One step at a time

Hello. Well, where were we? Something about recording a new CD?? AH yes! So, on May 3rd, Martin, Melissa and I paid a visit to an old church friend of ours, Robert, at his house. Robert is a former parishoner of our church, St. Augustine's in Culver City. He had participated in the Life Teen (high school) ministry and sometimes contributed to the music ministry on retreats. A musician himself, Robert has managed to build a successful music studio business in the converted garage at his house. He mainly produces music for everything from movies and video games to TV commercials and beyond. Anyway, Martin and Melissa have been in contact with him recently regarding possibly booking some studio time. So we show up, walk briefly through his finely-decorated house out the patio door and are greeted by a lovely, adequate pool complete with inflatable alligator (which apparently really does scare away ducks!). Alongside the pool is the converted garage. Through the side door, we step down to discover his swanky, well-appointed, cozy studio. Nice! As we sat on the cushioned bench in the corner, Robert proceeds to demo some music he's produced...very cool. He's doing something I'd love to be doing one of these days as a hobby (this is where I shamelessly solicit random donations so that I can have my own swanky home studio built :). Moving on, we discuss the new CD, what parts (instruments, vocals) we need to track and then talk about scheduling. So, it looks like, at the earliest, we may not be able to start recording again until July. That'll give us time to practice more so that, when we record, we should theoretically be able to get through them quicker...make sense?

So, Rock S.A.L.T. fans...if you're reading this, we're shooting for end of this year at the earliest to release our next CD. To reiterate, it'll be pretty much all original music (many songs will be the retreat themes that Melissa and Martin have written over the past several years) performed by our current bandmembers: Melissa (band director, piano, vocals), Diane (vocals), Eddie (vocals), Martin (rhythm guitar, vocals), Richie (drums), Desmond (lead guitar), Tom (trumpet), David (bass) and myself, Joey (congas/bongos, very occasional vocals). Laurie, our violinist is taking a much needed sabbatical but her strings will certainly be heard in spirit! We will most likely also have a few instrumental and vocal guests appearances.

Until next time, oh...after our visit to Robert's, the 3 of us met up at a nearby Indian restaurant and indulged ourselves in a late dinner. Until next time...who knows when?? Let go, let God!

Hey! It's 2010! Let's record!

It's been raining everyday since Monday, but it looks like it's starting to taper off. I don't mind it really. Always nice to have actual "weather" here in L.A.

So yeah. Here we are back at Schloemer Studios...me, the wife, Martin, Diane, Amy (Rock S.A.L.T.'s #1 fan!) and Kwyjibo. We all just enjoyed a good Mexican dinner from Leo's down the street...food coma. We're listening to the songs we've already recorded to see if we need to tweak them. We just had a discussion about "Pants on the Ground" from a recent "American Idol" episode. I just told everyone I'm blogging about this and Diane asked "Why?" Speaking of Diane, she revealed another (musical) talent which we'll find out about on the new CD. I will say that I, personally, was very pleasantly surprised. That's all I'll say for now!

Just listened to "Illuminate"...probably needs to be re-done, mainly percussion, vocals. I lost the tempo at one point during the song. Seems I need to play congas instead of bongos on it. The chimes & triangle are a nice addition :)

Fast forward about 2 hours or so....

Wife and I are already home. Much of the rest of the night was spent deciding what parts we wanted on what songs. We now need to talk to the rest of the band and come up with a rough recording schedule. I believe we will have 16 songs total on the next CD. I mentioned how I wanted to write a song but, we may not have room for it. I thought maybe we could make a limited edition bonus CD with extra stuff on it. Martin had a great idea: put some bonus stuff online...bonus tracks, outtakes, commentary, etc. I think we'll do that. I don't have a clear idea as to what type of song I want to write but, I do intend on following through with it.

Travis, Martin's roommate and lead guitarist in his other band, West Rd., popped in a couple times to shoot the breeze. He actually offered a bit of helpful advice on a song Melissa was working on.

Well, that's about it for now. Hopefully my next entry will come sooner. Now, off to enjoy hot cocoa while watching Team Coco's last "Tonight Show" (BOOOOOOOOOO!!!!)... Mmmbuh bye.