Every now and then you’ve got to take some time out for you. Or rather, I have to take some time out for me. I’ve been still cleaning up around the studio and digging through archives of stuff that I’m needing to catalog and update to newer technology (i.e. data CD’s to DVD). I found one song in particular that I really liked when I wrote it so I copied it back onto the hard drive and updated the file to the new computer setup.
I decided I’d go through a futz with the mix and attempt to bring it up to my current standards in terms of a mix. Instead what I got was a lesson needing to sometimes bury the past and let it go. After spending a few hours messing with it I came to the conclusion the only way the song would be useable is to re-record all the parts as I’ve learned a lot about getting better sounds since then. Then I decided to listen to the song as just the song and realized it’s not all the great.
I let a buddy listen to the song and he loved the chorus. The verses and the flow of it didn’t strike him and he felt I should rework the song around the chorus and get a new song out of it. Thinking back on all the songs I’ve written, I don’t believe I’ve ever canibalized one of my songs to become the impetus of a new song. Hmmm. I wonder if I should do that. If I do, it means new lyrics cause the current ones are iffy and dull. The chords and melody are really strong though so that’s a plus. I suppose I could pose the challenge to myself to attempt a surgical removal and transplant with it – if only to see what I come up with.
Usually I’m of the mindset where if it didn’t work, drop it, and move on to the next idea. Though more recently I’ve been taking more time to craft things when I’m writing. I think it helps to create stronger songs. That’s it, I’m going to do heart transplant, I’ll just have to build a new body to put it in. Wait, I mean I’ll have to build a body around it after I strip the old one off.
The concept of trying to hard is often a tale of tragedy. Often if you’re trying too hard to create something, in the end it’s never as good as a fresh idea that was merely polished a little. Also, it takes an outsider’s opinion to help give perspective. Today’s song reminds me of that quest. Randy is one of the many artists I met over a week ago at the CD Baby meet & greet. He came ready to meet people with his package in hand. Musicians are often told to have their goods ready to present to an industry person as you never know where your big break comes from.
Randy was eager to have me check out his music for the blog. While I really don’t consider myself an industry insider, I suppose that I apprear to gateway with my blog. I know I shocked a few musicians when I got back to them about the blog. Randy beat me to the punch. While he’s putting a lot into his package, it might a bit overkill for someone like me with a blog. I sifted through the tunes and my pick for today with For Me is my view of where I think Randy should head when he’s writing his next batch of songs. This tumble tough bluesy type vibe is his strong suit – there is no question in my mind about that.
Obviously I’m not the be all end all, I’m merely getting you – my daily reader, to listen to music that you’ve not heard before. It’s about connecting you with music from artists that need to be supported. Randy is closing in on having his sound. Help point him there with your purchase. Even if you buy it for you, you’ll be helping an artist out and satisfying yourself – thus it’s sometimes for you.