Mark Hansen Music - LDS Rock Music - Free Downloads

Mark Hansen Music - LDS Rock Music - Free Downloads
Get the new CD, "The Third Time" HERE




WARNING: Listening to this music doesn't require parental approval. It's a bit of clean rebellion. It keeps your outlook up and your hope alive. It's got strong drums and screaming guitars. It pumps you up and drives your life. It's a hunger for exploration. It chooses the right and returns with honor. It's music you don't have to confess to your bishop.

It's not your parents' "Saturday’s Warrior".

It's "A Joyful Noise"

Monday, December 28, 2009

Alleluia


Listen and download the song, free, here.

The end of 2008 and all of 2009 were, in many ways, very difficult times for me, as they were for many of us.  The country was going through a deep recession, and I, personally, was going through a dark depression.

In the midst of it all, however, I could still see light.  I could still see my Heavenly Father's hand helping us through our trials.  There was still hope.  This song was the result of that trial.

Here's what the drummer, Jason, had to say about the tune:


"Ya know... Sitting here, after listening to Alleluia 20 times over, I'm so filled with the spirit thanks to your song. My eyes are actually filling with tears due to the wonderfully powerful lyrics and music you've created. Every time the chorus comes, after the huge sound of the verses, and simply says "Alleluia" over and over, I can't help but think of exactly what this song's meaning is: Alleluia! Christ has overcome the world! Alleluia, Christ is our savior! Alleluia!

"Seriously, Mark. Thank you. This song is simply beautiful, and although some people have criticized your arrangement, dare I say it's the arrangement which brings such power to the chorus... Such simple beauty of one guitar, and one voice cutting through all the noise, proclaiming with child-like fervor, "Alleluia, Alleluia"

"Thank you for bringing the spirit so powerfully to one guy, sitting in a mixing booth, shedding tears of joy through Jesus Christ. Alleluia."

--Jason


To me, it's nice when I create something, and someone else "gets it" so completely.  Thanks, Jason!


Alleluia

By Mark Hansen
1/11/09


It feels like you're taking the hits one by one
You search for a plan and you're sure there is none
And your hope dries like water in the afternoon sun
You look and you ask, "God, what have you done"
But somehow it all works out right, just like He knew ya

Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia


The world is just full of bullies and fools
Who break into your life and scatter your jewels
They're selfish and hateful, they're angry and cruel
You want to strike back, cause revenge is the rule
But still you pray for them in spite of all that they've done to ya

Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia


After all you've been through
You feel like you've just had it rough
After all that you've done
It still feels like it isn't enough
But then, life should be all about joy, you know that
Or do you?

The more that you try the more you feel less
Like all that you've made of your life is a mess
When you look back you're just left with a guess
Was it all worth it, if you made the test
And you'll stand before Him and you'll feel His love flowing through ya

Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia



Drums: Jason Jones
Harmony Vocals: Amanda Burri,
Laura Berg






Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.




Saturday, December 26, 2009

Lead Vocals for Alleluia

So, this afternoon, while my kids were playing with their toys, and my wife was taking a nap, I got downstairs and cut the lead vocals for "Alleluia".  I think it came out pretty well.  We'll have to see, once I comp the tracks and get my best cuts.


Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.

Monday, December 21, 2009

The Charts - Christmastime Edition

UnspokenSince I'm such a full-on crazy geek, I love to track statistics.  Call it a weakness, call it weirdness, call it whatever ya wanna.  It's fun.

So, over at ReverbNation.com account, which hosts my tunes, it shows me the statistics that cover those songs.  I thought I'd share some of those with you all!

This is the chart that I enjoy looking at the most.  The song plays and downloads.  This shows me that my tunes are actually getting in people's ears...   And that's the whole point, innit?

What you're seeing is the song play stats for the past 30 days.  As you can see, "Martyrs" rules the roost.  It's interesting, though, that "A Joyful Noise/Rockshow" is the most engaging.  On the average, people played it three-quarters of the way through, where some of the other tunes didn't even get played half way. 

Song Plays

Table date range - 11/21/2009 - 12/20/2009

Rank
Song Title
Available Since
Plays
Downloads
% Played
1
Martyrs
10/17/2009
47
7
41%
2
The Third Time
08/13/2009
11
0
44%
3
The Summer of 87
05/17/2009
11
0
67%
4
Shine the Light
09/23/2009
9
0
47%
5
He's Out There
09/23/2009
9
0
61%
6
Long-Haired Weirdo
11/01/2009
7
0
55%
7
Superman
11/01/2009
7
0
59%
8
A Joyful Noise/Rockshow
11/01/2009
5
0
77%
9
Today and Yesterday
09/23/2009
4
0
58%

Totals:

110
7


"Martyrs" was also the first song to break 100 total plays over all time.  Pretty cool!



Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.




Recording for Christmas

Last weekend, my boss (at my day job) came over and recorded a song for his mom for Christmas.  It was a Josh Groban song, called "Believe".  I was amazed that I didn't have any of the hiccups or glitches that have plagued my other recording sessions.  Maybe he's charmed, or something.

Anyway, it was a good time.  He's actually got a really good, albeit untrained, voice.  His tone is rich, and his high mix is strong, and not strain-y at all.

I'd like to do some more recording with him.  This time we just did minus tracks.  His brother came with him, and said that he's done some writing.  So maybe the two of them could write, I could arrange, and then he'd add the vocals...

I've decided that over the Christmas holidays (I'm taking some time off) I'm going to be finishing "Alleluia".  I just have to push through my painful back, my tech problems, and all my other fond excuses and get it done.  It's been sitting way too long.


Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.




Friday, December 18, 2009

MARK HANSEN MUSIC - JOYFUL NOISES, DECEMBER 2009

Hello, everyone!  It's been a while!  I've got some cool bits of LDS Rock Music news.

NEW SONG!

First of all, there's been a new song put up at the website.  It's called "Martyrs", and it's like...  Guns and Roses meet The Who, with a fiddle player.  ...And singing about Joseph Smith!  Listen for yourself at: http://www.markhansenmusic.com/2009/10/martyrs.html

There are a lot of other songs available, too, at: http://www.markhansenmusic.com/2009/10/songs.html

Remember that you can buy your copy of Mark Hansen's "Lost and Found" CD today and avoid the rush!  11 great songs of powerful, energetic, and uplifting LDS rock, pristinely mastered, with no voice-tags!  All CD's unconditionally guaranteed.  To get your copy, click to http://www.markhansenmusic.com/2009/10/cds.html

NEW SITE!

