September 1, 2002 - Technical Song Updates...
I started a task that I have been putting off for a while now. I have put together a consolidated listing of my own songs on the PC with lyrics and chords. There is no way that I would try to actually put the songs into music notation but I wanted to at least get the chords down.
Now that I have 30 something songs written, I have found that I really can't remember the chords to some of the ones that I don't play very often. They are all recorded, of course (and most sent to the copyright office) so I could figure out the chords, but it is way easier when I am just playing through a bunch of songs to have the chords right there to re-try an old song. Some of my older songs I don't even really want to play (which is a good sign of improvement), but there are some that may have some potential for rewrites, etc. and the chord listings really help.
I found that I have all these little work-in-progress notes with my chords scribbled down all over the place, but it is really hard, even for me, to decipher. I would recommend this for other songwriters out there that are building a catalog of songs and are maybe are also on the disorganized side (not a disorganized songwriter... :-) ).
Just a quick Technical note... I have put my lyrics and chord listings into a Word document formated to print landscape at two columns. This is handy to put together a little half fold booklet, which is convienent, and I can get 32 songs on eight sheets of paper! (printed on both sides). I just use a spreadsheet for the cover song listings...
I got a start on this task while I was putting together some updated listings of my cover songs. I have about 50 cover songs that I can pretty much still do anytime (chords and lyrics) (I am actually surprised, when you think of knowing all of the lyrics and chords for over 50 songs. I was just thinking how repetiton can help memory...
All of this came about from organizing for some live performances (once again)... so the new song has been sitting on the shelf again for a while... So much to do... and so little time...
August 23, 2002 - ...Trippin, MP3-SLOW.com, Pregnant with Song...
Once again, sorry for the delay... We were actually on an out of town TRIP (Wisconsin and Minnisota) for a few days and I am catching up on page updates and eveything else!!! This was a driving trip, so I did give "Attractively Cool" a good "Road Test" (I burn my songs on CDs (mixed with real label songs too :-) )) and listen to them out on the open road. I still like it quite a bit and think that is one of my better productions. I don't really think that the music topped Spare a Little Love or Feel Like I Felt, but it is still up there... They are all just a little different...
I can't believe it! It has been over 2 weeks since I uploaded my song to MP3.COM. They are really going downhill for supporting us non-premium-paying musicians (If you PAY (quite a bit also) you get preferred/faster service/support). This is the major monster site and I get a lot of traffic (responses, comments, etc) from my mp3.com area, so it is pretty much still worth the effort, but it is really getting bad now! Some of the other big sites are still great (IUMA, BroadJam, ArtistLaunch, etc.) and my become a good alternative at some point, but for now... I gotta put up with their poor service for the trade off of being on a good site with major traffic... I'm glad I got my personal page for instant updates!
Yep, I am still writing... (a little slow at times) and I just started the next song (lyrics, mostly and played with some melody lines). I really really like the lyric theme behind this one although since it isn't even done, I wont get into it too much because it is still evolving... Anyway the basic idea (and most likley the title) is "We're All Babies Inside". I just like the theme and it fits what I wanted to do lyrically a little better than "...Cool". It can be light and meaningful at the same time and unique. Sorry, I can't get into this too much at this point. I am hoping to move a little faster on this one, but only time will tell...
August 11, 2002 - ...Cool, Release and Notes
I know that it is probably much better to get new song feedback from live performances, but since I don't do a lot of those these days, I try to get a feel about the reaction to my songs from my "internet releases" (as I call them). "Attractively Cool" has not yet been uploaded to my MP3.com site (which will usually generate some feedback) but I also get an idea from the responses that I get to my general new song announcement.
So far the impression that I get from my responses is that it is technically OK, the recording, performance and production are decent BUT there does not seem to be as much excitement or interest in this one as in a few of my previous releases.
I still think that this song has potential for a very upbeat, rockin, jammin production, but my version is a little subdued (which is my basic style anyway) and I am afraid that I did not include anything to really move people or generate an emotion... (at least that is how I feel at the moment).
