Well everything is in place, and I must say I love everyones excitement and enthusiasm for the project. As a result of modern technology (which is amazing) I have been able to let others know about the project from the comfort of my own home. My amazing family made it really convenient for me by purchasing me an ipad. What a convenient and useful tool! You see when we all rally around one another it really makes a difference.
Now i't's time to reorganize mine and my children"s schedule, my grandsons schedule... It's somewhat of a domino effect and It's hard for me to inconvenience others. That's the practical side of me. When you do something of value there usually has to be some sacrifice. As a Mom you always put the needs of others first, but now everyone is flexing their schedule for me. Wow, I feel special! So although we are very close, there is some maneuvering of lives that has to occur.
I like many of you will be taking some family time this weekend to celebrate this great Country of ours. I still get a lump in my throat every time I sing the Star Spangled Banner and I am humbled as I am reminded of how many have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. May God continue to bless America and those in it. I will be back on Monday with my blog and ready to get to work.
Have a wonderful, and delicious weekend!
<3 Lizzi
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Down to the Wire
We are down to the wire. The guys have been working tirelessly to complete and fit the studio for filming. I hope they bring back some pics. Sam told me they literally had to take everything out to rewire and fit everything. The studio itself is a little on the dim, ambient side, it looks great (as seen in the photos) but filming requires light. So extra lights needed to be installed in addition to all the other equipment. I felt a little guilty because I went to see Eclipse with a big group while Sam worked till early morning in the studio. I knew he wouldn't really have appreciated the movie and since we had all seen the previous movies, it's one of those films that you can watch with your daughters, sisters, girlfriends, well even a couple of guys tagged along. We had a great time, ate way too much popcorn, soda, candy. I always do it, I'm a popcorn junkie. My daughter teased me after the movie because she saw me eat a whole large bag of popcorn by myself (I was slightly embarrassed) Oh well, I Love POPCORN! Funny how it seems so much more adventurous and wicked when you sneak away to the movies on a weekday, even more so if you go to a matinee. I usually don't stay out late so my wonderful daughter Yesenia offered to watch Dusty so us girls could go out. Imagine my horror when they text to say they were going to bed, what time would we be home? Yikes, I was telling my sister at the movies "why would Bella want to marry either of those guys since it seems like neither of them work" here I forgot that my poor kids had to get up early the next morning, shame on me : ( .
We made it home around 1:00 a.m. no sight of Sam. No sooner did I get settled in when my son Samuel calls me with an amazing song idea. My Mama always used to sing to my babies, I loved hearing her raspy voice singing Munequita Linda and Amorcito Corazon. These are songs I believe are from the 1940"s with beautiful orchestration and a smooth velvety vocal to carry the melody. Absolutely beautiful and timeless songs. One of the things I loved when the girls and I vacationed in Mexico was waking up on Saturday mornings to those old standards on the radio. It's as if we were listening to the record player, you can hear the vinyl turning as the needle gently rests on it, piping out the beautiful songs. I can imagine people gracefully dancing across the floor and when my son told me he wanted to record some of Gramsy's songs I was so touched it brought a lump to my throat. My Mama would love it!
Well it's getting late, I was hoping to get some photos of the studio's progress. Tonight they will do a test run, can't wait to see it all in motion. My husbands vision coming to fruition, the Iklectics new recording format, and my recording project, this is exciting!
Talk to you tomorrow <3 Lizzi
We made it home around 1:00 a.m. no sight of Sam. No sooner did I get settled in when my son Samuel calls me with an amazing song idea. My Mama always used to sing to my babies, I loved hearing her raspy voice singing Munequita Linda and Amorcito Corazon. These are songs I believe are from the 1940"s with beautiful orchestration and a smooth velvety vocal to carry the melody. Absolutely beautiful and timeless songs. One of the things I loved when the girls and I vacationed in Mexico was waking up on Saturday mornings to those old standards on the radio. It's as if we were listening to the record player, you can hear the vinyl turning as the needle gently rests on it, piping out the beautiful songs. I can imagine people gracefully dancing across the floor and when my son told me he wanted to record some of Gramsy's songs I was so touched it brought a lump to my throat. My Mama would love it!