Second, I've rebuilt the site into a blog format.  That way, you can keep up with all the latest Mark news, with gigs and sessions and new songs ("Alleluia" is almost done!).  It's still at the same address:  http://markhansenmusic.com  Stop in and leave a comment!

FACEBOOK

Third, I finally got a Facebook Fan Page up.  You can keep up on news and thoughts there as well, and listen to new songs.  I'd like to encourage everyone to go there (http://facebook.com/ldsrockmusic) and join as a fan! Also, tell your FB friends to check it out, spin the tunes, and maybe join up, too!

SHOWS

I'm currently looking to schedule performances with ward and stake youth groups.  Simply email me at mrkhmusic@yahoo.com, or go to http://www.markhansenmusic.com/2009/10/firesides-and-activities.html

As always, thanks so much for your kindness and support.  If you don't want to get any more mailers from me, simply send me a note at mrkhmusic@yahoo.com, and I'll remove you from my list.

Mark Hansen
http://markhansenmusic.com

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Another Musical Look at the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith

So, Saturday night, as I was playing Santa for our ward Christmas party, one of the Relief Society's teachers came up to me and asked me to sing the next day for her lesson.  They're covering the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, and she wondered if I could sing a few verses of "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief".

I jumped at the chance, but was a little cautious because I wasn't sure if I could play it, or learn to play it that fast.  So, with that caveat floating in the air, we agreed.

When I got home, I pulled out my guitar and gave it a go.  It turns out that you can do that tune with just two chords, the I and the V.  Piece of cake.  So, I called her and told her I could do it.  I set down and worked out the best key for me to sing it, which turned out to be F.

The next day, as I was warming up and waiting for her lesson to start, I had the idea of transitioning the last verse up a step, modulating to the II. That would be G, so the I and the V chords would still be easy to play.  I worked up a quick transition progression, and then went in and did it.  It was sure fun, and easy to do.  It was kind of a solemn, respectful feel. 

I had been a bit worried that I would choke up and have a hard time finishing, but it all went well.  I was able to remember most of the words, and I had a cheat sheet next to me to help me get through it.  All in all, for me a beautiful, spiritual moment.



Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.



Mark's Other Blog Posts: Mark on Parenting, Dutch Oven Curry-osity, How to Do Social Networking,

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Christmas Music... Bah Humbug...

I'm not, generally, a big fan of pop Christmas music.  Most of it is pretty vapid and annoying.  I especially dislike it when famous pop artists who dress and act all skanky all year long suddenly get all religious at Christmastime, when you have to sell a new holiday compilation CD.  That, plus, how many versions of "Chestnuts Roasting" do we REALLY need?

Please.

But, I love it when artists (particularly LDS artists) write new Christmas songs, and revisit old ones in new ways.

For about the last three Christmases, I've taken moments here and there to record tracks for a Christmas tune I wrote (which still has no fixed title).  Last night I pulled out the tracks and gave it a listen.  I played with the mix just to see how everything would blend.  I got to thinking that I could even finish it by time to release it for this holiday.  Maybe.  We'll see. 

But, I got excited about it, anyway...


Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.



Mark's Other Blog Posts: How to Cook a Dutch Oven Turkey

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Drums on "Alleluia"

Tonight, I imported Jason's drum tracks on "Alleluia".  His playing is amazing.  I think he's going to make a big impact on the LDS music scene.  Then I added some lead guitar and did some preliminary mixing.  I'm really excited about this tune!



Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.



Mark's Other Blog Posts: How to Monetize a Blog

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Back on Track

Well, we shuffled our house around again.  Once more, the studio is down in the basement.  So, after about a week to a week.5, it's all finally set up again!

It's a good thing, too, 'cause I'm jonesin' to get recordin'!  I want to finish up "Alleluia", and our friend, Amanda, has been wanting to do some of her songs.


Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.



Mark's Other Blog Posts: Brendon makes Baked Ziti in the Dutch Ovens, Authority and Power!, LDS Games - The Armor of God,

Monday, November 02, 2009

LDS Music Connecting

A long time ago, I was convinced that I was gonna make a big splash in the world of LDS music.  I was gonna rock the house down, and turn it on its ear.  I was gonna do a whole lot of other cliches, too.

Over the years that I've been working at this, I've come to realize that any impact I've had has been one listener at a time.  Once in a while, I get an email or hear something from someone who's listened to a song I've done and they say a nice thing about how it touched their life.  it makes me feel good.

So, I've been working on a new song, I've mentioned it here before, called "Alleluia".  Jason was eager to drum this one as well, so I encouraged him to, and as he and I were emailing back and forth to get the tracks cut, we had this exchange:


First was this: 

"Hey bud... Sorry this has taken so long, but I finally got to it, and man... I gotta tell ya. Whatever album you put Martyrs and this song on is gonna be epic.

"Ya know... Sitting here, after listening to Alleluia 20 times over, I'm so filled with the spirit thanks to your song. My eyes are actually filling with tears due to the wonderfully powerful lyrics and music you've created. Every time the chorus comes, after the huge sound of the verses, and simply says "Alleluia" over and over, I can't help but think of exactly what this song's meaning is: Alleluia! Christ has overcome the world! Alleluia, Christ is our savior! Alleluia!

"Seriously, Mark. Thank you. This song is simply beautiful, and although some people have criticized your arrangement, dare I say it's the arrangement which brings such power to the chorus... Such simple beauty of one guitar, and one voice cutting through all the noise, proclaiming with child-like fervor, "Alleluia, Alleluia"

"Thank you for bringing the spirit so powerfully to one guy, sitting in a mixing booth, shedding tears of joy through Jesus Christ. Alleluia.

"Let me know what ya think, and if anything needs to change."

--Jason



That was amazing to me.  I responded back quickly:

"Now you're makin' me cry just reading your reaction! It's so nice, as an artist, when someone else gets what you're saying so exactly! I can't wait to hear what you did for it!"

