A film roll and a cover song
Plus an update on making a record
For the paid subscribers, I’ve included a cover of a song that’s always reminded me of summer. Well, the original does. My cover sort of brings it into winter territory.
Up until this past week, I’d been fairly successful at balancing the various creative endeavors I’ve taken on this year. Weekly essays, video essays, writing and producing music, and a short list of other projects. But I think if you’re making a record, you’re not really doing it right unless you’re getting lost in it, and this past week saw all the signs of that — disrupted sleep schedules, forgetting to eat, and moments where I was a more-than-typical walking mood swing.
In the last few years, I scored two films, music directed for a handful of artists, and predominantly produced music for others. I’d clock in and clock out. I could offer my opinion on a lyrical change, but ultimately it was not my story, and so I didn’t carry the weight. I was not plumbing the depths of my being. The difficulties of working for a director or for other artists came with their own brand of stress, but it was different than embarking on the hero’s journey. By hero’s journey, I’m referring to the bit about going on an adventure and returning transformed - I do understand the difference between an artist and a firefighter or ER nurse.
As far as that journey goes, I’ve recently had more than a few days where I’d spent hours chiseling away at something only to ultimately feel numb when listening back to the result. Those are important days to have. They are part of the process. You wander down a path in the woods for a mile and a half only to come upon a clearing and say, “Nope. This ain’t it.” So, you double back and try a different direction. I’m not typing this to offer you advice. I’m reminding myself.
Sometimes you have to settle for a small breakthrough to alleviate the pressure of waiting for a big one. This past weekend, that came in the form of a recently developed roll of film. About a year ago, I spent $30 on an old point-and-shoot camera on eBay, and I’ve since fallen in love with the ritual of creating a little time capsule that I have the privilege of opening when the photo lab sends me my prints. In looking at my photos, I realized I’d been tinkering with songs rather than capturing them, and I really wanted to get back to the latter.
Below are a few of my favorites from recent rolls.
THE RECORD CLUB
Last week’s selection was Maddie Cunningham - Revealer (2022)
You can find my ramblings on last week’s record in the comment section below.
This week’s selection is…
Week #9
The Beatles - The White Album (1968)My Cover of “Love My Way” by the Psychadelic Furs
Below is one from the archives. My take on “Love My Way” by The Psychedelic Furs. I did this with Warren Trunz, who also mixed it, a few years back. Enjoy.