Recorded live: vocals, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitar, Hammond organ, harmonica, tambourine, shaker, jaw harp
Recorded using plugins: tack piano (piano+harpsichord), acoustic bass, flutes, theremin, drums
All instruments/vocals performed by myself.

I started this back in August and since then, a lot of people have been involved in it's creation. When I take on large projects I like to have a few extra set of ears to make sure something I did either isn't as bad as I think it is or -worse- isn't nearly as good as I thought it was. Fortunately, the biggest issue I had with this project was how to mix it. My goal was to come out on the other side knowing more about compression and I'd like to think I accomplished my goal.

The very first thing I recorded was my 1970 Hammond organ for the verses. It died about halfway through the song, so I had to resort to a simpler plugin during the chorus and bridge. Once that was done, I compiled a piano and harpsichord track to stand in for "tack piano" during the first bridge. Some of the harpsichord also ended up in the chorus, but I didn't want it to be too prominent. Next I put together a drum track based on various performances/covers that I had come across. It took me a while to figure out how to get the plucked sound for the verses, which ended up being a palm muted bass along with a Fender Jaguar mixed in the background.

With the basics completed, it was time to start getting the nuances down. I went to the local music shop and bought some new percussion instruments and laid down tracks for those (sleigh bells, tambourine, shaker). I also bought a jaw harp, which -again- I broke pretty early into recording, so I had to create a little loop of what I had intended to do using what I already had. I tried to lay down a flute part but anyone who has heard me play the flute understands why I ended up using a mellotron instead. The last wind instrument to go was harmonic during the second bridge. I then put down an acoustic track to stand in for the cello and added a second Jaguar part to help give it some life.

With the instruments completely done, and the mix well on its way, it was time for vocals. I had already transcribed the harmonies so it was just a matter of finding the time to put a few different tracks down. I was happy with everything but it still felt like it was missing something so today I did a quick few takes of Our Prayer to open it. I'm not going to lie, it gave me quite a bit of trouble so I did use a little pitch correction in spots but only for the opening.

Since I started this, I've gotten a lot better at the whole recording/mixing/mastering process. I even read a few different books to make sure I understood what was going on before I tried anything and I'm pretty happy with the results. I hope you all enjoy and share the good vibes this holiday season.

Our Prayer/Good Vibrations

Drums: Aaron Egerman
Bass: Kyle Shultze
Lead Guitar: Liam Feeney

Engineered by Mike Brylinski and David Bolea

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