Short Film(ing)

So we made a short film last weekend.  My friend, director Grant Howard, helped me write a screenplay that would tell the story of Leonard in another way.  It was an incredible experience.  More difficult than I could have imagined.  

And he and cinematographer Kip Cubin made it look FANTASTIC.  Also, our design team, Todd Bragg and Tiffany Dupree got that set looking absolutely stunning.  On top of that, Kim Fisher made a pretty incredibly costume.  

Can't wait for you guys to see this film!  Until then, see a bit of the process for yourself...

Thankful for you and for these guys.

I hope you all are having a great Thanksgiving weekend!  I've taken the last two days completely off, (which is very unusual for me!), and have just spent the time with my beautiful wife, precious daughters and wonderful friends.  And a generous amount of mashed potatoes.

And this season I've had much to be thankful for.  And you guys have been a huge part of it!

I have had more fun working on this project that possibly anything I have ever done.  The record is almost complete now, all that's left is to sing on a few songs.  At this point it's looking like the record will have 12 songs and 2 instrumentals.  For the past two months I have no clients besides my own imagination, no critics but my own fear.  It's been the hardest I've probably ever worked as well.  And such a great time.

Until last week I was the only person who had played anything on the record. And then my friend, neighbor and go-to drummer Paul Eckberg came by and rocked two tunes.  

Then my old buddy and live bass player Chris Weigel dropped by and played on "The Only Man in the World".

Finally, bluegrass legend and a recent wonderful new friend Jeff Taylor added a little accordion flavor to "Smoke Signals".  

Other than that, every note on this crazy thing was played by yours truly.  Including the drums.  And that is wild.



Be Wary of Unsolicited Advice. (Except, of course, when it's from me.)

I got an email the other day that asked, basically, "I'm about to start making my own record.  Do you have any advice for me as I plan and begin recording?"  I thought my answer might be a worthwhile post.  Feel free to discuss, disagree, add thoughts, in the comments section.

Hey Leonard*

Thanks for the email.  That's a big question right there.  I could write a book to answer.  Maybe someday I will...

But really quickly, I'd say to make sure you run your songs by your friends/harshest critics before you begin.  Somebody who's not afraid to tell you the song is too high, too long, too vague, too slow, etc...  And listen to that feedback and try whatever they suggest.  If you hate it, ignore it, but give it all a shot.  You never know.  

And also, I say "too high, too long, too vague and too slow" because those are the main issues with most songs.  If things aren't hitting as hard as you like, start with that list.  Ask yourself, very honestly, if it could possibly be one or more of those things that's the issue.

Don't be afraid to throw away something you've worked hard on.  If it's not good, it's not good.  No amount of hard work will equal a great experience for the listener, though you won't give them a great experience without the hard work!!!

Always lean on less songs with better quality.

When EQ'ing, always take away the offensive frequencies before adding anything.  And unless it's a bass instrument, cut everything below 100hz on every channel.  You'll be shocked at how this makes everything fit together.

The more instruments on the track, the harder it is to make everything make sense.  Try to do more with each instrument so you need less things overall.  Mute with joyful abandon!

Hope that little bit can help!

*name may have been changed to something awesome.

NoiseTrade Sampler

Want to hear some Andy O classics?  Two new, unreleased songs?  Check out this free NoiseTrade sampler, download the tunes, leave a tip and pass it along!

View from a spaceship

This is why I am having a very fun week.