Bringing back 1999

Recently the Slowly Slowly songs have taken a back seat. In it's place have been the Cassette Tapes from 1999-2002. It has, and continues to be a bit of a journey. A very good journey. An insightful journey.

I have been recording more and more of the old tapes since the last blog post, and still have about 3 or 4 more tapes left to do. It has been fantastic to hear the songs, some of them a complete surprise. Some I don't remember recording; some I am surprised at how well written they are. To have these songs that are very important to me in wav format, makes me incredibly happy.

The recording of these tapes has also allowed me to let Stuart Carroll, my friend who recorded them with me, to hear them. We fell away from one another for many years, and after contacting one another over the last year again, things have been great. It has been great sharing the memories of these tapes and recordings with Stuart and take me back to those early teenage days. The laughs, the songs, the improvising. All great.

Both Stuart and I began playing the guitar at roughly the same time. We were influenced by the same musicians, and had very similar styles of songwriting. We influenced one another and were on such a fantastic wavelength when recording. It would have been rare if we couldn't get a song completed together. We would sit for hours on end, in my tiny room, decorated in yellow paint, a drawn on carpet (by me and Stuart), radiohead and manic and phonics posters all over the place, scotland flags up, dusty tv and ceiling fan, sitting on the bunkbed - where the bottom bunk was improvised into a chair. It didn't even matter if we had strings missing on our guitars, we would always try and write something. We'd record the songs on a wee tape player, and we'd think it was magic. We had the name, 'the Heads of State' as a band name, and wanted to gig, but just never got the chance.

When hearing the songs back, now, about 10 years later, I had an idea. I wanted to start rerecording these old songs. Keeping them true to the originals. Not drums, bass, or fancy effects. Just exactly the same as the originals, but better quality. I had recently told my brother in law, Michael that I wanted to record a collection of simple acoustic songs at some point. This was perfect for that collection. All the songs mean so much, and it would be great to hear them how I intended them to be.

So a few days ago I worked out and recorded 'Living on the Edge', 'AWOL', 'Roadtrippin'' and a couple of others (guitar parts only). I left them as I had to work. Last night I worked out and recorded even more songs, including 'U.F.O', 'Superhero' and 'Jinx' (again just guitar parts). I thought about doing some vocals and getting some of these songs finished. I recorded the vocals to 'Living on the Edge' as they are quite quiet and wouldn't piss off the neighbours. Complete and sounding lovely. And then something great happened! I was overwhelmed with unimagineable delight! The neighbours went out! I have numerous songs that require very loud singing, and this was my opportunity. I tend to be very respectful to other people with my singing, but I went for it. I recorded the vocals to 'Superhero' and 'Roadtrippin'', and it felt great. It is the first time in months that I have been able to sing at full pelt. The recordings worked out well. It is very hard to record loud vocals because it can be too great for the mic and recording, and becomes a big horrid blurry mess. This didn't happen though thankfully. I also recorded 'Any Minute Now', a keyboard song. Kept it simple, and recorded the vocals too. Done. And that's it up to this point.

I intend to record the rest of the songs, and work out the rest of the original 'Cassette Tapes from 1999-2002'. I would like Stuart to work on them with me too, if he is able to.

Watch this space,
Wullae

www.soundcloud.com/cassette-tapes-from-1999
www.soundcloud.com/wullaewright
www.soundcloud.com/stuartcarrollmusic1

www.soundcloud.com/cassette-tapes-from-1999

Here is the new soundcloud page for the cassette tapes songs:

www.soundcloud.com/cassette-tapes-from-1999

Watch this space,
Wullae

www.soundcloud.com/wullaewright

Cassette Tapes from 1999-2002

Began putting tapes to wav on 22nd of October 2010


I turned the digits to unlock the padlock on the cupboard door and entered. I was putting my Manic Street Preachers cds back because I had just burned them all onto my computer again after losing it all to the virus.

As I was putting them back I was considering what to do today. Maybe record something? But for some reason, I just wasn't in the mood for that. So, what then? As I put the cds back, I noticed all my old tape cassettes, haphazardly lying on top of one another. I had always wanted to get them converted into mp3 or cd format. So I thought I could set up my mic and begin recording the tapes onto the computer.

After collecting the tapes from the cupboard and stumbling through with them, I set up a hifi system I have (that my wife bought me a few years back so I could listen to the tapes) and then set up my pedal and mic. I began with a tape with only three songs on it. I think it was the last cassette recordings I made before I moved into the digital age, using Making Waves.

I balanced the mic head upwards on one of my cat's small toys, next to the speaker and began recording. I recorded the three songs: 'Trip to Mars', 'After the Rush Hour's Gone' and 'Dying Rose of January'. 'Trip to Mars' includes the bass player at the time, Marc Carruthers, and all songs were recorded sometime between 2001-2002.

