After 5 months of recording and full time editing, the tracks are done!!
It's a huge milestone and a sense of achievement as I saw the project materialize in front of my eyes (ears, actually) and turned from my imagination into something I can hear.
It sounds great, and it leaves me happy, relieved, satisfied and excited for the next steps.
Now that the tracks are done they are being sent to mixing, where the tracks are worked on a more technical, sound level to bring the most out of each track. I also enjoy the post-production process of playing with different effects to enhance my vision beyond just live instrumentation.
I've also been moving towards cover art, photos, and booking a CD release tour for June which is no small task! the music clubs are so overwhelmed with submissions it's very hard to get through to them, and the more dates I schedule, the more clubs to chase down!! there are companies doing all the stuff that i'm doing myself, but i haven't cracked yet - bring it on!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
shh! i'm singing here!
wow, vocals.
Recording vocals is my achilles heel. Not because I can't do it, but because singing in the studio psyches me out.
When I perform, I gather a lot of strength and momentum from the stage, and the piano. But in the studio, everything is different, it's just me and a microphone, thinking of so many different elements and details at the same time and having a hard time finding that stage momentum.
The fact that I'm producing the songs too makes it hard to balance that analytical part with the fact that singers sound best when they don't think. I've always struggled to bring out a good performance in the studio, and with this record being so important to me it amped the nerves and neurosis.
But, I wasn't going to let it consume me, so I went to get some outside help.
I went to get some vocal recording tips from vocal coach Pam Wolfe, teaching out of Brandeis University. Pam is very perceptive and can pin point all those little things in technique, attitude and psyche that can hold a singer back.
After a lesson with her I've been continuing to practice and record at home, trying to learn how to immediately tap into the right place in my voice, confidence and lack of worry.
Also, I made an effort to be in a good mood, joke and laugh during the sessions. it helped.
My practice really paid off, as session by session I've been getting good takes with less time, and with more satisfaction. Even Andres, my husband and partner in crime who hears me on stage and recording all the time, proclaimed that this is "the best he heard me sing".
Conquering my studio singing bug was another huge achievement that this wonderful project has brought to me.
And now, only 2 more songs remain before the studio wrap up and continuing to post production and mixing. Hurray!
Alongside with the recording, I'm also starting to plan my CD release tour for June and starting to think about cover art, which is what March is all about. More on that next time.
Happy love day!
Recording vocals is my achilles heel. Not because I can't do it, but because singing in the studio psyches me out.
When I perform, I gather a lot of strength and momentum from the stage, and the piano. But in the studio, everything is different, it's just me and a microphone, thinking of so many different elements and details at the same time and having a hard time finding that stage momentum.
The fact that I'm producing the songs too makes it hard to balance that analytical part with the fact that singers sound best when they don't think. I've always struggled to bring out a good performance in the studio, and with this record being so important to me it amped the nerves and neurosis.
But, I wasn't going to let it consume me, so I went to get some outside help.
I went to get some vocal recording tips from vocal coach Pam Wolfe, teaching out of Brandeis University. Pam is very perceptive and can pin point all those little things in technique, attitude and psyche that can hold a singer back.
After a lesson with her I've been continuing to practice and record at home, trying to learn how to immediately tap into the right place in my voice, confidence and lack of worry.
Also, I made an effort to be in a good mood, joke and laugh during the sessions. it helped.
My practice really paid off, as session by session I've been getting good takes with less time, and with more satisfaction. Even Andres, my husband and partner in crime who hears me on stage and recording all the time, proclaimed that this is "the best he heard me sing".
Conquering my studio singing bug was another huge achievement that this wonderful project has brought to me.
And now, only 2 more songs remain before the studio wrap up and continuing to post production and mixing. Hurray!
Alongside with the recording, I'm also starting to plan my CD release tour for June and starting to think about cover art, which is what March is all about. More on that next time.
Happy love day!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Strings...
Wow, recording in winter in the Northeast could be a nightmare!
