**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…
This is kick-ass! You have a great voice and I love your guitar playing. When you have great ingredients like that, you don’t need much more than good material, of which there is plenty here! I am very inspired listening to this. I appreciate you sharing it and I look forward to delving deeper -bjk
**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…
**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 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…
**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…
Love this song! Congratulations - what an accomplishment. I can imagine your fingers are a bit sore and your voice is craving a cold libation. But very glad you shared these with all of us.
**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…
Wow!!!! Congratulations. All 14 songs were amazing. And this one - quite the pinnacle moment itself. Gut wrenching in parts... especially the chorus. Your writing is always an inspiration to me, and this one certainly has done that job.
**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…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 8
Written Monday 14th February 2022
****
It's not entirely true. But it's CLOSE ENOUGH!
It was actually the 16th of February.
But we were corresponding by email on the 14th.
Then we…
**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…
**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 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…
**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…
Sounds great! Impassioned vocals and sweet sounding acoustic guitar. There's just something about simple and sparse arrangements. I can see where you're coming from in regards to RPM, there is a significant difference between writing and production. I think I enjoy the production side of things more, and once I finish with an RPM, I rarely go back and touch it. I'm an inept writer, so the thought of writing 14 songs in a month would give me anxiety!
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 12
Written Friday 18th February 2022
****
I had NOTHING. I decided to rest today with so much time left and only 3 to do.
I had this title, but no... must... rest
However, Madame La…
Another inspired lyric! I am imagining this fabulous batch of songs is a heart spawned tribute to those you love here and in the great beyond. Fantastic song.
**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…
P.S. After talking to my lawyer, he just sighed and muttered he might get his pal, Dexter Morgan to pop round for a little chat ........ Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha ....
**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 11
Written Thursday 17th February 2022
****
Feels like I'm on the last lap now. Only 3 more needed.
This one came from a suggestion from Mrs R this morning. I didn't quite fancy it, but…
It’s a keeper! You are making lemonade out of lemons. My friend Roger Harris (oldfolks2) from Portsmouth sent me a video of the Eunice destruction. Your song captures the essence.
**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 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 12
Written Friday 18th February 2022
****
I had NOTHING. I decided to rest today with so much time left and only 3 to do.
I had this title, but no... must... rest
However, Madame La…
**Song-writing Demo for FAWM 2022**
Song number 11
Written Thursday 17th February 2022
****
Feels like I'm on the last lap now. Only 3 more needed.
This one came from a suggestion from Mrs R this morning. I didn't quite fancy it, but…
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EDIT:
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I finally was able to remix the song. Please listen to "Fide On The Broom Stick (Version 2012)" in my track list to compare…
This celtic folk piece is a collaboration with lyricist Donna Devine.
This is Donna's explanation:
===============================
Background: In earlier centuries, young men were captured by "press gangs" - often literally torn away from…
Another goodie...
Thoroughly enjoyable listen to all of your tracks on here so far...
I'm amazed at all the different styles you take on and succeed at.
This one started while I was commenting All I Do Is Cry ... and it didn't grab me initially.
But when I started concentrating... crumbs, this excellent. Really interesting melody and chords, and boy does he navigate his way around it well.
I had to click favourite by the time it finished! Brilliant.
Lyrics: Paul Dempsey
Guitar: Billy Playle
Bass: Andy Gupta
Drums: Alex Zulaika
Composed by Steffen Offermann & Tricia Dovidio
Arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
Ah... I heard this the other day, didn't I?
I've got two more of yours to go at the moment, but this is my personal FAVOURITE so far.
I assume it's Tricia Dovidio on the vocal again? I think I loves her voice and delivery... :-)
Vocals: Paul T. Bathen
Lyrics: Michael Taub
Bass: William Fisher
Guitars: Bill Gifford
Drums: Gerald Langefeld
Composed, arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
I'm glad this song finally got finished. I had lost the synth draft and with it…
Like the song, love the song, but you're right, I think there's a better a mix in there - it's almost like the lead vocal dominates the track too much... try thinning him out a bit mebbe? Seems a shame to do it though, he's got such a good rich voice :-)
Vocals: Eric Savoie
Acoustic Guitar: Dan Clancy
Electric Guitars: Bobby Clohessy
Bass: Trevor Tillotson
Drums: Gerald Langenfeld
Composed by Steffen Offermann & Eric Savoie
Arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
Oh yeah, this is a special one.
