The next installment chronicling the recording creation of my next recording project. You can catch the previous part here.
September 4, 2026
17:57
A warm day. But given what my friends further south have had to endure, I have no complaints.
I fell down a serious rabbit hole last night that left me listening to rather than watching the gig I went to. It sounded great, by the way.
I thought I’d see what AI might know about recording based on the equipment I have on hand. Turns out it was quite a bit. Like it or not, AI does make some things easier.
I was able to gather info about giving my digital gear a warmer, analog touch, how to record five people on eight tracks in one room, and the basics of file sharing.
On top of the books, I have a lot of reading to do. I’m actually quite excited about it. A new door has opened and I’m eager to walk through.
21.46
Looks like Robert Glasper packs an influential punch.
Having just left his headlining set at the Chicago Jazz Festival, I now realize that two other song styles must be a part of this project: a spoken-word, socially conscious tune (I even write a couple of lines while sitting at the show); and at least one or two songs with J Dilla beats.
Never ignore the Muse when she offers you a gift.
September 9, 2026
14:15
Practice continues. Ideas are trying to flow. I just need to get more consistent with the journaling.
I’ve come into this project with the desire to re-record at least three songs from Valley of Shadows. In one case, I’m planning multiple arrangements of the same tune. How strange it feels to hear one tune in so many different ways.
The is far from revolutionary. Musicians do it all the time. Just not me. But it’s encouraging. When the time comes, I’ll have plenty to record.
Now I’ve been thinking more and more about the people I’d like to help me.
September 19, 2026
09:51
It’s crucial that Artificial Intelligence play no role in the actual music of Break’s Over. I even took the time to write a piece about it recently. AI cannot have a role in my music.
Yeah … about that …
While AI won’t play a single note in my project, it would seem I have found meaning in my budding relationship with Microsoft Co-Pilot.^
While I don’t want AI to play any music, it has been a godsend for production reasons. More accurately, for answering the many questions I have about production. Let’s face facts: I have no real idea what I’m doing. That’s why Valley of Shadows sounded like absolute crap from a dynamics standpoint. I’d just as soon not make that mistake again.
I’m getting solid advice on how to use my gear properly, signal paths, mic techniques, and tons of other things. It has even recommended books for study toward production mastery.
I ask a question and the answer is revealed. And it’s done so without huffs and eye rolls by people who believe I should already know better. I don’t, okay? Everyone starts somewhere, and this is a much-needed 101 class.
I’ve gotten more information in an hour than I would taking the time to hunt down a producer, sit in on a session, and ask a ton of questions. I’m probably still gonna do that, but who knows when I’ll be able to schedule that?
Now that I think on it, Co-Pilot needs a proper name. I’m leaning toward Miles. Best I avoid names like HAL or Skynet.
AI might kill us all by the end of the decade, but I’ll hade made one helluva recording project by then.
The next book for consumption:
It’s not technical. It’s mental. Not in the British slang way. Another set of muscles to build and flex while this project comes together.
18:56
This has been quite the day of pre-pre-production. And a day where the AI was useful.
I was able to get recording tips from each of the nine guitars that will appear throughout the projects. Primarily EQ settings, which I am clueless about.
The sound quality for Break’s Over has increased by tenfold.
^ I’m NOT being paid for this. But I’m starting to think I should be.
#cirdecsongs
If you would like to have your music reviewed, contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com
