January 10, 2013
Today, I released a new 5 song EP titled Dream Spells on my Anonymous Collective label. Last year, I chose not to release a full-length follow up to Soul Love. I definitely had enough material but felt that the songs lacked a certain continuity. Many of the songs ended up being working versions for my band Circles and Squares to learn. Anyway, these five songs were the most representative works of the new era. Here is a little bit of information on each song:
Technicolor Daydream - Originally started out as a track for my project with Frank G called Winter In June. He ended up not using the song and so I worked a vocal melody around the keyboard part. The chorus was already intact when I gave the song to Frank. The song was inspired by my young friends who are hip enough to be into cool, old music. It is also a vignette about a young girl trapped in the wrong era of time.
Anti-Hero - This was the last song written for the EP. The song is about the responsibilities of being a parent. It is the best thing in the world yet leaves one often at their most vulnerable. I have three daughters that I absolutely adore and encourage them to follow their dreams. They all have tremendous artistic talent. My oldest daughter is studying dance at college and all three of my kids play music and sing. This is a song I will be introducing to the band because I think it will be a real rocker.
Sleep Tight MBV - This song is a twisted sort of song about a child falling asleep at night. The strange element is brought out by the My Bloody Valentine chorus lyric which is just an homage to the band. The song was inspired by one of my favorite bands called Shudder To Think. My bandmates Mandy Christensen, Anthony Davis and my daughter Fiona Rose all guest on the track. We captured the mood for this song quite well.
Blind Superstition - The one and only instrumental on the album. I love instrumentals on albums, especially little interludes like the ones Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi did. This piece kind of has the movie action scene thing going on. The coda of the song is my favorite part of the song with the weird guitar sounds I had going on and the driving drums/bass. Circles and Squares will probably try this one out as well.
The Hidden Veil - I feel this song is link between Soul Love and the EP. First, it is one of the first times I utilized a bossa nova feel with the rhythm track. It is a piano driven work that features a lot of major seventh chords to give it a loungy-type groove. The words were originally written as a poem but something was missing when I went to record it. I was a line short and needed something to really express the essence of the song. Later, I was reading over a friend's poem that she given me a copy of. There was a line that just jumped off the page and it worked wonders for the end of the chorus of the song. It is a whimsical type of song about longing for a certain type of love. Rarely do I feel so compelled to write a ballad of this nature.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Friday, December 21, 2012
Mixdowns and Whatnots
December Studio Journal and Year Reflections
Yesterday, I spent several hours down in the studio working on mixes. The main goal was to tackle the new Circles and Squares EP. I had to mix 5 songs in all but ended up doing 3 different mixes of each song. My first mix was raw and a bit distorted. Mixing is really the least desirable part of the process for me. I never really know how loud the vocals should be and that was the issue with the first mix. But then, I listened back later on the computer and it sounded good.
The best part about the Circles and Squares EP is that is was recorded pretty well and the performances are spot on. We were able to capture our live sound but included some other little nuances like extra keyboards, etc. After all, were are only a 3 piece band and that presents some limitations for live performances. So, for the second mix, I concentrated on getting a more even sound between the instruments and vocals. Without listening to them, I cannot make any asessments just yet. But, it feels great to have something we can call representative of our sound.
YEAR IN REFLECTION
We had a great year. 3 solid releases and loads of new songs and demos cut by Circles And Squares, Winter In June, Squeaky and the Futures, Greno, Jesse Cotton Stone Band, Anonymous Collective, Skinny Mulligans and other various projects. Each project required complete focus and I demanded nothing less. It is great to work with true professionals in this realm. The Circles and Squares EP will probably be the release to prove most fruitful in the long run.
I planned to release a full-length follow-up to Soul Love this past year but it never came to be. I had enough songs for the record but when I put together a CD of the songs to hear, something was missing. I like all of the material individually but as a collection, something felt wrong. So, instead I am releasing a 5 song EP of new material that I feel is the some of my strongest material to date. The new EP is called Dream Spells. Next year, I will be working on a brand new album that I have not even dreamed up yet.
