
Song Exploder Jessie Reyez - Goliath
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Dec 3, 2025 Jessie Reyez, a Juno award-winning singer-songwriter from Toronto, shares her creative journey behind 'Goliath.' She reflects on an emotional call with her niece that inspired the chorus and details her trance-like writing method. Guitarist Jeff Gittleman discusses the unique one-take recording process and his melodic ideas, while Jordan Johnson from Monsters & Strangerz talks about transforming personal lyrics into universal themes. Together, they explore the magic of collaboration that birthed this powerful, memorable track.
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Studio Phone Call Sparked The Chorus
- Jessie Reyez left the studio to take a call with her niece and became emotional afterward.
- She returned and turned that raw moment into the chorus of "Goliath" almost instantly.
Hook Before Vocals Creates Immediate Hit Feel
- Jeff Gittleman built a simple, melodic guitar hook so the track sounded like a hit before vocals arrived.
- He layered a Hammond organ and subtle trumpet to create evolving subconscious warmth.
Capture Live Takes And Evolving Organ Texture
- Record live, one-take instrument performances to capture authentic feel and avoid over-processing.
- Use real-time organ pedal and drawbar changes so texture evolves subtly across the track.
