8:20 AM
Today's my off day for writing music on my lunch break. I have a number of errands I have to run, and it will take up most of my lunch hour. Hopefully, on the other hand, I'll write some lyrics to fill out the rest of my 14 songs (minus the two collabs I've agreed, one of which the collaborator will do the lyrics, the other case, I'll co-write). If I can have the 'outline' for the rest of my songs done by this weekend, and leave the rest to just music writing, I have a fighting chance to get FAWM complete.
You might have read on the forum boards that my wife and I are expecting. :) So this will be my last FAWM as a guy-without-kids. I've already been instructed as to how to write music with children around. I'm sure it's as every bit as hard and rewarding as I hear.
No Playstation 3--apparently, Sony is not shipping any to the US. I know exactly why--it's a simple business model, since in three weeks, they're releasing the biggest title Game for the PS3 yet. Wait to supply systems until the game is out, so buyers who are buying a system and a game will not hesitate to buy other things they might not otherwise. -- I hate sony...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
FAWM Day 17
8:15 AM
Well, I had some important errands to run during my lunch break today--but I forgot them at home. Guess I'll do that tomorrow and turn TODAY into a songwriting lunch break day. I have two songs pretty much ready to go (rhythm-wise... I still want to do more, but it's crunch time). I'll record one today and record the other on Friday. In the meantime, I can finish off the lyrics on the rest of the songs I plan on doing this month.
Well, I had some important errands to run during my lunch break today--but I forgot them at home. Guess I'll do that tomorrow and turn TODAY into a songwriting lunch break day. I have two songs pretty much ready to go (rhythm-wise... I still want to do more, but it's crunch time). I'll record one today and record the other on Friday. In the meantime, I can finish off the lyrics on the rest of the songs I plan on doing this month.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
FAWM Day 16
9:20 AM
Nothing is so easily snapped as the fragile psyche.
After having a 12-hour (not counting sleep) breakdown convincing myself I would never be able to get FAWM done in time, I was given (once again) encouragement on the FAWM boards. This is the last battle--time to bite the bullet and go all out for the grand finale--and every other cliche involved with that.
Nothing is so easily snapped as the fragile psyche.
After having a 12-hour (not counting sleep) breakdown convincing myself I would never be able to get FAWM done in time, I was given (once again) encouragement on the FAWM boards. This is the last battle--time to bite the bullet and go all out for the grand finale--and every other cliche involved with that.
Monday, February 15, 2010
FAWM Day 15
8:30 AM
It's crunch time.
Day 15 with 3 songs finished. That leaves me 14 days to do 11 songs. The question is, can I do it? The answer: I'm certainly going to try.
This weekend was pretty interesting. I saw snow for the first time since I lived in NYC, and saw snow in the south for the first time since I was 4. Saw the parents in south GA. Had a decent weekend, despite the fact I got very little sleep.
Tonight will be hectic, but starting with tomorrow, I will be wholly focused (outside of work) to finishing FAWM. Let the songwriting begin!
12:50 PM
Returning from lunch. Wrote 3 songs during lunch. Together with the two songs I wrote before I went away for the weekend--I have my 5 songs to work on for the week. Going to refine and record by Thursday. I think I just MIGHT get my 14 for February.
Songs I wrote during lunch:
The Drum
Key of Em / A
Sit me at the rear, hide me from all the crowds
I’m incapable of whisper, I only do loud
I can’t stand alone, I’m just not built for that…
Slap me with power or just tap me real soft
I promise to take it with a grain of salt
I’m made for abuse so don’t feel sorry for that…
While the band is rocking, the lights go black
No one is watching anyone in the back.
It’s just monotone all I do is set the pace.
I’m the most necessary overlooked instrument in the place.
You can play me real fast or you can take it real slow
Set me up to be different or keep me with the flow
I’m just following the crowd, I’m just here to get on board.
Keep me real with some jazz or go to town with some punk
Make it cry with the blues or go off-beat with the funk
There are so many different ways I can be ignored.
(CHORUS)
My solos are short, my range non-existent
My intent is to follow, but my mood is insistent
I can’t be ignored, though, I’m always aplomb
Cause I epitomize percussion, I am the drum.
(CHORUS)
Bored with the Internet (Get out and get living)
(Based on http://xkcd.com/77/ ) Key of A
We have separated from the world we grew up in
The snow is falling, the fresh air is filling where we’ve been
But we’ve become complacent, lazy, and life is passing us by.
Let’s take a break and get back to life.
