In the 11th of June, Andrew Osenga released a very special music project.

It all started in the end of May, with the idea of recording a solo acoustic EP. And as fast as possible… A bit tired from spending eight months to write and three months to record for “Overdressed”, the new Caedmon’s Call, Andrew was just looking to write some different, with less production and the creativity from the moment.

It became something completely different from what I’ve seen in all my life, when he turned it into a more “community” project. He turned into inspiration on his blog readers. On his blog he posted a request for anyone to send him ideas for songs, stories, words, strong lines, paintings, drawings or photos… anything that could inspire him.

He was flooded with ideas. I even send him a couple of old photos from my grandpa feeding the seaguls, and shared that moment with him.

His plans were to release the album online and create a “virtual booklet” in PDF to go along with the songs.

While he was working and recording the songs, another idea came up. Asking anyone to record himself singing backing vocals in one of the songs he was working on. He posted 2 vocal lines and a simple guitar line on his blog, and invited anyone to record and send him back the result. He called this “Webground Vocals”

He received more than 50 vocal recordings. I also wanted to join, but that weekend I had a cold, and my voice was worse than usual. I’m not kidding you It’s not an excuse!

A few days afterwards, he released the songs on his site. He managed to write, record, mix the songs and create the “virtual booklet” in less than 2 weeks, if I’m not wrong. Amazing! And the results were pretty amazing too. Specially the “webground vocals” in the last song came out with very good too.

Anyone could download the songs for free, on his website, and whoever felt right could send him a donation through PayPal.

I love this project for many reasons. I love how spontaneous and fresh it sounds. Although the idea I shared with Andrew didn’t turned out into these 6 songs, I feel like I’m part of these songs too. They are a bit mine too.

The songs turned out really good, both lyrics and music. And the recording and mixing is to be praised, considering Andy did all work. My favorite ones are “Wanted”, “Anna and the aliens” and “Swing wide the glimmering gates”, which is the one with the “webground vocals”. The “virtual booklet” is beautiful, with all the photos and stories being the songs.

You will be taken into the download page, by clicking on the album cover. Enjoy!