Where I'm At

Since the last time I updated  you all, I have written eleven songs. I am still feeling particularly inspired by my life's happenings right now, so there will probably be more. My goal here is to write as many songs as possible, practice them until I have a good grasp on them, arrange the guitar, bass, drums, and organ parts, and then start recording them.

The past couple of albums I wrote and recorded at the same time, and while the results came out pretty good, I am looking to improve upon those efforts and produce a more mature, more professional sound. That means it's going to take a while--I don't know how long. It has been a long time since I recorded this way, but I am looking to potentially play some shows eventually, so I am going to need the time to practice and improve as a musician. Not to mention, I want to get these songs down, since the parts (save the drums) I am going to be recording live, and I don't want to have to do eight-hundred takes of each part.

I am not sure about whether or not I will perform with a band, or as a solo artist. It would be nice to form a band, but I would have to find the right people, or find the time (and not have to move for a job) to be close to the right people that I already know. Since I am looking for a job, and could potentially move virtually anywhere across the United States, a lot is up in the air right now.

My goal here is to keep the arrangements and the parts relatively simple, as it seems like too much complexity is distracting. I believe it will be more effective to write and record songs that are internally cohesive, melodic, and meaningful.

Basically, these songs are going to consist of lead and background vocals, one, maybe two guitar parts, a bass part, the drums, and the organ.

I guess you would say that would make this a more song-oriented album than my past couple, which were more focused on experimentation and seeing how I could push the envelop. These songs I am going back a little more towards the center, focusing on melody, quality, and meaning. 

When it comes down to it, I have what I think are some pretty strong songs here, and I can't wait to share them--although, unfortunately, I am going to have to for a while. As soon as I am ready, though, you can bet you will be hearing them!

The Return of... Survival Pilot! (And Other Such Projects)

Holy crap it's been a long time since I have posted anything here. Perhaps that's because I have busy occupied with other things, like work, and school, and what-not. Now I am finished with school, and I am searching for a full-time job. I have been working as an adjunct at some local colleges. Once I find a full-time position I will be more available to record and hopefully perform, again.

With some Christmas money, I bought an audio interface for my computer. This makes it easier to record, and record more high quality material. I have more or less figured it out, as well as the recording software, Ableton Live Lite, which I actually have had for a while but have never really used because I could never really get it to work before now. It might only be the bare bones version, but, quite frankly, that's all I need for my purposes, since I am recording with live instruments and vocals. In short, I am really upping the quality of my recordings, and I can't wait to get some stuff down, so that I can share it with you all!

I do have an album to record. The lyrics/concept/melodies are all pretty much written--I just need to figure out the music, which I do as I go along. I am also now in a band, which I hope to record. That is actually my main musical project, and you will probably be hearing more about it over time. These guys are my musical soul brothers, and sometimes when we are playing, I get chills. Maybe it's because we have been playing together for such a long time, but we have some real chemistry together.

Anyways, if I have a New Year's Resolution, it is to devote more of my creative energy on music. Maybe I am just burned out on writing, or maybe this was my first love, and my romance with it is rekindling. Anyways, as I have grown older, and become a better musician, I have realized that I get far more enjoyment of it than I do writing. That is not to say that I don't love writing, and won't continue doing it, but I feel like this is a more rewarding way to spend my free time. I can just let go, and play, and express myself.

It will probably be a while before I have anything to share, but just know that I have plans in the works, and that when I am ready, you will hear it.