Today, I head off to Brown Bannister's studio to work on pre-production of the first 3 songs we're recording.
I was supposed to start recording on Monday with another producer, but some things didn't fall into place, so he wasn't able to start working yet. So, Thursday is the day we start tracking.
I will have my computer with me in the studio and keep a running update of what's going on throughout the day. We've decided on the 12 songs and a possible 13th. I wrote or co-wrote all 13 songs. And I'm excited about the material.
The first 3 songs we're working on will be a co-production of Brown Bannister and my good friend Stephen Leiweke.
They will be:
Are You Pleased?
Potential
Something Beautiful.
So, tomorrow, I'll start my studio blogs.
I can't wait!!!
P.S.: Go check out the new version of Hero on myspace.com/chrissligh and tell me what you think. It's way different...but Brown thought the old version was a little 80's, so I took another pass at the arrangement. It's a little slower and piano based.
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51 comments:
Studio blogging sounds great!! I can't wait :).
Go belt out those tunes :).
Lori
ditto that, bottom line is we're all more than ready to hear more music from you---so get busy, stay healthy and enjoy the process !
that's awesome, i've always been a huge fan of Brown Bannister - i'm excited to hear how things turn out.
Samual,
Thanks for stopping by. I've never seen you on before. I checked out your blog...good stuff.
I hope to hear more from you.
Chris
To Chris Sligh
From GDA,
Are the arrangements already set and like Brian Wilson, you basiclly know what the finished recording will sound like? Or they still sketchy and some experimentation awaits?
GDA,
I'd say both are true. The arrangements are set, but if we happen onto something that is cool, we'll follow that road to see where it goes.
Chris
I was listening to your demos this morning (like I do every other morning) and I heard a cool new version of Love Is Raining Down. It caught me by surprise in a good way.
Anyway, good luck with your recording. I'm digging the demos and the new one of Hero.
Thanks!
Norman
no, no, no---that will be my grandson's response to the new HERO---it is certainly a sweeter version and I have never thought of myself as an 80's sound fan but must say I prefer the hard driving version--your original release even over the Brash remaster---but since it was immediately followed by "I'm Clean" I have calmed down----what can I say, I prefer the energy of the original. Back to my online chores. Later.
I have to agree with Vivian (or her grandson) on Hero. Although the transition from song-to-song with Hero is sweeter and smoother, the original release suits that song more. I really really like what you did with it though. But I listened to both versions back to back and I personally prefer the original. That's just me.
Well as an 80's baby let me be the first to say hey now, gotta love the 80's. But the musical arrangement in it now is really nice. I'm still trying to get used to the whole change in it, though.
I'm so much more used to the old version of Hero, *but* I do think that the new demo will overall be a better fit for the sound of your upcoming album, so for that reason I approve of the new demo :). I'm still trying to decide if the new version will be suitable for soundtracks (including of course the theme for the show Heroes!) ...I think it can still work, though.
Absolutely. Although I think the writing for Heroes sucks (worse than Smallville). It would still be a pretty big deal for Hero to be the theme.
Sorry to all Heroes and Smallville fans. I used to be a big fan of Smallville. Up until I realized I was watching a soap opera. Every other episode, some offset character dies, someone finds out Clark's secret, someone gets amnesia, Clark loses his powers almost as much as the world explodes in DBZ.
I am so excited for you. I'm even more excited for us.... Can't wait to get home and check out the new Hero song.
Studio blogging is going to be so great. It will be like we are right there with you..
Chris -
You should have left up your "cheesy Good Intentions" a bit longer.
I like your other new versions that you have up - especially the new version of Hero. I was hoping that you would treat the HPF songs to different arrangements.
And I'm REALLY enjoying your new front page (however temporary it may be...)
