Update from the Studio

Day 17.

Everyday has been an adventure in the studio working on our 2nd and 3rd full length albums for A Life of Science at Mind's Eye Digital Studios in Glendale, AZ with Larry Elyea. Despite a few technical issues, its been mostly smooth sailing.

At this point, the majority of the songs are tracked. Now comes the heavy mixing that comes with the territory when you have dozens of tracks of synths, pads, sfx and electronic drum kits on each song like we do. Six tracks have been mixed so far and we've been very pleased with the results.


Scott Passamonte - Guitar

We run our pre production pretty tight before we get into the studio and record our demos pretty precisely, so we weren't expecting to do much "writing" in our sessions. However, there's been a lot of developments, especially on the vocal arrangements. We definitely haven't been shy about layering on tracks of harmonies, echoes, ooohhs and aaaahhhs.


James Keenan - Vocals / Bass / Programming

We've also been having fun experimenting with the mixes and all the effects/glitching/filters and other marvels made available through modern recording technology. We are doing our best to craft a fun and interesting listen that goes to territories we haven't been before. Needless to say, we are having FUN.

Our 2nd album is tentatively titled "Vita Nova." The latin translation is "A New Life." A lot is different this time around for A Life of Science. We've said goodbye to some dear bandmates and welcomed some fresh blood (including beastly drummer Ben Anderson (from Digital Summer)). Our writing process has been very different as well. The new songs were born on the computer and structured and refined before they were ever played by instruments. Everything about the process has felt new. We feel like a new band. Hence "A New Life" for A Life of Science. In addition, the underlying themes of the new storyline for our second album are about starting a new life.


Ben Anderson - Drums

Not quite ready to start dropping information about our 3rd album just yet (even though it's very near completion.) It probably won't be released for some time. But we are very excited about it, as it marks an even further progression for the band.

To stay up to date, follow our studio webisodes weekly at http://www.alos.us.

Cheers to a future bright as snow.

<3

A Life of Science Webisode #3 - Bass Guitar

An Introduction to The Apneist Blog

When it was suggested that I start a blog, I racked my brain trying to come up with a central theme. What can I write about with interest and zeal? What do I know? I'm just a kid from Arizona with a dream looking to cut my teeth in a series of formidable and intimidating industries.... Errr... Wait. I could write about that I guess, couldn't I?

So let's get introductions out of the way so we don't have to be strangers anymore. I'm James. I sing. I play bass. I play keyboard. I do graphic design. I write. I live in Phoenix, AZ.

Phew... so that brings me to this point in time.... The date is Wednesday, Sept 16. In 10 days, I will be embarking on a journey throughout this great country of ours. My band, A Life of Science, has put together a tour centered around 3 major Comic Cons that we will be exhibiting our new album / comic book at. We will be doing some random Comic Con performances as well.

So yeah... 10 days left... 10 days that I will spend every waking hour planning, practicing and promoting. We just got a new van today, and its a sweet ass conversion van. It's even got a TV and VCR, which is huge (especially since one of our tour managers has a wicked VHS collection). We are looking at trailers this week.

I feel good about my job as A Life of Science's graphic designer at the moment. I was able to successfully order albums, comic books, booth materials for the comicons, tshirts and promo cards for the tour. Damn near killed me, but all's well that ends well.

Now, as the days creep closer and closer, I let the feelings of excitement, anxiousness and nervousness wash over my body with each passing moment. I'm pretty much too busy to fully take any of it in, but such is life.... and I love life.

I'm gonna be blogging daily. This blog will serve as my tour diary and my journal. Also, I listen to loads of music (mostly indie rock) and read as much as I can, so expect full reviews and recommendations. I'll also be talking about "The Apneist" a great deal.. it's pretty much been my life for the past few years. I'll explain later what exactly "The Apneist" is, because that's a whole dialog right there.

Thanks for tuning in. If you want even more up-to-date blogging from yours truly, look no further than http://www.twitter.com/jameskeenan.

Over and out. Hmmm... I'd better work on a better closing signature, ha!