We had 3 sessions canceled due to the snowstorms and me getting sick... That set me way past the deadline I have made for myself and the label rep in me is pushing the artist in me to get back on schedule. So fun being a one person project...
But, I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and the songs are shaping up so beautifully.
Our string session was on Sunday Jan 23rd, and the UMass grad school quartet did a great job putting some soul into the project. It all started with me playing a show in which Julie (violin) played a killer version of Michael Jackson's "smooth criminal". I asked her to come play on the recording right then and there, and to bring her quartet along.
I always enjoy writing strings. I am extremely grateful for my string arranging background from my NYC days and especially Annie Gallup's album "Weather" that elevated my skills and musicality to a much higher degree. I was very happy to turn that experience to my own music and hearing it all come to life.
next, I only have vocals left! I am half way done and am hoping to wrap up the recording stage within a week or two. Please don't snow anymore, sky!!
We had 3 sessions canceled due to the snowstorms and me getting sick... That set me way past the deadline I have made for myself and the label rep in me is pushing the artist in me to get back on schedule. So fun being a one person project...
But, I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and the songs are shaping up so beautifully.
Our string session was on Sunday Jan 23rd, and the UMass grad school quartet did a great job putting some soul into the project. It all started with me playing a show in which Julie (violin) played a killer version of Michael Jackson's "smooth criminal". I asked her to come play on the recording right then and there, and to bring her quartet along.
I always enjoy writing strings. I am extremely grateful for my string arranging background from my NYC days and especially Annie Gallup's album "Weather" that elevated my skills and musicality to a much higher degree. I was very happy to turn that experience to my own music and hearing it all come to life.
next, I only have vocals left! I am half way done and am hoping to wrap up the recording stage within a week or two. Please don't snow anymore, sky!!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
going to NY for a singing group
The premise of this particular session bears a lot of importance to me, and I was happy that the group that turned up to sing felt connected to this premise.
"the forgotten one" is a sad song. a song I wrote as response to a situation of Gilad Shalit, a kidnapped soldier who's been in captivity for over 5 years, with no apparent hope or progress of his release.
Those his name and situation often bears political opinions and associations, I wanted to steer away from that and focus just on his individual situation, and the frustration of most people, though sad, go on with their lives and forget about people that can't be as fortunate.
The idea was to have a group repeat the refrain "we all read and weep, and we all turn the page" like a mantra, to reinforce the message of how many of us are indifferent to other people's suffering.
I wanted to feature the voices of friends and fellow indie artists, and though some were away on MLK weekend, we ended up with a fantastic group of people from different spectrums that contributed wonderful energy and soul, and helped to create a powerful gesture.
Big thanks to Mor Mezrich and his Astoria studio, "Ears and Gears" and to the singers.
here's a video of what this looked like and a sneak peek of how it'll sound!
"the forgotten one" is a sad song. a song I wrote as response to a situation of Gilad Shalit, a kidnapped soldier who's been in captivity for over 5 years, with no apparent hope or progress of his release.
Those his name and situation often bears political opinions and associations, I wanted to steer away from that and focus just on his individual situation, and the frustration of most people, though sad, go on with their lives and forget about people that can't be as fortunate.
The idea was to have a group repeat the refrain "we all read and weep, and we all turn the page" like a mantra, to reinforce the message of how many of us are indifferent to other people's suffering.
I wanted to feature the voices of friends and fellow indie artists, and though some were away on MLK weekend, we ended up with a fantastic group of people from different spectrums that contributed wonderful energy and soul, and helped to create a powerful gesture.
Big thanks to Mor Mezrich and his Astoria studio, "Ears and Gears" and to the singers.
here's a video of what this looked like and a sneak peek of how it'll sound!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
My First Listeners
Over the break, I had the pleasure to play the album in progress for two friends who came for a visit, my first 2 listeners!
I felt comfortable enough to share my half-baked recordings since the guys were generous contributors to my kickstarter campaign, were both artistic (a writer and an illustrator) and music lovers. They were my target audience, and I wanted to see their reaction.
