak into this!"
"You mean re-record?"
Ichikawa tilted her head while Tsubame-chan looked excited.
"No, not that, I just want you to talk!"