I used to hate recording. The truth is I find it tedious although it has become more pleasurable. First, having the guys at Easy Street Studio in Simi Valley, CA handle all the technical details is nice.

But anyway you cut it, the studio is NOT the stage. The stage provides immediate gratification. It also allows for “stylistic flexibility” – aka: mistakes. They are there and then gone – you move on, you perform, no one is any wiser. It is energy.

The studio, not so much and that is a critical component. A recent vocal professionally gave me this suggestion.. “Start performing in the studio – capture that energy. Don’t worry as much about pitch and performance. You can do as many takes as possible and you will get pitch but if you don’t perform you won’t get the energy.”

Okay.. that is sort of a paraphrase of a longer and more scattered conversation but the point is well-made and well-taken.

Other Observations & News

Backing Vocals/Harmonies

We are going back to the studio to finalize 8 songs we’ve tracked and start on at least 2 more. First, however, I’m taking some time to work on the backing vocals on those 10 songs and several more.

The same vocal pro referenced above, worked with Melinda and I. (Melinda is new to the band and a beautiful vocalist.. We’ll introduce her soon.) During that time, he encouraged me to stop worrying about the technical harmony – the 3rd – and simply find a new melody line to my song – and test it over my melody line. Practice with several – above and below my line. Of course.. that worked and great headway has been made.

Merchandise & Gigs

We are working hard to create some new t-shirts and book more gigs. The focus on recording took me off this activity but I am back to it again.

Also, we have a couple new t-shirt ideas in the works. Look for announcements.

For current gigs – look here. We are planning a combination of band, solo, and semi-band (me and Elliot, me and Melinda, me and some of the other band members) – NOTE, I AM IN ALL THOSE COMBOS. 

If you get a chance, come on out!

 
Elliot Turret (lead guitar), Tom Galella (drums, vocals), Matt Moran (guitar, vocals),
Leif Pederson (bass, vocals), Kelly Irelan (vocals, keys)

We will be redoing a lot of the website’s content. Not so much the look but I am doing a lot more performing and work with the band than as a solo performer and I want that reflected here… the band works hard to create a great sound!

The Lineup:
Matt Moran – vocals, guitar, songwriting
Tom Galella – drums, vocals
Leif Pedersen – bass, vocals
Elliot Turret – lead guitar
Kelly Irelan – vocals, keyboard, guitar

The Plan:
Right now, it’s simple. Create a dynamic show, excellent music, good energy, and get booked in YOUR town.

We are starting with Southern California – from Santa Barbara down to Orange County. We are working with some venues and our team to play a certain area every 4-12 weeks.

In the meantime, we plan to record – first a 4 song EP but then quickly add songs to form a 11 song CD/project. We also have some new t-shirt designs and other merchandise you can get at shows or on the website.

You!!
The most important team member is you. The passionate listener (aka: fan). The first thing you need to do is listen and enjoy! If you do nothing else, we are grateful for the opportunity.

After that, we do need a small army to help us get our music to as many people as possible.  Here is what we need:

• Venues! If you know of a good venue and can help us get some bodies through their door, let us know. Better yet, if you know the venue owner, make the introduction for us.
   
• Come to a show! We promise a great experience. Grab a friend or two (or 10) and come on out. See the schedule for more information.
   
• Spread the word! Music does not spread naturally, it takes people telling people. So… tell some people.
   
• Join us on Facebook and ask others to do the same. Get on the mailing list and ask others to do the same.
   
• Order Some Merchandise! Okay, as of this writing, we don’t have the merchandise online but in the next few weeks, look for it. If you want some free merchandise, consider being a "Street Team" member.

What is a street team?
People who help us spread the word and take an active role in helping get people to shows. We send Street Teamers posters and flyers and are putting together a FREE promo package that will include t-shirts and other merchandise. To get more information, send an email to INFO @ Matthew Moran Online (DOT) com (remove spaces and convert (DOT) to “.” – helps me reduce spam).

Hope to see you at a show soon!

Either click the image to the right or read it here.

Updates have been a bit sparse of late – mostly due to the schedule of recording, consulting work, and other writing projects.

I did recently provide an update to the Facebook Group – Performing Songwriters (United Worldwide) – covering some tools and technology to help the songwriter on the business side of product/merchandise and promotion.

I’ll be sharing that information here and at:
TheSongwriterOnline.

Stay tuned!

 
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