Second takes, 11 steps to madness
This album is a series of jazz-ish improvisations recorded last month (except a couple piano pieces). I say "improvised" in the sense nothing was planned, I didn't write anything: I just improvised each part in a first take. An exercise I'm not really used to.
Those first takes (that you can find on my YouTube channel) were sometimes less than drafts, not developed enough, with many hesitation, notes that shouldn’t be there or too many useless notes, various imperfections and the never happy me.
Instead of rewriting, re recording and correcting everything, which is my usual process, I just did a few rehearsals trying to improve each track, before eventually recording a second take and keeping mostly as is (to the exception of a few notes corrections and the mixing). Still far from perfect, but it sounds cleaner while keeping the spontaneity of each music.
This is not background music or easy listening.
All made on iPad in NS2, Audiolayer, Neon audio editor and soundpaint on the MacBook.
I Made it first available on Bandcamp: https://josephbalson.bandcamp.com/album/second-takes-11-steps-to-madness
before reaching the other streaming platforms including:
Welcome to my world of sonic exploration. In this album, "Second Take - 11 Steps to Madness," I invite you to join me on a journey through the depths of industrial acoustic jazz. Combining the rawness of improvisation with the delicate nuances of old detuned pianos, I present to you a collection of music that tries to push boundaries and challenges conventions.
The first takes served as a foundation, a blank canvas where my creativity ran wild. It was a thrilling and unpredictable process, capturing the essence of the moment. However, it was in the second takes that the true magic happened. These carefully chosen renditions rose from the chaos, refined and perfected, revealing a deeper understanding of the madness that lies within.
With each track, I aim to transport you to a different realm of emotion and thought. From the introductory echoes of "Leaving the Sewers," to the haunting melody of "Insomnia Variation," and the disturbing nil of "Empty Spaces," you'll find yourself immersed in a sonic landscape that defies classification.
As you navigate through "Immovable Oceans," "So Far Away," and "Leaving Earth," you'll witness the harmonious blend of acoustic instruments and captivating samples, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The melancholic tones of "Sand in Dirty Papers" will tug at your heartstrings, while "Mind in a Loop" will challenge your perception of time and space.
"A Long Wait" captures the essence of anticipation, while "Rotten Delusions" ventures into the darker corners of the mind. Finally, "Spiders Singing in My Head" concludes this odyssey with a cacophony of chords that will leave you disoriented.
"Second Take - 11 Steps to Madness" is an album that embraces the unconventional, combining elements of industrial, acoustic jazz, and experimental music. It's a testament to the power of improvisation and the beauty that lies within imperfection. So, join me on this sonic voyage as we delve into the depths of madness and emerge with a renewed sense of musical discovery.
All the artwork for the individual tracks:
