A tale of two jams, (two DAW’s too).

Accordion was my first squeeze.

First a disclaimer….(no garageband or logic screenshots.)

(I don’t do DAW screenshots unless it’s a pro’s or the company’s. Learned a while back they’re more distracting than informative. I’m bound to do something differently and it drives folks up a wall and becomes the topic. Not my thing. There’s plenty of screenshots online everywhere of these two DAWs, even the App Store. I’m just yapping and showing the music I made this weekend. Hope that’s alright.)

I love trumpet. I have bought two of them. But I get such a pain in my jaw from practicing it i can’t sing or do anything. I think it’s wisdom teeth possibly. I haven’t been to dentist since I was a kid. So.

Now that’s done!

I took a few days to make funky music. It’s recommended if you suspect you could use that. It feels good. I don’t feel refreshed, still feel funky, but in a good way.

I’m speeding up my workflow on the computer. I am a Logic user most often. But I wanted to blow and go like Garage Band on iPad. I’ve never tried it on computer. I started there. I found a few interesting things.

Not only do I feel great playing djembe every day for several minutes, It improves my other performances as well. I play to a metronome or a Fela Kuti tune, then play guitar or bass to that, instead of the metronome. Those other tracks sound better too. Win for everyone. I also think djembe is good for my Tardive Dyskinesia.

Garage Band is easy, and that’s great for me.

Garage Band has a way of making a few decisions for me that I don’t mind. Saves me time. They may not even be permanent and I’ll explain, but they definitely help me not stop. This is crucial. Sometimes I’m in a guitar zone and am too excited for computer work. Garage Band comes in handy for this.

Unlike trumpet, harmonica is not one of my favorite instruments.

Start off in one, if I still like it when it’s tracked and roughly mixed, import to Logic Pro.

What I mean by not permanent is when I’m done tracking and basic mixing in Garage Band, I can open up the same project in Logic for tweaks and mastering when I’m in the zone for that. Most things in Garage Band are fine, but I still like Logic for tweaks.

It’s worked great for me so far. Ideas go down quicker and they get polished faster.

If you haven’t busked on a windy day on a loud sidewalk, you aren’t living right.

Look, I am not a pro mixer. I’ve always known mixers who kicked my ass.

I’m an amateur mixer. I wish I wasn’t, but I can’t help it. Could be my ears, distractions, the writing and performing.. maybe a convergence of all that crap. For whatever reason, I’m not as great a mixer as I should be. This new step helped me more than anything I can remember with timely and quality recording and production.

I love seeing grand pianos in tiny spaces. It’s just one picture of dedication to music. I enjoy those.

Let the Funk loose, I say.

Tracking and basic mixing in GarageBand and tweaking in Logic is my way forward. Looking at these two funky dance songs I made this weekend, I really like how they turned out. Successful test.

I love this Youtube video of Weather Report. Enjoy if you haven’t seen it.

It has to do with flow.

I hope if you’re reading this and you’re into music, you find ways like mine to expedite the process and keep up with your brain. A lot of good shit and momentum get lost looking for what you hear in your head. Try making that easier. Feels great.

“Deep in the Mind” is a funk jam I made this weekend. Enjoy.

Less time choosing more time doing.

Sometimes during the creative process, I don’t need unlimited options, I just need a simple way forward. That’s what I’ve managed to do here, that’s all. I got dance music I like to show for it. Hoping you hear these and feel good too. Can’t wait to hear yours. Feel free to show me,

Email: [email protected].

return to home.

I made this with Garage Band then mastered in Logic. Successful test for me.

Friendly reminder:

We have a bandcamp loaded with albums and singles. All free. Anyone is welcome. Enjoy. Thanks.

Enjoy the “Collaborations” album. Thanks! 23 folks from all over. Keri and I writing. Thanks, Kelly.