So I know, it’s been a long while. I haven’t posted here in quite some time and I said I wouldn’t likely do so unless I had something of value. While I’m not sure if what I bring to you today is of any value, it certainly requires more than a mere Tumblr post and a miniscule Facebook link.
Ever since I’ve got home I’ve had plenty to keep me busy; Charlies, Birthdays, Cleaning, the usual. However now that I have a small amount of free time (while I’m not applying for every job known to man in order to shut my mother up) I wanted to take that time to do something somewhat productive. And what better way then to begin learning a new App. And so I though perhaps now was the time to try out that new copy of Logic Pro I have had sitting on my computer since September. I’ve never used Logic really, though I’ve used innumerable audio editing apps in the past, and have been looking for a nice audio solution for the mac (since Final Cut Pro really isn’t meant for sound, and Soundtrack Pro has apparently fallen over and died and is now refusing to do anything…) so it was time to try something new.
Of course, if you’re going to play with an audio app you’re going to need some audio. And that leads me to today. May first. The First of May. If you’re smart you’ve probably figured out where I’m going with this. Otherwise read on.
I decided that to learn how to better understand Logic I would put together a little cover of one of the greatest folk songs of our generation. The aritst: Mr. Jonathan Coulton (JoCo). The song: First of May.
I’ve had the instrumental for a while now, hoping to use it for the finale of “Living With Nate and Adam”. When that idea got scrapped I was looking for a good excuse to use it. Since its not really “Coffee House” appropriate, and May first was just around the corner, and I wanted to learn how to use Logic everything sort of fell into place.
So the other night I went into my basement, recorded my vocals, plopped them in with the instrumental, did some mixing and voila: I’ve just recorded my first single.
Now I’ll be the first to tell you I am no singer. I hate my voice. I truly do. Some have told me that I’m not an awful singer, and I’m sure they’re not lying, but the fact is I cannot stand to hear myself sing. This is why normally I sit behind the scenes making other people sound good (or rather, better). But alas, since Robin hates the song with a firey passion it looked as if I was going to have to record the vocals myself. As such, they’re crap. Maybe not crap, that’s a bit harsh, but weak. I am not a trained singer, I don’t like singing, but I had to do it so I did. I sat in my basement and recorded these Monday night at 12:30. I was tired, my throat was sore, but I did what I had to do.
Why am I telling you all this? Main reason: so you don’t write nasty ass comments about my horrible singing voice. I already know, don’t waste your finger millage. Instead, sit back and enjoy the brilliance that is JoCo.
Again, I want you to bear in mind this whole thing was mainly done as an experiment with Logic to see if I could better understand it, as well as a tribute to Mr. Jonathan Coulton – and incredibly talented guy, who is really shaking things up in the music biz. Never heard of him? Don’t worry, very few have. I first heard of him But believe me once you start listening to this guy you won’t want to stop. He’s so incredibly talented, funny, smart and above all a nice guy.
The final product isn’t too bad. The vocals still stick out too much (I haven’t mastered that professional blend) but overall it gets the job done.
If you like the song be sure to check out Jonathan’s site for a whole load of great stuff (including lots of freebies like the “Song a Week” podcast) as well as this episode of TWiT in which JoCo guest stars (especially if your interested in getting into the music biz), and finally this awesome video of Jonathan performing “Still Alive” (the theme from “Portal”, which he wrote) in front of a live audience… using Rock Band. If you’re like me you’ll be hooked.
First of May – Performed by Adam Schoales
You can also head over to my Tumblr for a streaming version, if thats your sorta thang.
Oh yeah, this song is definitely not safe for work, so you may want to use headphones.
Outdoor fucking starts today!
