Author: Ronnie

In my last post I outlined all the reasons for the choices I made on what to record,.. Getting closer and I have been practicing. But the closer I get to recording, the less I am convinced that Disconnected is a good choice.. it’s just depressing.. and Darkness…I think needs drums. So it might have to wait for round 2. There are 2 more songs that I have been working on. “Tangled in strings” and “Wicked Karma” They are both fresh songs. Tangled up in strings I think is not ready… I have ideas for harmonica and electric guitars for it. “Another day another night” is looking better. I never thought I would have such a hard time deciding on what to record. or for that mater which songs were going to have what instruments. I guess I will know for sure what I decide on on the 27th… The day I am scheduled for the studio.

So,… 6 hours,… My wife bought me 6 hours in studio time at the Tonic room I know that’s not a lot of time but … Baby steps… At least I am starting. I toured this studio a while back. I gave them a sample of my home recordings and since have decided to take a different route. Here is the plan as it stands today. My project is going to consist of acoustic songs. this will allow me to keep the track count and complexity down, thus should be cheaper to produce. The silver lining is in that my solo career is centered around this genre. The performances I give in Second life are all just me and my guitar. This project will allow me to give the people what they are expecting.. Instead of the ol bait and switch.

6 hours… Should be enough to put down 2 songs. I am torn as to what to record. My latest recording, “Falling on hard times” actually turned out pretty good. Definitely want it in my project. But how will my recording hold up next to theirs? “Disconnected” is a song that I think could be improved upon. the tone of my recording is pretty good but I thing the performance needs work. “Darkness Within” I have 2 recorded versions of this. But I think the acoustic version might sound cool with a more produced feel. But on the other hand. I plan on recording this with the Band too.. However, It is Powerful and that power is going to be welcome on the project.”Another day another night” Is another one that is ready to record.

so I figure I have time for 2 songs to start possibly 3 if it goes real well

Darkness Within, Another day another night, if there is time …Disconnected

and then master Falling on hard times if they agree my home recorded tracks are better than last time.

I think half of my project hasn’t been written yet. I have a lot of songs but I don’t want to recycle my old stuff and in keeping the project Acoustic.. I need some new material. I feel motivated. now all I need is inspiration

So… Drove the BMW to work this morning. Boy was that fun. The streets are icy and my car has bald tires. need I say more? My car has this fancy electronic traction control system. that cuts engin power when the wheels spin. So if you dont disable it when you go to take off basicly you hit the gas and… nothing. It was a mistake to drive this car on these roads. luckily I am safe and I didn’t hurt anyone… But I think it’s time to put on the studded tires.

Walking the line between focus and obsession. Just trying to keep my eye on the prize. But when does not enough become too much? Or is there such a thing as too much when it comes to measuring the passion for a dream? Is every waking moment too much time to spend thinking about my music? I realize I need to back away, give it time to breathe. Give inspiration the chance to get in. But daily drudge seems to interfere. I guess I am just frustrated. And these are just questions I ask myself with no expectation of answers.

I recently wrote a song about how I feel we are all connected, and how my music comes to me from those connections to the universe and how when I write music, I feel that I am returning that energy back into the universe. “Strings on my guitar like strings across the universe, Strumming out the melodies of our lives”

Today is a day I will relegate myself to give into the strings that bind us together, and trust in the karmic forces of the universe.

Another monday marks the begining of an other week. I Don’t hate mondays for the reasons many people do. My job is no more frantic on Monday then it is on Thursday. No I am not burried in emails. No I am not putting out fires that have spontainoisly combusted over the weekend. No… Monday sucks because I am just tired of doing it..

Chilling my heels.. Hanging back writing some new songs. I am working on a collection of acoustic music. I have a few that will fit in this box. I think that this genre would lend itself to the economics of recording. Track count can be kept down to a minimum. Just guitar and vocals maybe drums and bass on some but not all….. One of these days…. and I will be ready for it.

Got a callback from the recording studio… not as good news as I had hoped. First , They really liked the song. but the individual tracks I gave them were not up to snuff to professional ears. The Bass track was muddy, the drums have volume issues, The guitar was allright but they would have liked to have multiple takes to mix together to get a “fat” sound. The Vocal performance was great but too colored with ambient sound of my room. They said they could mix it but that I wouldn’t be satisfied with the result. At the advice of their head engineer, I decided to not have them work on it any further, and re-track it later.. (more money$$) The sad part is that I know they are right, I knew my recording skills were wanting, but wow I feel totally amature now. Blow to the ego. I really want to hear my music reach it’s full potential, but to record it right it’s gonna cost big bucks.  More then I can afford I am afraid (Dreams bigger than my Wallet)

Been Disconnected lately. Probably need medication. I have suffered from depression in some mild form or another for probably all my life, so this is nothing new. Comes in waves, usually lasts a month or so, but it’s been a long while now and there hasn’t been any sign it funk is going to subside. Don’t fear for me, this is mild. I have a lot of joy in my music and with my friends. I just feel Disconnected. I see everyone in the Holiday spirit and I am just not there. I don’t remember dates or plans. I know it drives Jeannette crazy some times. I have been neglecting responsibilities… promises I have made. I see these things, I see that I have become Disconnected and I just havn’t tried to do anything about it. That ends today. Today I am making an appointment to see someone. On one hand, it makes for good songwriting fodder. But on the other hand, I thinkI’m ready to start writing happier songs.

Ah, a fine Marler family tradition. Jeannette is in the kitchen and that Fuckin’ Macy’s parade is on the tube. I Love her dearly, but honestly, that parade is about as entertaining as a blunt object in your eye. Right up there with the lolly-pop kids on the Annoy-o-meter.  Not to mention the mindless drivel spewing from Matt and Merideth’s over fead mouths. And if I hear one more marching band I am going to scream. Having endured the parade in person a couple years ago… The TV version is just fingernails on the blackboard of my Thanks giving day… Maybe later We’ll get to watch a football game Yay !

I have had my first visit to the studio.

Granted it was only 20 minutes but well spent. The gear at Tonic room is impressive to say the least. The owners/staff were friendly and put me right at ease. The environment is also amazing the place is soft and the lighting lends well to the mood, The rooms sound amazing! Floated floors and adjustable wall treatments make for a versatile space.I think I could be very comfortable in this studio pouring my heart and soul in to my music. (Now if I can just afford it)

I gave Chris my CD he told me he would load up the tracks into protools on Tue after Turkey day. Hope I have nails left to bite till then.

This is a first baby step in a long journey for me.  hope I don’t twist my ankle