Next Step Backwards [3rd album COMPLETED]

by **ntbullock** » January 1st, 2006, 2:36 am

Yeah, the New Year happened and I go right back to work. Figures? LABL is really getting close to being done for now. It's been a tough mix because it's a complicated song in ways. It's strange that such a simple song sounds so complicated. Maybe it's just me. I'm proud of it, though.

Tonight I got called in at the last minute to fill a New Year's gig gap at Good Karma Cafe. I was able to play mostly new material as I haven't played there in awhile. I'm getting a little sick, but it was good for me to run through the songs in a set.

"The Weaker Man" I haven't forgotten about you! This track I feel will shape up to be a stellar one. I've been thinking about adding to the title - "The Weaker Man [or Sex As A Weapon]".

by **ntbullock** » January 1st, 2006, 10:20 pm

Like war - recording is hell.

Tonight Eric, Corey, and I happened to get together and practice some of the songs we are going to record. We got some good work done I feel. I'll be posting a clip of "Love And Be Loved" sometime later today. I've got my dentist appointment at 10 in the morning. I don't know why I thought it was on a different day. Damn holidays. Hopefully, I'll feel like finishing the song and mastering it.

by **ntbullock** » January 2nd, 2006, 9:01 pm

The dentist wasn't that bad today, so I felt like working a little bit this evening. I made some minor touches to LABL and then did my quick mastering session. I'm done for now, but I have a feeling this will be one I have to revisit for more touch ups after I listen to it on different systems. Next up is "The Weaker Man".

[url]http://www.ntbullock.com/mp3/Love_And_Be_Loved_[lo-fi_clip].mp3[/url]

by **ntbullock** » January 3rd, 2006, 9:12 pm

I'm having to rethink my mastering. I'm going to have to do something different. What I'm doing isn't going to cut it. I was spoiled because I used to have the Waves plugins in ProTools under OS 9. Those plugs were easy to "get," but in OS X it's impossible, me thinks. The plugs do deserve to be bought, though. It'll be half a grand that I don't need to spend at the moment. Maybe closer to finishing I'll buy it and re-master EVERYTHING at once? Hmmm.

I fixed up a guide track for TWM that I sent to Eric so he can work up some percussion. I also made a session complete with click track for "You're Gonna Hate Me". I borrowed Jeromy's Telecaster today, and I'll be using it for both of these songs.

by **ntbullock** » January 4th, 2006, 6:11 pm

I cleaned up the guitar track I laid down for YGHM last night then recorded 4 other guitars today. I recorded a temp vocal track [still a little congested] and some subtle glockenspiel accents. Eric may come over tonight and lay some bass. It'd be nice to track the drums at Jeromy's this weekend, but I have to see about scheduling.

by **ntbullock** » January 5th, 2006, 1:32 am

I should know tomorrow whether or not Saturday is going to be a go for tracking drums on "You're Gonna Hate Me". All today I worked on the song. I took the laptop out to Eric's and we got that down. I'm tranferring it to my G5 right now. Maybe within the next two days I can get some vocals recorded for it.

Eric said he got some progress made on "The Weaker Man" earlier tonight. Maybe next week sometime we can track that.

Any down time I have from either of these songs I'll be working on beefing up the already recorded "Narcissistic" that's off my acoustic EP.

http://imitationmilkcom.readyhosting.com/mp3/NTB_05_Narcissistic.mp3

by **ntbullock** » January 7th, 2006, 6:01 pm

A little frustration has found it's way in the door the past couple of days. There's something tonally off about a couple notes in YGHM when we record the bass and guitar. I've never encountered something exactly like this. I guess this is where I gain experience. It's a little maddening, but it WILL be solved. Eric and I have pulled some hair.

I tried to lay down some vocals for the song and I'm just sick enough to make it wasted effort. I'm gonna scratch the tracks and start over. Jeromy got sick so we aren't recording drums today.

