Wedgrounds

One of my favorite songwriters is Andy Osenga.  He was the lead singer for The Normals and is now the lead guitarist for Caedmon's Call.  About a year ago, he came up with a brilliant idea, mostly just as a creative challenge for himself, to put together and EP of songs based on stories, pictures, etc. that other people gave him.  He asked his fans to send him anything they thought would make a cool song, and the result was "Letters to the Editor, Vol. 1" (which can be downloaded for FREE on Andy's site - www.andyosenga.com)  Not only was the concept of the EP unique, but on the last track of the collection Andy come up with an amazing idea - he had fans record themselves singing a simple melody and e-mail the recording to him, which he edited and melded together to paint a beautiful chorus at the end of the song "Swing Wide the Glimmering Gates."  Amazing!  Such a fun idea!  The song in itself is gorgeous, but this unique ending brings tears to the eyes.  (It's on his website and also on his myspace music page - www.myspace.com/andrewosenga ) And he created a term for this new background vocal - Webgrounds.  

Well, Andy's at it again - writing "Letters to the Editor, Vol. 2".  He just posted on his blog a couple of days ago requesting people to be a part of the project again, this time recording and e-mailing in vocals and instruments!  I downloaded the instructions/mp3s just out of curiosity, but I couldn't resist being a part of such a fun, beautiful project.  I e-mailed in my vocal and guitar part yesterday.  Now I can't wait to hear what the whole, finished song sounds like!  All he sent us (those who are taking part in this) was just the part needed to be recorded.  I have no idea what the rest of the song sounds like or what the lyrics are - how fun is that?  Such a great, creative process!  I'm so blessed to be a part of it!  Be sure to check out www.andyosenga.com