Grab your coat and let’s play out in the winter snow
We see the army of snowmen wherever we go
And you push me down, and I come up laughing as I
Kill you with kindness in a snowball fight.
And we smile for real for the first time in a while
As we remember what it’s like to really be alive.
We have shared so many times together
That it seems so absurd that we should ignore the weather
So we agree that we get back to the way we were
To spending time together in the world.
And we smile for real for the first time in a while
As we remember what it’s like to really be alive.
And we might write about our adventures
On our blogs and emails when we get home
But for now we’re staying busy, enjoying everything that we’ve had all along.
Want
(Based on http://xkcd.com/49/ ) Key of A
I want tonight to be the time I get this right
I want bravery to be modus operandi.
I want my emotions to be my poetic auteur
And I want this moment to never end.
I want to tell you the things I can’t articulate
I want to say ‘I love you’ before it gets too late
I want to force my common sense to finally bend
And I want this moment to never end.
I want to drive away from your house with you
Knowing that you will still be there when I get home
We can listen to the bands that you want to hear
And I won’t complain.
And I want to feel this way forever
With nothing to step in the way.
I want tonight to be the time I get this right
I want bravery to be modus operandi.
I want my emotions to be my poetic auteur
And I want this moment to never end.
It's crunch time.
Day 15 with 3 songs finished. That leaves me 14 days to do 11 songs. The question is, can I do it? The answer: I'm certainly going to try.
This weekend was pretty interesting. I saw snow for the first time since I lived in NYC, and saw snow in the south for the first time since I was 4. Saw the parents in south GA. Had a decent weekend, despite the fact I got very little sleep.
Tonight will be hectic, but starting with tomorrow, I will be wholly focused (outside of work) to finishing FAWM. Let the songwriting begin!
12:50 PM
Returning from lunch. Wrote 3 songs during lunch. Together with the two songs I wrote before I went away for the weekend--I have my 5 songs to work on for the week. Going to refine and record by Thursday. I think I just MIGHT get my 14 for February.
Songs I wrote during lunch:
The Drum
Key of Em / A
Sit me at the rear, hide me from all the crowds
I’m incapable of whisper, I only do loud
I can’t stand alone, I’m just not built for that…
Slap me with power or just tap me real soft
I promise to take it with a grain of salt
I’m made for abuse so don’t feel sorry for that…
While the band is rocking, the lights go black
No one is watching anyone in the back.
It’s just monotone all I do is set the pace.
I’m the most necessary overlooked instrument in the place.
You can play me real fast or you can take it real slow
Set me up to be different or keep me with the flow
I’m just following the crowd, I’m just here to get on board.
Keep me real with some jazz or go to town with some punk
Make it cry with the blues or go off-beat with the funk
There are so many different ways I can be ignored.
(CHORUS)
My solos are short, my range non-existent
My intent is to follow, but my mood is insistent
I can’t be ignored, though, I’m always aplomb
Cause I epitomize percussion, I am the drum.
(CHORUS)
Bored with the Internet (Get out and get living)
(Based on http://xkcd.com/77/ ) Key of A
We have separated from the world we grew up in
The snow is falling, the fresh air is filling where we’ve been
But we’ve become complacent, lazy, and life is passing us by.
Let’s take a break and get back to life.
Grab your coat and let’s play out in the winter snow
We see the army of snowmen wherever we go
And you push me down, and I come up laughing as I
Kill you with kindness in a snowball fight.
And we smile for real for the first time in a while
As we remember what it’s like to really be alive.
We have shared so many times together
That it seems so absurd that we should ignore the weather
So we agree that we get back to the way we were
To spending time together in the world.
And we smile for real for the first time in a while
As we remember what it’s like to really be alive.
And we might write about our adventures
On our blogs and emails when we get home
But for now we’re staying busy, enjoying everything that we’ve had all along.
Want
(Based on http://xkcd.com/49/ ) Key of A
I want tonight to be the time I get this right
I want bravery to be modus operandi.
I want my emotions to be my poetic auteur
And I want this moment to never end.
I want to tell you the things I can’t articulate
I want to say ‘I love you’ before it gets too late
I want to force my common sense to finally bend
And I want this moment to never end.
I want to drive away from your house with you
Knowing that you will still be there when I get home
We can listen to the bands that you want to hear
And I won’t complain.
And I want to feel this way forever
With nothing to step in the way.
I want tonight to be the time I get this right
I want bravery to be modus operandi.