I messed around with "Nacissistic" a little, and I'm still trying to decide on this track and what I'd do to it. All in all I feel more frustrated than productive the past couple days. This will turn around. It always does.

by **ntbullock** » January 8th, 2006, 5:52 pm

I've been able to sing a little today. I've laid down six seperate backing vocals on "Narcissistic" [can't acronym this one]. I'm pleased so far. I'm going to try a few other instruments to accompany it.

by **ntbullock** » January 9th, 2006, 8:56 pm

Yeah, so again I feel kicked while I'm down. For the past five days I've felt pretty unproductive. I can't seem to get enough "forward" work done. Everytime I inch forward I feel pushed back a foot here lately. It's temporary I'm sure.

For instance, Narcissistic somewhat needed to be re-recorded from the acoustic EP. There were some flaws in there that I could live with, but I questioned. Corey mentioned something about it too last night and I thought, "Damn. I really do need to re-record this thing." The original wasn't to a click track, and it was recorded with the guitar and vocals at the same time. You can only do so much to it. I laid down a click track and re-recorded the guitar today. Of course, it's not going to match up with the other "loose" track. I was thinking I could still keep my vocal work from yesterday, but for some reason I ACTUALLY recorded the original track in a standard tuning. I have no idea why as I usually tune half a step down. So, now I have to re-record all those vocal layers. It's good practice, I guess.

I've also laid down the main vocal for "Narcissistic" and it is sounding better.

It's been a tough week though. Trudging forward...

by **ntbullock** » January 10th, 2006, 3:57 am

Hopefully, today will mark a turning point. I'm at least caught back up with "Narcissistic" from where I was yesterday. I re-recorded all the vocals. I have some editing to do and maybe a little patching.

Eric came over and we re-did some bass to get rid of the weak frequency on a few notes in YGHM. I'm glad that's over. Strange. I worked on this track a little, tightened it up, and added a hint of mixing. Tomorrow I'll try and sing it again.

I've got to get up with Jeromy about tracking drums this week for TWM & YGHM.

by **ntbullock** » January 10th, 2006, 10:06 pm

Although I didn't do vocal work on YGHM today I got quite a bit done on "Narcissistic". I'm planning on working on it a little more late tonight, too. Maybe tomorrow I'll attempt singing YGHM.

I've been trying to schedule everyone, and it's been the smallest debacle ever. It looks like we may be tracking the drums for both YGHM & TWM Sunday. Corey plays on YGHM and Eric on the other. I've also contacted Matthew Magee to come down possibly Thursday to record some cello and/or violin on "Narcissistic".

Tonight while I'm taking a small break from recording/mixing I'm gonna work on the album artwork some more.

by **ntbullock** » January 11th, 2006, 9:47 pm

I worked a bit on the artwork and "Narcissistic" a little late last night. Today I made some more minor changes to "Narcissistic" and then worked on editing some vocals I laid down last night for YGHM. I had to re-sing a couple small places and patch it, but it's coming along. I've been playing around with effects for my voice, but I'll land on something subtle. I did some stacking and harmonies, too. This one is kind of evolving because I've never truly known how I wanted it to ultimately sound.

I hope Matthew comes tomorrow and we can knock that out. I brought in some minor elements that I "played" in GarageBand for "Narcissistic" that I won't know how they lay in until his part goes down. I'm glad it's been re-recorded. Everything sounds better that the EP version.

Everything still seems set for Sunday...

by **ntbullock** » January 12th, 2006, 6:08 pm

Haven't heard from Matthew yet today. It's kind of a fluid situation. I did, however, sell a few items on ebay to get some extra money for the Waves Native Power Pack. I need this for mastering. Phew. I'm having to hustle a little bit to get this project done.

by **ntbullock** » January 13th, 2006, 1:59 pm

Yesterday I talked to Matthew, and we had to reschedule to Saturday morning where we'll have a small window to lay something down. He's really easy to work with, so I'm not worried.

I also dropped a load and got the Waves plugins. It supplies me with mastering capabilities and a new reverb [among other things]. I need to read up on a couple of them.

Today I'm going to do some mixing on "You're Gonna Hate Me" and make sure "Narcissistic" is where it needs to be so I can lay Matthew down and finish it tomorrow evening.

If there's a lull today then I'll try and hack at the artwork, as well.

I believe I can get this released in February. I plan to start on a music video VERY shortly thereafter.

by **ntbullock** » January 14th, 2006, 9:23 pm

I got some artwork done yesterday, and I mixed more on the two songs. This morning Matthew showed up, and we laid down a couple layers of each - violin & cello. "Narcissistic" is shaping up to be MUCH better than the original acoustic track. I'm digging it.

