Day Four: Exceeding Our Expectations
Kelli and Trina recording scratch vocals.
Ideally, we wanted to post an update to our site every day, but the wifi at the studio is out of commission for a few days. We are able to update our facebook fan page through Gretchen’s phone and are posting updates and photos when we have a break so check there for the latest. Since we are back at the cottage momentarily, I thought I’d take a minute to update this site while I can.
Things are going very well so far. We have recorded drums on 4 songs so far, added some of the vocals and keys will be added later this week. We originally planned 8 songs, but Steve thinks we will be able to cover 10 if we stay at this same pace. Everything has exceeded our expectations.
Lindsay working on song structure.
The hours are long, but they seem to go by very quickly. We are usually in the studio by 11am and working til well after midnight. We break long enough to eat and sleep and that’s about it. The sessions are very relaxed, even at such a fast past. We’ve also been revamping some of the songs with excellent results.
Another Fan Shout Out
These recording sessions were made possible by the prayers and support of: Maranatha Assembly of God, Kankakee First Assembly, Harvest Christian, Covell Community, St. Johns Lutheran, Joshua Company Ministries, Mike F., Rebecca F., Dale & Cathy A., Jean J., Leslie S., Michelle K., Kevin & Carolyn F., Rob A., Steve & Suzie H., John & Chris Z., Dave & Debbie H., Dave & Judy F., Jill S., Glenn N., Phyillis R., Jack & Heather V., Doug C., Jerry & Shirley O., Katelynn & Kirstynn C., Tia W., Jeff and Lynne F., Jennifer H., Mike & Kristin S., Jeff S., Bill & Joyce H., Susan & Paul K., Debbie & Denis C., Mark & Sue K., Grandma Vanna, David & Ami C., David & Diane C., Pastor Doug and Rosemary, Scott and Debby I., Pastor Kirk, Pastor Russ, Tammy W., Pastor Chad, Rob & Brenda R., Pastor Nathan and Logan, Trevor and Kristi L., Wendy M., Julie H. and Pastor Ron & Sue.
Gretchen laying down drum tracks
First Day In The Studio, Fan Shout Out
Kelli and Trina work out vocal parts with Steve and guitarist Brandon.
It was a short, but very focused day at Square One Studio. We met with engineer and studio owner Steve Allen at 10:30 and the first order of business was just getting to know each other and talk about our personalities and how we work. Once it was time to get to work on the songs, we spent time going over each song and adding our own commentary and preferences until we narrowed it down to about 8-10 songs to record.
Our top picks were “Green” and “Forward” and the remainder of our day was spent hammering out the song format, and tweaking the tempo and overall feel of the songs before we start laying down tracks tomorrow. We were also joined by a local studio guitarist named Brandon and Indevo Records President, Austin Cook.
We left the studio exhausted and starving (we worked straight through lunch) and also with a great sense of relief that things were going so smoothly. We have been extremely pleased with the feedback we have received and the changes we have made so far have all been very positive. We are looking forward to getting started again tomorrow.
We know our dream would not be possible without the love and support of our families, friends and fans. Each day as we record, we plan to post a shout out to as many people as possible. There are so many that we will be breaking it up over the course of the eight days we are here in Nashville.
Today’s recording session was made possible by the prayers and support of: Maranatha Assembly of God, Ken B., Sam and Lavenda G., Cheri B., Steve and Margie B., Peggy F., Kara G., Toni M., Paula Y., Katie M., Jill I., Megan and Nate H., Carol J., Marilyn and Jim S., Sarah B., John W., Debbie W., Shelby A, Thomas F., Kimberly K., Joe M., Eric A., Jennifer M., Kattina W., Suzanne B., Jamie B., Rachel G., Nicole W., Anna C., Anna R., Samantha B., Joe K., Michele H., GL M., Shereine M., Lisa M., Layla S., Lori M., Katrina H., Joylynn M., Gator G., Terry L., Jenna L., Karen C., Kami K. and Fred S.
Special Photography Session Offer from Tia
Tia Wind from Natural Light on Location Photography did an awesome job in November taking photos for our band’s upcoming album.
Knowing that we still needed funds for our travel and lodging expenses in Nashville, Tia has graciously offered the following:
If you book a full session, (meaning no mini sessions), Tia will donate half of the profit from your session to the band to help us pay our travel expenses. This offer is good or January and February sessions only, so give her a call today.
Examples of Tia’s photography and booking information can be found…
Quick Update: 9 Days Until Nashville
We just wanted to drop you a quick update on Amplified as we leave for Nashville on Friday, January 15th. With just a few short days left, we are working diligently to wrap up all of the final details for the trip. We have been very blessed with the incoming donations and all of the prayers offered up on our behalf, however we still have a financial need of $3,980.00 to cover the remaining balance of our expenses.
If you would like to sow into our ministry, you can send paypal or credit card donations to band@fourwallflight.com or checks can be mailed to Amplified, 191 White Pines Circle, Decatur, IL 62521.
During our time in the studio, we will be posting updates on our web site and Facebook Fan pages. If you’d like to stay updated on our progress, please sign up for the newsletter on our web site or join our fan page.
We appreciate the support and encouragement you have given us. Thank you!
Thank You Kankakee!