--Mark

I played his drums and they're solid, just like he did for "Martyrs".  He replied:

"No worries, bro. I'm just sayin' it like it is. Very, very powerful arrangement. Hope ya like the drums. This was one of the easiest songs to play along with, simply because the emotion inside let me know what needed to be done. Here's the song, just in case it didn't come through the first time."

-Jason


...and then attached the link to the rough mix of the song with his drum tracks.

That means that there's not much else to do on this song.  I want to add in a touch of lead guitar.  I need to recut the lead vocals, of course, and some harmony vocals, and it's done!

I got to thinking, also, as I was IM'ing with Jason later, that this collection that I'm working on right now, "The Third Time", is probably the most religious of the three I've done so far.  I think the other two were about a 50-50 split between religious and non-religious songs.  I think there are only two tunes on this CD that don't reference scripture or some part of the Mormon experience in some direct way.

Interesting...



Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.



Mark's Other Blog Posts: Dutch Oven Apple French Toast Desert

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Old, Old, Old Songs!

OK, I went through some "major" drama a few weeks back because one of my old hard drives (in a USB box) crashed.  I was afraid that I'd lost a lot of my old mp3s of really old songs.  Lost, as in, permanently gone.

But, I found some backups of them on CD, so I'm all good.  Drama averted. 

So, I put three of them up.  I'll do more as time goes on.  You can hear them here.  3 Songs:  "A Joyful Noise/Rockshow", "Long-Haired Weirdo", and "Superman".

Let me tell you a little about them. 

In early 1993, I put out a cassette album, my first, called "A Joyful Noise".  I'd always thought of my music in those terms.  Some people (like my dad) think rock is just noise.  OK, if that's how you think, that's fine.  The scriptures tell us to make a joyful noise, so I'll do that! 

"A Joyful Noise/Rockshow" was the title track of the album, and the first one on side one.  I always envisioned it being the opening for a big concert.  I can see in my mind's eye just how it would all play out, flash pots and all!

"Long-Haired Weirdo" was also from the same collection.  It was written in anger.  My wife and I, being involved in foster care, had been attending a training on how to teach kids about AIDS.  They taught us how to be sensitive to the feelings of others who had chosen "alternative lifestyles".  OK, that's fine.  But then they spent much of the time belittling and ridiculing those who had chosen traditional lifestyles.

Also, at the time, I had very long hair.  It was interesting at the time, because it also meant that I wasn't always fully accepted within LDS circles, either, even though I was an active, card-carrying member.  In a lot of ways, I wasn't welcome in either camp.

The last one I posted, "Superman", was done at the request of Andy J.  This one was written as an apology to my dear wife, who has put up with me and my crazy musical dreams for a lot of years, now.  It was done in the summer of 2002, as I was working on "One United Generation".  This one is my attempt at a ska tune.  Some who have heard it have mistaken it for a mariachi band.  Your mileage may vary.  In a lot of ways, this one is still my kids' favorite of mine.



Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.



Mark's Other Blog Posts: 7 Years of LDS Pop Culture, A Twitter Primer for Small Businesses

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Singin' on Memory Lane

A few weeks ago, I thought with horror that I might have lost many of the songs I did many years ago.  I had them on a hard drive in a USB shell, and the hard drive went kaput.  Well, today I found that many of them were also backed up on some CD-Rom's as mp3's. 

*Whew*

So, I've been listening to them.

A lot of people that have found me in recent years might think that "One United Generation" was my debut.  In many ways, it was.  It was my first attempt at recordings of a more serious quality.  But for many years before that, I had been writing, recording and developing my craft.  I've got some 30-40 songs recorded (really only demo quality) that make up the time before "Generation".  That includes the tunes I cut for that first cassette, released in 1993, called "A Joyful Noise". 

It sure is fun to listen back to all those tunes and go down memory lane.  Sometimes I think I should release those old recordings.  Then I listen to them again and hear how horrible the singing was back then, and I realize that'll never happen!  :-)

I was just talking with my friend, though, and thought it would be cool to make a "Best of" CD and re-do some of those old tunes.  Or maybe I'll do one as a "Vintage Track" on each CD from here on out.  Who knows?



Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including his Dutch Oven blog: Mark's Black Pot and his LDS pop culture blog: MoBoy blog.



Mark's Other Blog Posts: A New Friend Does Dutch Oven Breakfast, Reciprocating Content, Seven Years of Mo' Boy!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Martyrs

Listen and download the song, free, here!

In Alma, Chapter 14, it tells the story of Alma and Amulek witnessing the burning of the scriptures and the believers in a horrific place of martyrdom. At one point, Amulek suggests they use the power of God to stop the carnage, and Alma says that the Spirit of God is holding him back, saying that they're being welcomed up unto God in Glory. That thought always stuck with me. From our point of view, here on earth, these scenes of humans mistreating and murdering other humans is terrifying and saddening. From God's perspective, he's welcoming them home, knowing that they held firm to their beliefs.

So, I wanted to write a song about the martyrs, but more from that perspective. I'm imagining that I'm one of the angels called up into the choir to welcome them back. I'm going for a "Anthem" sort of feel here.


Martyrs
By Mark Hansen

The fires rise high on a moonless night
Marked by shouts and cries of fright
The scriptures burning up in ash and smoke

As they throw the scared believers in
Two men think to stop the din
But a still voice whispers, "No", to let them go

Chorus
They've stood up to the last
Their sorrows now have past
Their souls are rising fast
And I'll join with the choirs and sing
And sing the martyrs home

It's just about 4:00 when the men ride in
The time for the truce is at an end
In the blacksmith's shop the settlers make their stand

The riders surround and open fire
And in the end, when they retire
The blood of eighteen souls is on their hands

Chorus
Who stood up to the last
Whose sorrows now have past
Their souls are rising fast
And I'll join with the choirs and sing
And sing the martyrs home


In an Illinois Jail, four men wait
For the end of the story brought by fate
One man sings a hymn in the evening sun

A shouting mob rushes up the stairs
Bullets fly and bullets tear
And a prophet and his brother's lives are done

Chorus
And they've stood up to the last
Their sorrows now have past
Their souls are rising fast
And I'll join with the choirs and sing
And sing the martyrs home


Drums: Jason Jones
Lead Guitar: Bill Dent
Fiddle: Ruth Hollander

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Mark's Other Blog Posts: META keywords and SEO, Part of the Crowd, Dutch Oven Dinner in a Pumpkin


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Prepping and Mixing Martyrs

The other day I was telling my colleague about "Martyrs" and he asked what it was like. From the back of my head, I pulled what I think is one of the best musical elevator speeches I've come up with to date... I said, "It's like Guns and Roses meets The Who with a fiddle player!"