Tomorrow is the big day for drums. Corey is practicing at my place right now for YGHM.

Thanks again Matthew:

Corey practicing YGHM:

by **ntbullock** » January 15th, 2006, 2:54 am

Well, I've spent most of the evening getting a good mix of "Narcissistic," and I have to say I'm pretty, pretty pleased. Between Matthew's playing skillz and my editing/mixing skillz I think we can fool people into thinking we know what were doing on this one. I mixed the orchestral pieces differently here than previous efforts. I learned a little in this mix. I should finalize this song in the next day or so.

Now onto YGHM and TWM. Both my drummers are prepped. After recording we're going to practice for our first "gig" on the 11th of February and work on "Sugarcoat" for recording. Feels strange to say I've got a gig with a band again. It's nice. Now it's not JUST me lookin' like a fool up there.

by **ntbullock** » January 16th, 2006, 2:15 am

Today was a hot ass mess. What I mean by that is that it didn't go as planned.

We never heard from Jeromy. We were suppose to meet around 3 or 4. It got to be around 9 o'clock and still no word. I finally caught his wife at home. She was there picking up some clothes. Apparently, Jeromy had some minor surgery and was staying at the hospital. He should be fine.

So, now we're going to try and track TWM during the week if Jeromy is up to it. Hopefully, next weekend we can get Corey's tracks for YGHM. Again, we'll see...

We did, however, get to practice, talk about a set list, and discuss "Sugarcoat." After giving the song a chance to mature as a band they informed me that they felt it was better with just me and the acoustic. I didn't want to hear it, but it was a relief at the same time. I'll probably re-record it by myself for the album.

After that we all hung out and talked about the songs. We ended up being very productive by going into certain songs and tightening them up. We were all catching things - timing issues, etc. It was a good session.

After today I'm going to have to rethink my scheduling to try and get this wrapped up. We even talked tonight about possibly recording one of my newer songs. Hmmm...

by **ntbullock** » January 16th, 2006, 10:21 pm

Today, after serious cogitation, I came to a couple conclusions. I'm going to re-master and touch up the version of "Sugarcoat" from the EP for the album. It was the strongest track off the EP as far as quality. I plan on trying to add a little to it, but not much. I also decided not to record any more songs past TWM & YGHM. That'll be 11 tracks total. I need to get this CD done for a couple reasons.

Hopefully, within the next 7 days or so we can get the drums tracked. This really depends on how Jeromy is doing. I found out that he's staying another night in the hospital. I hope he's doing well.

"Narcissistic" is done for now and sounds really good to me. This song has what I like to call a "g-spot". Oh yeah. Hmmm. That may not make sense.

I've also been thinking about a music video.

by **ntbullock** » January 17th, 2006, 4:44 pm

No word on Jeromy. Yesterday I started working on cleaning up "Sugarcoat." It's coming along. Today I'm going to mess around with some backing vocals for the chorus.

Strangely enough I wrote a new song [even at this stage] that I really want to lay down very simply. It's entitled, "Listen to the Burn" and Eric and I are going to try and cram it in so it can grace the CD. I didn't expect to write lyrics so quickly for it - hell, or even work on it until after recording was done. I guess this kind of happened because of the schedule mishap with Jeromy. I'm really diggin' this jazzy track so I laid down a quick acoustic version of it. Eric and I are going to lay down some minimal percussion and some bass. I'm going to re-record my parts, but this is a good representation:

[url]http://www.ntbullock.com/mp3/NTB_-_Listen_to_the_Burn_[solo].mp3[/url]

I can't wait to hear it with the other two elements. I already hear it in my head. The lyrics are special to me, too, so I hope we can fly it in under the deadline.

by **ntbullock** » January 18th, 2006, 3:09 am

Eric came over tonight and we worked on LTTB. The bass laid down easy, but the drums took a lot of "experimenting." Eric finally got close to his groove and that's where I swoop in and "George Lucas" it. The song is shaping up quickly. I'm going to try and do my vocals tomorrow.

