Song366_When We Meet Again (FINAL DAY!)

Today was the final day of this project. It's bitter-sweet, for sure. In fact, it still hasn't hit me completely. I was excited yesterday about crossing the finish line today, but I listened to the final version of today's song while I was packing all my guitars away...and it made me sad. Carly and I are moving, so Threebynine(TM) recording studio will be relocating also. I've already packed a large portion of the studio (mics, stands, guitars, cables, drums, etc)...it looks pretty empty already.

I took a pay cut this past year, and I (we) made some other sacrifices in order to make this project possible. I continued working my job throughout this project, but my job was only 30 percent of my week (about 15-20 hours/week), and 70 percent being music (about 40 hours/week). Now, unless someone is willing to pay me a fair salary to continue recording, my focus will shift back to 90 percent work and 10 percent music. Anyone? Anyone?

I'm very excited about the prospect of forming a band to play a few songs from this project. The 6 people that I've contacted have already expressed interest, so I'll let you know if it works out.

Thanks for your interest and support! If you haven't already, please join the Mailing List at www.anewsongeveryday.com to get updates on future projects.

-Matthew
www.anewsongeveryday.com
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song365_Silent Fiction

Today's song completes ONE YEAR of writing, recording, mixing, and publishing a new song every day. I'll be recording one more song tomorrow (since it's better to run "through" the finish line and not "to" the finish line), so the final album of this project will be available tomorrow evening at http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/.

Today's instrumental took about 3 hours to complete and it's 8-10 tracks (including: drums, bass guitar, 3 electric guitars, and a variety of synth sounds). I set the 'click' to 140bpm, and then I created 4 different chord progressions (1=E-F, 2=E-G#m-B-E, 3-B7-E, and 4=A, E, B7-E). Each section repeats a few times then moves on to something else...not much repetition.

By the way, my wife (Carly) is having an art show at the Starbucks in Colleyville this weekend (near the intersection at Precinct Line Rd and Hwy 26). She's a great photographer, designer, artist, etc, and she'll be displaying about 20 framed photos of flowers/nature. You can see some of her photos at http://www.carlydarly.com/.

One more day.

-Matthew
http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song364_Into the Light

I started this project on July 1, 2009 (a Wednesday). Each album in this project contains 7 songs...the product of a new song every day from each Wednesday to the following Tuesday. Anyway, today is Tuesday, but there will be no album released today. I've decided to wait a few extra days and release the final album on Thursday. It will be the only album in this project with 9 songs.

I got another late start on today's song. I had Freehand projects (also on deadlines) that kept me busy until 1730. I ate dinner, napped for an hour, and I started this recording session at 2150...cutting it pretty close. I chose to start with the electric guitar, set the 'click' to 80bpm, and I recorded a few simple progressions. I got this track recorded in one take all the way through (First Section=C#m-D-A, Transition=D-E, Second Section=D#m-E-B, Transition=E-F#). Next, I added drums, bass guitar, two additional electric guitars, tambourine, and a string section. I also added a few vocal tracks (each one recorded in 2 takes because of time constraints). I edited each track as I recorded it, so it was close to ready when the final track was recorded (around 2311). I got this one uploaded at 2340.

I heard today that a company in Washington now makes bacon flavored vodka. Genius! I've had a chocolate bar with bacon strips in it...excellent.

Tomorrow's song will complete one full year of writing, recording, mixing, and publishing a new song every day!

-Matthew
http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song363_Start at the Ending

I started writing this song around 2100...recording drums (96bpm), then bass guitar, then 3 electric guitars (in that order). Additionally, there are 4 synth tracks. The initial guitar progression is kind of strange...though I guess I should blame that on the bass player (Intro=F#-E-B-A, Center=A-E-D#m-B). The other two guitars don't exactly play the same chords, but it somehow fits...kind of. The dissonance is purposeful, and I like how the melodies work for and against each other at different times. I completed this song at 2300, but I wasn't happy with the levels on the first mix. The second attempt worked much better...done at 2322.

Only 3 days left...

-Matthew
www.anewsongeveryday.com
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song362_Line of Sight

I started today's song around 1900, and I wrote and recorded the 3 electric guitars first (130bpm). This is a very simple chord progressions...just 'A' and 'G,' but hopefully the combination of rhythms and the way the layers are applied (and removed) make this one interesting. The next instrument that I added was the bass guitar, followed by drums, tambourine, and 3 synth tracks (about 10 tracks total). I completed this one around 2205.

