When I left Brash, I knew where I was going to go for my next record deal. I knew that was where I wanted to be and they wanted me to be there. And I still believe both of those things to be true. I just didn't know it was going to take so freaking long.
When Brash and I broke up, I was 2 weeks away from starting this record. Now, a month after I was supposed to start, well, I feel like I'm about to go stark-raving mad. I've never had so much creative energy just bundled up ready to pop out.
We have cut the album to 14 songs, plus a few instrumental interludes. Those 14 songs are in my opinion...well, incredible. Those that know me get that I'm not saying that in a cocky sort of way. I'm saying it in this sense: I truly believe that this album is the best work I have ever done. And I truly believe it may probably be the best work I'll ever do. So much pain and struggle has gone into making this album that I can't imagine ever topping this emotionally. And music, if done right, is 95% emotion. I'm warning you...if this album turns out how I think and hope and it will - how I hear it in my head - it's all downhill from here.
I am so ready to finally get in the studio and birth these songs into what they are meant to be. I'm pumped to get in the studio with some of my best friends and hash out arrangements and making sure every single note, every single beat, every single sound is exactly what it needs to be.
I think I told you guys this before, but this album will be branded as a band album. The credits will read:
Chris Sligh is...
Chris Sligh: lead vocals, keys, guitar
Clint Milburn: guitar, bgv's
Tommy Lee: bass, bgv's
Jon Skaggs: drums, percussion, loops, bgv's
So, obviously I'm excited about that. My band is making a record with me.
I'm excited to bring in guys like Jason Walker to do some piano stuff; Don Chapman will be coming in to do some strings stuff (this album will have a lot of strings); Blair Masters will hopefully come and do some keys stuff (he played on my last record); looks like Brown will be producing 3-4 songs.
The short of it is this: I'm pumped to make this record. I'm hoping to start by the end of the month. The songs are done. The guys are ready to rock. This project needs to be in your hands as soon as possible.
This album has been and I know will be life changing.
I hope it is for you, too.
70 comments:
Hoping it all comes together soon. The timing with Brash was unexpected for me at least. Is there any chance that Vessel will be released as a single?
Badpacifist: I'm pretty sure Vessel has already been released as a single because I know its been getting at least some airplay. So has Something Beautiful...at least one station KADI has been spinning twice a day.
Chris: Thanks for the update, my only question is what exactly is going on from a label aspect? Who are you signing with, or is it still up in the air? I'm glad to hear you're working with Bannister again, I thought he did a great job with RBTY.
One more question if you don't mind my asking: Is your Laconia NH concert going to be an acoustic show or will you have a band with you?
Well, everything else associated with Chris Sligh has been life changing for me, so why should this album be any different? : ) I don't know if you told us via the blog about the band branding thing....I know we heard it at the picnic. I think that's exciting. Clint, Jon, and Tommy are awesome musicians (as well as good guys), and between you and them and the new music, well, just don't think this thing can miss.
So, what we need to be praying for is a deal that is beneficial for you, for this album, and for it to be offered asap. Done and done.
Saving for the next CD purchase now. Wouldn't want my plaque to go to somebody else. ; )
I know in my heart that this will all come together for you really soon. I'm also really excited that the "boys" will be recording with you. They are all such awesome musicians and as Risa said they are really wonderful people.
Life changing..I wouldn't expect anything less than that from you. Risa put it best that everything you do is life changing for us.
The band name is...
The Chris Sligh Band?
Chris Sligh & ...?
Is this album intended for an October release to be available for the Christmas season?
The album will probably come out in February...
Chris
I'm looking forward to your next album.
Risa -
Here's a link to some Rascal Flatts video from the Today Show, including "Here Comes Goodbye":
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=14151080&blogId=499600407
I hope this link works. If not, go to Myspace Music - Rascal Flatts and look under their blogs (July 10th)
You're a sweetheart, Rosalee! My favorite part was watching the crowd sing along. Reminded me of some girls singing along with this back in January. : )
life changing music
it's time for some life changes
I am so ready.
I KNOW that it will be life-changing. Your excitement is contagious!
I can't wait. It's going to be a great album!
I have to add in a funny story... at the "picnic" when Chris decided to sing... my sister and her boyfriend were sitting in the other room because my sister was of course exhausted. I guess when her boyfriend asked "why is the radio so loud?" was when my sister looked at him and was like "...um, that's Chris Sligh!" Hahaha! So he didn't believe her and that's when they came over to see what was going on.
Also, Blake is having a cd come out in October. Yay for my two favorites of season 6 still having careers! Haha.
Hahaha Risa! At first I was like "how much does she need to save for a CD..." then I remembered you bought like a thousand.