I want my emotions to be my poetic auteur
And I want this moment to never end.
Friday, February 12, 2010
FAWM Day 12
8:22 AM
After tonight, I will officially be 3 songs behind. I also officially start my 2nd dead weekend (and hopefully my last dead weekend) by going to visit parents up in GA. When I get back, I have every intention on finishing the three songs I've started on, writing two more, and post five new songs by Wednesday or Thursday, at which time I start to grind out the last 6 songs in a similar manner (work on them all at the same time and record all 6 as a bunch).
Today I start back 'Final Fantasy Friday'. I'm pouring all of the soundtracks to FF4-FF12 (excl. 5 and 11, obviously) into a playlist and hitting random. See you all later!
After tonight, I will officially be 3 songs behind. I also officially start my 2nd dead weekend (and hopefully my last dead weekend) by going to visit parents up in GA. When I get back, I have every intention on finishing the three songs I've started on, writing two more, and post five new songs by Wednesday or Thursday, at which time I start to grind out the last 6 songs in a similar manner (work on them all at the same time and record all 6 as a bunch).
Today I start back 'Final Fantasy Friday'. I'm pouring all of the soundtracks to FF4-FF12 (excl. 5 and 11, obviously) into a playlist and hitting random. See you all later!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
FAWM Day 11
8:15 AM
Got to work really early today--but then I goofed off and talked half the morning away already. :)
Ok, so here's what I came up with yesterday as a new plan for the rest of FAWM:
Up through yesterday, my goal was to write a song every two days. That isn't going to work for me, and here's why: I write a song, I say, 'Ok, done for now, back to life' and just drop it. Which means that, two days later, when I go to write another song, I have to reinvigorate my creativity, restarting basically at 0. Instead, I'm going to write 4 or 5 songs at once. That way, my creativity is still flowing, motivation is still pumping, and I can record background instruments without hooking/unhooking instruments 4 or 5 times within a week's time. At current, I have 3 musical rhythms--I plan on writing 2 more before this weekend, and when I return from my parents, practice and record them. If all goes according to plan, I should be up to 8 songs by Wednesday (day 17) and be almost caught up. From there, it'll be 'repeat the process' to put me to 14, and I'll have 11 days to write the last 6 songs. I think I can do that.
Got to work really early today--but then I goofed off and talked half the morning away already. :)
Ok, so here's what I came up with yesterday as a new plan for the rest of FAWM:
Up through yesterday, my goal was to write a song every two days. That isn't going to work for me, and here's why: I write a song, I say, 'Ok, done for now, back to life' and just drop it. Which means that, two days later, when I go to write another song, I have to reinvigorate my creativity, restarting basically at 0. Instead, I'm going to write 4 or 5 songs at once. That way, my creativity is still flowing, motivation is still pumping, and I can record background instruments without hooking/unhooking instruments 4 or 5 times within a week's time. At current, I have 3 musical rhythms--I plan on writing 2 more before this weekend, and when I return from my parents, practice and record them. If all goes according to plan, I should be up to 8 songs by Wednesday (day 17) and be almost caught up. From there, it'll be 'repeat the process' to put me to 14, and I'll have 11 days to write the last 6 songs. I think I can do that.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
FAWM Day 10
12:40 PM
About 10 minutes left on my lunch break. Was on Charlie Cheney's radio show last night--sounded like a complete buffoon, stumbling and stuttering and interrupting. As if I learned how to talk yesterday. Good guy though, that Charlie.
I finished my third song yesterday, which puts me behind two songs by the end of this day. Well, I wrote music for two songs during my lunch break. One will be a stand alone guitar, I feel. (12/8 time on acoustic guitar--very Dashboard Confessional / Secondhand Serenade / February's Leaving styled) The other song is just a basic rhythm that I'm hoping to put a lot of stuff behind. Hoping to work on lyrics for both songs sometime today and maybe record before this weekend (going to see the parents, another dead weekend for FAWM.)
About 10 minutes left on my lunch break. Was on Charlie Cheney's radio show last night--sounded like a complete buffoon, stumbling and stuttering and interrupting. As if I learned how to talk yesterday. Good guy though, that Charlie.
I finished my third song yesterday, which puts me behind two songs by the end of this day. Well, I wrote music for two songs during my lunch break. One will be a stand alone guitar, I feel. (12/8 time on acoustic guitar--very Dashboard Confessional / Secondhand Serenade / February's Leaving styled) The other song is just a basic rhythm that I'm hoping to put a lot of stuff behind. Hoping to work on lyrics for both songs sometime today and maybe record before this weekend (going to see the parents, another dead weekend for FAWM.)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
FAWM Day 9
8:40 AM
(Music listening to: Blink 182 - Dude Ranch)
Well, this is certainly an interesting position I'm in today...
