Getting started again

We are all moved into the new apartment, and the studio is all connected, and I feel that my forced hiatus from the internet is finally over.

Expect some new music in 2008. I don't think anything creative will be able to be processed before then. Thanks so much for coming by.

Happy Holidays! Be safe, catch you soon.


xx

Kat

OM16: Forward

Forwards:

Forward
(Link will pop)


The new place has already sunk into me a little. This link won't work for a day or two while we sort out the site issues, but check MySpace later on for it, it'll be there. Done and dusted 9/12/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

My site is down.

But MySpace is still going strong, and lets me have 6 tracks up now. I currently have 5 up, saving the 6th spot for...


This week's Operation Melody (#16):

Genre/Theme/Style: A tune about my new apartment.

Song title: TBD

Running time: TBD



Up by Monday.


xxx

K

Thanks.

Thanks for your compassion lately.

Thanks for your continued interest.

Thanks for your patience.

I am getting back into things this week. Expect a new OM post soon, with the track up next weekend (7th-9th Dec). I am still also hoping to re-record a few things, get more of that list done. I am surrendering my fanciest piece of equipment (the Roland keys) to its owner this Saturday, so hopefully lay down something before then.



xx

KM

Well I did say "try".

Something new will be up tomorrow night.


xxx

Kat

Oh technology.

Anyone else find it rather amusing that I uploaded OM15 to the wrong directory and then tried to link to it as #16?

I have had a rather productive few days, there will be 4 links active below as soon as they are done uploading, so make sure to check it out. I am also going to add Oh... and Bliss to MySpace shortly.

ETA: So 3 are up - Oh..., a new track, Bliss, which is a b-side, and a new recording of Universe. Hopefully work on a few more through the week, with a new song Friday morning? I'm in Sydney for the weekend, so I will do my very best.


xxx

K

OM15: Oh Technology (and extras)

Oh Technology:

Oh Technology
(Link will pop)


A little tune about my technology woes. Done and dusted 1/11/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007. Link will be active shortly.

-----

But hey! we have power. The following list will turn into links over the next few days (I don't work til Tuesday). It's also in code, as some of them are new, others are covers. And some you will recognise, as they are older songs that have re-recordings. Not all of this will be accomplished this weekend, obviously, but I will repost the list in another entry, with the progress.


I Never Meant
Rush
Farewell
Bliss [b-side]
Fake
Universe [Re-recording]
Bluebird
Exit
Standing
KP


I'm also now taking suggestions for week 16, which will be available next weekend, the 10th-11th November. How are you liking Writing Me? I find that I keep returning to listen to it...


xx

K

Power supply

There needs to be a song about my luck with technology. Seriously.

This week's tasks

So I've had a few emails about the state of The Cover, as it from now shall be known. I had to throw out what I'd dabbled with, because it was in the old (crashed) software, but please know that I am working on a few tracks.

I've also had enquiries about tracks such as Bliss, Farewell, and a better recording of Bluebird or Universe (which is a personal favourite). So this week, instead of being a new track (and apologies on last week, it just well, didn't happen with all the house-hunting going on), I'm going to do my best to get at least 2 of these up for you, so you at least have a tune to hear!

Still not telling what The Cover(s) are, though. You shall wait and see.


xx

KM

OM14: Hymn

Hymn:

Hymn
(Link will pop)


Done and dusted 15/10/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

I'm now taking suggestions for week 15. I'll try and work on the cover tonight. And if you go down to the Writing Me post, that link is active now as well.


xx

K

Poll!

I am curious to know what your thoughts on the first 10 OM songs released (tracks 1-3, 5, 7, 8-12). The quality started out a little rough, the songs have been loved and hated by me all at once.. but what's your take?

more at twiigs.com...

more at twiigs.com...

more at twiigs.com...

OM13: Writing Me

Writing Me:

Writing Me
(Link will pop)


Done and dusted 12/10/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

I'm now taking suggestions for week 15. Week 14 and the cover will be up tomorrow. I actually deleted the last cover as it was recorded in my old corrupting software. I have a verrryyy free schedule tomorrow, just for this!


xx

K

Operation Melody: Weeks Thirteen and Fourteen

Operation Melody #13:

Genre/Theme/Style: My theme song, "something that really sums [me] up."

