LDB: Let’s make an album
This post explains a relatively indirect path to gaining the approval of a label to back a project that was little more than a dream at the time. This is a feat that could not be repeated now as technology has changed the game. But with a lot of drive and some magic, we garnered the label’s support. And somehow managed to do so following an unlikely blueprint.
Leaderdogs for the Blind: The Recipe
A drum machine. Two guitars. Amps on 11. Heavy riffs trying to be in conversation with funk and groove. What sounds like a disaster (truly was) became an opportunity. And along the way, thankfully, the recipe kept improving.
Numb
At this point in the ‘Becoming SAGRADOSE’ story, I’m in Michigan, newly married to a person whose cousins were also musicians. AND, taking courses at the Recording Institute of Detroit. And in a band, one that was sought after by an A&R rep from a Christian label. Read on to find out how a shitty track called ‘Numb’ turned into…
Michigan
There’s no way I could capture my experience in Michigan with this singular post. But this explains how I ended up there. A lot of life happened in my 7 years in one of the best states in the Midwest. This post is simply a bridge from my 80’s Christian big hair / hard rock band to a project that would change everything for me (musically speaking).
7th Angel
7th Angel was the name of my first Christian rock band. The songs were pretty terrible. But our drive and motivation was there. And, I can say, both were pure. And it was here the pattern was set. I don’t just want to make music to make people move. It should also have some weight, some value people can connect with.
Something good came from that first band.
An industry that doesn’t rock
Yes. There is such a thing as a Christian music industry. On the face of it, it seems to exist to bring light and joy to the world with the messages of the gospel of Jesus. Those who participated know full well the reality doesn’t look, smell, or sound like the brochure.
That’s me in the spotlight
Religion. This is a hot topic. This is the hot topic of my life. I’ve formed my own opinions after having done the work. Eight years + of work, including a trip to Israel while in the thick of my investigation. And while I fully understand why I was exposed to Christianity, I have worked to untangle myself and my heart from the dark side of that religion… and all others.
The Prayer Chamber
When I was a sophomore in high school I joined a band. A friend at high school introduced me to a whole new sound that was too obscure for the run-of-the-mill radio stations in the Midwest like KZ93. The sound was coming almost exclusively out of the UK from acts like Joy Division, New Order, Depeche Mode, The Cure, YAZ, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and so on.
What’s this “sagradose” you speak of?
This post is the reader’s digest version of how I arrived at the name “SAGRADOSE” for my work as a producer. It involved more brains than my own. But I explain the intention that led to the name, and that while I am SAGRADOSE… well, you’ll just have to read on.