Well it's getting late, I was hoping to get some photos of the studio's progress. Tonight they will do a test run, can't wait to see it all in motion. My husbands vision coming to fruition, the Iklectics new recording format, and my recording project, this is exciting!
Talk to you tomorrow <3 Lizzi
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Almost Ready
I can't even begin tell you how excited I am about the project. We are really getting close. Did I ever tell you why the site is called Lullabies to love Songs? If you were to place my music in a genre it has always been Christian. But when you place your music in a box you automatically eliminate those who don't consider themselves "Christians". But Christianity to me is not so much professing that you are, but living your life in such a way that people gravitate towards you because of your encouraging, and hopeful nature (in spite of the circumstance). It's easy to let life suck all your joy - I mean look at us, we are busy people, we encounter many things everyday, we are making decisions for ourselves, our families, our careers, our relationships and the list goes on...
My life (I hope) is a reflection of what I believe. I know that every tough circumstance has challenged me in a different way. And I always say if there is a lesson to be learned let me learn it the first time around so I don't experience it again! I'm gonna say there is one lesson I've repeated a zillion times, not just me but my whole family, and that is in helping people. I am a sucker and a pushover for a down and outer. And I can't tell you how many times our family has helped only to be crushed and burned! But still something will not let me lose hope in people. I know there will be that one that gets it, that takes hold of what is being offered and will be a better man/woman because of it. We're supposed to help one another right? That's what separates us from the animals, the ability to think, to reason, to place value on those we love. Anyways I want my life to meaningful and I know I can share a bit of who I am through music.
Lullabies are the sweet gentle songs we croon to our little ones, they soothe, and comfort. Love songs speak of those in love and those we love. Love is probably the most celebrated event, heck one day a year is set aside just for it. I mean where would we be without love? Lullabies to love Songs will be just that with a little something in between.
Love life and live it to the fullest, <3 Lizzi
My life (I hope) is a reflection of what I believe. I know that every tough circumstance has challenged me in a different way. And I always say if there is a lesson to be learned let me learn it the first time around so I don't experience it again! I'm gonna say there is one lesson I've repeated a zillion times, not just me but my whole family, and that is in helping people. I am a sucker and a pushover for a down and outer. And I can't tell you how many times our family has helped only to be crushed and burned! But still something will not let me lose hope in people. I know there will be that one that gets it, that takes hold of what is being offered and will be a better man/woman because of it. We're supposed to help one another right? That's what separates us from the animals, the ability to think, to reason, to place value on those we love. Anyways I want my life to meaningful and I know I can share a bit of who I am through music.
Lullabies are the sweet gentle songs we croon to our little ones, they soothe, and comfort. Love songs speak of those in love and those we love. Love is probably the most celebrated event, heck one day a year is set aside just for it. I mean where would we be without love? Lullabies to love Songs will be just that with a little something in between.
Love life and live it to the fullest, <3 Lizzi
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Iklectix Production Process
Todays blog is a bit more on the technical side, since the work going on is in prepping the studio to be a live stream recording venue. It's a blessing to have such talented family and friends who are willing to pitch in and help with the set up! At the head of the crew is my husband Sam, and if you know him, whenever he gets an idea he will inevitably move heaven and earth to make it happen. He's the most tenacious person I have ever met. He never shys away from a challenge but approaches it head on!. The fact that he proposed to me on our second date should have been a foreshadow of what was to come, I told him he was crazy, but he soon convinced me otherwise. I remember telling him that if he was still around in a year I would consider marrying him. We even marked the date on a calendar. I had never met anyone so confident, and somehow his confidence made me feel very secure. Well Sam has had this idea for awhile and was just trying to figure out how to make it become a reality (lots of technology is involved). Working alongside Sam are two vital parts to this equation, we have Rudy (my nephew) who is very creative in filming, editing and writing scripts. And we have Alim who is a computer techy guy, and also a great photographer. He's the one who shot the studio pics in my last blog. Anyways these guys are on board 100% and what can i say, but that it's getting done! So with that I'm gonna try and explain the process that we will be following for the project. My husband sent me a flow chart of the recording process. Sam is famous for his flow charts, I think if he ever met Ross Perot they'd hit it off great.
