Releasing an EP (or 2): Setting Music Goals for 2020

#Goals

Today we're talking about goals. Specifically goals around our music. Before I talk about my goals and what I have planned for 2020 for my music, I want to know what your goals are for this current year. Even if it's no longer 2020. 

Tell me what you goals are for your music in the comment section below. They could be anything from, write a song, to record an album, to learn a new instrument, or just get better at one. Or maybe you're wanting to start and band, go on a world-wide tour and top the Billboard charts. Whatever it is let me know!

I sat down recently and started planning out my year and setting some goals around my music. One thing I've had high on my list was to record a 5 or 6 song EP. Recording an EP seems like an attainable goal for the year.

The problem comes down to what to record.

Option #1 : Re-record old songs

I have quite a few songs that I wrote and recorded back in college and shortly after. This was in the late 90's and 2000's, and I didn't have much gear, and what I did have was nothing like what is available today. I was recording to a 4 track mini-disc recorder back then and using a drum machine for my drums. I was really good at programming and using what I had, but it was only going to ever sound so good. So, I thought it would be cool to re-record some of those songs and make a "greatest hits" EP and record those songs as I heard them in my head, and make them sound ready for the radio. 

The great thing about this is that the songs are already written. I might tweak a couple of things, but they are pretty much done. With having a day job, a family, and all the normal responsibilities of life, this is definitely and appealing option that would be fairly easy to execute.

The "problem" (which really isn't a problem) is that most of these songs are pop punk and some lean a little toward emo - hey it was the late 90's and early 2000's! - and that's not the most popular genre these days. But they are fun catchy songs!

Option #2 : Record new songs

I've also been really excited by some of the songs I've been working on over the last 2 or so years. I have a bunch of ideas on my hard drive. These songs tend to fall more in the range of Southern Rock, Country, or Americana. Definitely a different style from my old stuff. These would likely incorporate more instruments like piano, acoustic guitars, and maybe even some banjo and fiddle. Who knows!

Also, with these songs, I'd be able to play out more in Nashville (where I live) and be more at home at some of the songwriter nights and open mic nights (though I'd probably still sneak a pop punk song in every now and then, lol)

The "problem" with these songs is that a lot of them are just basic ideas. I'd still need to finish out the arrangements, and write lyrics (which is incredibly hard for me to do). I'd also probably need to hire some musicians to come in and play instruments that I don't. There are some definite challenges with going this route, but some really cool opportunities as well.

The final decision : Let's do both!

I really couldn't make a choice, so I thought , "Why not do both"? Obviously, this is a lot more work, but it would allow my to also make some really great content to share. I would likely approach both of these projects very differently.

The pop punk stuff would be all about loud guitars, fast drums, pretty much everything "in the box", and perhaps a little over produced. The Southern Rock/Country/Americana stuff would be more natural and likely incorporate more acoustic instruments and "real recording". I could share my process for each project and where one is an opportunity to share one recording, production, or mixing technique, the other project would allow me to share something completely different.

I think this could provide a lot of great experimenting and learning opportunities for everyone. And of course you guys could ask questions and leave suggestions for something that I might want to try as I progress through each project. If something seems like a good idea, I'd be happy to try some new things. It's all about learning, experimenting, and growing.

So that's what I've decided. 2 EPs for this year (along with several other goals) and sharing the process.

Maybe at the end of these projects, I'll do a release party!