**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 5
Written Thursday 10th February 2022
****
What can I say? Mrs R likes it.
I knew she would.
Scheduling-wise, songs per day, I've now caught up with having missed the first 5 days of…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 3
Written Tuesday 8th February 2022
****
So, here's today's little ditty.
(I don't know whether folks outside the UK would know what a Chelsea Bun is. I love them, they are extremely yum…
Great story line - has a true troubadour feel about it! Love it - kind of dark.
I have had the pleasure of a Chelsea bun here in Canada - yup, extremely yummy.
Very creative song. I'm listening to a great concert of all your songs ...loving it.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 2
Written Monday 7th February 2022
****
I wrote this one a couple of hours ago.
I set up for recording, and busted a string on the Martin... GAH!!!
I tried a big ole dreadnought thing…
holy cow......I hadn't heard this one before! Gorgeous!!! That Fender did it's job well. Absolutely love this. I think this one is perfect as an acoustic version.
As If It Really Matters - A A J Russe
Written 16th January 1999
Recorded 12th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Crumbs, even this is 23 years old!
We used it as a set-opener in the last band I was in.
I've been trying to make…
Wow!!! This song did not age ....it is gorgeous. Truly beautiful and I love the complexity of the melody and how it moves about. I imagined hearing it live at a concert (I'd be in the front row!).
No-one To Blame - A A J Russe
Written 1st January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
Nearly forgot to post this one! (it's been a busy week at work)
I was 24 when I wrote it. What more can I say…
The Feast - A A J Russe
Written 26th September 1985
Recorded 3rd March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This one's been sticking out of the shoebox for a long long while. It always shows up in a list of maybes. And it did this time…
Just To Make It What You Want - A A J Russe
Written 1st October 2016
Recorded 4th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
I was going to choose a more uptempo one next, then this one jumped out of the shoebox at us, shouting "me me ME…
Gates Of Heaven - A A J Russe
Written 15th January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This is about as naked as I can get.
This is how I wrote it. It's never had any accompaniment.
I was a bit young to sing…
Isn't This Fun - A A J Russe
Written 1980 (Completed 16th June 1991)
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
I wrote most of this in my first year at university.
But the Shoebox says I completed it 16/06/1991 - and the…
I Want You To Know - A A J Russe
Written 21st June 1987
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This was to the same lady who inspired Foolishness. There's a couple of others from the same period, related to her, that will…
I Want You To Know - A A J Russe
Written 21st June 1987
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This was to the same lady who inspired Foolishness. There's a couple of others from the same period, related to her, that will…
Gates Of Heaven - A A J Russe
Written 15th January 1988
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This is about as naked as I can get.
This is how I wrote it. It's never had any accompaniment.
I was a bit young to sing…
I Hope I Love Them - A A J Russe
Written sometime in 1989
Recorded 2nd March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This one has tugged at me for many many years.
I absolutely adored it from the moment I wrote it in 1989... But I thought…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 1
Written Sunday 6th February 2022
****
OK, this is a bit of a departure for me - posting songwriting demos.
This is a one mic recording made this morning in the living room, touch of reverbs…
First time hearing your stuff. After the first song, I love your writing. I'll be listening through what you have posted for the rest of the day!
Completely agree with RPM. I do enjoy it, however this year, my focus was more on songwriting and having fun. Production took a back seat.
I Want You To Know - A A J Russe
Written 21st June 1987
Recorded 6th March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This was to the same lady who inspired Foolishness. There's a couple of others from the same period, related to her, that will…
I Hope I Love Them - A A J Russe
Written sometime in 1989
Recorded 2nd March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This one has tugged at me for many many years.
I absolutely adored it from the moment I wrote it in 1989... But I thought…
The Feast - A A J Russe
Written 26th September 1985
Recorded 3rd March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
This one's been sticking out of the shoebox for a long long while. It always shows up in a list of maybes. And it did this time…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 13
Written Saturday 19th February 2022
****
UPDATE: 8 Hours after posting I just spotted that I listened to and favourited a song called... um... "We're Done" by oldfolks2 - check it out…
I had your FAWM playlist going and sort of forgot I was supposed to be active listening, but this one pulled me right back into it... then I saw your liner notes. I know the feeling of not being happy with something but needing to get it out, but this is great. I'm curious to see what you do with it, because I think it works far better than you it seems.
You better close the stadium with this one, because all those lighters and voices in unison are going to violate some sort of by-law.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 3
Written Tuesday 8th February 2022
****
So, here's today's little ditty.
(I don't know whether folks outside the UK would know what a Chelsea Bun is. I love them, they are extremely yum…
I'm a little perplexed at the narrative, but oh what a great narrative it is. That second verse paints a pretty vivid picture, although I'm a little unsure that being denied pastries is an apt consequence, but then Ive never had a Chelsea Bun.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 1
Written Sunday 6th February 2022
****
OK, this is a bit of a departure for me - posting songwriting demos.