Chris-I know this next album will be life changing for me just like Risa said-everything you do has changed her life. I was excited reading your blog. February seems like a long way off, but then I thought from last summer from this summmer was a long way off. I waited so long to come to Nashville and it was worth the wait!
Did you all read my post I left on Chris' last blog where all the picnic stuff is? Its the last one on that blog. I wanted to thank everyone for all your kind words you said about me in your posts. I also want to thank the picnic com-
mittee for my plaque. I was totally surprised and shocked.
My mom got to hear the song Chris sang at the picnic. I have to remind her to tell everyone about her award-she probably doesn't want to mention it because it contains the word "OLDEST" ! Who made the plaques? They're awesome.
Amy
I absolutely hate waiting! I don't know how you do it. Prayers coming your way that this plays out exactly as you wish it to. I have absolutely no doubt this will be the CD you hope it to be and I personally can't wait!!!!
Back from Savannah, and fell totally in love with the place. If you've never been you absolutely must go it is without a doubt the most beautiful place eva!
Back to reality and reality stinks!
Later Fro Patro!
Keep us posted Chris.........
Amy,
Saw your post on the last blog post from Chris, I'm hoping too it won't be another year before we all see each other again!
P.S. I sent you an email last week, don't know if you fixed your email or not.....
DJ
Chris,
No way it will be all down hill from here. You may think this is the best you can ever be, but that's just because this is now. You're right, this is all bursting out of you now...and I'm guessing the font will not be running dry down the road!! God didn't bless you with all this mega talent just to hit the mother load all at once and then -kaput nothin' else.
Anyway,I cannot WAIT! Just like all of us!! (guess I'll have to...just like all of us!)
Carrie: Not quite a thousand or you would have seen G. Ratliff vs. R. Ratliff in the divorce column fo'sho'! He's pretty easy-going, but that would probably have pushed him over the edge. LOL
Deb: WHY DIDN'T YOU TAKE ME WITH YOU ??? DON'T YOU KNOW A SISTA' NEEDS TO TAKE HER SISTA'?!
Amy/Cathy: I love, love, love Chris's music, but the most life changing thing he has given me are precious friends I would never have known otherwise. That would have to be #1 on my list. But the music is definitely next!
Chris: If you never wrote another note, you would have achieved your goal of bringing people together. (however, we expect lots more notes!-just sayin'!)
Crap, I said I was only going to post once under this blog. Foiled by my wordiness once again. I need to take Haiku lessons from Sandy to learn to say more in fewer words!
Sligh-ku for Risa
is like putting the ocean
into a milk jug.
:)
Risa, I so agree with you. I also love Chris's music more than anything, but the friends and bonds I have made through him is amazing. I am so blessed to have made such good friends that have become like sisters to me. On that note...I think the next road trip should be to Savannah..Chris, do you have any shows coming up in Savannah?
Risa-you know you could have come along! Well not sure how hubby would have felt about it, but it would have been fine with me, LOL!
Cathy-I'm all for a Blogger Girl trip to Savannah, it is the perfect place for us!
So....it's back to work today, and it's hard enough but add pouring rain to the equation and it makes it near impossible, ugh!
Hey Everyone,
DJ-I got your card and you're e-mail. I think I sent you an e-mail but I can't remember.
Coming to Nashville has definetly changed my life. Meeting such an awesome group of people who come from all kinds of backgrounds but who came together because of what Chris started is so cool! I am amazed at the differences we have and yet we all get along. Risa, you're so right, one of the best things to happen to me is Chris starting this blog!
Road trip to Savannah? You need to come to Colorado Springs first!
Amy
How about a road trip to Detroit? Well not ACTUALLY Detroit, but a lovely suburb. (I emailed my music ministers about getting Chris for a concert at our church, but they never replied. I guess I'll have to get in their faces.) :P
I echo Robyn on the "no way will it all be downhill from here."
I look forward to the album, whenever it comes. I try not to say "I can't wait," because I can and I will!
danny gokey and you need to do a duet
how can 2 talented singers be unsigned?
wait a new band?
why don't you come back with half past forever?
uh oh, Anon alert, Anon alert.....
LOL...
The anon's being nice...
Chris
U sure?
.....:)
Draw in your mama radar, Deb. : )
i know...i loved the name half past forever...
ok, ok, but I thought it was my week to be on watch?
LOL
Happy Tuesday ya'll!
Hey Chris...Are you still coming to the Crystal Cathedral this weekend?
Anyone going to any of the AI concerts this summer? I think it might be appropriate to post your recaps here, cause if it wasn't for Chris Sligh, I wouldn't have gotten all into American Idol. It's all your fault, fella'!
Going in NLR on July 25th, however, don't look for it to be nearly as fun as two years ago because:
1)Missing sweet Amanda, the ultimate AI concert fan, as she used her AI radar to find Idols wherever they might hide (and took me along for the ride).
