THE MUSIC

"Erik Anderson's unique and creative talent fully made my daughter's wedding come alive from the opening delicate notes of the processional that seemed to float down the aisle with the bride, to the joyous happiness of the recessional that seemed to echo every sentiment of love that was bespoken and witnessed. Anderson's original music evokes both emotion and inspiration. His adaptation of traditional hymn music is amazing. At the reception several of my guests requested Anderson's CD's.  The original music from my daughter's wedding is one that will never be forgotten and will always be cherished."

Donnamarie Falk
Appleton, WI

“This is new age of the old like 80s & early 90s no loops, this is real music.  Some of his music sounds like David Arkenstone’s Spirit of Olympia or In Wake of the Wind…You don’t hear this kind of music much anymore with all the computer looped stuff these days.”

Jay Moogs

THE MUSIC PROCESS

Conception
Writing music for a wedding is like writing a symphony:  there are several movements that flow together which add structure and continuity to the whole event. Sometimes in the initial consultation, the bride can’t articulate what she really wants.  I ask her what kind of music she envisions walking down the aisle to.  Is it a classical-sounding piece or a modern piece?  I play several different musical samples from movie soundtracks, various artists’ albums, and music I’ve played for other weddings to help her get an idea of what she wants. The next question I ask is what instruments she would like me to use.  Does she like a harp or an oboe or hand bells or a pipe organ (or any combination of sounds)?  Does she want drums or an orchestra or perhaps just a solo piano?

Composition
The next stage of the process is the actual writing of a melody.  This is the main theme for the bride’s processional.  At this point we are not so much concerned about instrumentation as we are looking at the raw tune.  This will be written out on paper and referred to in all of the following steps while keeping in touch with the bride and groom to ensure their satisfaction.

Recording Framework
This is the point where we start actually recording the music.  The first part is the general piano part to give it a rough frame.  Then we start adding basic instrumentation: percussion, bass, and melody.  This is where the magic begins to take shape.  Special musical effects, dynamics, the introduction and ending and texture are determined.  Usually when this step is completed, we will play the piece(s) for the bride and groom to make sure we are creating what they are looking for (or better).

Completion
This is the point where any editing is done, parts are re-recorded for clarity, all notes are checked for accuracy, and levels are adjusted to match the acoustical properties of the wedding auditorium.  Then, we make a recording of all tracks. 

The final step in production is where we take out the solo instrument (usually the piano) part and make a recording of all the tracks minus that instrument.  This recording will be used in the actual wedding ceremony with the solo part played live.  After the wedding, the complete original studio recording is sent to the happy couple for them to enjoy for many years to come.