The Love Universe The Archives of Nate Gass

Recording Update

So, I realize that the frequency in which I upload original music and recordings has gone down the tubes lately. There are a few reasons for this which are stated as follows:

1. I haven't recorded nearly as much. Call it writer's block, lack of time, no creativity, laziness, or whatever you want but the fact is that I just haven't felt like doing it much lately. I've gone through these spells before and there is no formula for getting out of them. I just need that burst of inspiration, a free afternoon to do something with it, and an evening at Caribou to edit. I find the best thing for me to do is expose myself to a lot of new stuff and hope for the best. If this were a career I'd be much more diligent, but since this is just a hobby its best not to push these things. No reason to get burnt out on a hobby.

2. I do have a handful of tunes that are awaiting collaboration. I write music, but I am awful at singing and lyric writing. Frustration arises when I have 3-4 songs that are pretty much complete but need those last crucial pieces of the puzzle called lyrics and vocal melody. However, last week I started a dance tune with my friend Jay that used found sounds around the house for rhythm. It was a cool tune that could do without vocals, but it needs a lot more layering and editing. So now its a matter of seeing a vision for it and taking the time to chisel that vision out.

3. I've been doing other things. I love to travel with my wife and we did a lot of it this summer. We road tripped to New Orleans and spent 8 days in Britain. Both trips were incredible. When I have felt like playing music I've spent most of my time practicing my theremin. That instrument is really hard.

4. I've been playing with a new band. This last one came as a shocker even to me. I never thought I'd be part of a regularly playing band again, but the opportunity arose, I had the summer off, and they weren't asking for a ton of commitment so I was glad to do it. The band is Zach Pietrini and the Broken Bones. Zach is an amazingly talented songwriter and the other guys in the band are fantastic musicians and friends. The best part is that they are currently recording their first full length album with Ammi producer and good friend Gordon Persha. So I have spent a lot of time this summer in the studio helping out where I can with guitar, banjo, mandolin, and creative input. I have also been assisting T-Bone (Tim Yoder) with building the band's website. And when I say assisting I really mean just watching him work and giving nods of approval. The site is under construction and the album is still in the works but there is a link to the right under "links" if you want to take a look.  It just feels so good to play with other people again.

So, I guess that is where I am at the moment. I know that I wanted to do a lot more this summer, but life has a way of sneaking up on you. Now I'm back at work and I'm starting grad school soon so I know my time will be even tighter. Ironically, I find that sparks of inspiration tend to ignite when I have no time to do anything with them.