The Recording Begins (sort of...) · Aug 28, 07:53 PM

It seems like a good idea to do a little written diary following the recording process of what has been an intensely personal batch of songs. The plan will be to make an EP of material primarily from the songs I have been playing over the past year (thanks to Galaxy Hut for allowing the monthly workout.) I see it as being 15-20 minutes which for me could be 6-7 compositions. Tentatively I am planning on incorporating the recorded spoken word piece that we might as well call “My Dad’s Girlfriend” that was used to open one of my Hut shows and the DC9 show. We’ll see if it makes the final cut.

Here is where we are so far and I will then be making updates along the way:

A while back I recorded 3 songs with Michael at his studio, The National Crayon Museum. They have been floating around here in rough unmastered form. These three are being polished and will likely be on the final product. They are “Eat Myself to Death” which I close ever performance with. “Holy Water Down” which is often referred to as the “cornbread song” for it’s line of “she said she likes cornbread… she said she likes dangerous men. At least I agree with the part about the cornbread x2.” This took on a more dangerous edge in the studio. Also from that session is “Break Us Apart” which we have always enjoyed playing together but is oddly missing Michael’s guitar parts in recorded form so that may change.

These tracks will get finished up over there and make there way to mastering – which brings us to… my mastering date of September 16th courtesy of Chad Clark and Silver Sonya. The insanely talented Devin Ocampo will be my man at the board. This means I need to complete any work prior to that date.

I started the home recording project but proceeded to bang my head against the keyboard trying to get up to speed on Digital Performer as well as making all of my mics play nicely with the software. I turned back to Garageband where I am pretty comfortable and will be working from there. I am happy so far but fingers crossed.

In classic Foster fashion, I sat down to record either “Sad at Me” or “Honey” but instead proceeded to write an entirely new song. Once I saw the direction I was headed I challenged myself to not write it about my personal experience (which might be anti-sad croc territory…) I crafted a burst running a little over a minute of choppy lyrics derived from Felt albums and titled it cheekily “Lawrence Hates Maurice.” Record nerds will appreciate it. Likely not on the EP.

Last night I cracked down and worked out the usual show opening “When the Sun Goes Down.” I added a megaphone touch to the “and I will fall…” part and shortened the end a tad. I feel good about it and it just needs Michael’s guitar that comes in halfway to polish it off. I hadn’t planned on this being on the record either but now it might be hard to keep it off. Likely to come down to sequencing and the total feel of the combined tracks.

I then proceeded to write another new song (I know I know) and this one is vaguely about designer Vaughan Oliver (all the 4AD records) who I am friendly with. It’s title is “v.oliver sleeve” and again is unlikely to make the final record. It was basically working with percussion as I am wary of not having any on the album but I can’t say why exactly.

I can say that “Sad at Me” will be there and my plan is to have Lissy Rosemont (Junior League) play banjo on the second half. I am designing their new record (cover art by Mekon Jon Langford!!!) and she is game. The issue is she isn’t in town until October but she may do her part in a studio in Atlanta or better yet over the phone which is my suggestion and my secret desire.

Jamie Green of my local faves Greenland (and a frequent guest of my Hut residency) offered to help which I may just find a way to take him up on. I also have plans to do a photo shoot in the wig shop around the corner from my office with uber talented Lexie Moreland (she has a show opening at Dahlak on the 3rd – be there) but that is a later tale to tell.

More soon. x’s and o’s – JF

— John Foster

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