**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.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 14
Written Monday 21st February 2022
****
This is it ... FAWM's all finished for me... time for a lie down now.
There's still nearly a week to go, but I'm done, 14 songs written in 16…
Well sir, you smashed this challenge - and ended up with a stunning unplugged album. It's made me want to hear some of your established tracks with similar stripped-down arrangements, leading the listener to concentrate on the sheer artistry of your words and astonishingly soulful vocal. Next challenge for you is the 24 hours album. 24 minutes of original music in 24 hours. I believe it originated on alonetone. Off you go.
**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…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 10
Written Wednesday 16th February 2022
****
I've had the little guitar bit in the middle for years and years and years.
Even my wife recognises it, I play it so often.
Yesterday while…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 9
Written Tuesday 15th February 2022
****
I decided it was time I wrote a song that wasn't so hard to sing and play!
****
**Once Again - A A J Russe**
Every day
You keep asking…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 7
Written Saturday 12th February 2022
****
This one was easy to write but hard work singing and recording.
I'm fairly certain this one is high on the list of "arrange me later" - I kept…
Great song writing - loving the sentiment and your tender vox here. I love it when the FAWM and RPM parameters draw out his kind of track, any more of an arrangement would detract from the message - IMHO.
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 6
Written Friday 11th February 2022
****
I was meant to be resting and chilling.
In fact, I was resting and chilling.
But then I got a message from Lala saying she was listening to the…
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…
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…
Foolishness - A A J Russe
Written 3rd January 1988
Recorded 1st March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
While writing and recording songs for FAWM 2022 I discovered that I can create acoustic demos of nearly any song I've ever written…
Hehehe... there's LOTS of youthful angst is these Songs from the Shoebox... possibly an embarrassing amount... You wait... let's see if I'm brave enough to record the ones from 1978/9!!!
Foolishness - A A J Russe
Written 3rd January 1988
Recorded 1st March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
While writing and recording songs for FAWM 2022 I discovered that I can create acoustic demos of nearly any song I've ever written…
Foolishness - A A J Russe
Written 3rd January 1988
Recorded 1st March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
While writing and recording songs for FAWM 2022 I discovered that I can create acoustic demos of nearly any song I've ever written…
**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 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…
**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 15
Written Wednesday 23rd February 2022
****
I wasn't able to stop! I really meant to, but... Oh well.
It's still February, so it can go with the others.
IT IS MY FIRM INTENTION TO…
(Remastered 22/10/2021)
I've been missing in action for ages - apologies to all, I'm about to start listening again too.
For ages, I'd been considering a move away from my trusty Boss BR1600 on which I've recorded and mixed nearly everything…
I saw your comments on my site. Thanks. It sounds like you’ve got this recording process figured out. I’m still learning as I go. Thank God for YouTube. 😎
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 15
Written Wednesday 23rd February 2022
****
I wasn't able to stop! I really meant to, but... Oh well.
It's still February, so it can go with the others.
IT IS MY FIRM INTENTION TO…
RPM 2k22
this night if we are sober
we'll deny that this over
and before we slip away
to sleep and dream of better days
this night if we are sober
we'll decide if this is over
and slip away into a dream
that will tell us, which direction…
RPM 2k22
down goes the champion
disappear into the past
his glory fading out
know it would never last
faced with reality
just a shell remains
nothing to fall upon
and no one else to blame
raise your white flag
and hope that you get…
What no comments? This one works for me. Love the lyrics... Actually, I'm wondering whether, like me, you were watching the winter olympics while writing? All sorts of stuff snuck into my lyrics, inspired by the coverage in the background. And when the games finished, the ideas dried up for a day or two for me - almost like I'd relied on them. Anyways, remembering how I was feeling those couple of weeks, I can kinda see how this one might have had the same thing going on in the background.
