This past week was musically rich and more enjoyable because of it. Taught a lesson on Monday and found some time in the evening for more one man band rehearsal. After work on Tuesday I started work with Michelle Lynn on the mixing of her fourth album, Twisted Logic, which was followed by a rehearsal.
Wednesday, Blake Auler-Murphy (aka Hyphon) was at Ghost in My House Studio for a morning session cutting vocals for work with another producer. The beat was really cool and Blake did a fine job of laying down his vocal performances. Blake and I also still have a collaborative track in the works, which may see the light of day later this year.
Matthew and Nick from Neon were over at noon and we were able to finalize a majority of the guitar parts for their debut record. Progress has been good and we all hope to begin the initial mixing in the next couple of weeks. Wednesday evening, Joe and Evan were over for a Moth Mountain rehearsal. The four songs that we have been focusing on at the last few practices are really starting to gel and Joe delivered a couple of inspiring new ideas. We are hoping to have a short set of material ready for a potential debut show this Fall.
Thursday was spent at work, although I did find time to experiment with some new one man band equipment that arrived. The riser unit, made by Drum Workshop provides a stable base to attach a kick drum pedal too as well as support legs to hold a variety of drum types, it took some adjusting but I think I got it set up well to hold a snare drum. However, it seems balancing the volume of the snare with my miniature kick drum may take some creative ideas. I was also able to confirm an exciting show for September 3rd at JB's Speakeasy in La Crosse, WI. The show will serve as a warm up for Rearview Mirror's headlining set at Recession Fest in Decorah, IA on September 25th. The JB's show will also feature performances from Brahman Shaman, Wiggle Puppy and Michelle Lynn & The Bad Passengers and I am really excited to have the opportunity to play a different role in each of those bands all in one night!
Friday morning was spent in the garage working practicing the one man band, got the snare dialed in a bit better utilizing some paper towel and painters tape on the snare/beater contact point to get the level more even with the miniature kick drum. Gralyn and Nick from Neon were over around noon and Gralyn finalized his drum parts for the album and Nick had enough time to begin work on the final lead vocals. After a very warm lawn mowing experience I spent the rest of the evening enjoying the company of the visiting Jason Ptacek.
Saturday was sort of a musical break day, but did find some time to jam the drums with Jason on some new material he has been working on, we had a lot of fun in a limited amount of time and are hoping to have the opportunity to work on his new material again soon.
Sunday was mostly spent assembling baby furniture and relaxing but still found ample time to rearrange the one man band rehearsal space in the garage to include some of my thrift store P.A. components which will allow me to get more used to one man banding with a microphone and amplified guitar. While some songs give me more trouble than others I think I should have a decent set of material ready for the Brahman Shaman - One Man Band debut at Midwest Music Festival in Winona, MN at the end of July.
