The Sailor

(b)

So we've been busy in different ways and places. The upswell of band activity that came when we put up our first couple songs for people has died down a bit. This past week was really an opportunity for us to figure out some personal issues (apartment, job, school, anything that defers creativity...). In between the time we spent with that, we often went to the lake. Below was our stomping ground for the last 4, 5 days.



We're also doing something new. Click on the photo above to be taken to our Flickr page, where we'll be uploading photos on a regular basis. There are three more pictures at the lake, along with a collection from the Old Wings video shoot.

The Gears of Machines

(e)

Over the past few days we have been hard at work finishing the only song that is not yet complete, Dead Bodies. Brian has been tracking some extra guitars while I have been recording vocals and laying down harp and extra pianos. I am getting restless as I wait to finish on account of a sore throat. However, once my throat soothes, work can continue and we will very soon complete all four songs. Here are some pictures I took of Brian at his station. Working the gears to his loud machine.

Progress on Songs

(b)

Eric and I both took the past few days to relax and get away, but now we're back in Chicago working on getting everything together again. Eric's currently working on Dead Bodies, production-wise, and I'm completing some image related tasks on my list. For example, here's something we'll be giving away when you sign up for our mailing list to receive the songs - lyric sheets.



That's the lyric sheet for Winter 1, one of the four songs that will have a lyric sheet.

Video Shoot

(b)

We decided to shoot a performance video for our song Old Wings (which isn't quite done yet - a few days, I promise). We filmed it at my brother's place here in Chicago with our good friend Mitch Buss. Eric and I decided on the sun room because of the train that runs literally inches from the east side of the condo. Take a look in this picture.



We went for an intimate performance feel. I wouldn't call this an official music video, rather just a film we wanted to put together for this specific song. There will also be a time-lapse video of all three of us setting up. Not sure when that will be available, but we'll keep you updated on it.

We're editing the audio and video right now for the performance video. We'll have it available only for folks who sign up for the mailing list (like the 4 songs) - I'll explain this more in depth later.

Thanks goes to Kevin Holl and Traci Wei for letting us take over their condo for a few hours.

Spaceship

(e)

Hours. Days. Months. Almost a year has gone by since the first note of Winter 1 moved through my fingertips onto the keys of my keyboard in a small room in Allston, Massachusetts. Now in Chicago, Illinois I sit at a table in Brian's living room typing this message as the first note of Winter 1 is heard by someone...anyone. My mind moves back to the hours and hours I spent by myself in a small studio tucked away in the back of the 150 building at Berklee. Creation and release. The feeling I have right now can be described as nothing less than pure joy. I hope you enjoy the sounds that we have created. Just know that they were created with hard work, with passion, and most of all with love. Love for the music, for art, and love for you.

(b)

A long time coming for me. In relation to Eric, this has felt like the longest waiting period I've ever had to deal with. He had the songs after we recorded them. He mixed, sent, and I returned with my opinions. All I've had up to this point are my own thoughts. Thoughts about how we got here and what's next. I'm excited about the latter. My task list is deep with creative ideas that involve music, video, stories, photographs. But one thing I'm noticing is that we come up with some of our best ideas together. Video shoots, animations, ideas. They're all coming. They all compliment what the music stands for. I've said it once and I'm going to say it again because there is nothing that evokes my perception of the future better than this phrase: I can't wait for tomorrow.

Lines, Spaces, Waveforms

(b)

So there are many things in life that make us happy, one being releasing songs for you all. In the image below, you'll see a bunch of lines, sections, waveforms - all of which don't resemble a song to the eyes of non-musicians.


But let us assure you, this is a song; a song that is in final mixing stages.

Oh, and this how happy we are about finally releasing these songs. (Think going to a baseball game, think about that friend who says "it's time for a picture!!", think about baby showers and bar settings)




Tonight we're going to be filming a bit of a video for the package we're giving away (when you submit your email address - described at our MySpace blog explaining everything). Getting all the goodies together.

Progress Report

(e)

After a long battle with software, hardware, and a cold, vocal work has resumed. We laid down the vocals for "The Resting House" yesterday and edited them this morning. Most of the "Winter 1" harmonies are set and "Dead Bodies" is coming along. The winding melody of Old Wings was recorded very late on a quiet night. Big pieces to an even bigger puzzle. As we get closer and closer to the end, or the beginning rather, I feel more and more a sense of accomplishment and pride. But it won't be until these songs reach new ears that I will feel truly fulfilled. After a day of rest, the work continues. This is going to be a good week.