Recording is going well. It’s a tedious but fun process, and I can’t wait to share the results.
I am splitting time between recording in Boston and Lancaster. Both locations have their benefits and drawbacks. There is a huge difference in space with large vaulted ceilings in Boston and the tight slanted attic roof in Lancaster. The two spaces should be recognizable in the final recordings, I’m keeping notes about each recording. Nothing ever goes perfectly. After some failed tests where I discovered bad electrical noise in post production, I settled on simple recording setup that includes the most important piece of equipment: my trusted power conditioner. The old 4 track tape machine has been getting a workout, and the little digital recorder is also getting used. In the end I will have digital and analog copies of each recording to choose from. There is definitely some quirkiness and tape noise with the cassette tape 4 track, and the more I use it the more I like the sound. A little tape noise and quirkiness really sounds more interesting when the other option is a silent digital mirror. Either way this record is getting done, and my voice is getting a serious workout. Think it’s time for some new strings on the guitar and today will be another day in the Lancaster attic.
Are you ready for tonight? Bring a local music CD to PA’s Lounge in Somerville at 8pm and trade for a different local CD, or purchase any CD for $1. All proceeds go to the charity – Music Drives Us. More info and Tickets: http://www.fullsceneahead.com/store/tickets/01-08-2014-pas-lounge-fsa-cd-swap-wtih-jane-park-eric-treehouse-ninjavitis-oculesics/
Sculpture in winter rain
I came home this evening and a sculpture I made a couple years ago was catching the light from between the clouds, horizon and a crooked old willow tree. The light made the whole world appear rusted and warm. I managed a few photos before the sun disappeared… Here is one picture to share! Wishing you a beautiful week full of life, art and music…
Preparing for Wednesday’s performance
Just finished a little graphic design work this morning. The business cards should be ready for pickup this afternoon!
Feeling good
Pat and all the folks at DigBoston.com are some of kindest and friendliest people I’ve ever met. Another great experience, and it felt like home to be back in Boston with my guitar and harmonica, singing into a couple of microphones.
The next step in this process has begun. Before getting some sleep last night I went through the music I recorded over the last few weeks and pulled out a couple test tracks. It’s a huge relief to feel so content with my solo music, I don’t miss having the other instruments. It is surprising how an acoustic guitar can pull at me so hard. It is starting to make sense.
For a while I was worried about filling out space, writing cello parts, adding some percussion or overdubbed vocals. The fact remains constant: I write songs with an acoustic guitar because it feels like the best tool for the job, anything beyond that creates more questions and problems than it solves. This process of sitting down with a guitar, 2 microphones and very limited technology is less forced. No metronomes, click tracks, no computer screen, sound card or software short keys. The guitar, my voice and the microphones get all of my attention. I can hear the music coming into focus, it is relaxing and it feels right.
-Eric
P.S. Next show is Jan 8, 2014 at PA’s Lounge in Somerville MA, time: is TBA. Have a happy New Year!
Live on Dig Boston radio! Sun Dec 22 – 5pm
This is officially the start of Eric Treehouse, the interwebable sites are up, recordings are being recorded and the shows are starting to fill up the calendar.
Just confirmed a Radio interview with Pat B! I’ll be on Sunday Dec 22 @ 5pm tune in at: www.digboston.com
Eric Treehouse live on Dig Boston radio
I’m venturing out solo after the pleasantly mysterious and unforeseen disbanding of The Smile Makers. My friend Pat over at Dig Boston radio,will be hosting the festivities. This will be something of a new beginning for him as well after his move from his previous show on UnRegular radio. There might be some banter about a horrible Miley Cyrus turkey, there will likely be a painful medical procedure to update my poor out of touch brain with all things involving media internet pop culture. And I’ll be talking briefly about my upcoming Recordings. I’m sure there will be a huge amount of random banter hopefully I’ll remember to talk about bad children’s songs that involve batman and we’ll see if we can include a short clip to send you screaming to cut off your ears and stuff cotton balls in the remaining holes. So if you are reading this please tune in and enjoy the show, if you have a suggestion for a topic or a song please send me a note, and I’ll try to include you.
I’m happy to feel the continued connections with all the people who supported my band over the passed 4 years, and 2014 is going to be a freaking great year!
Put on your winter clothes, strap on your ice-skates, hold high your ukulele and lets all play full contact flag field hockey!!! Go team! -Eric