A Mini March Vocals Session

I loved going back to my second home, the Vault Recording Studio, for a mini vocals session. Since I only had to record vocals for “Kind Heart” and “Rain on My Parade,” my session was four hours, rather than my typical ten hours. This turned out to be the perfect amount of time to finish both songs.

This was my first session where I only focused on vocals. When I go for ten hours, I work on other aspects of the music production process too, like chatting with my producer about a song’s direction, tracking live instruments, programming digital instruments, and more. So, it was a different experience for me to only record vocals. Because of this, I didn’t have to prepare as much as usual. Instead, I spent a lot of time rehearsing the songs and exploring background vocal ideas. I’ve been waiting to sing these songs in the studio ever since I wrote them because they’re two of my favorites. I can’t wait to unveil all the fun while recording vocals today.

It’s Kinda Hard Having a Kind Heart

There are no words to express how much I love “Kind Heart.” It will be the lead single off my next project. I decided that as soon as I wrote it. Since I’m always writing, I’m aware of which songs stand out as special gems. The moment I thought of the concept and the lyric, “It’s kinda hard having a kind heart,” I knew this was a special one.

“Kind Heart” is a piano ballad, so I wanted the vocals to have a very intimate sound. Bob had me stand closer to the mic than usual, and he’ll make mixing decisions to bring this out as well. After rehearsing this song for a while, it was magical singing it in the studio.

Also, “Kind Heart” is the first song I’ve ever recorded that has no background vocals, only the lead vocal. At first, I had a mini crisis because recording background vocals is one of my favorite parts of the process, but while exploring on my own, no background vocals felt natural, not even doubling. When I told Bob I didn’t think “Kind Heart” required any background vocals, he agreed with me. So, “Kind Heart” is a true ballad. Bob said it sounds like I’m sitting at the piano and singing it live.

Now, all “Kind Heart” needs is a flute. I’m beyond excited for this. I’ve always wanted to play the flute, and maybe one day, I’ll learn how. Since it’s one of my favorite instruments, I’ve dreamed of having a flutist play live on one of my songs. “Kind Heart” is the perfect choice.

“Kind Heart” is close to my heart. Recording vocals today unfolded into an amazing experience. I feel like I captured the emotion of the song and sang every lyric with intention. I’m eager to share this one, but no matter how long it takes, it’ll be worth the wait.

You Can’t Rain on My Parade”

“Rain on My Parade” made up for “Kind Heart” having no background vocals. There are so many, and they’re all golden. Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself. Back up, Demi!

“Rain on My Parade” is a total dance-pop bop. I’m fully obsessed. After Bob and I produced the music during my last session, I kept listening to the instrumental over and over again. Today, I got to record vocals on top of our musical masterpiece.

Of course, I recorded the lead vocal first. I had to do a full mental reset since “Kind Heart” and “Rain on My Parade” are polar opposites. “Rain on My Parade” is bold, sassy, fierce, and full of attitude. The vulnerable and emotional tone of “Kind Heart” wouldn’t fly for “Rain on My Parade,” so I tapped into my imagination. I placed myself in the shoes of past me when I wrote this song and centered myself in that mindset. In no time, I felt ready to deliver lots of attitude.

I had a blast recording the lead vocal since every lyric in this song is flawless. “Rain on My Parade” has metaphorical language through the lens of the title, drawing on this concept with both rain and parade imagery. Even though the lyrics are metaphorical, they’re also direct and have a fierce quality. So, I loved bringing these lyrics to life today.

I can’t get over the “Rain on My Parade” background vocals. There are harmonies, ad-libs, and tons of doubles, which turned into quadruples by the end. This song has my favorite intro ever. So, Bob and I have legit rain at the beginning, and on top of it, I’m singing, “rain, rain, rain,” a cappella and stacked in a suspended chord. Then, I sing that again, and after both, it echoes. So, I basically sing, “rain, rain, rain,” four times in a layered chord and they overlap in a way. After I did this, Bob just went, “That’s dark.” I burst out laughing because it fits perfectly. I do similar things during other parts of the song, along with more background vocal awesomeness.

After I had the time of my life recording the background vocals, “Rain on My Parade” was done. It sounds fabulous, and it’s not even mixed yet. I seriously can’t wait to hear this one once it’s mixed and mastered. “Rain on My Parade” will be on my next project. At the moment, I don’t know if it will be a single or not, but it’s definitely going to have a spot on what I’m hoping will be a mini album.

I enjoyed every second of my mini session today. It felt amazing to be back at the Vault to work on “Kind Heart” and “Rain on My Parade.” I’m looking forward to what’s next for these songs.

Coming Up in Music Land

On March 23, I released “Fantasy,” and I couldn’t be happier this song is thriving in the world. In a couple months, my next single will be my rendition of “If I Die Young,” which I’m beyond excited to share. This one is almost ready to be mastered.

I’m currently writing and revising more songs and hope to choose the final tracks for my next project. “Kind Heart”, “Rain on My Parade,” “Quiet,” and “Future of Yesterday” will be on it. My goal is seven songs, so I’ll see how the rest of the process unfolds. My plan is to release two singles off the project during the second half of 2023 and the full project early 2024. For now, I’m going to focus on the songwriting side of things to get more songs ready to record.

I won’t have another session until the summer. Still, Bob is working on some mixes for me that I can’t wait to hear. Also, I have to write my Christmas song. I usually write my Christmas songs during Christmas, but last Christmas, a bunch of ideas surfaced but none resonated. I have a title idea that I love so much, so now, I have to write a song from it. Writing from a title is one of my favorite songwriting techniques, so I’m eager to bring my fourth Christmas single to life.

That’s all I have planned in music land at the moment. Lots is in the works. I love all the songs I’ve been writing and recording and really feel like this new music is fearless. I’ve always embraced authenticity, and now, I’m not holding back at all. My third project is going to be my most transparent collection of songs yet. I’m so glad I recorded vocals for “Kind Heart” and “Rain on My Parade” today, and I’m already looking forward to going back to the Vault in a few months.

I love blogging about my studio sessions. If you’d like to read about my other sessions, head over to my studio stories and enjoy.