t’s been a busy few months writing, performing and meeting great people in the NZ Music Industry. Making plans and navigating the digital landscape to work out how I fit back here into the NZ music scene.
I’ve decided it was about time I recorded a third album. After a decade it’s a big step forward. At first, I was reluctant but once I started to focus and write I realized it’s not yet time to hang up my hat – do we musicians ever?
I’ve been busy listening, learning and getting back up to speed with ProTools. I was fortunate in London to have my own home studio but eventually gave it up because I found I wasted too much time trying to find the perfect ‘snare’ or ‘kick’ which detracts from the songwriting. In the end I sold it all and made a pact to only write songs acoustically either on the guitar, accapella or on the piano only. I know if a song doesn’t sound good on it’s own, without the perfect kick or snare’, the song will never work regardless of how much reverb you throw at it.
So my new set at home is now very minimal – Protools, guitars, a MIDI keyboard, my acoustic piano, mikes and minimal sphagetti junction. Last weekend I finished a new song with a click, to keep me in time, recorded the acoustic piano and then worked on the vocal. That’s enough to take to the studio and let the masters of ‘engineering and production’ take over and turn it into something worth listening to.
I’ve setup a crowdfunding campaign with PledgeMe.co.nz to raise money for this album. It feels a bit weird, it’s not my nature to ask for money, but apparently it’s how most musicians here in NZ get the job done. And I really want to do this album. So I’m hoping people will donate and want to hear more of my songs recorded. A big thank you if you decide to throw some money my way ….. Hopefully I will make it worth your while.
