Studio Blog - Day Seven, Eight and Nine - a blur at Brighton Electric

Monday 8 September

First day back, getting back in the swing of the tracks. Still feel half asleep though.

Tuesday 9 September

Today I felt a little backward, worried unsure. Almost felt like I was doing all the wrong things. I wasn’t feeling centered at all and was a bit overtired.  

Wednesday 10 September

Working with two musicians today who are totally understated. Awesome, and just “are”.

I love the songs.

The sound fucking rad.

I have new found sense of accomplishment and achievement.

I reeeeeeeeeeeaaallllyyyyy want to do more vocals today. I’m feeling so much more into the tracks.

Couldn’t find olive leaf extract today, which was a bummer. All of this is teaching me to have faith in where I am and what I’m doing and my own abilities.

WE DID VOCALS TONIGHT AND I’M SO HAPPY WITH MY PERFORMANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Studio Blog - Day Six - at Brighton Electric

Saturday 23 August

I’ve given up a lot of control with these tracks, which is good, it’s what I wanted to do with the music, get other creatives on board. It’s not all glitz and glamour, there’s a lot of sitting around, listening, I feel like I’ve tried to have my own input though, but feeling very brain fried.  As it’s my first time in this kind of setting, I feel a bit whack, kind of like I should be doing everything, but that’s not why I’m here.

I’m here for a full experience, working with other people to lap up their knowledge and learn from them.

I feel really overwhelmed, because I’m used to having full control.

A While, Hunter, The Dust, Unknown Water.

I feel brain dead – kind of like I’m putting a lot of reliance on Dan and Mike to produce things.

This has been such a long time coming and I’ve built it up so much in my head I just want to make the most of it.

I hope I have. I feel like I’ve tried to and that the music has grown so much. I’m just hoping that I’m growing with it and really learning from these two.

It’s almost like they’re both just so talented that I just keep saying “I like this” I like that”.

I worked hard to get here. I’m working hard on every single thing, it’s hard work breaking the barriers of your songs and letting other people in them.

Lots of long hours in the studio and a lot of the creativity has come from Dan and Mike. My creativity has been there too. With vocals in the second week, that's when I'll shine. 

I think I just built it up in my mind to be all fun and games, kind of forgetting the long studio hours at BPM and the reality of it.

I think comparing these tracks with my original ones will help me learn too.

I think I’m just struggling with handing over a lot of the power, which I’m not used to as a solo musician.

From where I was on day one though, in the kitchen, to now… this has come so far.

I’ve gotta remember that this is how I felt in my marketing job, that I was inadequate. Now look at me, super professional.

Studio Blog - Day Five - at Brighton Electric

Friday 22 August

Today I went into town to pick up a few things and then walked to the studio.

Found a great park and meditated.

Skyped mum, really nice to hear her voice and see her face.

These songs are coming along so well, it feels like a dream. I’m so happy where it’s all ending up… and we haven’t even done vocals or solidified everything!

Very tired and crazy today. Tried recording some guitars and vocals as a guide – I’m getting a lot better at playing to a click track!

Studio Blog - Day Four - at Brighton Electric

Thursday 21 August

Feel a bit sick today – will push through. Have had a whirlwind of a morning, getting lost, running out of credit and internet, my phone almost died and had to borrow the café’s one to call Dan.

BUT!

I saw a palace, the Banksy kissing cops, the North Lanes, Brighton Pier again and had a beautiful breakfast at the café called ‘Ground’. 

We’re working on structure today and I’m learning so much…

Went out for lunch and still feeling a little squirmish, but better after all the walking!

Things are feeling so productive, a lot of it is in Mike Lord and Dan's hands, but they're smashing it. Feels good to put trust in others, let go of all control. 

Booked flights to Venice in the night WOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

England.

Studio Blog - Day Three - at Brighton Electric

Wednesday 20 August

We are working very fast which is a whirlwind, but really great experience. I feel separated from the music, which is probably a good thing, working with amazing professionals who are experienced and hard workers.

Working on Unknown Water, love this song really, even though it’s mine. Am I allowed to say that?

I’ve never worked like this, giving so much control to other people, really teaching me to be clear about my musical choices and what I want to sound like. Mike and Dan are capturing it beautifully though.

We are making “Canyon Music” as Dan calls it, like a storm across a canyon.

I want to make music that is powerful and makes a point.

I feel like we’re achieving this.

Mike is working so hard.

I learnt today that Dan says no to some bands, this must mean that I have something to offer. That makes me feel a sense of achievement.

Dan describes Unknown Water as “Unrequited sizzle”… otherwise known as lust.

We’re building like a Laura Marling song, who would have thought after loving her music I’d be emulating elements?

We’re onto The Dust now… Dan describes it as Gypsy Spanish music.

Mike samples through his Komplete Ultimate, we’re achieving some sweet sounds. I can’t believe I’m doing this for myself, I’m so proud of myself. Mike is programming this percussive beat that captures effortlessly the “oomph” of and drive I want for this track.

I don’t think I realized until today how out of place I was feeling, everything seems a lot clearer upon reflection… I’m feeling so much more settled today and really like I belong.

Feeling like I’m growing as an artist from working with these two.

Studio Blog - Day Two - at Brighton Electric

Tuesday 19 August

First up we work on A While. I meet Jimi, James, Tom and some others in the café part. It’s an interactive little area where everyone goes to hang out. I like hanging about out there… it’s nice. Makes me feel like I’m really being myself in this environment. Could bump into someone cool too!

We came into studio and felt like BPM (the studios where my Bachelor degree was based), immediately felt more relaxed.

I slept awfully last night and haven’t really woken up yet or meditated, maybe feeling disheveled today is the best way to be? Stormy..?

Mike Lord has set up his synth and I have my guitar out about to change the strings. Jimi changed them for me, which was lovely of him.

Today we are getting a good scope on the songs and how they will sound. I’m excited and scared and nervous and thus... feel like it’s just a regular day. SO WEIRD!!!! Have too many reactions to feel any.

Also had some emails from home and work this morning so my mind is a few places. A

bout to have a deep breathe and become mindful and in the present moment. 1,2,3 BANG I’M here!!! Does it work like that? I know it doesn’t. Count five things count five things.

Working on A While – introducing electric guitar, which is different but awesome!!!

We start working on Hunter, this song Dan told me he wanted to “wet himself” over.

Both of these guys are so experienced and fluent in the studio, I almost feel a little numb to everything, but need to remember that I wrote these songs and that’s where they’re coming from, so I’m an important element too.