This is a one mic recording made this morning in the living room, touch of reverbs…
Congratulations on the FAWM "win", especially with only 23 days to do it. A great start as well.
I share the sentiment on production. Part of me wants to do RPM next year because I wonder if I had too, could I move fast on production? It sounds a lot more exhausting than FAWM, that's for sure.
Demo #3 for FAWM ’22.
[INTRO]
Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane
Cause I ain’t got time for no slow ass train
My babies moving on,
and I know when she’s gone
My life will only get better…
One Two Three Four!
[CHORUS]
Gimmie a ticket…
Demo #1 for FAWM '22.
[VERSE]
I wasn’t looking for trouble,
Just a change of pace.
Something different that my mind could engage.
A shallow fragment of longing
For something different to feel
The novelty of the change it’s own appeal…
Well...This is song #10 for my 2022 RPM challenge- the final track for my "album". It's a bit like two songs that found each other somehow. That makes for a very long track! eek. Thank you to everyone who has been listening to my songs...it…
Guess I just needed to say something ......
Well, the line's been drawn, we'll ignore and we'll invade,
It's best if you run, or get on your knees and pray,
After midnight, bullets…
Yep... Not much to say really... But I like how you've done it... Those chords in the chorus/refrain, moves the vibe from "triumphant" to "empty" as you deliver the line.
I was thinking "cool slide" and then that amazing harp kicked in. I'm real glad the slide featured later - you've got a nice touch. But that harp... whoa... fabulous sounds. Cool song too. This Amber Lee sounds like a wrong un to me!
RPM Challenge 2022 song number 3.
This one is okay. I have a feeling that anytime I work in 6/8 time I come up with exactly this song. I knew the lyrics in the chorus (the second line) were bad but I thought I could live with them. Now…
Yeah, this way of doing the guitars is paying off for me, big time. I always love your rhythm playing, but these are shining even more. And the lead on this - NICE. Your comment on the 2nd chorus line made me laugh. I'd heard it a couple of times before I read the comment, and I'd thought "cool line!"
The second song started for the 2022 RPM Challenge is the second song finished. I'm sort of working off a first in first out queue this year. I didn't plan it that way, but that's how it's going.
I'm disappointed in this one. It's not a…
Actually, I think it works (I've been getting some of that - I'm disappointed, but the listeners think it's mighty fine - so I kinda know what you feel like now!) .... anyways, love the groove and riffing on this. The chorus is cool, but it's maybe not standing up to the job it's being asked to do nearer the end? Maybe that's what's leaving you feeling flat about it? I'm still digging it, though.
The first song worked on and the first song finished. The 2022 RPM Challenge is well underway!
I had a few gimmicky ideas for this year's challenge and this song hits on some of them. First, I wanted to get away from the small room reverb…
The first song worked on and the first song finished. The 2022 RPM Challenge is well underway!
I had a few gimmicky ideas for this year's challenge and this song hits on some of them. First, I wanted to get away from the small room reverb…
Wooo yeah, liking the two gimmicks - I think it's the different guitars for tracking the rhythm makes the biggest difference, but I'm useless at picking and evaluating reverbs... so it could be that? Anyway, bigger, more spacious sound. And it leaves a better space for the vocal to sit in. Love that lead.
Woah! Love this. I follow you, so I got the notification, but couldn't remember why... (My brain's going in my old age!) ... But when this started, AH! That's why...
LOVE the vibe on this... And the lyrics... wow. I was messaging someone, and the tale in this just DEMANDED my attention... gotta go back to them in a minute! I'm wondering whether this was the idea that was originally intended to go on With Signs Following? It's FABULOUS here.
Wow - this one is longer than I was expecting! I'm listening to your RPM playlist while monitoring non-music stuff in another window (and holding a book, an actual book!) ... and I was thinking I'd lost track of what was going on! This is very trippy - I'm in the latter half of this track now, and what it's most reminding me of is Electric Ladyland period Hendrix. This is mighty cool. Are you going to have a version with the lyrics you were planning?
First track of my, now defunct EP RPM challenge effort. It has not gone well :)
Week 1 - road being resurfaced outside.... noise noise noise!
Week 2 - got some tracking done
Week 3 - Bad tooth infection needing extraction for week 4
Week…
Just been reading your blurb - oh man... what I nightmare. I've been recording acoustic demos for the FAWM challenge, I gave up worrying about noise in the end, otherwise I'd have destroyed more than one guitar!. The noise from outside (and from significant other snoring on the other sofa one afternoon... I kid you not, it's in there somewhere!) has been somewhat worse than usual. No tooth infection... although I do have a crown that fell off months ago that maybe I should get fixed before I get an infection!
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
Absolutely beautiful! Warm and an interesting narrative :). Loving it!
Great story line - has a true troubadour feel about it! Love it - kind of dark. I have had the pleasure of a Chelsea bun here in Canada - yup, extremely yummy. Very creative song. I'm listening to a great concert of all your songs ...loving it.
holy cow......I hadn't heard this one before! Gorgeous!!! That Fender did it's job well. Absolutely love this. I think this one is perfect as an acoustic version.