-Matthew
www.anewsongeveryday.com
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song361_Under the Surface

Friend/guitarist, Thiago Silva, joined me for today's recording session. This was his 3rd time to help during the past year. We have similar styles, but we excel in different areas, so it's fun collaborating. We scheduled today's session for 1000 to 1400, but I decided to lay the foundation before he got here...thinking that it would allow more time for him to experiment on the guitar while he was here. I structured the session into 3 main parts...starting with drums. The first two sections were recorded at 60bpm, and the ending (which is like a second song in the same key) is set to 120bpm. After arranging the drums I added bass guitar (first part=A-E, second part=A-Bm-C#m-D-E, ending=C#m-D-E-A), did some minor editing, and then Thiago arrived.

I gave Thiago a brief overview of the session, and before I could even get his track ready he was playing along. We tackled one section at a time. The opening has 2 main electric guitar parts (panned to opposite sides of the stereo-field), and the ending has 3 main parts. (All of the guitars today were recorded spontaneously by Thiago). I added a few vocal tracks to the end section that mirror the guitar solo. We also decided to add an organ to the intro, which made that section smoother and fuller. The mix came together in one try, and we finalized this song at 1355!

-Matthew
www.anewsongeveryday.com
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song360_Congratulatory Kisses

I started today's recording session around 1230...right after completing a video project for a client, and just before a late lunch of chicken and couscous. I approached today's song different than usual. The first 3 tracks that I recorded were synth (one repetitive sequence that also contains a solo trumpet, one string section, and another synth sequence). Next, I added a few different drum rhythms, followed by the bass guitar (which mostly plays E-A in various rhythms). I also added 2 electric guitars that add single-noted melodies in contrast to one another. None of these (12 or so) tracks are great on their own, but I like the way they combine and evolve throughout the song. I completed this one at 1528.

-Matthew
http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song359_Signal Exchange

Today's instrumental was written on the electric guitar. I strummed a simple progression (verse=G-D-C-D, change=Em-D-C) using a guitar effect with lots of reverb and delay. I chose 60bpm, but I recorded most of the tracks to 120bpm...just because there was too much time between 'clicks' at 60bpm (too hard to anticipate changes or keep steady rhythm). Next, I added a simple drum sequence, followed by bass guitar. I also added: 2 additional electric guitars (picking solo notes), cymbal swells, a tambourine, a string section, a choir section, and a solo violin. I spent about 3.5 hours (at various times throughout the day) writing and recording this song.

I've been doing some marketing work for a Christian organization that is starting a live Internet broadcast. They already have a number of authors, speakers, etc that are willing to be guests, but they have asked me to be the very first guest. The first week of shows will be pre-recorded so we can work out any technical issues in private, but then it will move to a live format with a consistent broadcast time the following week. We're recording this coming Monday. I'll post a link when I know when/where it will be shown.

-Matthew
www.anewsongeveryday.com
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song358_Check the Mic

Today's song begins a new album, Week52_Final Transmission. This will be the only album in this project to have 9 songs (instead of 7), since I've decided to record for "one year and one day" (i.e. 366 consecutive days). In some ways this album has been the toughest one to approach. I've been having lots of "last-minute" ideas and desires for this project, but it can't last forever. Each album has required me to choose: song titles, album titles, lyrical themes, musical styles, groupings of instruments, etc, and hopefully all of these decisions each week combine to form one cohesive album. It's already 1000, but I'm still making the final decisions. I have about an hour to think it over (while I change the strings on 4 guitars).

Random Note: My friend of 20(+) years, Adam, has asked me to officiate his wedding later this year. I'm honored that they asked, so of course I'm going to do it. They currently live in California, and they've decided to have two ceremonies...I'll officiate the Texas version. The state of Texas allows three types of people to legally conduct marriage ceremonies: 1) ordained ministers, 2) judges, and 3) those authorized by their religion. Anyone can legally become an "ordained minister" online (it's simple and free), but the catch is that you have to be willing to be affiliated with those groups. One of the most common sites states "We are all children of the same universe" and makes you promise to "do only that which is right" (though what's "right" is never discussed). It's almost like a group of anarchists nominating you to be president. No thanks. The funny thing is that there have been lots of problems in the past with "unofficial" officiators conducting weddings. So, now "the Texas Family Code provides that if you believe the person is authorized, the marriage is valid even if the person officiating the ceremony was not authorized." That's hilarious.

