I decided that my new album will represent the pinnacle of my artistic expression to this point in my life.
Since starting to write lyrics and music for the album, I have realized a few things. I decided that for it to really be as good as I want it to be I have to have a clearly defined concept. I need to know what I’m saying and craft my expression carefully.
I’ve realized recently that art is all about making decisions. I used to think that decisions limited my artistic expression. I have since realized that making choices provides clarity and freedom. Once you know what is beneath the surface of the stone, it is so much easier to release it.
My original concept was light and dark. I love the idea of the contrast between the two. I still may try to include a little of this in my album (maybe as the theme of one of the songs) but this will not be the overarching concept.
Instead, I have decided to write about life.
There is a book that I recently read. The point of the book was how beautiful life (and human life specifically) can be. There was a phrase that I think I got from the book. It is ‘choosing life in all its glory.’
That is what I want to write about. Life. I think life is beautiful. I am so glad I am alive, and I want to share the joy and the pain of life. Without one we would never understand the other.
This album will be a portrait of life the only way I have seen it–through my own eyes.
I have been working on lyrics for a new song called “The Flame” or maybe just “Flame”. Tonight I got the urge to write music for it. So, for the last hour I’ve been figuring out how it goes. Here is a sample clip (not high quality audio or video; this is me in the middle of being creative–writing music and melody)… The song may change as I continue to work on it.
The lyrics in this portion go like this:
Walk away
Don’t stay
The flame is just a vision of what’s hurting me
I need the flame not the pain
But when I get too close you consume me
The flame is just a game that brings the pain
On Saturday Paul and I got together and recorded for a few hours. It was all piano/vocal arrangements. I will hopefully have at least one of the songs up by the end of this week (if Paul is able to mix it). One of the songs we did was an accoustic version of Rendezvous. I think that’s the one I was most excited about. It’s a little different than the version on the album. Hopefully you will like it.
This was during our recording session Saturday. We recorded at my parent's house on the baby grand piano I learned on.
Well, it’s official… As of about 7pm today, I am going to record another album.
I’ve been writing a lot of new music lately and have been wanting to start another recording project. Tonight I met with Paul and put plans in place to begin recording between now and the end of the year. I’ve got a couple of projects I want to work on–one of which is another full-length album. I will also be recording and releasing some accoustic versions of songs you may know: covers and originals.
I have also been kicking around the idea of recording a religious album, or maybe just a couple of songs for a religious EP. We’ll have to see how this project turns out. Either way, I wanted you all to know of my new plans. I hope you are all as excited as I am.
This is a song I finished this year. I wasn’t sure what to name it, so I named it “Untitled”. I may have had a slight cold when I recorded this…
Untitled Lyrics
Will you watch me fly
Will you watch me as I jump through the sky
Will you catch my fall
Will you catch me if I start to fall down
Will you wait for me when I’m out alone
Will you pray for me that I’ll make it home
Being with you makes it easy
Being with you makes it right
What have I done to deserve this
I must be dreaming if this is my life
Will you draw me in
When no one else will see me
Will you draw me in and believe in me
Will you hold my hand with your life
Will you take me home tonight
Will you come for me when I can’t stand
Will you strengthen me when I don’t think I can
Being with you makes it easy
Being with you makes it right
What have I done to deserve this
I must be dreaming if this is my life
I must be dreaming cause you’re by my side
I must be dreaming cause this is my life
I decided that my new album will represent the pinnacle of my artistic expression to this point in my life.
