Session work at Grooters Productions

Had a good time in the studio today. Two old friends of mine, Lynn Walker and Pam VanPutten, are putting together a new album which is being recorded and produced at Grooters Productions in Holland, MI. John Grooters is acting as producer and Paul Wesselink is engineering. I added some classical guitar to the mix on this occasion. The forthcoming album will be available later this month. Always fun making music with friends!

-Dave

Eleven Rack

As a guitarist, I'm always on the lookout for devices that promise the "ultimate" guitar tones. I'm also thrilled when I find products that increase my workflow and simplify the recording process. So, I was blown away when I bought the new Eleven Rack from Digidesign. It is, in their words, "a revolutionary new guitar recording and effects processing solution designed to eliminate the challenges that guitarists have faced in the studio and on stage. " Finally, a virtual electric guitar system that sounds and feels like a real amp! Not only that, but it's integration with Pro Tools makes it a snap to create and edit electric guitar parts. I can't say enough about it! It will definitely be all over my recordings from here on out.

-Dave

"American Sailors" showing at the Orlando Film Festival

"American Sailors", produced by Grooters Productions, is playing this week at the Orlando Film Festival Nov. 4-8.

"American Sailors" is an hour long documentary that takes you on board and behind the scenes as four great skippers prepare and race their boats in the longest and oldest freshwater race in the world. The documentary was a winner at the 30th annual Telly Awards, receiving the highest honor: a Silver Telly. There were over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and countries around the world.

DP Creative Audio is proud to have composed and recorded one of the main themes used throughout the movie.

To view the "American Sailors" homepage: Click Here

AAF West Michigan

This past Wednesday was the first Fall meeting of AAF West Michigan. Dave Lorenz, the Manger of Public & Industry Relations for Travel Michigan was the speaker. He shared insights into the creative approach and development of the Pure Michigan brand. Forbes ranked the Pure Michigan tourism campaign its highest rated state tourism campaign, and sixth on the list of its top ten tourism campaigns worldwide, saying, “…this campaign sells with its simple and universal message: that sometimes we all need to get away from life's stresses and relax a bit.”

Once again it was an excellent event to inspire creativity and develop relations in the advertising industry. Good food never hurts either!

Sweetwater Sound

This Friday my friend Matt Hanegraaff (left) and I (right) made a three hour road trip down to Fort Wayne, Indiana to visit Sweetwater Sound. As many musicians know, Sweetwater is one of the premier music retailers in the country, particularly when it comes to "all things recording". I have been a faithful customer for many years and have placed a high value on their knowledgeable staff, and superb customer service. They have an amazing facility and it was a great pleasure to meet my sales rep in person and check out a lot of great gear first hand.

-Dave

The Creative Constant

An excellent quote by Paul Williams on the craft of music.

"What remains constant in this whirlwind of change is the art and craft of the creative process. Composers and songwriters have a unique gift – the ability to combine sparks of inspiration, imagination and life experience with talent, hard work, and often a little bit of magic, to create music that touches other people's lives. The music creators' gift is the engine that drives our industry. Its value should never be underestimated."

Panel Discussion at the Michigan Film Festival

This past Saturday was the first annual "Michigan Film Festival", held at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and UICA. I was honored to be part of a panel discussion entitled "Film Music and Soundtracks". Joining me was director Anthony Griffin and attorney Jeffrey Nelson, moderated by Jen Pider of Pider Enterprises. The discussion covered the many facets of creating a soundtrack, both from a creative and a business perspective. I attended a number of other discussions that were offered throughout the day and was very impressed with the presentations and the festival as a whole. I'm eagerly looking forward to next year's festival.

-David Purnell