The Making of “Carousel” was unlike any other recording experience I’ve had in the past and has changed me completely as an artist.
When Aaron and I first met he talked about what he wanted to accomplish, what he heard in regards to production and the direction these recordings would lead to. I was very excited to work with Aaron because of our different creative strategies for songs. I knew he could offer a different approach that I wouldn’t comprehend. He wanted this recording to be something different. He wanted every song to be instrumentally and emotionally accompanied by what it called for and not what was expected. Most of all, he didn’t want to make this sound like just another pop record.
The recordings were held in “The Spirit Room”, a one bedroom cottage in La Mesa, CA. The drums, keys, strings and all other instruments were packed in one at a time to lay down the tracks. There wasn’t a lot of access to many instruments/equipment needed so to compensate, Bowen simply (for him) created them with what he had. That is one amazing feature he has. If he doesn’t have it, he’ll make it.
Living in Orange County and recording in San Diego, I wasn’t there for the majority of the recordings. He would have the musicians come over, lay tracks, and then I’d come down and hear/review them. From the beginning, given Aaron’s unique talent and sophisticated taste as a musician/producer, I gave him the reins and knew he would make an amazing production.
It was a hard thing to do. Being a solo musician, I always wanted to be in charge of everything. I still do. And there were times I’d disagree but he’d quickly put me in my place haha. It was hard to let go but that’s what I needed in this recording process. If I tried to produce this myself I would’ve given up of it wouldn’t be half as good. I’ve learned to be the artist and not to be the producer.
I have to say the result of this recording process laid out a very real, raw, intimate, and genuine production. Every single sound you hear comes from a real instrument. In past recording experiences, much of the production was synthesized and played for “perfection”. Another interesting fact about the entire product is that both the songs and the production were composed more instinctively than pre-meditated. There wasn't much editing when I wrote these songs. I tried to keep them the way they came out. When it came to recording and arranging Bowen went with what sounded right and didn't second guess what the songs told him to do. In the beginning of this recording I wanted “perfection”, but immediately discarded them. What I learned about Aaron’s recordings is the importance of capturing the emotion and conviction over recording a pitch perfect take. If you worry about everything being “perfect” the songs become sterile. Dirt and emotion is much more appealing to those listeners who look for something that doesn’t sound so distant. These songs sound as if they are coming out of you and not a pair of speakers.
As this project began to culminate, the 7track EP formed more into a 7 track record. The progression of each track is naturally woven into place with a distinct introduction and a simple, sweet song to cap the ending, yet leaving it open for the new recordings to come. The final product proves that the goals set for this CD were accomplished. “Carousel” really is something different. The production is progressive and in no way redundant. It highlights the other genre and attributes these songs contain. And most of all does not sound like just another pop record.
"CAROUSEL" The NEW 7 track EP by Derrick Oshana
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Press clippings and articles coming soon. Stay tuned!
Hey! Just dropping by to say how awesome your music is! Join our mailing list if you like http://www.reverbnation.com/sillken or look us up @http://www.twitter.com/sillken or http://www.facebook.com/sillken Peace
hey i was just listening to "one" and i just love your voice so much i HAD to write you and tell you that. i know i've probably said all that before... but you really have an angelic voice. it is just ideal. soft. moving. truly.
ok, i'll let you get back to your bear cave.... blessings, amy
hi derrick, i just dropped by to say hello, and tell you that we still LOVE your music! (i just figured out how to put a player on my page and had to add a song of yours!)
![Susie.[Peace]](http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/61/s_d5488cc60300457c9c286708522f04e1.jpg)
