Use What You Got, and Just Start!
In 2024, I made a goal to write more. While that resulted in building up my fashion and “loves” writing through my site- I was continuously shocked at how much songwriting crept back in. I always wanted to reconnect with that passion of mine, but I didn’t know if I ever would. So when song idea after song idea kept coming to me, I knew I needed to focus on it.
Songwriting is my absolute favorite form of writing. I love to be able to put words to thoughts and emotions, added with a melody that you can feel through your whole body. I love studying lyrics, analyzing song construction, and figuring out how a song is going to come together. It brings me so much joy and bliss. Songwriting was my favorite outlet in my teenage years. Going back to my roots of songwriting as an adult has been so healing, but terrifying. I'm quite an introvert. While I’ve gotten past my fears before, I’ve rarely sung in front of anyone, let alone played my own songs.
When I was about 14, I asked for a music recording kit for Christmas. This included a main audio box, a microphone, and headphones. At the time that I got it, I tried recording a few things and had little to no success. I also had no patience, and the set was put into a box and semi-forgotten.
In 2024, I started to get a good list of new songs and ideas. I so badly want to try and record and learn more about music production. I realized, while maybe not the best idea, why not try to use what I already had?
So I opened the box and found my recording gear. This began my months-long journey of trying to get this system to work. Yes, I knew there were better options, but I was determined to use what I had without spending more money. And maybe I was determined to see if it’s even possible. This system was 10+ years old. This meant that I needed hardware that could accommodate this software. My 2018 laptop wouldn’t be the solution, and honestly didn’t have enough storage space to even download a production software (the never-ending struggle, am I right 🙄).
I began by plugging the system into an old laptop my husband had hanging around. The laptop's screen was completely shattered, and weighed 5X more than a laptop does these days. But the laptop had a direct USB and CD input, which is all I needed. I was able to download the old software using a CD that came with the kit. Everything was set up, and I was ready to roll- until the laptop decided to barely function. Although I commend my patience, waiting 5 minutes to do 1 task was difficult. The screen also only half worked. In the end, I accepted my loss and moved on.
Luckily, my husband also had an old desktop iMac. Take two, I uploaded the software. I got everything to work, and I was set to roll. The problem with the desktop computer is it would shut down randomly. And it would never save what I was working on. I had to download everything, every time, which just wasn’t efficient. I was also skeptical about the software, and was interested in learning a popular industry software - ProTools over what I had - Studio 1. I knew this wouldn’t be a long-term solution, and was already saving for my next trial…
I did semi-successfully record a handful of demos, including this one.
Abundance is one of the very first songs I finished back in 2024. It felt fitting for this post. The recording is slightly better than a voice memo, but I still love it 😊. No major vocal stacking, just me singing the whole song through, and playing my guitar.
Now take three. Six months after I started this endeavor, I decided to bite the bullet and invest in a brand new iMac for a joint Christmas/ Birthday present. The computer connected seamlessly to the software. The software saves as you work, and the computer can accommodate the speed which I wanted to work. I was still determined to use what I had, and after buying a new cord ( rather than a USB, a USB-C), my audio box perfectly connected to the new computer AND software.
Starting this production journey has been daunting, given that the internet will try to convince you to spend your money on all the new gadgets and gizmos. While yes, I did purchase a few essential things, I also, so far, have saved a ton of money using exactly what I already had. I still have a lot to learn, but I’ve made it this far, and I’m excited for this journey.
Abundance
Written By: Katie Grass
(Verse 1)
Yeah babe, I want to fix your car, and visit family soon.
Finally buy some new sneakers, I know it’s all over due.
Always dreamed of that brick house, space for kids to run.
One thing leads to another, and your back to level one.
(Pre-Chorus)
You said “I didn’t sign up for this, and I’ve promised me more”…
(Chorus)
I’ll work 40 more hours, another long drive.
Wearing even more on, these tires and mind.
I’ll just keep believing, I’ll attract what i need.
Feeling like your good enough, don’t come easy.
Feelin’ good enough for it, for this,
Abundance.
(Verse 2)
Fridge full of food, gas to drive, and shows to watch.
Smokin worries away, sitting with you on the porch
(Pre-Chorus 2)
I know I signed up for this and I’ve promised you more
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
What would it be like, to have those things?
I’ve been dreaming bout, imagining.
Lookin in your eyes, I know,
The greatest love, Ive ever felt before.
Loving you, loving our life.
I’d sign up a thousand more times.
(Chorus 2)
I’ll work 40 more hours, another long drive.
Wearing even more on, these tires and mind.
I’ll just keep believing, I’ll attract what i need.
Feeling like your good enough, don’t come easy.
I’m feeling good enough for this.
I’m good enough, you’re good enough for this.
Abundance.
Abundance.
