It's been about 12 hours since leaving my first day in the Studio for the Valentine and West project. Thought I would share some random thoughts:

+The only one in the studio not satisfied with the track was me. Not uncommon, because I have almost never been satisfied with my final products
+The message was good, real, and personal
+The subject matter was too personal, and it is unlikely that the average listener would relate or be inspired
+The delivery was interesting and creative, but off putting. Need to ride the beat more traditionally
+Got significantly better at doubles and vocal stacking today, but still have a long way to go
+Enjoyed learning how to "screw" vocals (lower pitch), and had a good time toying with vocal effects to get the correct approach
+I wish more producers were adept at sequencing their beats in advance, so that studio time would not need to be spent rearranging tracks to fit song styles
+I do not feel that, if the track were to come on the radio, that I would enjoy it. Must keep in mind that is the ultimate goal.

Studio Quote of the Day: "This is your art. Before you ask me if I like it, you need to make sure you love it. Not everyone is going to like what Tommy Valentine does. So you need to make sure you start off loving it so much, that it doesn't matter what other people think. Remember: this is your art. Make what you love." - Micah Bennett, Studio Engineer @ Starratt Studios

Back in the studio at 6:30PM tonight. Getting ready for another round, another shot. Laura West will be in the studio tonight, so this will be the first official studio session for Valentine and West. Really excited.