ring the bells that still can ring
forget your perfect offering
there is a crack in everything
that's how the light gets in
-Leonard Cohen
forget your perfect offering
there is a crack in everything
that's how the light gets in
-Leonard Cohen
On Thursday, May 16th, I set up my suitcase altar and began three days of recording basic guitar and vocal tracks at Rubicon.
In preparation for studio time, I tried to do everything right. I spent months working on the songs, recording them on my iphone, listening to them, getting feedback from friends and songwriter groups, carrying a journal, writing in cafes, and generally obsessing. I've been working with legendary vocalist Mady Kaye for several months- learning how to sing properly. I even stopped drinking alcohol and coffee a few weeks ago, and limiting my dairy intake so that my voice could be in prime shape for recording.
Guess what? I woke up sick in the middle of the night, right before recording. Sore throat, sinuses, the works. At first I thought it was strep or a cold, but as it still lingers I believe I'm dealing with the good old Austin allergies. I was able to sing and record this weekend, but it was challenging. I had a little breakdown when I heard my vocals on the first recorded track. Despite all my preparation, I was hit with a wave of self-loathing and perfectionism. All my ideas of the type of singer, writer, and person I might, could, or should be faded away as the person I am came more clearly into focus. Thankfully, Dan guided me through the journey, we walked through the editing process, and I like the vocals on that track after all. *whew*
When I listen to my voice, I am asked to accept and own who I am- how my voice sounds, what I look like, the words I choose, the stories I tell. I am asked to make the best of what I have been given, and to share it with others. Uncovering my words, voice, and personal style has been the deepest and most useful therapy I have ever undergone. This is healing work. It is one thing to come into ones true self. It is another to come out, shining brightly in the truth of oneself. My time in the studio is helping me bridge that transition.
My first recording weekend reminded me that nothing is perfect. I was sick, in pain, grumpy, and dealing with some intense emotions. And I used it all. I even cried while recording one take of "Maria" (we did a bunch of takes), and that is the version you will hear on the record. It's gorgeous. I believe my voice- in its fragile, sore, and challenged state- was exactly what these songs asked of me. My voice sounds true, and I now realize that is the most important thing.
I'm thankful for a challenging, healing, and overall fun weekend recording at Rubicon. Dan is an amazing human and I'm so thankful to work with him We laughed lots, ate yummy food, and made some fantastic art. I can't wait to share it with you. But first.... we have a lot of work to do! Overdubs, mixing, mastering, promotional photo shoots, graphic design (album + new website!), duplication..... and then we'll talk release date!
I'm endlessly thankful to you- my family, friends, and fans- for supporting my journey.
<3 Daisy
In preparation for studio time, I tried to do everything right. I spent months working on the songs, recording them on my iphone, listening to them, getting feedback from friends and songwriter groups, carrying a journal, writing in cafes, and generally obsessing. I've been working with legendary vocalist Mady Kaye for several months- learning how to sing properly. I even stopped drinking alcohol and coffee a few weeks ago, and limiting my dairy intake so that my voice could be in prime shape for recording.
Guess what? I woke up sick in the middle of the night, right before recording. Sore throat, sinuses, the works. At first I thought it was strep or a cold, but as it still lingers I believe I'm dealing with the good old Austin allergies. I was able to sing and record this weekend, but it was challenging. I had a little breakdown when I heard my vocals on the first recorded track. Despite all my preparation, I was hit with a wave of self-loathing and perfectionism. All my ideas of the type of singer, writer, and person I might, could, or should be faded away as the person I am came more clearly into focus. Thankfully, Dan guided me through the journey, we walked through the editing process, and I like the vocals on that track after all. *whew*
When I listen to my voice, I am asked to accept and own who I am- how my voice sounds, what I look like, the words I choose, the stories I tell. I am asked to make the best of what I have been given, and to share it with others. Uncovering my words, voice, and personal style has been the deepest and most useful therapy I have ever undergone. This is healing work. It is one thing to come into ones true self. It is another to come out, shining brightly in the truth of oneself. My time in the studio is helping me bridge that transition.
My first recording weekend reminded me that nothing is perfect. I was sick, in pain, grumpy, and dealing with some intense emotions. And I used it all. I even cried while recording one take of "Maria" (we did a bunch of takes), and that is the version you will hear on the record. It's gorgeous. I believe my voice- in its fragile, sore, and challenged state- was exactly what these songs asked of me. My voice sounds true, and I now realize that is the most important thing.
I'm thankful for a challenging, healing, and overall fun weekend recording at Rubicon. Dan is an amazing human and I'm so thankful to work with him We laughed lots, ate yummy food, and made some fantastic art. I can't wait to share it with you. But first.... we have a lot of work to do! Overdubs, mixing, mastering, promotional photo shoots, graphic design (album + new website!), duplication..... and then we'll talk release date!
I'm endlessly thankful to you- my family, friends, and fans- for supporting my journey.
<3 Daisy