Good Morning Friends!
It appears that it is going to be an unusual weather day here at The Living Pen. We are having a bit of Spring this morning, the temp is warmer and there is lots of pretty sunshine. However, this afternoon we have been warned that the temps will drop and we could possible see some snow showers followed by a windy and rainy night. How’s that for a prediction!
Today will be our final chat with Peter Xifaras. If you haven’t registered your email address, there is still time. Everyone registered will receive Peter’s parting gift, an mp3 file of one of his completed songs, one that will not be released...
It took a couple of emails back and forth before Peter and I could find a time in which a chat was possible. Some weeks are just like that. Every time you turn around there is one more thing to do. None the less, the conversation was as awesome as usual and here it is.
Blu:
Hey Peter, we finally made contact! I have to ask you, did manage to get your friend to help you pick up sticks?
Peter:
Unfortunately, I gave him a biscuit upon our initial greeting so when I followed that up with fetching a stick, upon examination he basically chucked me the paw! ;>)
Blu:
Well don't feel bad, some do have their clear limits of what they will do and what they will not do set in stone. (lol) The resident meow here at The Living Pen has made it clear, he doesn’t dust, expects his meals on time and the rearranging of furniture nauseates him! (lol)
Peter:
Yes, today’s generation of 4-legged critters seem to be a bit on the delicate side.
Blu:
I know it has been a busy week, dare I ask what you have been up to?
Peter:
All tracks from guest artists have arrived so I’ve been working on tunes, editing, arranging and mixing.
Blu:
When in the process do you feel you are the busiest?
Peter:
Right now!!!
Songs are constantly being re-arranged, then partially-mixed, re-arranged again and again. If it doesn’t quite sound right, wash, rinse & repeat!!
It can be a tiring process, as evidenced by my studio buddy. That said, it is a labor of love.
Blu:
(Awwwwwww) !!! Your resident BowWow!! Is it different for every album?
Peter:
Yes. ‘Music That Tells a Story’ and ‘Pacific Dreams’ were cinematic in their approach. There was more upfront work in the composition phase of those projects. The album I’m working on now is jazz-fusion oriented so the emphasis is more on individual performances via improvisation.
Blu:
You have been very secretive about your guest artists, when in the process do you usually divulge that information and can you give us a some hints so that the detectives among us can try to guess?
Peter:
Sure. The instrumentation is Trumpet, Bass, Violin, Drums, Keyboards, Guitar, and Orchestra.
Blu:
Seriously Peter! Come On!! Please!!!!
Peter:
Ohhhhh ok.. How's this?
Bass – This acoustic and electric artist has received accolades from none other than the legendary bassist Stanley Clarke: "I was impressed with his steadiness, along with his outstanding technique and dexterity on both instruments..."
Violin – a graduate from the Conservatory in the Netherlands, this solo artist is also a music director, composer, arranger, and writes & produces extensively for other artists.
Trumpet – this artist has appeared on multiple Grammy winning albums with over 20 solo albums to his credit.
Drums/piano/orchestra/guitar – I’m playing guitar as well as programming the drum, keyboard and orchestra parts.
Blu:
Wow! Can I just say Wow!
Peter:
;>) You can...
Blu:
Do you have an idea when the record will be done?
Peter:
I’m shooting for the Summer, however, that’s tentative.
Blu:
How long after you are done will it be released? What does that process look like and do you have a release date yet?
Peter:
Is that one question or three?
Blu:
It's three but who's counting!
Peter:
After the record is done (final mix), it needs to be mastered and the artwork (album cover) needs to be created. I send out to a Mastering house but do the album artwork myself. Then there is the creation of music videos and developing a marketing plan. Next is the manufacturing of physical product as well as a lead time for the digital aggregator to distribute the record to all of the online carriers (Amazon, Spotify, Apple, etc). Hmmmm, after just saying all that, Summer isn’t looking too promising!
Blu:
Oh no, Say it isn't so! (lol) Peter, I would like to let our readers know when it releases, what do I need to do to get an advance notice?
Peter:
I’ll advertise on my web site and social media and will give fans the opportunity to pre-order before the actual release date.
Blu, I can send you the link directly should you want to inform your readers. I also wanted to tell you how much fun this was – as a matter of fact, you’ve inspired me to set up a page to continue chronicling the creative process on my own web site. You can click here and bookmark the page for future reference: www.PeterXifaras.com
After I create the page I’d like to get the Blu DuBois, wordsmith seal of approval before making it live ;>)
Blu:
Yes, Yes and Yes! Please send me a link; the moment the album arrives, I want to share it! I am so glad you enjoyed this because I truly did too and I think it is a fabulous idea to continue it on your website, and yes I would be happy to lend any help to that process that I can.
Peter:
Thank you to you & your readers. It’s been a blast! I'll leave you with the farewell link below.....
Click For Goodbye
Game On!!! Free CD!!! Are you Sherlock or Are you Watson?
So I will end this blog with this, for all you Sherlock or Watson wanna be's, here's a challenge, discover the names of Peter's three guest artist, and email your answers to thelivingpen7@gmail.com. Peter will also be dropping more hints on his Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/Xifaras The first 50 people to get all three answers correct before Peter reveals their names, will get a free copy of Peter's new release when it drops (USA only), compliments of me and The Living Pen!
Blu