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

'Been around the world..

..and back again.

'Been writing bits and pieces in my head.

'Been changing my plans a million times.

'Been appreciating my friends and country.

'Been loving new sounds.

'Been here, there and everywhere.

'Been waiting to share new tunes.

'Been here for you.


Be back soon.

It's here.

KAT MCKENZIE: Hiding A soulful and often haunting blend of pop and rock.

More retailer links coming soon.. as well as the new website. If you're from NZ or Australia, drop me an email and we'll sort it all out.

xx

Kat

Oh what a night.

Solo
Originally uploaded by Sarathine.

The EP gig was wonderful. We had a crowd of 35-40, a good atmosphere and we had a lot of fun. There was some flubs here and there in the music department, but nothing major, and I'm quite happy overall.

Photos from the night are up at my Flickr. CD available online very soon!

xx

Kat

The score

So we've had a little bit of news and flurry stirred about the gig. Online communities know, posters are up in places, texts have gone out, emails have gone out (with pdfs attached!), and there's a small article in the local paper:



Monday night I called up my "asian sweatshop workers" and they came around to help me score/crease all of the front and back slicks for the EP. Here's the three of them at work:



More photos of that night are at my Flickr here.

Almost all of the first 200 made have been done, and I've sent off copies to one of my US retailers, the other will follow next week. I'll be sure to let you know how you can get one soon.

I'm also hoping to send copies to a few important folk, as well as musicians I admire. Let's just hope the buzz continues and we have a great night on Saturday. Of course, you'll get the full scoop here next week.

Thanks for being here and supporting me. Keep it up. Can't do it alone.

xxx

Kat

It's here!

Please come if you're in town.




xxx

--Kat

Apologies and amends~

Friends, I have Mononucleosis, also known as Glandular Fever or simply 'Mono'. So things have been going slowly, punctuated with bouts of lethargy and blood tests abound. I hope you're not mad with me.

The EP has been duplicated, printing is underway. The EP will be available for sale in the next few weeks, I promise ya. If overseas, you'll be able to get it online, Kiwis directly from me (Aussies, maybe we can work something out!).

Thank you for checking in, I'll have more news/an ad for the party up in the next week. I'm just doing a lot of resting at the moment.

Don't forget to send your details to mailinglist@katmckenzie.com to be on the mailing list for updates.

xx

K

Partay

The EP party plans are well underway, I'll post a gig ad here soon. Thanks for checking in, everything's going well.


xx

--K

Reconnect

If you read my other blog, you'll know that I have been on a course at night lately. And my weekends have been gone. I feel like my house has been a mess for a month and I haven't worked out for 3 weeks. And the worst thing?

Damn I miss my piano.

Gonna have a good play tonight.


Pssst! Come back next week for an EP announcement! It's dropping very soon!

Life, life, life

I hate making this post without having an EP to give you.

But honestly, life just gets in the way and these things take way longer than you expect. I have given you so many false deadlines and dates, and I just don't want to anymore. So the truth of the matter is: I have so much going on in my life right now. So many personal issues. And add to that the fact that I have taken up a course that runs 6-10pm when I am already working 8-5.

But I promise you, it is coming. It is being duplicated and printed, and soon it will be shipped to the sellers and plugged in all the right places (if you want to link to us, I will have some banners ready soon) and the site is being looked at by a good designer.

And then the party will come and Wellington/New Zealand/the intarweb will be (more) aware, and then I can start begging you all to talk about the EP and me and blast my links everywhere.

Thanks for sticking by me and being so patient. I will deliver.. I just don't know exactly when.

::June4:: Progress report

Keep listening out for EP updates and make sure to send in to join the mailing list!


In progress:

Open Sky (working title)
Arise
Standing
So Long
21
Say Something
Never Thought
Dark Horse


Covers:

Better Be Home Soon
Lovesong
Man With the Child in His Eyes


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


♥

Find the light

MySpace have fixed their error and the new song is up on my page now. Thanks for your patience. :)


xxx

First listen

A track from the EP is up on my MySpace. (It's still processing while I write, so if it's not there, check again soon).


xxx

Kat

Done.

Hi folks

The EP is done! Check back soon for details on how to grab one. We're getting everything printed up and organised ASAP. So exciting!

