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!)
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
"Bitter Paradox opened Pandora's Box"
It's finally here! "Blame the Devil" has been recorded (rough style) and is almost studio ready (once I memorize the lyrics...) This five and half minute song is "intense," as Peter describes it. It is a recollection of certain events in my life in difference places. The story isn't chronological, but there is something deeper behind it all. Every verse I mention a bed, alluding to the fact that lust could possibly be the worst of the seven deadly sins... or is it?
"Bitter Paradox
Opened Pandora's Box
Out comes the sound
A bed just right for Goldie Lox...
....or something!"
My favorite part of this song is the ending...
"You just might...
Realize...
That I'm the devil
In disguise..."
"Bitter Paradox
Opened Pandora's Box
Out comes the sound
A bed just right for Goldie Lox...
....or something!"
My favorite part of this song is the ending...
"You just might...
Realize...
That I'm the devil
In disguise..."
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The only way to kill these giant grasshoppers?
You gotta hit 'em with a 2x4, says experts!
This thing was outside of my apartment complex, stuck inside the fire extinguisher case. Talk about frightening! I didn't kill it, but I definitely had my mace handy if he decided to freak out and jump at me!
This thing was outside of my apartment complex, stuck inside the fire extinguisher case. Talk about frightening! I didn't kill it, but I definitely had my mace handy if he decided to freak out and jump at me!
Friday, May 20, 2011
This is what it looks like...
when Bitter Paradox is recording a video of themselves playing, and Bee decides to come in half a measure too early:
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Patience
Of the seven virtues, (prudence, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility),patience is the one I struggle with the most (or at least right now anyway). And maybe that's so because I am surrounded by impatient people. Every day requires a lot of time management, and it seems that I can't get what I need done on time because I am so focused on the finish line that I don't get a chance to survey the journey. I am supposed to be, quick, quick and on my toes! They tell me to jump and I ask through how many hoops? Music has been weighing in my head like a boulder, and it's crashing the walls of my brain. I have much regret that I didn't start learning how to play the guitar and the piano at a younger age. So now when I go to play, I get frustrated after about twenty minutes because my fingers hurt, or pushing the bar chords down or hitting the keys makes the instrument sound horrible. I want to be great at this, now, but I lack the patience for discipline. I am at a stalemate with my music, and it isn't helping that Peter and I are hitting the pause button on our music writing stereo. Furthermore, I have this wonderful gift of song, to sing and to write, so I feel as though it is my DUTY to be a musician-- as though I am not just disappointing myself, but God, my family, my friends, random people, whoever... it's a lot to carry on my shoulders.
Now, you say! NOW! GET IT DONE NOW! Fine. But give me some time, brain, give me some time. Let those moments of frustration turn into songs of solitude. Take some time to really reflect on what you HAVE accomplished, and the rest will come... right? Please say yes.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
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