The Winter In June recordings sound fantastic. I have been working with Frank for almost a year now. The songs are pretty unique and feature Frank's take on relationships with the ladies. He is also producing the Circles and Squares full length. We tracked some songs at the SSV Vape Lab last October with him. Plans for an overdub and vocal attack are in the works for early next year.
This was the first year that I didn't release a Squeaky and the Futures album. We recorded about half a dozen songs this past year but the girls were not as into it. I thought it would be good to take a break and come back to it when they are ready. We did track some really cool songs and had fun recording them. I am letting the girls take the musical reigns more and more. It is fun to watch them work on music. I am so proud of them for sticking with it.
One day, the music we have done will mean a lot to them.
Started a new improv project recently that will be a recording project as well. I am working with my friend Brian Kogan, who plays keyboards and guitar. We tracked some improv grooves a few weeks ago. These songs will serve as a nice foundation for future jams, etc.
I would like to be able to play live at some point after we get down a solid line-up of like minded individuals.
Overall, a fantastic musical year indeed. Next year will be even better!
Yesterday, I spent several hours down in the studio working on mixes. The main goal was to tackle the new Circles and Squares EP. I had to mix 5 songs in all but ended up doing 3 different mixes of each song. My first mix was raw and a bit distorted. Mixing is really the least desirable part of the process for me. I never really know how loud the vocals should be and that was the issue with the first mix. But then, I listened back later on the computer and it sounded good.
The best part about the Circles and Squares EP is that is was recorded pretty well and the performances are spot on. We were able to capture our live sound but included some other little nuances like extra keyboards, etc. After all, were are only a 3 piece band and that presents some limitations for live performances. So, for the second mix, I concentrated on getting a more even sound between the instruments and vocals. Without listening to them, I cannot make any asessments just yet. But, it feels great to have something we can call representative of our sound.
YEAR IN REFLECTION
We had a great year. 3 solid releases and loads of new songs and demos cut by Circles And Squares, Winter In June, Squeaky and the Futures, Greno, Jesse Cotton Stone Band, Anonymous Collective, Skinny Mulligans and other various projects. Each project required complete focus and I demanded nothing less. It is great to work with true professionals in this realm. The Circles and Squares EP will probably be the release to prove most fruitful in the long run.
I planned to release a full-length follow-up to Soul Love this past year but it never came to be. I had enough songs for the record but when I put together a CD of the songs to hear, something was missing. I like all of the material individually but as a collection, something felt wrong. So, instead I am releasing a 5 song EP of new material that I feel is the some of my strongest material to date. The new EP is called Dream Spells. Next year, I will be working on a brand new album that I have not even dreamed up yet.
The Winter In June recordings sound fantastic. I have been working with Frank for almost a year now. The songs are pretty unique and feature Frank's take on relationships with the ladies. He is also producing the Circles and Squares full length. We tracked some songs at the SSV Vape Lab last October with him. Plans for an overdub and vocal attack are in the works for early next year.
This was the first year that I didn't release a Squeaky and the Futures album. We recorded about half a dozen songs this past year but the girls were not as into it. I thought it would be good to take a break and come back to it when they are ready. We did track some really cool songs and had fun recording them. I am letting the girls take the musical reigns more and more. It is fun to watch them work on music. I am so proud of them for sticking with it.
One day, the music we have done will mean a lot to them.
Started a new improv project recently that will be a recording project as well. I am working with my friend Brian Kogan, who plays keyboards and guitar. We tracked some improv grooves a few weeks ago. These songs will serve as a nice foundation for future jams, etc.
I would like to be able to play live at some point after we get down a solid line-up of like minded individuals.
Overall, a fantastic musical year indeed. Next year will be even better!
Friday, December 7, 2012
New project born tonight
Here's a post I wrote on December 2, 2012
A new music project was born tonight. My friend Brian Kogan came over to record some music at my basement studio. Right before he arrived, I recorded 5 drum parts to overdub on once he got there. Before we started the session, we loosened up with some long 40 minute jams on keyboard and drums respectively. Then, we started working on these new tracks I laid down. They were all pretty different and unique. A few of the beats did not change throughout the pieces and others had a few different parts to work out. I did this to try and keep it simple yet interesting.