I then moved onto an older tape and recorded the whole thing, which was excellent. It probably pissed the neighbours off, but ah well. It felt good to record them. These recordings were done early on, maybe 1999-2000 time. The first songs was 'Induna', and I recorded them, taking me hours in total. I even managed to hoover the flat, put a washing on and hang it up, make a call to my friend Scott, and have some cereal. Some of the songs eventually put into wav format were:

Induna
Dream today of tomorrows dreams
Living on the Edge
Grow old with me; the Best is yet to be
Zikomo Kwambie
Newspaper Threat
Sleep
Dreams are in the Skies

The song 'Sleep' is a very interesting one. Stuart Carroll and I recorded this, and we just kept jamming continuously, improvising as we did it. The end of the song is my mother screaming my name, because we had been constantly playing it. The song lasts 19 minutes. A beast.

Been so good to get some of them on wav. I will make a 'cassette tapes from 1999-2002' profile for these old songs. I will also try and put more onto my computer over time.

Watch this space,
Wullae

www.soundcloud.com/wullaewright
www.twitter.com/wullaewright

Let me in

I have not put up any blog posts recently. I haven't done so because with the spare time that I have had I have tried to record as much as possible and it has been an excellent time.

I sometimes feel overworked and am tired very easily. Sometimes easily irritable. But recently, just having the time to record, in a quiet room, away from all the busy things, has been very therapeutic. I have been able to record some good quality songs over the last few weeks.

I have been able to record and finish a song called 'At Rest'. The lyrics were originally going to be used with a song that I haven't recorded yet, but then one day I was recording an old blues tune I had and the chorus particularly fit well. So I recorded this song, and was not able to finish the drums on it until a few days ago. I didn't know if drums would ruin it, but it made it sound even better.

So with the new songs sitting with: 'Retrospect', 'Good times', 'Jezebel (The Painted Lady)', 'Blue Funk', and 'At Rest', I wanted to record more to join the collection of 'Slowly Slowly Catchy Monkey' songs. So I looked back over old songs I had previously recorded years ago, and found a song I had always wanted to rerecord. It is called 'Whispers to the Heart'. It is a song about how imperfect the world is.

Whispers to the Heart

I am the enigma that surrounds your shadow,
In a glass jar, protected from the rays,
All faces wash away, Under lies,

Die the sinner, and not the saint,
You're so material it's too late,
Die of greed and not of good will,
Whisper to the Heart, that time killed,

I am an ignorant zepher,
Highlighting your downfall as faith defender,
Cult personalities with stigma,

I am the anomaly of your city,
Probing the message of honesty,
100% desire of your own vain,

Die the winner, not the participant,
You're so right, today there is no wrong,
Die in lies, the truths too much,
Whispers to the Heart, in your clutch,

Whisper to the Heart,
Good will come,
Whispers to the Heart,
Time will have won,

Written in 2006, recorded originally in 2006; rerecorded in 2010

So I put the rhythm to a drum loop I had repeated, recorded easily. Had to change the timing of the song slightly, but sounds great. Then recorded the same rhythm again, a lead part throughout the song, a solo and bassline, and edited the drums. Then recorded the vocals, both background and normal. The song was recorded very quickly and sounds fantastic. Great quality.

My brother in law came up after I had finished this and lefted shortly after coming up. We sat and jammed a little and I told him of my intentions to record a cover of R.E.Ms 'Let me in' from their album 'Monster'. I think it is an amazing song, but the guitar is far too distorted and so you are unable to hear Stipe's lyrics. So I was telling him I wanted to record a version with a nice clean guitar.

I opened a new folder 'Let me in - REMcover', and began. Very quickly this came together. Two rhythm guitar pieces, one clean; one clean with delay. Then recorded a solo based on the organ piece at the end of the song. I then had to look up the lyrics on the internet on my phone, and recorded two sets of vocals. I started recording bass, but didn't think it worked too well. This was record in under an hour, and I think it sounds amazing. Very happy with the finished product.

I will hopefully put all three of these songs up on soundcloud next week. I am looking forward to doing so. And I have many more songs and ideas for songs to play around with, so I am hoping a lot more songs recording in the coming days.

Watch this space,
Wullae

www.soundcloud.com/wullaewright

Slowly Slowly Catchy Monkey Artwork

Here is the new look artwork for my new sound: 'Slowly Slowly Catchy Monkey'

Watch this space,

Wullae

New downloads available on soundcloud including: 'Retrospect', 'Retrospect (Acoustic)', 'Jezebel (The Painted Lady)', 'Watercolour Memories', and 'Good Times'.

www.soundcloud.com/wullaewright

Retrospect, Good Times and Jezebel (The Painted Lady)

Written 5, 6 and 7 of October and recorded 6 and 7 of October, 2010.

