Song131_Levitation

I wrote this song earlier today on the electric guitar. It's not a standard chord progression, but I like it (C-E-F-C, etc). Once I got the two additional electric guitars in place I decided to cut the distorted guitar from the 'Verse' section, which made the 'Chorus' more powerful. Additionally, I added a second distorted guitar to the 'Chorus' to enhance the intensity as well as add to the melody (which closely mimics the vocal line). The 'Bridge' section (near the center) is just a slight variation of the other chord progressions, but the 2 fuzz-synths separate it from the other parts nicely.

I have always been impressed with David Blaine (magician, street performer, endurance artist, etc). I watched some YouTube videos of his last night that I had never seen before, so I decided to base this song on him. His magic skills are convincing, his approach (and delivery) is unique, his desire to challenge himself is admirable, and his ability to persevere odd circumstances is amazing. He's very confident, but never arrogant. When he performs in the streets it's as rewarding to see the crowd's response as it is to see the tricks he performs. And, when people realize who it is they stop what they're doing and follow him. I'm partial to his endurance performances...being buried alive for a week, hanging upside down for 60 hours, capturing the world record for holding his breath 17 minutes 4.4 seconds, and more.

LYRICS: "All your life a hero to heroes. The crowds in your wake want you to make it. Passionately elusive and evasive. You endure your fate, an homage to illusion. Take any card and show it to your neighbor. Put it back into the deck, then check your back pocket. No promises made or secrets to give away. You endure your fate, an homage to illusion. For the first time ever before: buried alive, then hung upside down. There's a good chance he won't come down. He can levitate and knows no bounds."

-Matthew

Song130_Moatless Castles

Today's song/instrumental was pieced together in a unique way. I started with 2-3 drum sequences that I liked, and then I recorded a few bass guitar progressions. Then, I recorded two electric guitars, but I didn't like the flow of the song. I finally decided that it was the chord progression that was holding things back, so I deleted the guitars and re-recorded the bass track. I don't like moving backwards like that, but taking the time to ensure a good foundation always makes the final tracks easier (and more worthwhile) to record. I didn't have any good lyric or melody ideas for this song, so I focused on introducing a new instrument or sound into each repeated section (to keep it interesting).

I like the title "Moatless Castles." Viewed from an "Everything's Extra" standpoint, it makes me think of a castle salesman politely explaining to his customer that moats are not a standard feature, but rather an "optional add-on." It also stands for the physical and mental barriers that we use daily for personal protection. Education, firearms, medication, martial arts, reading, pepper-spray, forgiveness, bitterness, etc...just a few examples of modern-day moats.

-Matthew

Song129_Retrospection

I struggled with this song. The drums and bass were created quickly, which gave the song a good foundation. I heard some vocal melodies, but in the end I just couldn't find the right words. I had hoped to build the remaining instruments around the vocals, but after hours of trying to get it right I decided to move on. Ironically, the remaining instruments were created fairly quickly. The two guitar parts (one clean and one distorted) were easy to place, and I always find melodies easy to create with the fuzz/synth sound. I wasn't feeling very inspired today, but I still like how this instrumental turned out.

-Matthew

Song128_Everything's Extra

I didn't have any specific ideas when I sat down to record today. I decided to focus on a guitar track first, but instead of building the idea around a chord progression I took a different route. I found a guitar effect that I liked and created a part that fit that sound (i.e. the picking guitar that plays throughout the song). I didn't, at the time, concentrate on the chords that would accompany the 3 different picking parts. When I went back to add additional guitars (bass, fast strumming electric, distorted electric, etc) I found that I really liked the chord progressions...especially how well (in a unique way) that they related to each other. These are not chords that I would've normally paired together, but it works in this song. (Verse=B-A, Transition=G-Am, and Chorus=D-C).

It's only 11:30am, which is nice. Carly has the day off, and I'm caught up on all of my work, so maybe it'll feel like a day off if I can complete this song soon. It's 90% ready, but I'm still considering adding vocals. I'll eat lunch, then take another listen. Either way, Song128_Everything's Extra, will be available soon at http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/.

-Matthew

Song127_Odd's The Standard

Today's song is the first song on the next album, Everything's Extra (Week #19). The album title was something that I saw on a menu once, and I thought it was funny for a few reasons. There was a small burrito shop in Erwin, TN (might still be there), and a group of us would eat there after a long day on the river. (I was a whitewater rafting guide on the Nolichucky River...big/fast water, long days, fun and challenging). The burritos were great, but a "burrito" was defined as beans on a tortilla. Period. "Everything's Extra." Meat was $1, lettuce was $.25, cheese was $.45, etc. By the time I was done ordering it wasn't a cheap burrito anymore, but "everything's extra" applies to many things in life.

This instrumental, Song127_Odd's The Standard, was written on the keyboard. I layered 4-5 tracks of keys before considering vocals. I started the day with a handful of random thoughts that I tried to corral (lyrically) into one song. It started by thinking about the struggle to create accurate (and non-offensive) terminologies. Example: I grew up hearing the term "Illegal Alien" when someone was referring to an immigrant that was here against US law. That term has changed a few times in the past few years. It was first changed to "Illegal Immigrant," but it finally became "Undocumented Immigrant." This isn't an opinion...just an observation that I find amusing. Also, someone pointed out to me that the term "African-American" doesn't always identify skin color. Ernie Els, the white-skinned PGA golfer that was born in Africa and has US citizenship, is an "African-American." Desmond Tutu, the black-skinned leader from Africa, is "African"...not "African-American." Interesting. At the root level, the above examples are irrelevant (and grossly generalized) titles, but again...amusing observations.

The other side of inspiration for "Odd's The Standard" deals with the challenges of having an original thought in a world of billions of other creative humans. I simplified all of these thoughts into the few phrases below...one of which I have heard many places (ironic, huh?).

LYRICS: "When odd comes standard it makes 'different' 'normal.' You're unique, girl. Like everybody else."

Originally, this song had 4 sets of sequenced percussion loops. They were all removed just before the final mix, which really changed the overall mood and sound of this song. And, not having any other drums really emphasized the cymbal swells that I added last.

-Matthew

Song126_Undone

I tried a few different guitar ideas early today, but I had trouble hearing beyond those parts...wasn't happy with the creative possibilities, so I started from another direction. I found the fuzzy synth sound within a software program that I haven't used much, created the simple (but moving) melody line that appears at the beginning of the song, and I continued from there. There isn't another bass sound in this song...I got what I needed from this synth part. The 2 electric strumming guitars (clean and distorted) are foundational. The 2 solo guitars stand out nicely, and I liked how the two work together (even though the parts are simple). (I especially like how the guitars sound in the "Bridge" section).

This song completes the 7-song album for Week #18. EVEN STEVEN will be available within a few hours. I did an original drawing for this weeks cover, but I'm still making some final adjustments. I wanted something that fit the title, and I think I got it!

-Matthew

Song125_All My Days

This song was written on the electric guitar. I found 2-3 chord progressions that I liked, and then I gave each one a slightly different strumming rhythm. This song has a nice balance of guitars and synths...with one steady drum beat holding throughout.

LYRICS: "In the nick of time, through the needle's eye, we fly. Can't change your mind. The bush was set on fire, and it'll burn all night. Here comes the light. And if this storyline holds true. I'll live all my days with you."

-Matthew