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My Hobby, My Life

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* This is one small corner of my studio, where I spend a LOT of time *

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I hit the master switch And all the lights and racks come on at once The mood lights overhead, the rack equipment, flashing, glowing Keyboards, amps, mixer, recorder, effects, EQ, sound mods, sequencers Screens, laptop, pedals, playback system, and reference monitors ... All with their own sets of colored LED's shining, flashing Seems a silly thing, but my heart surges whenever I hit that switch For that is IT to me ... there's nothing I do that brings me more satisfaction Recording and producing music that I've written Arranging and programming the drums and percussion Layering the keyboard and guitar parts Piano, electric piano, organ, strings, horns, synth sounds Building the rhythm tracks around the melody and vocals I know are coming And, ultimately, adding the vocals, the lead first Then the background vocals, layering harmonies to support the lead Often a solo section last, a guitar or sax or synth solo, but always after vocals That's the frosting on the cake for me, to wind it together When I'm satisfied with everything, individually, I do the final mix This is the key, and the most delicate and precise part of the process Very often I'll take days on the final mix alone, for it must be PERFECT! It goes to the mastering boys at 'Bernie Grundman' when I'm done That's an expensive process, so the least amount of clock they use, the better If there are issues with my final mix, everything slows down That raises costs, so I HAVE to be sure of the final mix. That studio, and everything it holds, is my refuge Yes, it's my work as well, but even if not, it would still take most of my time That's why I consider it my hobby, too I'd be doing it anyway regardless, and it's what I love the MOST The whole creative process, from writing the song until it's off to mastering THAT'S my joy, and those little lights are like Christmas for me That studio is my heaven, and I feel better each time I'm there No matter WHAT life brings my way, no matter how dark I shed the clouds when I hit that switch and that equipment goes on My joy, my hobby, my work, my life There's little that compares. Written and submitted on February 24, 2019 For the "Hobbies" Poetry Contest Julie Leigh Rodeheaver, judge & Sponsor.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 3/1/2019 2:19:00 PM
It was nice to learn of your hobby. I enjoy reading your poetry and would love to hear it set to music!
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 3/1/2019 7:32:00 PM
Oh, thank you so much, Juliet, that's very kind! I have a web site with some of my music, (and some is posted here), but it is about 35 years old, lol, and the new stuff is much, much better. I'll have the first single ready by summer, so I'll be letting folks know. Blessings! web site is www.bahku.com
Date: 2/25/2019 11:22:00 AM
Wish I could see you in action, maybe one day we'll get together and do up a song. Music is everything to me as well, just a hobby to me...I guess... cause so far not getting paid. Take care Greg!
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 3/1/2019 7:30:00 PM
That would be wonderful, my friend, I hope that pans out ... you never know! Music can be produced these days with others at long-distance by sharing files, (as you know), but I'd love to meet you as well someday ... we could produce some great stuff, I think! :-)
Date: 2/24/2019 8:04:00 PM
Masterfully mixed, O Maestro! They joy is palpable! Best always, Gershon
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