Brian was a pro through the whole process and came up with some really interesting keyboard sounds/parts. After a few hours of overdubs, we felt really excited about the prospect of this new music we created. One of the best things about creating music is that you basically take something out of the air and make it into music. This music we recorded tonight did not exist before tonight and that is an exciting way to live. Plus, now we have some actual original material to play right off the bat. We don't have to wade through a bunch of covers to find our sound. We found our sound tonight. It is to be celebrated.
The next step will be to complete these works and make some more magic in the basement. I will be adding bass to some of the tracks. The key will be to lock in with the drums nicely without stepping on the keyboard tracks. I think we will call upon Anthony for some sweet guitar licks on a few tunes. He always seems to come up with just the right part for every song.
I see this project evolving into some kind of instrumental band. I'd like to involve the typical cast of characters for this kind of thing.
2013 on the horizon.
A new music project was born tonight. My friend Brian Kogan came over to record some music at my basement studio. Right before he arrived, I recorded 5 drum parts to overdub on once he got there. Before we started the session, we loosened up with some long 40 minute jams on keyboard and drums respectively. Then, we started working on these new tracks I laid down. They were all pretty different and unique. A few of the beats did not change throughout the pieces and others had a few different parts to work out. I did this to try and keep it simple yet interesting.
Brian was a pro through the whole process and came up with some really interesting keyboard sounds/parts. After a few hours of overdubs, we felt really excited about the prospect of this new music we created. One of the best things about creating music is that you basically take something out of the air and make it into music. This music we recorded tonight did not exist before tonight and that is an exciting way to live. Plus, now we have some actual original material to play right off the bat. We don't have to wade through a bunch of covers to find our sound. We found our sound tonight. It is to be celebrated.
The next step will be to complete these works and make some more magic in the basement. I will be adding bass to some of the tracks. The key will be to lock in with the drums nicely without stepping on the keyboard tracks. I think we will call upon Anthony for some sweet guitar licks on a few tunes. He always seems to come up with just the right part for every song.
I see this project evolving into some kind of instrumental band. I'd like to involve the typical cast of characters for this kind of thing.
2013 on the horizon.
Friday, November 9, 2012
New Sessions and Upcoming Madness
Greno is back in the studio over the last week or so. 4 new songs have been created so far. The first cut is inspired by Low-Era Bowie and it is mostly keyboards. The other tracks have live drums with a more rock feel. Things are starting to take shape for a brand new record of some kind.
Squeaky and the Futures got back in the groove with a new song called "Rainbow". The girls came up with the words. I played acoustic guitar with Roxy on drums and Alex on keyboards. We had a lot of fun making this new song. We are trying to get out an EP by X-Mas time.
Field of Mars will be recording some new music over the holidays. Not sure if it will be an EP or full length endeavor. You can expect huge things from this project next year.
Circles and Squares plan to record an EP later this month to sell at shows, etc. They plan to record at least 6-8 songs for this release. It will be an appetizer for the upcoming full length due in early 2013.
Skinny Mulligans are formulating a new and improved line-up and will be rolling out the red carpet in early 2013 as well.
Winter In June EP out before the end of the year. We are proud to release our first foray in the world of hip-hop music. Local rapster Frankie G grabs the reins and never looks back. Everyone is waiting to hear the "Dirty Girl" song.
Squeaky and the Futures got back in the groove with a new song called "Rainbow". The girls came up with the words. I played acoustic guitar with Roxy on drums and Alex on keyboards. We had a lot of fun making this new song. We are trying to get out an EP by X-Mas time.
Field of Mars will be recording some new music over the holidays. Not sure if it will be an EP or full length endeavor. You can expect huge things from this project next year.
Circles and Squares plan to record an EP later this month to sell at shows, etc. They plan to record at least 6-8 songs for this release. It will be an appetizer for the upcoming full length due in early 2013.
