Process

My first step was to think about the sounds I wanted to incorporate into my album.  I started thinking about what types of instruments I liked the sound of, and what aspects of my favorite bands that I wanted to reflect in my own music.

My second step was to take my inspiration and brainstorm chord progressions, synth sounds, and drum parts. After each brainstorming session, I recorded some ideas I could use in the writing and recording process. 

Using my recordings from my brainstorming sessions, I experimented with Logic. I began by watching YouTube videos about simple track editing and cutting. I then tried out some mixing techniques. 

To create the vocal melodies in the song, I listened to the song and began to brainstorm harmonies. From there, I recorded each voice part and added a total of three harmonious parts. 

In recording session #2,  I worked in my drum teacher's studio again. I started by pulling some chord progressions from my previous brainstorming sessions and built the foundation of my first song. After recording the guitar, I added bass and created a synth line. From here, I added more melodic guitar and synth parts. 

To create the vocal melodies in the song, I took a similar approach as the other song. I brainstormed potential harmonies over the song and then recorded each one one by one. 

Going into this project, I knew I wanted to use the drums in an experimental way in order to leave my comfort zone. While brainstorming the drums parts, I did not want to go with the first idea I had. While Song 2 ended up having a more traditional drum part with a basic beat and fills, Song 1 has a more unorthodox drum part. The song needed more lows, so I decided not to use any cymbals, and to mute my drums. To do this, I put my old drum heads on top of each drum. From here I started playing around with rudiments to find a beat.