Several people have commented about the time we spend working on the songs, so I’ve decided to explain the recording process in a little more detail.  We spend a lot of time listening to songs and searching for the right songs before the recording begins.  We probably listen to at least 200 songs, then narrow the list down to 20-25.  Choosing the final 10-12 is probably the hardest part.  Many times one of us will really like a particular song, but the other two end up voting it down.  Each one of us have certain types of songs that we do best, and many times that person has to make the final decision about which song they want to sing every night for the next 2 years (or longer)!

We usually spend a day or two coming up with the arrangement of the songs and the right keys.  I then write the charts that the musicians will use to play the songs.  We usually book two days of studio time with the musicians to record the basic rhythm section-piano, guitars, bass, and drums.  After the tracks are recorded, we bring them back to our studio in Morristown and begin recording the vocals with our engineer and sound tech, Greg Shockley.  Since we are usually trying to juggle the bank, post office,  laundry,  dentist,  chiropractor,  office, and a thousand other things, we average getting about two songs per day recorded.  Sometimes while one is working on their solo sections, others are trying to get the errands finished.  We end up spending about 5 days working on the vocals, or an average of about 4 hours per song.

While this is happening, Jason Webb is arranging the orchestral parts, writing the charts, and scheduling that part of the recording in Nashville.  Also any other overdubs such as B3 organ are added during this time.

When everything is recorded,  Van Atkins begins the mixing process at Crossroads Studio in Asheville.  Everything is sent to him via email files, DVD, or data CDs.  Van spends approximately 2 days EQing each instrument and comes up with a beginning music mix.  I then join him for about 4 days of mixing the vocals and finalizing the mix of the project.  After that, there is a day of mastering, a day of mixing soundtracks for us to sing with on stage, and finally IT’S FINISHED!!

Of course, there is a photo shoot to schedule, graphic design, song licensing, and many other details to take care of.  Without the help of Greg Bentley, Jeff Collins, and Mickey Gamble at Crossroads, we couldn’t get everything done.  This process is truly a team effort.  We’re thankful to have all of you on our team as well.  GO TALLEY TREE-O TREE HUGGERS :)  YOU GUYS ROCK!