Recent happenings

Been too busy to write much lately, but some of it has been musically related.  After finishing up the tracks for 'Spirit In The Sky', we started on covering another song.  That didn't go so well, but the ideas became our new song 'Into The Light'.  It is interesting how something that doesn't work for its original purpose becomes something wonderful in a different context.  More posts later as work load decreases.

Next song & service

After our service, we started working on the next cover song for special music or just fun.  My previous pastor's favorite song was 'Spirit In The Sky' by Norman Greenbaum.  At our last music day, we did a rough draft of 'Spirit In The Sky'.  As I start my spring break, I'll take the time to rework the drum machine and re do several tracks.  I also plan on starting the song from Psalms 138. 

After the success of the Celebrate Recovery, we might play a service for Bikers For Christ.  We went through the entire first CD of covers last practice.  It has a lot of songs more in a worship theme as opposed to special music.  The Lord hasn't provided a bass player or a drummer yet, so we'd be playing with backtracks.  We will see what happens.

Road Trip Success

We did the Celebrate Recovery service in Manteca and had a great time playing and worshiping.  It was nice playing for those who appreciated our style of worship music.  Our song 'Recovery' went over well with the group.  Hopefully it will work into some other playing opportunities.

S Squared on the Road

Well, if you can call Manteca on the road.  We just finished up putting the S Squared treatment on 'Stand' by Hillsong.  I heard it on the radio for the first time and didn't recognize it.  We have it a little faster and metal sided, so to speak.

On the 15th of March, we are doing the songs for the Celebrate Recovery group in Manteca.  I still have to figure out which church and how to get there, but we plan on doing 6 songs.  The four covers will probably be 'Come To The Cross', 'If We Are The Body', 'Until the Whole World Hears', and 'Set Me Free'.  We will debut our new original 'Recovery' and follow with 'Jesus Is The Victory' for the big finale.  It will be good to be playing out in front of people.  I miss that with all the song writing we have been doing.  Still looking for a drummer and bass player to play concerts.  Got a gig in the beginning of June and don't want to have back tracks.  

Song 7 's new title.

Been busy writing and playing, but not writing the blog.  Need to do some mixing again.   Song 7 will now be known as 'Recovery'.  After Karl did the bass, we finally had keyboards added by Lyn.  We did 3 keyboard tracks and it sounds best with a mix of two of the tracks.  I'm thinking about adding this song to the internet tracks available.  We had 30 downloads of 'Jesus Is The Victory' without any promotion.  'Recovery' might be a better song.  We will see after the mixdown and the feedback from friends.

New Stuff

Since the last time I posted, the S^2 team has been writing new songs.  We are currently finishing up a song tentatively called Recovery.  We are waiting on some keyboard parts, which should be done soon.  The other one is still a work in progress titled Song 18 on the recorder.  By the time we can afford to get the CD out for sale, we will probably have 12 songs for it.  We have also metalified 'All of Creation'.  We hadn't done any Mercy Me covers for special music.  It seemed time.

On a different note, I checked the CD Baby site.  Our song, 'Jesus Is The Victory', had 30 downloads.  Not bad for no promotion or album to go with it.  100 more and I might get a check in the mail.

Children of God

Well, I dropped off the writing as the school year started.  It's been interesting and God has let me be challenged in several ways, but here is the last song from the CD that's ready.  Anybody interested in financing a music project?  ;-)  Next blog will be about the new music since finishing the mixing of the CD.

CHILDREN OF GOD

BY

McEwen/Willson

Noah built an ark out of gopher wood,

took a hundred years to do it good.

He told the people, it’s gonna rain,

better get ready cause it looks like rain.

When the rain was hitting the ark,

the waters flowed up, covered the dock.

The people cried out, let us come in.

Noah told them to be baptized in your sin.

CHORUS:

We are called the children of God, but don’t forget he has a chastening rod.

Listen to Him, yes, listen to Him, He will save your soul. (2x)

Save your soul.

Moses led the people out of slavery,

into the desert, so they can be free.

They started to worry, started to fret,

Pharaoh’s soldiers haven’t caught up with us yet.

When they came to the edge of the Red Sea,

they all freaked out cause the water was deep.

Moses stood on the shore with a staff in his hand. 

They all crossed the ocean, safely on dry land.

CHORUS

David was a man after God’s own heart.

Lusted after woman, and his life fell apart.

Had her husband killed to cover the lie.

God worked through him in spite of his crime.

Nathan came in, who was heaven sent.

He said you are that man, it’s time to repent.

So he fell on his knees, and started to pray.

God forgave him that very day.

CHORUS