Compositions

I have been away for ages, haven't I? Jeezo. Well, I am still here and still alive. And more importantly still writing and recording music.

Of late I have recorded very little, and written even less. I have been working a lot, and due to the wintery weather, have found it hard to find time.

However a few nights ago, my wife went out to the panto with some friends, and I was at home, with only the cats. So I decided this would be a good time to try and record something. I had an idea to just practice an idea I have for a setlist for the next gig I may do, but opted not to. I still wish to fulfil that however.

The computer had been moved into the bedroom as during the week our spareroom carpet had been soaked by water seeping in through the windows. It had flooded a few rooms of the neighbours downstairs. Was pretty bad.

So I had an idea to put my violin to good use and try and record an acoustic/violin collection of songs.
These songs would be well written acoustic songs that I have that either: I have never recorded properly; recorded before but is of a different sound; or never recorded before. With these I may also add piano, if I think it doesn't destroy the song.

So on that night I began recording a song called 'A Butterfly, A Bouncy Castle and A Pole Joust', written about the friendship Stuart Carroll and I use to have. At the time of writing it I genuinely didn't think we'd see one another again. It is a very nostalgic song. So I recorded the acoustic part. Listened back and it was too bassy. So did it again. Had altered bass, and sounded great. So I experimented with the violin.

Now, just a note. I don't actually know how to play violin. I attempt it and if I think it sounds good, I will edit it. My violin is not even tuned properly, but I will persever.

So I recorded 3 different violin sections for the song and a plucked violin part, with many mistakes in each throughout. But after editing, and leaving good pieces in, it actually has come together very well. I still need to edit it further and add the sets of vocals, but it sound great so far, and different from what I'd normally do. Just simple compositions.

So I then began recording 'Red Bridge'. That song is probably one of my best live songs, and people generally comment that it is a good song. I have only ever recorded a 'After the Rush Hour's Gone' version of the song, which is made up of drums beats, reversed samples, keyboard synth, bass and electric guitar. So this version is purely acoustic and violin at the moment. Recorded both parts and both sounded great. Again, the odd mistake here and there with the violin, but still aftering editing I am sure I could get it sounding great.

I have been unable to go back to the recordings however, due to my wife being off and having to use the computer. I am eager to get back to them however and record the vocals for them. Have to just be patient and wait. I also want to make new artwork, album title and just general image for them. I have had much new artwork and ideas recently for 'Slowly slowly', 'cassette tapes' and 'new versions'. But I do want to do this too. Hopefully when the time is right I will record further 'Slowly Slowly Catchy Monkey' songs.

Here are some of the ideas I have had for the new collection of acoustic/violin songs:

Album name ideas:

Tranquil and untroubled tremolo
The Avantgarde Compositions
Avantgarde
Compositions
Inspired by Compositions

I am thinking 'compositions' would be a good title. And here are some of the name adaptations I am considering:

1. Concerto of 4 violins and acoustic guitar: 'A Butterfly, A Bouncy Castle and A Pole Joust'

2. A violin and acoustic guitar: 'Red Bridge'

The concern I have with changing the names here is that it comes across as being pretentious. But I'll see how everything progresses.

Watch this space,
Wullae

www.soundcloud.com/wullaewright
www.myspace.com/aftertherushhoursgone