Macro to Micro was the second song that came to me when I decided to write a series of science-inspired songs based on my readings and research about recent scientific discoveries. All my life I've noticed how small things look like large things and vice versa. Like the way the human ear resembles a curled up fetus, or how the cowlick at the top of a newborn's head looks like the swirling Milky Way. The song is my way of noticing and praising these mind-boggling resemblances. The chorus is meant as a sing along with an "echo and response" part to it. It's been wonderful singing it live.
I should tell you that the whole time I was writing the song and all during the recording process I had voices in my head saying things like: "Jim you must be going off the nerdy end of the geek universe", and "You can't use words like these in a song'" The whole doubting Thomas syndrome was performing a symphony in my head. Nevertheless, my adventurous side prevailed enough to record the song (with the most amazing arrangements by Brian Whistler. Gracias!), and bring it home. I listened to it for a month or two before I had the courage to play it for anyone. Then some friends visited us here in the Russian River and asked if I'd done any new recording.
As they were getting the Walkman" ready to play it, I left the room not wanting to see their faces and reactions. I knew they'd be polite and make the best of it, but I thought that I was putting them in that anguished place that artists do with their friends when they give them something new to review, and everybody knows "It don't work!"
I came back in the room a half an hour later ready to accept that this science song thing was not working, but, au contraire, my cynical side was shot down by their unanimous, clear, and almost embarrassing praise. Since then, after repeated outings, Macro to Micro now sits squarely, and confidently in my heart as a song to share the wonders and mysteries of the patterns of nature. It also cut through my resistance to keep writing in this direction.
Watch the music video of "Macro to Micro"
I should tell you that the whole time I was writing the song and all during the recording process I had voices in my head saying things like: "Jim you must be going off the nerdy end of the geek universe", and "You can't use words like these in a song'" The whole doubting Thomas syndrome was performing a symphony in my head. Nevertheless, my adventurous side prevailed enough to record the song (with the most amazing arrangements by Brian Whistler. Gracias!), and bring it home. I listened to it for a month or two before I had the courage to play it for anyone. Then some friends visited us here in the Russian River and asked if I'd done any new recording.
As they were getting the Walkman" ready to play it, I left the room not wanting to see their faces and reactions. I knew they'd be polite and make the best of it, but I thought that I was putting them in that anguished place that artists do with their friends when they give them something new to review, and everybody knows "It don't work!"
I came back in the room a half an hour later ready to accept that this science song thing was not working, but, au contraire, my cynical side was shot down by their unanimous, clear, and almost embarrassing praise. Since then, after repeated outings, Macro to Micro now sits squarely, and confidently in my heart as a song to share the wonders and mysteries of the patterns of nature. It also cut through my resistance to keep writing in this direction.
Watch the music video of "Macro to Micro"