THE PROCESS:
The recording process is very technical in nature but also artistic because to make a great recording you must understand music. When recording, the Iklectix use both live instruments and virtual instrumentation, they play and record everything themselves (I'd like to say they are master musicians). Through the use of MIDI they have any imaginable sound at their finger tips and with changes in technology you can now do more with less.
Recording starts and finishes with the song! Well this is the flow chart as I understand it.
- First of all there has to be a song, an idea for a song, a melody or something to fly with.
- Second the basic elements of the song is recorded along with a scratch vocal for reference.
- Third the song is embellished with additional instrumentation. Oh did I mention that all the while each of these steps is being filmed and sent out to your computer live via Ustream.
- Fourth the scratch vocal is replaced with the lead vocals and background vocals are added.
- Fifth the music and vocals are mixed to two track stereo.
- Sixth the completed project is mastered and pressed into cd's, mp3's and offered to you, the listener.
I believe that is the whole process, of course if I've missed anything I'm sure Sam will correct me. Anyways it's my blob I'll be wrong if I want to! (Uh oh, too soon for artists fits) jk.
Talk to you tomorrow <3 br="" lizzi="">
THE PROCESS:
The recording process is very technical in nature but also artistic because to make a great recording you must understand music. When recording, the Iklectix use both live instruments and virtual instrumentation, they play and record everything themselves (I'd like to say they are master musicians). Through the use of MIDI they have any imaginable sound at their finger tips and with changes in technology you can now do more with less.
Recording starts and finishes with the song! Well this is the flow chart as I understand it.
- First of all there has to be a song, an idea for a song, a melody or something to fly with.
- Second the basic elements of the song is recorded along with a scratch vocal for reference.
- Third the song is embellished with additional instrumentation. Oh did I mention that all the while each of these steps is being filmed and sent out to your computer live via Ustream.
- Fourth the scratch vocal is replaced with the lead vocals and background vocals are added.
- Fifth the music and vocals are mixed to two track stereo.
- Sixth the completed project is mastered and pressed into cd's, mp3's and offered to you, the listener.
I believe that is the whole process, of course if I've missed anything I'm sure Sam will correct me. Anyways it's my blob I'll be wrong if I want to! (Uh oh, too soon for artists fits) jk.
Talk to you tomorrow <3 br="" lizzi="">
Monday, June 28, 2010
Song Writing: The Creative Process
Hello, I hope everyone had as wonderful a weekend as I did. My sisters and I went to the Orpheum in San Francisco to watch Wicked. Something about that fresh, brisk air that I love. The show itself was amazing and the fact that I was able to watch it with my sisters made it all the more special. Sometimes you just have to overlook the cost and splurge. And that's just what we did, thank God for understanding husbands that held down the fort while we were gone. A special thank you to my brother in law for driving us and just hanging out while we walked through Pier 39 (he's incredibly patient) and no trip to San Francisco would be complete without a bowl of chowder and some crusty bread and butter. Yummy!
Anyways back to the "blob" as my son Dusty calls it. The creative process for writing is different for everyone. Some people can just jot down a little ditty anytime and about anything and it's great. Writing songs for me has always been very personal, I usually write about things I myself have experienced or people that I know have experienced. At any rate writing a song is truly an extension of one's self. Your putting yourself out there because people will either identify with and love the song or they will be indifferent. It's the indifference that's hard to take, especially when your performing and people stare at you blindly. If your a singer you know what I mean! I always pray that if there's a message in the song for someone that they would simply take it and run.