Last night was a bust--no writing, no recording, no nuthin'. Yesterday at lunch I finished song 3, but I didn't get it recorded last night OR this morning. So I brought my laptop to work and plan on recording it during my lunch break. If this works, I might have an extra hour each day I did not plan for at the beginning of FAWM. My saving grace!
This morning rocked, too. I left 10 minutes early by accident, which allowed me to take my time on the way to work. I haven't had this relaxing of a commute in a really long time. It's put me in a clear mind for the day and hopefully it will reflect in recording my demo at lunch and writing song 4 (lyrics) this afternoon. Perhaps I can even write something more tonight and have song 4 done today too! Here's hoping.
(Music listening to: Blink 182 - Dude Ranch)
Well, this is certainly an interesting position I'm in today...
Last night was a bust--no writing, no recording, no nuthin'. Yesterday at lunch I finished song 3, but I didn't get it recorded last night OR this morning. So I brought my laptop to work and plan on recording it during my lunch break. If this works, I might have an extra hour each day I did not plan for at the beginning of FAWM. My saving grace!
This morning rocked, too. I left 10 minutes early by accident, which allowed me to take my time on the way to work. I haven't had this relaxing of a commute in a really long time. It's put me in a clear mind for the day and hopefully it will reflect in recording my demo at lunch and writing song 4 (lyrics) this afternoon. Perhaps I can even write something more tonight and have song 4 done today too! Here's hoping.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Song 2 - Hint
For those who want a little hint to the 'puzzle' in the lyrics of my second song, I've rearranged the lyrics a little below:
I
Wish I Saw Her.
I
Wonder About Sometimes.
And
Certainly Remember. Yesterday, Picturing The Other Girls, Running Away, Pretending How Everything Returns.
She Evidently Never Discerned I Never Got
Completely Over. Dreaming Every Dream,
Mulling Every Second Since Always Going, Ever Sorry
She Only Understands Now Doesn’t She
Realize Everyone’s Already Living Lies You
Can Only Oblige Lies
And if you haven’t gotten the point yet
Well, this job is certainly not for you…
I
Wish I Saw Her.
I
Wonder About Sometimes.
And
Certainly Remember. Yesterday, Picturing The Other Girls, Running Away, Pretending How Everything Returns.
She Evidently Never Discerned I Never Got
Completely Over. Dreaming Every Dream,
Mulling Every Second Since Always Going, Ever Sorry
She Only Understands Now Doesn’t She
Realize Everyone’s Already Living Lies You
Can Only Oblige Lies
And if you haven’t gotten the point yet
Well, this job is certainly not for you…
FAWM Day 8
8:00 AM
Well, the first really busy weekend is over. Had the parents down this weekend and I had a lot to do. Now that it's over, I can grind out (hopefully) 3 or 4 songs before this next weekend (where my wife and I are going up to see my parents--sort of a tradeoff set of weekends).
I brought my guitar to work this morning, so that's what I'll be doing on my lunch break. We have a conference/classroom type deal that's separate from the main building, so I won't be bugging anybody--no one ever really uses it except for after work. I'll be posting my progress throughout the week on here.
11:35 AM
Quick threw some lyrics together--boy can I write depression, huh? Anyways, going to write some music during lunch I hope--record later tonight for song 3. Song comes from my idea list "Please Don't"
12:35 PM
Returning from lunch--finished the chords for my new song. I like how it's going so far. I hope the demo recording goes smoothly tonight. If so, I'll have it up before I go to bed tonight.
Lyrics:
This is crazy, this is far too far and we know it
And we have passed the point of redemption
And you said “Can we keep this under control,
Just so long as it’s you and me?
Is there any way we can make this work?
I feel so alive when I’m with you.”
But we both know it’s not fair
It’s not right
And it never will be.
This is the last touch, the last kiss
And our goodbye before we get back to normal
(This is the only solution I can see)
This is the last breath, the last word
And the last time we’ll see each other again
Don’t make this harder than it has to be
So walk away, take the memory with you
I can’t bear to keep a keepsake of this time.
