The RPM Challenge

(Thursday, 18 September 2008) Written by The Shepherd Band

I listen to this now and think "man that's bad". I've been meaning to fix several things all year, but then life gets in the way. I'm thinking maybe now is the time to start writing (and practicing) for next year. I feel a lot of passion, but it doesn't really translate in the implementation. Perhaps it's just that I'm green, and would like to be more professional than I am.
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Comments (3)

1 Comes in waves
Written by Babys First Ride, on 09-18-2008 22:09
You'll find its like waves on the ocean. The tide comes in a goes out on a regular basis. I recommend keeping any and all ideas and put them is a safe to pull for later. I've kept a shoe box for years before I had a computer. I have songs that are just one line, some are a verse, and some are complete. When RPM time comes around, I start with those. Sometimes, I combine two OK songs into one. You never how or when you can use the pieces.

2 You're right
Written by The Shepherd Band, on 09-18-2008 23:01
It does come in waves. I go for months with nothing, and then can have a night of inspiration that results in a whole new song. I have a DAT that I put ideas down on. I did use a couple of those (sinking, running, and I'll Wait). These were all riffs that I just put down without much of an idea what I'd do with them. I was really excited when I started, but more disappointed by the time I was done because it just wasn't what I'd hoped for. Most of what we did in this recording I was material that I had been working on for a while, only 2 of the songs were actually written and recorded in February (What's on the Outside, and Anyone but Me). I think part of the problem is that none of us have had formal training, and I tried to take on something fairly ambitious. I had never played lead, bass or drums before, and yet I'm the guy playing both throughout. I also did all of the engineering. It's a lot to take on in a month. It took all of my free time, and still didn't really sound that good. The leads are really disappointing. I had good ideas, but just couldn't execute. My strong point is rhythem guitar, I've been doing that for a number of years both publicly and privately. One of the things I want to do next time is to have everything fleshed out, and then bring in other musicians. In fact, I might not even play next time around, but bring in those with more experience that can better convey my ideas.

3 Written by Alternate Modes of Underwater, on 10-02-2008 13:53
Realistically? Considering you only have a short month to assemble everything, the results probably will not be perfect.

Because of that, rather than trying to write the perfect album, I've always used the RPM Challenge as an opportunity to experiment.

In my case, while not all the experimentation works, periodically I'll be surprised..

As far as practicing in the off season goes, yeah - by all means go for it. I know others who do that as well.

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