3rd album update: 1st pass mix

So, let's see. . . what's the good word. . .

(That's assuming the word is good).

Well me thinks it be time for another update.

For the three of you who have been following my little progress updates this year, you will know that I've been working on finally mixing the new album. You may be interested to know (meaning there is nothing better to read at the moment), that the first pass mix has been done for a few weeks now.

Exciting eh?!

(You don't care).

I see, well then.

All of my trusty (not dependable) musicians have been listening to the first version almost non stop, and I've "premiered" it to some family members as well.

All of the reactions to this record have been overwhelmingly positive so far, even though this album is quite a bit different from what I've done before. . . not that I want you to build up your expectations.

I really want to go into detail talking about the style and direction of this album, but it would be better for me to wait on that still. So I shall. Wait that is.

I've been taking an extended break from life after working so intensely on getting the album to this state for the last several months, but soon begins mix pass numero zwei.

One thing I wanted on this album was to bring in another set of ears to the mix phase as to get as much input and alternate impressions/ideas to make this record sound as good as possible. I've worked on this album for over four years and it would be stupid of me to rush the mix just to get it out there.

So, interestingly enough (and it's really interesting), I flew in Tommy Drinnen from Texas to help me on my mixing journey. You may know Tommy from Sweet Painful Reality when he was kind enough to play the guitars for me. Tommy has his own band, Urizen (www.urizenonline.com) who is quite popular in the Lone Star state.

Although we only worked for a few days, Tommy brought some great subtle changes and tweaks to what I had done so far, to make the mixes clearer and more defined, which is exactly what I wanted from him. Now I'm left to gather my strength for the second crack at mixing to fix the remaining issues, which is not fun in the slightest in case you were wondering.

So that's where I am at the moment. A few of you have asked me, "So when do I get to hear it", or, "do you have any change, man?". Well I can tell you that you are unlikely to hear or see anything until the new year. Yes, it's a ways away, but the important thing is that it is finally being realized. And to answer the other question, sorry man, I don't carry change anymore. . . not since. . . the crash. . . *begins sobbing*.

Well, I think that about does it. Feel free to email me every once in a while with comments or questions. Yes, I actually like knowing that there is support out there.

Take care,

NIKO