RPM 2k22
you can't remember anything tonight
cause you lost the feeling, lost the feeling
the tide is turning, the shoreline is in sight
but you've lost the feeling, lost the feeling
whenever all seems hopeless try
to remember all…
RPM 2k22
down goes the sun
so lay down your head
and follow it
the penitent one
cries in his sleep
cause there's no release
tear down this wall
piece by tiny piece
faithful through it all
but there's no release
so little revealed…
RPM 2k22
been so long, without your touch
been so long, I want so much
to finally feel anything at all
to finally feel anything at all
as I brush against you walking down the hall
soon all my waiting will be over
patiently await the…
RPM 2k22
never need to convince myself
I always knew
surrounded by you
I am at peace where I am
can you say it too
the past is a clue
stop waiting, for things to change
just change, anything that you want
change, anything that you…
“Shine” by Wilson Ng, written and recorded in February 2022 for the RPM Challenge.
Outtake from the 2022 RPM Challenge Sessions. Just one of those songs that doesn't seem to work. Wanted to recut the vocals because they were basically scratch…
“Unfinished-1” by Wilson Ng, written and recorded in February 2022 for the RPM Challenge.
Outtake from the 2022 RPM Challenge Sessions. Meant to have lyrics but had writer's block and ran out of time. Remains an unfinished instrumental.
“Shine” by Wilson Ng, written and recorded in February 2022 for the RPM Challenge.
Outtake from the 2022 RPM Challenge Sessions. Just one of those songs that doesn't seem to work. Wanted to recut the vocals because they were basically scratch…
“Shine” by Wilson Ng, written and recorded in February 2022 for the RPM Challenge.
Outtake from the 2022 RPM Challenge Sessions. Just one of those songs that doesn't seem to work. Wanted to recut the vocals because they were basically scratch…
You've got outtakes?! With my FAWM, it was "done, don't like it, but hey, chuck it in the pot" LOL ... Loving the vibe of this one... and I'm glad I'm not the only one going "awkward vocal/lyrics" and other folks go "hey it's cool!!!!"
Can you see the morning light?
Grey skies turning blue
Welcome to the new sunrise
It’s all waiting for you
The sun glows hot, majestic Red
As it shines for you
How fast the days, all go by
When you’re no longer in your youth
Such…
Every night, every night I pray
Good Lord gives me another day
Find it in your heart
Give me another start
This I pray, every day
We can never change the past.
Try to make the good times last
Life can pass us by
very fast, and that…
Liking your songs - I'll be back for more (and yes, indeed, nearly all the ones I did for FAWM 2022 I'd be expecting to record them as "band" songs... but I've now got into this acoustic vocal thing to get all the old songs done as demos...)
RPM 2022. I finished a song.. does that count?
Well the early bird
Catches the worm
Eats it up
And shits it out
Onto the lawn
And into the dirt
Where the worms crawl
And use the soil to form
To be eaten once more
By the early birds…
RPM 2022. I finished a song.. does that count?
Well the early bird
Catches the worm
Eats it up
And shits it out
Onto the lawn
And into the dirt
Where the worms crawl
And use the soil to form
To be eaten once more
By the early birds…
RPM 2022. I finished a song.. does that count?
Well the early bird
Catches the worm
Eats it up
And shits it out
Onto the lawn
And into the dirt
Where the worms crawl
And use the soil to form
To be eaten once more
By the early birds…
Foolishness - A A J Russe
Written 3rd January 1988
Recorded 1st March 2022
The Shoebox Demos Vol 1
****
While writing and recording songs for FAWM 2022 I discovered that I can create acoustic demos of nearly any song I've ever written…
Hehehe... there's LOTS of youthful angst is these Songs from the Shoebox... possibly an embarrassing amount... You wait... let's see if I'm brave enough to record the ones from 1978/9!!!
Raised on vinyl and a needle that rides
To a paper circle at the end of both sides
Between the speakers, cover in hand
Sit in silence after Jungleland
I will not trade one bit of my soul for their pieces of gold
I've seen a world they'll…
Loved this when I first heard it two weeks ago. Still a firm favourite for me. I love the whole album, but I think this and the closer, The Final Few Minutes, are my favourites. I guess they both speak directly to me.
