I've been thinking a lot, of late, about how I want my third album to sound. I think I'm going to play more piano on the third album, and less of the synthesized electronic sounds. It would be inaccurate to state that I was "going acoustic" or something.....a musician of my caliber doesn't "go acoustic"....he experiments with different sound textures, rhythm styles, and layers effects and/or instruments.
I really think it is important to plan out the first 5 or 6 albums. The third album is clearly one where it becomes safe to branch out and introduce new styles that differ from past work. I'll admit, I intend to sell out a bit with the first album just to make a name for myself. It will be heavily influenced by electronica pop music. I like that music, but it is more formulaic than what the third album will be. I guess what I'm trying to say is that in order to bring my third album to the masses, I need to make a big name for myself with the first two albums.
Let's be clear on this - it has nothing to do with a desire for fame.....rather, in order to achieve my goal of bringing inner peace and clarity to as many people as possible, as my third album will do, I will need to become bigger than Bono by the time it is released.
Whew, it really feels good to get that off my chest. I know that many millions of people will enjoy my first two albums, because it will rock out. It will deliver the wall of sound. But my true intent, as a musician, will be to deliver the third album. After that, a couple of remix albums and a best-of will round out the first 6 albums. I haven't decided what album 7 will be like yet. It would be stupid to plan that far ahead, as I'm sure you all agree. Still, I'm considering an album of duets, or else an album where I utilize a choir of 10,000 children for the final 3 songs. It isn't clear yet....
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Big Plans - The Wall of Sound
It is interesting, when watching a concert, to observe the different types of opening songs that a band may lead with. The opening song is a statement; it is key. In some ways, it may be more important than the closing song. It is setting the stage for the concert - one grips them or loses them in the first few moments.
Now, firstly, I should note that I won't be writing any weak songs. Why would I do that? I've got my reputation to think of. No way man - no filler - I don't have an expensive drug habit or any offshore mistresses to support or anything. So, I don't need the album revenues badly enough to generate albums full of garbage. Even still, not all songs could possibly have the same impact. Some songs will shake the earth more than others. As such, in making a concert setlist, it is important to spread out the top songs in an appropriate manner, with the merely awesome songs filling the gaps between those that make your audience discover religion.
The first song must be a mind blower. It must build slowly into a wall-of-sound. The wall-of-sound is the trick.
You can have wall-of-sound if you're playing acoustic - it just takes a lot of people. Many musicians do a good job of this, and it is very exciting to listen to.
This is not what I'm talking about.
I'm talking about 1 button wall-of-sound. Quantized electronic-sound goodness. Thick, rich, static'y full-spectrum noise. If you aren't familiar with the band, it will probably surprise you. It will probably shock you, maybe even frighten you. The effect will be somewhat like the quick drop of a rollercoaster. After the initial shock wears off, the delight will ensue. The wall-of-sound will, like a sonic blanket, envelop you. It will own you. And you will like it. There is no talking to your friend at this stage of the concert. Your only communication option is emphatic gesticulations. You may mouth swear words like "F'n awesome" or something.
This is the "wall of sound". It isn't ground breaking, and it isn't complicated, but it is effective. At sufficient volume, it will make your heart skip. If, unlike me, you had hair, it would probably blow due to the sonic waves. And it is all very achievable if you have an (optional) bass guitar, an audio interface, a DAW with a softsynth, and a midi controller. You only need to push 1 button on the midi controller to begin the wall of sound. Pushing another button makes the wall of sound a melodic wall of sound. See? It's simple. One button. I just need to put it all together, and go find me some masses to blast. But first.....all that other life stuff.
Now, firstly, I should note that I won't be writing any weak songs. Why would I do that? I've got my reputation to think of. No way man - no filler - I don't have an expensive drug habit or any offshore mistresses to support or anything. So, I don't need the album revenues badly enough to generate albums full of garbage. Even still, not all songs could possibly have the same impact. Some songs will shake the earth more than others. As such, in making a concert setlist, it is important to spread out the top songs in an appropriate manner, with the merely awesome songs filling the gaps between those that make your audience discover religion.
The first song must be a mind blower. It must build slowly into a wall-of-sound. The wall-of-sound is the trick.
You can have wall-of-sound if you're playing acoustic - it just takes a lot of people. Many musicians do a good job of this, and it is very exciting to listen to.
This is not what I'm talking about.
I'm talking about 1 button wall-of-sound. Quantized electronic-sound goodness. Thick, rich, static'y full-spectrum noise. If you aren't familiar with the band, it will probably surprise you. It will probably shock you, maybe even frighten you. The effect will be somewhat like the quick drop of a rollercoaster. After the initial shock wears off, the delight will ensue. The wall-of-sound will, like a sonic blanket, envelop you. It will own you. And you will like it. There is no talking to your friend at this stage of the concert. Your only communication option is emphatic gesticulations. You may mouth swear words like "F'n awesome" or something.
This is the "wall of sound". It isn't ground breaking, and it isn't complicated, but it is effective. At sufficient volume, it will make your heart skip. If, unlike me, you had hair, it would probably blow due to the sonic waves. And it is all very achievable if you have an (optional) bass guitar, an audio interface, a DAW with a softsynth, and a midi controller. You only need to push 1 button on the midi controller to begin the wall of sound. Pushing another button makes the wall of sound a melodic wall of sound. See? It's simple. One button. I just need to put it all together, and go find me some masses to blast. But first.....all that other life stuff.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Big Plans
I think I'm an idea man. Oh sure, I can implement, and I possess many of the antisocial anal qualities necessary to allow me to spend time by myself, and do a thorough job of something. But when it comes to my rock or electronica band.....I tend to be in a constant state of planning.
When I see another good band playing live, I never fail to be inspired. I write parts of songs, in my head, during and after the show. I have the theatrics all thought out, the signature moves, etc. I don't currently have a band, or anything. I could, I have friends who want to be in a band. It is just all of that other life that gets in the way. The family, work, and laziness.
But one day.....one day, when I have time to rock.....I'll blow the doors off of somebody.
When I see another good band playing live, I never fail to be inspired. I write parts of songs, in my head, during and after the show. I have the theatrics all thought out, the signature moves, etc. I don't currently have a band, or anything. I could, I have friends who want to be in a band. It is just all of that other life that gets in the way. The family, work, and laziness.
But one day.....one day, when I have time to rock.....I'll blow the doors off of somebody.
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