Well, the album is finished. It’s hard to believe. For over two years, I’ve poured my heart and time into this all-consuming project, and suddenly, my part is complete, and it’s time to share the baby with the world. It’s hard to explain what I’m feeling right now as the emotions are so mixed. On one hand, I’m anxious to get this music out to people, and pray it will be a blessing to many. I’m also relieved that I can now return to a more “normal” and balanced life, yet on the flipside, I have to wonder what’s next.
It’s been about two and a half months since I lost my job at the church, and since that time, I’ve been able to focus completely on finishing the album. It’s really been a blessing in disguise in many ways, one being that I’ve had the time to complete a project that ended up being a little more entailed than I had first expected (especially as I got towards the end). However, the reality is now starting to set in that I don’t have a full time job, and quite honestly, I’m not really sure where to go from here. Crystal and I really thought a church would be a safe place – a place where it’d be difficult to lose your job (unless you did something immoral or really foolish). I won’t say much more except that I’m beginning to doubt that my calling is in full-time church ministry. All this to say, I’m exploring other options.
Through the years, I’ve had a lot of experience in audio production work – everything from composing custom music to mixing television shows, radio spots, and commercials. I’ve run sound for video shoots, live events, and television news broadcasts. I’ve worked as a stagehand and have set up/torn down sound and lighting equipment. I’ve even edited the video for a handful of commercials, and have designed several personal web sites. Regardless of this experience, it has been hard to find regular work in these areas, especially in Columbus, OH. Crystal and I would both prefer not to move, but it is a possibility, as Columbus doesn’t offer the same opportunities in audio production that you may find in other cities. I could really use prayer for direction. For the time being, I am trying to take as many freelance jobs as I can find, so if you know of anyone who has an audio need, please let me know.
Despite my career dilemma, God has provided for us in amazing ways. Somehow the money has always been there when we needed it. The last several months have pushed us to put our trust in God that much more. We believe He must have something incredible in store for the future. We certainly don’t want to predict anything (because who can know the heart of God), but it’s suspiciously odd how so many details have “fallen into place” with this new album. I never dreamed I’d be working with some of the people who worked on this project. In addition, God has provided an amazing tour band. I wasn’t even looking for a band, but the Lord brought three incredible musicians into my path – drummer Jim Davis, bassist Joey Bradley, and Matt Meyer. I’m really pumped about playing some shows with these guys. We’ll see where this thing goes.
Even in the uncertainty, I feel like I’m where God wants me right now. I feel so alive when I am playing and writing music, and I’ve learned through the years that there are some things you just have to do, whether you make any money at it or not. Of course, I face the reality of paying bills and providing for my family. I am by no means downplaying the importance of taking care of my family. However, in the midst of taking care of my family (however that ends up looking), I believe I need to keep making and playing music, as it’s something God has given to me to give to other people. In the light of eternity, two years of sweat and tears are completely worth it if the message of this album affects the life of just one person. Not everyone will get this project, but some people will click with it (some already have), and it’s those people I pray will find hope for a new day and another try.
In future months, I plan to begin unwrapping some of the lyrics and inspiration behind the new album. The project is a deep well, and I’m looking forward to sharing some of the stories behind the snapshots.
Marc’s new album Snapshots of the Shattered Soul debuts the first week of October.
Recently, I’ve been trying to write some new songs. It will probably be a little while before I release another album – however, it feels good to experiment with some new music. I thought I’d try to get some writing in before the baby comes in April.
One of the reoccurring themes throughout Snapshots of the Shattered Soul is the theme of brokenness. My goal was to write lyrics that met people where they were. I didn’t want to write songs about the way things should be. Instead, I set out to write about real life – songs that could reach into the lives of both Christians and non-Christians alike.
Here are some pics from Saturday's Shadows & Sunlight video shoot. Pictured are drummer Jim Davis, bassist Joey Bradley and guitarists Mitch McKelvey (with the hat) and A.J. Maynard. The video was shot in a warehouse and soon-to-be art space/gallery in downtown Columbus. The final video will also feature actor Ian McCue (this footage was shot a couple weeks ago). Thanks to director Ben Bays (www.room101productions.com ) and camera operator Shawn Likely for catching the footage. The shoot went incredibly smoothly! Thanks to my father-in-law who let us borrow his kerosene heater! Ben recently also shot footage for a music video for Portrait of Me (featuring my visual artist father). Looking forward to seeing the final music videos - they should debut within the next 2-3 months.
The new Marc Andre album Snapshots of the Shattered Soul is now available on iTunes and CDbaby.com!! You can purchase a download of the album on iTunes or you can purchase a physical CD (or download) from CDbaby.com. Visit www.marcandremusic.com for more details!
Well, the album is finished. It’s hard to believe. For over two years, I’ve poured my heart and time into this all-consuming project, and suddenly, my part is complete, and it’s time to share the baby with the world. It’s hard to explain what I’m feeling right now as the emotions are so mixed. On one hand, I’m anxious to get this music out to people, and pray it will be a blessing to many. I’m also relieved that I can now return to a more “normal” and balanced life, yet on the flipside, I have to wonder what’s next. 
Just mailed the new Marc Andre single Missing to Nashville mix engineer Todd Robbins! Todd has a ton of credits, including dc Talk's Jesus Freak and Supernatural albums. He is going to mix the rest of my album too! I'm pumped! Check out his credits here: http://albumcredits.com/Profile/119065
This week, I’m planning to start recording vocals for the new single Missing and will continue tracking vocals for the rest of the album over the next month or so. This is a huge milestone! Looking back, here are some of the other highlights (with blog links).
Some of you know that my dad is an amazing artist. The other day, Crystal and I were over at my parent's house and were looking at a number of his paintings as he is showing some of his art at a local event tonight. One of the paintings we came across was the one you see right here. This was painted in the original 10x12 Productions - one of the bedrooms at my parent's house (my small business was named after the dimensions of this room). This was painted in 2001, not long after the release of my first pop rock album Dishes (you can see a copy of this album sitting on a table toward the left side of the painting). You also will notice a black sheet hanging down from the top of one side of the windows - I didn't have any blinds in this room. I would simply pull the black sheet across the windows at night, attaching the sheet to a nail on the right side of the windows. Oh, the bachelor days.
The new album is coming together! So far, I’ve recorded piano for six songs using my new East West piano samples (I have three songs to go, which I hope to wrap up in the next week and a half or so). 
Here's what one listener had to say (he discovered my music through a free mp3 site)....
Just wanted to give a quick update on the new album, Snapshots of the Shattered Soul. Production wise, things are moving along! I’ve recorded final piano tracks for four songs now, and I hope to be wrapping up the piano parts in the next 2-3 weeks. After that, I will start recording the final vocals.
I'm having a blast today trying out my new East West Quantum Leap Piano samples. As far as piano goes for the new album, purchasing this library is absolutely the best move I could have made. With four pianos (a Bechstein D-280, Steinway D, Bösendorfer 290, and Yamaha C7), three mic positions for each instrument (close, player, and room) and dozens of reverb options, the sound possibilities are nearly endless. I've been spending this afternoon trying out various piano sounds on different songs. The Bösendorfer may not be used on this project (as this piano tends to be used more often in classical music), but the Yamaha will appear quite a bit, with a few guest appearances by the Bechstein and Steinway. The Bechstein sounds great on some of the more poppy songs and the Steinway is perfect for the more intimate tunes. The "size" and dynamic variations of the Yamaha is choice for the bigger and sometimes darker songs. 