Song title: Writing Me

Running time: TBD




Operation Melody #14:

Genre/Theme/Style: A hymn.

Song title: TBD

Running time: TBD



Up this weekend sometime, definitely by Sunday night. Please get your suggestions in for next week!


xx
Kat

OM12: Better Run [Video]

A video of the process etc:




I've saved it 3 times, but the music still cuts out in my conversation with my dog, and then all sound cuts out later on. I'll keep trying, but Windows Movie Maker is being an ass.

OM12: Better Run

Hee. Halloween of course is coming up this month, hence this suggestion! I was going to do it a bit closer to the date, but it works okay for this week. I hope you enjoy the weird little mish-mash I came up with. And of course, I got an X Files reference in there.

Better Run:

Better Run
(Link will pop)


Done and dusted 02/10/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

A new recording will be available at some point! I'm now taking suggestions for week 14.


xx

K

Change of plans

So my week 12 idea became a bigger deal than I expected, and I've become quite invested in it! So.. I have scrapped it as Week 12, but don't worry, it'll be Week 13. Week 12's substitute will be up tomorrow, and I've changed the corresponding posts, etc, below.

Get some ideas in for Week 14! Post again tomorrow, it's bedtime for the Kat.


xx

KM

Video!

The original week 12's OM will be up in video form ASAP. (It has taken a little bit longer to play with, but it's good fun!) - this is the "theme tune" submission, which has ended up not being a theme tune for a show or film, but more so a "theme song" for my life.

Watch this space.


[Kat ♥s you!]

Operation Melody: Week Twelve

This week's Operation Melody (#12):

Genre/Theme/Style: A theme tune A Halloween tune!

Song title: TBD

Running time: TBD



Up this weekend sometime, definitely by Sunday night. Please get your suggestions in for next week!


xx
Kat

OM11: Serenade

The Lullaby link is fixed again, and here's week 11. Cover should be up tomorrow or Tues, I have one more day off, so we'll see how that goes! Will also announce 12 tomorrow.

Serenade:

Serenade
(Link will pop)


Lyrics/poem by Verlaine. Done and dusted 23/09/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

A new recording will be available at some point! I'm now taking suggestions for week 13.


xx

K

And!

My first cover experiment will be up this weekend, too. I'll let you ponder what that may be.


--KM

Operation Melody: Week Eleven

Oui oui oui!

This week's Operation Melody (#11):

Genre/Theme/Style: A piece en Francais!

Song title: Serenade

Running time: 3:05



Up this weekend sometime, definitely by Sunday night. I'm enjoying working on it. Still also trying to finish the recording of On the Line but I only ever get another little bit done before something else calls my attention. (I hope it will live up to all this anticipation!)


xx
Kat

OM10: Lullaby

Ha I am such a slacker. Holidays do that to you, and boy did I need one.

Lullaby:

Lullaby
(Link will pop)


Note the truly original title. This is another short one that I really want to expand on, but due to the timeframe... done and dusted 08/09/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

A new recording will be available at some point! I'm now taking suggestions for week 12, week 11's post is up in a second. Thank you for your support and patience! Don't forget to comment every now and then so I know that you're here and listening.


xx

K

OM10 and other things

Thanks to the lovely folks at my ISP (*coughTelstraclearcough*), this is my first chance to login in the last 3 days. Which means! No song, can't upload. It just won't go through properly. And well, I'm going to sleep, as I'm getting up in 6 hours to catch an early flight - this hiatus week I am in Melbourne.

I promise goodies upon my return.


xx

KM

Operation Melody: Week Ten

Zzzzz

This week's Operation Melody (#10):

Genre/Theme/Style: A lullaby! Not necessarily for babies. I just thought that one was cute.