Anyway, I've spent the last couple of days pouring over the tracks. Compositing the vocals, locking in the drum mix, tuning up the fiddle. It's getting tight! Tonight Bill's coming over to cut the lead guitar (among other things) and then it'll be as good as done! Final mix time!

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Saturday, October 10, 2009

The Songs

You want music that rocks? You want a sound you can move to, that'll move you back? You want powerful drums and a driving guitar? You want words that'll make you feel and make you think?

Best of all: Do you want it FREE, legal, and with a clear concience?

That's right. Click on a song title. You can download it, listen to it, burn it, share it, freely and legally, thanks to the Creative Commons license. For more information, check below.

Find Out!

When you download these free songs, please help me out by filling out the form to the right and joining my mailing list. I'll be able to tell you when new songs, CD's, and other stuff come out, as well as when I'm performing!


To listen to or download any of the songs, use the widget at the right. To read the lyrics and the comments, click on the title below.

From the upcoming CD, "The Third Time"


  • Long Long Time - A big, bluesy sound about the prodigal son
  • The Chapel - Sweet and mellow...  An acoustic ballad.  Hey, they can't all be heavy!
  • The Spin - An apolitical romp.  A tribute to every 70's and 80's rock cliche!
  • The Third Time - A driving rocker! Keep your eyes open, there are people that need to be rescued!
  • Shine the Light - "Shine the Light, Set the Captive Free" The rock mix. This one is a rock/rap hybrid done with LDS Rapper Ahrythmatik!


From the CD, "Lost and Found"



From the CD, "One United Generation"





All of the songs here on MarkHansenMusic.com are covered under the Creative Commons License. That means that you can download them and listen to them for free. You can share them and distribute them, if you do it for free and you give Mark credit. You can perform them yourself. You can remix them or create other derivative works, as long as you also share those works under the CC license. What you can't do is resell these songs or use them for other commercial purposes without contacting Mark first.



Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.

Singing, singing all the way

So, last night, Jodi was out of town at a conference, and the boys were both downstairs. Jacob had a friend sleeping over, and all three of them were playing video games. What does that mean for Mark upstairs? Free time with quiet? What does that mean?

Recording!!!

So, I did the keeper vocals on Martyrs. I don't know if I've shared my process for creating lead vocals with you. I set up ten empty tracks, and set each one up with reverb, etc, so I can hear myself well.

Then I cut the song straight through ten times, once on each track. At that point I'm usually done for the session. My mind is usually pretty fried on the song.

So, a day or so later, I'll start listening to the vocal tracks. I slice each track up into lyrical phrases, and listen to each phrase on each track, one at a time. I'll pick the best cut of each phrase. Which one has the best intonation, the strongest tone, the best expression and inflection. Then, I "comp" (composite) together a single track from the best of all ten.

I cold use the excuse that it's all because I'm really not that good of a singer. But even the real singers in the big leagues do it. It's just a way of making sure that your vocal like, which is the focal point of the song, is the best it can be.

I also had some intonation problems, which I thought were initially in the fiddle, but I think I've traced them to the original dulcimer track. So, I re-recorded it. I used a better mic placement this time, and use a really thin pick, so it has a much more chimey-sparkly sound now. I'm really pleased with it!

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.



Mark's Other Blog Posts: The Word of God,


Friday, October 09, 2009

Martyrs is Coming Together!

I'm so excited!

Late last night, I had the chance to tweak the drums on Martyrs. Jason, the drummer (and a great recordist in his own right), had sent me all of the drum tracks, all separated out. That means that the kick drum was on its own track, the snare, the toms, etc... Each on its own track. That way, you can do a lot of tweaking and adjusting of the individual sounds, as you assemble it all back together into the whole.

So, that's what I did.

And then, I'm hoping that tonight I'll have a chance to cut the keeper lead vocals. Jodi's out of town, at a conference, and the boys will be downstairs having a sleepover.

Tomorrow afternoon, Bill's coming over, and he'll cut some lead gutar. At that point, everything required will be recorded, and all that's left is the mixing process. That could take as much as another week or two. And then it's done! I'm hoping it'll be out by the end of the month!

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Firesides and Activities

Strong Youth, Strong Music


This program is an exciting and energetic concert program of music and lights, with the messages of the songs and stories being drawn directly from the "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet. Hear how strong music, with a strong message can help LDS youth hold to strong standards!

Typically for a gathering of LDS youth in a church cultural hall, Mark brings a sound system and sings his original songs with pre-recorded backing tracks. Even though this gives the experience an exciting "rock concert" feeling, it still carries the powerful messages of the songs. The lyrics are shared with each person in the audience, and each one gets an invitation to download complete songs for free. Typically, this kind of performance is done without cost to the youth group.



Bearing Testimony

As a young person in the church, this is a critical time of discovery and of learning. This is where the seeds of testimony are sown, and where the belief grows stronger and stronger. Mark has written a number of songs that relate to getting, strengthening, and bearing your testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

This program is more calm and reserved. Mark brings his acoustic guitar, and, if necessary, a sound system, and sings the songs and tells the stories that bear his testimony. This experience is more appropriate for smaller groups, and settings of a more spiritual nature. 

How to schedule a Fireside or other event.


First, download the summaries and lyrics (in MSWord and pdf formats), and look them over. Present them to your group or priesthood leaders for approval. Though there's nothing in them that is contrary to the teachings of the church, it's always good to check.

Then, contact us using the form below. We'll get back with you and schedule the date and time of your youth conference, fireside, or activity.




Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Thursday, October 08, 2009

The CD's!

Note: All of Mark's CD's are unconditionally guaranteed. If you buy one, and it doesn't play, doesn't look good, or even if you just don't like it, email us and we'll happily refund your purchase price, wherever you bought it. Note: Don't try to return it to the store where you bought it. Contact us here.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found is an intense and driving rock through two parts of life. Sometimes you feel like you're in tune, you feel right with God and the universe, you got it happenin'. Other times, you feel like you're out there on your own, lost, and apart.