It should be available at a few online retailers (and a few select US stores!!) soon, and you will be the first to hear about it. I'll also announce the launch party details here.

xx

Follow the melody

Updates:

The mix sounds great, but needs a little bit of work. I am going in next Tuesday to finalise it, and then the mastering will begin.

We are hoping to schedule another photoshoot for the EP cover soon.

The design plans for the EP and website are well on their way.


I am resting! We have some illness in the family and birthdays and operations and and and..

Thanks for checking in.

Mix

Hi friends!

I am picking up a mix tonight, looking forward. Hopefully things will be finalised next week and I can get into having this available for everyone by the end of May.

We also had a photoshoot today and should have another one soon. The team is growing. Thanks to those of you who have signed up for the mailing list, when the EP is ready, the first mail should go out. Feel free to pass it on, as well as this site address, to your friends.

Thanks a ton for your patience.

xx

--KM

Mailing list

If you wish to be on the mailing list for music updates, please send your name and email to mailinglist@katmckenzie.com.

It shouldn't be anything too frequent and spammy.

xxx!

--K


Your email address will not be passed on to any other persons or company, will not be used to fill out free iPod offers or sign up for porn... unless you're into that sort of thing. The email address you supply is for the eyes of Kat McKenzie and her minions only.

More photos

Vocal booth
Originally uploaded by Sarathine.

More photos are up at my Flickr.

The waiting game

Hi, guys!

I am expecting to have a draft demo mix back from my engineer this week, and I'll be going back in for another mixing session soon before we finish it all up.

I've been concentrating on resting and getting myself back to 100%. No writing has been done in a while, I think that'll start back up this weekend after all the birthday festivities.

Keep checking in.

--K

Holiday exhaustion

I always feel far more tired after a holiday than I did before it.

I am glad to be back in town with a net connection and a piano, but boy do I miss sleeping til noon, relaxing at night with a wine; not having a million things to do.

Music update to come before the weekend hopefully.. I am due back in the studio soon.

So close

Last night we hit the studio at 6, and started in on the mixing. Chris and I redid a few vocals. One of the vocals on the first chorus in Hiding was driving me crazy sounding like it was off-key, so I redid it. It's not perfect, but I don't know if I'm going to get it as perfect as my ear demands. I am hoping no one hears it as sharp and turns the CD off.

Chris' BVs sound great. I'm going to get him a shirt that says "Backing Vocals Superstar".

We started mixing a few of the tracks, tidying things up. TK says he'll have a draft mix CD (with errors still on it, just for tightening/notes) with me at some point tomorrow so that I can listen to it over the weekend at Taupo. I might put it on the iPod with my laptop. I am definitely taking the laptop up there. DVDs in bed, baby!

We listened to Break Your Heart in full and I am so so happy with it. I really don't think I could have recorded it any better - my vocals are raw and honest and hopefully they will induce some emotion. I want people to feel something.

The others sound great with the BVs and vocal overdubs we added last night. Tonight I am going to pack for Taupo and I'll leave after work tomorrow, not getting back til Tuesday afternoon.

Have a good weekend, everyone. I will post more news soon.

EP session photos

Drum playback
Originally uploaded by Sarathine.

Click the picture to go through to my Flickr, and scroll through the photos in the set.

Mixing session tonight. Looking forward!

Are we real musicians now?

Months of planning and thinking and writing and rehearsing all came to a point on Saturday. I woke up at 9.15 feeling tired and sluggish but my throat felt good and my nose was clear. These are two very good signs. I'd had a blocked nose the night before for a little while, and that is never a good thing!

I was due to pick up the boys all just after 10am, but it was 10.05 before I got out of the house, and we arrived at the studio around 11.05.

After some introductions and settling in, we completed the first setup: a fully-mic'ed grand piano and a very very fancy german microphone for my voice. The piano had such a rich, warm sound and I felt like I just couldn't play a wrong note on it. And amazingly, I barely did. I guess I kinda knew the songs, after all.

Break Your Heart was recorded fairly fast with me playing and singing simultaneously, and sounded very rich and clear through the speakers. I'll have to hear it through the cans (headphones) again to completely check it with my over-critical ears, but I think it's good. We were done at 12.30.