Song title: Lullaby

Running time: 1:49



Up Friday 7th/Saturday 8th. Next week we have another hiatus week while I'm in Australia. But keep the suggestions up.


xx
Kat

OM09: Black Swan

Black Swan:

Black Swan
(Link will pop)


Here it is. I am a little reluctant to release this one out there, but this project is truly about what you can do in a week. This is too short, and needs more layering and work on compression, etc, but here it is! Fitting the project truly. This track is also now available on MySpace. All done and dusted 01/09/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

A new recording will be available at some point! I'm now taking suggestions for week 10. Thank you for your support and patience! Don't forget to comment every now and then so I know that you're here and listening. And hurray that Spring seems to be here!


xx

K

Operation Melody: Week Nine

Bjork

This week's Operation Melody (#9):

Genre/Theme/Style:
Electronica ("Bjork-y").

Song title: Black Swan

Running time: 1:57



I've had several requests so far for a Bjork style, and it terrifies me, especially now as I have 3 days to go. I will do my best! Keep the suggestions coming and don't forget those covers!


xx
Kat

OM08: Shimmer

Shimmer:

Shimmer
(Link will pop)


Here's a little instrumental piece. Also available on MySpace.
We're now back on timing track, kinda. All done and dusted 11/08/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

A new recording will be available at some point! Two more tracks up soon (the missing ones) which will be worked on over the next few days. I'm now taking suggestions for week 9, but it won't be up until Friday 31st August, which puts us back on the Friday scheduling.

Thank you for your support and patience! Don't forget to comment every now and then so I know that you're here and listening.

xx

K

Operation Melody: Week Eight

#8 will be with you tomo/Monday morning, and I'll be re-recording On the Line (#4), Get Yourself An.. is done and uploading.

Operation Melody #7:
Genre/Theme/Style: An instrumental piece.

Song title: Shimmer

Running time: TBD




Keep the suggestions coming and don't forget those covers!


xx
Kat

Okay! two things. Or three.

::One:: The project is going well so far, and I'm excited about re-recording some of the older songs that didn't come out so well. A New Hope sounds the best so far, but I still have serious tweaking to do.

::Two:: I'd love you to suggest covers I can record for you. Any style, any song, I'll give it a go. I'll change it up a little, as best I can. I already have some fun ones I've been working on.

::Three:: Either comment on this post with your email address if you're a fan, or email katmckenzie@gmail.com and let me know. I did have an email database, but I've lost track of most of it, and I'd like to send out emails when Operation Melody tracks are up, or new developments occur, or gigs are happening. So if you're in, let me know!


xxx

Kat

(Oh and OM Week 8 post is up tomo, hopefully have it up by the weekend.. because of the delays I haven't been able to have stuff up on Fridays like before, I need to get back into that routine soon.)

OM07 - A New Hope

A New Hope:

A New Hope
(Link will pop)


Here is the Star Wars Country song. It's funny, really, a bit silly. But I enjoyed experimenting and writing this style, it was a challenge.

I've spent WEEKS trying to fix all this sound gear, and I'm finally set up properly, but with a loan Audix mic as I'm waiting on a phantom power supply for my AKG. This is more of a test run, unfortunately, as I'm still working on the levels and the vocals are quite low. To be honest, I don't actually know how the levels really are! I've had it playing back through the Mixcraft setup. Anyhoo, this is all done and dusted 11/08/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

Also available on MySpace tomorrow, and a new recording will be available at some point! I'm taking suggestions for week 8's tune (as well as going through your emails/comments, and will be re-recording Weeks #4 and #6 Monday/Tuesday.


xx

Kat

I'm so behind..

..and still no joy. Sigh.

I am buying a microphone tomorrow.

Tune tune tune

Generally fine tuning for me means concentrating on a song and whittling it down to its absolute best. Unfortunately, 'tuning' for me at the moment means testing software and buying new equipment. Oh the life of a broke musician.

This weekend, providing that all works out well, I should be able to at least have the new song up, which is erm, yes, the country tune about Star Wars. I'm rather amused that I have a song about Star Wars.

On the Line (#4) and Get Yourself An.. (#6) will be re-recorded Monday, as Sunday is looking like the busiest day I'll have in a while, and my 4am shifts kick in again on Tuesday.