I’ll forgive if you forgive
And we’ll forgive, so we can move on
And someday we’ll get better
Someday we’ll get better
(CHORUS)
So walk away…
Walk away…
Well, the first really busy weekend is over. Had the parents down this weekend and I had a lot to do. Now that it's over, I can grind out (hopefully) 3 or 4 songs before this next weekend (where my wife and I are going up to see my parents--sort of a tradeoff set of weekends).
I brought my guitar to work this morning, so that's what I'll be doing on my lunch break. We have a conference/classroom type deal that's separate from the main building, so I won't be bugging anybody--no one ever really uses it except for after work. I'll be posting my progress throughout the week on here.
11:35 AM
Quick threw some lyrics together--boy can I write depression, huh? Anyways, going to write some music during lunch I hope--record later tonight for song 3. Song comes from my idea list "Please Don't"
12:35 PM
Returning from lunch--finished the chords for my new song. I like how it's going so far. I hope the demo recording goes smoothly tonight. If so, I'll have it up before I go to bed tonight.
Lyrics:
This is crazy, this is far too far and we know it
And we have passed the point of redemption
And you said “Can we keep this under control,
Just so long as it’s you and me?
Is there any way we can make this work?
I feel so alive when I’m with you.”
But we both know it’s not fair
It’s not right
And it never will be.
This is the last touch, the last kiss
And our goodbye before we get back to normal
(This is the only solution I can see)
This is the last breath, the last word
And the last time we’ll see each other again
Don’t make this harder than it has to be
So walk away, take the memory with you
I can’t bear to keep a keepsake of this time.
I’ll forgive if you forgive
And we’ll forgive, so we can move on
And someday we’ll get better
Someday we’ll get better
(CHORUS)
So walk away…
Walk away…
Friday, February 5, 2010
FAWM Day 5
8:10 AM
I'm on day five and only have one song. Not to panic, because I sorta anticipated this. This first week is just so inundated with a lot of important things that I knew I basically only had the last three weeks to get my songs together. I'm going to spend down time today (when I get it) to write a lot of lyrics (I came up with an interesting concept on the way to work this morning) so I don't have to waste time on them when it becomes crunch-time.
Today is Friday--Video Game music day for me to listen to. Not necessarily JUST Final Fantasy (though I happen to be listening to OC Remixes of FF6 currently). Will update periodically throughout the day.
9:30 AM
Finished lyrics for my new song. Will write music tonight and record.
Cause Really, Yes, Point Taken
I Wish I Saw Her.
I Wonder About Sometimes. And Certainly Remember.
Yesterday,
Picturing The Other Girls, Running Away,
Pretending How Everything Returns.
She Evidently Never Discerned I Never Got Completely Over.
Dreaming Every Dream,
Mulling Every Second Since
Always Going, Ever Sorry
She Only Understands Now
Doesn’t She Realize
Everyone’s Already Living Lies
You Can Only Oblige Lies
And if you haven’t gotten the point yet
Well, this job is certainly not for you…
9:35 AM
There's a thread on the FAWM boards where everyone is posting individual lines to make a song. I've taken what's been put on there so far in order to turn it into a song. Here's how I organized mine:
Somniloquy [Cause that's just an awesome word!]
Wake up, wake up, why are you sleeping?
Isn't it time to abandon dreaming?
There's a whole 'nother world outside of your head
Wake up, wake up, time to start living
'Cause living your dreams sets your soul free
But all of our dreams are still lying in bed.
CHORUS:
How many sheep have you counted?
How many dreams have you doubted?
How many have drifted from fingers, outstretched?
It's time to wake up from your living death.
Reach out your hand, I've got a thought for you to hold...
life is the clay you have to mold.
Mould it, shape it, make it what you like
Wake Up! Your life is passing you by!
Make your dreams come true, learn how to fly.
Sing like the bird in your somniloquy.
(CHORUS)
BRIDGE:
Spread your wings, face the sun
If you don't get up, start moving [Bump]
there's still so much to be done [bump bump]
We've got to get a start, on starting improving.
You'll need to walk before you can run [bump bump]
Run faster, darling...
(Instrumental Bridge)
OUTRO:
Or you may run into the black starling
Are you tired yet? Or does the view of hell keep you satisfied
You can't help but wonder if you even really tried
Trying is easy, it's dreaming that's hard
but wake up, wake up it's time to start dreaming,
Out in the world new ideas have been teaming
Unless of course [this] causes you to wake up screaming...
[Thinking Things like] ‘What if the Mayans were off by 2 years’
Feeding your nightmares, feeding your fears,
It's time to stop listening, to those crazy seers,
Wake up, wake up, your wasting your life away
What else is there to say?