We started to set up the room for the band recordings, moving the piano into the other corner and setting up partitions for the bass and guitar. When the drummer Reuben arrived, he was full of energy and enthusiasm and was just such a nice, genuine guy. We set him up in a separate room and closed the door on him, communicating only through the mics and cans.

Jeeves was filming the entire time, and during the drums setup, TK told him to take the camera off him or they were going to "group bash" him. A hilarious moment, and he was totally kidding (but Jeeves turned it off anyway!)

We played through Hiding, and in the chorus, Reuben started playing along with just the best sound. Tons of kick/bass drum and a hell of a lot of energy. Then in the bridge I asked him to mix it up, and he played a military-style riff on the snare, which was so good it made my hair stand on end. It also made the silence so much cooler having the drums involved and he ended the track with some heavy tom which kicked butt. I was so proud of the song and so crazy about how it was sounding. The drums really pulled it all together.

Moving on to Find the Light, I told him that it was a very standard pop song with a bit of cheese, so I'd love him to try and play it a little differently, a little less cliche. He came out with some great ideas, particularly after I told him to change it up a little bit in places - he obliged me with some kick-ass beats.

Both tracks made me want to drum along in the air. If they can produce the same effect on other people, then that's awesome. So I'll have to wait and see.

We packed him up and I walked him down to the cash machine to get his payment. On the way he told me how much he liked the tracks, and was excited about getting his copy. This was awesome, as your friends can tell you how much they like your songs until they're blue in the face, but a complete stranger? who has heard the songs and played them a few hours? very, very neat. Very gratifying.

He also agreed to play at the party if he was free and I bought him beers.

We set up to play Bright, which I played and sang along to, like the first track. Now we had all the basic guides down, we each went in one by one to overdub our parts. TK changed up the guitar and bass styles, and definitely improved the songs with his choices. While Nick was finishing up his parts, Jeeves and I went down to Satay Kingdom and ordered some takeaway dishes for dinner. When we went back up, Nick finished and we settled in the lounge room to have dinner.

Then I went in and overdubbed my piano parts, including an addition on Hiding over the bridge that I am very happy with. Then we were ready for vocals! By this point we were all wilting a little bit, but I was still energised and ready to go. We laid down the vocals for Hiding and Find the Light, including the backing vocals. During the playback for Hiding I bounced and danced around in the vocal booth, almost moshing. I had so much excitement for how it was coming together. :) The vocals on Hiding were full of energy, which I was happy with. My excitement must have been coming through.

The only things left to do are:
- Small addition of backing vocals on the end of Bright, which we forgot to do on Saturday.
- Chris wants to redo some of his BVs as well, so we'll get all those done.
- Mixing.
- Adding a crackle sound effect to start? Only if TK has it and thinks it's a good idea.

So we're going in tonight at 8 to get onto these tasks. I am excited about hearing the songs again, and especially with fresh ears after 2 days. Hopefully I won't pick up too many problems that need fixing, but I am happy to pay more to redo things and be anal. I held back when I recorded my demo 5 years ago, and there are many things I would have changed.

Chris also has a great, enthusiastic account of it here. His photos should be up soon, and they are much better than my few!

I spent yesterday in my pajamas, the majority of it in bed watching DVDs or TV. It was the ultimate lazy day. My legs ached like hell, and still do (calves mainly), I think from pumping the piano pedals and moving around so much all day.

I also stayed up way too late last night playing the CSI game and then with thinking. It was almost as if I was trying to squeeze more into my Sunday after my Saturday went so fast, but I wasn't thinking about it. I was asleep sometime after 1.30. Thank God it's a short week!

A fantastic day.

EP crew
Originally uploaded by Sarathine.

Well it's all over and I have a lot to report. Unfortunately, my hands/wrists are a bit achey from a lot of percussive piano work yesterday, so I'll have to leave the typing til tomorrow.

Just know that it exceeded my high expectations and was a very special day. Some amazing stuff came out of the hard work we put into the 12 hours.

It will be maybe 2-3 weeks before the EP is available, due to the studio's new gear arriving in a few weeks or so and TK's schedule. I'll post more details soon. We start mixing tomorrow night.

Party details to be announced.

Last words

I don't know if it's because I've played them so much, or because they're catchy, but my own tunes are forever in my head. Usually backing vocals or one line of a track over and over.