(PS: I hope you liked Universe, I'm rather fond of that one.)


xx
Kat

OM Update

So! Hurray! I am able to bring you Universe!

On the Line (#4) and Get Yourself An.. (#6) have corrupted and my software crashed, I had to install an all new package. I was only able to re-record Universe today. SO this weekend I'll work on re-recording the others and hopefully work on Week 7.

Week 5, Universe:

Universe
(Link will pop)

An unconventional love song for me is a song of unrequited love, not quite the norm. All done and tidied 07/07/07, re-recorded 27/07/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

Also available on MySpace.


xx
Kat

Operation Melody: Week Seven

Technical difficulties have unfortunately brought the project to a standstill. I am currently trying to bring you:

Operation Melody weeks
- 4: On the Line
- 5: Universe
- 6: Get Yourself An..
- 7:

The deal for #7:
Genre/Theme/Style: Country song about the 30th anniversary of Star Wars. (Yes Baldwyn, you're crazy.)

Song title: A New Hope

Running time: 3:06



Today I have crashed after a really long and hard work week, so it looks like I'll be trying to sort technical aspects today and finishing #7 tomorrow. Thanks for listening and sticking with it.

xx
Kat

Operation Melody: Week Six

Andy suggested a jingle for week six, and it's about time the technical difficulties set in.

Installment 4 AND 5 are both down as of present, and #6 isn't uploading properly. SO, I'm continuing to tweak. Fun times. But, keep checking, as you should be able to hear all 3 very soon, I'm not giving up on Operation Melody!

The deal for #6:
Genre/Theme/Style: A Jingle.

Song title: TBD

Running time: Approx 30 seconds



Thanks for your contributions, keep up the emails and feedback. Feedback is so important! It's great to know you're out there listening.

xx
Kat

Hiatus week

Due to.. well, many reasons, I've decided that every 5 weeks I'm going to have to give myself a hiatus week. So! Operation Melody #6 will grace the intarweb Friday July 20th.


xx

Kat

OM05 - Universe

Universe:

Universe
(Link will pop)


An unconventional love song for me is a song of unrequited love, not quite the norm. All done and tidied 07/07/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

Also available on MySpace tomorrow, and a new recording will be available soon. I'm now taking suggestions for week 6's tune (as well as going through your emails/comments :).


xx

Kat

====================================

Re-recording (as of Nov 07): Universe

OM04 - On the Line

On the Line:

On the Line
(Link will pop)


A tune for home - 06/07/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

Also available on MySpace tomorrow, and a new recording will be available soon. :)


xx

Kat

Operation Melody: Week Five

Karina has suggested that I write "an unconventional love song", so that is my choice for Week 5.

Installment 4 AND 5 of Operation Melody will be up together, Friday/Saturday as usual. I haven't been myself lately, so I'm working on that while working on the songs.

The deal for #5:
Genre/Theme/Style: Unconventional love song.

Song title: Universe

Running time: 4:11



Thanks for your contributions, keep up the emails and feedback. Feedback is so important! It's great to know you're out there listening.

xx
Kat

And I got nothin'.

What a week! Work sucked and my health wasn't much better!

I owe you two songs this Friday, but I expect the first will be up before then.. say Tuesday?

xxx thanks kids


-KM

Operation Melody: Week Four

Home

This week's choice is close to my heart, and a great suggestion by Rajeev.

Installment 4 of Operation Melody is about my home town.

The deal:
Genre/Theme/Style: Pop/Rock piece, similar to "Find the Light", about Wellington, New Zealand.

Song title: On the Line

Running time: TBD



Thanks for your contributions, keep it up!

xx
Kat

OM03 - Heartbeat

Follow:

Heartbeat
(Link will pop)


When I started this project, my friend Lili emailed me and challenged me to write something she called "stripped bare". She didn't want me to use any instruments. I was allowed to possibly use sound effects, but no instruments. So this is what came through for me - a piece stripped bare, finished 22/06/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

Also available on MySpace, and a new recording will be available soon. I'm now taking suggestions for this week's tune (as well as going through your emails/comments).


xx

Kat

Operation Melody: Week Three

This week's next installment of Operation Melody should be up by Saturday. This week's deal:

Genre/Theme/Style: Stripped bare.