I guess I'll just leave
I'm on day five and only have one song. Not to panic, because I sorta anticipated this. This first week is just so inundated with a lot of important things that I knew I basically only had the last three weeks to get my songs together. I'm going to spend down time today (when I get it) to write a lot of lyrics (I came up with an interesting concept on the way to work this morning) so I don't have to waste time on them when it becomes crunch-time.
Today is Friday--Video Game music day for me to listen to. Not necessarily JUST Final Fantasy (though I happen to be listening to OC Remixes of FF6 currently). Will update periodically throughout the day.
9:30 AM
Finished lyrics for my new song. Will write music tonight and record.
Cause Really, Yes, Point Taken
I Wish I Saw Her.
I Wonder About Sometimes. And Certainly Remember.
Yesterday,
Picturing The Other Girls, Running Away,
Pretending How Everything Returns.
She Evidently Never Discerned I Never Got Completely Over.
Dreaming Every Dream,
Mulling Every Second Since
Always Going, Ever Sorry
She Only Understands Now
Doesn’t She Realize
Everyone’s Already Living Lies
You Can Only Oblige Lies
And if you haven’t gotten the point yet
Well, this job is certainly not for you…
9:35 AM
There's a thread on the FAWM boards where everyone is posting individual lines to make a song. I've taken what's been put on there so far in order to turn it into a song. Here's how I organized mine:
Somniloquy [Cause that's just an awesome word!]
Wake up, wake up, why are you sleeping?
Isn't it time to abandon dreaming?
There's a whole 'nother world outside of your head
Wake up, wake up, time to start living
'Cause living your dreams sets your soul free
But all of our dreams are still lying in bed.
CHORUS:
How many sheep have you counted?
How many dreams have you doubted?
How many have drifted from fingers, outstretched?
It's time to wake up from your living death.
Reach out your hand, I've got a thought for you to hold...
life is the clay you have to mold.
Mould it, shape it, make it what you like
Wake Up! Your life is passing you by!
Make your dreams come true, learn how to fly.
Sing like the bird in your somniloquy.
(CHORUS)
BRIDGE:
Spread your wings, face the sun
If you don't get up, start moving [Bump]
there's still so much to be done [bump bump]
We've got to get a start, on starting improving.
You'll need to walk before you can run [bump bump]
Run faster, darling...
(Instrumental Bridge)
OUTRO:
Or you may run into the black starling
Are you tired yet? Or does the view of hell keep you satisfied
You can't help but wonder if you even really tried
Trying is easy, it's dreaming that's hard
but wake up, wake up it's time to start dreaming,
Out in the world new ideas have been teaming
Unless of course [this] causes you to wake up screaming...
[Thinking Things like] ‘What if the Mayans were off by 2 years’
Feeding your nightmares, feeding your fears,
It's time to stop listening, to those crazy seers,
Wake up, wake up, your wasting your life away
What else is there to say?
I guess I'll just leave
Thursday, February 4, 2010
FAWM Day 4
9:00 AM
Uneventful morning, outside of the fact that I woke up late and have been in high-gear even before I officially woke up. Not a great start.
I'm on day 4 with one song written, about 4 songs with 'intent' to write without actually having done anything to start creating them. Not a good sign--but I'll be spending my lunch break today brainstorming.
Wife and I will be getting a PS3 in a week or so in preparation of the release of FFXIII. We need the Blu-Ray player anyhow. That, and Madden '10 looks pretty nifty.
Thus, I will have to do my best to not be distracted by its prettiness until I've finished FAWM.
On an unrelated note, talked with my friend Matt (shade) who also is doing FAWM. He might not get to 14 he told me, but he's working on some songs, so he's giving it the ol' College Try.
Uneventful morning, outside of the fact that I woke up late and have been in high-gear even before I officially woke up. Not a great start.
I'm on day 4 with one song written, about 4 songs with 'intent' to write without actually having done anything to start creating them. Not a good sign--but I'll be spending my lunch break today brainstorming.
Wife and I will be getting a PS3 in a week or so in preparation of the release of FFXIII. We need the Blu-Ray player anyhow. That, and Madden '10 looks pretty nifty.
Thus, I will have to do my best to not be distracted by its prettiness until I've finished FAWM.
On an unrelated note, talked with my friend Matt (shade) who also is doing FAWM. He might not get to 14 he told me, but he's working on some songs, so he's giving it the ol' College Try.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
FAWM Day 3
8:10 AM
Settled into work. What an interesting morning I've had.