He's an excellent lead vocalist, absolutely superb. The song stays sung when he's sung it! Not so convinced that he ought to do his own bvox based on this one though? I felt his lead wanted a different texture to go with it.
Having said that though - wow! The song, the performances, the recording... Superb :-)
Vocals: Tricia Dovidio
Lyrics: Bob Beckley
Composed, arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
This one was tricky to do because the piano does not play at a fixed tempo, and it was an online collaboration (like all my collaborations).
Oh yeah... love this. I quite like songs that don't have a fixed tempo - sounds more natural to me... but they're a pain to overdub to though!!
I'm with Mr Landry - where do you find all these vocalists?!! I particularly like this one.
A pop/rock tune in the veins of the 80s. At least that was the goal.
UPDATE: This is the Jan 2017 version!
Lyrics: Casia
Vocals: Jessica Rasche
Solo Guitar: Bobby Clohessy
Bass: Jean Lui Toudou
Drums: Jay Carros
Composed, arranged…
I'm getting a much better idea of "stoman" listening to tracks one after the other on here.
You have no fear of genres/whatever - write the song, get the right dudes on... job done :-)
Another classy one.
Vocals: Sabrina Doughty
Lyrics: Grant D. McLeman
Composed, arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
This is the 2012 remix.
This song was based on a free-form lyric by Grant D. McLeman from Scotland. Quite a challenge ... :)
Lyrics & Lead Vocals: Angela Baird
Background Vocals: TSV
Bass: Matt Lewin
Drums: Gerald Langenfeld
Composed, arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
This song is a problem ... the vocal track was never meant for production (although…
Vocals: James Ryce
Lyrics: Paul Dempsey
Bass & Drums: Neal Vanderhoof
Guitar: Andrew Doherty
Composed, arranged & mixed by Steffen Offermann
James is actually a country singer. This was the first time for him to sing a jazzy piano…
He did a fine job (vocal).
I like the relaxed vibe of the track. It's one of those songs that needs a decent performance to bring it out - I think you guys achieved it. Love that organ when it comes in.
Well, this one pushes my buttons...
"When the red dawn sings it's sad song and warns us what's to come..." - brilliant.
Lovely voice and a compelling performance.
This was written as part of a concept album inspired by the work of Pablo Picasso ,Trevor Lewis is a member of Songcrafters music forum , he came up with the idea of writing poems to 12 Picasso paintings , then put them out for people to put music…
Didn't realise you were on here!
I'm not sure whether I've heard this before elsewhere, but who cares, I love it... makes me think we might have been listening to the same band some years ago :-)
February
t boudreau
I'm stuck inside of February
With little chance of escape
And all you bar-stool visionaries
giving me advice that you'd never take
Wanna seat on a slow boat heading
South down a stream that seems to never end
Or…
Make Up Your Mind
T Boudreau
I've been lying here all alone waiting for you to pick up the phone oh yea
I've been dying here all along praying for you to come and save my soul oh yea
Where you gonna run when the well gets dry
Or are you…
Originally conceived as a mellow-ish, Stephen Stills sounding number (at least the verses), then the chorus came to me out of nowhere and turned the whole song on it's ear. I think that was for the better. I have to admit that I surprised myself…
Monster stuff.
It rocks, it's melodic, big in-the-face scrunchy guitar, love those vocals. And the bass at 3.10 or so!
Then the build up to 4.35 and the guitar and last chorus... Those top harmonies at the end.
Big grin on the face time...
A masterpiece.
Comments on Andrew Russe's stuff
This is kick-ass! You have a great voice and I love your guitar playing. When you have great ingredients like that, you don’t need much more than good material, of which there is plenty here! I am very inspired listening to this. I appreciate you sharing it and I look forward to delving deeper -bjk
Good stuff. I'm always amazed at how versatile you are.
That's a good song. I like the "acoustic demo," but do you also envision this as a rocker (2 guitars, bass, and drums)? I think it'd kill.
RIP to your pretty one....!!
Love this song! Congratulations - what an accomplishment. I can imagine your fingers are a bit sore and your voice is craving a cold libation. But very glad you shared these with all of us.
Wow!!!! Congratulations. All 14 songs were amazing. And this one - quite the pinnacle moment itself. Gut wrenching in parts... especially the chorus. Your writing is always an inspiration to me, and this one certainly has done that job.
