(By Remco)
The scenery in Shropshire is amazing. Here, right next to the Welsh border, the hills are greener than green and the leaves on the trees vary from deep red to yellow and any color in between. It is in this landscape that we met up with Francis again to do another vocal recording session. Why another session? Well, we know Maaike’s voice has even more potential than the already great results we achieved in the USA this summer. And when we know that we can improve significantly again, we will go for it. After all, we are comitted to our goal, to make a feel good pop album that is as authentic as can be. And in Francis we find the best producer and vocal coach we could wish for. Genereous as he is, he has arranged the Forge studio for us. It is run by Francis’ good friend Phil, who is a very nice, warm and gentle guy with a vast experience in studio equipment and recording, soundsystems, tourmanagement and he is a seasoned drummer as well.
Singing is a highly personal, intimate happening. This session is all about finding the right tone and delivery. Trying her lower register voice, this is a bit like stepping into a new area for Maaike. To find that particular tone and sing with it is a tough journey, full of frustration and surprises. Francis has his ways of coaching and encouraging Maaike, including threads of physical harm by hitting her with a wild variety of objects, the drumstick is a favorite. It is all in good humor and we need to laugh a lot during this session. It is all about balance, right?
After three days of really hard work, the results are spectacular! This new tone adds an earthy color to the more dreamy, fairy tale higher parts of her voice. Combined, these voices blow you away. Seriously.
This is no holiday, although this region is fantastic for those who love the English countryside. We only have a few minutes in the morning to gaze at the marvellous scenery that unfolds in the valley in front of our cottage. We gather at Phil’s home for a quick coffee while we watch the squirrels, rabbits and a nice variety of chickens in his beautiful garden. Than it is off to the studio, where we work till late at night, only taking short breaks for lunch and dinner.
So on we go on our quest! We are learning a lot and have great new input for the songs and stories we share with you and yours in our house concerts. After this session we will start recording the instruments and we are looking forward to that. It is gonna be fun!
