The Journey of Creating My First Album: A Personal Reflection

How I Turned an Idea into a Reality

It was a little over a year ago that the idea of making an album entered my mind. Thankfully, it sprouted and flourished, bringing me to this moment. Now, I am proud to say I have professionally made CDs. I was even fortunate enough to hire talented musicians and a graphic artist to help design the album cover!

Creating my first album has been a transformative experience. Initially, I was unsure of what I was doing. But now, I can confidently say I have an album that represents my artistic vision. Should I create another album, I anticipate it will have a different flavor. With this experience under my belt, I now understand my direction much better.

The Support Behind My Album

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous Cohen-Grappel Autoharp endowment. The quality of the music greatly benefited from the musicians I hired, as well as the connections they had to even more talented artists. George Mason, Bea Graves, Matthew Bullis, and Eric Douglas formed the backbone of our "sound."

I often imagine us around a campfire, playing our acoustic instruments. We are all quite in tune, and I can’t complain about that!

Recording Locations and Their Influence

The album was primarily recorded in two locations, with a few tracks laid down in a small home studio. The two main places were Mesa, AZ, and Harrison, AR. Why two locations? I really can't say for sure. However, I understood that I needed to find vocalists from my homeland to maintain authenticity. There could be no fake accents here!

This experience was cathartic for me. I have a unique accent, and the colleges I attended often tried to shame me for it. This was not unlike the Army’s approach, which criticized me for being plump. It’s nothing personal; just a part of my journey.

Embracing My Identity

I decided to embrace my accent. If my friends want to joke about it for a brief moment and then move on, that’s fine. However, it is unacceptable for others to change my grades or base my pay on my accent.

Musical Collaborations

Working alongside skilled musicians was inspiring. Their creativity and expertise significantly contributed to the depth of the album. Each collaboration added a unique layer to the music, enriching the overall sound.

Reflecting on the Process

Reflecting on this journey, I realize how much I’ve grown. From being uncertain about my talent to confidently producing a full album shows that perseverance pays off. I've learned that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones.

Planning for the Future

With this experience, I look forward to what comes next. If I decide to create another album, it will undoubtedly reflect my growth as an artist. I hope to incorporate new influences and perhaps experiment with different genres.

The Importance of Feedback

Feedback from friends and fellow musicians has been invaluable. Their insights have helped refine my sound and encouraged me to take risks. It is a reminder that collaboration in the arts can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

A Journey Worth Taking

This journey has been more than just about creating music; it’s a testament to personal growth. It's about embracing my identity and challenges. The lessons learned along the way are as meaningful as the final product.

Creating an album has been a significant milestone in my life. It has taught me about resilience, collaboration, and authenticity. The experience of crafting music, especially with trusted friends, is unparalleled.

I look forward to sharing this album with you all and hope it resonates deeply. After all, music is a powerful medium that connects us, tells stories, and gives voice to our experiences. Music has truly changed my life, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

For those interested in exploring more about the journey of music creation, I highly recommend checking this out. This resource offers valuable insights into the music-making process.

---wix---