This was my first album. It was my first time really trying to write my own music. It was my first time recording, and my first time helping produce. I wrote these songs during my time in college. I was pursuing a degree in Musical Theatre. My amazing voice coach encouraged me to direct my education to include what I wanted to learn in music. So, I felt like I really learned a lot about performance, writing, and movement in college.
At the time I started writing my songs, I started looking for someone to help me record them. It was not an easy process. Studios were not as prevalent as they are today. Home studios were almost unheard of. I knew I needed musicians, producers, a studio, and it all seemed so complicated to piece together. I didn't even know where to start. I tracked down every lead, and anyone who said they knew someone who could help me.
Finally right before my Senior year I was introduced to a producer in Omaha who had a professional studio and could help me record my music. We worked out a deal with him, I was responsible to pay for the entire album's production, and pressing. Then we started work on the album that summer. I spent about 1-2 weeks in the studio helping him create the tracks. It was a difficult process for me, as a beginner to get my ideas across. I didn't really know how to express clearly what I wanted. He definitely had his own ideas of how it should sound, but often that sound was not at all what I had in mind. I remember several tearful phone calls home. Yet, this was my best opportunity and I was thankful for it.
We eventually completed my album, got it pressed, and I hit the road to promote it. I toured regionally to promote my album, appeared in commercials, and even received radio play in 16 different states with "Feels so Good". Most importantly, the people really enjoyed the music.
I didn't really understand at the time the significance of this album until years later, when a local DJ told me "You really set the standard for local musicians. After your music hit the radio, they had to come with higher quality music to even be considered." I'm thankful to be a small part of the music world.
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