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Description
It has been 4 months, almost to the day, since I last posted a song on MacJams. Not that I haven’t been busy – I think I have contributed to 6 collabs since “But Seriously”, with 3 more in the works. The collaboration process here at MacJams is a very enriching and satisfying experience, and it is very addicting. So it seemed to be a very natural decision to get Chris (Rok41) and Mike ( kevmikwa ) involved with one of my own tunes. I wanted both of these talented guys but was a little concerned that they would have the time because they are both really busy with other projects as well. Fortunately for me they were available!
About the Song
I began composing Moon Called Mars (McM) last July. Then collabs took over my musical life and the project got shelved. Now it’s back. This song has more of a rock feel than many of my earlier works. It also has a lot of orchestration, like some of my earlier pieces. The first minute and a half was influenced by Trevor Morris’ “Pillars of the Earth” theme. The rest of the song is, well, it’s just me and the boys rocking out! Chris and Mike both treated this song like it was their own and did such an amazing job with it, frankly I simply can’t wait to do another one! My sincere thanks to both of you guys! You really made this special!
About the Title
I got an email last summer saying that in late August the planet Mars would be at a point in its orbit where it would be closer to the Earth than at any time for the last 6,000 years, and wouldn’t happen again in our lifetimes. The email went on to say it would stand out as the second brightest object in the night sky - in fact rivaling the moon in brightness and size! Turns out it was a hoax, sort of. Seems the event did happen in August – of 2003. Also the size and brightness claims were ridiculously exaggerated. For some reason this email ends up circulating every year around summer, with an updated date, but they are all fake. What a bummer, and now I find myself wondering what is was that I saw that night…
…it did make for an interesting title for a song…
From Mike
There are a few people here on MacJams that I will forever find it hard to say "no" to, and Sigmund is one of them. Without going into great detail: his playing is so very inspirational to me and the grooves on his tunes are very much in my wheelhouse. When he told me he was working with Chris on the tune - thus making me the drummer for the virtual band that cranked out But Seriously - my decision became a stone cold no-brainer.
To my surprise, the track I was sent with supposedly "rough loop drums" sounded fairly well amazing. I found myself asking "are you sure you really need me?" I am glad Sigmund persisted, as I did have fun breathing a bit of variation and humanity into his existing programmed drums. I especially enjoyed our group chat writing session on Skype. It's becoming clear that Skype is an invaluable tool to move the collaborative process along at light speed.
Thank you for letting me be a part of this one. Here's to many more with the two of you!
From Chris
I have been fortunate over the last several months to be involved in some outstanding collaboration projects with some talented folks here at MJ. This is my 5th opportunity to work with Sig and I feel fortunate of that. When Sig asked me to get involved with the MCM project I was especially thrilled as it was finally an opportunity to work on one of his "orchestral rock" compositions. When receiving a collab project from Sig I feel like a kid on Christmas; I just can't wait to tear off the wrapping to see what my eyes (and ears) will behold. We have great chemistry and a working relationship and that is priceless. So, to top all of that off, the great Mike Watkins came on board. What a true professional and great musician this guy is...I don't know of a more accommodating, thoughtful guy than Mike, just a great guy! This has been such a rewarding project in every way! Thanks Sig and Mike, looking forward to many more!
About the Artwork
A very special thank you! to my wonderful wife, Kelley, for taking the time to create the song art. She is my best friend, my number one fan, and gives my life meaning in every way. She also did a heck of a job with this - it really came out so cool! I am truly lucky to have her!
Thank you for stopping by my page, and I hope you enjoy “Moon Called Mars”.
Sigmund - Guitars, orchestration, orchestral percussion and piano
Rok41 - Bass Guitar
Kevmikwa - Drums
Copyright 2011 by Sigmund
About the Song
I began composing Moon Called Mars (McM) last July. Then collabs took over my musical life and the project got shelved. Now it’s back. This song has more of a rock feel than many of my earlier works. It also has a lot of orchestration, like some of my earlier pieces. The first minute and a half was influenced by Trevor Morris’ “Pillars of the Earth” theme. The rest of the song is, well, it’s just me and the boys rocking out! Chris and Mike both treated this song like it was their own and did such an amazing job with it, frankly I simply can’t wait to do another one! My sincere thanks to both of you guys! You really made this special!
About the Title
I got an email last summer saying that in late August the planet Mars would be at a point in its orbit where it would be closer to the Earth than at any time for the last 6,000 years, and wouldn’t happen again in our lifetimes. The email went on to say it would stand out as the second brightest object in the night sky - in fact rivaling the moon in brightness and size! Turns out it was a hoax, sort of. Seems the event did happen in August – of 2003. Also the size and brightness claims were ridiculously exaggerated. For some reason this email ends up circulating every year around summer, with an updated date, but they are all fake. What a bummer, and now I find myself wondering what is was that I saw that night…
…it did make for an interesting title for a song…
From Mike
There are a few people here on MacJams that I will forever find it hard to say "no" to, and Sigmund is one of them. Without going into great detail: his playing is so very inspirational to me and the grooves on his tunes are very much in my wheelhouse. When he told me he was working with Chris on the tune - thus making me the drummer for the virtual band that cranked out But Seriously - my decision became a stone cold no-brainer.
To my surprise, the track I was sent with supposedly "rough loop drums" sounded fairly well amazing. I found myself asking "are you sure you really need me?" I am glad Sigmund persisted, as I did have fun breathing a bit of variation and humanity into his existing programmed drums. I especially enjoyed our group chat writing session on Skype. It's becoming clear that Skype is an invaluable tool to move the collaborative process along at light speed.
Thank you for letting me be a part of this one. Here's to many more with the two of you!
From Chris
I have been fortunate over the last several months to be involved in some outstanding collaboration projects with some talented folks here at MJ. This is my 5th opportunity to work with Sig and I feel fortunate of that. When Sig asked me to get involved with the MCM project I was especially thrilled as it was finally an opportunity to work on one of his "orchestral rock" compositions. When receiving a collab project from Sig I feel like a kid on Christmas; I just can't wait to tear off the wrapping to see what my eyes (and ears) will behold. We have great chemistry and a working relationship and that is priceless. So, to top all of that off, the great Mike Watkins came on board. What a true professional and great musician this guy is...I don't know of a more accommodating, thoughtful guy than Mike, just a great guy! This has been such a rewarding project in every way! Thanks Sig and Mike, looking forward to many more!
About the Artwork
A very special thank you! to my wonderful wife, Kelley, for taking the time to create the song art. She is my best friend, my number one fan, and gives my life meaning in every way. She also did a heck of a job with this - it really came out so cool! I am truly lucky to have her!
Thank you for stopping by my page, and I hope you enjoy “Moon Called Mars”.
Sigmund - Guitars, orchestration, orchestral percussion and piano
Rok41 - Bass Guitar
Kevmikwa - Drums
Copyright 2011 by Sigmund
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magnatone
YES!!