Talk To Me Tuesday #1 – New CD on the Way!
Let’s Talk – Me First!
Last week, I told you a new CD is on the way, and introduced “Talk To Me Tuesdays.” For the 1st official “Talk To Me Tuesday,” I thought I?d share some fun facts about the new CD.
About the CD
There are 10 tracks on the CD. It is 40 minutes and 30 seconds.
As with the last CD, I wrote all 10 songs.
I played acoustic guitar on 7 songs.
We used all live instruments.
Most of the songs are up tempo, with just a few ballads.
The CD will be packaged with a 12 page booklet with lyrics and lots of photos!
It will be available on my website, CD Baby, and digitally on iTunes.
IMHO, it kicks ass!
About the Recording Process
It was produced by Mike Ofca at Innovation Studios in Steubenville, OH.
Why did I record with Mike? I discovered Mike through his work with Eric Himan. After listening to Eric’s “Resonate” a million times, I googled Mike, we talked a few times and the rest is history.
We recorded the CD from June 1 to 13, 2009 and only took one day off during that time. We started each day at 9:00 a.m. and usually finished around 6:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, June 10, Mike?s PC crashed after a few hours work. We went to the Apple Store in Pittsburgh and he upgraded to a new Mac. We lost the rest of the work day while he got everything set up. (Believe it or not, I did NOT panic or stress out.) Important Lesson: We did NOT lose any work because Mike backs up his computer DAILY!
We worked late on the remaining days to make sure we got everything done. It all got done!
I left Steubenville on June 14. Mike recorded some additional keyboard and guitar parts and mixed the CD from June 15 to 20.
Working with Mike was one of the best experiences I?ve ever had.
The CD was mastered by Randy LeRoy at Final Stage Mastering in Nashville, TN.
IMHO, it kicks ass!
Stay tuned, each week I’ll share more specific information. And don?t forget, you will also have the opportunity to hear some of the new music before anyone else.
Now, You Talk To Me!
Last week, I asked for your questions. The best question each week will be entered into a drawing for a free autographed CD. Here is this week’s winning question, chosen as the winner because I had to think the hardest on this one. (That will NOT always be the criteria for winning. Trust me on that!)
Q. You and your mom seem to have a great relationship. You are lucky for that. How did it come to be that way? (B.E., Atlanta)
A. My mom and I were pretty close when I was growing up. But I lived with my grandparents from junior high school until I went off to college. So my grandmother was the most influential person in my life – I adored her. No one in my family was particularly religious ? except me. I was at church pretty much every time the doors were open, then I went to a very conservative Christian college. When I made the decision to come out, it was a long, lonely, difficult process. My mom lived in Atlanta and I started visiting her on weekends before eventually deciding to move here ? to come out. That was the beginning of the relationship we have today. When I came out, my mom wasn?t ?tolerant? (I hate that word) ? she was very open and supportive. Coming from such a conservative Christian background, I can?t tell you how huge that was in helping me build back some self esteem. We started hanging out together, had mutual friends, and she eventually began working part time at the bar I spent the most time in ? much to my chagrin and the amusement of my friends. But I get a kick out of seeing how the boys love my mom and show her affection. The last few years have been the best because we?ve gotten much closer. She comes over every Sunday, has dinner, plays with the dogs, and hangs out until it?s time to go home. Just like any relationship, we get on each other?s nerves from time to time. In those times, I channel my inner Dorothy and utter those two magic words: ?Shady Pines!? That usually tends to straighten her back up!
Here are the rest of the questions I got last week:
Q. If you were at lunch with Judy Dench, Maggie Smith, and Dame Edna….what would be the one question you’d want them all to answer truthfully? (J.S., Milwaukee)
A. Boxers or briefs. Seriously, they are so different (literally!) and I respect all three of them. I think I would ask him what they felt made the difference in their careers and what they are most proud of.
Q. Will you be doing more touring this year with the new CD and do you already have dates set? (D.P., Fort Lauderdale)
A. I only plan to do 1 or 2 dates for the remainder of 2009 due to the holiday season. The first will be the CD Release party here in Atlanta. In addition to the Atlanta folks, I really hope some of the out-of-towners can make it, so stay tuned for details. The good news is that I plan to organize a series of spring/summer in 2010. Please let me know about any coffee houses or clubs in your area that host acoustic music. Also, if you would like to host a home concert, please let me know. I?ve done several of them and I LOVE them. They?re about as intimate as you can get with your clothes on.
Q. What is the biggest lesson you?ve learned since your last CD? (J.J., Atlanta)
A. That time is short ? we each have one shot on this planet to make our lives count. That means different things to each individual, I guess. To me, that means to achieve a certain level of professional success, to actively pursue my dreams and passions (music), to treat others with kindness and respect as I strive for these, to give back, and to think less of myself and more of others. I?m still learning how to do all of those things.
Have a great week until we talk next Tuesday.