It's probably more the former than the latter, but it makes me feel good about them if I'm humming them most of the day.

Tonight is our final band rehearsal. I have finished writing and tweaking and changing, and tonight it all has to come together. I am going to try and have a relaxing evening tomorrow night, though that may not be possible. I may need a bath and some lavender oil to calm me enough to sleep.

So keep your fingers crossed for tonight and for Saturday, and I'll post a full update on Sunday sometime.

Thanks again for your support.
xx

Creative expression

Thursday night I was burned out. I'd spent so much time inside my own head that I just couldn't stand it anymore. I put down the music, put away the MD, left my pencil on the piano.

I took a break.

Sure, it hasn't stopped my brain from whirring or me from stressing. I'm a natural worrier: I put so much pressure on myself sometimes.

Yesterday I spent the day watching Scrubs DVDs and painting. I watched the 2004 Helter Skelter film with Dad, had a nice dinner, went back to bed and watched some more. I finished my painting. I put clothes away. I didn't touch the piano.

We're in the final week. It's crunch time. I will be working every night this week. Let's hope my head doesn't explode. I'll post an update later in the week about the final two rehearsals I have, and then another post on the recording day itself.

I've wanted this so badly, but now I want it to be over. Think of me, folks, and send your well wishes to me until the weekend. I will be a mellow hippie by Sunday.

2nd rehearsal

Awesome setup
Originally uploaded by Sarathine.

Everything went well last night - we have one more to go before the big session.

Getting excited but also nervous!

xx

EP FAQ

'Cause you asked.

What does "EP" mean?
EP is the original name given to a single with more than 2 songs. Wikipedia has a great page on it here.


When are you recording? You keep giving us different dates..
We are confirmed for the day/evening of Saturday April 8th.


When will the EP be available?
I'm expecting to announce that close to the date.


How can I get one?
I will be selling them on the site by Paypal and through a few other online retailers. I will announce this in April.


How much will they be?
It depends on where you purchase them from, but I plan to offer them on my site for a low price with very competitive shipping prices. I will announce this in April.


What songs are on it and can I download them?
The track names are Hiding, Bright, Find the Light and Break Your Heart. 30 second clips will be available on the site for download around mid-April.


Is it costing you a lot to make?
Well after the recording and mixing costs, there are printing and duplication costs. It is a fair amount of money, which is why I am selling the EP rather than giving it out to friends.


Will the new tracks go up on your MySpace?
I think so. I'll also link there with how to purchase the EP.


xxx
♥
--Kat

Rehearsal snapshot

EP Rehearsal
Originally uploaded by Sarathine.

Here's a shot from our first rehearsal last week. We've got another scheduled for tomorrow night, but I'm not sure on the venue yet.

And for those curious cats, we're recording Saturday April 8th.


xx
--K

First rehearsal

Last night we had a rehearsal at my place with the proposed recording band for the EP: Nick on guitar, Stu on bass. I also invited guitarist Andy along as well, even though he is not free for the EP: he knows the material and could offer advice on it, as well as help me with some of the more irregular chords.

Chris also attended, as he is my extra pair of "ears" - and his ears are good. He hears a lot of things I don't (and a lot I do) and we work really well together. He ran through a few (really good) ideas for his backing vocals last night, especially on Find the Light. It's going to be great to have his voice on the tracks as well as his creative contributions.

Rajeev came along as the 'documentarian'. He filmed the rehearsal and will film the recording day - it'll be fantastic to have that record of it. Eventually I will have a DVD as a keepsake, but I have no deadline on this as I know he is going crazy at the moment finishing other projects.

I think it went well. They're getting to know the music now and moving towards a better product. Once I have the date confirmed I can start getting excited. It's all coming up soon. Next rehearsal is March 28th.

