master! master!

Yesterday was one more piece of the ongoing puzzle that is my new album ACT NATURAL. Finally got to master the cd at Joe Lambert Mastering in Peekskill, NY. 

This will all be worth it, right?

Was great finally meeting Joe, definitely a chill dude who loves lots of crazy guitar work (even mine!) Mike Sabatini joined me for the drive up, took the scenic route, was very pleasant. 

Once inside the studio, we watched Joe twiddle knobs, play with switches, and get all animated while listening to the music. He called me a "guitar wizard" (okay then) and was asking me about Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Vai and the like. I hope to be talked about like those guys one day.

But what does it mean to master an album? In layman's terms, it means to even out the levels, make things sound brighter without being harsh, add small touches to make things (ahem) radio-ready. Best analogy I can give is: Listen to college radio stations and you will hear dips in sound quality when bands submit their music and they are played next to more pro acts. Mastering gives the music a nice sheen, a bit more loudness (that's always good!) and makes everything in the mix more pleasing to the ear.

Yes, even heavy metal can be pleasing!

I do not have a release date still for the new album. That's the last piece of the puzzle. I already sent out free downloads to those who pre-ordered ACT NATURAL last month. Thankfully they have been very patient with me. It does not get any easier when releasing new music as I get older. 

After this album, I am taking a LONG break from doing anything.