When an artist works on an album (or any large body of work for that matter), what is released to the public is usually only the tip of the iceberg. For instance Beyonce reportedly recorded 72 songs for her latest album “4,” only to wind up with 12 on the finished project. Motown has literally THOUSANDS of unreleased songs in their vaults from many iconic artists.
There are many reasons these works never see the light of day: sometimes visions aren’t fully realized, budget restrictions, missed deadlines, they might not fit into a particular body of work…… and sometimes they just deserve to stay well below the surface never to be seen or heard again. 🙂
Independent artists are no different. While working on my new project, “Notes From the Journey,” I am whittling down a huge body of work hoping to get just the right balance for the album.
Soooo…. the other day I received a google alert from a producer named Wango that I hadn’t spoken to in a few years. It led me to go back through my older recordings and I came across a song aptly titled “Hard To Put Words To It.” I remember trying to get this done for “If These Walls Could Talk,” but never getting it “quite” right. At the time, Wango offered to remix a track for me, so I figured I would give him this song instead. He did a great job literally re-imagining the song, but it still ended up on the cutting room floor. I know he put a lot of work into it, and I felt rather than dragging “his” work into the abyss with me, I would share it with you all:
So begins my new series called Lost & Sound. In it, I will try and release my strangle hold on a few unfinished works and, in doing so, hopefully give you a bit more insight into the process. Bear with me though, as an artist it goes against my nature to share anything that I haven’t lost at least 3 weeks sleep over and half a head of hair. 🙂
As a bonus please check out another overseas collaboration with German Producer Steven Töteberg (expect to hear more from us in the future). Steven’s Remix of “My Door” previously only available on the “This Is Darien” App.
Until next time…. I will be whittling away. 🙂
You almost, actually you sound like a young Stevie Wonder on Hard 2 put Words 2. Second, song cool and smooth. Why would anyone cut either (music industry)…. I’m glad you “Sound” them. NIce…:0))
So funny how Janett says you almost sound like a young Stevie… my sis said you kinda sound like Stevie on your “If These Walls Could Talk” CD! LOL 🙂 Anyway, I LOVE this article… as usual, great job. I love reading your stuff! LOVE “Hard 2 Put Words 2 It” and the “My Door” Remix is very nice also! Seriously can’t wait for your new CD and more “Sound” music! 🙂 GO D!
Whattup, Darien!
Now you know I’m feeling you on that whole creative process — and I’ve heard tales of music artists that have several hundred unreleased songs that never see the light of day.
I’m listening to “Hard 2 Put Words 2 It – and you know, I’m a bit partial to your work, so my opinion doesn’t carry much weight. LOL — I do like this one, man. Could I hear it on “If These Walls Could Talk” — well, since you put it like this, no, it’s got another vibe to it. I like it too.
Can’t wait until “Notes From the Journey” gets released.
In the meantime, take care my friend.
GD
So funny how Janett says you almost sound like a young Stevie… my sis said you kinda sound like Stevie on your “If These Walls Could Talk” CD! LOL Anyway, I LOVE this article… as usual, great job. I love reading your stuff! LOVE “Hard 2 Put Words 2 It” and the “My Door” Remix is very nice also! Seriously can’t wait for your new CD and more “Sound” music! GO D!
+1
Hey Morgan,
Thanks for taking the time and leaving me some feedback. 🙂