I consider myself to be a very spiritual person, and I have always considered my voice a gift from God. I think we could all use a positive uplifting message - life is tough so you have to embrace all the good around you. I have tons of little scraps of paper with little phrases on them, sometimes I come across them and wonder what it was I was referring to. That's probably why I love quilting, because it's like songwriting in that you bring all these little pieces together that create a complete thought. There is inspiration everywhere, in nature, in relationships, in our hopes, and in our dreams. Really I think as we mature it just comes down to the basics, the simple things in life and songwriting is another way of capturing that moment. Wow that's probably why I love scrapbooking, because I am capturing and recording the moment.
Now the funny thing is I have no idea what direction the Iklectix are taking me in. I told you this project was an adventure and I won't know what will happen until we all come together in the studio, scary right? Not at all because I believe the boys know who I am and what I'm about. It has been about 20 years since I have written a song and I know it's gonna be hard for me to quiet myself enough to write. My life is full and I have only recently began to simplify - this is my season, my time, my dream, this is part of the legacy that I will leave my children and my grandchildren.
Thanks for hearing my heart....
<3 Lizzi
Anyways back to the "blob" as my son Dusty calls it. The creative process for writing is different for everyone. Some people can just jot down a little ditty anytime and about anything and it's great. Writing songs for me has always been very personal, I usually write about things I myself have experienced or people that I know have experienced. At any rate writing a song is truly an extension of one's self. Your putting yourself out there because people will either identify with and love the song or they will be indifferent. It's the indifference that's hard to take, especially when your performing and people stare at you blindly. If your a singer you know what I mean! I always pray that if there's a message in the song for someone that they would simply take it and run.
I consider myself to be a very spiritual person, and I have always considered my voice a gift from God. I think we could all use a positive uplifting message - life is tough so you have to embrace all the good around you. I have tons of little scraps of paper with little phrases on them, sometimes I come across them and wonder what it was I was referring to. That's probably why I love quilting, because it's like songwriting in that you bring all these little pieces together that create a complete thought. There is inspiration everywhere, in nature, in relationships, in our hopes, and in our dreams. Really I think as we mature it just comes down to the basics, the simple things in life and songwriting is another way of capturing that moment. Wow that's probably why I love scrapbooking, because I am capturing and recording the moment.
Now the funny thing is I have no idea what direction the Iklectix are taking me in. I told you this project was an adventure and I won't know what will happen until we all come together in the studio, scary right? Not at all because I believe the boys know who I am and what I'm about. It has been about 20 years since I have written a song and I know it's gonna be hard for me to quiet myself enough to write. My life is full and I have only recently began to simplify - this is my season, my time, my dream, this is part of the legacy that I will leave my children and my grandchildren.
Thanks for hearing my heart....
<3 Lizzi
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The IKLECTIX
Today I feel privileged to introduce you to the production team "The Iklectix".These guys are amazing, and not just in my eyes they have worked with many well known and up and coming artists. But before I get ahead of myself I will begin with John Roselada.
John plays the keyboard and is a master at his craft, a singer, a song writer, and producer wrapped all into one. We met John about 8 years ago and it went something like this...remember I said we've had a studio for while, well Sam needed a keyboardist for a project he was working on so John was referred to him. One thing about a studio is it's pretty hard to mask your talent or lack of it. It was immediately apparent that John was an amazing musician. John is a very easygoing, layback kind of guy, and he immediately sets a very relaxed (no pressure) type of vibe. I always go by my instincts when I meet people and my instincts told me "he's a good guy". So that's how John not only became a friend but a part of our family. He's Samuel's "brother from another mother".
Now the way John and Samuel met it was somewhat of a long distance relationship. Samuel was on an East Coast tour and while he was gone was when John began coming into the studio. As a matter of fact Samuel had already done some guitar work on some tracks and John was adding strings. This was the beginning of a beautiful and long-lasting friendship and business partnership. When Samuel came back from the tour he and John had an immediate connection - they began collaborating on numerous projects and just like magic the Iklectix were born!
