“ISS (Intervallic Space Station)” is a hard-hitting synth rocker inspired by the sounds of the 80s. It opens with a hypnotic hybrid picking rhythmic sequence that recurs throughout the tune. The verse melody is based on signature Verheyen intervallic lines. The chorus has a rhythmic string-skipping sequence in octaves over shifting chords. Finally, a chordal section features floating, spacey three-note chord voicings.
Audio Tracks
Overview (August 2021)
In this video, Carl and Ray talk about the form of “ISS (Intervallic Space Station)” and the CVA lessons it is based on.
The tune is built on licks from these CVA lessons:
“Em Rhythmic Sequence” (Carl’s Lick Book -> Minor Verheyen Licks)
“Minor Sliding Lick” (Carl’s Lick Book -> Minor Verheyen Licks)
“Double Octave Line from ‘Beyond My Reach'” (Carl’s Lick Book -> Major Verheyen Licks)
“Movable 6/9 Chord” (Carl’s Lick Book -> Jazz)
The form is:
Intro
Melody (AABA form)
“Pastoral Lines” section
Melody (BA only)
Breakdown with abridged “Cascading Major Scale Line”
AA with full “Cascading Major Scale Line”
Melody (BA only)
“Pastoral Lines” ending
Intro and Verse (August 2021)
Carl and Ray discuss the intro and verse of “ISS (Intervallic Space Station).”
The intro is the hybrid picking riff “Em Rhythmic Sequence.” The verse is several variations on the intervallic pattern from “Minor Sliding Lick.”
Chorus, Interlude, and Second Verse/Chorus (September 2021)
Carl and Ray discuss the chorus of “ISS (Intervallic Space Station).” It’s based on patterns from the “Double Octave Line” lesson.
After the chorus, there is a brief interlude, then the second verse and second chorus. After that, the tune goes into a chord section, which is discussed in the next lesson.
Chord Section and Outro (Coming October 2021)
Carl and Ray discuss the chordal section and outro of “ISS.”
The chordal section consists of syncopated chord voicings taken from the “Moveable 69 Chord” lesson. These chords are all built from notes in E minor (C lydian). The moving bassline underneath gives this section a floating feeling.
The tune concludes with the “Em Rhythmic Sequence” riff again for the outro.
