| HomeMade Music |
| About HomeMade Music and ILM: Welcome to HomeMade Music, the place where fun and musical expression are more important than technical expertise! Indeed, for over 10 years now, our motto has been "Not for entertainment... mostly just for fun". And believe me, we have fun with just about everything. Take the name of our "imaginary" group, ILM for example. It comes from an encounter with a young waiter at the Keg in Lynnwood a few years back. (I don't eat there anymore so I don't mind naming names)! Anyway, in addition to his tip, we left a CD sampler of our music as a gift and he was so impressed, he called and left a message on our answering service. This is a direct quote, "I'm a musician too and this is probably the worst music I've ever heard... I mean honestly... it's sooooo incredibly lame". Our former "group" name was Misty Mirage and it never quite fit, but this guy's comments were inspired, and from them came our new "group" name... ILM for Incredibly Lame Music! ILM exists for a couple of reasons. First, I (Andrew) suffer from a rebellious streak. If someone tells me I can't do something, it's the first thing I make a determination to do. I've been told since my earliest recollection that I have no talent, can't sing, can't play an instrument and lacked the faculties to learn. The fact that that's all true had no bearing on my determination to try though. Besides, if there's anything I dislike, it's a "music snob", which brings me to the second reason ILM exists: I believe hidden songs reside in the hearts of common people who have been discouraged by the "musical experts", and I believe this breaks the heart of God. I sing with my untrained off key voice so other fearful and discouraged people will dare to release the songs inside them. I write my poorly structured sad excuses for songs to embolden timid writers harboring untapped treasures to overcome their fear and try. And I trust God uses my unlikely tunes, with their unlikely message, to reach the most unlikely people and accomplish the most unlikely things! |
| Want To Use My Music?: If you would like to use any music authored by myself (Andrew McNiece), shoot me an email at andrewbeck@destinyquest.net for easy to obtain permission. Please note, I can only offer permission for songs I've written. Those authored by others and contributed for use on my projects may not be copied or used without the author's expressed permission. I can put you in contact with those authors if you would like to request permission to use their work. |
Technically Incorrect
Songs From The Heart Of The House
Our first CD project featuring original works from Beckie McNiece, Andrew McNiece and Stephanie Venturo. It's a
rough work from a technical perspective but the enthusiasm of the vocalist’s shines. Equipment was limited in this
production, as was our proficiency with the equipment we had. Orchestration was minimal with piano taking the major
role. The flute was also introduced for the first time in this work. One song, "His Love Endures Forever" was a deviation
from the simplicity of the other tracks. It featured our first attempt at full orchestration and each segment was
meticulously developed and timed. It became the forerunner of future fully orchestrated works and remains one of the
best. Many of the songs were written as gifts to specific recipients, and a recurrent theme, the use of children, had its
debut on this album. Vocal contributors to this 1999 work were: Debbie Hamilton, Stacey Hamilton, Tony Hamilton,
Kelli Hamilton, Stephanie Venturo, Melissa Hall, Tarryn Brand, Jenna Brand, Beckie McNiece and Andrew McNiece.
Songs From The Heart Of The House
Our first CD project featuring original works from Beckie McNiece, Andrew McNiece and Stephanie Venturo. It's a
rough work from a technical perspective but the enthusiasm of the vocalist’s shines. Equipment was limited in this
production, as was our proficiency with the equipment we had. Orchestration was minimal with piano taking the major
role. The flute was also introduced for the first time in this work. One song, "His Love Endures Forever" was a deviation
from the simplicity of the other tracks. It featured our first attempt at full orchestration and each segment was
meticulously developed and timed. It became the forerunner of future fully orchestrated works and remains one of the
best. Many of the songs were written as gifts to specific recipients, and a recurrent theme, the use of children, had its
debut on this album. Vocal contributors to this 1999 work were: Debbie Hamilton, Stacey Hamilton, Tony Hamilton,
Kelli Hamilton, Stephanie Venturo, Melissa Hall, Tarryn Brand, Jenna Brand, Beckie McNiece and Andrew McNiece.