I continue to work on improving all elements (lyrics, music, hooks, production, performance, style, etc...) but it certainly is difficult trying to keep on top of all of these things at the same time! (it is a challenge... for me anyway...).
I'll keep working at it... (and keep documenting stuff here)... stay tuned... drop by again... or drop me a line, of course, if you like...
August 6, 2002 - Inventory or Training Exercises.
I was just considering the benefit (or lack of) in all of this work that I do to create and produce songs. I am close to finishing the recording of my next song (see below) and I am becoming much more critical of the songs (content and production) when they are completed. Actually, I try not to get too critical, up front, when I am just starting a new song, because being critical at this point can kill any song (including the ones that start weak and develop in to great songs).
Anyway, I think that this next song is pretty good musically but on the light side with the lyrics (as I have mentioned before). Being as honest (and logical) as I can be, I don't think that it is a GREAT song that will get published, be a hit and push my song writing into a legitimate activity but... (getting to the subject of this paragraph) it will become another song in my catelogue OR another inventory item. I see this as a nice asset.
If... No I mean WHEN... I do hit on that GREAT song, when everything clicks and just works out right, and get it published (and become legitimate :-) :-) ) there could possibly be some new interest generated in the rest of my song catelogue and this is when these songs become legitimate inventory assetts. (how's that for rationalizing all this work in what some people consider a "self-indulgent activity", or "hobby" :-)).
OK, well maybe the songs really aren't that good... maybe they are just training exercises. Maybe they will never get past my family, friends and those of you who make it to my internet site (and I am very appreciative to those of you who find the music on my sites and listen and especially those who have written to tell me that they really like my music. Thank you very much). I guess only time will tell...
OK, I gotta go now... more later... Stay tuned!
July 28, 2002 - Attractively Cool is on it's way...
Yes, I have put down the original tracks for my next song (Attractively Cool). Sorry that this has taken so long (once again)... I am actually very optimistic about this one. I think it has potential for being one on my best songs in some ways (musically I think). Hopefully I can some get decent sounds and a decent production (and performance). I believe that this one pretty much just falls under the category of Rock.
I am finishing a summer class in Java programming and have a final next week so I hope that that doesn't take too much of my time away from finishing this... I think that it will go a little faster now that I've got the core song and structure recorded...
Stay tuned...
July 15, 2002 - Day Job Confessions...
OK, I confess... I have had to keep reality based "day jobs" to support my music habit! :-( There, I feel better already. :-) :-) Yes, my previous day jobs have been in the technical world as a programmer mostly. The economy, some ageing (nearly obsolete skills) and a few mistakes (consulting when I should have been emploeeing) have landed me in the unemployement line for quite a few months now.
OK, so why have I not been cranking out the new songs, you might ask... I actually wish that I could produce more quicker but at this point I am not able to and I still have quite a few other "reality" things going on also (looking for a day job, taking a technical upgrade class (java) and balancing family life (in addition to trying to "enjoy the ride" (listen to the song with that name for the meaning there).
What I am trying to say is that I haven't gotten to the new recording yet... (my dog ate the lyrics, I had the flu, no I had cancer, my brother took it, etc.). Yes, I will get there, I hope some of you still check in for updates... I think I may have a break in the old java class soon and should be able to get the first few tracks down...
Stay tuned... (please)
July 7, 2002 - Attractively Cool (coming soon...), Production notes..., Open Mics...
My next song actually started from a phrase in a previous song of mine ("What's Up With That"). I always liked the phrase "attractively cool" that I made up for this song, but thought that it just got buried in the song so I started out to make this the theme and title of the new song. The phrase is in the chorus and will still probably be the title, although there are other choices for the title also...
The song is mostly done (written (created) that is), but I am really trying to invent/define a new and unique style (which is kind of evolving) and the lyrics are just kind of a typical "I-love-you-love-me-back-please" type of thing... I think the music is really pretty good for this one though.
I have been considering doing less on the production end of my new songs in order to get more songs completed and available faster (to keep things interesting and keep the pace going) but I believe that I will probably continue the productions, as before (with my limited equipment), since I believe that it adds quite a bit to the songs and I am only average in the acoustic guitar / vocal category.