Skinny Mulligans are formulating a new and improved line-up and will be rolling out the red carpet in early 2013 as well.
Winter In June EP out before the end of the year. We are proud to release our first foray in the world of hip-hop music. Local rapster Frankie G grabs the reins and never looks back. Everyone is waiting to hear the "Dirty Girl" song.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Big Summer Ahead
June is here and it is time to buckle down. The Winter in June project is progressing along nicely. We have 3 songs done so far(get to work Frankie!). Circles and Squares will be recording our debut this month. A bunch of songs are ready to record so we are excited about getting down to business. Should be out next month sometime.
Next month, we will start work on the Squeaky and the Futures third installment. New line-up intact, the girls are ready to take on the world. Then, it is off to San Francisco to finish up the long awaited Lemon-Limes second album. Kevin and I have had nothing but bad luck in trying to complete both LL albums, but we are going to finish this one for sure. You can expect it out by the end of summer, if not sooner.
Also, acid punk duo Field of Mars will be working on a new something, also in San Francisco. Other new projects are in the works as well as we are connecting with the local music community on positive levels. Greno has been concentrating on writing for various other projects. One new song has been born, aptly titled "(It's Not A) Mid-Life Crisis" along with some instrumentals to boot. New album by the of the year.
Next month, we will start work on the Squeaky and the Futures third installment. New line-up intact, the girls are ready to take on the world. Then, it is off to San Francisco to finish up the long awaited Lemon-Limes second album. Kevin and I have had nothing but bad luck in trying to complete both LL albums, but we are going to finish this one for sure. You can expect it out by the end of summer, if not sooner.
Also, acid punk duo Field of Mars will be working on a new something, also in San Francisco. Other new projects are in the works as well as we are connecting with the local music community on positive levels. Greno has been concentrating on writing for various other projects. One new song has been born, aptly titled "(It's Not A) Mid-Life Crisis" along with some instrumentals to boot. New album by the of the year.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
ON TAP FOR 2012
The studio is dusting off the cobwebs and strange of winter with a bunch of new projects in the works. The first goal of this new Spring is to cut some exclusive tracks for Record Store Day 2012. The Special Edition release will feature 3 new Anonymous Collective groups. Two of these groups do not even have names yet 'cuz they are so brand spanking new. The third new group is called Winter In June. You would not know it by their name, but they are hip-hop enthusiasts to the core. They are currently working on the debut album to drop this summer but you will get a sneak peek on the RSD Special Edition.
The RSD Special Edition will also feature new cuts by Squeaky and The Futures and Greno to round out the roster. The Squeaky song will be an ode to the record itself. The new Greno tune will keep it weird. In addition to the RSD release, a few of our groups will be playing live at Independent Records, 123 Bijou St., Colorado Springs on RSD, which is April 21, 2012.
OK. Once all that who-ha is over, the studio really needs to buckle down and tie up some crucial loose ends. Mainly, we need to finish the out-of-town album projects in Skinny Mulligans EXP and Lemon-Limes. This will involve some travel on the part of my musical co-horts, but it is all good and will transpire sometime in the coming months of 2012. Fingers crossed.
Then, the summer will be spent as the past 2 summers were spent, making another Squeaky And The Futures album. This one is going to be yet more-of-them and less-of-me formula. The girls continue to show interest in playing music and making songs. It is really a lot of fun to work with them. They are still having fun in the basement making noise with their dad.
Not too sure what the next Greno album will be. I had a clear cut concept album together but for some reason, I have resisted getting started with it. Now, I might just put a bunch of new songs together from here on.....Rise and Shine. It will probably be out of the oven by the time the trees lose their leaves.
The RSD Special Edition will also feature new cuts by Squeaky and The Futures and Greno to round out the roster. The Squeaky song will be an ode to the record itself. The new Greno tune will keep it weird. In addition to the RSD release, a few of our groups will be playing live at Independent Records, 123 Bijou St., Colorado Springs on RSD, which is April 21, 2012.
