Track Order in an MP3 World

Up until a few years ago the most popular unit of musical consumption was the album. On albums individual songs were components in a larger artistic vision, and artists very thoughtfully chose the order in which they played. But in today’s MP3 world, where consumers have the ability to cherry-pick individual songs, is track order still even relevant? Why yes…yes it is.

Center Stage with Galen Breen of The Gator Hole - Part 2

Galen Breen of The Gator Hole has gained a reputation for producing some of Nashville's finest demos. In Part 1 of my interview with Galen we talked about his studio and the process of recording a demo. Here in part two we focus on the songs themselves, and what it takes to make yours stand out.

Center Stage with Galen Breen of The Gator Hole - Part 1

Songwriters need demos to pitch their songs, and the world (that is...Nashville) is full of studios ready to make them. Being a good demo studio, however, means more than having the ability to make great recordings. It means having the ability to translate a songwriter's rough ideas into a performance that sounds honest and genuine. It takes an experienced demo producer to do that - one who understands how songs tick, and knows how to milk them for all they're worth.

Lyric Sheet Telepathy

Mental telepathy, telekinesis, Dr. Frankenstein’s lab, Dumbledore’s pensive, and the Vulcan mind-meld – all valid ways to transfer information between two brains without speaking. For those of us not born with pointy ears, giant brains, or magical powers there are a few other options: body language, googley-eyes, and of course, the lyric sheet.

Song Wars: Revenge of the Demo

Before an independent songwriter can pitch a song they must record a demo of it. The function of the demo is to introduce the song to interested parties – publishers, artists, and producers. It stands to reason that the demo should portray a song in its best light, but now that demos are taking on a life of their own a rebellion has begun...