Song011_Sink Phase

I enjoyed created today's song. I wrote it early this morning before Brandon and I went for a long bike ride, and I enjoy the mellow intent groove. I sometimes layer too many instruments, and this one was close. The guitars blast and have heavy reverb, but I was able to pan everything into its own space...I don't think anything got masked. Also, I think this is one of my better attempts at mixing and mastering.

The title, "Sink Phase," is in reference to a sensation experienced during Freediving. I've never actually done this, but look it up online if you're interested. These adventurers push the human body to incredible extremes. Anyway, a Freediver swims unassisted (no air tanks) and goes as deep and as long as possible underwater on a single breathe. When they first begin their descent they have to kick and contort their body like a fish (head first towards the ocean floor). Once they've gained enough momentum the force carries them effortlessly for a period of time. Some divers say its like freefalling into deep space.

The lyrics were last-minute, but they fit the mood..."I'm bleeding out from the inside. I am dying just to feel alive. I've thought it over, and eventually push comes to shove. I never saw it coming, now I'm upside-down in love."

-Matthew

Song 10: Sound Existence

The foundation for this instrumental song is 2 separate acoustic guitar parts. There's lots of strumming, one is double the speed of the other, and there's quite a bit of syncopation built in...I like the rhythm it creates (since there are no percussion tracks in this song). I recorded each acoustic guitar part with 3 separate mics for a full stereo effect. The instruments in this song battle each other (smooth sounds vs. harsh sounds), but I think it creates an interesting mood. It fits the dueling themes of this week's album, "Offense/Defense" (i.e. using weapons for peace, etc).

The quality of my mixes (overall) is getting better, but it seems to vary based on the instruments used in each song. Some mixes have been easier to hear than others. One day I wore out my ears recording with headphones and my final mix suffered. Mastering is a separate art form, and it's that final step that is the most noticeable. If it's done right, then the E.Q.'s and levels should match on every song. I'm making note of every detail so I can perfect the formula, but until then please be patient with the quality of my final product.

-OTTO

Slow Jukebox

I am using a 3rd party to host my individual song downloads (SnoCap). I like that they allow you to preview the song before purchasing, but it seems that they have not been able to keep up with demand lately. The songs from the past few days have not yet posted, and I have contacted them about the problem. I am searching for alternative (long-term) solutions if you have any advice. Thanks for your patience...

-OTTO

Song 9: Finger Touching Trigger

I love music, but I rarely listen to music when I'm driving...especially if radio music is the only choice. I prefer NPR talk-radio (National Public Radio: 90.1FM in the Texas area). Anyway, today's song, "Finger Touching Trigger," was lyrically inspired by all the recent NPR news about talks with Russia. It's an interesting human chess game where every move counts. It's also pretty silly.

"Scheduled talks, smooth as glass, a life-size chess game board full of actors, but I suppose you'll discover, the sense of urgency to the matter. Take a seat, tape this lesson, it's best to hope for peace, and have the biggest weapons. Let's have some patience, everybody. Start the day without your finger on the trigger. There's bound to be a better way."

When I was mixing this song I pictured all the world leaders being forced to watch the video for this song (not yet created) before they were allowed to talk business. It would be an instructional video titled, "International Defense Precautions for Dummies." The intro would have a cartoon figure pointing at the "red button" and shaking his head 'no.'

I had originally written the guitar for this song in 1996(?). The original 4-track recording was called, "Senator Frisbee," and it's quite different. All of the re-recording (and the lyrics) for this song happened today. I had to re-learn the chords since I haven't played it since the 20th century.

-OTTO

Starting a New Week (Song 8)

It was a long day yesterday, but everything pertaining to work and this music project was finally completed. I am fairly organized, so I have created check-lists for my daily, weekly and monthly tasks (for 'A New Song Every Day'). Finishing the first full week of recording meant taking care of a hand-full of website/marketing chores. The machine is running smoothly, but I'm still working out a few of the kinks. I'll outline my responsibilities below...

DAILY: format and activate live broadcast
DAILY: write and record an original song
DAILY: blog / twitter updates
DAILY: mix, master and upload the new song of the day
DAILY: gather materials and ideas for the next day's song
WEEKLY: new album concept (title, artwork, etc)
WEEKLY: add a new album to the online sales page
WEEKLY: archive/backup all computers (PC/Mac)
WEEKLY: create/send FREE song-of-the-week email (thanks for doing this one, Carly!)
WEEKLY: update website with new content from previous week
MONTHLY: download and evaluate site statistics (video viewers, site visitors, etc)

Today's song, "Foreign Tongues," represents the first song on the new (upcoming) album. This idea actually evolved from two ideas that I crammed into one song (I've always liked doing that). I wrote the lyrics today, "I would say the words you want to hear if I knew your language, dear." Also, I realized during today's recording that playing timpani drums in a symphony would be fun! Granted, some songs could be boring and require little participation from that section, but when they play it's always dramatic. The pair of mallets that I bought recently have become a favorite toy.

The next album is titled, "Offense/Defense" and I should have the artwork posted on my site later tonight. The first album was mostly driven by the rhythm section, so this album will be centered around acoustic guitars.

Thanks for listening...

-OTTO

Summary of Week 1

I am taking a quick break...still need to mix today's song. In about 1-2 more hours I will have completed the first full week of recording! I should have the first album (Network's Unseen Pilots) uploaded by tomorrow. Also, I will be sending out the first FREE song to everyone in an email later tonight.

The first week was a good learning experience. I feel like I've worked out most of the equipment issues, and I'm starting to hone in on a daily process. I've realized that the recording sessions are much smoother when I have planned adequately the night before. I woke up today without any sort of plan, and it cost me some time.

Today's song, "It's On," started with a very distorted punk-like guitar progression, but I gave it a rock-and-roll hairdo and a pair of techno pants. It evolved into something strange. The lyrics of this song are simple/funny..."I went to a party just to be seen, Put on a suede suite and wore my new sneakers, baby. The party was full of people waiting to be seen. But when I started dancing, they started leaving."

I was originally going to title this song "Iron My Punk Shirt!" (on behalf of the modern "bubble-gum punk" bands), but I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

More tomorrow...

-OTTO

Song 6

This instrumental might work well with the right video. My goal was to capture a mood, give it a chance to evolve slightly, then leave it pending. I would like to write music for t.v./film again someday. It's always a creative exercise to put in a good movie, turn the sound to "Mute," and try to write my own soundtrack.

Song 6, "Tumbleweed," is now available online for you to preview and purchase. After tomorrow's song I will have completed the first full week of recording. I should have the entire first album (7 songs plus artwork) available for download by Wednesday.

-OTTO