The Perils of DIY, Part 4
Hard work sometimes doesn’t pay off
I’ve been absent as-of-late. My life is being sucked away by a computer program called Cubase, many condenser/dynamic microphones, and various gadgets/instruments. My band has been working on a record since.. well, forever. We realized a few weeks ago that we’re running out of time.
Mastering; 2-3 weeks. Duplicating/Printing; 3-4 weeks. Tour; 10 weeks away. Last weekend I spent every waking moment (aside from the mandatory chores of dog walking/feeding) working on final tracking and mixing. Yesterday and today I attached my headphones to my ears for every hour of my “real job” to listen to said weekend job. I’ve become obsessed with making things perfect. I’ve grown jealous of the production in records by The New Pornographers, Elliott Smith, and Bobby Bare Jr. I’m two steps away from giving up, giving in, and simply hitting “publish.”
What carries us DIY musicians along? It can’t be entirely the quest for financial sustenance. Because in all frankness the odds of that are in the complete favor of the house. At the same time, why are some allowed to tilt the metaphoric pinball machine so obviously in opposition to the rules yet be allowed to flourish? Eh, I digress. Time to get back to mixing.
All the reasons as to how we came up with the album’s name.
You know it’s because you won’t stop watching “That 70′s Show” and the Pistons’ play-off games. Don’t play us.
I think I’ve seen every syndicated episode of That 70′s Show two times over (and Seinfeld 4 times over) so I can stand missing some of those. You caught me though, I would never miss a Piston’s playoff game! Hell, I watch most of the NBA playoffs in general. That Warriors/Mavs serious was the best series I’ve seen in a looong time!
It’s a good thing The Piston’s have been blowing out their opponents so I can just passively watch ‘em while I keep one eye on Cubase.