Making songs by capturing sounds I like.

Keri and I had a nice record collection and equipment. We sold it to make a record. I’m glad, but I also miss lounging to the records playing.

I like the “making” part of making music.

I’ve wondered about the goal of recording music . Is it to capture something, like a photo? Is it to craft something? When we listen to a good music producer, are we listening to good music skills? Or, good software skills?

I have forever been trying to record sound so I could manipulate it in the DAW. But would I still be into music without a DAW? The answer is yes. I learned on my recent trip that recording sound I like already without changing anything is a viable approach.

I’ve always wanted one of these, that worked.

Sure, it’s more work, so what?

This means more practice. I’m guessing this is why it’s less popular. To make it sound easy and effortless without a computer means playing the shit out of it.

This also means learning gear, rooms, and recording techniques that actually capture the moment how you want. Not just throwing down rando parts and making it work in the computer.

Goals.

I’m going for making sound worth recording now. I’m no longer into simply making sound to play with in the computer. It’s harder. But if I’m going to bother with making a record of it, which is what I do, I want the source material to be interesting before I bring a mic into it. It’s just better for me.

I learned a lot on this last trip. But my main takeaway changes my recording philosophy. Sound good before you record, Kelly. What a concept.

Don’t know why they have a tattoo gun hooked up to a record. Looks cool tho.

It’s not always what comes out of the speakers. Sometimes it’s what goes into them.

I am not saying other ways aren’t useful. They can totally work. But my way involves working too. It’s work no matter how you slice it. For me, I might as well work with my hands. It’s relaxing. Coming home from working elsewhere doesn’t inspire me to sit at the computer. It inspires me to work with my hands. That’s where the sizzle is at, anyway.

Will I still use computers? Of course. It’s cheap and I have all the stuff. But the sound going in it is going to be better. Less mixing more guitars.

I’ve been recording and mixing folks and learning. Not stopping that. Just getting better at it.

Tone arm development has gone the way of flimsy compared to beasts like this.

Songs with intention.

I love songs across all genres where the artists are doing things for reasons. They have intentions. They might have stories or abilities or sounds that give me valuable perspective and add to my world view. I learn from these people. It doesn’t require a DAW. It is a lot of listening.

Return to home.

A song you might enjoy.

The Warning, The Kintners, “Collaborations”.

I heard this one recently and enjoyed it. Sounds like good ole’ rock n roll to me. Had fabulous folks to play music with online. I treasure the experience of making that record.

The Warning on BandCamp.