Oh! and for those of you who are wondering, 'EP' stands for "extra play" or "extended play" - the original name for a 7-inch single record with more than two songs. :)

"EP is the name given to vinyl records which are too long to qualify as singles but too short to qualify as albums. Typically an album has eight or more tracks (anywhere between 40-60 minutes), a single only one or two (5-15 minutes), and an EP five to eight (or around 15-35 minutes.) Some artists, especially in the days of vinyl, have released full-length albums that could fit the definition of a modern-day EP."
(wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ep)


xx
--K

Getting shorter, getting longer

1. Find out dates for Auckland.
2. Finalise recording time that suits all involved.
3. Continue to rehearse my own piano and vocals parts to confidence, but not overkill.
4. Book another rehearsal with everyone before the date: Stu, Nick, Chris. Next Tuesday, maybe?
5. Confirm Rajeev and Neha for recording day.
6. Record record record.
7. Stick around for the mixing process, if possible.
8. Finish cover design, name the EP.
9. Organise cover with printers.
10. Organise masters and copies with STL.
11. Arrange with Jeeves to run copies off at the Dub shop with the master.
12. Finalise business cards.
13. Set up online shop.
14. Promotion.
15. Party!


♥

Play it

Our next rehearsal is Tuesday, and everyone's coming. Should be great. I'm hoping to have a few more before we record.

I have a few more people to confirm with, so I'll let you know what date we actually worked out after I know everyone's available!

Thanks for keeping up, it's great to have people interested in the project.

And I'm still listing

Yah, me again. Aren't you glad you're getting every thought process? Didn't think so.

Date is now probably the 28th. I'm meeting with the studio this week to finalise. But the songs are finalised! So now the cover can be finished, finally. :)

Hiding
Find the Light
Bright
Break Your Heart


Still to do..

1. Find out dates for Auckland.
2. Sort out a recording time when we're all free.
3. Organise with STL what works for them time-wise, the drummer, the electronic stuff, strings, etc.
4. Rehearse my own piano and vocals parts to confidence, but not overkill.
5. String arrangements/sound effects?
6. Rehearsal with everyone before the date: Stu, Nick, Chris
7. Try and get Rajeev for that day.
8. Record record record.
9. Stick around for the mixing process, if possible.
10. Finish cover design, name the EP.
11. Organise with printers.
12. Organise masters and copies with STL.

And we're off

You know how they say when God closes a door, he opens a window?

The sudden postponements of the Australia/NZ/Japan/Hawaii U2 concerts has given me an open weekend - a weekend I thought I'd be flying to Melbourne on.

I am now hoping to record my EP on Friday 24th March. At the moment I am waiting on the studio and will have to iron out details on the drummer etc, at the studio.

Chris and I had our little song session last night, and it went quite well. We are currently decided on:

1. Hiding
2. Alive
3. Bright
4. Break Your Heart

Subject to change.

At the moment in addition to my piano/vocals on all tracks, we are having guitar/bass/bass drum on Hiding, bass and possible drums on Alive, bass/guitar/possible strings on Bright, and just my vocals/piano on Break Your Heart.

More news to come soon.

1. Find out dates for Auckland.
2. Sort out songs with Chris.
3. Organise a night to rehearse and arrange the chosen songs with Andy, Stu and Chris if he is free, otherwise organise a separate rehearsal with Chris.
4. Sort out a time when we're all free.
5. Beg work to let me have a(nother) day off.
6. Organise with STL what works for them.
7. Rehearse my own piano and vocals parts to confidence, but not overkill.
8. Book a 2nd? rehearsal with the boys to make sure things are smooth (and that we don't take too much of their time/STL's time/my $$ in the studio).
9. Book Rajeev for the studio day, if he is available, or at least the night part of the shoot. Otherwise Chris can possibly take photos?
10. Record record record.
11. Stick around for the mixing process, if possible.
12. Finish cover design, name the EP.
13. Organise with printers.
14. Organise masters and copies with STL.

xx
--K

The hard part

I'm kinda at a standstill at the moment. I'm waiting on some people in Auckland to get back to me on the current situation with a dance album I'm involved with. I'm going up one weekend soon to record with them and work on the video shoot, and this might throw a few of my plans out of whack. Lucky I have nothing concrete booked in yet.

Once I know those dates I will book in a day/evening with STL, though I still don't know how I'm going to work it. I'd need a day off from work, or even a half day if I have to (which is kinda bad as I go to Melb for the last weekend and am already taking a day then), to lay down the basic vocals and piano for the tracks, and then I'd need Stu, Andy, Chris and possibly a drummer to come in after that and record into the evening. How do I book an afternoon-evening that everyone is free? It's a nightmare at the moment. Friday nights aren't good for Andy or Stu. Chris works a fair bit.