Spontaneous Combustion
This was the first of two albums produced in 2000. After the success of "His Love Endures Forever", a
complex song from our first album, author Andrew McNiece decided to experiment with the orchestration
capabilities of our system. Most of the songs were written in the first few months of 2000 and to date, only
two have had lyrics added. This album provided a wonderful opportunity to experiment with and learn the
higher capabilities of the Cakewalk software used to create the orchestration. Bagpipes made their debut
on this album and proved especially difficult to play. For fun, the name "Misty Mirage Orchestra" was
adopted for the instrumentals of this and subsequent albums. The primary purpose of this album was to
see how far we could go technically and what our limitations would be. The skills learned in the
production of this album laid the foundation for future works and it is distinguished as our first fully
instrumental CD. All but one of the songs were authored by Andrew McNiece.
This was the first of two albums produced in 2000. After the success of "His Love Endures Forever", a
complex song from our first album, author Andrew McNiece decided to experiment with the orchestration
capabilities of our system. Most of the songs were written in the first few months of 2000 and to date, only
two have had lyrics added. This album provided a wonderful opportunity to experiment with and learn the
higher capabilities of the Cakewalk software used to create the orchestration. Bagpipes made their debut
on this album and proved especially difficult to play. For fun, the name "Misty Mirage Orchestra" was
adopted for the instrumentals of this and subsequent albums. The primary purpose of this album was to
see how far we could go technically and what our limitations would be. The skills learned in the
production of this album laid the foundation for future works and it is distinguished as our first fully
instrumental CD. All but one of the songs were authored by Andrew McNiece.
Chosen Family
Produced in 2000, this was our second vocal album and our third overall. Using techniques learned from
the production of "Spontaneous Combustion", enhanced orchestration provided a backdrop for new
techniques used for the vocals. Experiments with reverb, voice doubling and harmonization produced an
enhanced end product. Vocal timing issues continued to be a challenge but overall this album
represented a marked improvement over our first effort, "Technically Incorrect". The opening song was
an adaptation from a track taken from Star Trek TNG. Stephanie Venturo contributed one song but was
unable to attend the recording session. All the other tracks were authored by Andrew McNiece. As with
"Technically Incorrect", some of these songs had been written as gifts. Vocal contributors were: Faith
Russell, Peter Russell, Bethanie Russell, Sarah Russell, Beckie McNiece and Andrew McNiece.
Produced in 2000, this was our second vocal album and our third overall. Using techniques learned from
the production of "Spontaneous Combustion", enhanced orchestration provided a backdrop for new
techniques used for the vocals. Experiments with reverb, voice doubling and harmonization produced an
enhanced end product. Vocal timing issues continued to be a challenge but overall this album
represented a marked improvement over our first effort, "Technically Incorrect". The opening song was
an adaptation from a track taken from Star Trek TNG. Stephanie Venturo contributed one song but was
unable to attend the recording session. All the other tracks were authored by Andrew McNiece. As with
"Technically Incorrect", some of these songs had been written as gifts. Vocal contributors were: Faith
Russell, Peter Russell, Bethanie Russell, Sarah Russell, Beckie McNiece and Andrew McNiece.
Walk Across The Floor
Produced in 2001, this album includes elements that are becoming trademarks in this series.
Orchestration is more highly developed than in earlier works and include enhancements in brass,
flute and bagpipes. Vocals were much tighter than in previous works and once again, children were
incorporated in the production. Two public domain songs were used, along with two contributions
from Stephanie Venturo... a HomeMade Music veteran. The other songs were written by Andrew
McNiece. Vocal support was provided by Rachael Brown, Stephanie Venturo, Faith Russell,
Bethanie Russell, Sarah Russell, Tatianna Bennett, Beckie McNiece and Andrew McNiece.
Produced in 2001, this album includes elements that are becoming trademarks in this series.
Orchestration is more highly developed than in earlier works and include enhancements in brass,
flute and bagpipes. Vocals were much tighter than in previous works and once again, children were
incorporated in the production. Two public domain songs were used, along with two contributions
from Stephanie Venturo... a HomeMade Music veteran. The other songs were written by Andrew
McNiece. Vocal support was provided by Rachael Brown, Stephanie Venturo, Faith Russell,
Bethanie Russell, Sarah Russell, Tatianna Bennett, Beckie McNiece and Andrew McNiece.
| When I Grow Up A collection of the best instrumentals from all our albums to date. It is our second all instrumental work. Produced in 2002. |
| Baby Song Trilogy Our first album designed for sale. It is comprised of three baby/children's songs and is intended as a gift item for new parents. Produced in 2002. |
Gifts
Our production for 2002, these songs are expressions of the bonds of friendship
through music. Some are written to individuals facing pivotal circumstances in their
lives... some to celibrate joyous occations... others simply to express gratitude for the
friendship they've extended to us. All are ment to warm the heart.
