Going to start recording in earnest today--not in Ernest because that would be sick..
I finally got my computer to recognize my USB mixer, and I tested it with a drum track.
The frustrating part is that I can either record or hear playback, but not at the same time, at least not through the speakers. So okay, I always use the cans, and I think I can make that work.
The next challenge will be to record the guitars. With the Martin, I've got a great traducer that sounds really close to mic recording. If the sound isn't as great as I get with the mic, then I'll go back to the mic. With the electrics, I'm going to try, for the first time, to mic my Deluxe. It'll be a little loud, so I'm hoping I can still hear the playback through the cans while recording. The amp has to be loud enough to get a decent tone. I may need to move the amp into a closet and shut that door.
I was considering buying an amp modeler or a small amp with modeling, but I'm just not into spending dosh if I don't need to. And besides, my Deluxe at 9 years old is just so damned sweet sounding.
I'm excited about recording my new songs. I've got 6 ready to go and one with the music and melody written, but I'm still working on the lyrics. I'll be posting them on soundcloud when I get them done. I've got a central theme that I'm working with, and I plan to write at least three more songs for this particular project. These last three are to be upbeat and pop-ish-rock.
In the past, I've written mostly political songs or love songs, a few too about my kids. This project is more personal, about my experiences over the last year and my struggle between the darkness and light, dejection and joy. I've tried to write about this stuff without wallowing in self-pity. My aim is to show that hope and joy win the day, even though some of the songs are about the opposite of these.
Thanks for reading, and thanks to everyone for your support over what has been a difficult year but one in which I've learned a lot and have landed on my feet.