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