Generally, the material presented here is from my personal-music catalog.  As I went through my archives, I realized there are dozens of  compositions which were never recorded or their previous recordings have been lost or destroyed.  As a result, I've included the most-relevant and most-presentable material.  Some of the material is being presented for the first time in over 40 years.  While most of the works are complete, I have also included some tracks which are demos or incomplete just because I personally find them interesting or relevant to the overall process. 

Time and technology has certainly changed how music is created, recorded and presented to the audience.  Back when all of this started, personal recording technology consisted of 2-track, cassette recorders.  Any higher-end recording generally required "buying time" at a professional studio.  As time evolved, I remember borrowing a Fostex 4-track recorder which utilized both sides of a commercial cassette tape.  That was such a technological advancement.  Unfortunately, none of those recordings have survived time.  In 1999, digital recording technology became somewhat affordable and allowed musicians to more easily create and present ideas.  Of course, all progress presents its own challenges.  Personally, I've learned that 

new technology does not necessarily equate to better quality.  Producing  presentable music is about more than writing and playing instruments.  There is much knowledge and skill required to capture the sound correctly, mix those instruments and master the compilation into a complete package.  While as a musician, I am always learning new techniques and honing my composing and playing skills, I have spent just as much time - if not more - to understanding and learning the recording, mixing and mastering processes.  Hopefully those improvements can be heard over time in my work. 

Because of the new technology platforms, I have found my songwriting has evolved.  In the "old" days, I sat down with paper and pencil and wrote out lyrics and then wrote music to express those words.  That soon changed to coming up with a musical phase or riff and building around that until I had a song completely charted out.  Only after everything was worked out, would I then think about recording.  While that process certainly works, over the past 10 years, I've found myself composing from a very different perspective.  Many times, I create a new recording session, press "record" and just start playing.  From this space a new idea materializes and a song is born. 

Sometimes, I don't know if it's the beginning, end or middle of the song.  

However, this process allows me to be more open-minded and creative to the point where I don't always know how a song will finalize.  It may be a 3-minute rock ballad.  It may be a 12-minute progressive-metal score or anything in between.  In any case, I feel the process is more dynamic and allows for more expression.  Once a piece is completely arranged I then go back and re-record everything from scratch so as to capture a more "live" feel. 

Finally (for now), I am excited about the integration of other musicians into my future works.  Because of technology, musicians who may live anywhere in the US, can come together virtually to co-create.  The current, in-process project will consist of other musicians on the final release.  I feel this will change the overall presentation of my future work and can't wait to share it with you.  Please check back often and sign up for our mailing list to receive updates as they become available.  

Thanks again for taking time to listen.  I welcome any feedback.     

  - Steve Perrmann