To Rosalee,
From GDA,
Please define "cheesy"
like the new "hero"
and I love love love "heroes"
best show on tv
and I would be thrilled
if "hero" got on "heroes"
my fingers are crossed
GDA -
I guess you didn't see what Chris had up on his Myspace Site this morning. It was a version of "Good Intentions" that he titled as "Loaded Gun cheesy synth strings", or something like that. I started to listen to it, but got interrupted with a phone call and never got back to it. (You know, the way we "seniors" get distracted easily...LOL)
Cheesy = corny
The Urban Dictionary has the best definitions:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cheesy
To Rosalee,
From GDA,
My vague understanding of the word cheesy isn't as generous as corny, so it didn't seem to fit. I would probably use the word kitsch.
I am at work and access to MySpace is denied, so I have no idea what is what until I get home, assuming the posting endures that long.
Hey Dude -
Thanks again for the MySpace Add. Since we're officially "friends" (tongue in cheek) - I have to tell you I agree with some of the other bloggers - Don't mess with Hero!
If I had heard the new version having never heard the previous (which admittedly is going to be the case for most of your new listeners) - I would say it's okay. But it didn't grab me the way so many of your other songs do, or the way the original arrangement does. I don't think it has the same power or emotion. What's wrong with rocking out? You've got plenty of powerful mid tempo songs and ballads - I think staying true to the original just showcases your depth of talent and range all the more.
Dude - I feel ridiculous criticizing your work - kind of like telling Cindy Crawford she's ugly because of the mole on her face - but you solicited honest opinions - so I'm obliging.
You may have covered this already - but is "Hero" a likely candidate to wind up on the new album? I don't remember it being on the list.
Peace -
Tom in ATL
Finally got home so I could listen to the new version on "Hero". I like it!!!It shows off your voice more than the old "Hero" did. I liked the old one also but I think I like the new one better.
What Tom said.
(You don't always have to take their suggestions you know!)
Hope y'all had a great day. Mine's not over yet...trying to finish putting in a classroom observation and uploading it to be ready to go out and do another tomorrow. (so what am I doing on here? LOL--it's a lot more fun here, that's why!)
Looking forward to your studio blogging, Chris. Have fun in there!
The dogpile has started over the lack of success for Jordin's album. 119,000. Yahoo has a front page that article that says: "Idol Album Bombs".
Honestly, it sucks because the record label should have been able to move more records than that. The album is a good album and "Tattoo" is up near the top 10. Gosh, Taylor Hicks sold 298,000.
19 has a reputation for giving up on acts if they don't explode right away (see Bo Bice, Katherine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, etc). I'm hoping that this is the one time where they do the right thing.
Any new artist would love to sell 119,000 records their first week out. They just need to work hard to build her fanbase. The goal should be to make her an artist, not a reality tv show contestant (actually this should be the goal for any former AI contestant).
So, here's hoping 19 and Jive do the right thing.
Peace and love,
Chris
Jordin's a cute girl with a great talent. I hope they do the right thing by her.
Chris, good luck in the studio. It's going to be fun (as well as informative) to be in on the process. Thanks for letting us be part of it.
Good night, friends! Risa
Chris,
I listen to your new demo of Hero. I like the other versions better. The new version just does not fit. Especially right at the end when you do the scream thing. I expect to hear that on a more hard driving song, not a soft version. Hero, btw is my favoirite song from TACOSB and is even my ringtone for my cell. Also if you are going toinclude it on your new upsoming CD, why not have one rock out song?? It is good to mix it up. That wya everything doesn't start to sound the same.
Ok I know that all sounded harsh but you wanted an honest opinion.
Carmen
Chris,
I'm very excited about the studio blogging- I have learned a great deal about the music industry already from your posts!
Also, great news about Amanda- she is 100% cancer free!!!! :) :) Woohoo!!
A round of applause for our friend Amanda!
God is really good!
Chris
Congrats, Amanda. I read earlier.
And yeah I deleted all my comments on here. Sorry.
Thanks for your kind remarks to me on the last blog, Chris. Lord knows the LAST thing I ever want to do is disturb the love here.
Glad to know there is no misunderstanding.