I am trying to get more songs created and uploaded but it just takes me quite a while for each song. I'm sure that each songwriter is different in this area (some can crank out more volume (in songs) (and even quality) than others) but this is the best I can do at this time... I am going to at least try to keep the NEWS here more up to date, between songs...
I have made a few contacts for live shows now and have done a few Open Mics but have not been able to get anything permanent set up yet. I must admit to being discouraged at this. Although Open Mics are fun and a great way to meet people and to at least be heard, I like finding a nice environment (place to play) and having a nice routine and being able to play more than a song or two for the effort of getting out of my hermit hole :-) :-). I am sure I will still do some live events occasionally, but for now, nothing permanent to report...
Stay tuned... Stop back soon (the new song should be available in a few weeks (or sooner) I believe).
May 28, 2002 - Fantacy Land Release/Review and A Little Back Pedaling (Live Shows)...
I have received some nice comments about "Fantacy Land", but in general, it did not go over as big as "Spare a Little Love" or "Feel Like I Felt" and some of the others. I continue to put a considerable effort into each song and try to keep improving!
Mostly I wanted to write a little about my back pedaling from my previous statements. For a number of reasons, I am currently working on getting back into live performances again. Previously, in my hermit songwriting phase, I have claimed to be a Song Creator alone and NOT a singer/songwriter.
Well, although I still admit to not being born with a great singing voice and that singing is not my strongest area, I do believe that I can do the job, as needed, for live performances and that there is probably more to be said for style, phrasing and content (original songs and cover selections) than voice quality and range alone.
So I have made some minor modifications to my AutoBiography page and am working on some bookings. I am really not sure how this is going to work out (time and effort vs. compensation (pay and more importantly audience appreciation (and consequently self satisfaction)). I have read many places and been told by many people that live performances are almost a requirement to improving your songwriting, so this is also a good reason to get back to it again.
I will, of course, update this site with the live performance information, when I get this set up, and will probably start a new section specifically for this (if I get enough bookings and stay with it for a while).
Well that's the news for now... stay tuned...
Rob Chapman, Singer/Songwriter, (aka: the SongPuppy)
April 4, 2001 - A New Song is on it's way!... (Scoop preview)
Sorry for the incredibly long delay in new material (life has been giving me more than I can handle for a while now) but I do have the lyrics and music written for my next song at last!
I believe that the title is going to be "A Beautiful Day in Fantasy Land". I'm sure you will need to hear it to get the idea behind it. So stop back in a while to check it out.
(The Scoop Preview)
... moved some of this to the actual scoop section
In my head it sounds like a rhythmic rock (slightly pop) song, with lots of great guitar and synth instrumental fills. But then, once I start the recording and production, I never really know how the demo will come out...
I'm sure it will be a while before I get the recording and production done, but if I get obsessed (as I ofter do) I may just drop all the important things that I need to do and get it done a little sooner...
More later, Stay tuned...
March 17, 2001 - Flash and New Song Construction
I am in the process of doing some FLASH updates to my pages and finally have a new song under construction (about 90% written (no recording or production started yet).
I have discovered FLASH (as you can see by the new introduction on the main page) and some handy tools to create flash shows. I am planning to do the flash updates as I get time and will probably tweak the intro and others that I do, as I get better at it, so stop by occasionally and check into them, if you like.
I am planning to do a flash version of most of my newer songs to allow more flexibility in the playbacks and to keep things entertaining! At this point, I imagine that the audios embedded in the flash shows will be shorter (slightly lower quality) versions of the songs, but should be more entertaining with the video and text...
Well, gotta get back to work... stay tuned...
January 20, 2001 - Still burning, will write more and improve and may be playing live again soon...
It is driving me crazy that I am unable to do new releases now, because I am getting quite a few Still Burning CD requests, (sometimes a number from one town and sometimes from all over the globe) and some nice comments on the music, So I really don't want to break the momentum.
