Seven Days Behind Me • Recording

Recording Progress

Seven Days Behind Me - Logic Pro screenshot

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Computers and software have made it possible to record an album anywhere. It still requires a lot of work, and there is a long learning curve, but it can be done.

I have been recording since I was a teen, bouncing tracks back and forth between two cheap cassette players. The sound quality was horrible, as you might expect, but it was addicting to hear different guitar parts layered together. I graduated to a four-track cassette recorder in the 1980s and was thrilled to be able to record four separate parts (more by bouncing tracks.)

Once computers became powerful enough to handle audio and software plugins, I moved on to DAWs (digital audio workstations) on my Mac. DAWs are essentially recording studios in software. I used Digital Performer for many years but recently switched to Logic Pro because my bandmates both use it. Now, we can collaborate on projects via iCloud. I just added three guitar parts to Mark Johnston’s latest song without leaving my house.

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Recently, services like DistroKid have made it easy and inexpensive to get music on music streaming services. So, I have begun recording songs that I have written—songs that very few people have heard. I have recorded many instrumental songs over the years, including a full jazz album, but I have always wanted to record vocal songs, too.

I am not a singer, and up until about a year and a half ago, I would have never sung in public (other than in a church congregation.) But when I started American Garage Band, which features two great singers, I figured I needed to at least try to sing. I hoped I could do some harmony or background vocals. But I got brave (or stupid, not sure) and asked if I could sing lead vocals on a couple of songs. Surprisingly, the guys said yes and even encouraged me.

I sing one of my own songs (Sittin’ In The Shade) with the band now, and one of our regular livestream viewers on TikTok calls it “the best song ever written.” 🤣 I am sure countless people would disagree, but it is rewarding to know people like a song I have written.

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Here it is if you are curious:

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I still do not like my voice, and I have a long way to go to be considered a real singer, but I decided to sing on my recordings anyway so that I can get them done and released.

As a songwriter, I would be thrilled if a famous singer wanted to record one of my songs. That is the dream scenario, but I am not holding my breath. And it’s not like I am chasing a music career at my age, but I do want to get my music out there for others to hear.

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Anyway (long story, longer)…

The latest song I am recording is called Seven Days Behind Me. It is a simple ballad about being away from home and missing the one you love. But that doesn’t make it easy to record.

I recently did three different recording sessions where I recorded two tracks of acoustic guitar (one miked and one direct), two tracks of electric guitar (one ambient and one to beef up the last chorus), three tracks of shaker (I decided not to use drums on this song), a track of bass, and a vocal track.

Yesterday, I added compression and EQ to all of the tracks, which took about four hours. Next up are reverb, levels, panning, and mastering (multi-band compression, EQ, and limiting to get the finished sound). Hopefully, I can get those done on Wednesday.

Then, I need to find a cover image (I will probably ask for your advice again), add the title, and upload the files to DistroKid for distribution to the music services.

It’s a lot of work for a “simple” three-minute song. But I love it.