It’s probably been six months since my friend Sari Gurney finished the design on this site (check out her other work here.) When it was done I found myself paralyzed at the thought of how to begin writing on an “artist” site. I knew what I would write if I had already started, but what is the first post supposed to be?
For a couple of years now I have been wanting to commit to doing the RPM Challenge: 10 songs or 35 minutes of original material written and recorded in the month of February. It looks like this is my year and a perfect time to start making use of this site.
So, here’s where I am with it on day three:
– I decided to allow myself one “cheat.” I’m including a piece that I have already begun, and even performed in Houston at DiverseWorks. The piece is called “When It Will Bloom.” I wanted to re-orchestrate the entire thing anyway so I started it entirely from scratch on Feb 1st. It’s being written for Piano, String Quartet, Synthesizer and Oboe. Of course, all of that will be generated from my keyboard (Yamaha S90XS, if you’re into that sort of thing) unless the funds to pay 6 other musicians miraculously appears before the end of February. I’ve written 45 measures so far.
– I met with my pal Eve Beglarian last night. A brilliant composer and friend who is kindly helping me out as I re-enter the world of composition in terms of writing that shit down on paper. We also talked about my need for:
– A digital audio interface for my computer. I decided on a MOTU Microbook, which I ordered last night. Now I’ll be able to properly record my work. Yup yup.
I have LOTS of other work going on right now, so the trick is going to be balancing my time between teaching, my “for pay” music writing and the RPM project. I’m thinking the “for pay” work will happen during regular 9-5 work hours that I have available and I will do RPM work on evenings, early mornings and weekends. With updates and maybe some audio samples here as they emerge. I also have had a musical theater project on the back burner for way too long, so I am thinking of including some as-yet-unwritten songs from that on the RPM album as well.
I welcome your encouragement and support with this project. I’m feeling SO INSPIRED!