I feel like I must apologize for not keeping up with my (almost) monthly internet song releases. Unfortunately, life is giving me more than I can handle right now, and I am unable to keep up my pace with song creation. Don't worry though... I am constantly jotting down ideas and WILL get back to it and hope to keep improving (of course).
I also feel like I am ready to do some live performances again. With all of the hours that I have done on the recordings and productions, my performances have improved a little also (I am still realistic and fairly humble and realize that there are many much greater performers than myself out there, BUT... I (like many others) am still very unique! :-) ).
So for those of you in the Chicago area, please check this site once in a while for performance updates.
For everyone else, thanks for checking in and I WILL HAVE new internet releases ASAP...
August 23, 2001 - Spare a Little Love Released.
Just a quick update, as I am doing some web page improvements (common links at the bottom of each page, additional (well deserved credits, references and links, etc,)...
I have released (to the internet) my latest song Spare a Little Love. I hope you get a chance to check it out.
July 27, 2001 - Music and Songwriting Tips, Tonos Message Boards.
I finally got a moment to do an update. I may be doing more now that I am temporarily unemployed (actually I hope to increase my Song Creation time also).
First, I was recently referred to the TONOS page: http://www.tonos.com/app1/jsp/index.jsp which has a great message board: http://tonos2.infopop.net/2/OpenTopic . I actually had never used one of these (except for something similar (called "notes") at a previous job with Digital Equip Corp) and always wanted to find something like this. This is a great forum for exchanging ideas, learning, and getting information for song creators and musicians (in general).
Check it out if you get a chance. You can just read a little to get an idea of what it is about (search for myself (under robchapman (no space))... :-) :-) I've participated a little here and there...).
Some Music Tips.
A few articles back I wrote some of my ideas (and what I have learned) on writing lyrics and mentioned that I would write more later on the music side of things... Well here it is.
Before I get into my own ideas and tips, I would like to refer you to a GREAT and informative page that contains some really good songwriting tips (music and lyrics) from a very good and helpful songwriter, Irene Jackson. I do not know Irene personally, but I participated with her in some Chats a few years back. Here is a link to her Songwriting Tips:
http://www.irenejackson.com/tips.html
I have picked up some of the things that I have learned from her, so you may see some common ideas in both places. I would not intentionally (or directly) copy her tips, but I have picked up (learned) a few things from Irene so I may be sharing the common knowledge or what I have learned (in my own words, of course).
In addition, much of what I have learned about the MUSIC side of songwriting I picked up from the Writing Music for Hit Songs (book by Jai Josefs).
(Sheesh... so much for credits, referrals and disclaimers... :-) :-) )
I had gotten quite a few comments on my earlier songs like "it could use a stronger melody". After hearing this a few times, from a few different people I started taking it seriously and trying to figure out what they meant. After all, that is kind of a general statement. What does that mean.. "a stronger melody". Well, after some time and critical listening, I realized that in my case the melodies (especially in the verses) were pretty repeatative, from line to line. Now, I make an intentional effort to use more variety in the melodies (as needed of course).
OK, after writing the paragraph above, I realized that (even with my current unemployement) this article will take FOREVER if I don't summarize a little here.
So, here's the brief version of the Music tips (according to RC):
Remember the music includes:
The melody, the rhythym (groove), the harmonies, the background chords, the melodic rhythm, the musical hook, and maybe a few more elements that I've missed. But it is NOT JUST the melody (although this is one of the most important ingredients).
Keep the melody interesting (a balance of variety and repetition, range, intervals and scales/modes as needed and melodic rhythm).
Keep the rhythm interesting. (I don't even know how to explain this in words (briefly).
The background harmony is totally up to what fits the song and melody. Standard major and/or minor chords, 7'ths, inversions, fifths alone, octaves alone... There is so much written on this already (music theory, etc) that I'm not exactly sure how to summarize it (actually it takes much more time to say something very accurately, briefly... maybe more later on this).