First of all, coming off of posting my first song last night, I sighed a breath of relief. Getting that first song is always the hardest--just like getting past the first checkpoint on a long journey. I can settle just a little, but not too much if I plan on getting 14 songs out. I've got a very complicated February with a lot of things to take my time--unfortunately, things of greater priority than FAWM. Just a challenge to overcome, I guess.
But anyways, that has nothing to do with this morning...
I got up and just took my time waking up, as I do every morning. It takes about an hour before I officially wake up and can properly use my brain to do anything worthwhile. So no song writing this morning--and doubtful for most of the mornings in February. Still, I got ready and out the door a little early so I could take my time to work.
On the way out of my driveway, I decided to do something I LITERALLY have not done in years--listen to music on the radio. Generally, my trips to work fall 50/50 in either of these categories: Listening to public radio or listening to CDs. With a few brief exceptions, I haven't listened to the radio's music in years. I know that seems unlikely and hard to comprehend, but it's so true.
So anyways, the first song on the radio (70s - 90s station) was 'The Boys are Back in Town', one of my personal favorite songs from that era. Unfortunately, it was the last 30% of the song or so, but still a great start. I listened to that station for awhile, which both inspired a song idea and reminded me why I don't listen to the radio all that much (i.e. the freakin commercials!)
Anywho, I was surprised to find out how many stations there actually are now. Before, you could only pick up about 10 stations in my town, half of them country, 3 more crap, and 2 decent ones, an alternative rock and the aforementioned oldies. I picked up a spanish rock station, about 70 christian rock stations (to be mentioned in my song), and at least 10 more talk radio stations. Needless to say, even though I kept the radio on all the way to work, I probably only heard about 7 or 8 songs in a 70-minute drive. That's pretty sad, if you think about it.
Well, I'm at work, need to get to work...
Settled into work. What an interesting morning I've had.
First of all, coming off of posting my first song last night, I sighed a breath of relief. Getting that first song is always the hardest--just like getting past the first checkpoint on a long journey. I can settle just a little, but not too much if I plan on getting 14 songs out. I've got a very complicated February with a lot of things to take my time--unfortunately, things of greater priority than FAWM. Just a challenge to overcome, I guess.
But anyways, that has nothing to do with this morning...
I got up and just took my time waking up, as I do every morning. It takes about an hour before I officially wake up and can properly use my brain to do anything worthwhile. So no song writing this morning--and doubtful for most of the mornings in February. Still, I got ready and out the door a little early so I could take my time to work.
On the way out of my driveway, I decided to do something I LITERALLY have not done in years--listen to music on the radio. Generally, my trips to work fall 50/50 in either of these categories: Listening to public radio or listening to CDs. With a few brief exceptions, I haven't listened to the radio's music in years. I know that seems unlikely and hard to comprehend, but it's so true.
So anyways, the first song on the radio (70s - 90s station) was 'The Boys are Back in Town', one of my personal favorite songs from that era. Unfortunately, it was the last 30% of the song or so, but still a great start. I listened to that station for awhile, which both inspired a song idea and reminded me why I don't listen to the radio all that much (i.e. the freakin commercials!)
Anywho, I was surprised to find out how many stations there actually are now. Before, you could only pick up about 10 stations in my town, half of them country, 3 more crap, and 2 decent ones, an alternative rock and the aforementioned oldies. I picked up a spanish rock station, about 70 christian rock stations (to be mentioned in my song), and at least 10 more talk radio stations. Needless to say, even though I kept the radio on all the way to work, I probably only heard about 7 or 8 songs in a 70-minute drive. That's pretty sad, if you think about it.
Well, I'm at work, need to get to work...
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
FAWM Day 2
8:05 AM
Got in to work. Uneventful drive here.
I woke up at 5:30 this morning and recorded a rough draft of my first song--plan to listen to it at work to figure out what's needed to finish it off by tonight. It's just a guitar line, but it seems naked in parts--I'll supplement it with either piano or keyboards at some point.
Starting to go through my 'watchlist' songs to hear the people I started to watch. So far, nothing too bad. I've only had to 'unwatch' one person (hope I didn't offend them by doing that).
1:30 PM
Listening to 'Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me' from this past weekend on NPR's website. Took a break and heard my rough demo I recorded this morning--I really need to redo it, going to add some piano, maybe a second guitar tonight. Will post before I go to sleep.