-Matthew
http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song357_Three Fifty-Seven

Today's song was completely written, recorded, mixed, and uploaded within one hour! That is a new record for me. This instrumental completes another album, Week51_Won, which will be available for sale later today at www.anewsongeveryday.com.

I worked on Freehand projects today until 1500, and then I took a break and ran 5 miles. It was pretty hot outside. I got back around 1600, ate 2 hard-boiled eggs and fell asleep on the couch until 1700. This song was recorded from 1700 until 1755, and it consists of: drums, bass guitar, 2 electric guitars, and one string section (only 5 tracks). Now it's time to design this week's album cover.

Tomorrow begins the final week of recording for this project. If you have any last-minute requests or suggestions, then let me know now.

-Matthew
www.anewsongeveryday.com
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song356_Perfect Silence

I started today's song by structuring the rhythm section (100bpm): synth sequence, drums, and bass guitar. Next, I added the 2 electric guitars, an extra synth sound to the second half, and I added some congas to the fade-out. This song has 8 tracks, and it took about 3.5 hours to write, record, and mix. I wasn't able to start until 1700 because of other work obligations, but it's only 2035 now. Plenty of time to run, eat dinner, design the album cover for Week #51 (due tomorrow), watch a movie, feed the rabbits their mandatory midnight snack, sleep...

-Matthew
http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song355_The Rise

Today's song is another random instrumental that started with a few electric guitar parts. I chose a key, hit 'record,' and just played for about 4 minutes (124bpm). I touched on all 3 of the major sections of this song within that take, so I honed in on the parts that I liked, and then re-recorded them one-by-one. I added a few drum sequences, and then the bass guitar. I left room for a second electric guitar, but I wanted to get the foundational elements in place first. The second electric guitar (on the opposite side of the stereo-field) is a combination of picking and strumming that compliments the main part. I also added a string section and a synth sequence. I had to 'bounce' this file twice to get the Mastering process right, but I like the end results.

-Matthew
www.anewsongeveryday.com
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song354_Facing Forward

This past week was very busy, and I ended up working 4 or 5 nights until midnight. Today is Saturday, so I took a relaxed approach to recording today...opting not to start this session until late in the day. Earlier today I had an hour-long appointment with a "wellness specialist." It was a combination of Chiropractic manipulation, deep tissue message, and acupressure. It was great and much needed. Next, Carly and I went to look at motorcycles (for me). I'm not getting one immediately, but I have a friend that works at a KTM shop, so it was fun to look. KTM has a nice variety of street bikes (my favorite is the 990 Super Duke...all black). Anyway, we got home around 1600, loaded our bikes (the kind you pedal), and rode 20-miles at Legacy Park (1:11:35). I finally started recording after dinner (around 2100). Today actually felt like a day off.

I started today's song by layering a few synth tracks and then adding a drum sequence (90bpm). This set a mood that was easy to elaborate on with electric guitar(s). I also added bass guitar and tambourine...making this song around 8-10 tracks. I completed recording around 2300, edited, mixed, and finalized this instrumental at 2344. Another song complete.

-Matthew
http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song353_Won

I woke up at 0700, mowed the yard, and then I had to prepare for a meeting. The meeting lasted over 2 hours...an hour and a half longer than I expected, but I got 4 new projects for Freehand Productions (web design and audio/video). I worked until 1700, ran 3 miles, ate a quick dinner, and started today's song at 1810. We have 12-15 guests coming over at 1900! Yes, it's Game Night at the Otto home.

It's 1850 right now, and I already have 2 electric guitars, bass guitar, and one drum track in place. I plan on adding more tracks sporadically throughout the night. Today's song will be ready sometime before midnight.

-Matthew
www.anewsongeveryday.com
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song352_Taken

Today's song is an instrumental that began with the main electric guitar (Intro=Am-C-Em-D, Center=C-D). Additionally, I added: bass guitar, cymbal swells, xylophone, 2 electric guitars (panned to opposite sides of the stereo-field), and 3-4 synth tracks. I worked on today's song in 2-3 sittings that totaled about 3 hours.

-Matthew
http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song351_Unbreakable

Well, it's 2356...a little too close to the daily deadline. This song was "finished" when I realized that it was 2300. At that point I stopped recording, edited the 6 tracks I had recorded, mixed, mastered, and bounced it into a "WAV" file (which I then converted into an MP3 file). Anyway, today's song is the first song on the newest album, Week51_Won.

