09.10.08 Getting Ready to (Soft) Rock
I have a musical surprise up my sleeve and today I contacted a couple of incredible engineers I’d like to work with here in Nashville to get it off the ground. I’m not used to being the record label, the guy calling around to get prices and build budgets, but I’m it. Just little ol’ me. Just a boy. Standing in front of an engineer. Asking him to love me. In a very platonic Christian keep-the-price-low(ish)-I’m-not-Tomlin sort of way.
I’ve always loved recording, hearing something OK become something much better because of the collective talent in the room. But what I’m most excited about this time around is taking you all with me in to the studio. Plans are being made - though promises can’t be - to have cameras up all over the place, to let the three of you who are interested in music-making see how we’re progressing - or regressing, depending upon how things go. And I won’t be the star of the action. I really want you guys to meet the people I respect and love to work with, to feel like you’re hanging out with the best and most likable musicians in town.
I’ve got my wish list of dream personnel right here and I’m ready to dial as soon as the engineer gets locked in and, along with him, the dates of the recording - which have to be before November rolls around. (Hint)
This should be fun.
Todd said:
I think I smell a Festivus album!
erin said:
Oh, don’t be so modest, Shaun. I’m sure there are at least FOUR people interested in your music-making.
Angela said:
I’m totally interested in this!!! (Does that make five?) Seriously, though, this is in some odd ways an answer to prayer. I’ve been wondering how this works for a while when it’s an individual pulling it all together. I have so many friends that have recorded wonderful stuff, both “in” and “out” of the “industry,” but IIIIII don’t know what IIIII should do. People are asking for an album, and I’m just hoping God will drop a flashing billboard in front of me that lays out each step I should take. Are you a billboard? You aren’t flashing. (That reminds me of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.)
Brad said:
Sweet! I’m excited to see this! Hopefully you’ll be able to go through with your plans. I await with a fish on my tongue… erm, with baited breath.
David said:
Chris Tomlin is overrated. I have respect for the man and he has written (or popularized) some benchmark praise choruses, but for every 10 songs he puts out, only about 2-3 of them are truly memorable. And while it’s not his fault, I hate that he’s now the statistical average everyone else seems to be trying to emulate in terms of a sound that will guarantee radio success. One or two guys like him on the radio, I don’t mind, but guys like you getting shoved aside in favor of Tomlin clones, now that really sticks in my craw.
shaunfan said:
I’ll make at least 7 fans who are excited. Also, I love you quoting one of my favorite authors Nick Hornby and his book (& great movie) “About A Boy”. In honor of my favorite Nick Hornby book (& movie) “High Fidelity”, here’s my top 5 favorite Nick Hornby books:
1)High Fidelity
2)About A Boy
3)Fever Pitch
4)Songbook
5)31 Songs
erin said:
I thought he was quoting Notting Hill…
shaunfan said:
Sorry about that. Yes, Shaun is paraphrasing Julia Roberts in “Notting Hill”. There are similar quotes in “About A Boy” and “Love Actually”, two more great English & Hugh Grant movies. Sometimes they all run together in my head like one movie.
erin said:
Oh, I understand. “About a Boy” is one of my favorites, so I doubted my own thinking that it was “Notting Hill” as well.
shaunfan said:
In honor of Hugh Grant and English movies, here’s my top 5 Hugh Grant movies list:
1)About A Boy
2)Notting Hill
3)Love Actually
4)Four Weddings And A Funeral
5)Sense And Sensibility
Rachel said:
Hey Shaun…
For some reason, your 9-11 post isn’t letting comments through. Or maybe it’s just me. The word verification isn’t show up...so I’m wondering if that has something to do with it.
Just thought I’d let ya know. =)
Loren said:
The (hint) took me in like a deep fried twinkie at the state fair…
Going on the MWS Christmas tour to talk about compassion and play the Infamous MWS parody.???
Mark Geil said:
Perhaps everyone has read this, but Andrew Peterson did a wonderful “making-of” blog last Fall while recording Resurrection Letters Vol. 2. It’s a multi-page treasure trove for people who enjoy that sort of thing.
http://andrew-peterson.blogspot.com/
The album will finally be released next month on Centricity.
said:
I’m definitely a fan, but as I have no musical talent whatsoever, I doubt he’d want any participation from me (except for outstanding “water placement"). My son on the other hand would be psyched beyond words to participate. His dream job is to travel the world with a band and talk about Compassion while manning the table.
Beth
Jenni said:
Oh, I am so excited to hear this. And very tickled to spot the allusion to Notting Hill.
Mr. Police Man said:
I’m so in. I so wanted to go to Belmont Univ. (Nashville) to study recording straight out of H.S. but God had different plans.
Can’t wait to watch.