✵ Switch Places

2 weeks ago by @max

Liner Notes

https://studio273.bandcamp.com/track/switch-places
Over 20 years of participating in February Album Writing Month (FAWM), I’ve developed a workflow that allows me to quickly create a decent recording of a freshly written song. My process always starts with guitar chords and humming a melody. Once a few words come to mind the songcrafting starts.
Despite all the digital possibilities out there, I prefer to keep things pure by using real instruments. I print the lyrics in large text, hang them above a camera, and play the song several times in a row. Usually, the fourth or fifth take is good enough. Thanks to FAWM, I’ve learned not to dwell too long on whether something is "perfect."

Next, I separate the one-take audio track from the video and load it into a mixing program. Most of the effects I use are already preset. Then I record additional vocal tracks and layer in more instruments like guitar, banjo, piano, and keyboard. Once the mix sounds decent, I sync it back with the video footage. Each year, I choose a different color theme for my two-tone videos.

If a song is recorded this way during FAWM, it’s done. After FAWM, I usually end up with three or four keepers, which I test live on stage. Songs often grow and evolve during live performances, but I never rerecord them. Around 90% of the songs I’ve written over the past 20 years were created during FAWM—simple and effective.

These days, I use ChatGPT to check my lyrics for grammar and spelling mistakes and to give suggestions. In the past, I relied on native-speaking FAWMers for this.
The audio mix I upload to Bandcamp is the same as the one in the videos. My style is defined by one-take, single-mic recordings with additional vocals and instruments.
#nudity #ska #acousticguitar

Lyrics

Love it
when we switch places
during
our morning shower
You’re done
reaching for a towel
I step in
and hold you for a while

That moment we share the cabin together
I feel so fine, my heart’s full of joy
It may be brief, but I’m so glad to hold you
What a way, what a way, what a way to start the day

My arms
wrapped around your body
Feels so good
I close my eyes
If only
this could last forever
Ahhh.... duty calls
We need to move on

That moment we share while switching places
I feel so fine, my heart’s full of joy
It may be brief, but I’m so glad to hold you
What a way, what a way, what a way to start the day

What a way to start the
what a way to start the day
What a way to start the
what a way to start the day
What a way, what a way, what a way to start the day
What a way, what a way, what a way to start the day

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© Max Vanremmerden / vanremmerdenmusic 2025.
fawm.org/@max

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