Wow, I am going to have to get back to this... I don't know if the subject matter is that difficult to write about of if I just need to try to clarify this when I am fresh (like after yoga, or Saturday Night Live or something) :-)
I am going to post my first draft here anyway, for those of you who make it here and have the patience to read it (maybe I'll have this in my book after I am rich and famous :-) :-) :-) <--- lot's of these...).
More later, Stay tuned...
July 12, 2001 - Enjoy The Ride "Released"
Alright, I finally got my latest song released! It is a hard Rock (bike riding through the cemetery) song called "Enjoy the Ride". Here are some links:
The Scoop behind the song
The Song Sample (Real, Link to MP3, Lyrics, etc.) behind the song
I've actually had the lyrics and some of the music mostly done for almost a month but finally got it recorded, uploaded, etc (It's a little harder in the summer to keep up with my monthly releases). I hope you get a chance to check it out!
July 5, 2001 - DIFS - Daily Inspirations for Songwriters.
As I mentioned a few articles back, here is a little information on the "DIFS" Newsletter. I would highly recommend this email newsletter to any songwriter.
DIFS, is an email newsletter written by Anders Rasmussen and is sent daily (for the most part). You can subscribe just by sending an email request to: difs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and you can unsubscribe easily and quickly also if you should decide that you would rather not receive it.
DIFS contains songwriting ideas, help, suggestions, encouragement, inspiration (even a little beyond songwriting at times) and just lots of great information. I have received valuable information on songwriting tips, contests, upcoming chats, referrals to other songwriters, singers and demo information, web page tips (and a link from the DIFS MP3.COM station) in addition to, as it says... the "daily inspirations"....
When I first signed up, I wasn't that excited about getting another email daily and just thought that I would check it out briefly. As it turns out, I look forward to it and read it daily.
As it says at the bottom of each issue: "You can read it, about as quick, as you can delete it. Well, at least most of the time! DIFS might make a difference for you".
Well, there's my opinion and endorsement for the DIFS newsletter. I think that it's another great tool available to us songwriters...
P.S. (Some additional endorsements of mine...)
After writing that last line, it just occurred to me that there are a number of other songwriting tools that I would like to at least mention. Some of my favorites anyway... I'm sure that I could write on about these also, but I will spare you for now and just mention them: Electronic Musician Magazine, Songwriter's Market (writers digest book), NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International), MP3.COM Artist pages, IUMA Artist Pages, Writing Music for Hit Songs (book by Jai Josefs (The only book that I've found that really deals with the MUSIC behind commercial songs more so than the Lyrics)). (maybe I'll remember more later...)
That's it for now... Stay tuned!
June 4, 2001 - Nashville and Music Row Orientation.
I had an opportunity to go to Nashville this weekend, with a friend, and had been planning to make this trip soon anyway, so the next thing you know.... there I was in Nashville! This was a little sooner than I had expected and I may not have been as well prepared as I would have liked to be, but the opportunity was there so I took it!
I made up 5 CDs of my best and most current songs, with jewel cases, CD covers and liner notes and lyrics sheets and contacted NSAI and two of the music publishers that I had had contact with before. I got an email response from one of the publishers, with a number to call, prior to stopping by, but unfortunately I didn't get the email until I got back, so I was pretty much visiting the publishers that I had selected, and contacted, cold (without appointments), which is really not the way this should be done.
I knew that this was not the preferred way to go about making contacts on music row, but I was in Nashville and this was my only option at this point (other than doing nothing (which can be better than a bad contact, of course). Anyway, I tried to just be courteous (and professional) and keep my unannounced visits short and friendly.
What I learned by doing this is pretty much exactly what I have read various places. Which is not to just go knocking on doors, without appointments, etc. Although sometimes I like to experience things and get a feel for what it is like in real life rather than just reading about it, and sooo...
It was nice to actually be there and get a "FEEL" for how things might be done on music row. I considered this to be a great education and orientation to music row and maybe a little glimpse into the music biz.
May 17, 2001 - Back with the News!
