Song 5

I made up this piano part early this morning (along with everything else). This is a pretty basic pop song, but people like these for a reason...it makes the feet move. I haven't had access to a piano for a while, so I feel like I'm still getting used to keys on my fingers (instead of strings).

I took a break from recording to go to church. The guest preacher was very excited. He looked like Martin Scorsese and talked like Ricky Ricardo. Very inspirational...as was the fireworks show last night that was only 300 yards from our house. Best finale ever, but this paragraph has little to do with today's song.

I had loosely planned on sticking to certain musical genres for a period of time. So far there have been few rules to follow, which is what makes this project so much fun.

-OTTO

Song 4

Brandon came over early today to help me record. We started the session with his acoustic guitar idea and spontaneously built on those 3 chords. It was a challenge sharing space at times, but it was nice having extra creative input as well as extra hands on the control center. Brandon can do everything I can do, so it's less of a juggling act when we can share tasks. We finished around 2pm.

I'll be back tomorrow...

-OTTO

Song 3

In today's song I used a guitar strumming pattern from years ago (the song idea was originally labeled "Skimming the Globe"). However, it turned out differently than I expected...that's what happens when you write as you go. The tamborine and shaker were recorded live, and I added a few electronic loops to fill it out. The bass was done on the keyboard since the flow of the song didn't allow for the transients of an analog bass.

Brandon Steach will be joining me for tomorrow's session. The town where I live is having a "Groovin' 4th" party with a complete hippy theme. Maybe we'll re-record a Grateful Dead song...that's patriotic, right?

-OTTO

Song 2

I completed Song #2, 'Waiting for You.' I had the idea for one of the guitar parts last night, and the rest of the song was built today...about 18 tracks (2-3 takes per track). The picking part turned out to fit with the chord progression, 'C' to 'Em.' Those chords made for a 'moody' sound that inspired the vocals. I also like the uncommon chord progression at the end: Am, E, F, A.

The new software is great, and it's nice having easy access to multiple instruments. The quality of my mixes has improved with the purchase of monitor speakers. No more mixing with headphones.

Other highlights: I used my sleigh bells for the first time and this song has two endings.

-OTTO

Day 2

I am pleased with the way things are moving. 'Day 1' was a success, and I'm ready for 'Day 2.' I spent about 30 minutes last night gathering some ideas for today's song. I'm approaching the writing process very loosely. I have a BPM (beats-per-minute) set and I know which instruments I want to use first. It makes it interesting when the ending is a surprise to me.

Since my mother-in-law prefers that I explain what my songs mean, I will try. The first song, "Be Advised," was about the uncertainty of life (a theme I'll probably use again). The weather alert noise means panic for some and it means preparations and planning for others. The last time I heard that noise (prior to a recent tornado visit) I heard the rhythm and bass along with it (in my head, of course). I changed the purpose of the noise to be for the sake of the noise itself (it was funny to me). The narration delivers the message in a way that's very formal and informative (and hiddenly sarcastic). If you are accepting of the temporary nature of life it makes living more fun, which is why I sang the secong half of the song's message in a way that doesn't quite fit...it's pretty bright and motivating considering the news I'm delivering.

I still have a few technical challenges to clear up today. My new CPU should've come with an iLok key (which allows me to use half of my recording plug-ins), but it is nowhere to be found. I will need to dig through old boxes again, then I'll have to call Sweetwater with the bad news. The codes from the software they installed are specific to that key. Also, I still need to soundproof my windows so the neighbors can't hear me when I do my amazing drum rolls.

Thanks for reading my mind. I'll have more updates today when the second song is complete.

-OTTO

Song 1

I have a small stack of (very) rough ideas lined up, but today is all about experimenting with new toys. I have a variety of new software programs that I opened for the first time yesterday.

Game on.

Preparation vs. Anticipation

In many ways this new songwriting project is a great opportunity for me. It's an opportunity to practice and grow in an area of life that I enjoy. It's also an opportunity to create an online resume of audio production that might help generate future opportunities. In boxing terms, this is my 'title fight.' It will challenge (but hopefully not defeat) me. And even if this 'online resume' gets lost in the stack of other musician's contributions, then I can just save it. I'll turn in a copy when I die to see if I qualify for Heaven's house band.

(Below is a message posted on my wall as a daily reminder):

• Today's song is the most important song you've written.
• It will live on after you die.
• Relatives that don't exist yet will hear it and judge you by it.
• If it's good, friends and strangers will party to it.
• Don't let today's emotions spoil the potential impact that each song could have for someone you don't know that will hear it on a different day.
• Don't forget where inspiration and ability come from.

-OTTO