If it wasn't clear enough already, Spencer loves Motown. We went all out on the production & arrangement of this track, trying to emulate that elusive sound.
A soulful and frustrated lead vocal (performed by Nicole), the thick Jamersonesque bassline, swooping group vocals, heavy reverb, and a hot high-in-the-mix auxiliary percussion groove all help shape the Detroit feel. Al Asmus, our time-to-time woodwind virtuoso, added final touches with a bari, two tenors, and an alto sax.

The composition of this song was unique in that it began with a bassline, which I wrote to be the main hook. Next, came the implied chords, which are fairly simplistic, as often heard on early Motown singles. When writing the vocal melody, I wanted it to sound playful, sweet, and skip along carelessly, rarely repeating the same note consecutively. It also needed an edge of yearning and frustration, so I added the belted-out triplets to finish the chorus. On top of all this, it needed to be memorable.
I gave Ryan the title 'Wish I Was Your Girl,' and he quickly scribbled the words into his sweet-potato colored notebook. Simple, poetic, and timeless, Smokey Robinson style. I'm consistently impressed with Ryan's ability to understand exactly what I'm aiming towards with a tune, and finding the right words to compliment the tone.


-Mitchell