“Last of the men in hats hops off the coil
And a final scene unfolds inside
Deep in the rain of sparks behind his brow
Is a part replayed from a perfect day
Teaching her how to whistle like a boy
Love’s first blush”
– Elbow
Just Like Falling
For the second track on our record, I wanted to keep the energy up. I had the
basic song (chords, melody, and lyrics), but I hadn’t decided how to execute the
track. This is a good example of our production method:
- Dylan, Will and I would go into the studio, and I would play them the song on acoustic guitar.
- We would find the tempo, and I would record a demo, or “scratch”, version of the song to a click track.
- I would describe the attitude of the song to Will, citing various influences and suggesting beats.
- Will would create a drum part, based on our discussion, and record his tracks in about an hour.
- Dylan and I would have a similar discussion about the guitar part.
- Dylan would play several different versions, or “riffs”, of the chord progression until we found one that we liked.
- He would then record his various tracks in 30 minutes to an hour.
- I would show them the bass line I had in mind, and they would say “sure” or“meh”.
And so on… For most of these songs, the parts you’re hearing were
created and recorded within an hour of them hearing/learning the song. It’s a
very fast-paced way to track a record, but, since we were working one night a
week, it was the only way for us to get anything done. Fortunately, Dylan and Will
were up to the challenge, and it wouldn’t have gotten made without them and
their respective creative talents.
The vocal tracks that Pastor Lisa recorded required more time, as they are
the focus of the song. We went in four separate times, over a period of several
months, to re-record her lead part until we were both satisfied with the result. Her
lead vocal on this song, particularly the bridge, are definitely a highlight of the
record for me. Working with such talented, anointed, patient and flexible
musicians and vocalists on this project may have spoiled my producing career for
life, but I’ve never been happier with a finished product.
Lyrically, this song is about reigniting your first love. It’s about Jesus
calling us apart from the mess of the world to spend time alone with Him and
remember the feeling of meeting Him for the first time. I’ve often longed for the
zealous passion of my youth when I fell in love with Jesus and nothing else
mattered. But time marches on, life happens, stress and responsibility take the
place of youthful insouciance, and we can become weary and jaded.
Jesus still wants that relationship with us. Over time, we can grow deeper
with Him, find new understanding in His word and gain wisdom through
experience. The passion is still there, buried under the weight of the world with
which we surround ourselves. Listen to Jesus. He is calling you out.
“Come away with me…”
Love,
Locke
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