Knowing that I was going to be singing at Women’s Conference, I recognized that more than just the chance at being able to share my music in such a neat venue, there could also perhaps be many people who would want a recording of the song.
I’ve struggled with wanting to make recordings of my songs for many years. Not because I haven’t wanted to, but because I wanted to record them ‘well’. Perhaps I’ve been too picky, but I didn’t want a recording that I didn’t love, to be available on the web where I would never be able to get it back.
I have a neighbor who has written an LDS musical. There is hope that he will be able to have it performed in the near future. He worked with Greg Hansen, an incredible record producer, arranger, and composer to help record and arrange the music. I was fascinated with all he could tell me about the process. I love to learn, especially anything having to do with music and musicals.
I had done some arranging/transcription work for this friend, and he emailed me to ask if I would be interested in doing another project. Because I was thinking about making a CD, I was hesitant to start a new project. His email also started me thinking about Greg and his friendship with this friend. In my mind, I started thinking about possiblities. Maybe if I told this friend about my opportunity to sing at Women’s Conference, he might say something to Greg, maybe he would want to help…
My friend’s response was encouraging, he told me not to worry about the project until after May. I was grateful, but wondered what else I should do. After that, my mind kept thinking about Greg Hansen. I decided it couldn’t hurt to email him myself. I had emailed a producer before, and the worst thing that happened was that I was rejected and told that I should read some books about the music business and how to approach a record producer. I was wary, but still felt like it was the right thing to do.
Finding Greg Hansen’s website, I discovered that Greg offers a mentoring program. For just $25, Greg allows artists to submit a demo and they receive a song-review, advice and feedback on how you are doing as an artist. For those that are ready, Greg will also help produce singles, miniCD’s, full albums, or for top artists that Greg discovers, be a part of his label, Eagle Springs Records.
I’ve been to enough music workshops to know that I wouldn’t be willing to give up my life, family, and kids for a label opportunity, but I was definitely willing to pay $25 to get Greg’s opinions and insights on what I should do.
I sent Greg a home recording of the song we were to sing at Women’s Conference. I spent 2 hours writing an email to attach with it. I have a really difficult time writing emails (and blogs for that matter), especially since my last ‘producer’ experience. I had faith though that if this was what the Lord wanted me to do, it might have a better ending this time.
Greg’s reply was fast. If I could afford it, he thought I should do the miniCD. He was willing to orchestrate and produce the album. He told me that of all the artists he’d worked with, none of them had been able to have the opportunity to sing at Women’s Conference. It felt good to tell him that it had all come about because I was using my talents in filling my calling as a young women’s music leader, nothing else.
So now a new journey begins. So far, it has been fun and exciting. I have loved being in the studio and meeting with new people. Greg, in particular, seems like a spiritual giant. I look forward to things I can learn from him both musically as well as spiritually. Over the last several years I’ve had the chance to know many LDS artists. In fact, it gets a little embarrassing when people keep asking, “So when are YOU going to have an album”? In the past, I’d just smile, and shrug my shoulders, but finally, I have a release date! The CD is set to be released April 15th. Two weeks before Women’s Conference!
Yay!