Now I have to introduce you to the other half of the Iklectix. Samuel Orozco, no not my husband Sam but, our son. Samuel took an interest in the guitar when he was about 12 years old. Now being the practical Mom that I am I wasn't about to run out and buy him the best guitar, I wanted him to prove that he was serious. So I did the next best thing, I took him to the library. There he checked out a beginners book on guitar. We purchased him a guitar and to my surprise and amazement the boy learned to play. I am so proud of my son and how he has been able to remain constant to his craft. Being a musician is very difficult and you really put yourself out there each and every time you write a song. His consistent nature would not let him give up on music, he writes, he sings, and also plays bass. I am a proud Mama and If you were to meet the Iklectix you would find them to be the most humble, sincere, kind hearted, and honest people you will ever meet. Those are characteristics that you don't often find in the music industry and again I am thankful to be working with them.
Everything about them as musicians and producers is eclectic, they produce rap, rock, middle of the road pop, from romantic gushy stuff to heavy metal screamo. We have not discussed the musical direction that they will take me, so that will be a fun part of this adventure. Below are some cool pictures of them and samples of their work, press the links to get a taste of the Iklectix.
(Woops.... I couldn't figure out how to attach the links so please go to You Tube and type in "Mexia Descontrol" for their MTV3 debut, "Raul Antonio Imposible" for another great video, and "The Iklectix Show" to see where they got their start!)
Sunday we rest - see you on Monday.
John plays the keyboard and is a master at his craft, a singer, a song writer, and producer wrapped all into one. We met John about 8 years ago and it went something like this...remember I said we've had a studio for while, well Sam needed a keyboardist for a project he was working on so John was referred to him. One thing about a studio is it's pretty hard to mask your talent or lack of it. It was immediately apparent that John was an amazing musician. John is a very easygoing, layback kind of guy, and he immediately sets a very relaxed (no pressure) type of vibe. I always go by my instincts when I meet people and my instincts told me "he's a good guy". So that's how John not only became a friend but a part of our family. He's Samuel's "brother from another mother".
Now the way John and Samuel met it was somewhat of a long distance relationship. Samuel was on an East Coast tour and while he was gone was when John began coming into the studio. As a matter of fact Samuel had already done some guitar work on some tracks and John was adding strings. This was the beginning of a beautiful and long-lasting friendship and business partnership. When Samuel came back from the tour he and John had an immediate connection - they began collaborating on numerous projects and just like magic the Iklectix were born!
Now I have to introduce you to the other half of the Iklectix. Samuel Orozco, no not my husband Sam but, our son. Samuel took an interest in the guitar when he was about 12 years old. Now being the practical Mom that I am I wasn't about to run out and buy him the best guitar, I wanted him to prove that he was serious. So I did the next best thing, I took him to the library. There he checked out a beginners book on guitar. We purchased him a guitar and to my surprise and amazement the boy learned to play. I am so proud of my son and how he has been able to remain constant to his craft. Being a musician is very difficult and you really put yourself out there each and every time you write a song. His consistent nature would not let him give up on music, he writes, he sings, and also plays bass. I am a proud Mama and If you were to meet the Iklectix you would find them to be the most humble, sincere, kind hearted, and honest people you will ever meet. Those are characteristics that you don't often find in the music industry and again I am thankful to be working with them.
Everything about them as musicians and producers is eclectic, they produce rap, rock, middle of the road pop, from romantic gushy stuff to heavy metal screamo. We have not discussed the musical direction that they will take me, so that will be a fun part of this adventure. Below are some cool pictures of them and samples of their work, press the links to get a taste of the Iklectix.
(Woops.... I couldn't figure out how to attach the links so please go to You Tube and type in "Mexia Descontrol" for their MTV3 debut, "Raul Antonio Imposible" for another great video, and "The Iklectix Show" to see where they got their start!)
Sunday we rest - see you on Monday.
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