jesus christ you guys, this is really fucking hard.
i have to say that making an album is really frustrating and difficult.
from the years it took to write the songs, and the experiences behind them, to recording them, to the engineering processes they go through afterwards. from writing a bio of your life story and summing up who you are as an artist in a one-page MS word document, to trying to get the right photos and figure out how to package the album, and how and when to let it out into the world -- all with a budget of like $10 and not a lot of time.
i have learned a shitload from this process, but at the same time i will admit to being anxious to the point of vomiting nearly every step of the way
i have such a hard time making decisions, and i am so obsessive to the point of extreme discomfort regarding all the details and decisions of everyday life, much less something that i have poured so much passion and effort and agony into, and something that will technically probably outlive me (here's hoping i don't live past 35).
i want so badly for it to be something i am proud of, because i have put everything i have into these songs, this album, and getting to the point where people are willing to help me make it and distribute it.
i am still working my dayjob since i have put all my savings into making this album, which is just another energy drainer and time sink.
i am doing my best to believe this will work out in a way i can be happy with, but i feel like i'm trapped at the top of a broken roller coaster, and to get down i have to make the necessary repairs. but i don't have the knowledge or the tools, and no one from the ground below can hear me screaming or even bothers to look up.
wait, is that a quote from titanic?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
album schmalbum
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29 comments:
No matter what you do Jay, I will always be a fan Even if you release it and have reservations about what you did or didn't do, or what you could've changed on the record before the final cut, I know I'm going to enjoy it no matter what.
While you may hear flaws in your voice or your playing, I probably won't.
All you can do is follow your instinct.
I know it's going to be great.
lol I can't wait for your new album and the world tour but take your time. When you're really really prepared for us, tell us then :D I'll be so glad the wait is over XD
And yes, I know it's going to be great too :) (quoting and agreeing with andrew)
"I don't need your advice, some compassion would be nice"
Well, being as how I've never recorded an album I can't give advice anyway. :) You're going to be great and no matter what people are going to feel and hear what you're expressing with your songs. It's going to be wonderful, and no matter how it turns out you should be incredibly proud. Look how far you've got already. Keep it up, and you rock!!
xoxo.
Jay, you have enough fans to follow you and you know we're all going to purchase your album the first day it comes out. I know I will. Even if it doesn't come to Fargo and I have to drive to Minneapolis. You have come so far and worked so hard, there is no possible way that the turnout could be bad.
boy, stay true to yourself and everything will take the right way ! ;) i believe that you'r doing a great job and that this album will be great ! strenght to ya, boy
It'll all be worth it in the end. The album will come out and people will love it, even if you can do nothing but focus on the small things you could've done differently!
Can't friggin wait for the album!
Don't give up Jay! You know we're all behind you all the way on this monumental leg of your journey. One of your most endearing qualities in your You Tube videos and shows thus far has been that you shun the artificially "perfect" for the real imperfections of life's experiences and your wonderfully honest approach to them! Sorry if that sounds a bit heavy, but all I'm saying is don't worry, cos the album will reflect the you we all love and admire so much. Bon courage! x
Can't wait to hear the album.
hopefully it'll come out soon.
best of luck ;)
jay! I agree with all the above comments. You have my support! You are great and I can't wait for your album. ;)
Jay, I can't wait for your new album to be released. I rarely purchase actual CDs, and prefer downloadable music, but I will gladly pay to purchase your CD. I'll be on the look out for it. Do you know when it will become available?
I hope you know how much your fans appreciate the hard work, stress, blood, sweat and tears you have poured into this CD. I'm sure it will be great!
I'm very proud of you Jay; I think we all are at this point! Your courage is truly inspiring! You're not wining to some stupid director to give you a chance.
In simply saving the money and having the balls to get into the studio to make this dream come true… it's amazing. Take your time on choosing the photos, but no matter what you do you always look great :D
I'm just a fan but at this point I’m as anxious as you and everybody else :)
Never stop singing Jay ;) and Good Luck for everything That lies ahead.
