Bad Bubble On the Making Of “Queen Balloon”
What was the creative process like for this particular "Queen Balloon?"
From what I remember, it was fast. I usually write very quickly. I have a process down pat recording wise. I use old school mixing boards and analog hardware. Keyboards, synths, and guitars.
Absolutely zero software. I know my boards and the functions like the back of my hand so I’m able to squeeze every last drop out of it. I wanted the guitar at the end to sound soft. I didn’t want a huge punch. So I muffled and the mic which was pointed at the amp with several small cloth towels to give it a weaker sound. I wanted the guitar to give the impression of vulnerability and I was satisfied with how it turned out.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Queen Balloon?"
In all, from concept to sending stems to my audio engineer, it took roughly 4 hours. I wrote and recorded several songs during that session. I usually do not leave the studio until I’ve completely exhausted myself. Grab coffee and a nap, and head back in. But Balloon came and went very easily and smoothly. I remember getting it to a friend whom I haven’t seen in a long time. She is very picky but really though “Queen Balloon” was special.
So I kept that in the back of my mind to really push it at release time…
What do you like the best about this track?
A couple of things stick out when I hear it now. First, the piano at the beginning. Considering what the song is actually about, it really nailed it. It sounds like it’s trying to exist normally in a normal world but can’t because it is anything but normal. But as it seems, that’s what gives it its stature.
The other is a reaction I received from the friend in the above question. She really dug the chorus. Ever since she said that, I do too…
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
I love instruments. Piano mostly, but guitar, bass, and drums. I’ve played them all at one point or another growing up. Now, I get to do it all alone, which is awesome. I’m not a very good collaborator. Using the gear I do, it just doesn’t work very well with someone using ProTools.
I do take…meaning if I mess up, I start all over. As frustrating as it is going all through a song perfectly and hitting a sour chord on your last note is, it’s equally as satisfying when you do go at it perfectly…with your hands and mind. Using hard-earned skill. Years and years of relentless practice & discipline. Finally getting its chance at a recording…you can’t click that…
How do you continuously grow and evolve as an artist?
Through failure. Through longing and through defeat after defeat after defeat. I grow as an artist when I see low numbers. I become a more powerful artist when I’m hungry. When I KNOW FOR FACT a song of mine could reach greatness and has the potential to yes, change the way someone looks at their life…& no one hears it…that’s how I grow and evolve. Because I don’t believe there is such a thing as a successful artist. An artist is a martyr of sorts. Shunned. Spit upon. Considered hopeless and cast aside. It is then which the artist can see the world for what it is. The artist will at all times, see which “artists” are actually succeeding, and how completely oblivious, manufactured, and controlled they truly are. Because if an artist does not suffer each and every single day without respite, they’re no longer capable of being one nor deserving of the title…
Being an artist is a sacred and scorned profession. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. But a true artist can never not be one. Even if they ignore the inner voice, and choose to live a lifetime suppressing the desire to be one…they’ve been an artist their entire life, whether they know it or not. Because they’ve lived a life in suffering. In fact, they may have even achieved greatness…