This newest CD carries on the hard classic rock tradition of "One United Generation", but turns it all up a notch. Driving rockers like "Dance with the Devil" and "Play the Cards" bring the Gospel message with some punch, while ballads like "I Will Sing this Prayer" are thought-provoking and inspiring. The gospel choir of "How Beautiful" brings it all to a close. This is a CD that people will be talking about for years to come. Get it now and "Turn it Up"!

Own it for only $11.00 + $2.00 Shipping & Handling (NOTE: International customers may need to pay as much as $10 additional shipping upon notification via e-mail)



1. Turn it Up Matt - 19:16-21
2. Dance With the Devil - 2 Nephi 28:21-22
3. Today and Yesterday - Isaiah 1:18
4. I Will Sing This Prayer - D&C 25:12
5. Play the Cards - Matt 25:14-23
6. Where’s My Soul - 1 Nephi 8:23
7. Torocagua - Eph 2:12
8. Two Houses - Matt 10:35
9. The Things I Do - 2 Nephi 4:17-19
10. Rejoice - 2 Nephi 2:25
11. How Beautiful - Isaiah 52:7




One United Generation

No doubt about it, Mark's first CD "One United Generation" rocks, and rocks hard. But it's also got a bit of a softer edge, too. There's something for everyone here, with lyrics that don't hold back!

Read what's being said about it:

“I'm head-bangin’ to "Millstones" right now. Other tunes of special note: "He's out there" is kind of an endearing reassurance tune. "First Step" is light and folky, which works for a baptism song. Nice break from the energy of most of the rest of the album. "Pharisee" is a great tune, very catchy, ironic, really good production and heavy message! And the finally the title tune at the end is a powerful finale.

“There's a great variety, but there's a rock power that really should get noticed. This is not Peter Brienholt's LDS music, or JKPerry's. This is much grittier and edgier that almost anything else out there, but the message is strong and good.

“Wake up, teen mormondom, this is your music!” -Marco Davis, of Pearl Award Winning group Fiddlesticks

"From classic Hansen tracks like He's Out There and Thank You, to my industrial longtime favorite Pharisee, to my new favorite The Taker, Mark has filled this album with distortion and drums that always amplify the gospel message without distracting from it. Honest and heartfelt, in a style all his own, One United Generation is a testimony from Mark that we can make this happen. Congratulations on a job well done! -Kent (Fast Sundae)

Own it for only $11.00 + $2.00 Shipping & Handling (NOTE: International customers may need to pay as much as $10 additional shipping upon notification via e-mail)



Check out the songs:

* Here in Me 
* He's Out There
* The Taker
* Thank You
* Toy Soldiers
* What'll Save Ya
* Millstones
* The First Step
* Out of the Chapel
* Pharisee
* One United Generation

Own it for only $11.00 + $2.00 Shipping & Handling







Now here's a Special Deal:

Get both CD's and rock yourself silly! Only $18.00 + $3.00 Shipping & Handling. A savings of $5.00 over buying them separately! It just doesn't get better than that, now, does it!? (NOTE: International customers may need to pay as much as $10 additional shipping upon notification via e-mail)










Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.

FANS

At the heart of any musician's work is the people that like it. This is especially true of an LDS musician. The feedback an artist gets often helps drive the creativity and the new art. Read some of the messages below! Read and post some comments below, too!

Some comments:


"I listened to most of your songs and they are great. I could identify with several of them. On first blush, I would have to say that my favorites were "Toy Soldiers" - I could just see you there with some die cast character wreaking havoc; "Where's My Soul' - Made me contemplate where my heart/treasure is; "Torocagua" - Made me reminisce about the places and people that changed me on my mission; and "Dance With the Devil" - Made me thing about the way I skirt around certain things at times ... not really bad but no all that good either. "Two Houses" was kind of cool too ..."

--Lowell D.


"I have always believed that music (all music) is spiritual & can be an instrument for good & evil. Mark's music is a great example of using this gift for good. I come from a background of heavy metal bands & the rock & roll lifestyle & I have a deep appreciation for the power of music. Today I seek to promote the truth & teach eternal principles with the gift I have been given. I really enjoy Marks music & his desire to help our youth discover that you can rock without quenching the Spirit."

-John Hofman (www.myspace.com/jshrocks4u)


"One musician I have been fortunate enough to meet did not come out of anyone's cookie cutter. Mark Hansen loves rock music and ballads and he does both well. He has the talent to celebrate the Gospel in his music, finding a topic that needs a song and then writing something that fits his musical style so very well.

"Likewise is Mark's gift to memorialize an event and help the listener feel the event; a talent that truly shined following one school shoot-out about which he wrote a tribute that left the listener feeling as if they had been there and had felt the pain of the day personally. Mark must have read C.S. Lewis' instructions to not describe something so a reader can see it but so well that they feel it. He gives the listener some of the freshest views of either gospel topics or current events of any artist I know. You are left thinking to yourself, “I never looked at it that way!”

"Mark has cut one album, and he also has new material at his website for downloading. Visit him and discover that some great celebratory truths (like making a '”joyful noise”) need the extra power and energy Mark gives them."

-Bruce T Forbes, in a Meridian Magazine article


"I just feel like I have to say something- my brothers and I are in a band and love to rock out, but we couldn't really find the direction we wanted to take our music until my brother heard about you and we got a cd. Your music has changed my life, and now I can't stop listening to it!”

-A Larsen


“Man I got to tell ya. I have played Hard rock, Punk Rock, Metal, But your stuff leaves me with out words... After coming back into the church my life has changed a lot. I just never thought I would hear some thing in LDS rock that I would like.

” Keep it up! Love the sound!”

-- Rod - "idahobassplayer".


"Hey, sorry 2 bother u again. But Bro i'm diggin in ur new jams. I'm lovin 'Where's My Soul'. I just downloaded them. Holy crap, they r kickin. Anyhoo, I'll chat with u laterz. Have a good day. Peace!"

- John - "downman720051", off a text message chat


"Mark, I got your CD today. I am brought to tears at the toy soldier song. That is the one I want to focus on. Especially now that the whole Iraq thing is going on, and frankly, I don't see us being out of war ever again, so this is an instant classic to me. Thanks again for that."

