Studio Update: Inspiration Corner

When I’m working on a studio project, I am constantly affected by my surroundings. Therefore, in order to keep myself in the same mindset throughout the project, I set up what I like to call Inspiration Corner.

What is Inspiration Corner? I’m glad you asked!

In the corner of my studio, I have my desk where I conduct the various tasks involved in running my ministry. It’s where my laptop is usually set up for typing up lyric sheets, putting together sheet music (see the last post), answering emails, posting to the blog, etc. This desk is also where I stack up all the CDs that I listen to while working on a project. Because this is the location of my laptop, I will upload the music on these CDs to my MP3 player, then select CDs from the stack every few days to listen in my car. All of this takes place at the desk in the corner of my studio, hence the name: Inspiration Corner.

To stay inspired throughout the recording of my CD, I’ll listen to this collection of music over and over again, a practice which often dictates the overall sound of the CD. Occasionally during the recording process, I will stray from this stack of music, like when a favorite artist releases a new CD (which I can guarantee will happen at least twice this month!), but I usually stick to listening to these CDs until the new album is done.

So, would you like to see what I’m listening to right now? Sure you would! Here’s what Inspiration Corner currently looks like:

Everything You Want and Go by Vertical Horizon
Squint by Steve Taylor
Supernatural by DC Talk
Apostrophe (‘), Over-Nite Sensation, and Zoot Allures by Frank Zappa
Octavarium by Dream Theater
Chariot by Gavin DeGraw
Ultra by Depeche Mode
Pump Up the Volume Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Say Anything Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Real Illusions: Reflections by Steve Vai

Now, by looking at this list, can you tell what my CD will sound like when it’s finished? Neither can I.

I guess we’ll just have to see what happens.

Until next time, God Bless!

--Eric G.