Jordan and Kelly pushed me yesterday to play this one lead part really loud and hard, rather than tentatively (like usual). This was really good for me, and while the end result is slightly messy, it has a lot of energy. This too is good training for next month.
And it's not like this is just training -- I'm really honored to be part of creating the first Surge On Smith record and touring with it this spring. The songs are good and the motivation behind it (raising awareness re human trafficking) is really good. Because we're headed towards sabbatical we're holding the future lightly, but this is the sort of thing I'd like to continue to support and be part of in the future. Our road is heading into a wilderness though, and I don't know where it will come out. Scary sometimes but mostly exciting since we have such a competent -- and mysterious -- Guide.
Jonathan Reuel's Earthquake Trees: Things I Make
Showing posts with label recording music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recording music. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Recording Day Two
Being in the studio with Surge On Smith is getting me really excited about returning to the studio next month to record my record. I'm getting a kickstarter account set up so people can help fund it -- Justin Clemons is helping me with the video for that -- so things are moving ahead!
We got most of three songs recorded yesterday (day 2). It was a long day (I fell asleep during the recording of a soothingly beautiful guitar track), but it was a LOT of progress. What struck me most about working with this producer/engineer Jordan Critz (he's an artist in his own right and has recorded bands like Green River Ordinance) is that he's been great at being flexible and creative and yet moving things forward. He's also good at hearing the whole song rather than just one aspect of it. A lot of his work has been pop oriented, and think that's had the positive effect of developing an ear for simplicity, melody and hook. He's played guitar, glockenspiel, organ, bass, slide and tambourine on the project -- so far.
It's been a little intimidating to work with him -- bringing up my own insecurities. but conversations and prayer have helped. It's never fun to see your own doubts, defensiveness, worries and jeolousy. It's always good to admit it and find help, so that's good.
We got most of three songs recorded yesterday (day 2). It was a long day (I fell asleep during the recording of a soothingly beautiful guitar track), but it was a LOT of progress. What struck me most about working with this producer/engineer Jordan Critz (he's an artist in his own right and has recorded bands like Green River Ordinance) is that he's been great at being flexible and creative and yet moving things forward. He's also good at hearing the whole song rather than just one aspect of it. A lot of his work has been pop oriented, and think that's had the positive effect of developing an ear for simplicity, melody and hook. He's played guitar, glockenspiel, organ, bass, slide and tambourine on the project -- so far.
It's been a little intimidating to work with him -- bringing up my own insecurities. but conversations and prayer have helped. It's never fun to see your own doubts, defensiveness, worries and jeolousy. It's always good to admit it and find help, so that's good.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Surge On Smith recording day one
Started at around 11 today after frost on the windows and a few other unexpected details slowed our path to the studio. Good studio. Good producer/engineer. This was Kelly's first time in the studio, and it's been a few years for me. Plus this guy has worked with a lot of signed acts so he was in a different league than some of my earlier experiences. I was kind of intimidated -- and I'm not even singing lead (which is where you really feel it).
Got two songs mostly done. They sound very good. Think T Bone Burnett production vibe stripped down a bit (translation for non music nerds -- kind of a folky, simple but interesting sound). We hit a snag halfway through the second song. I was wondering if we were going to have to start over or do something drastic to it, but a couple prayers and ten minutes later it was working. Really did kind of feel like divine assistance. Very thankful.
Also very tired and we have another full day in the studio tomorrow. I appreciate your interest and support in these endeavors. It's good to be recording again, seeing songs come to life that I hope people will enjoy and be encouraged and challenged by in the months and years to come.
Got two songs mostly done. They sound very good. Think T Bone Burnett production vibe stripped down a bit (translation for non music nerds -- kind of a folky, simple but interesting sound). We hit a snag halfway through the second song. I was wondering if we were going to have to start over or do something drastic to it, but a couple prayers and ten minutes later it was working. Really did kind of feel like divine assistance. Very thankful.
Also very tired and we have another full day in the studio tomorrow. I appreciate your interest and support in these endeavors. It's good to be recording again, seeing songs come to life that I hope people will enjoy and be encouraged and challenged by in the months and years to come.
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