Hi, everyone!  It's been a while since my last update, so I thought I'd give you a little tour of where the music is being made this summer.  Check out this video.  Enjoy, and thanks again for your support!

Hi, everyone! I wanted you to know that your gift hasn't been forgotten, and that the Psalm Praise CD is moving forward, albeit slowly. I now have basic tracks for about half of the songs. Next steps include getting the vocals and other instruments on there, and then take those tracks to the studio for mixing. I'm anxious for you to hear how it's progressing, and I plan to give you some audible updates soon! Thanks again for your support, and I pray for God's guidance as I seek to put His words to music! God bless!
Derek

Hey, all! Wanted you to know how things are coming.

First of all, I got all the software installed on my computer. I have begun learning to use it. Picture needing to memorize New York City. In my little analogy, I can draw in Central Park and Times Square. But there's still so much to learn. That's how it is with Finale and recording in general. But I'm learning as I go, and having fun doing it.

Also, the tee shirts are made. Every backer who pledged $75 and up, and elected to receive the rewards, is entitled to a shirt. They're super cool! Ryan McCabe designed it, and Lynn Himes made it. It's good to have friends! As soon as the backers claim theirs I will open them up for sale to the rest of the world. They have the lyrics from my song, "Worthless." I figured uplifting spiritual truth was more appealing than my ugly mug emblazened across your body!

I'll keep you posted as things develop.

Have a super week!

God bless!
Derek

Hey, everyone! Thought I would give you an update on the project. Warning: this is going to be nerdy.

So, I'm assembling the pieces for a recording studio that will be portable. Here's what I have in mind.

1. Logic Studio. This is the software that puts a recording studio on your computer. http://www.apple.com/logicstudio/

2. M-Audio Quick Track Ultra. This allows mics and instruments to go into the computer cleanly and with no noise. Except the noise I mean to make, that is. http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackUltra.html

3. Reel Drums. This is a collection of drum tracks recorded for almost unlimited situations, but not fully compatible with Logic. This may not happen. http://www.reeldrums.com/home.html

4. Studio Projects mic. Good news! I get to borrow this from a friend! http://www.studioprojects.com/t3.html

5. AKG headphones. So I can hear all the purty sounds! http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/K240S/

I also have some musicians who have offered their services to this project, and I will tell you more about them later when I am 100% sure they weren't just saying that to be nice!

That's all for now. I'll keep you posted.

Blessings!
Derek

Wow! I am feeling HUGELY blessed by God and all of you for contributing! The fundraising period is now officially over! Whew! Thank you so much for responding to my many requests (aka begging) for help. The final total was $2900, which was $900 over the $2000 goal I set. Not to worry...it will cost more that all of it to record this. But the $2900 will make an incredible head start! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am humbled and honored. And as I have said, I will do my utmost to make something of the highest quality I am capable of making.

And how will I do that, exactly? Well, My first move will be to gather the equipment I need to do it right. I have always gone outside to record. I had some really great success at Stable Studios in Chambersburg, Cherry Ridge Studio in Honesdale, and Right Coast Recording in Columbia (all of these are in Pennsylvania). This time I'm planning to record it all here at home. The software available, and the skills I am developing make it possible to do a good quality recording from home, and get the finishing touches added at a pro studio. So that's my plan. Do the tracking here at home, and get a pro to put the pieces together right. I will keep you posted about my progress. I expect to get a lot of that tracking done in Canada in our camper, by the way! Expect videos to show you how it all happens!

So, after the 14 day waiting period for Amazon Payments to release the money you pledged, it comes to me and I start building the studio!

Once again, thank you so much! And please pray for my recording to go smoothly. I appreciate your support and your kindness!

God bless,
Derek

THANK YOU, backers! We reached our goal, and have gone a little over! I am so grateful to you all for your pledges. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I hope you are all abundantly pleased with what you hear when the CD is done, and that you'll enjoy your rewards. I've been doing more and more in depth recording techniques with recent episodes of the PPP, and I think that I'm learning things that will help when I record "for real." And I also have some pro level help coming along for the ride. So, I'm excited about what we will be able to achieve, and I thank you VERY much for your support!

If you know anyone else who would appreciate the chance to support a project like this, let them know! Post it to Facebook, share it with your Sunday School, Sabbath School, Choir, church friends, pastor, etc. There is still a little more than a week to go, and more support will be very helpful. I can tell you that the recording will cost a lot more than the goal I set on Kickstarter, so bonus pledges will really help!

Again, I thank you for your support and can't wait to get to work!

Peace,
Derek

Well, time keeps on tickin', as the song says. I want to thank my generous backers for their support! THANK YOU! I feel strongly about recording this CD of Psalm songs, but I cannot do it without your help! Thank you for your kind support.

Unfortunately, though, with 28 days to go, I am still less than halfway there. So, I am begging you..PLEASE share this project with people you know! Share it on Facebook, tweet it on Twitter, share it in person and take a collection in your Sunday School class, convince your friends...please spread the word anyway you can! Remember, if I don't reach my goal, your pledge disappears, and then I am back to square one! So, please do what you can to spread the word.

Thanks, friends! Have a great week! I'll keep you posted.

Derek