Jay Brannan, im amazed! just watched shortbus and it was really something. You must be the cutest guy ive ever seen. love your voice and eyes!!! kille1989@hotmail.com
When the roller coaster brakes down for me I usually find the tools for the repair in my experiences and observations.
Being stuck at the top you do have a great, perhaps too vast, view of life around you.
As to not being able to hear, or get help from, those on the ground - some sounds take their time traveling - like whispers and echoes.
You are truly crazy beautiful.
ok man, stop right there! u put ur ass into work and thats an order.... u r xtremly great, ur songs are smart and great. just remenber make the album it's the half of the way promoting the album it's the other half, so i want to see your ass in every youtube, myspace, blogger, facebook, YOUTUBE, atc... by the way did Your album is going to sell in itunes? im in venezuela and... jiji i know how buy in itunes being out of the country.... there is GrooveShark too, it's the new itunes and it works like a web app, N e Way try to put ur album in those places and you'll be fine... and.. oh yeah u r hot too...
Hey Jay,
I think you should be really proud of yourself.
Having met you, and seen first hand what's in those eyes, I can see that you are hungry for more than life has offered you. You have worked really hard for your album, and if not one person buys one (which of course we all will) you will have the gift of life lessons that will enrich your soul and make you a better man.
One thing I know is that there is the greatest learning in being "uncomfortable", I hope you continue to be in that zone more than not. Life would get pretty boring if we all reveled in our comfort zones.
Much love and respect....Keep learning!!! xo
Keep smiling :) from your fans in England x
Hi Jay, You're going to get through this whole album making process and it's going to have a wonderful end result. I just know it! Stay true to you and you can't go wrong. Try to remember that you have all of us fans all over the world wishing you well. We totally love you <3
If the album is by you, it'll be great. Don't worry about it. =)
<3
just don't get spektoritis ;)
all creative work is fucking hard. I saw the shortbus recently, and it touched me deep. then i googled you and heard some of your songs. Touched me too, very very deep. Thanks for being such a good artistic mirror of this world (crazy) we live in.
god bless
This has nothing to do with anything, but I'm listening to "Drowning" right now, and it's just what I need. You're a freaking genius and i love you.
I'm looking forward to your album! And I'm sure it will be great! Having doubts about something - especially something so big - is only natural but you will see that all your fans (and there are plenty of them) will appreciate your hard work :)
I loved your 'disasterpiece' CD Jay and I will definitely be buying your first album. Lots of artists are perfectionists, it's what gives their art that extra something. I always say to myself that if someone in the world (apart from myself) likes something I have done - then I have succeeded.
...and from looking at the other comments - I would say you've already succeeded. x
I feel you need to learn to let go of the process, and outcome Jay so you can live in the flow, and in the moment. Trying to control the process just creates resistance, and you have no control over the outcome & how others will percieve your musicmanship, so why worry about it? Focus on the moment.
Here's some things that might help expand your knowledge, to help you let go:
http://www.success77.com/59-67-goal-setting-releasing.htm
http://www.soulfulliving.com/oct04gifts_of_the_soul.htm
http://kundalini-teacher.com/guidance/entit.php
I know you'll think their weird or at first, but I have a strange feeling they might help. =)
i can't wait for many things concerning you. =*
Hey
I want to know more about your stay in Porto Alegre. Write a post about =)
Liv
Helloooo?
Where are you, Jay?
Coming from a guy who just found your album on iTunes as a featured album on their new pop section...you've done a goddamned good job! I went on iTunes yesterday to find something new to listen to while I made the tedious trek from Boston to New London, CT to pick my roommate and her stupid dog up from the ferry and your album title was intriguing so I clicked on a song and then another and first realized I loved your sound and lyrics and then realized you were gay. What a fucking gem!
Anyway...you made a great album and you should be more than proud of your accomplishment. Whoever you had to sleep with to get your album featured on iTunes in such a predominant place is someone I owe big, because I found a new fav artist from it! I hear you have a gig here fri night in Boston so hopefully I can make it out to support you...i'll try to rally some people up for a warm welcome.
I've been listening to your album almost everyday. I really think that you should be proud or your self!
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