This week we switched things up and went for a music video style instead of our usual live performance. Honestly, it was a lot more fun filming this way — but at first, I didn’t know what to do. Emmy took a walk for a bit so I could figure out some stage presence stuff on my own.
It took a few spins of the song before I loosened up. Even then, I looked a little static on camera, so Emmy started directing me — which helped a ton. We shot a bunch of different angles: a few where I was playing and singing at the same time, a few focused just on my face, and a few on my hands. Just like the pros, we recorded a ton… and used maybe 10% of it.
The video itself was a rush job since we decided on this new approach on Wednesday — which used to be our release day. I started recording the song Wednesday and Thursday , then did some more on Friday. Friday night, we filmed for about four hours after my two-hour singing session. Saturday was all editing, mixing, and mastering. A whole lot of work packed into just a few days.
Going forward, we’ll be releasing every Saturday. The plan is to pick a song on Saturday, start recording on Monday, and build it up through the week. It’s easier in some ways, harder in others. Before, it was all one-take performances — learn it, play it, done. Now I’m recording parts separately, which means I have to sync my voice and hands to match what’s already tracked.
For now, the music video approach feels right. But every now and then, we’ll bring back the live sessions — just to keep it real.