a year of songs: number 25

  • Buy CDs
  • the 52 song project

    Writing music with a weekly deadline seems like a losing proposition. You just can't dial up creativity on cue. I'm enjoying the discovery that you can, however, take a stab at it and not be embarrassed by the result. Chris passed this along:

    "Stanford University experimented with two pottery classes. One group was told they would be graded on the quality of their pottery pieces. The other class was told they would be graded by the total weight of how many pots they crafted. When done, separate judges were asked to evaluate each group's finest piece. The group that produced the volume (weight) had the better piece by the judge's evaluation. Why? Quality through Quantity. They figure out MORE about pottery through doing MORE pieces... even though that was not their assignment." (More from Chris' commentary).

    A little celebration for some unrelated good news: the documentary "Paving the Way" for which I composed most of the music, won a "Telly Award" for it's soundtrack. Brandon Wade, the filmmaker/author, said I can consider this award mine. The DVD is available on Netflix and can be purchased at Best Buy. The music is on iTunes here:

    James Hersch - Paving the Way: The National Park to Park Highway (The Original Soundtrack)

    The Project:
    52 songs in 52 weeks from January 1 to December 24, 2009. I'm going to attempt to write a new song (or tackle old unfinished songs) at a pace of one per week.

    I'll record them and post them here, as well as the 52 Songs facebook group and ReverbNation.com. I'm hoping you will take a few minutes to listen and/or download them (for free) and occasionally give me feedback. A few more details.