It's very nerve-wracking to let someone hear something I wrote for the first time. So much of me goes into each song, production choice, piano part etc and it feels like I'm putting my whole self on the line for the impression of others.
I was relieved and excited, to see that not only did they love each song, but the music left them moved. I could see them reacting emotionally to something that I wrote and recorded. That feeling was so incredibly satisfying I could hardly sleep that night.
If I could move two people, I could move more. To me that's what this project is all about.
you're next.
We are resuming sessions next week with a very busy recording month, so plenty of posts to follow - watch out!
I felt comfortable enough to share my half-baked recordings since the guys were generous contributors to my kickstarter campaign, were both artistic (a writer and an illustrator) and music lovers. They were my target audience, and I wanted to see their reaction.
It's very nerve-wracking to let someone hear something I wrote for the first time. So much of me goes into each song, production choice, piano part etc and it feels like I'm putting my whole self on the line for the impression of others.
I was relieved and excited, to see that not only did they love each song, but the music left them moved. I could see them reacting emotionally to something that I wrote and recorded. That feeling was so incredibly satisfying I could hardly sleep that night.
If I could move two people, I could move more. To me that's what this project is all about.
you're next.
We are resuming sessions next week with a very busy recording month, so plenty of posts to follow - watch out!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Happy New Year of fantastic, meaningful music
Every new year's I think of resolutions. What do I want to achieve? How can I improve as a human? as a musician?
Musically speaking 2011 is basically mapped out for me, with the CD release my calendar is busy until the fall at least. With those plans behind me, I started thinking more about the current state of the music industry (and I hate that this art of ours is an industry...) and what the next year may look like for it.
I've been inspired by Arcade Fire, who pack Madison Square Garden without a record label, maintaining full control of all aspects of their art, and it shows in their music.
I resolved to go DIY (Do It Yourself). I've always written, arranged and performed my material, but I decided to be completely self sufficient with promotion, marketing and all logistics. It's hard for me, I'm a creative type and not so business savvy but I'm putting a lot of effort into this upcoming release in so many ways, good things are bound to come. They already have.
I am happy to have the opportunity to maintain full control of my vision and dedicate my time to making the best art that I can.
Finding out about those who put their art first, and reward them with our attention and support is what I hope our new year's resolution will be. DIY artist can't afford times square billboards and endless ads, and rely on buzz and word of mouth. They are found in blogs and indie mags and radio and their success depends on us being active about searching them out and passing them on.
Wouldn't it be amazing if next year was filled with a new "music first" generation? Isn't it time to find more quality, innovative music that has artistic integrity, and reward it over formulaic, tiresome and absurd gimmicks?
It's going to be a good year, I can feel it.
HAPPY 2011 !
Musically speaking 2011 is basically mapped out for me, with the CD release my calendar is busy until the fall at least. With those plans behind me, I started thinking more about the current state of the music industry (and I hate that this art of ours is an industry...) and what the next year may look like for it.
I've been inspired by Arcade Fire, who pack Madison Square Garden without a record label, maintaining full control of all aspects of their art, and it shows in their music.
I resolved to go DIY (Do It Yourself). I've always written, arranged and performed my material, but I decided to be completely self sufficient with promotion, marketing and all logistics. It's hard for me, I'm a creative type and not so business savvy but I'm putting a lot of effort into this upcoming release in so many ways, good things are bound to come. They already have.
I am happy to have the opportunity to maintain full control of my vision and dedicate my time to making the best art that I can.
Finding out about those who put their art first, and reward them with our attention and support is what I hope our new year's resolution will be. DIY artist can't afford times square billboards and endless ads, and rely on buzz and word of mouth. They are found in blogs and indie mags and radio and their success depends on us being active about searching them out and passing them on.
Wouldn't it be amazing if next year was filled with a new "music first" generation? Isn't it time to find more quality, innovative music that has artistic integrity, and reward it over formulaic, tiresome and absurd gimmicks?
It's going to be a good year, I can feel it.
HAPPY 2011 !
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