Nick McLaren

Those of you who stumbled across this site after checking out my recently changed twitter background, might be looking for a copy of my new song “The Device”. Unfortunately, I will not be posting it available for download until next week. Sorry for the trouble, but honestly I didn’t feel like having to change the background again later when I do put out the song. I know, I’m such a lazy ass. BAD NICK!

For those of you who want to hear it sooner, look for an announcement really soon about a chance to hear the song streaming live over at Metaplace. This is something I just decided to do, so there are details to be worked out as to how to setup the event, in which world to host it, etc. You can be prepared to attend ahead of time by making sure you’re signed up with them over at their website, or if you’re using Facebook, then you can get setup with Metaplace via their app at http://app.facebook.com/metaplace. Either way will work just fine..

Why do this you ask? Well, some of the folks behind Metaplace are really cool friends of mine, and it’s one of the places on the internet that I really enjoy thanks to it giving you the ability to create your own world and explore those created by others. Also, somehow premiering a new song in a virtual world just seemed like a cool idea to me… even if only a few people show up.

Confession time. When I originally put this site together and decided “Yeah, I’m going to start making music.” I somehow managed to come up with this stupid idea that if I made it LOOK like I was a bigger deal than I actually am, then it would somehow translate into more people hearing my stuff. For example, I used terms like “ARTIST INFO” for what essentially is an “ABOUT ME” page. I didn’t outright LIE on anything, but I definitely felt like I was somewhat overstating things a bit. I don’t know what the hell I was thinking.

So let’s start over, shall we? From here on, you’re getting nothing but the raw unadulterated weirdo that is ME. I’m Nick, and I’m just another extraverted-on-the-internet introverted-in-real-life dorky geeky systems engineer-type. I love my wife/son/family, video games (EverQuest II babeh!), M:TG, playing with various technology (I do SCIENCE on it!), analyzing and learning about all sorts of everything, and of course.. making and listening to music! I *am* very proud of the music I’ve managed to put out here so far, as I had NEVER written my own songs before, and I honestly feel like I’m getting better at it each time. Let’s hope that continues!

You know what else? I really love my friends, whether they happen to be fans of my music or not. Also, since you’re reading this, you should know that I also greatly appreciate YOU for taking the time! Really! You didn’t have to, but it’s WAY COOL that you did! So, THANK YOU! In fact, let’s get coffee sometime.. what do you say? Either way, let’s stay in touch, ok? I’m on Twitter you know, “@NickMcLaren”. Nothing like these interwebs for communimicating!

Ok, well, I’m sure the three of you reading this aren’t exactly waiting with baited breath, but hey I’m excited, so let’s roll with it! =)

It only took me a few MONTHS to wrap up my newest song, but I’m happy to report that it not only exists, but is written, recorded, and now in the talented hands of Brian Stratman over at Capricorn Studios where he is polishing up the sound and putting the final touches on the track! In fact, I’ve already heard a great sounding version back from the studio and it really sounds awesome!

Not too many people realize that working with a studio in general is a very give and take interaction. I’m also working with them in a bit of a different way than others I would imagine, in that I’m doing all of the recording and tracking myself, then bouncing the individual tracks over to them, along with a mp3 demo with my best mixing attempt to give them some idea as to what kind of sound I’m looking for. With that information, the studio engineer (in this case, Brian), attacks the song full force, twisting and shaping it, trying to get the best sound he can. When he’s got a final mix he’s happy with, he kicks the mp3 over to the artist (or the recording schlub, which would be me) to review. After some careful listening I determine if it sounds great enough to go with or if there are additional specific changes that, in my artistic opinion and along with my “vision” for the song, I would like to see happen before we call it “DONE”.

At this point, that first review has happened. I’m incredibly happy with the sound, but have provided some changes for the studio to make in hopes that it will sound even better, and align a little bit closer to my ultimate “vision”. I don’t expect that to take too long to complete, and I plan on releasing the song shortly thereafter. If you want to know the moment it’s released, make sure you’re following @nickmclaren on Twitter!

Writing songs is hard work, but I’m proud of the work I have done and I can’t WAIT to share the results with you! Soon…