I worked on a few design projects today until 1700, ran 5 miles (I think it was over 100 degrees), woke up on the couch at 2040, and then I recorded from 2145 until 2345). There are other things that I could've done to enhance this song, but I simply ran out of time. It's wasn't originally structured to be an instrumental (until I chopped it up at the end), but I like the contrast of the 2 electric guitars and the solid, balanced mix that these tracks produced.

-Matthew
www.anewsongeveryday.com
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song350_Another Eden

Today's song completes another album, Week50_The Other Side. It will be available for sale within the hour at http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/.

Today's instrumental is a 10-track song that consists of: 2 drum sequences, tambourine, synth bass (though it sounds like a guitar), 3 electric guitars, piano, a synth pad that sounds like a ghost (in the center section), and a synth violin (in the final section). This song has 3 major sections (90bpm): Intro=C-F, Center=G-F, Ending=Em-D. I had other work to do until 1700, and I trashed everything that I recorded from 1700 until 1800. This song is the product of my efforts from 2000 to 2220. I didn't have the album cover designed yet either, but fortunately Carly saved the day. She created this week's artwork while I recorded today's song. Bravo, Senorita.

50 weeks complete...only 2 remaining.

-Matthew
http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song349_Golden Roads

I started this song with the synth sound that you hear in the intro (played to a 'click' set to 100bpm). I actually recorded a few other guitar parts on top of this track with the intention of creating the entire song out of that initial part. But, when I picked up the guitar I was hearing much faster rhythms. I left the synth intro, but I deleted the other tracks (for dramatic effect). Then, I changed the session time-clock from 100bpm to 160bpm. (By the way, can anyone tell me how to change the tempo on just one section of a ProTools session? I've successfully changed the timing within sessions...from 4/4 to 3/4 then back to 4/4. I did this by highlighting the section that I wanted altered and then making the change in the shuttle window. This didn't work when I tried it with BPM.) The ending section is a mixture of 2 electric guitars, bass guitar, and drums. I enjoy creating (and playing) fast, unique strumming patterns, so I wrote two parts into this song. Each guitar is panned to opposite sides of the stereo-field. There are about 6 tracks in today's song, and it took a total of 3 hours.

-Matthew
http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song348_Evermore

I started writing today's song at 1900, and I was pleased with how quickly it came together. I started by recording the main electric guitar (with a 'click' track set to 136bpm), and then I had the idea to record two additional electrics (each one panned to opposite sides of the stereo field). These 2 electrics, during the 'verse' (F-E-Am-C) and 'transition' sections (Am-C), have dueling patterns that alternate by strumming every other chord in the progression. The guitars in the 'chorus' section are 3 separate melodies that work in harmony. About 2.5 minutes into this song it changes abruptly. I added a completely different chord progression...in a different key. I've done this before, but I like unpredicted endings that make you forget how the song started. Next, I recorded the bass guitar, and then I edited these 4 tracks. I did all of this within the first hour.

I took a break for dinner and returned to this session at 2100. I added a few separate drum rhythms, tambourine, and cymbal swells. Also, I added 2 electric guitars playing single-note solos during 'transition' sections (I played the same solo twice...the second one starts a measure late...kind of like singing "Row Row Row Your Boat" in rounds). I only added one keyboard to this song since the guitars provide plenty of texture, volume, energy, etc.

Kristen stayed at our house this weekend to help Carly with a garage sale. She brought a xylophone with her (to sell). No one bought it, so I used it for today's song (thanks, Kristen!). That was the final track of the day. I completed this song around 2240, it's about 15-18 tracks, and it took just under 3 hours to write, record, and mix.

I got 4 hours of sleep last night, and 4 the night before. It's 2315 now...less than an hour from Day #349.



-Matthew
http://www.anewsongeveryday.com/
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com

Song347_Plus One

Today's song is mostly guitar...2 electrics (with dueling, gritty strumming patterns), one electric guitar with lots of reverb/delay, and bass guitar. I also added drums and 3 synth tracks.

I didn't get to bed last night until 0130, and I was up at 0530 to help my wife and her friend set up for a garage sale. I didn't have to do much...except buy the donuts, so I was able to start recording around 0630. I recorded most of this song within a few hours, but I didn't come back to finish it until 2100. I added the last few tracks (synth), and I got this one uploaded around 2220.

-Matthew
www.anewsongeveryday.com
matthew@anewsongeveryday.com