Behind the Pen
Episode Two Activity
Singer-songwriter, Orson Benjamin, joins producers Shajuan “BBEARDED” Andrews and Mikey Schoenfeld at the studio to continue work on his new single, “Go Down.” Orson explores how dialogue is used in his song and in the process of working with others.
Poetic Device
Dialogue: a written or spoken exchange between two or more people
Example of Dialogue in a Song
- “Hip Hop Police” by Chamillionaire
- “Stan” by Eminem
- “Like to Be You” by Shawn Mendes
Practice Dialogue
Create a written or spoken exchange between two or more people:
- Write down your song topic across the top of the page.
- Identify two people or parties. Who’s talking? The two parties can be you talking to someone else or to people other than yourself.
- Start with the perspective of Person #1. What does this person have to say about the topic you chose?
- Respond with Person #2. What does Person #2 have to say about Person #1’s perspective?
- Keep the conversation going for as long as you can.
- Put it all to music. See if you can recite the dialogue to music or with rhythm and melody.
Takeaways
- Write down one rose (something you enjoyed) and one thorn (something you didn’t like) for episode one.
- What else stood out to you?
Explore Other Parts of Behind the Pen
Behind the Pen | Episode One
Orson begins production of his new single, “Go Down,” and shares how the imagery of a flower growing from a seed inspired the song.
Behind the Pen | Episode Two
Orson explores how dialogue is used in his song and in the process of working with others.
Behind the Pen | Episode Three
Orson demonstrates how he uses wordplay to hook the listener and communicate powerful ideas.