RPM Challenge 2014!

Been away for a few days, being mad composer as I allow myself to do every February.

Also my laptop is being problematic, need to get it looked at.

But anyway yes, it is RPM Challenge time again!  An open call to bands or musicians to challenge themselves to write/record/mix/master/album art for 10 songs or 35 minutes of music. This is my 6th year participating. Have released "Leap of Faith" and "Ocean of Stars" officially, both RPM albums.

Like every year I drag my feet up until the final sign-up time, thinking I've run out of ideas pr have pushed myself with instrumental music as far as I could go. But such is never the case...

I've been slaving away the past 6 days after finally figuring out how to export songs from my digi 8-track to make room as it's fuckin full.

Spent the first two days in a blinding fury of creativity. I usually go in to RPM every year with at least some riffs or half-baked song ideas. This year I went in with nothing. So to come up with 7 songs ideas in two days from absolutely nothing blew me away. Weirded me out a bit to be honest. I don't know where this music comes from, and I have learned not to question. Listening back to my demos so far it is pretty obvious I've been through some shit the past year, hahaha.

I'm keeping 90%+ of the original literally improvised arrangements. Partially because I am pleased with them, but also due to time constraints. I'm only going to have 14 of February's 28 days available to work on this. Added challenge accepted!

Day 1

I love making an album at home in my pajamas.

Day 3 selfie

 

 

 Day 6 selfie

Here is a sneak peak at the demos I have been working on for this album:



Busy busy busy. Have to step away from the album until Monday. Playing San Angelo and Midland on bass with Adrian and the Sickness this weekend, then playing Bat Bar in Austin on Sunday on guitar with Amber Lucille's Selfless Cover Band.

My heads is still spinning from the RPM album. Just wow. surprising myself even. Very pleased with what I've come up with so far. Drums are next, still looking into suitable recording locations. But I'll have 3 days next week before the Adrian and the Sickness 'Be Your Own Savior' tour hits the Gulf Coast, then the last few days of Feb after that.

Wow. Hope I finish in time. This will def come down to the wire. I've finished RPM albums in 2009, 2010, and 2012 on time. See what happens.

In other news, Ocean of Stars has confirmed for SXSW to be on the Small Stone Records showcase.

Wow. Talk about good opportunities falling into my lap. I have never played a SXSW showcase with any band I've been personally involved with other than a player onstage. And this will be our 2nd or 3rd gig ever, depending on if I land us a warm up show the week previous to SXSW for a dress rehearsal, heh!

A tangible sense of momentum for a new project such as this is a huge confidence booster!