Wow!!! This song did not age ....it is gorgeous. Truly beautiful and I love the complexity of the melody and how it moves about. I imagined hearing it live at a concert (I'd be in the front row!).
I think I dated this one. I like the guitar lick. The song really moves along well.
I can feel that being a great Rockin' song .....
That's a great song in the making ......
A little bit of magic ...
Very good ..... afraid the 80's are so far away for me ..... old age ;)
Top notch my friend ....
An enjoyable listen, and a little different.
This is beautiful.
Poignant, affecting. Something everyone can relate to. I'm glad you were able to revisit this old song, and I also hope recording it was cathartic.
First time hearing your stuff. After the first song, I love your writing. I'll be listening through what you have posted for the rest of the day! Completely agree with RPM. I do enjoy it, however this year, my focus was more on songwriting and having fun. Production took a back seat.
Funny I don’t get stalker vibes but I can see if one knew the backstory that might be the outcome. Another great piece of writing!!
Sparse and beautiful
This is a good listen.
I had your FAWM playlist going and sort of forgot I was supposed to be active listening, but this one pulled me right back into it... then I saw your liner notes. I know the feeling of not being happy with something but needing to get it out, but this is great. I'm curious to see what you do with it, because I think it works far better than you it seems. You better close the stadium with this one, because all those lighters and voices in unison are going to violate some sort of by-law.
I'm a little perplexed at the narrative, but oh what a great narrative it is. That second verse paints a pretty vivid picture, although I'm a little unsure that being denied pastries is an apt consequence, but then Ive never had a Chelsea Bun.
Congratulations on the FAWM "win", especially with only 23 days to do it. A great start as well. I share the sentiment on production. Part of me wants to do RPM next year because I wonder if I had too, could I move fast on production? It sounds a lot more exhausting than FAWM, that's for sure.
Comments made by Andrew Russe
Woah! That's a cool track.
Woo. Love that insistent riff in the background.
Utterly magnificent set of tracks. Wonderful stuff.
This is the only one I hadn't commented on already or favourited already. I wanted to favourite them all again :)
Awww. From start to finish this is a sweet listen. Love it.
Cool sounds, very cool sounds, I gotta dust mine off... And H R Music, YES, you gotta get a resonator
Yep... Not much to say really... But I like how you've done it... Those chords in the chorus/refrain, moves the vibe from "triumphant" to "empty" as you deliver the line.
I was thinking "cool slide" and then that amazing harp kicked in. I'm real glad the slide featured later - you've got a nice touch. But that harp... whoa... fabulous sounds. Cool song too. This Amber Lee sounds like a wrong un to me!
Yeah, this way of doing the guitars is paying off for me, big time. I always love your rhythm playing, but these are shining even more. And the lead on this - NICE. Your comment on the 2nd chorus line made me laugh. I'd heard it a couple of times before I read the comment, and I'd thought "cool line!"
Actually, I think it works (I've been getting some of that - I'm disappointed, but the listeners think it's mighty fine - so I kinda know what you feel like now!) .... anyways, love the groove and riffing on this. The chorus is cool, but it's maybe not standing up to the job it's being asked to do nearer the end? Maybe that's what's leaving you feeling flat about it? I'm still digging it, though.
Cool song too.
Wooo yeah, liking the two gimmicks - I think it's the different guitars for tracking the rhythm makes the biggest difference, but I'm useless at picking and evaluating reverbs... so it could be that? Anyway, bigger, more spacious sound. And it leaves a better space for the vocal to sit in. Love that lead.
Oh yeah. Mucho coolio. Love your playing on this.
Love the massive open sound you get.
Woah! Love this. I follow you, so I got the notification, but couldn't remember why... (My brain's going in my old age!) ... But when this started, AH! That's why...
Excellent RPM. There's some real standout tracks for me. Nice one.
LOVE the vibe on this... And the lyrics... wow. I was messaging someone, and the tale in this just DEMANDED my attention... gotta go back to them in a minute! I'm wondering whether this was the idea that was originally intended to go on With Signs Following? It's FABULOUS here.
Wow - this one is longer than I was expecting! I'm listening to your RPM playlist while monitoring non-music stuff in another window (and holding a book, an actual book!) ... and I was thinking I'd lost track of what was going on! This is very trippy - I'm in the latter half of this track now, and what it's most reminding me of is Electric Ladyland period Hendrix. This is mighty cool. Are you going to have a version with the lyrics you were planning?
Love those harmonics.
Just been reading your blurb - oh man... what I nightmare. I've been recording acoustic demos for the FAWM challenge, I gave up worrying about noise in the end, otherwise I'd have destroyed more than one guitar!. The noise from outside (and from significant other snoring on the other sofa one afternoon... I kid you not, it's in there somewhere!) has been somewhat worse than usual. No tooth infection... although I do have a crown that fell off months ago that maybe I should get fixed before I get an infection!