I need to take in albums of artists whose sound I want to emulate. While the idea of sounding like anyone else irks me, I understand that there needs to be an example for mixing and mastering. I am thinking of taking Vanessa Carlton's Harmonium and a Sarah McLachlan album. Damn I wish I had strings.

I still need to sit down with Chris and go over the songs. I need to rehearse backing vocals with him to a guide vocal (so things need to be pre-recorded at home). And I'll need to rehearse with Stu and Andy as well, which will most likely be one night in Newtown.

SO!

1. Find out dates for Auckland.
2. Sort out songs with Chris, possibly rehearse if we have time.
3. Organise a night to rehearse and arrange the chosen songs with Andy, Stu and Chris if he is free, otherwise organise a separate rehearsal with Chris.
4. Sort out a time when we're all free.
5. Beg work to let me have a(nother) day off.
6. Organise with STL what works for them.
7. Rehearse my own piano and vocals parts to confidence, but not overkill.
8. Book a 2nd? rehearsal with the boys to make sure things are smooth (and that we don't take too much of their time/STL's time/my $$ in the studio).
9. Book Rajeev for the studio day, if he is available, or at least the night part of the shoot. Otherwise Chris can possibly take photos?
10. Record record record.
11. Stick around for the mixing process, if possible.
12. Finish cover design, name the EP.
13. Organise with printers.
14. Organise masters and copies with STL.

Phew. I'm tired just lookin at that list.

Plans in motion

SO! I'm not much more organised than I was a week ago..

- I've asked Jeeves to be present at the sessions to document it for me, by video and camera.

- Chris is going to fill in some backing vocals, hopefully. I'll need to organise a rehearsal there.

- Andy is happy to be guitarist, but he's leaving the country in April, so it must be done in the next 6 weeks.

- I haven't booked anything further with the studios. I haven't even talked to the engineer again. I'm planning on emailing him again tonight to let him know that I am still interested and that I'll contact him in the next few weeks.

- I might ask Danny if he has any drummer friends who would lend their sound to it. But... part of me really wants to go through the studio for this as I would really like a decent job done. The beat really holds a piece together and a professional will get the quickest recording and best sound possible. Also, I'd only be paying per track, rather than per hour, so it's not too bad..

- I have a lot on my mind right now. I'm still struggling with what tracks to choose, and am planning to record all possibilities and go through them one by one, forcing my friends, acquaintances, family.. hell, even strangers to listen. I'll probably post a poll in my LJ and one here. Ultimately it has to be my decision, but I really need the input.

And after taking the step back for a week or so (not touching anything, I feel a bit more confident that I can sit back down and play and really listen to what is and isn't going to work.

This is no glamourous or easy job, folks. We artists are way too emotional, picky, self-critical and angsty. I just hope it all comes together.

The process continues

So I lie awake most nights at the moment, planning things out. Last night I wrote up the possible songs with their pros and cons and what instruments they would need. I realised that in hiring a bassist, guitarist and drummer, that will make this EP a more expensive affair.

And then I remembered Andy and Stuart.

2004-2005 I was in a covers band called Plush. We performed at a wedding or two, mainly soft-rock hits - David Gray, Coldplay, etc. We disbanded after our drummer moved to Australia. Andy was the guitarist (and an amazing one at that), and Stu was the bassist.

So I'm asking these guys tonight. If they say yes, then I'll look at using them for the songs that need that extra punch. And then maybe I'll just need to hire a drummer.

I'm so smrt.

Other than that, I think I'm ready. I sat at the piano last night and played out a few songs - I'm still not definite on which ones I'm going to do. What I think I might do is record samples of all of the songs I'm thinking of, and make people listen to them. I will make the ultimate decision, but I'd like to have some input from ears that aren't my own.

xx

It's happening

I can't believe how excited I am. I can't stop thinking about this recording I'm about to do.. every project is such an adventure.

I'm really looking forward to recording in a new studio with all the fancy gadgets and equipment and spending the amount of time needed to mix it. I have been in touch with the wonderful technician/engineer and he has given me some amazing quotes. The first one (quite a large chunk of time/work) was a bit of a shock, but we managed to keep talking and it looks like it is going to be very reasonable indeed. I think we should be able to get through things reasonably fast, as that's just the way I've always worked, but you never know!

