If you’ve gotten my new record Look At All The Colors (THANK YOU!), you’ve noticed the first track is named “Welcome”.  I guess this is somewhat ironic, but this actually was one of the last pieces that I composed for the record.  The illustrious Scott Dugan let me borrow some software/samples for the record and the sounds were so inspiring that this song just kind of happened accidentally when I started playing around.

I grew up on mainly classical music, and the majority of my education is from the orchestral realm.  I’ve always wanted this to remain a large part of who I am as a composer, while (hopefully) adding modern elements that grab the listener’s attention.  So for this first track, I wanted to blend the two worlds first by a stark contrast, and then by pairing them together.

The first half of the tune does have some synthesized elements and textures but it is driven by a string orchestra.  There is even some orchestral percussion throughout that first section.  As the string orchestra reaches it’s climax, you can hear lots of synth pads and textures begin swelling up underneath.

This second half of the tune is overwhelmingly the ambient and electronic sounds that I really love creating.  Tons of pads and swells and a really simple piano hook all start driving towards the big ending.  My great friend and genius Joe Thibodeau programmed some really awesome electronic percussion in this section.

Not too long after, we hear the string orchestra make another entrance and join the piano hook.  It all builds and builds until Joe destroys us with drums, and the masterful Matt Adkins takes it over the top with a soaring guitar line.

Here’s a behind the scenes glimpse of Matt Adkins tracking the guitar part (this happens at 4:18 in “Welcome”)!

I know I’m rambling, but there really is a point.  I love this first track not only because it blends two of my favorite musical worlds together…but also because it would not have even been possible without a few of my amazingly talented friends coming together and really making it happen.  I’m so grateful for everybody that made this record possible (you’ll be hearing about more of them in the next few blogs).

Hope you love the record, and have a phenomenal week!

Until next time!