4:30 PM
Cooling down to the end of the day--I'll be really hard pressed to finish my song tonight, because there's a lot I want to tweak, but I need to remember this is about finishing the song, not refining it. I'll hopefully start on my second song tonight or tomorrow on my lunch break. I just gotta stay steady paced or I'll never get it all done in time.
Got in to work. Uneventful drive here.
I woke up at 5:30 this morning and recorded a rough draft of my first song--plan to listen to it at work to figure out what's needed to finish it off by tonight. It's just a guitar line, but it seems naked in parts--I'll supplement it with either piano or keyboards at some point.
Starting to go through my 'watchlist' songs to hear the people I started to watch. So far, nothing too bad. I've only had to 'unwatch' one person (hope I didn't offend them by doing that).
1:30 PM
Listening to 'Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me' from this past weekend on NPR's website. Took a break and heard my rough demo I recorded this morning--I really need to redo it, going to add some piano, maybe a second guitar tonight. Will post before I go to sleep.
4:30 PM
Cooling down to the end of the day--I'll be really hard pressed to finish my song tonight, because there's a lot I want to tweak, but I need to remember this is about finishing the song, not refining it. I'll hopefully start on my second song tonight or tomorrow on my lunch break. I just gotta stay steady paced or I'll never get it all done in time.
Monday, February 1, 2010
FAWM Day 1
February 1st
8:30 AM
I had a choice. Get up or sleep a little more. I've failed in this choice for a week now. I compromised today.
I woke up at around 5:45 this morning, about 15 minutes before I had to start getting ready for work. I decided not to focus on anything musicwise, being the first 15 minutes I could do anything within FAWM. I'll do lyric writing and brainstorming during work today, I decided.
The drive to work was usual. (Music for the drive today--Dashboard Confessional) Behind absolute morons on a long 70+ minute drive to work. It's not even urban/city driving--it's a long stretch of country highway. Got behind a Lincoln who insisted on doing 5 under the speed limit, and even given that, slowed to 35 MPH (on a 60 MPH highway) when they saw a State Trooper on the side of the road!!! He isn't a stop sign! He's there to catch speeders, something you don't have a problem with. Move It!
Anywho, after finally getting to work, I checked out the first few songs from people on my watchlist. Elaine DiMasi did a great first song. Will post before I leave work today.
4:00 PM
One more hour of work--and I've come to mostly the same status as the Lincoln from this morning at the sight of a State Trooper. I'm on low fumes--1st gear--slug mode--crawly mccrawls-a-lot... you get the picture. Got a ton to do tonight, will try writing some music before bed. Hopefully have something structured for my first song by tomorrow. I'm working on a few project ideas that I'll expand on come tomorrow.
9:00 PM
Finished my first song in the writing process. Lyrics and rhythm guitar done. Going to record a temp demo in the morning--take it to work and listen to it to refine it a little--then come home and record a better, postable demo and have it up tomorrow night.
8:30 AM
I had a choice. Get up or sleep a little more. I've failed in this choice for a week now. I compromised today.
I woke up at around 5:45 this morning, about 15 minutes before I had to start getting ready for work. I decided not to focus on anything musicwise, being the first 15 minutes I could do anything within FAWM. I'll do lyric writing and brainstorming during work today, I decided.
The drive to work was usual. (Music for the drive today--Dashboard Confessional) Behind absolute morons on a long 70+ minute drive to work. It's not even urban/city driving--it's a long stretch of country highway. Got behind a Lincoln who insisted on doing 5 under the speed limit, and even given that, slowed to 35 MPH (on a 60 MPH highway) when they saw a State Trooper on the side of the road!!! He isn't a stop sign! He's there to catch speeders, something you don't have a problem with. Move It!
Anywho, after finally getting to work, I checked out the first few songs from people on my watchlist. Elaine DiMasi did a great first song. Will post before I leave work today.
4:00 PM
One more hour of work--and I've come to mostly the same status as the Lincoln from this morning at the sight of a State Trooper. I'm on low fumes--1st gear--slug mode--crawly mccrawls-a-lot... you get the picture. Got a ton to do tonight, will try writing some music before bed. Hopefully have something structured for my first song by tomorrow. I'm working on a few project ideas that I'll expand on come tomorrow.
9:00 PM
Finished my first song in the writing process. Lyrics and rhythm guitar done. Going to record a temp demo in the morning--take it to work and listen to it to refine it a little--then come home and record a better, postable demo and have it up tomorrow night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)