Recording "Road Map to the Soul" Part 2

Well, what can we say! We left you off back in early July when we finished the actual recording of the music for the new album. Since then, we spent pretty much the rest of the summer going into the studio almost every weekend to mix the album. About 50 hours worth of studio time mixing to be exact. LOL. There were definitely some great moments and then there we're times we had to go back and touch this up, touch that up, etc, etc. Needless to say, the reason we did not blog about it earlier, was because, its really not worth talking about. At least that phase.

However, there we're some good parts that did happen in the process. Well as you might of read during the summer we we're selected to open Crue Fest at Blossom Music Center. IT WAS AN AWESOME TIME! Well, what we did not mention was the interview on WMMS 100.7FM (Cleveland, OH) the Sunday before our performance to talk about the show and introduce some of our new songs. We spent quite a bit of studio time to rushing-ly master three (3) songs to feature during the interview. Unfortunately, since we were still in the mixing phase and had not finalized anything, our pre-mature master was not the best! That was not the studios part however! They did a fantastic job with what they were given. We were just so excited about the idea of featuring the songs that we got a little ahead of ourselves. No matter though, we returned to the studio and continued mixing before the final master.

Because our tour thru Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan, the final mixing of the album took place the last week of August! And Oh boy, we were sweating bullets, because we did not think we were going to have enough time to manufacture the CD in order to receive them before our announced release date of September 18, 2009.

Oh by the way, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who came out to the shows in Tennesee and Michigan. All of you rule and we will never forget the awesome time we had with you all!

So, going back to what I was saying, we finally got the final project completed by August 28, 2009. Keep in mind we had to have all artwork and music submitted to the manufacturer by the first of September. And, whew! We just made it. But it became more nerve racking to find out that we would not be getting the CD's until the day before our scheduled performance. And, we all have experienced delivery complications. So, imagine how we felt; the thought that CDs just might not be in hand! Thankfully the CDs were delivered on time! YEAH!

So, finally the day of the show comes (September 18, 2009)! The big day of the release. And what a glorious evening. We in the band did not realize until that evening how many friends, fans and followers we truly have! We all just want to say "THANK YOU SO VERY F'N MUCH" for the love.

The show kicked off with our boys "Theory in Perfect" who rocked out for their fans and early show arrivers. They put on quite the energetic show! It was unfortunate that the drummers kick pedal busted in the middle of their set. But Matt (Lead Vox) and the rest of the band kept on entertaining the crowd like true pros. It was really sweet! Be sure to visit their Myspace profile: Theory in Perfect

It was also unfortunate that Mansfield Park (Captivity Records) could not make it out. But don't worry, we'll be back up in Michigan with those guys soon enough!

Then "Relic" hit the stage and by this time everyone was just about finished with the Free Food that was provided by G-Management (Big Thanks to them). They are so awesome!

It was sweet rocking out on the floor with the rest of my band and our fans and showing our support and love for Relic. They even featured their new song "Apology", which blew me away. If anyone has still has not seen or heard this guys, check them out by visiting their website: Relicnation.

After Relic rocked the stage, "Another Dead Rockstar" wowed the crowd with some serious grooves of rock and grunge that truly brought me back to the era of 90's Grunge rock. It was fantastic! It always amazes me to see the drummer of a band also be the lead vocalist. I mean with as much coordination as it takes to play the drums, and then to sing lead as well is quite a feature. I was most certainly impressed with their set. And, judging by all the head nodding going on, you can tell the crowd was truly into it as well. These guys just recently go together from a combination of other bands from Cleveland and what a great mix. Tom (Guitarist) had informed me that they are looking to hit the studio soon to throw out an EP. We wish these guys the best of luck and can't wait to hear what they have in store for all of us! Be sure to check them out: Another Dead Rockstar.

Finally, around 12:15am, 3SO hit the stage to an audience of pumped up, caffeinated and liquored up fans! We wouldn't want it any other way! WE LOVE YOU ALL! I can definitely say that we rocked out harder than before. In fact, my neck still hurts. LOL! I feel things really got off, when in the middle of our song "Descended", we let Alex take the floor and bust out a mean drum solo which really turned on the crowd. I heard around that time our friend Eric busted his head open attempting to do back flips off the stage. That officially makes two (2) bloody heads that the Roc Bar has claimed. The first as you may know was mine back earlier in the year. I have the dent to prove it. LOL!

Anyway, the party continued and we slowed things down a bit to re-introduce a new song "Rude Awakening". The mix of Marco's riffs with Tyler's Five finger funk licks really brought this song into maturity and completion. We are hoping to add this song along with some other songs we are writing into a EP, we anticipate will be released Next Summer! Will see!

After an hour of a high energy show, we finished off the set with our song "Anti", which was featured on the Metal Sanctuary show on Uncensored Net Noise . But, that was not enough for our fans. Much to our surprise toward the end of our set, we started having shout outs for "Beat You Down". Honestly, we truly had no idea you all love that song that much! So, we encored with "Beat You Down" followed by "Snake", which was dedicated to Shauna of the Roc Bar.

Shauna and I go back a few years and we found out that she is going to be moving to Portland, Oregon in the upcoming weeks. We at this time don't know who is going to run the Roc Bar in her place, but I know she will be missed.

After 4 encores that evening, the band was absolutely spent! Except Al for some reason. That man can play forever. That's why we love him. But after the show, we made certain we got some more to drink and then it was off to the after party's.

So, to find out what goes on at the after party's! You need to be there! To be there, you need to come to the shows more often! And with that, we bid you; till next time! Rock on! Rock Hard! And, hope to see you soon!

Thanks to everyone who has supported us during this long journey and we look forward to what we can bring to you guys next!

Laters,

Justice
3SO