The Name

I was trying to put in perspective the reality of this project. I think it's natural for any artist to have second thoughts about their work before they release it to the world. And although I had recorded a ton of music with my bands Valor and The Dark, I had never done something solo. There's a certain feeling of being exposed and vulnerable that comes over you when you are the only person who can take the heat for something if it's not good or offensive to anyone.

In order to make things seem less overwhelming I just put into perspective what this CD really meant in terms of the universe I live in. It was just a speck of dust in a wind storm... even less than a speck! Consequently, I figured that the earth was just as insignificant to the universe as my CD was. We were probably viewed through the telescope of a higher intelligence on some other planet and identified as "Speck #5". The minute I said it out loud I knew that the name fit.

Says Alan, (seen right with wife Mimi) "I'm proud to release my first solo project, but I might just be more proud that it's a measure of my humility. I really do believe that what we do counts, but if we take ourselves too seriously and overestimate our influence... we just look like idiots."

At least that is how I see it.

About Alan Currens

I've been a performing musician since high school. I've toured doing covers and I've toured in original bands playing drums primarily for rock bands Valor & The Dark, but also keyboards and even a little bass along the way. I've sung and I've been the back-up singer. I've pursued college educations in Piano performance, percussion performance, composition and music education.

With the bottomless support of my wife and the confidence given me by my kids, I threw fear out the window and began to build the foundation for Speck 5. Learning software, composition tricks, audio looping and samples, vocal lessons and I even studied creative writing in order to put some force behind my lyric.

A natural attraction to world percussions led me towards my sound... a world percussive bed supporting basic rock and electronica framed songs. I don't know who it sounds like... maybe you can send your thoughts on that to me here.

I record alone at my desk with a Korg keyboard, some purchased or custom created audio loops, a couple of cheap mics for now and Sonar software. I love every part of the process from conceiving of music (which usually happens while I am running), to the final engineering and mixing process! I planned to wait until summer, but I am already working on the next project!

Thanks for your support of Speck 5 and of Indie music in general. It's people like you and I who will change the face of the music industry on this planet. The era of the big label controlled art is past and labels are now seeking new and inventive ways to exploit musicians. Indie music, and your support of it, is the solution to all artist truly having an equal opportunity.

Thanks again, I'd love to hear from you about Speck 5 or any other indie artist you would like for me to promote on my website or blogs!

Alan Currens

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