--Anson S.


"I often wonder if it's even possible for an artist to ever know their impact. I wish you could hear the excitement/appreciation in the voices of so many people I have told about your music. It always starts the same way...

"'I wish there was something out there that had good lyrics but to the kind of
music I like.'

"I always talk about the variety on LDSmusicians and they say, 'No I mean rock music'. It has been so fun to refer them to your site."

--Chalice


"Mark, no one could have connected with that group of kids like you did. Your message of hope, rising above the challenges life gives you, and optimism in the face of this world's pessimism was eaten up by them. What a wonderful and appropriate message."

--Brad Thompson


"(Pharisee is) In a word... Awesome... and cool! --In two words... awesome and cool... and creative! --In three words... awesome and cool and creative and infectious! --Great job, Mark. Sounds fantastic!"

-Eric Endres


"I was skeptical when I first saw the link to "LDS Rock Music" because I had always thought that what I had seen on some 'religious' programs was very sacrilegious ('Jesus Christ is in the house' set to a rap tune). So with that fear, I downloaded the three songs that you have available, and was very pleasantly surprised. They are interesting tunes, and songs that teach gospel standards without trying to be hymns...Thanks for your time and thanks for sharing your talents to help out the youth of the Church who so easily are beset by struggles."

-Braden E.


Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.



Mark's Other Blog Posts: A Personal Response to General Conference, Healthy Dutch Oven Recipes


Monday, October 05, 2009

Family Recording Sessions!

This was an interesting weekend in my blogger world. I did a lot to blog about, and I'm still sorta mulling it over. I did a lot of dutch oven cooking, it was a big weekend for me as a Mormon, and I did some recording.

The recording was especially exciting for me. My family is very musical. My mom played the Upright Bass in symphonies much of her adult life, and taught me the piano as a child. My Dad has a rich voice that can cover everything from bass to tenor. He also plays piano fairly well. My sister is a violinist. She began playing orchestral music, much as I did, and gradually developed a deep appreciation for folk music, and now plays a lot of fiddle, in many different styles.

So, when I started working on "Martyrs", and came up with the idea of putting in the Dulcimer, it also struck me that some fiddle would sound good, too. From there, I thought instantly that I would get Ruth to cut the fiddle parts for me. A few phone calls, and she said she'd be willing to try. The idea is that the song commemorates the martyrs of the early church, on the Missouri/Illinois frontier. Even though it's a driving rock tune (in my mind reminiscent of The Who and Guns and Roses), I wanted some of the frontier flavor. Hence, the dulcimer and the fiddle.

I was, honestly, a bit nervous about it. I wasn't sure how to describe what I wanted. And she's also definitely NOT a rocker like I am. How would the sounds blend? Would it work out?

Well, this weekend, she and her husband came over, and she gave it a try. Actually she did more than that. She nailed it solid. It was just what I was hearing in my head, and it's fantastic!

And, the fact that my sister is the one cutting the tracks makes it that much more special to me. It brings it to my own family. The last time I had a chance to feel like this was when my dad cut some of the choir tracks for "How Beautiful". So much of my music is done all on my own. It's nice to make it a family affair.



Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Wednesday, September 30, 2009

About Mark

"I remember hearing 'Like Unto Us' from the album that the CES put out for the seminary curriculum in High School. I was entranced! I didn’t particularly LIKE it, because what I really liked was rockers like Rush, Yes, Nazareth, and Kansas, but I remember being very excited that someone was doing LDS music--and it wasn’t a hymn!"

He went through various bands in high school and early college days, including a very short stint with a local Christian band called "Asaph", after the psalmist. That gig didn’t last long after the band found out he was Mormon.

"They sat me down and told me that I wouldn’t work out. They loved me and cared for me, though, and were worried about my soul, so they gave me some anti-Mormon books to help me see the light. Obviously, it didn’t work. The nice thing about it, though, was that they also introduced me to the sounds of "Petra" and "Rez Band". I knew that if the mainstream Christian world was making it work, I could do it for the Mormon world."

He then set down the guitar and served a mission in the Honduras, Tegucigalpa mission. All the time, the idea of making LDS rock was taking shape in his mind.

Soon after, Mark moved to Utah, where he met and married his wife, Jodi. In between other jobs, he kept involved in the Salt Lake music and recording industry, making friends and contacts, and slowly acquiring equipment and skills. Finally, in 1993, he released, "A Joyful Noise". The cassette had 10 songs, hand picked.

Then, in early 1999, he launched the "Joyful Noise" website, and began releasing those older recordings at the rate of one song each month. "Some of those were really only demo quality, but it really helped me build a body of work, and start to establish a name. Now, songs don't come as often, but they're much better recorded." They're still available for download for free (click into the MUSIC page for these free LDS music mp3's)!

His first CD release, "One United Generation", was completed in February of 2005. Four years in the making, it contains some of the finest work he'd done to that point. Mark said, "I thought about re-doing some of the old songs, but it just felt better to move forward. The newer tunes were better written, and I was really excited about getting them recorded."

Since then, work continues on new songs. "I finish a new one ever other month or so, and put it out as a single. And you never know from one to the next what it's going to sound like! I like to experiment!

"I like to draw from lots of different styles and blend it all together into an overall classic rock sort of sound. It keeps it all from sounding the same, but still keeps it rockin!"

So, come back often to check out the new tunes.



Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


"I'd Like to Teach The World to Sing...

...In perfect harmony..."

Today, I managed to get some time aside to cut some harmony vocals. The house was empty and I took advantage! That doesn't happen very often.

So, I cut the backing vocals for "Dancin' Their Lives Away", and "Martyrs". I'm really stoked about those two tunes! We're gonna try and cut the fiddle part on Martyrs this weekend, and Bill's coming over to do some lead guitar next week. I'll bet that at least one of those tunes, if not "Alleluia" will be ready and on the site by the end of October. There could very well be new tunes every month for the rest of the year!

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Monday, September 28, 2009

Recutting Alleluia

So, for a long time, my internet connection was down tonight. After the boys went to sleep, I recut all of the tracks for "Alleluia". The only thing I left was the drums, which will be re-recorded anyway, by someone with more skillz that I gots.

