Teahouse of the Spirits
Started the last week of writing and "pre-production" before heading into the studio on the 14th. Today in my pre-rehearsal lyric work sesh, things were flowing nicely, and I got the lyrics to the new song ("churn"). It's called "Teahouse of the Spirits" now. We played this one a few times and tweaked the arrangement here and there, then moved on.
Next we played "Awake" once to keep it fresh. This one was called "Was it Worth All This", but this weekend it became "Awake". There are still some patches where the lyric isn't set yet, but the important thing is to have the band arrangement all dialed in, so Stephen can nail his parts at the top of next week. Vocals come last, so I have some time to let the right words find me. I am hesitant to tell what any of these songs are about yet, some have very clear meanings to me, and some are more impressions or combinations of ideas or moods I am trying to convey. I like the idea of keeping the meanings a secret, but making available my meanings to someone who can look hard enough online, and if they want the "spoilers" they can have them. The beautiful thing about songs is that a song can have a different meaning to everyone, and that's how it should be... although I would like to make the info available if someone is diligent enough to find it.
Finally we spent some time on the arrangement to "Blue Bruises". It gets better every day. This is another "clay sculpture" type song, I feel. Each time we work on it, it gains a little more shape and reality. Last week I was debating whether or not to shelve it for now, because I didn't think we would have it ready in time for tracking, but the guys all seem to be into working on it and finding out where it goes. This last 2 weeks has been really productive for the song writing. When we took this time off to work, I though maybe we'd get one good song out of it, maybe two... but we have 3 really strong diverse ones. Really pleased with that. Once these are tracked, that will make 15 to choose from for the record.
Ok, random info from other areas of life:
The rain stopped.
Came in 2nd at a poker game at Dave's cousin Johnny's house on Sunday. It was a tough game, so I feel pretty good about the showing. The 200 bucks doesn't hurt either.
Sold my purple Divided by 13 amp at True Tone music in Santa Monica. Have been really happy with my Mesa Boogie Dual/Triple Rectifier rental, and am stoked for my blue custom one to show up. At the moment, playing Dave's white SG through the recto is making me happy, so that looks to be the move for the time being.
Dave and I played a live acoustic version of "Outsider" on Dave's Camp Freddy radio show on Saturday. Man, they have such a good time doing that show, I see why it communicates on the air. Billy and Dave are really good together.
Still listening exclusively to "Frances the Mute". I tend to do this with music that I get really into. Kind of like the old saying: "Anything worth doing is worth overdoing". I have a rule when I am listening to it alone or in the car: NOT to skip any music, not to hit "next" when one of the big atmospheric movements starts. This is the knee-jerk reaction, when after say, "The Widow" ends, and there is still 3 minutes of psychedelic warbling sounds to come before the next song. I am getting a lot from letting the whole experience sink in each time, and not letting my listener's impatience or dependence on standard album structure and pacing get in the way of the Volta's vision. I read on a message board that the areas of sound scape take your attention off of the music, almost giving away it's self-importance, and letting your mind wander, then bringing the focus back to the music. I find this idea very interesting.
Watched "The Contender" tonight. Frigging great, another reality show staple for my TiVo to chew on. Also watched "Intervention" on A&E on Sunday. Very, very, heavy and very good.
Comments
Listened to the show from Saturday yesterday...it was very entertaining. Outsider sounded fantastic acoustic. Sounds like the process is still going strong, like the name of the new song, and I guess you had to have at least one song that alluded to all this "spooky" stuff you've been delving into!
As for FTM, I'm just putting it back on for another listen, but it has got a kind of addictive quality that makes me want to listen to every little bit too!
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | March 8, 2005 02:59 AM
Steve, amazing vocals on CFR on Saturday, keep it up and pretty soon it'll be like Perry Who?
The contender is starting on UK TV this week, already seen the build up, cannot believe how good Sugar ray looks, cannot believe how Aged Sly looks.
Be Safe Be Happy
Tonto
Posted by: tonto1% | March 8, 2005 03:37 AM
ah man Steve, that was the best fight ever. Although I was routing for the underdog I couldn't help but also want peter to win. You know he seemed nice, not arrogant... but I think alfredo kinda inspired me, if you can see it you can do it...
At first I was disappointed that the medium wasn't on but it was worth it.
how you stop the knee jerk reaction is beyond me. It's so hard.
Posted by: Wendybird | March 8, 2005 08:49 AM
Steve, you really ought to get a good listen of Deloused in the Comatorium. It should have be a required listening before Frances the Mute! Really an epic piece of work. Flea and John Frusciante also were a notable addition...
Of course, I played HALO 2 first so look who's talkin'. :)
-Craig
Posted by: Craig | March 8, 2005 09:27 AM
Yes, the rain stopped -- Thank God! We've got greenich/blackish moss-like gunk on our garden walking stones -- crap, even the rocks aren't used to it in SoCal.
I couldn't agree more on the song titles thing... In fact, let me take that a step further: I used to never read lyrics because they "spoiled" my image of songs. I'm over that, but it's a downer when your interpretation veers greatly from the liner notes.
Posted by: Mike | March 8, 2005 10:56 AM
Steve-I am digging the "Teahouse of Spirits" title, very cool. A quick question becuase you rock, are you guys going to play a quick one off show before the record drops & before you hit the road on tour? Maybe a CD release party? Just curious.........
Brett
Posted by: Brett | March 8, 2005 03:33 PM
OK, I am digging into MV's FTM. I've been busy as hell, so managing one extended sitting has been difficult, and I am traveling again tomorrow. For now, I can at least say that "rock" music needs more of this kind of music -- free, unbounded, emotional, psychedelic, compelling, inspiring, etc. On the other hand, I was hoping for a bit more melody in places...
After I do it justice, I will report back.
Posted by: Mike | March 8, 2005 06:49 PM
"Outsider"....WOW! I keep going back and listening again. The vocals AND the playing - amazing. Thanks for that.
I am loving the song titles too and your whole lyrics and song meanings comments. I am such the lyrics girl so I can't wait to experience yours...in volume. Especially after reading about the process/intriguing mind that they spring from.
Be well,
~ Susan
Posted by: Suz | March 8, 2005 06:51 PM
I heard you & Dave sing "Outsider" on Camp Freddy. What an unbelievable song! Your vocals are amazing. I cannot wait 'til you release the CD.
Posted by: Beverly | March 8, 2005 10:00 PM
yes the contender is greatness, mark burnett might know what he is doing.
Posted by: Dria | March 8, 2005 11:43 PM
Steve, just been listening to 'Outsider' again on CFR.... Where in the hell did you get those pipes from man...
YOU ARE THE F@?*ING BUSINESS!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: tonto1% | March 9, 2005 10:11 AM
"Outsider" was beautiful the other night and it makes me even more anxious to hear the rest. Reading here and at 6767 is such a big tease! However, it is so nice to get to the opportunity to sort of go along for the ride.
I have a very good feeling about "Blue Bruises" because because it sounds like it is really getting the creativity and curiosity flowing amongst the four of you. Dave seemed really into it when he posted about it....
Posted by: Jenniffer | March 9, 2005 01:01 PM
Looking forward to hearing you play those three songs live, and having you introduce them by saying, "This is a song about a girl."
I love, love, love, Outsider, I call it the ice clinking song, remember when Dave said that at the first Dragonfly gig?
hoping you and Riss are enjoying the early summer weather
love,
jezzi
Posted by: jezebel | March 11, 2005 05:12 PM