Sorry that it's been so long with tht updates... I have had 2 or 3 initial ideas for songs, but am getting a little more particular about the initial themes and subject/story lines since it takes so many hours from the concept phase and idea to the finished and produced product. I liked the theme with my last internet release "Beautiful", which was sent to me, but I am not sure if it worked as well in the 3'rd person perspective and the music was a little less dramatic than I would have liked (although I liked it myself and can see the potential). My previous release "What's Up With That" was a real spur of the moment idea and it was the up-beat rockabilly style, and music that carried that one for the most part.
Some Lyrics Tips.
Anyway, from the lyrics perspective, the initial concept is the foundation and I am really trying to get it right. Some of my attempts in this area (learned from others and from experience) are:
Keep it Positive (even if it has bummer or sad subject, keep the underlying theme positive).
Go for generating an emotion (Make em laugh, cry or want to make love (a quote from a DIFS email (more on that later)).
Have a subject that many people can easily relate to (the standards seem to be: Love, Lost Love, Money, Parties, Music, Desires, Dance, Travel, etc... but any subject is fair game...).
The singers role is really just as a representative for what YOU (John and Jane Doe) want to say.
OK, there is much more to the lyrics, of course (paint pictures, tell stories, common english (not poetic), etc...) but what I have listed above gets to the foundation of the song (lyrically) and that is what I have been slaving over and why I don't actually have something tangable done (or underway) just yet.
I hope to get a good feel for the concept phase (and hope I am not over-analyzing too much here) and get the next song underway (and hope that it helps). I know that there is definately an element to writing (song creation, that is) that is very similar to practicing a musical instrument, where you just need to do it over and over (creating more songs) to get better, but hopefully the thought process will help to speed up the improvement...
I could easily write another paragraph or two on what I am learning on the MUSIC side of this process, and I believe that the lyrics and music are just about exactly equal in importance to the song (I think that it's left-brian, right-brain, for what that is worth), even if the listener is not aware of this (ie, I just liked the music, I don't care about the words, or I just liked the words to that one, etc.) but I will save that summary for later...
Stay tuned!
April 1, 2001 - IUMA and "What's up with That" MP3...
I've had a hard time getting the MP3 for "What's up with That" available. The MP3.COM page is getting slower at posting the new song updates. I'm sure they have an incredible volume and they are a great place to be listed, but it takes a while for the songs to be updated.
The IUMA page has had some real problems with their backing (probably some dot com fallout), but they have been around a long time and they are hanging in there. I really hope they stick around. I have finally been able to get my MP3 uploaded to their page, so I have redirected the song sample link to that page.
March 25, 2001 - Not Weekly...
Sorry, I just can't do the news weekly... Unfortuantly, my counter tells me this isn't a page people make it too alot either. So I
will keep this up, for anyone interested (and for a place for me to write song stuff), but I just can't do it weekly (especially with summer comming).
I am updating these pages because of my new internet 'release' comming out tonight or tomorrow... Check out "What's up with That".... More later...
Stay tuned (anyway)
February 24, 2001 - Self Evaluations and etc....
I just did a little face-lift on the main page, and I am considering doing some publisher contacts for "Feel Like I Felt". I have
sent this one to Nashville (NSAI) for a critique also.
I have experienced something that I've read about a while ago, which had to do with "knowing" when you are "ready" to really promote a song (or your songs in general). I feel like I am very close to that point now. It takes very hard and honest self evaluations of your material. Well, I'm not 100% sure yet, but I feel very close at least.
I am also still considering a trip to Nashville soon. I need to plan our family Disney World trip first, and there is just so little time, but I hope to plan that trip soon.
I had meant this page to be very general song and music topics, and not so much about my own personal stuff, but when I sit down to write this (free form) stuff, I just write what comes into my little head... Sorry...
One last topic for tonight (along the lines of self evaluations also). While reviewing my songs, I have always known that I am not a great (some may say not even "good" or "fair" :-) ) singer, and I accept that (even though I really wish I was better at it), but I do think that I am pretty good at the overall productions of the songs that I do (even with limited equipment), and I was thinking that I may be able to use this a little as a trade off. So hopefully my good productions can offset my weak vocals a little.
