Joey L. + Music = This

I don’t update my Tumblr as much as I would like but I am writing more frequently on my new music blog: Pet Bear Sounds

I write about records, live shows, and other music thoughts. I’ll probably start putting my personal music up there too.

I’ll eventually find a good use for this blog. Maybe it’ll just be boring personal stuff. Or maybe I’ll write haikus on here.

Anyway, until then, check out http://www.petbearsounds.com/ for more on my music and other music and what not.

So long for now!

There is nothing more exciting and frustrating than the recording process. The microphones and the “tape” do not lie and expose every flaw in your guitar playing and in your voice. And then the pseudo-self-hatred begins.

But the songs are good and one must carry on!

So, lately, I’ve shunned friends and social excursions to work on this music.

The idea is to record two four-song EPs. The first one to hopefully be posted online in early-June and maybe the next one by early-October. Schedule and weather permitting.

EP No. 1
1. Eyes Just Like Hers
2. Everyday (originally by Buddy Holly)
3. Whistle
4. Love Is Always On My Side

Stay tuned!

Watch this space! I’m planning to do one of those “Top Albums of the Decade” sort of thing.

I’ll start by finding the Top 3 (or 5, I haven’t decided yet) albums of each year in this decade and then from those top albums, create the definitive Top 30 (or 50) albums of the decade.

It’ll be albums that “speak to me,” if you will. Ones that I actually listened to at the time. Alas, I’ll be omitting albums that I discovered much later (My Morning Jacket is a good example).

I’ve been spending a lot of time these days recording or preparing to record music. I’m pretty excited about this project.

As a Christmas gift for friends, I’ve decided to record some music. Specifically, Christmas songs! Basically, I’m recording three traditional Christmas songs (“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”) and one original (untitled; I’ve got to come up with a title for this!).

I’m recording in my friend’s home studio and so far I’ve got the basic acoustic guitar tracks down and lead vocals are complete as well. Of course, my dear friend AW has the unenviable task of doing more of the engineering/production stuff that I know nothing about.

The next step is overdubbing some electric guitars and working out some keyboard parts over the next couple weeks. There’ll also be a lot of work on harmonies and background vocals.

The idea is to use percussion (very basic drums) as an adornment, rather than something that keeps a beat.

More update to come soon… Watch this space!

-J

This is where I will be talking about all things music. Mostly my music. But sometimes it will be about someone else’s music. Enjoy. And if you don’t, well, you can always close your browser and move on.