In the final few minutes
That I'll be around
Will you waltz with me in it
Would you turn me down
Would you turn me down
As the time's running out
And I make my advance
Would there be any doubt
If I take the chance
Can I have one…
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
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.
Well sir, you smashed this challenge - and ended up with a stunning unplugged album. It's made me want to hear some of your established tracks with similar stripped-down arrangements, leading the listener to concentrate on the sheer artistry of your words and astonishingly soulful vocal. Next challenge for you is the 24 hours album. 24 minutes of original music in 24 hours. I believe it originated on alonetone. Off you go.
Glad you didn't bin it! Liking the driving feel - immediately hooky also.
A sweet almost-lullaby - glad this one found a home in your February. So very pretty.
Really love this melody and the breezy feel. Some gorgeous little acoustic guitar runs in there too.
Great song writing - loving the sentiment and your tender vox here. I love it when the FAWM and RPM parameters draw out his kind of track, any more of an arrangement would detract from the message - IMHO.
Woohoo! Logged in and back from Brighton. <3 Can now fave this utter classic.
Hauntingly sad and beautiful
Great tune Andrew. we held back on a few old ideas too. i'm glad you put it out there
Hehehe... there's LOTS of youthful angst is these Songs from the Shoebox... possibly an embarrassing amount... You wait... let's see if I'm brave enough to record the ones from 1978/9!!!
That's rather wonderful ...... a bit of youthful angst ??
You've been a writer / poet for so many years!!! How delightful to put these songs out. I'm glad you found the shoe box.
Another beautiful piece of storytelling through haunting voice and gentle music
You sing these words perfectly … I am just in awe of your story telling
So lyrical
Intrigued … who is this written for? Whoever it is is a lucky person … love this
I saw your comments on my site. Thanks. It sounds like you’ve got this recording process figured out. I’m still learning as I go. Thank God for YouTube. 😎
Another little gem ......
Comments made by Andrew Russe
Oh yeah...
What no comments? This one works for me. Love the lyrics... Actually, I'm wondering whether, like me, you were watching the winter olympics while writing? All sorts of stuff snuck into my lyrics, inspired by the coverage in the background. And when the games finished, the ideas dried up for a day or two for me - almost like I'd relied on them. Anyways, remembering how I was feeling those couple of weeks, I can kinda see how this one might have had the same thing going on in the background.
Classy (I'm running out of superlatives). I'm digging this album.
This grew on me. Love the chorus, I think that's what did it for me.
What can I add that hasn't been said already? (Dang, Riff, Wow) ... digging it.
Whoa! What an opener. It was cool as it started, then the band kicked in. Love it.
I'm glad I'm not alone on liking this one :)
It's a gorgeous sound.
Hey it's cool!! :)
You've got outtakes?! With my FAWM, it was "done, don't like it, but hey, chuck it in the pot" LOL ... Loving the vibe of this one... and I'm glad I'm not the only one going "awkward vocal/lyrics" and other folks go "hey it's cool!!!!"
An excellent set of tracks... work Zoom meetings kept interrupting my enjoyment, though!!
Nice one - I hope this is the start!
Liking your songs - I'll be back for more (and yes, indeed, nearly all the ones I did for FAWM 2022 I'd be expecting to record them as "band" songs... but I've now got into this acoustic vocal thing to get all the old songs done as demos...)
Sorry! Only just got round to listening to any of your stuff... (And in moment I've gotta go off and cook my wife's dinner!) Welcome :)
Whatever... it's so cool. We need something other than a Favourite button for this... a "You Win" button or something LOLOLOLOL
Yeah, maybe some Mr McCartney vibes, but I'm getting 10CC myself...
HOLY SH1T!!! This is fantastic...
Hehehe... there's LOTS of youthful angst is these Songs from the Shoebox... possibly an embarrassing amount... You wait... let's see if I'm brave enough to record the ones from 1978/9!!!
Loved this when I first heard it two weeks ago. Still a firm favourite for me. I love the whole album, but I think this and the closer, The Final Few Minutes, are my favourites. I guess they both speak directly to me.
LOVE this one... love it to bits.