Why did I recut everything? I decided that the track was too low for my voice, so I transposed it. I did it electronically first, so I could be sure that the new key would be in my range. It was, very nicely, and so I set about recutting all of the guitar and bass tracks. I'll have to clean up the timing, but I'm feelin' pretty good that these are keepable tracks. Changing the key also made the big climb in the last verse stronger, because it now starts on a lower note.

This is such a great tune! I could listen to it over and over and over! I know I'm weird that way when it comes to my music. It sometimes feels almost narcisisticccc (or however you spell it). There are two things that keep me from thinking it's so. First of all, I know full well that there will come a time when all I'll be able to hear every time I listen to it are the flaws and I won't want to play it at all. Another is the thought that, ultimately, if I don't like it, why should I expect you to?

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Mark's Other Blog Posts: Dutch Oven Roast Beef, Andy J Rocks the Cookoff!


Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Today and Yesterday

Listen to (Or Download) this song!
Use the widget to the right to listen to all the songs on the site!

No matter how hard you try, and how often you repent, it seems, that there are days when you're trapped in the same old dark rut. I hate those days.

Today and Yesterday
By Mark Hansen

It seems today was one of those days again
The sun was out, or maybe skies were gray
I couldn’t tell, my eyes were down ahead of me
The wind blew through me and made me hide my face
These footprints in the snow were made some time ago
When I had lost my way
So here I am stepping through the snow again
Can’t seem to tell today from yesterday
I can’t seem to tell today from yesterday



Yesterday when I came by this way
I swore I’d never take these steps again
The ways is hard, with no direction
The cold and the pain my only friend
But now this path I know is much easier to go
This loop without an end
So here I am walking all alone again
Can’t seem to tell today from yesterday
I can’t seem to tell today from yesterday



I can’t see the sun
I can’t see the one
I can’t find the path away from here
So step by step
And lap by lap
I can’t see the way to breaking clear
So here I am stepping through the snow again
Can’t seem to tell today from yesterday

I can’t seem to tell today from yesterday

Written and performed by Mark Hansen
Produced by Mark Hansen
Drums by Steve Hill

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


He's Out There

Listen to (Or Download) this song!
Use the widget to the right to listen to all the songs on the site!

This song is a lot of fun. But is has a deeper underlying message about respect and about the priesthood.

But it's still just a fun tune.

He’s Out There
By Mark Hansen

I know a boy
He's kept it clean all of his life
He's saving it up for his wife
'Cause he knows what's right

I know a boy
He doesn't have to be mean or bad
He learned it by watching his dad
Treat his mama right

Chorus:
And the girls say
Where have the good ones gone?

They're out there
They're out there
They're out there
And they're not that hard to find

I know a boy
He likes the girls sweet and pure
Who don't have to dress to allure
They let their own lights shine

I know a boy
Just trying to keep it real
His promise is his deal
And that's his bottom line

Chorus

And you've heard all the names they call him
'Cause he walks a narrow way

He's out there
He's out there
He's out there
He's way way out there
etc... etc...



Written and performed by Mark Hansen
Produced by Mark Hansen and John Newman
Drums by Steve Hill
Backing vocals by Sherri Garrett, Jodi Hansen, John Newman
Recorded by Mark Hansen, Ron Hill, and John Newman
Vocals produced by Sherri Garrett, John Newman
Special thanks to Heather and Eddie Gist


Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Shine The Light

Listen to (Or Download) this song!
Use the widget to the right to listen to all the songs on the site!

I've always been fascinated by the combination of rock and rap. As far back as Anthrax' "I'm the Man" and the one song by Faith No More (I can't remember the name), I've always thought the sound was cool. Then recently, POD did some more cool stuff.

As I've been looking around the 'net, I've discovered some cool LDS rappers. One of them, Arhythmatik, came by my home one day about a year ago or so for a visit. At the time, I showed him a vague, rough idea I had for a rock/rap tune. I had little more than a guitar riff and a chorus. My idea was that I'd sing the chorus, and he'd rap the verses.

It sat and did nothing for a long time. Then, one day, I just threw down some tracks and sent them off to him, to see if he could get any ideas for the verses. Soon after, he sent me a verse, and it was GREAT! In the process, he encouraged me to write and rap the second verse. I was way out of my comfort zone. But I did it anyway, and I'm kinda pleased with the results!


Shine the Light
By Mark Hansen

Chorus:
Shine the Light
Let the hard man crumble
Shine the Light
Set the captive free
Shine the Light
See the proud ones tumble
Shine the Light
Shine the light on me


Arhythmatik:

Light squared and impaired nightmares
might leave your eyes scared
the brightness will expand your iris
but you got to be the one to open your eyelids
but you'll never see life
sitting in your high chair
but look man--
it's right there!
i refused to be refused
refuted and diluted
misused and polluted
instead i stay rooted in truth
not incongruent like humans
consuming the fumes in
i inhale innovation
and exhale exploration
too legit
too legit to spit wack radio hits
sins talons grip and rip
the balance from your well built palace
let your youthfulness
be usefulness
it's the last days and the masters of sin have waged war
against the fishers of men
that's why i'm here to defend with my tongue
and my pen

Chorus

Mark:

Let me help you see, now,
this is the story, laid out for ya,
this is the work and the glory
To chase the darkness
feel the spark
this lights the fire inside,
shakes down pride
leaves me inspired.
I will not lay me down
On the ground to be found
when the final battle is won
I will sing and shout with the armies of heaven
I’ll be the leaven
I’ll turn it up to eleven
House to house
people stand on their porches
I’m lighting their torches
so everyone will shine and refine
and the city on the hill
cannot be hid from the eyes of men my friend
And I’ll shout it till the end
with my tongue and my pen!

Chorus


Let the hard man crumble
Set the captive free
See the proud ones tumble
Shine the light on me

Hear it calm the rumble
Watch the darkness flee
Lift me when I stumble
Shine the light on me


Written and performed by Mark Hansen and Arhythmatik
Rock Mix Produced by Mark Hansen
News Anchor by Eric Endres

Monday, September 21, 2009

Welcome Back, Bill!

Yesterday was a pretty thrilling day for me. I got together with a great, long-time friend, who just moved back to the Salt Lake Valley.

I first met Bill Dent as I was trying to establish myself as a sound and recording tech in the Salt Lake Valley. I recorded the band he was in on a simple 4-track setup. He and I got along pretty well, but we were pretty much just acquaintences.

