Having recently roughly recorded in order to capture ideas for future new song considerations, it has been a good move. Below are three examples of this process.

Scratching my head at considerations for a new approach has been a ‘long ruminating exercise’. The last 18 months of learning how to use the Apple Mac M2 ‘home studio’ recording equipment has been a bit of a slog really. Simplicity and a different approach to seeking a different vibe has been the essence of the ruminating exercise.

Listening to other influences, four artists found their way into my regular go to for sound. Mazzy Star, Cigarettes after Sex, Devendra Banhart and the genius who is Sir Paul McCartney. Especially his time just after The Beatles split up. Beautiful songs singing alongside Linda.

I want an intentional very slight echo on my voice for new recordings. Added to this the simplicity of my Guild acoustic guitar, some percussive inclusions as opposed to a full on drum kit, spasmodic orchestral instruments to intersperse a gentle melodic lift and work out proper harmonies to sing. I need to really get at that aspect. Harmonising is definitely not a natural gift! I am not musically trained whatsoever and understand nothing of those rules. Lastly, I will take my Hohner Les Paul electric guitar to a guy who will set it up. Even when I play one song on it whilst recording….it goes out of tune. I have been also listening to Marc Bolan’s Beard of Stars and the T.Rex ‘brown album’ with huge interest at the way he uses electric guitar over his acoustic base to songs. Beautifully melodic vibe.

And so. Here below are:

Firstly. An M2 serious capture of an intentional sound awaiting small layering. But……it developed into the second song below. However, this vibe of acoustic standing out to the fore is my future intention for new songs.

Secondly. Building on the first one above this was developed into the full sound intentional and the steep learning to come to grips with technophobia and understanding how to capture my songs over 18 months.

Thirdly. How most ideas have been captured over the years. Turn on the iPad, open up the Shure MOTIV audio app and capture ideas from sleepy time wake ups to full on songs for experiments. All of the captures sound flat, but the melodies are at least there. The most frustrating thing? Not saying what the chords or little tuneful guitar captures are. I listen back at times and don’t know how to replay the guitar captures.

BELOW I STARTED WRITING THE LISTS FOR AN AIM TO RELEASE 3 COLLECTIVE CD’s LATER THIS YEAR. A TRIPLE GATEFOLD IN ESSENCE. I HAVE LAST YEARS SONGS ALL DONE REALLY. I HAVE NO INTENTIONS TO TRY TO IMPROVE THEM ANYMORE. THE INTENTION IS TO BURN THE SONGS TO CD’s FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO OWN. I WILL SIMPLY BE GIVING THEM AWAY.