Seems like this is becoming a seasonal thing; the writing of these log posts that is. I'm not going to bore you with promises that I will do a better job keeping you (my fans, friends, and conspirators) updated. Well, honestly there hasn't been much to update. Not that I've been lazy or that I have become a careless procrastinator, but I'd rather just keep the latest developments in my music close to the vest.
Never use "izers." Obviously I'm bad at following direction.
Yes, new music is on its way! I swear! Music I've labored over for three plus years. Music, that despite causing me fits and sleepless nights, I am extremely proud of and excited to share with everyone. For the first time as a solo artist I am having a true engineering professional mix my tunes. I have always been protective of my ideas and work, and thought it was important to control every aspect of making a record. I couldn't have been more wrong. Stubbornness and creativity, contrary to many artist's beliefs, do not go well together. Creativity should flow smoothly, and part of an artist's job is to remove any obstacles blocking the way. Being stubborn and self-righteous can form serious dams in one's creative current. Giving up creative control to somebody you trust, and who has a real interest in your work is a vital step in the creative process. In fact it is also quite liberating.
Christopher Botta (or Botta to anyone who knows him) was introduced to me at very close friend's wedding over the summer in Montana. Botta is part of a collective of engineers that share studio space at Brooklyn Brush Studios in the newly gentrified area of Bushwick. Botta's studio is called Staple Chest Audio. (I appropriately plugged his website at the bottom of this post.) Botta immediately struck me as uniquely creative, but also as a guy with his head screwed on straight. Trust me, that is not a common combination. We ended up talking shop and I told him about the project I've been working on. He invited me into to his studio and was enthusiastic about the prospect of mixing my tunes. As he put it "it's not everyday you get to mix an elctro-blues prog-rock album." I was impressed by the quality of gear in the studio and his ideas on the direction of the tracks. I felt as if a little birdie had flown down high from the skies and said "don't worry Pete. This album is going to be finished and you won't have a worry in the world." Well I guess I still gotta worry a little.
Botta Bing! (Christopher Botta plowing away in the engineer's chair.)
Shortly after returning from Montana I finished cleaning and editing all my tracks and was able to say "fuck it, I'm done. Now it's time for the mix." It was a true relief to not feel the stress and go through the agony of mixing my own tracks. I had labored for years writing, scheming, recording, and editing these songs, and it was time to leave it to a fresh and open mind. It is better for me and all my listeners that I give up creative control. Introducing my music to a new pair of ears opened my eyes to interpretations of the music that I hadn't thought of. It showed me there were more possibilities than the one vision I had for the music. Botta's enthusiasm has even given me a second wind and new ambitions for this album. Humans are individual creatures who thrive in the proper group settings. We are social animals and the sharing of ideas is what can make us more than we thought we could be. This album will be a testament to that.
Over and out,
Pete
Staple Chest Audio - http://www.staplechestaudio.com
Christopher Botta - http://christopherbotta.com