Just A Few Notes

Liner notes. Sexy, right? Even it not, they are a very important part of any music project. Some artists have been so adept at expressing themselves with just a few lines on the back of an album, tape or CD, that you look forward to their next release just to find out what they're going to say next.

Liner notes are the credits, thanks, and thoughts of the artist that made an album/CD. It's the information that tells you who played what instrument or sang a particular vocal. Also,it tells you who engineered and produced the music. Sometimes, the words to the songs might be included, as well as who wrote each tune. And, at times an artist may have someone else comment on their music.

My interest in the subject relates to being able to say what you want to say without having what you've said being misconstrued. Artists who make love music or dance music seem to have no problem talking about their particular interest. But what if you're music is a little eclectic? What if your personal philosophy is what inspires or propels your music?

Sometimes a project can take longer than you expect. In such a case, it's possible for the tone or feel of the recording to change. Then, that change could become what motivates the artist to write liner notes that reflect the new direction or provide some explanation for the extra time.

Most of all, the music should come first. If the music is about something, then what to write will come easy. For Nprogram projects, the music has been largely about a positive feeling, with words that sometimes relate to technology. If I were to release music under my given name, I would try for a more soulful, personal approach. I find that, that would give me more than enough to add to the credits.

Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, and Michael McDonald are just a few artists that I have listened to, whose liner notes carry a strong message about the music on their albums. They don't always write a lot, but whatever they write is always worth reading.

Today, in an ever increasingly digital world, the push to bring every aspect of a music project online has led to the blog becoming somewhat like an extension of the liner note. While blogging wasn't originally intended as such, it can make it possible to relate thoughts, ideas, and experiences that an artist wasn't able to add to the digital version of an album. In fact, a blog can provide a fan with a way to connect with an artist between albums or events. And, it's an excellent way to share what you think about music.

While liner notes may not be a very sexy topic, it remains a point of interest for music fans and consumers everywhere. If all you have to say is thank you, no problem, as long as you have something to say.