Day One: The Couch Sessions

Posted by koripop on May 6, 2009 in "From the Outskirts" Journal | 3 comments

couch |kou ch |

ORIGIN Middle English (as a noun denoting something to sleep on; as a verb in the sense [lay something down] ): from Old French couche(noun), coucher (verb), from Latin collocare ‘place together’ (seecollocate ).

The Couch Sessions are the first two weeks of recording. They are in place to record sketches and test base colours for “From the Outskirts”. They will also give Dave (Record Farmer and Producer) a chance to get to know my songs better. I guess you could think of these settings as the cocktail hours. June is the when dinner begins. 

 (Above) The Barn Window

Day One:

 Went to bed at one in the morning, woke up at…six in the morning. Busy mind. The drive to the  studio had my stomach in knots; not because I did not feel prepared to record, (I have been working  towards this for three years), but because until that point my songs had been so sheltered. Now,  there is this new person who will know their weakness’ and their secrets, aside from me (and Justin:aka-my musical soulmate, aka-my man). When I pulled up the drive way, I noticed how warm the sun was and how green the grass looked, like a green crayon, and this made me smile… the worry melted away (mostly).

    Unloaded the kids. Meet Floyd (my acoustic guitar) and Nina Buckley (my purple and fusica electric guitar). When I walked in I knew that everything [was] in it’s right place (great Radiohead tune/check it out). Dave had big smiles for me and Japanese tea a friend brought him from China Town. We sat on couch #1 and chatted for quite a while. I am beginning to recognize that Dave is very talented at making the impossible, seem possible. I have been feeling a little overwhelmed (but still inspired) by the Post-Recording adventures (touring, promotion, etc.), but after a good Dave talk I am wondering what I was worried about in the first place.

    (Above) Dave and The Board

We had an apple and  Dave unveiled his new prized possession, a beautiful German microphone. There is a little dining area in the barn where couch #2 (Red Floral Couch) resides. Dave sets up German Beauty and some other mics around Red Floral Couch . There is a window here that casts a glow over the area and makes me think of my bedroom which has the same effect. Floyd and I begin to play. First to show themselves in the Barn’s rustic, magical setting is “(All You Want Is A) Whole World To Love,” then  ”Beach Ballad,” then “No One Else’s Queen“ (which felt particularly good). ”Flow N Flow“ finished the first of the Couch Sessions.

    My musical imagination is completely liberated. Between Dave and I, my songs are going to get more attention then they ever could have imagined. Before I left, Dave introduced me to his guitar (the guitar that picked him). A fantastic, beat-up red 1970′s Gibson Donovan Acoustic. We bonded and I am sure this is not the last you will hear of him. Dave played backed some of the takes and German Beauty and I can tell you now, we are going to be best friends. She sounds out of this world. What a great day.

   

Until tomorrow.

k