The session with Ben Grosse

Satellite Train benefited greatly from a recording session conducted with Ben Grosse. The session took place in his studio in Michigan before he moved to Los Angeles. Since Ben preferred to mix without anyone present in the studio, I spent most of my time in a Motel 6 in Detroit. However, I was permitted to enter the studio at certain times to observe the mixing process. When I heard how the mix sounded, I was blown away. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the sound. I realized what was actually possible at that moment, and from that moment on, that mix became a reference point for what was actually possible.

The song and mix will not be released, but it was a great experience. Ben had recommended that we mix three songs, but the circumstances simply weren’t right, so it was not possible. This was the last time we worked with Ben, but it was a pleasure to work with such an accomplished individual. It is my hope that we will be able to work with him again in the future, but if not, the Satellite Train project greatly benefited from his input.

Inspiration comes from so many sources. Music, other fiction, the non-fiction I read, TV shows, films, news reports, people I know, stories I hear, misheard words or lyrics, dreams… Motivation? The memory of the rush I get from a really good writing session – even on a bad day, I know I’ll find that again if I keep going.

During those sessions, I met Randy Jacobs, who became an integral part of the Satellite Train project. Randy played a few guitars on that song and eventually became an integral member of Satellite Train.