Have to say I like the new version of "Hero". Don't know if I like it better. It's kinda like deciding which of my kids do I love the most. Of course it's the one who's farthest away but in this setting, I'd have to say I most love the version I listened to last. ha ha
Looking forward to your upcoming studio blogging. Hope you're resting up good right now.
clarissaNaz
I had my first listen of the new "Hero" and although I like it, I love the orginal version. It's just a feel good song and I think the 'rocked out' version just fits better overall.
A studio blog sounds awesome! Have fun!
P.S-My sister's babyshower is Dec 15th, you're all invited :P I can't believe she'll be 30 weeks this saturday, time flies.
One more thing.. my laptop has been having problems for a while now but especially recently which is why I haven't been on. Hopefully I'll have a new one by the end of this weekend. I knew I'd have to buy one because my sister gave this one to me and it's pretty old.
I really feel terrible he critics are saying that about Jordin's album. It isn't her fault. I think that she might sell alot more as her media junket continues. Everyone agrees, she is a lovely girl, with an extraodrinary voice...maybe she just needs soem more time for Tattoo to help drive the album.
There is a built in prejudice against AI contestants, musicians or not. People wnat to see what's on there, before they buy.
We went thru all this the past week on the Blake forums. I refuse to get worried. Tattoo has been out for 2 months, and only very recently hit our local Top40 stations. Only this week, since her stuff on tv, has she gotten hourly play! The more she is seen, the better the album will do. She has a real talent, and it doesn;t take alot to see, she isn;t a studio hothouse flower. Anybody can see, she's for real.
The album sales thing tho, I do believe it is a different world than in years prior. Even one that was widely anticipated like 1R only sold 86,000 so far.
Chris,
Dude, you know I love you, but I really like the original version of Hero better. I'm like Tom, and loathe to criticize you, but I've always believed you appreciate honesty, so that's my two cents.
Sincere congratulations to Amanda-FABULOUS news! God is indeed good.
Sending you love from DJ
I'm so excited for Amanda - It was great waking up to that news this morning! God is good!
As for Jordin's album - I'm very frustrated by this. I haven't done much research or reading to back this up, but - isn't she doing really good on iTunes? Why can that not be considered??
This is just what Chris was talking about before - that the record industry is leaning more towards the iTunes way of buying some songs off an album, OR the whole album offline. These aren't counted in record sales. I personaly bought the entire album - but I bought it offline to get it cheaper. Does that mean I'm not supporting Jordin and I helped make her album "bomb"? That just frustrates me. I heard that Tattoo is actually higher than Break Anotha this week, or something. What gives??
Chris can you expound on this, please? I know you have more of an understanding of the hard copy vs. online buying thing. I'd hate to see Jordin get the short end of the stick, you know?
I am positively thrilled about the Amanda news!!! What a blessing!
As for Jordin's album not selling well, that is really bothering me. I hate seeing all the nasty articles about how bad AI6 was, how Jordin shouldn't have won, etc... I just don't understand why people are underestimating Jordin's (and other's) talent. She is an amazing singer, her single is in the top 10 most downloaded songs on iTunes (isn't it near the top 10 in radio play as well?), and her album only just came out.. There's still plenty of time to sell! Especially if her next single is an even bigger success than Tatoo (and I think there are a lot of songs on the album that are better).
I just really want her album to do well... And now I'm dreading the week Blake's album comes out - he'd better sell several thousand copies, or the critics will really let AI6 have it... erg!
For any Third Day fans out there - going to see them tonight - 1st show of their Christmas Offerings tour -
Geeked.
Peace -
Tom in ATL
The first version of Hero is great and it belongs where it is - on the HPF album. That is the version that should be peddled around to TV and the movies.
It appears that the overall tone of this album will be softer, hence the experimentation on the song. The original version may be too edgy for this album. And what's wrong with an "alternate take"? I'd rather not hear the same arrangement twice.
AMANDA,
PRAISE GOD!!!MAY HIS WONDERS NEVER CEASE.... I JUST SAW 100% FREE!!!
YOU GO GIRL...CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR HEALING TO YOU.
