The Process

In an effort to regularly be present here in this place, I’ve been scanning my brain looking for things to share. I’m a little nervous to start just randomly posting songs as we near completion. I have 4 lead vocals done, Erica has 1.

After we both finish our leads, we’ll go back and listen to all the songs for a week, and develop in our minds what we think the harmony or layered parts might be. Is it a straight harmony thing? We decided long ago that the sound of The Dailies is the two of us singing together. We are reluctant to get into a situation where there are audibly “Chad” songs, or “Erica” songs. Our sound is us, both of us, singing together.

However, we like to be a little more creative than just simply picking a melody, and then one of us singing it, and then the other just singing the 3rd or 6th and just calling it a day.

On some of the songs, we’re trying to develop counter melodies for one another. For example, on Signal Chain, my part is the melody. Erica’s vocal basically chases the melody word for word, but not note for note. Sometimes she zigs when I zag. I have listened many times to the song (in the computer) with my part muted and Erica’s part alone. I think it’s almost as good of an alternate melody as my part, which is the actual melody.

We think it’s a more interesting sound then just a straight harmony part.

It’s funny. I think that most non-musical people think that good music just sort of happens, just sort of appears out of the mist like Brigadoon. The truth is, at least for us, that music happens as a result of careful planning and execution, built upon years of training and discipline.

The great challenge is to preserve the original intent of the piece. There are so many ways it can go sideways, or lose it’s way. In many ways, that what the song Signal Chain is all about.

So, we construct. First a lead, then a 2nd part. Then we listen. Is it asking for anything else? If so, what? Where?

Eventually, you listen through a piece, and your ear tells you it’s done. It’s the when… that’s the issue.