Vikarbyrgi Progress and the Heart Growing Fonder...

This last week Ethan and I were able to take another step toward recording and publishing Vikarbyrgi's music. We recorded a demo version of the song called "An End To Duality." From it we were able to figure out what elements of the sound and process we needed to fix. It was a fun few days, and not without laughs, particularly because of our setup. For example, the bass drum microphone was set on top of a dinosaur puzzle box, which was then placed on top of an old egg carton. Another microphone was taped and hanging from the ceiling. All recording was done, of course, using a laptop and smalll interface (which we were able to purchase, thanks to Ethan's friend Alex, for 1/3 of the regular price).

We feel that we are now ready to begin recording the album. After the demo track was finally mixed, we were in the car and noticed that on other black metal records, the drum sounds were not always perfect either: sometimes the bass and snare were very hard to hear, which is the case with ours. Hopefully, though, this issue is resolved. Ethan will now be recording drum and keyboard tracks until I am able to return to Fort Wayne. Our greatest hope in all of this, of course, is that God would be glorified through our efforts.

Now on to my other recent thoughts...it is indeed true, absence is making my heart grow indeed fonder of Haley's presence. Though I don't know that would have, were we not separated for this time, I know that because of this prolonged absence I will never take her presence for granted. When I see her, it feels like a great weight is lifted from my chest. I have 4 days from today until I get to see her. After that, the times apart will continue to increase. I suppose I shall be that much happier to see her each time.

A Better Half

As you probably guessed from the title, I now have a girlfriend. It's been slightly over a month now, and it's been one of the best months of my life. We have so far been perfect for each other. We make one another want to do greater things, be a greater person.

The great thing about these things is that they are nothing like what you anticipated. There is so much to experience that one does not enough realise was out there. Now I see what is so special about it.

Of course, now, moving to Ohio from Texas, we are having to do the "long-distance" thing, one month and one day after entering our relationship. It's going to be a challenge. Now's the time when we must truly rely on God, more than ever.

Voice

The concept of voice is fascinating. It's unique. It's multidimensional. There are many ways to manipulate one's voice: tone, inflection, pitch, type. And even when these are matching between people, there is something underneath that still distinguishes the two, more so to the familiar ear. There are even differences in the male and female voice, to those who listen closely...it is possible, in almost all cases, to tell when a man or woman is speaking or singing, even if the pitch is shifted higher or lower. I at least find it funny when a woman says she "sounds like a man" just because a cold has her at the bottom of her register.

Then there is also the idea of voice within other forms of communication. Visual art, music, literature, reporting, debate...everyone has their own style. And in the same way that multiple people can recognise and mimic each others' uses of voice (in the sense of speaking) as they have more contact, their voices within composition may also converge as they continue to work together. Vikarbyrgi will prove to be such an instance; Ethan and I are slowly creating material that sounds more and more similar to something that the other would compose, thus allowing for much more ease of collaboration.

Stepping into the spiritual realm for a second...Jesus says that "my sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." As one has more contact with Christ, it is easier to distinguish His voice from that of an imposter.

Unfortunately I have no moral or clever tie-off for this weblog. I haven't done this in a while, so perhaps I'm a little rusty. I'll explain in my next blog where I've been...until then, God bless.