With working hours becoming cut, I have had more time at home. So today, I decided to record. I wanted to put lyrics to some of the recordings I made in relation to the Slowly Slowy Catchy Monkey blog post.

I began by editing Watercolour Memories. I had recorded some vocals for this a few days ago which sound good. I had also added saxophone solos to it, but didn't quite think they worked, so took them out. Listening throughout the edited song, it is excellent; however the vocals leave a hissing noise behind the song. I don't think i'll edit it further, but that does bug me a little.

So I began putting lyrics that I wrote when I was in a hairdressers, waiting for my wife. It is called 'Retrospect', and is about someone reviewing the relationship they used to be in and realising what they had and how they were a fool.

Retrospect

In retrospect,
I wish it hadn't ended,
The way it had,
Full of vehement,
Vexed and vocal,
The regret i bare,
So great, so sad,
Oh happiness gone away,

In retrospect,
I bit the hand that feeds,
Walk over now broken memories,
Burned the bridges to your heart,
And desimated our beliefs,
I don't even know where to start,
Or where it ended,
As the rain pours down the window
Each droplet reminds of each minute together,
And as it runs, so too, does the pain,
Because you, were my life

Written 29th september 2010 in a hair salon off alexandra parade waiting for my wife to get a hair cut.

So I sat down and began recording some vocals to the upbeat acoustic song with the emotional verse. I had to rerecord the vocals a few times, but I like the melody for the song. The end version is quite good, but I feel the song feels empty and I want to put more in it. Just don't know what.

I then started another new recording. I wanted to get away from using the acoustic. Felt it was moving away from the sound that 'Blue Funk' has kindly created for me. So I began rerecording an old bass riff; a pure funky, lengthy riff, full of surprises. It was formly a song with no singing, called 'Song for Franklin'.

I scanned over different drum beats I had downloaded, trying to find the right one to start with. I found a scrath vinyl sound and though that might work quite well. So I looped it, and went to record. But I wanted to jazz the song up. So I found a slow cymbal jazz beat, and thought i'd make a slow, slap bass introduction, lasting about a minute. False looring into the song. Sounds great. Added a little clean lead part, and sounds good and smooth.

I then put up the scrath loop and began recording the bass riff. Made a few mistakes and finally got the bass riff I needed. Perfect. The original song had a wah wah guitar funk riff, so I didn't mess around with that. Just recorded it the way it should be. Sounded good, mostly. Was then selecting back through my Zoom pedal to get a clean sound again when i found a cool distortion sound. So impromptu made a riff on the spot. Haphazardly recorded it, and sounds excellent.

I edited the song and left it. Next day on 7th of October, I went back to the recording. I began editing numerous drum beats and loops throughout the song that was formerly 'Song for Franklin'. I got all the drums done, and it sounds excellent. Took hours though. I then also added a clavi, piano and set of vocals. The vocals are good, but could be better. I finished editing the song, and put the lyrics to it I wrote on the 30th of September called 'Good Times'.

Good Times

I feel happy again,
Got my hair sitting the way i want,
Got my new bag on my shoulder,

And even though the air is cold, the sun shines, its brilliant shine,

I feel content in my bubble,
No ones glares can crack, no smirks can pop,
Warm and fuzzy, that's what they call it,

Like a dandelion playing in the sun,

Adieu, the bad times,
Hello again, to the good times,

Written 30th Sept 2010 in the back of a taxi.

I then edited all the sound levels on the new songs I have been recording including: Blue Funk, Retrospect, Watercolour Memories and Good Times.

I then began recording something new after I had finished. It was an old tune that sounded excellent before. A cool guitar funk song. So I began recording this. Adjusted tones on my guitar and fx pedal and recorded 4 different guitar riffs, used 3 of them; recorded a new funky bass riff; edited drums to lay this all down to, and cut up and edited them. I also recorded a quiet set vocals and messed about with them. I put two of the same set of vocals next to one another, slightly out of time, and the song has a 'Hendrix' feel to it that I like. Used lyrics I hadn't finished about prostitution entitled 'Jezebel (The Painted Lady)'.

Jezebel (The Painted Lady)

The Painted Lady,
Jezebel,
She preaches on the pavement,
She tries to tease you baby,

The Painted Lady,
Jezebel,
She pays for the taxi by giving head,
Walks the streets in them 4 inch high, pink heels,

Written 28th of September, 2010.

I also worked a little on the artwork, changing the title to 'Slowly, Slowly, Catchy, Monkey' and using different fonts and images.

Been busy and using my free time on the music. It has been very refreshing, and great to be able to work on a new, upbeat sound.