Our production for 2002, these songs are expressions of the bonds of friendship
through music. Some are written to individuals facing pivotal circumstances in their
lives... some to celibrate joyous occations... others simply to express gratitude for the
friendship they've extended to us. All are ment to warm the heart.
| Thanks For The Time All new equipment and an all new sound, "Thanks For The Time" ushers in a new direction for HomeMade music away from Contemporary Christian Music to Contemporary Christian Folk! If you've heard our music before and think you know what it's all about, think again, this album is different! Produced in 2003. |
Contemporary Christian Folk
with a quirky twist!
with a quirky twist!
| REDEMPTION This album is a hearts cry for right relationship with the Lord, addressing concepts of sin, failure and the redemption that comes only from God. It was created in the "new style" that is now becoming the Misty Mirage standard! Produced in 2004. |
| Produced in 2007. For the first time since regular CD production ended two years ago, HomeMade Music has released an all new album. With it's country flavor and gospel folk twist, it represents some of our best technical work. We especially want to acknowledge the contribution of Ian Cameron from E-Fiddler.com, whose violin pieces added that country flavor we sought and also Michael McNiece, who not only wrote one of the songs, but also lent his guitar expertise on three of the tracks in this first ever father-son music project. Should any CD's be cut in the future, we hope to hear more of Michael's distinctive style! |
| JOINT VENTURE Released in 2005, Joint Vendure was composed of offerings from Gerina Goeth, Jim Sorenson, Faith Russell and Andrew McNiece. The contributions from Gerina gave it an international flavor with two sound tracks being sung in German. Joint Venture was the last regularly produced album by HomeMade Music. |
| Do You Have Peace First of the Salvage series and produced in 2008. This album was made in two formats, "Comentary" and Studio". The Comentary version was made as an outreach giveaway product. The album features a live clip from the Living Hope Worship Team Band and two new songs... "The Stone Was Rolled Away" by Andrew McNiece, 2008 and "Yeshua" by Debbie George, also 2008. Violin Support by Ian Cameron. |
| 2009 mark's ILM's 10th year of musical mayhem. To commemorate the occasion we present "Then From Heaven", our 10th annaversary album. In the tradition of Christian Country & Folk, this album opens with a tribute to the 27 people who have participated in our projects over the past decade. This album features works from Andrew McNiece, Lisa McNiece and Debbie George. Beckie McNiece made a special appearance with vocal support. Michael McNiece lent his talent on the bass and electric guitar. Ian Cameron was the album's violinist. |
| THE ILM HALL OF FAME! ILM wishes to thank all of those who participated in our music projects over the last 10 years and acknowledges them here with heartfelt gratitude: Jim Sorenson Eina Kunz Debbie Hamilton Stacey Hamilton Tony Hamilton Kelli Hamilton Stephanie Venturo Melissa Hall Tarryn Brand Jenna Brand Faith Russell Peter Russell Bethanie Russell Sarah Russell Tatianna Bennett Rachel Brown Gerina Goeth Ian Cameron Debbie George Beckie McNiece Michael McNiece Lisa McNiece Selected members of the Living Hope Community Church Worship Team Band Erinn Maddox Matt Maddox Jami Troy Ian Hardy Gabe Mc Farland |
| Coming In 2011: |
| Simple Worship is both a step backward and a step forward in ILM's evolution. It's a step backward in that it uses only very basic guitar strums supported by simple bass and drum accompaniment. It's a step forward in that it features music specifically written for use in a church worship setting. As the title suggests, the songs are simple and composed to illicit an attitude of worship in the participants. Produced in 2010. |
| Sandpaper Worship is a collection of live recordings from three different church's Andrew has had the opportunity to lead worship in. The recordings are rough but the hearts are solidly focused on honoring God in this simple and technically flawed production. Produced in 2010. |
| International represents a second joint venture between Gerina Goeth and Andrew McNiece, featuring Gerina's professional class vocal skills supported by Andrew as backup. Produced in 2010, this album is all in German! |
| The HIMZ Project ... in progress now! HIMZ is another deviation from ILM's tradition of using "home-grown" music. In this project a collection of hymns are being rewritten in the hope of breathing fresh life into the timeless message of the hymns. As much as possible the original words are being preserved as these songs are set to contemporary music. The full set will include at least five songs including Holy, Holy Holy and A Might Fortress Is Our God. HIMZ is targeted for completion by November 2011. |