‘I over-articulated to stop my braces sticking to my lips’: how Five Star made Rain Or Shine
Why it matters: The song "Rain Or Shine" became a significant hit, contributing to Five Star's success and showcasing unique production challenges.
- Billy Livsey, a St. Louis native, co-wrote "Rain Or Shine" for Five Star's second album after previously collaborating on "System Addict."
- Peter Sinfield, living in Spain, wrote the lyrics for "Rain Or Shine" over the phone after receiving a rough melody track from Livsey.
- Tessa Niles, a renowned session singer who toured with The Police and sang on Eric Clapton's "Layla," performed the demo for "Rain Or Shine," which Deniece Pearson greatly admired.
- Deniece Pearson of Five Star intentionally over-articulated her words while singing to prevent her braces from sticking to her lips, a technique encouraged by her father and manager, Buster Pearson.
- Mayfair Studios in London served as the recording location for "Rain Or Shine," a studio known for hosting other greats like George Michael and Tina Turner, with Livsey recalling the long lines of A-ha fans outside.
- Donald Fagen's "New Frontier" inspired Livsey, who aimed to capture a similar sequencer feel in "Rain Or Shine."
Billy Livsey, co-writer of Five Star's hit "Rain Or Shine," reveals the song's creation process, from its transatlantic lyrical collaboration with Peter Sinfield to its recording at London's Mayfair studios, drawing inspiration from artists like Donald Fagen. Lead singer Deniece Pearson shares her unique vocal approach, over-articulating due to braces, and her struggle to find comfort in the studio, contrasting with her admiration for the demo singer Tessa Niles.
