They don't call them "scratch vocals" for nothing...

Good evening friends,

I'm very happy to report that as of tonight, I have begun the recording process on my new CD!  This seems an even greater triumph than it should because of all the hindrances that have impeded my progress thus far.  But as of this Sunday, every piece of equipment I own is in working order (praise Adonai, and thanks to some very persistent and dedicated techie-friends).  Now begins the creative journey of unfolding a vision that has existed in my mind and heart for months.  To see it come to fruition will be very exciting.

I spent this evening tracking some piano for two separate pieces, and doing some scratch vocals.  If you've never heard the term "scratch," in reference to recording, it basically denotes a track that you record merely for reference and not for the final mix.  You can record a scratch track for anything that you intend to re-record at a later time, but it is most commonly associated with vocals.  The term "scratch" could not be more appropriate for my work tonight, as laryngitis has been making the rounds in my city, and I seem to have caught a touch of vocal irritation myself.  A few of my friends have not been on speaking terms with me these last few weeks, and not for any offence I have committed, but because they had completely lost their voices to this virus!  Therefore, as the title of my post suggests, all the reference tracks I recorded tonight sounded like I had a throat full of gravel.  I will have to rest my voice for a few days and drink lots of fluids, lest I strain it and damage it permanently.  Heaven forbid.  In the meantime I will try to do as much as possible without the aid of vocals.

Now it's back to work!  I bid you adieu!

Melissa