Tag: songwriting collaboration stories

  • Supernova 2.0: When a Lyric Video Leaves Earth’s Orbit

    Supernova 2.0: When a Lyric Video Leaves Earth’s Orbit

    Today I got around to working on a lyric video where a few days ago I decided I would try it one more time. The main reason why had more to do with not being entirely happy with the first attempt.

    The last several weeks have been highly productive with a lot of output. Not only for music, but for videos related to my music as well. I’ve been working diligently on making lyric videos for a whole lot of my songs. Generally it’s been taking about 3 to 4 hours for very song to get 2 lyric videos per. One song in particular is called Supernova (expect it’s release sometime in 2020, that’s the current plan). I had done a lyric video for it, but the video I had in the background was poorly shot – me handheld of footage from a 4th of July fireworks show.

    In looking back at it, I felt it just seemed to lo-fi. Didn’t fit the title well enough and in a sense, lazy. I thought fireworks would work, but the quality of the video in low light from a phone, meh.

    Now that I’m starting to dig further into the capabilities of Motion, I’m figuring out ways to really make things pop, or sometimes taking an easier route. Today however was a day of really making something pop. I managed to create a really cool outer space animation that looks super stellar (pun intended). This took a good deal of time, but the end result is something that is constantly evolving over the course of the song and it’s interesting to look at.

    I still have to get the words in, but I’ve found a cooler font, a nicer look, and animation that makes more sense. Thus all the way around, I’m happier with the result so far. I believe I will get the lyrics in and done tomorrow.

    Musically, I’ve got another song that I’ve been working on with Chris Hellstrom. It’s turning out really great too. Fun lyrics. Fun concept. Tongue in cheeky type of song. One that has more than one hook and one hook in particular that I imagine might become a catch phrase. Two reasons on that, one, the melody is easy to remember. Two, the words will catch people by surprise and they’re words that a vast majority of people say – but may not have said them in this order or sung this way. But once heard, you can’t forget it.

    I did get the mix and master of another single done a couple of days ago. It’s on the list of videos that needs to now get done.

    Additionally I’ve been asking fans of sports teams like the Washington Nationals (congrats to them for winning the World Series this year) if they would send me video footage they’ve shot for lyric videos. HINT HINT. If you’re reading this and your a fan of a sports team – I ask you to reach out with video footage you have rights to, if you would.

    This same thought about lyric videos for teams has led to another idea for me. But I’ll keep that under wraps for the time being. Though you’ll likely see the reason pop up on my website in the not too distant future.

  • When the First Vocalist Walks Away: Rebuilding a Song with a Powerful New Voice

    When the First Vocalist Walks Away: Rebuilding a Song with a Powerful New Voice

    Let’s Just Go Starts Streaming Today

    My new single titled Let’s Just Go went live early this morning on all the major streaming and digital services. Think of being in a Tesla launching into ludicrous speed while having Gal Gadot riding shotgun as you go into the wild blue yonder. A whole lot of fun for the blacktop adventure that awaits for the summer.

    Listen Now

    TL;DR: For those who want to know more…

    A Little History

    A few years back I got invited to perform at a songwriter’s in the round event. I was placed on stage with some heavyweight songwriters who have written for acts you’ve heard of.

    Was I intimidated? No. Well… No.

    I had already met several of them before. But there was one guy who I hadn’t met and he had the biggest cred list of the bunch.

    Singing Songwriter meeting Let's Just Go co-writer
    Singing “All The Things” at a songwriter’s in the round. James Grey, Warren Sellars, and Keven Fisher to my left (picture right).

    Pre show I had asked the two I did know, James Grey and Warren Sellars, if they would play rhythm on one of my songs so I could go and kick into a solo. They agreed. Yippee!

    Soloing Songwriter before Let's Just Go was written
    Soloing over James, Warren and Kevin playing rhythm during “All The Things”

    Fortunately during the song the guy you see in the background Kevin Fisher also jumped in.

    After the set I was greeted by Kevin who came up and said “We need to do some writing together.” You have no idea how cool that made me feel in that moment.

    Forward A Few Years

    Kevin is a busy guy. We kept touching base but had a hard time finding time to connect to sit and write. Thanks to technology, we used FaceTime when I finally found an idea and we both had time to flesh out a song.

    Over the course of a couple of FaceTime sessions we cobbled Let’s Just Go into a full acoustic guitar and vocal tune that we both enjoyed. From there I took on the task of producing it into the sonic vision that would be released with me at the helm.

    Originally my girlfriend at the time sang the female backing vocals. Unfortunately things didn’t work out as planned, we split up and even more unfortunate – she’s not on speaking terms. Of course I made the mistake of not getting written permission to use her vocal. Mostly due to thinking I’d have permanent permission via marriage. You live and learn, right?

    That version of the song had Kevin’s publisher thinking we’d be able to get a car commercial. Exciting to envision.

    New Female Singer

    Rather than attempting to get someone with no desire to speak with me to agree to sign off on her voice, I opted to hire another vocalist and remove the ex’s voice altogether. Off I went to the local musician’s hang to ask around for quality female singers. This led me to Amy Lynn Whitcomb.

    There is the possibility you’ve heard of her. Provided you’re a fan of The Voice, or have seen the a cappella group JANE.

    I listened to the tracks she sent me as examples, in return sent Let’s Just Go over to her to see if she was up for it. Bingo, she loved it.

    We found a time for her to come over to the studio and replace the previous female vocals.

    Amy did an awesome job. She took direction and was even able to hit notes that seemed near impossible, you can hear a seriously high octave harmony in the chorus. That’s Amy, not a pitch shifter, I’m impressed. NAILED IT – would be the catch phrase I’d use.

    I sent the revised version to Kevin and he loved it. With two thumbs up from Amy and Kevin it was time to get it out to you.

    I’m excited to see the journey this song takes from here on out. Hit me back when you add it to your road trip playlists, I’d love to know.

  • New Co-Writes, Big Licensing Wins, and a Greener Tour Ahead

    New songs starting to be finished. In the past several weeks I’ve finished three songs with co-writers. Goose Bumps (sorta in line for the Halloween holiday no?) with Jan Linder-Koda and Heather Bradley; And You’re The One with Johnny Elkins; Jupiter Bowl with Mark Luna. In addition, I’ve also finished Hero Unexpected.

    And You’re The One & Jupiter Bowl are already making the rounds for licensing, which is fantastic. Hero Unexpected will be getting pushed to a network next week. Should prove to be interesting.

    Meanwhile, I’m working with Marvin and Maurice to push for tour dates heading into the fall/winter season. I’ve got restaurants who are now collecting their used veggie oil for me which is a great time saver. Go green baby!

    Stay tuned. More things coming soon.