Watch this space,
Wullae

All songs will be available to download from soundcloud soon.

www.soundcloud.com/wullaewright

Slowly Slowly Catchy Monkey

I think I have it! The title 'This could be the start of something good', is well, good, but nothing special. I may use it as a song title. But last night I was chatting to my brother and used the expression with him, 'slowly slowly catchy monkey'. I just thought, that is the title I have been looking for. It is perfect. Taking your time to gain you goals. Not rushing things. Perfect.

Around gaining what will inevitably become the new theme name for my new collection of songs-in-progress, I had been recording new songs. I could not put singing to any of them, which was annoying, because it was so late. My wife had went out to a friends house and I started recording about 7.30pm on the 2nd of October and finished about 1.30am on 3rd of October. I constantly recorded and had a mars bar and some oj during that time.

I first began by editing a piano recording I had begun. It was an old tune, which I vaguely remember, so I had to edit it. I recorded the bass and a guitar part for it. It sounds amazing. So I tried editing some looped drums in. I cut them up and put them in at the start of the song, but I don't know if it works right.

I then moved on to another new recording. I had been sitting on the couch a few nights ago and came up with a nice wee funky acoustic song that gets quite emotional in the verses. I start recording this. I record a version using my plectrum, but it didn't sound right. So I recorded another version using my fingers, and sounded perfect. I then recorded a little lead bit for it, and it sounds amazing. Then i recorded a bass riff for it, and that too sounded great. On audacity I moved the bass to try and get the timing correct and put it in the wrong place. Turns out, that sounds even better. There is a slight delay when the bass comes in, and sounds even funkier.

After that I started to rerecord 'Watercolour Memories', which I lost when my computer got the virus. I started with the acoustic rhythm, and again strummed it with my fingers, for a gentler sound. I then recorded the lead over this, and it sounds great.

During this process, I had my earphones in when recording, as to not disrupt the neighbours sleeping. I could hear shouting over the earphones outside, lots of shouting and banging. I assumed it was drunkards as it was a Saturday night, so I ignored it. After finishing recording the lead I took my earphones out and heard sirens and could see blue flashing lights. I glanced out the window, and down my street someones flat was on fire. I went out to see what was happening, and I felt terrible, knowing I ignored the screams. Later someone was taken out of the flat, hurt but alive. Made me feel kind of uncomfortable.

I returned to my recording of 'Watercolour Memories', and started work on a lead part. At this point my wife returned, and so I did record a lead, but might not be that great. I will need to review it.

A long and strange night, but a very preductive one.

Watch this space,
Wullae

www.soundcloud.com/wullaewright
www.myspace.com/wullaewright
www.twitter.com/wullaewright

This could be the start...of something good

Written 1st of October 2010

I needed a fresh start. A new start. And whilst chatting to my wife on Wednesday morning - who was in another room getting ready to go out, I was browsing through folders of photographs, looking for images that would inspire my new direction.

I started with an image of me playing at the 'Art Bar' in Glasgow in March 2010. I initially edited it on windows live editor. I messed about with the image and it turned into this vibrant, pink image with a white silhouette. Looked quite funky. So put it onto a huge white square in the bottom corner. I took bits from another picture, drew lines on the white square, with lots of light blues and pinky purples. All funky colours, upbeat and full of life. I worked on the font for my name and eventually got two big blue Ws with small black writing. I then left this, quite happy, and thought about recording a song.

So I set everything up. All my instruments. I wanted to record something, and had a song in mind. Back in 2005, I recorded a song called 'Debt of a Coma', which was a jazzy bass, guitar and drum song. There is no singing. Just music. And I had wanted to rerecord it for a long time, so today I thought was a good chance.

I managed to record the bass riff to a drum beat I had cut up and looped over and over. The bass sounds excellent. I then had to record the guitar. I had to rerecord it several times. But the end result sounded good. I also tried to record a backing strum, but it didn't work right. Thought of putting other instruments in, but it sounded good the way it was. Simple. Added vocals to it, using the Paralysed lyrics, but they will need rerecorded.

So two days later on Friday 1st of October, I sat down and starting working on the artwork again. Tweeked about with it and thought about where to put an album title. I first of all, had to get a new title. I had considered different names. But then something just came to me. So simple, but when I thought about it, seemed perfect. Sums everything up perfectly I'd be writing about: 'This could be the start...of something good'. Just quite casual and relaxed. That's how I want it to feel. So I made the title I have come up with at the top of the album cover, and after editing it, think it looks great. Very different from my 'In Cloud Cuckooland' art.

After finishing this, I got to work on 'Paralysed'. I rerecorded another set of vocals. Or should I say, several sets of vocals. Each one not quite working. Was very conscious of disturbing the neighbours downstairs, and was putting me off. Eventually recorded a good set.

On listening back over the song on my ipod, I realised all the sound levels are quite bad, and so may need to rerecord the whole song. Not very happy with the result. Also, still considering changing the title for the new songs.

Watch this space,
Wullae

www.twitter.com/wullaewright