March 2012 - SOTW Update

I am really pleased.  I've made significant progress on the technology front.  I ditched the old Dynex webcam, and replaced it with a new Logitech C920 HD webcam.  It gives a much, much better image, and the mics are pretty good too.  I got alot of improvement for $100.  I didn't like the webcapture software that came with it, so I first tried Debut webcapture software from NCH.  I liked it and paid the $40 for the licence.  I also bought an MXL770 condensor microphone to capture vocals - it does a remarkable job.  I had to admit defeat with trying to use the Samson Zoom H4N as an audio interface - not with Windows 7, at least.  Or maybe it just doesn't like me.  I've had a Yamaha Audiogram6 audio interface laying around since last Christmas (I know that's a long time, but I was crazy busy).  So I dusted it off, updated the drivers and gave it a spin.  It's miraculous the instant improvement in the vocal/guitar mix!  Looooove it.

Three months down.  I stopped to look around, and suddenly I realize that I'm getting alot more comfortable with the whole thing.  I do some planning to pick songs to work up that I can have ready to record in 3 - 4 weeks.  I put in alot of practice, but I'm not panicked about the weekly deadline.  And the red light, well it's still a struggle at times, but more and more I just don't think about it much.

Here are March's songs:

Week #12: On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand, Samuel Stennett, 1787

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0-oWs-o2bQ

 

Week #11: Do Lord, traditional Negro Spiritual

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hgjtyhRtq8

 

Week #10: The Only Exception, Paramore, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y2Bkuzj30k

 

Week #9: Are You Lonesome Tonight, Lou Handman, Roy Turk, 1927

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMOzhDJ2DHo

 

This is alot of fun and I'm really enjoying the journey. I'd like to work up more of the contemporary songs, but I find that they take longer to prepare.  Some of the older stuff is faster for me to prepare, so it is what it is.

 

It's a little hard to believe that I've only got 3 more seasons left! Now if I could just get to be more satisfied by my work on the songs themselves. I'd really like to get more emotion captured in the performances.

 

It's Spring, and there's music in the air.