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Autorub On the Making Of ‘Women of the Right’

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What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of 'Women of the Right?'

For several years now - really since the start of the pandemic, which seemed to break the already fractured political system, I've been writing mostly about the prominent political figures and their supporting cast of characters. When I wrote and released the single "Oh Marjorie" last summer, I had a few similar song ideas going on as well. So most of the lyrics for "Big Girl Big Gun" were written then, and I just completed the song for this current release. As to "Kari Lake Blocked Me on Twitter," yes that did happen, and the song tells the story of why, calls her out on her BS, but also delivers a positive, hopeful message in every chorus!

Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for 'Women of the Right?'

I'd say moreso during the mixing & mastering sessions, which is something I do myself. However both last summer and now, I tested out AI mastering to see what it's all about. To clarify, AI mastering is when AI calculates any changes in frequencies that are needed to balance out your final mix, as well as how much compression is applied to boost it as loud as it can be without degrading the sound. Not to get technical or anything! Anyhow, I switched back and forth between my own mastering and the AI's, each time comparing differences. The AI was helpful in achieving a good tonal balance. For example, at one point it kept making one of my mixes slightly duller, but I wasn't sure why. When I checked each instrument, I found that the drum overhead mics (which supply mostly the highs or treble to the drums) were set a bit too loud. I lowered them a little, and then the AI stopped making the mix duller. So it pointed out a little trouble spot for me. In the end though, the AI always applied too much compression, to the point where the mix was always a bit 'squashed' or smaller sounding. My masters sounded bigger, and so I felt that I was able to ultimately beat the AI.

What impact do you hope 'Women of the Right' will have on your audience or the music industry?

I hope that people will just enjoy it first and foremost. I write and listen to music mostly to have a good time and when I'm in a good mood. I don't really dwell in somber, sad songs. If that's how I'm feeling, then I don't feel like listening to anything. I also hope the audience will laugh along with the satire and not take it too seriously. My songs may call people out on their BS, but they're not loaded with all kinds of insults or slurs. Speaking of calling out BS, there's a few major political figures that now have 'songs' released on all the platforms. These are politicians, not musicians, who are now grifting via MY industry, and it's not appreciated. So do me a favor, if you like my material and my message, stream it and spread it so we can 'out Spotify' these literal BS artists!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?

I was one of those people that was drawn to it from early on. It does run in my family, as my aunt played piano, my mom painted, and my grandfather played guitar though I never had a chance to hear him. I enjoyed playing along with my records from early on until...still! Sure I had some formal training on piano for a bunch of years also. I was fortunate enough to grow up in an area where there were many other musicians - many really good ones too. I was in a band at 12 yrs old and that band was pretty good. Another member and myself took it all the way to the majors, but it imploded due to what I'll politely call 'irreconcilable differences.' So I moved on with other bands like "Heydevils" and wrote score for a bunch of film/TV shows like "Pawn Stars," "Love & Hip-Hop" and "Wahlburgers." More recently, I gravitated away from all that and returned to just writing what I felt like. And here we are.

How do you balance creativity and commercial success in your music career?

I don't think you have to sacrifice one for the other. I'm hoping my recent releases prove to be good examples of that. I enjoy writing songs that to my ear could have a lot of popular appeal. I strive for melodies, chords and rhythms that are catchy, hooky but still edgy, and at the same time I try to write clever, relevant and appropriately sarcastic lyrics. I write what I feel are fun parts to perform musically as well, giving each instrument or vocal a part it can still shine with even within a full rock band.

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