Song title: Heartbeat

Running time: 3:45


The videos are causing me grief, so I think those will be up at the conclusion of 10 weeks (when the first CD should be made/new recordings done). Thanks for your contributions, keep listening!

xx
Kat

OM02 - Follow

Follow:

Follow
(Link will pop)


Guitar-based folk piece, written 15/06/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007. The levels/reverb are not quite right (and quite frustrating), but this project is about finishing it in a week, so it's pretty good considering all the different layered tracks in there! Let me know what you think.

Also available on MySpace, and a video/new recording will be available soon. I'm now taking suggestions for this week's tune (as well as going through your emails/comments).


xx

Kat

Operation Melody: Week Two

On the road

I've lost my voice!

BUT, the next installment of Operation Melody should still be up by Saturday. This week's deal:

Genre/Theme/Style: Guitar-based folk piece, about travelling across America.

Song title: Follow

Running time: Approx 5:00



Should have the video of Bluebird up this week, too. Thanks for your contributions, I'm still going through the older ones, but get thinking for next week!

xx
Kat

OM01 - Bluebird

Bluebird: Please try MySpace if this player "sticks" for you, I am working on it.

Bluebird
(Link will pop)


In the style of Ella Fitzgerald, written 05/06/07 (that's in NZ order, folks), copyright Kat McKenzie 2007.

Also available on MySpace, and a video/new recording will be available next week. I'm now taking suggestions for this week's tune!

xx

Kat

Operation Melody: Week One

Jazz goddess

The first release of Operation Melody is nearly ready. This week's deal:

Genre/Theme/Style: In the style of Ella Fitzgerald

Song title: Bluebird

Running time: Approximately 4:30



Clips, lyrics, etc to be posted on Friday. Thanks for your contributions this week, get thinking for next!

Operation Melody

From Friday the 1st of June I am launching a project where I write a song a week!

I will be writing a song, whether it is 30 seconds or 3 minutes long, whether it's amazing or sucks. It's a way to get me writing more, a way to correct my failings and a fun way for you all to take part - I need your input! Each week I will be asking for suggestions of:

a) Genre --and or--
b) Theme --and or--
c) "In the style of..."

So! You can suggest a Rock song. Or you can suggest a Rock song about monkeys. Or you can suggest a Rock song about monkeys that sounds like U2 might write it. Or just the monkeys. Or just the U2 influence. It's up to you!


Rules::

- I have to be able to sing it. SO I can't really accept Hiphop or Rap as a Genre.
- I will be picking at random. I may pick your genre, someone else's theme, and someone else's style, or just go with a style for the week that I think works.
- I appreciate your suggestions, but don't see this just as a push or challenge to me .. I of course am looking to push myself and encourage writing, but it might just be too hard for me to write a U2 Rock song about monkeys.

So go to it! email me at katmckenzie@gmail.com or comment here. First songwriting session begins Friday June 1st.

Digital!

The Hiding EP is now available on iTunes! So search me out. Also available for download/purchase with:

Bitmunk
Daiki
MP3tunes
Napster
Tradebit
PayPlay
AudioLunchbox
BuyMusic
Inprodicon
MP3-Extension
MusicIsHere
Ruckus
Verizon
Muze
Interia

So go get it!

::April3:: Progress report

In progress:

Run
Trigger
Open Sky (working title)
Arise
So Long
21
Never Thought
Dark Horse


Incomplete/put aside (but will go back to):

Alive
On the Way Down
Untitled (waltz)
Fool's Blues
I've Always Known Him
Not Over Yet


♥

Tally it up..

So far, it appears that we have sold approximately 110 copies of the Hiding EP.

Well done, everyone. If you enjoyed it, please go to http://www.cdbaby.com/katmckenzie and write a review.

Keep spreading the word. Gig news to come.


xx

K

Happy New Year!

May 2007 be a fruitful one for the both of us.

News to come.


xxx

Kat & team