Had a very enjoyable service at Kankakee First Assembly on Sunday. What a fantastic group of people. We had an amazing time there and are looking forward to returning after the new album is out. We should have some photos of the event up soon!
FAQ: Who made this site?
Since launching our new site, we’ve been asked a few times about who built this wonderful and amazing web site. I thought it might be a good idea to kick off a Frequently Asked Questions category to help answer some of our email.
So here’s the first one:
Who made your web site?
Good question and one we are quite happy to answer. As luck would have it, I (Gretchen) am a web developer and Trina is a graphic designer. We have a little side business called Thyme For Design and we try to squeeze in a few freelance jobs as time permits. You can check out our portfolio and feel free to give us a call if you need some work done. Yes, folks, that is what we call shameless self-promotion. We don’t charge for that either. It’s totally free. Lucky you. 
Trina and I also collaborated on previous versions of our myspace and Trina was solely responsible for the artwork on our 2008 demo and and other print materials. Special kudos for her and her art skills.
So in a nutshell, Gretchen does all the geeky code work and Trina makes it look pretty. Hope you like it.
Join Us at Maranatha Sunday Evening
Hey this is just a quick reminder that Amplified will be at Maranatha Assembly of God in Decatur, IL this Sunday evening (October 25th) at 6pm.
Maranatha is our home church and we are really excited about this time of ministry. We have been preparing for this event and will be sharing new music with you as well as some re-mixed versions of the songs from last year’s demo. We have also teamed up with the Paradym Fine Arts group and they will be debuting a human video to one of our new songs called “Forward”. We haven’t even seen it yet!
The entire evening will be unlike anything you’ve heard before. Come out and support Amplified and enjoy a wonderful evening of worship and original music.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
Join Amplified for a Thirty-One Gifts Party at Maranatha
Looking for unique or personalized ideas for Christmas? Let Amplified help you get a jump on your Holiday shopping!
Amplified has teamed up with the Maranatha for a Thirty-One Gifts party October 13th at 7pm in the hospitality room. Refreshments will be provided.
What is Thirty-One Gifts?
Thirty-One Gifts doesn’t carry your run-of-the mill boring gift items that your friends and family might already own. They offer a huge variety of gift items that can be styled and customized by you for any occasion! Select your own fabric, add a team name or monogram, select complimentary colors and make it your own. Check out the new fall products and come ready with your wish list. A Thirty-One Gifts consultant will be on hand to assist with your questions.
A variety of cash-n-carry items will also be on display for immediate purchase. Don’t miss this opportunity to knock out your Christmas shopping with gifts your friends will adore! Click here for directions to Maranatha.
Proceeds from this event help support the ministry of Amplified.
We Have Some Exciting News To Share!
Dear Friends, Family and Ministry Partners,
Thank you for taking a moment to let us share some exciting news from the music ministry of Amplified. As many of you may know, Amplified was formed in 2005 by members of the worship team at Maranatha Assembly of God in Decatur, Illinois. Our group consists of Katrina and Kelli on vocals, Lindsay on keys/acoustic guitar, and Gretchen on drums. The name “Amplified” comes from 2 Timothy 4:17 in the Message Bible: “The Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who have never heard it.” Our mission is to spread the Gospel through original, inspiring music that reaches into the heart of the listener by blending contemporary praise music with fresh music of our own to create a unique worship experience.
In June of last year, we traveled to Nashville in the hopes of expanding our ministry through Band With a Mission, an outlet for Christian bands to be heard by music industry professionals and receive constructive feedback. Based on our showcase, Indevo Records offered us a development deal to record our music on a fully mastered CD for radio play at Square One Studios in Nashville. Once the album is recorded, Indevo will continue to work with us to bring our music to a much wider audience. We feel both humbled and blessed at such an amazing opportunity.
With this new door opened for us to record, we are also looking to get our music out to as many people as possible. If you have a connection to a local church or an event needing music ministry in the Central Illinois area, please contact Gretchen at (217) 413-7033 for bookings or pass along our contact information. We have limited availability before our January recording sessions and we are adding dates rather quickly. We would love to make a connection with your group.
The opportunity to minister to a wider audience also comes with additional expense. If you would be willing to partner with us, prayerfully and financially, we would be most grateful. You may send love offerings to: Amplified, c/o Gretchen Cawthon, 191 White Pines Circle, Decatur, IL 62521 or use the secure link below to donate via paypal:
Gretchen, Kelli, Trina, Lindsay
We would also like to keep you updated on our progress. Our web site will be updated with our latest happenings, including the release of our debut album. Please feel free to sign up for our newsletter to stay current. The support you have shown us since we first began sharing our music with you is much appreciated. The encouragement and blessings we have received have been unmeasurable.
Spreading the message of Christ,
Amplified
Thank You Covell Community!
We had an awesome time with Covell Community Church at Funks Grove today! The weather was beautiful and according to Pastor Chad Sparks there was a larger than usual turnout to their annual event. Amplified opened with the song “Green” and also led a 5-song worship set.
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the people of Covell Community for the invitation to join them at Funks Grove and for the generous hospitality extended to us today. Not only were we warmly welcomed but had a wonderful time of fellowship with everyone at the picnic afterward. Thank you so much for supporting our ministry. May you be richly blessed!
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