"Mult-track" is a term often used in recording technology to describe audio recording machines that facilitate the independent recording of several different "takes" and tracks at different times; thus allowing everything to be played back in perfect sync together.  Thus, one person can become a "one-man band" by playing or singing all the parts.  For decades, mult-track recorders have been the standard in every recording studio.

Many songwriters will use multi-track recorders to sketch out song ideas, as many portable units are designed specifically for that purpose -- a musical sketch pad, if you will.  I have used these to some extent, but I'd like to tell you about my new (and highly unusual) method of writing songs, which I employed for Acappella's Find Your Way album.

I met with Acappella for many songwriting sessions, during which the five members of Acappella became my "human mult-track" recorder.  Here's how it works.  First, I'll come to the session with a song fragment, phrase or "hook," and a Scripture; although, there have been times when I started completely from a clean slate with no prepared ideas.  We will sit in somewhat of a circle and the guys understand their assignment is to "playback" exactly what I sing to them.  It's important that each individual focuses on remembering exactly what I sing for them, as my retention (even short- term) in this type of creative process is very limited.

Next, I'll pick a second person to sing a harmonizing, a supporting or counter-balancing part with the original part.  This will continue until we have gone around the circle and everyone has an assignment.  As I hear things that need to be adjusted and changed during this process, I'll immediately re-assign the part or make the necessary adjustments.  Again, the singers' role is to focus on repeating the new part in playback mode, similar to a recording device.

This method reaps pleasing results, as I receive immediate feedback on how the song is working with each particular voice and unique voice combination.  This is very different from the normal "song-plugging" process (common in music centers like Nashville), where song writers record very elaborate demos, using vocalists with similar traits, mimicking the performer for whom they are attempting to write / pitch songs.  Our unusual "human mult-track" system provides me with instant feedback, hearing what works well with this unique combination of voices.  The results are simply amazing.

I am thrilled with this project.  Robin, Zac, Anthony, Zach and Allen have synergized their voices into a finished product that is quite stunning, in my opinion.  (But you expect that's what I'll say, as I'm so close to this project and have been living with some of these songs for years now.)

During the process, the guys will graciously be silent as I conceive of new melodies and possible lyric combinations.  During the creative exercise, I'll marry words with melody and say, "Hey Zach, sing this: 'Find your way to the Lord and He'll be making a way for you . . .' "

Have you heard of anyone else writing songs this way?