The Final Mix
This Monday is the last day on the CD… which means all songs are recorded, mixed and Monday we are fine-tuning the mastering. Then the package will be printed and thousands of copies will be created.
People are asking if I’m excited… yes yes yes. I am humbled and honestly, partly surprised by the final product. I am eager to share, and am reflective on the 24 years I’ve spent learning, practicing, mastering and forgetting the intricacies of the viola. I am grateful and more aware of the true time and energy it takes to create a CD… you never realize the intense work of large projects until you are in the midst of it all. I am ready to distribute hugs and kisses again and again to those who have contributed to the making of Vol. I: Battle Cry, and those who are still helping carry me on this musical journey. Success is never achieved alone.
There will be 9 songs total. Each song and their order is very intentionally placed. This CD is a journey to discover, release and heal from a battle cry; a key part of the process of coming into your own power. It is an exploration of anthems of challenge and courage, the absolute beauty of innocence, warnings of the potential loss of what we love most… there are the invocations, the shadows of fear and greed, and all the passion, pain and determination that leads to the battle cry… then the healing, somber and hopeful aftermath of the cry, to the unconditional love and understanding that follows…
I have been swimming in all of these aspects as deep as my soul understands and allows. It has been so dark, mystical and confrontational at times that it has brought shivers and tears. But on the other hand, creating songs that attempt to personify the strength, resilience and beauty of life is a blessing.
The CD won’t be available for another few months because of the need to strategize on and set up the distribution plan, create a team of support, confirm more bookings, plan the CD release party, produce the music video shoot we’re doing in the Diego Rivera mural/courtyard at the Detroit Institute of Arts (so excited about that one)… there are many logistics to wrap up and I need to build a team around the work.
Plus, I have the performance in Washington DC on Thursday, September 24th, and the performance at the DIA in Detroit is on Friday, October 9th. {~swoon~}
But soon, Vol I: Battle Cry… and I’ll probably release one or two more songs online in the meantime.
Sigh… the longest journeys are often the most delicious in retrospect. Glad to have you come along on this journey.