Saint Sauveur brings out the 1993 in me

Bacon….eggs….toast….grapefruit (which I’ve totally been won over to lately thanks to my friend Holly.  As a child I used to eat grapefruit with sugar but apparently my taste buds have evolved to a point where they enjoy the sour candy like flavor of this possibly very underrated fruit)…freshly brewed coffee and Paul McCartney’s “Let ‘em in” make for an awesome recording weekend here in Saint Sauveur.

In the spirit of the upcoming record I’ve decided to sport my natural hair (circa 1993) that I really only rocked when I was 13 during my grunge phase. It’s messy and a little wild, but it’s mine so there. Actually the only reason I’m wearing it this way is because 1. I can’t spend a lot of time getting ready every day because it’s not as fun as doing other things (+my hair is super thick and straightening it takes forever) 2. I kind of don’t mind it anymore and 3. (as my grandmother used to say “jamais deux sans trois”) ever since I turned 30, I feel compelled to do what feels good all the time (not in that hedonistic kind of way, just in that letting go a little more kind of way).

I’m super excited about this recording as it embodies everything I love musically. It’s balls to the wall, it’s passionate and it’s got a little bit of a rock and a little bit of soul. It’s been such a blast being here with the gang, like being with family. In fact, they are family. What more can a person ask for? Working with people you love is an amazing thing and I feel very lucky and grateful to be able to do that.

Yesterday we were able to record all the drum tracks we planned on.  The environment here is just so conducive to recording with a view of the hills and village in Saint Sauveur, and the fog surrounding the trees – it’s pretty magical.

I then started working on the vocal tracks for “Say What You Want” but I was so exhausted from the dummy vocal tracking we did earlier in the day that we decided to take a dinner break.  Seriously, I do not recommend singing for 6h straight to anyone.  I was so fried by the end.

After our delicious meal and a few glasses of wine we attempted round two with much better results.  Perhaps the Canadians losing last night brought out the sad in me (I know it did in Patrick), ’cause we got some pretty solid takes and then decided to turn in.

Rick’s doing some piano tracks this morning before I go back to doing more vocal tracks.  The piano we’re using is the perfect amount of old and lovely.  It belongs to our manager Jen and her family who have quite the musical background.  Her dad, Leo Kay, has a gold record for his 1982 hit “Femme de Societe” hanging on the wall where we are recording – a place that was filled with music for years.  We’ve had some memorable experiences both with home recordings and in studio, but somehow this place is so much more personal, special, and right.  I  feel privileged to be here and believe the recordings will reflect the synergy, love and generosity behind them.

Speaking of generosity, Andree-Anne Handfield who was not only a fast friend but is quickly becoming our favorite live photographer, was kind enough to come join in on the fun and take some photos.  It’s the first time we have some session photos!  These will be so great for when we’re old and gray!

Time to start warming up…Rick’s already nailed down a bunch of piano takes and Tim will probably want to eat soon.

Lots of love and I hope you enjoy the pics….Amanda xo