***** A lie down ?!!!? You to get yourself a hobby .... Ha Ha, after all that hard work, I'll have to retire ...... Oh ... already am ......
Agreed with the other comment, very Elbow-esque, the melody and even the vocal has a Guy Garvey style to it. Excellent!
Toe tapper, this one. Nice chord changes.
Touching.
Great vocals! Raw and honest. I love nuances that cannot be replicated, it lends to a one-of-a-kind recording.
Sounds great! Impassioned vocals and sweet sounding acoustic guitar. There's just something about simple and sparse arrangements. I can see where you're coming from in regards to RPM, there is a significant difference between writing and production. I think I enjoy the production side of things more, and once I finish with an RPM, I rarely go back and touch it. I'm an inept writer, so the thought of writing 14 songs in a month would give me anxiety!
Another inspired lyric! I am imagining this fabulous batch of songs is a heart spawned tribute to those you love here and in the great beyond. Fantastic song.
P.S. After talking to my lawyer, he just sighed and muttered he might get his pal, Dexter Morgan to pop round for a little chat ........ Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha ....
That's ok ........ good title ......
It’s a keeper! You are making lemonade out of lemons. My friend Roger Harris (oldfolks2) from Portsmouth sent me a video of the Eunice destruction. Your song captures the essence.
Very good ...
Beautiful mate ...
Great song ....... Alex Harvey lives .......
Top notch ... that was a bit of a blow I must admit ....
Comments made by Andrew Russe
Yep, lovely stuff, this works as it is for me
Another goodie... Thoroughly enjoyable listen to all of your tracks on here so far... I'm amazed at all the different styles you take on and succeed at.
This one started while I was commenting All I Do Is Cry ... and it didn't grab me initially. But when I started concentrating... crumbs, this excellent. Really interesting melody and chords, and boy does he navigate his way around it well. I had to click favourite by the time it finished! Brilliant.
Ah... I heard this the other day, didn't I? I've got two more of yours to go at the moment, but this is my personal FAVOURITE so far. I assume it's Tricia Dovidio on the vocal again? I think I loves her voice and delivery... :-)
Like the song, love the song, but you're right, I think there's a better a mix in there - it's almost like the lead vocal dominates the track too much... try thinning him out a bit mebbe? Seems a shame to do it though, he's got such a good rich voice :-)
Oh yeah, this is a special one. He's an excellent lead vocalist, absolutely superb. The song stays sung when he's sung it! Not so convinced that he ought to do his own bvox based on this one though? I felt his lead wanted a different texture to go with it. Having said that though - wow! The song, the performances, the recording... Superb :-)
Oh yeah... love this. I quite like songs that don't have a fixed tempo - sounds more natural to me... but they're a pain to overdub to though!! I'm with Mr Landry - where do you find all these vocalists?!! I particularly like this one.
I'm getting a much better idea of "stoman" listening to tracks one after the other on here. You have no fear of genres/whatever - write the song, get the right dudes on... job done :-) Another classy one.
Works for me. Great track and the vocal just sits there like it should.
I like it. I see what you mean about the vocal take... but I think it adds to it's effect.
He did a fine job (vocal). I like the relaxed vibe of the track. It's one of those songs that needs a decent performance to bring it out - I think you guys achieved it. Love that organ when it comes in.
Well, this one pushes my buttons... "When the red dawn sings it's sad song and warns us what's to come..." - brilliant. Lovely voice and a compelling performance.
Wow... First time I've heard this one. Excellent song... and SUPERB vocal
Didn't realise you were on here! I'm not sure whether I've heard this before elsewhere, but who cares, I love it... makes me think we might have been listening to the same band some years ago :-)
Beautiful. I've got some goodbyes it would have fitted. Many thanks.
Liked this a lot.
Great finish to an excellent album. Loved the whole thing, nice work guys. When you coming to London? :-)
Digging this album BIGTIME so far. This track has really made me sit up and pay attention. Actually, stand up and boogie is more accurate :-)
I know what it is, you're a mixture of Lennon AND McCartney, with a bunch of seventies rock chucked in - this is why I love your stuff so much...
Monster stuff. It rocks, it's melodic, big in-the-face scrunchy guitar, love those vocals. And the bass at 3.10 or so! Then the build up to 4.35 and the guitar and last chorus... Those top harmonies at the end. Big grin on the face time... A masterpiece.