The Prom Writers Night – The Aftermath

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Corey Stewart

About three weeks ago I participated in The Prom Writers Night , a songwriting showcase held monthly at The Promethean (my new favourite venue in Adelaide).

I performed with two other acts, a comedy duo called The Two Strokes and a soloist by the name of Steve Fotineas.

At the end of the night the small but very appreciative audience were asked to vote for the act they thought was the most deserving of the monthly prize of 8 hours recording time at Chapel Lane Studios.

Guess what? I WON. I now have 8 hours of recording time at Chapel Lane Studios, one of the best recording studios in Adelaide if not, Australia at my disposal.

I’m thinking of using the time to see how many new songs I can play live in an 8 hour period. I’m not sure what songs I’m going to be doing but it’s going to be a whole lot of fun.

The studio session has been booked for Wednesday, June 26th. I’ll definitely let you know how it all goes.

Peace,

Corey

CD Project Update #13 – More Vocals Please!

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Corey Stewart

Last week Darren and I completed the electric guitar overdubs for “Girl Like You” and today I’m hopeful that I finish the vocal tracks for the rest of the songs:

Don’t Turn To Me Now
Don’t Want To Let You Go
Jigsaw
Just One Kiss
Nothing Stands In Your Way
Seeing Stars
We Can’t Be Together Anymore
What Have We Got To Lose?

Another thing that I’ve started to do now is to keep track of what parts and/or what songs have been completed in the recording process.

At the moment I’m using a crudely drawn graph (as shown below) but I know that the neatness monster inside will force me to create a graph in Open Office or something like that.

After today I’m going to need to start thinking about getting Victor, the keyboard player in to do his tracks but first I’ll need to work out what songs need keys recorded before electric guitar.

An example of a song needing this process would be “Missing You Already” as my vision for the song dictates that it’s to be primarily a piano piece, similar to something that The Whitlams would do.

I’ve had a little bit of a head cold for the last few days so I’m hoping that my voice is ready for today. It feels good but getting the voice recorded can be a different beast altogether.

A few hours after I finish in the studio I’ll be doing a 20-30 minute guest spot at the Night Voices Open Mic at The Garage which starts at 7pm. If anything my voice will be nicely warmed up for that.

Now I’m off to get ready for the day ahead, wish me luck.

Peace,

Corey

CD Project Update #11 – I’m Past The Halfway Point

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Corey Stewart

Next Wednesday I start recording my CD again after a 7 week absence primarily due to my recent illness.

I’ve got to admit though, I’m feeling a little bit nervous about getting back into the studio.

I mean, just thinking about it makes the little voice in my head come up with all sorts of excuses not to record and throw in some good old fashioned self doubting negativity for good measure.

Such as…

“It’s been a while, are you up to it now?”
“The break was too long, might as well give up now?”
“You’ll never get your CD finished”
“You said you’d have your CD finished by your birthday. You’ve FAILED!”
“Forget about your CD, just play covers, thats where the money is”

Oh, it just goes on and on and on. How much of it I take notice of depends on how I’m feeling on any particular day but thankfully today, the little voice is talking bullshit so I’m feeling okay.

I’ve actually worked out that I’m past the halfway point in the recording process so I’m starting to think about what I’m going to do about getting my CD out into the wider world and how I’m going to sell it.

Just like every other songwriter before me, I’ve now got to answer the age old question for myself…

“I’ve recorded a CD. Now what do I do?”

As having a CD marketing, distribution and selling strategy is essential in ensuring that not too many boxes of my CD’s will live under my bed, I’ll be spending some time working on that and sharing with you what I come up with on this blog.

At least doing it this way I’ll have something in writing

Peace,

Corey

CD Project Update #5 – Two Songs Culled, Four To Go

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Corey Stewart

First of all I want to thank all of you who submitted feedback to me regarding what songs I should keep on my CD and what songs I should leave behind. Your suggestions are very valuable and have given me some food for thought.

So far I’ve decided to drop “All Good Things (Must Come To An End)” off the list. This is my guide recording of the song with a click wasn’t as accurate as first though and therefore, the song hasn’t gelled with the other instruments in the recording process.

It sounds really weird and it messes with your head (just ask Tim about it).

The second song I’m thinking of leaving behind is “The Long Drive Home” because I misinterpreted the BPM for the guide track and hence it was recorded way too slow.

Talk about dragging…

I do however, love the song (especially the lyrics) plus, a few of you have said that you’d like to hear it on the CD so I may just do a piano and voice version when Victor’s in the studio next and see how that goes.

Hmmm, I feel paralysed by having too much choice sometimes. In the meantime, keep the feedback flowing.

Peace,

Corey

CD Project Update #4 – Bass Tracks Complete

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Corey Stewart

: Image via Wikipedia

Yesterday I completed all the bass tracks and they are sounding very, very tight. I love the sound of bass and kick drum working as one.

The next step is replacing the acoustic guitar guide tracks with the proper acoustic guitar tracks.

This will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and once done, I’ll have a CD of the tracks to give to Darren Zaza (Electric Guitar) and Victor Oria (Keys) so they can work out what parts they’ll record on the CD in the near future.

I’ll also be able to update the music on my CD Project page. I’ll let you know when the new versions of the songs are up on the site, ready for you to listen (and to give feedback to of course).

Yesterday was a good day.

Peace,

Corey