The PRESS RELEASE CD in the Recording Studio

Hey there Speedsters!
Now that the book is released and selling well, it's time to finish the companion CD with clues and meanings that complement the book. Today was fun-filled with tracking for the song Can't Be Trusted. Since I am doing everything myself from writing the songs, playing all the instruments, doing all the vocals blah blah blah, I am using an old trick of recording a backing track. This is a track where basically the whole song is played on guitar or keyboard or whatever with a drum tick track to keep it all in time. Then, I can go back an record and equalize every single track to do the pigeon hole mixing.

I use an AKAI DPS12 for the recording. It is a 12 track discreet deck with many virtual tracks and even though it's a few years old it still works great. And it's usually not the gear that makes a crappy recording, it's the engineer and artist. So, I have no one to blame but me.

I am working on getting the guitar sound just right which is really a challenge without having the soundproofed acoustics of a real studio. Sounds bounces like a big dog and it has to be really controlled. I do some direct recording, too, but nothing beats the sound of a tube amp screaming and a really good mic picking up every nuance. Tomorrow I am going to try to get the sound down. It will probably take most of the day. Then, I have to record. A lot of foot punching in is expected.

I will be using my trusty G&L ASAT Classic. My Dad got this at the factory years ago and was kind enough to let me use it. It has that great Telecaster sound and the action is down and easy. 

I will keep y'all posted and hope to post some rough sound clips soon so you can critique and help me through the process.

Keep Speedin'!

PRESS RELEASE--The novel Novel--Is Launched

PRESS RELEASE--The novel Novel from Johnny Applespeed Launched Today


The new mystery thriller PRESS RELEASE is now available in a myriad of formats from paperback to Kindle. This book is a project Johnny has been working on for some time. It is more than a book. It is a combination of CD and book. Not only is the book a great and funny read, but there is a companion CD in the works which will complement the book and give more information, character development and clues. The book uses anagrams, symbolism, Biblical references, famous quotes from literature, movies, TV and more to create a multi-faceted reading experience. The CD uses the book's chapter titles as song titles so the reader can learn more about each chapter and help develop a better understanding of the book's ending. The ending will surprise you. 

Here is a brief synopsis of the book.

Dynamic Information Development is a fast-paced public relations firm in Houston. Susan Seidel is an account executive with engaging issues. Back stabbing associates take credit for her work and her boyfriend treats her like a bag of old dirt. She needs to find a way to happiness but her life keeps pushing her down.

The annual team building event is this Saturday at the local skydiving center and she decides to go solo to prove her steely mettle. A fear of heights has her guts in knots and life changing decisions need to be made spot on. 

Her life could be hanging from the parachute lines.

Something dire is going to happen.

You can find out more on the website at johnnyapplespeed.com.

Please check out the book and get Up to Speed so when the CD is released soon you will be on the front end of the action.

Keep an eye on this blog, too, because there will be consistent updates on the recording of the CD, song clips, and a chance for you to comment and help the project develop.

Thanks for your time and see you soon.