Notar & Counting Crows

Well, I eluded to it in a previous blog. Now that I've got one song completely done and mixed, and about 12 more songs going in various stages of development or mixing, I feel comfortable blogging about this project. I am currently working with an exceptionally talented artist name NOTAR. You could call Notar a rapper, and in some ways thats spot on accurate, but I really like to just think of him as an artist. Musically, this project is a true combination of rock and hip hop. There are songs with straight up down south hip hop drums and loud raw rock guitars on top. Notar is an accomplished musician (trumpet), so its easy for us to speak in a musical language creatively, we can talk the language of hip hop, or rock, or music in general, which makes my job of producing so much easier and more creative. As songs get finished and posted, I'll give you links.
So, the team behind this record could be considered a bit of a dream team. Bruce Kirkland of Tsunami Entertainment is on board consulting on the non studio stuff. Bruce and Cael Kirkland connected me to the project, thanks guys!!!! The General behind the project is none other than Adam Duritz, lead singer of Counting Crows, and he is Executive Producer of the album. Adam signed Notar to his record label, Tyrannosaurus Records (one of my favorite record company names ever!!). Adam also performs on one of my very favorite songs on the album, called "Stranger", a very timely song about Iraq. Adam sings the hooks, Notar tackles the verses. As much of a pleasure as its been to work with Notar, its truly an honor to be working with Adam Duritz, as i am a big fan of Counting Crows and have seen them perform live more than any other label artist.
Side Story..... sometime back in the 90's, my friend Mike Habig came to NYC for work and i went in to have some dinner with him. On the way to his hotel, someone asked me if i wanted to buy scalped Counting Crows tix. They were playing at Hammerstein Ballroom right around the corner from the hotel and Mike and i decided, what the hell, we'll go. Neither of us were really fans at the time. that all changed. The show was being recorded for a live album called "Live Across A Wire" and it was also being broadcast live on MTV's Live at the Ten Spot. Lets just say that if you find the recording of "Round Here" from that concert album, well...... it probably changed my life. Counting Crows are one of the most musical bands on Earth. Anyway, that show changed my life. So, you can guess that while i dont think i've ever been star struck by anyone, it is immensely fun to be working with Adam Duritz to make this Notar record. With some luck and plenty of hard work, hopefully we'll be able to make Notar as big a household name as the Counting Crows. I think he possesses the talent.
Last weekend i brought in the lead singer of rockers "Silvertide" to sing a hook for Notar's album. OK, if you dont know who silvertide is, www.myspace.com/silvertide just listen to Walter's voice. then imagine him belting a raspy powerful rock vocal over a grimey hip hop beat. gave me chills. There are also rumors that Chris Carraba, the singer of Dashboard Confessional, might come in and sing a hook as well. And maybe if we're luck we'll get Adam on one more hook on the record. but dont get it twisted, Notar can sing a bit himself, and he tackles a few singing hooks himself very well. Notar's album will be called "Devil's Playground" and all of the songs on the record kind of fit that mood and theme, life on the dark side.
Anyway, keep your ears open for Notar. I've been brought to this project to bring it home. There are about ten songs that have been started but not finished, that i'll be doing (am currently doing) additional production on, and many songs that we're starting from scratch that i'm producing, and of course I'll be mixing the whole record as well. And i'm doing some writing on it, especially on the songs i'm producing. So far its coming out really hot and i'm very excited to be working on the record. I'm sure it'll be a running theme on this blog for the duration of the project, which could go for another month or two. Stay tuned!!!
-Ken Lewis