Song Development Process
Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2014 4:00 pm
Hi Jon!
There are a couple things I've always wondered about.
My first question has to do with how the songs you guys record are developed. I've always wondered how the creative juices get flowing in the design of an original composition. When the idea for an original song is first conceived, how does Al present the demo to you and the band? I've always kind of just assumed that he records the best assembly of what he expects the band to play. I know Al is incredibly talented, but I'm under the impression that he knows mostly instruments with a keyed format like accordion, piano, etc...What do these demos usually come out like? (If you're allowed to say, of course...) Do you all, as a band, sit with Al and discuss how he would like you all to interpret the pieces he puts together?
And second, in your experience the last 30+ years, how do the recording sessions usually proceed? More specifically, do you guys usually have an idea of how long it is going to take to record each band member's parts? With that in mind, after hearing what he is expecting, do you guys then record your own "demo" parts to show him before going in the studio, or do you guys usually just know what you plan to do and lay it all down when together at the studio?
Thanks for your time answering these, I've always hoped Ask Bermuda would be opened back up ever since I first visited the forum many years ago. It's real cool of you to take your time out like this for us.
There are a couple things I've always wondered about.
My first question has to do with how the songs you guys record are developed. I've always wondered how the creative juices get flowing in the design of an original composition. When the idea for an original song is first conceived, how does Al present the demo to you and the band? I've always kind of just assumed that he records the best assembly of what he expects the band to play. I know Al is incredibly talented, but I'm under the impression that he knows mostly instruments with a keyed format like accordion, piano, etc...What do these demos usually come out like? (If you're allowed to say, of course...) Do you all, as a band, sit with Al and discuss how he would like you all to interpret the pieces he puts together?
And second, in your experience the last 30+ years, how do the recording sessions usually proceed? More specifically, do you guys usually have an idea of how long it is going to take to record each band member's parts? With that in mind, after hearing what he is expecting, do you guys then record your own "demo" parts to show him before going in the studio, or do you guys usually just know what you plan to do and lay it all down when together at the studio?
Thanks for your time answering these, I've always hoped Ask Bermuda would be opened back up ever since I first visited the forum many years ago. It's real cool of you to take your time out like this for us.