I also meant to stress on my main page that I am not attempting the 'singer-songwriter' role. I just want people to know that it is the songs themselves that I am trying to promote and not my own performances...
February 17, 2001 - "Still Burning" CD Released.
I've gotten a lot of nice comments and good responses to my latest internet "Release" (the song "Feel Like I Felt"), So I decided to package up the latest songs (with some of the earlier songs) for a new CD release. I have been burning and re-arranging the songs on CDs that I listen to in my car as I add new songs and so, in addition to the new songs, the song arrangement on this CD has been thought out (and tried) more than my first release.
I also wanted to keep this one ALL ORIGINAL, and so it is 100% RC Certified Original! Not a spec of copy songs! Everything on this CD originated in my little brain (or was transmitted there, or from my heart or soul or something...) (I know that's a little scary, but don't let that stop you from getting a copy).
Also, as I have mentioned before, I have found ways to mix the newest songs in stereo and the productions are getting better too. I originally thought that the synth (in the chours) of "Feel Like I Felt" may be a little too much, but as I listened to it, I think that it works pretty well. I have also discovered that, for myself anyway, the production of the song actually becomes part of the song creation process. That is, I actually add instrumental lines, etc. that become key elements in the song in addition to just additional sounds (frosting) in the production.
SriLanka!
Another little thing that happened, that I found very interesting, is that I got a request for one of my CDs from SriLanka! I don't know for sure if this is genuine interest in the songs and/or music, or if is perhaps just someone searching the internet for the keyword "free" and requesting anything that comes up.
I may never know the answer to this, but I , of course, honored my offer to provide the CD, and I just really thought that it was interesting and cool to send a CD to the other side of the world! I want to believe that someone (or more than one person) from that sunny island listens to and enjoys these songs that I have created and produced. The email was very courteous.
I'm not completely naive, and realize there could be a different motivation for the request, but I have learned a little in the process and I can choose to believe that someone is sitting under a palm tree or in a palace on the other side of the world listening to "Feel Like I Felt", or "Forget", or "Rat Race"... etc. It's a nice thought anyway...
One of the things that I learned is that it costs $4.55 to send the CD there. If I get real popular this way, I'll probably go broke!
February 11, 2001 - "Feel Like I Felt" Update.
Just a quick update. The reason why I haven't updated the news here for a while is because I've been getting my last song finished, recorded, produced, downloaded, uploaded, etc... Give the song a listen if you get a chance... More later...
Stay tuned... Rob.
January 27, 2001 - Minor Rewrite, More Production - Done
I got the new version of "Not Who I Am" done for my next NSAI review. I can get crazy perfecting recordings, and I really
wasn't completely happy with the new version, but in the interest of getting it done and out the door (especially since it is an old song anyway) I settled for this paticular mix.
Here's a link if you're interested... (Play The Song, (or see the lyrics)) I only updated the REAL version...
January 25, 2001 - Minor Rewrite, More Production
Sorry about getting this late on the "weekly". Since I don't have my most current song finished and the clock is ticking (for NSAI reviews) I've decided to send in the old "This is Not Who I am" Song (since I never sent that one in). In the process I always wanted to change a few lyrics towards the end.
Well I changed the lyrics and then just had to add more production stuff to the recording. So I've spent the last 3 nights doing the new lyrics, bass, drums and a stereo mix to the song.
Seems like a lot of work for an 'old' song, that I never got a real lot of comments on anyway... Oh well, I still like the song myself... (I just wish other people did).
I'll get the new version out here as soon as I can.
January 3, 2001 - Song Creator...
I've just updated the MP3 article below, but also just wanted to mention some cosmetic modifications that I've made.
I have changed many of the references of Songwriter to Song Creator on my pages. If you are being very particular about words and meanings, as Song Creators probably should be, the most important thing is the creation of a song, not the writing (or recording) which is really just mechanical.
It may be a silly small thing (as most things are anyway), but I am officially considering myself a Song Creator (not so much a Songwriter (although I know that this is the accepted word and will still be used).
(Note also, that I do not claim the title Singer-Songwriter (or Singer-Song-Creator...).