Drastic Fall in July

Since the end of May, I have been working my vocals with a group of dudes who are part of the heavy metal band, Drastic Fall.  I've been studying Melissa Cross' Zen of Screaming DVDs and practicing my vocal warm-ups before every practice.  In a little over a month now, I have a few techniques down and I continue to work on screaming that doesn't penetrate my throat too much.  Along with screaming, I sing some opera, play the harmonica, and sing my heart out as an alto and soprano.  Pretty soon we will be adding some vocal EFX from the vx400, especially for songs like "Freakshow," and "Conundrum."

What is most exciting is we have two shows coming up this month!  One is at Gasoline Alley on the 16th of July and the other at State Theatre, July 31st.  I can honestly say that I am so glad that one of the people I was jamming with in the past flaked on me so I was determined enough to find a band that is ready to jam.  (And no, Peter, I am not referring to you; Bitter Paradox lives on!)

Betty Lane & Nightmare

Currently, Peter and I are working on a new song I wrote the lyrics and melody for called "Betty Lane."  Peter is adding guitar to the song, and informed me that we may change it from its gospel roots to a funk progression... we shall see.  I have to wait till Friday to hear what he has come up with... should be interesting.  The song also needs more lyrics... perhaps one more verse.

We already wrote another song called "Nightmare."  90% of the guitar melodies come from Peter; I added a bit via the chorus.  The lyrics come from a poem I wrote back in February of 2008.  Crazy how something from a while ago can become today's new song.  But I love that; I have so much poetry on my hands (I studied poetry as an undergrad), and I have been writing poetry and melodies with lyrics since I started journaling (which was around the age of 8.)

The evolution of a song is something so organic and pure, that it reminds me why writing is so cathartic, and how singing and playing an instrument are close to divinity... "Perhaps that is why I have loved the artist; creation is the closest we come to divinity." -Anais Nin

"Dirty Boy," "Must Write," and "Fall from Grace" coming soon...