I didn't get much done on "Sugarcoat" today, but I'd like to have both these songs done by the weekend.

I also worked on the CD face artwork today.

by **ntbullock** » January 18th, 2006, 3:59 pm

I worked on tightening up "Listen to the Burn" into the wee hours of the morn. It's got a good feel that I think is gonna come through. I recorded three takes of my vocal track today. Now I have to peice them together for the best version and patch in where I might not have "gotten it."

I also worked on "Sugarcoat" today. I sang some backup on the chorus and pre-chorus. I'll listen to that later today and decide if I'm done.

I stare at these beautiful screens so much that I decided to capture one of the busier sessions:

This is the "Love And Be Loved" session.

It'd be nice to finish LTTB and "Sugarcoat" then slide right into working on YGHM & TWM.

by **ntbullock** » January 19th, 2006, 4:43 am

I do believe that tomorrow I'll give the semi-final word on "Sugarcoat" & LTTB. I've got some ear fatigue, so I'll wait before I make that call. "Listen to the Burn" is one of the "coolest" tracks I think I've come up with. I totally can't stop listening to it. I already know it'll be the LAST track on the CD.

Jeromy is at home now. He's doing alright, but I should talk to him pretty soon.

by **ntbullock** » January 19th, 2006, 5:48 pm

I've started preliminary mastering this afternoon. I'm doing this until we can work on the two remaining songs. Mastering, leveling, and sequencing is a tedious push and pull effort.

by **ntbullock** » January 20th, 2006, 3:35 am

I did quick masters of the 10 tracks that are "done." I rode around listening to the songs and their sequence. I have alterations to make to each of them. Some of the changes are small and some are going to take a minute to fig out what the problem is. Every stereo is different, and I don't have any good monitors in my studio like I should. Usually between headphones, my computer speakers, and my car I get a decent assessment.

by **ntbullock** » January 20th, 2006, 5:56 pm

I've been making adjustments to the easier tracks today. I've also decided after listening to the songs in sequence that "Got It Wrong" doesn't really fit on this CD. I feel I'm going to drop it off. I feel comfortable about it because "Listen to the Burn" kind of takes its place. We'll see.

I also had to order some supplies today to physically make the disc.

by **ntbullock** » January 21st, 2006, 2:45 pm

I worked on five of the nine songs yesterday and I plan on working on some of the more involved adjustments today. It'll take a minute to cycle through everything and get them all jazzing together.

I pre-released "Listen to the Burn" on myspace today because currently it's my guilty pleasure.

http://www.myspace.com/ntbullock

Hopefully within the next couple of days I'll know more about recording what's left. I'm still technically "on schedule" for the moment.

by **ntbullock** » January 21st, 2006, 5:47 pm

I just got done with the other four songs, and I dropped "Got It Wrong" off the sequence. Usually, it'll take 3 or 4 rounds where each time there are less songs to tweak. It's not hard - just tedious, I think. Mastering is an art unto itself, and I don't pretend to be proficient - just sufficient.

I also worked on the inside credits for the artwork.

by **ntbullock** » January 22nd, 2006, 2:59 pm

Last night we practiced for the gig. We also worked on two new songs I wrote last week. I think we'll pull it off on the 11th - decent enough, anyways. We've all been busy here lately, so we don't get to practice as much as maybe we'd like to. Regardless, we'll have fun.

I'm about to start work on making the second round of adjustments on the masters. I rode around and made notes. Some of them are done, some are getting there, and a couple others are going to take a second to fig out.

by **ntbullock** » January 23rd, 2006, 1:28 am

We practiced again tonight, and it went better. We've made some progress these past couple of days.

I made the second round of mastering adjustments and burned all three of us a CD. Corey and I rode around in his truck after practice. I made a set of cross reference notes. Tomorrow I have to listen to it all again in my car. Push, pull, push, pull...

I need to talk to Jeromy.

by **ntbullock** » January 24th, 2006, 12:31 am

I made the third and fourth round of mastering adjustments today. It's all about highs, mids, lows, decibels, and frequency. It's all getting there.

I might start work on the website for the album tonight. It'll be simple, but I do need to devise a flash player for all the clips and such.

Next Step Backwards [3rd album COMPLETED]

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