Piggy Bank Blues

Sometimes lyrical concepts come to me and they seem like such an obviously perfect fit for the kinds of messages I'm trying to express with this new record.  "Piggy Bankrupt" is the latest demo that I've finished and it certainly has feel that I'm looking for in fleshing out the whole vision for "Variety".  During the writing process, I found myself exploring different possibilities about a piggy bank which included, breaking it, spending it all, saving, and patience.  But, at some point I was transported back mentally to a time when I was a kid and had my very own piggy bank.  I can remember adding money to it on rare occasions.  But on many more occasions, I can remember thinking there was lots of money in there and that I couldn't wait to spend it.  And then inevitably losing self-control and emptying it out, only to find out there was actually very little money compared to what I had imagined.  This feeling became the thematic thread for this new song as I tried to convey the excitement, discipline, and disappointment of breaking the piggy bank open.

Recording in Brooklyn

I've been scheduled to attend Brooklyn's "Kindiefest" for a few months and my excitement has been growing. Since I was going to be in town for a few days prior to the family music convention, I decided to book a recording session to record some jazz band and horn arrangements for some of the new songs. Last night, we recorded in Williamsburg (Brooklyn) and had a great session! It's so fantastic to hear young musicians that are so good at their instruments. I can't wait to get back to my studio and drop the new parts into the VARIETY demos.

The soundtrack to a dream

Last Friday, I woke up to a tune in my head.  I was very intrigued by this groove.  I debated for a few minutes about getting the studio up and running quickly in order to lay down the tracks I was hearing in my head as I drifted in and out of sleep.  I wasn't sure if I had enough content to even attempt to record it and I questioned if it was really a good tune of if was good "in my dream".  Having just watched an episode of Mad Men the night before about a fantastic idea that was lost overnight, I was inspired to record the idea and I sprang up and headed downstairs into the studio.  Luckily, I did some backups the night before, and the computer was already on.  After some initial chords and some early morning vocals, I had the beginnings of what would become my latest song, "Baseball".  It's rare to be awakened by a song, and it certainly won't be my greatest achievement in songwriting.  But when inspiration strikes, I'm learning to run with it.

Are you afraid of the dark?

The latest demo from my "Variety" recording sessions is a song I've been working on for several years.  I wanted to create a song about being afraid of the dark, but then somehow overcome the fear during the song. The second verse is meant to be empowering.  

Finally! A New Website!

I've been busy with the website refresh and am happy to announce that I'm ready to welcome visitors.  There are some updates on the front page about new songs and the new studio.  New, new, new!!!  Enjoy, and talk to you soon, 

CJ