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After years of musical study and training, Katy Eggleton joined Seth Riggs’ Speech Level Singing program in 2004, and started writing songs with her new coach, Rob Seals, in 2005. She felt well prepared to attend Seth Riggs’ International Vocal Camp in Los Angeles, yet this would prove no ordinary program.

A new feature called Pro Track had been added for 2005, and it would pit Katy against 50 other contestants two months before camp for the eight Pro Track openings, each of which would provide a day in a recording studio with a producer, engineer, and live band to record a song, followed by an opportunity to perform the song live at the camp’s evening talent showcase. To win, a student had to demonstrate determination, vocal promise, musical artistry and the necessary edge to compete in the rough and tumble music industry.

With the help of her mother and Rob, her coach, Katy submitted a detailed multimedia application package, and waited for what seemed an eternity until two weeks before camp when the good news arrived -- Katy had won!

Of the many songs that she and Rob had written in anticipation, Katy decided to go with their most upbeat, pop-oriented song, “Like Something Electrical.” To prepare for her pre-production meeting with Chuck Myers of Big Idea Music Productions, Katy compiled a list of influences and a mix CD of sounds, vibes and approaches she felt were right for her song. However, she soon realized how much more there was to learn as Chuck responded with detailed questions about guitar strings, drum cymbals, and the like. Katy asked Rob for a crash course in arranging so that she could speak with her professional team intelligently. To fully express herself as a musical artist, she needed to know her musical palette and how to wield her musical paintbrush.

With Rob’s assistance, Katy prepared the charts, lead sheets, lyric worksheet, and inventory of musicians and instruments that Chuck requested prior to the recording session. They put together a rough mix of the song with vocals and a guitar guide track so the musicians could get a sense of the song.

When the day of the recording session finally arrived, Katy attended to the musicians by singing guide vocals as they hammered out their parts for drums, bass, guitars and keyboard. After she sang the keeper vocal, Katy and engineer Tino Saiki worked out harmonies on the spot to make the choruses lusher and fuller. The team picked out the best phrases from each take to really bring the song to life. The results of Katy’s session then traveled to Chuck’s studio in Sandy, Utah for the final mixing, complete with cool effects, and ...

WE HAVE A SONG!