CHRIS AND PEEPS,
HOPE ALL IS WELL. THANKSGIVING TURKEY COMAS OVER... ONTO CHRISTMAS.
GOT SOME NEWS THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN. FOR GIFT GIVERS I MIGHT ADD..THEY ARE DOING STUDIES ON THE NINTENDO WII SYSTEM AND FINDING CHILDREN PLAYING THE GAMES ARE BEGINNING TO LOOSE WEIGHT.... YEP THEY ARE LOOKING INTO MAKING SEVERAL NEW GAMES THAT ENHANCE MORE MOVEMENT FOR PEOPLE IN THE GAME PLAYING DEPARTMENT.OF COURSE YOU HAVE TO BUY THE GAMES AND KEEP PLAYING THEM AS SKILL LEVEL PEAKS BUT LESS SEDENTARY LIVES FROM THE COMPUTER BOARD. WELL THINKING NOW TO GET THE ROCK BAND GAME SYSTEM FOR THE HOUSE.THAT MIGHT JUST DROP A FEW...MAYBE CHRIS YOU CAN ADD THAT TO A WISH LIST!!!
LORI,
JUST SAW THE NEW PIC...LOVE THE BABY BUMP!!! GOD BLESS...
OK ALL PEACE & LOVE......
ONE LOVE.........................
Hey - Tom's put a pic up!
GDA - So, where's the pic? C'mon - give us something...
That IS great about Amanda! She's been through SO much and has shown a lot of strength and grace.
Tom:
I am green w/envy. My dream concert is to see Chris open for Third Day. If the tour did not come to Phx I would even book a flight and hotel for the experience. Enjoy and give us a report, OK?
I am also upset about the reports on Jordin's CD Sales. It's only been one week. I don't know many people who go out immediately and buy a CD. They must wait till payday or until they happen to be in a store and see it etc. BUT when the media starts stating the project is a flop, those who were considering buying are less likely to follow through because now the word is, it's somehow inferior.
ARRGGHH!
I feel ya, Lori, Carrianne and Bullyse. What you guys said! :o)
clarissaNaz
This was funny-
http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah7583.shtml
See Chris? You're not the only one with a "mature fanbase".
Yeah Amanda!!God is Good!!!!Never underestimate the power of prayer!!!
Hiya Slim -
Now that does sound like a great pairing - Chris and Third Day. I'd be all over that one too. I'm not supposed to admit this - but I'm actually going to see them again Saturday night - in Chris's old stomping grounds of Greenville, SC. Tonight's show is in Rome, GA about 40 miles outside ATL. I'm a big fan of Third Day - but have never seen them live - so I'm catching up.
They are playing with Jars of Clay - a band Chris references as an influence on his MySpace page - but I have just a passing knowledge of their work. Anybody know much about them? I'm off in an hour or so -
Also - glad to hear of Amanda's good news. If we're "lookin for a Hero" - she fits the bill.
Peace -
Tom in ATL
"glad to hear of Amanda's good news. If we're 'lookin for a Hero' - she fits the bill."
You nailed it, Tom!
Amanda, congratulations on your victory. That is wonderful news. Your family must be so grateful that you are safe and so proud of your strength. Congratulations and thanks also to your medical team and to any powers that made it so, and I hope you start feeling much, much better.
Chris, I do like the new Hero, it's smoother and we can really hear your fantastic voice much clearer, however, I still like the original version better because it has more power.
BTW, how's the foot? Did you ever find out what was wrong with it?
The new version of Hero
1) What is wrong with sounding 80's?
2) The new version is ok. It is like you took the original and sucked the passion out of it. The original has emotion. The new version is like the old version on Prozac. The song is about salvation and looking for hope.
Oddly enough I think of the new Doctor Who when I think of the original version of Hero. One of these days I'll do a fan video of Doctor Who with the original.
Overall I like the old version better. The new version is a pale wanna be of the original version.
-Diane.
Did I mention that there is nothing wrong with the 1980's?? :-)
-Diane.
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