Then, we both started working at Dan Whitley's. He was a guitar teacher, and I was running the studio there. We got to know each other much better, and he played on a lot of the tracks I was recording at the time. He was there with me as I started in my first endeavors with LDS rock music. A lot of his work can be heard on my old cassette "A Joyful Noise". In fact, I think he played on almost every track. At least half of them, anyway.

Then, a few years later, he moved his family out to Atlanta. Over the years, he's done quite a bit of recording. A lot of times, he'd cut stuff for me via email.

He's easily one of the best guitarists I know of, and certainly the best one I know personally. He can play blisteringly fast, but he's also got a lot of style. He can rock, and do smooth jazz. Amazing.

And now, he's back in town! He got a job at the U of U, and he's moving back. And last night, he came out for a bit of dutch oven dinner and tunes. We showed each other the tunes and ideas we've been working on. It's gonna be great jamming with him again. It's always fun when you connect up with great friends!

In some ways, it felt like Alma and his buddies. Not only is it cool to know he's still a friend after all these years, but it's also cool to see him remain faithful. There are very few who can pull off LDS rock music, and we need to keep as many of them as possible!

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Saturday, September 19, 2009

A Little More on Martyrs, a Lot on Alleluia

A long time ago, at the first of the year, in fact, I wrote a song called "Alleluia". At the time I didn't want to record it, because there were parts that reminded me a lot of a famous song. But it still kept haunting me, and I just kept playing it over and over on my acoustic, so I finally cut some scratch tracks on it tonight. It's actually a pretty full recording, but I fear that it's in the wrong key. It's just too low for me. So, I'll probably end up re cutting all the tracks.

And, I think I might have finally worked out the problems with the drum mix on Martyrs. Between playing with the mixes he'd sent me, and tweaking with the EQ, I think I've got it! My sister's going to come over on Conference Sunday, for dinner, and to try and throw down some fiddle tracks. I don't know how that'll turn out, but I'm excited to try!

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.

Mark's Other Blog Posts: Healthy Dutch Oven!, My Epiphany in the Temple


Thursday, September 10, 2009

Martyrs and Anthems

I've been working a lot on "Martyrs" lately. My good friend Jason recorded some drum tracks for me. He's an incredible drummer. I've been kinda struggling with the mix. There's some low-end rumble goin' on, and if I EQ that out, the kick drum disappears. I'm working on it, though.

Seriously, though, he did a rockin' job playing the drums. And it's perfect for the "anthem-y" style of the song. I can't wait to get this one done. I've been practicing harmony vocals in my car to and from work. Playing this one live will be fun!

It's also made me think a lot about Joseph Smith and his contribution. I read a blog posting the other day about the nature of martyrdom, and Joseph Smith's in particular. I think a martyr is someone who is killed because of what he/she believes. I don't think it matters whether or not the person is frightened, like I'm sure the victims at Haun's Mill were, or shoots back, like Joseph Smith did, or just takes it, like the Ammonites did. The point is, they were killed for their beliefs, and they didn't deny.

And so, as the Book of Mormon says, they are welcomed up in glory. And that's why this song sounds like an anthem instead of a dirge.

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.

Mark's Other Blog Posts: Healthy Dutch Oven Chicken Recipe, Book of Mormon Study Online


Thursday, August 20, 2009

Thank Heaven for the Riffz

My internet connection is down at home, currently, so I've been a little confused as to what to do with myself. So, I worked on a tune. I'd had this riff bouncing around my head, and I recorded it last night. No words, no structure, just a killer riff. Kinda fun that way. I'm not even sure what the song should be about...

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Friday, August 14, 2009

The Third Time

I'm so stoked! I've been working on this song for a couple of years, now. I don't know why it took so stinkin' long to complete. That's just the way, it seems, that I work.

The chorus came to me first in this one, and the verses later. The layering at the end was the inspiration for the whole tune. It's still my favorite part, by far. I'm amazed that it came together.

The whole message was inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan. Taking care of others isn't always easy. I want to, but I get so wrapped up in my life that I don't notice that others are suffering, often more than I am. My wife is amazing at paying attention to that kind of stuff.

You can play the song by clicking on the widget at the right, or right here!

The Third Time
1/17/2008


Can you see him?
Lost in the deep
He can barely keep
His head above the water


Can you see him?
Calling for help
‘cause he can’t save himself
and the sun just keeps getting hotter


Chorus with climb:
And the waves take him down for the first time
And he comes up gasping for air
And the foam washes over for the second time
Can you see him floating there


What’s goin down
Is that he’s gonna drown
Because he’s goin down
For the third time


Throw him a line
If you get there in time
Before he slips through the brine
For the third time


Can you save him?
You can see where he’s been
Turn your boat to the wind
And rush off to the rescue


Can you save him?
If he isn’t dead
Then full speed ahead
And see how life can test you


Chorus with climb


What’s goin down
Is that he’s gonna drown
Because he’s goin down
For the third time


It’s time to be brave
‘cause he needs to be saved
‘fore he’s dashed ‘neath the waves
for the third time

Bridge
Maybe you can’t walk on the water
Maybe you can’t calm the seas
And the wind might not obey the sound of your voice
But you can throw the life ring if you please


Repeat Chorus to end

Steve Hill, Drums

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


Mark's Other Blog Posts: Mo' Boy on Mormon Arts and Music


Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Mix!

I've got a first mix version done for Third Time! I'm pretty stoked about it. A lot of those vocals I cut the other night, though, I had to scratch, 'cause they just weren't good enough. I still got plenty to work with, though. Good thing I double-tracked each part!

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


The Third Time - Vocals

Tonight I finally sat down and worked out all the vocals for "The Third Time". I initially tried doubling the track with vocals I'd already recorded, but even though I tried tweaking them, they just didn't line up well enough to the original track. In the end, I just duped the first track and offset it a smidge. I know that's not the best way of doing a doubled vocal line, but it works.

So, now all that's left is the mix. It's gonna be a messy one, too, with all those backing vocal parts layered into the ending. I swear, it's gonna be a mess to keep it all clear! :-)

Come back often to hear about new songs and shows. Mark also has other sites and blogs, including Mark's Black Pot and his MoBoy blog.


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