OK. Once all that who-ha is over, the studio really needs to buckle down and tie up some crucial loose ends. Mainly, we need to finish the out-of-town album projects in Skinny Mulligans EXP and Lemon-Limes. This will involve some travel on the part of my musical co-horts, but it is all good and will transpire sometime in the coming months of 2012. Fingers crossed.
Then, the summer will be spent as the past 2 summers were spent, making another Squeaky And The Futures album. This one is going to be yet more-of-them and less-of-me formula. The girls continue to show interest in playing music and making songs. It is really a lot of fun to work with them. They are still having fun in the basement making noise with their dad.
Not too sure what the next Greno album will be. I had a clear cut concept album together but for some reason, I have resisted getting started with it. Now, I might just put a bunch of new songs together from here on.....Rise and Shine. It will probably be out of the oven by the time the trees lose their leaves.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
2011
It was a fantastic and fruitful year for the studio, our most productive yet. I want to thank all of the people who recorded with us here in Colorado. First off, I want to thank Anthony Davis for stepping up with massive versatility on several different projects this year. Anthony is a true team player and his guitar, bass and vocals were crucial components to several tracks the studio produced this past year. I also want to thank Kevin Chanel and Vinny Giracello. Both of these fine men traveled from long distances to record at our little, family basement studio. And though both projects are still in-the-works(Lemon-Limes and Skinny Mulligan EXP), they will be completed in early 2012.
Another project I am very excited about is the Junebug/Frankie G collaboration. I spent some time this past year developing "beats" for a few of my friends to rap over. Recording this type of music is both new and challenging for me. My friend Frank is a hip-hop MC who has been performing around Colorado Springs for a few years now(Doobie Bros, SoCo Hiphop). We started working together a few months ago on a new project. We hope to have the new EP completed the first few months of 2012. Then, we plan to work out a live show.
Today, I spent a few hours down in the studio. It was my first excursion there as I have been taking the month off. I started out by recorded a distorted drum machine with delay beat. Then, I added a bass line that really anchors the tune. Next, a souped up keyboard joined the fray. About half way through the tune, I heard a guitar line in my head and added 2 guitars to the mid-to-end of the song. Lastly, I added a scratch vocal track as the song is titled "Ms. Black and White".
The second song recorded is directly influenced by the band Lungfish. I have loved the music of that band for a long time and felt it was time to pay a tribute to their unique sound. I started with a guitar demo, very loud and drone-like. My daughters played keyboard and bongos on the demo. I tried to add drums but it did not mesh right. So, then I recorded a proper version with drums first. Then I added some loud, fuzzy bass and two piercingly chaotic guitars. My daughter Roxy played some cool keyboards on the track as well. I will find the right lyrics for this one and nail it to the wall one day soon.
Another project I am very excited about is the Junebug/Frankie G collaboration. I spent some time this past year developing "beats" for a few of my friends to rap over. Recording this type of music is both new and challenging for me. My friend Frank is a hip-hop MC who has been performing around Colorado Springs for a few years now(Doobie Bros, SoCo Hiphop). We started working together a few months ago on a new project. We hope to have the new EP completed the first few months of 2012. Then, we plan to work out a live show.
Today, I spent a few hours down in the studio. It was my first excursion there as I have been taking the month off. I started out by recorded a distorted drum machine with delay beat. Then, I added a bass line that really anchors the tune. Next, a souped up keyboard joined the fray. About half way through the tune, I heard a guitar line in my head and added 2 guitars to the mid-to-end of the song. Lastly, I added a scratch vocal track as the song is titled "Ms. Black and White".
The second song recorded is directly influenced by the band Lungfish. I have loved the music of that band for a long time and felt it was time to pay a tribute to their unique sound. I started with a guitar demo, very loud and drone-like. My daughters played keyboard and bongos on the demo. I tried to add drums but it did not mesh right. So, then I recorded a proper version with drums first. Then I added some loud, fuzzy bass and two piercingly chaotic guitars. My daughter Roxy played some cool keyboards on the track as well. I will find the right lyrics for this one and nail it to the wall one day soon.
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