2)Seats aren't nearly as good.
3)No Idol blogger friend to get after show passes from.
4)And last, but not least, no Chris Sligh!
That is all.
Risa, asking myself why are you going?
So far, I'm not going. If I can get good seats at the last minute, I'll go. However, I may still go down to the buses in the afternoon to see them. If any of them want to eat my bag (like last year), you'll all hear about it!
Well, cause I gotta' support the homeboy.
Hey Everyone,
Risa-I got your facebook instructions but haven't been able to get to them yet. I spent two hours this morning going around in circles with tech support for flashplayer. I had downloaded flashplayer 10 and had to pay for it. Then I start having computer problems. I finally call tech support and find out its free and I downloaded a version from another website. They kept putting me on hold and I thought my head would explode. I'll try again tomorrow.
DJ-If the anon starts getting nasty let me know-I'll send out the poodles!
Well I forgot about that, geez, sorry! Of course you have to!
Amy, I'll let you know girl, if Chris is ok with it, so am I:)
Rosalee, if you meet Kris at the buses, make sure you tell him you know someone in AR who knows his MIL and taught K next door to Katy's K room. I'm sure that will get you an exclusive something or other! (Big LOL!)
Amy, don't pay for anything on the internet unless you are going to a legit site for shopping. Anything you would probably need for regular internet browsing is going to be free!
I'm going to the Washington DC show on August 4th.
I wasn't going to make it to the Indy show so my mom is instead flying me and Teddy home to Virginia for the DC one.
Like Risa, this one won't be nearly as fun as Season 6 because...
- It'll be my first time back to the DC venue, so I'll have many memories of the amazingly fun day I first met Sligh... but there will be no Sligh this time :(
- We won't be getting there early enough to catch the busses arriving (and potentially getting a lunch offer from a random idol??... oh wait, Sligh won't be there, so that won't happen).
- No After Party passes to be acquired, although my family thinks I can magically pull them out of thin air. Checked all of my sources... unless of course Sligh can put in a good word for me to Gokey?? :)
- Carmen's not flying in from Florida... so therefore it won't be nearly as fun.
BUT we're getting a limo and we'll be able to have "extra fun" due to not driving + chinese food + having my mom & best friend there, so it should still be a fun evening.. just not AS fun.
:) Will post a link to my recap once it occurs. It'll also be on MJs and Rickeys.
Lori, I think you'll have a great time. The limo idea is ingenious! Parking is the worst part of going to Alltel (whoops Verizon, we had a name change two weeks ago). I'm going with two good friends, so we'll have a good time, too, girls' night out, we always have fun.
I like the idea of appealing to Danny Gokey, so in case Chris can't make our plea for us, I've got mine worked out:
"oooo, Danny Gokey, I'm a dear, close, personal friend of Chris Sligh. Can I have an after show party pass, pretty please? I'll send my friends on to the car, it's ok. Unless I can get 3 passes instead of 1. Your new fan, Risa"
And then I can always pull the "I taught kindergarten next to your wife's class and I know your MIL" with Kris Allen. Hmmmm, methinks I'm doomed to stand by the buses with the pre-teens and their moms. I need to borrow a 10 yr. old so I can look inconspicuous. LOL Oh, well, that's where I got that precious pic of Amanda kissing Chris, so who knows, I might get an awesome shot there.
And on another note entirely: I tweeted this to Chris earlier, in the small world category, a stylist friend of mine here in town is a friend of the guy who did the bass work on RBTY. Random, I know.
I totally would have been going to an Idol concert this year.... except I spent my money going to Nashville.
I'm considering just buying the tickets with a credit card lol. But I have no one to go with me!
Awaiting formal post with particulars on the record deal.
I've never been to an idol concert, not even for season 6, so this year wouldn't be the year I start!
I did go to a wonderful concert last night though... Tenth Avenue North at my church! Obviously, I did NOT vote for them in the Dove Awards, but I can safely say I'm a fan. They put on a great show!
A group called Men of Grace opened for them. They are local, from Pontiac, Michigan, but they tour, so I wonder if any of you have heard of them? Look them up, they're very good!
Emily, I think they played at the Doves, Blogger Girls, did they?
I believe so bc I remember thinking, man they are really good and (cute)!
Deb, these boys are like ten years old. And they are the ones who won New Artist of the Year because someone at the Doves failed Math 101. ;)
And she calls ME unobservant! LOL
Hahaha, Risa! My mom said they looked like high school boys! But they are not THAT young; according to their website they were in college ten years ago, so they're around 30, give or take.
Um, sista dear, the lead vocalist Mike Donehey is 25 years old and married. Now I reckon in AR it might take a while to graduate HS but in AL you graduate by about age 18!
Like I said, they are cute, all of them, I'm OLD not BLIND!