We are going to book in for 3 hours in recording with piano/vocals, 3 hours of backing recordings and extra instruments, then they'll work 3 hours on mixing and give me the mastering for free. These are the minimum hours, I am expecting to be working a bit more than this and paying a bit more too!

I know it's not for a huge release or anything.. but the idea of having new recordings just makes me tingle all over.

I remember the first time I recorded my music professionally - I was so excited just to be able to have a recording of it.. and it came out so great. I can't wait for this project.. I just can't wait.

EP update

I contacted the studios today about organising a day or two to record the EP. I asked them quite a few questions, so hopefully someone gets back to me.

I think I've decided on 4 songs, 5 if I have the time. Believe in Me doesn't really need to be re-recorded, but I don't want it to sound different from the rest. I've grown up a lot musically and vocally since I was 17, and I think it would be great if I had a new version of the song.

I'll give you the song listing once I know the exact order. The cover is being designed as we speak.

I'm going to try and enlist a few musicians to beef up the sound a little. While it is essentially a demo, I'd like to have bass/guitar/possibly drumming on a few of the tracks, in particular on Hiding, as I think that'll be first and I'd like to open with a kick.

And of course Chris will be on backing vocals for me, won't you babe?

Now it's just about putting together the cashola and organising the dates. I'm excited, are you?

♥

Site back up!

Site up and slightly updated. My MySpace page has also been updated and is looking pretty spiffy.

More excitin stuff to come soon.

xx
--K

Website update

Hi guys.

We've hit a few snags in the website process, and tonight I'm going to be putting the old site back up.. with a few photo changes, of course.

I realised that I have been having these troubles since August and now really have to do something about it.

The design team (yes, there is one) will be working on everything through February, and the site will go down again for a few days only while I get the new one up and running.

I apologise for having no site to visit for such a long time, and thank you for sticking me with me here.


xx
♥
Kat

::January27:: Progress report

Draft complete/Fine-tuning:

Alive
Standing


In progress:

So Long
21
Say Something
Never Thought
Hiding
Dark Horse
On the Way Down
Untitled


Covers:

Lovesong
Man With the Child in His Eyes


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

Fool's Blues
Find the Light
I've Always Known Him
Not Over Yet


♥

Inspiration

Sometimes I get inspired at the strangest of times, in the strangest of places. I read something that shouldn't even relate to a song, but the way the words are placed or the simplicity of how someone is saying something, speaks to me.

At the moment I keep getting inspired at work. Today, just 15 minutes ago, I had that feeling I get where I know if I could just sit at the piano, something great would come. All of my hurt and confusion and.. sorrow, I guess, would be sung.

They say the best songs come from your worst times. I think this is true for a lot of my work. I feel a bit lost right now.

I wish I had a piano room here. I'm scared that by the time I get home, it'll be gone.

::January11:: Progress report

Complete/Fine-tuning:

Alive
The Middle


In progress:

So Long
21
Say Something
Never Thought
Hiding
Dark Horse
On the Way Down
Untitled
Not Over Yet


Covers:

Lovesong
Man With the Child in His Eyes


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

Fool's Blues
Find the Light
I've Always Known Him


♥

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to everyone - keep safe.


xxx
-K

::December21:: Progress report

Complete/Fine-tuning:
Alive


In progress:

So Long
21
Say Something
Fool's Blues
Find the Light
Never Thought
Hiding
Dark Horse
On the Way Down
The Middle
Untitled
I've Always Known Him
Not Over Yet


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

Serenade
Shimmer
Come On
When It All Falls Away
Man Who Knows Nothing


♥

::December8:: Progress report

Complete/Fine-tuning:
Alive


In progress:

21
Say Something
Fool's Blues
Find the Light
Never Thought
Hiding
Dark Horse
On the Way Down
The Middle
Untitled
I've Always Known Him


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

Serenade
Shimmer
Come On
When It All Falls Away
Man Who Knows Nothing
Not Over Yet


♥

Site updates

New pic. A few updates on the news bar and main site with what I'm up to (not a lot changed, still just lots of writing!)

Gig coming up New Years Eve.. finalising details. And I'm still whittling that song list down. It'll probably change again right before recording.

New site hopefully up before the gig? :)

xxx
--K