I really was intending on writing a really compelling update on the process of making my album, with weekly updates, play-by-play commentary, documenting the process of creating music out of nothing...

...Well, this is my second entry...Almost a year behind the first.  I'm a slacker, and I know it.

It's not that there hasn't been much to report -- a lot of good grooves and tasty licks have been laid down since the first blog.  I've just been, for lack of a better word...lazy.

The "family" on this project has expanded -- Randy Nichols, drummer/singer/producer/songwriter/arranger/bandleader/origami-world-champion-extraordinaire is not only drumming on the project, but has stepped in to the role of producer as well.  Man, is there anything you guy can't do?  It's such an amazing experience to work with this guy -- we are so on the same page as far as where we're steering this ship, yet are approach to the music is from two totally different perspectives.  And it works. It really works.

Behind the controls is Michael Crain, a pro-tools studio-wunderkind who has worked with a lot of amazing artists -- Paul Howard, Eric Darius, Daniel Alan...The list could go on and on.  There is nothing that I play that he can't make sound good.  Better, really. For example, a verbal exchange during a session may go something like this

Erik: "Hey Michael, can you make my guitar sound like a mix of Ace Frehley/John Mayer/Steely Dan and Beethoven's Pathetique piano piece?  Can you make my guitar SWOOSH! and Wah-wah-wah, all atthe same time?

Michael: " You mean like THIS? (*tweaks two knobs*) ...DONE." 

And, usually it is. 

We've tracked quite a bit on about 4 songs so far.  Everything old is sounding newer.  I can't explain it, except to say one of the songs, "Caught Up In You", was written 10 years ago.  And as we were layering guitars yesterday, the song just steered us in a totally different direction from how it's ever been.  And sure enough, it's better.  I love surprises like that when making music.  You have to let the music lead you, let it be what it wants to be.

So...I'll probably journal again here before the project is finished -- were shooting to be finished with recording by summer's end, so we can mix and master in the fall.

In reflection, it's just an enormous blessing to have these guys on board.  Every day we push ourselves to not just create something good, but something magical.  So far, so good.

EW