And P.S. you are STILL unobservant:)
Emily,
The older you get, the younger everyone else looks!
DJ
DJ and Risa, you guys crack me up..
DJ,
I thought they were cute too. I have liked 10th Ave. North for some time. I got to see them before the Doves here in Florida (where they are from). They do look young but as you said, the older we get the younger every body else seems.
Risa, it looks like they are gonna be in Arkansas in August.
Carmen?....is that you? WTHeck have you been?
DJ,
As always I am here reading along. I am just not one to post much. Yes I "talk" a great deal as you well know, but when it comes to writing I tend to be "quiet."
Besides you & Risa are much better at writing what I am thinking. I would only be repeating what was said so much better.
Carmen, no more concert money for this gal. Between AI, Keith Urban, and upcoming Sligh events, the slush fund is spoken for!
Going to see the new HP movie tonight with hubby and daughter. Off to work out,then enjoy some of this gorgeous in the 80's weather we are having this weekend! (sorry, Clearsa, but at least you got a taste of heaven in Maine!)
Chris, how's your ankle? And hoping the legalese is all hunky dory! (you folks who aren't on twitter, you're missing out. Follow @ChrisSligh)
What's this about an ankle? I'm a Twitter follower but I only get some of Chris' tweets. idk why.
About 10th Ave North: Their look says BRITISH INVASION to me. I expect young girls in their audience screaming "PAAAWWWWLLLL, JOHHHNNN!!!" Always a bit disappointed when they speak, that there is no cute accent.
Emily, I'm glad they came to you for a concert. I'm sure it was fun.
Hey all,
Risa I was suppose to go see the new HP movie today but I got stood up by my 11 year old. How sad for me...I have read all the books and I am hoping to get to see it soon so tell me is it worth the wait?? Like Carmen I have not been posting much but still reading along. I hate that I missed the picnic AGAIN but Seattle was beautiful and I really was missing the hubby. So that being said... People not following twitter are totally missing out. The airplane stuff is much funnier now that I have had to fly recently and I think cat guy should have been sucker punched but maybe not by Chris.Hope you all are well and I have plans to see Chris in October in Springfield. What happened to Oklahoma this year???Take care all.
Candy
Candy, Carmen and I were planning on Springfield, too, and maybe Amy, but the church on the schedule says it is not being held there, and we haven't been able to make contact with the radio station they sent us to. Will try again next week.
Chris,
Sorry about your ankle, hope it's NOT broken! Hope the lawyers are almost through hammering out the details!
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! We are enjoying spectacular weather this weekend, not typical July weather in July so completely grateful for it!
Summer is going by so fast, but I think I'm just about ready for Fall and some college football! War Eagle!
Sending my fellow Fro Patroers love from a content DJ in AL!
Just got back from seeing Chris at Crystal Cathedral with Niques Nana. It was awesome!! Watching Chris perform "Empty Me" with an orchestra and a full band gave me chills. It was beautiful. It was so good to see you again Chris...
Wow,
It looks liked if we can get the details of the Springfield event, we could have a pretty large group of the Fro Patro there. I know I had plan on bringing my mom and her friend along. I will try again this week with the radio station. Maybe I can find out where the venue is going to be.
Chris if you know anything, if would be helpful.
Carmen, just got off the phone with a Mr. Harper at the station. (I decided early morning might be the best time to reach them and I got right to the right guy.) He is in negotiations with another church to host the concert, and hopes to know something later this week. That's all I know!
Have a great week, folks. I think we've got a couple more days of these glorious temps to look forward to here.
Hey Chris! Sounds like you are getting ready for the big push of production. I hope it all goes well, and the music in your head as you hear it, lives. :-) I love the energy that your band and Jason Walker have together, so yay for that pairing!
Don't worry about feeling like you might be at the end of your creative rope. God has plenty of rope to send you. (hugs)
Thanks Risa!
I appreciate that. Last week I called in the middle of the day/late afternoon and just got a ringing phone. So glad you got someone. Lets hope all works out with the new venue. Now how about a place to sleep? LOL
I'm not bookin' till the bookin' for Chris is a done deal! : )
Ya'll we need to start a movement to get Chris on Jon Peter Lewis' American Nobody show. It'd be epic-ly hilarious.
JPL's new season just started:
http://americannobody.com/
Hi it's me Nique's Nana. I haven't blogged in a long time, but I do visit frequently and read what's going on.
Sunday was such an awesome day, Cathy and I got to see Chris perform at the Crystal Cathedral. He perfomed at the regular service and then again at the youth service.
We got our picture taken with him, and that made me happy that I now have a picture of me with Cathy and Chris.
Thanks Cathy for driving us to Garden Grove. I enjoyed our time together.
That was a great pic of y'all!!
Post a Comment