This month’s Spotlight is a great one-person project that showcases Wayne/J’s myriad skills. As with so many of our Spotlight features, the writing and arrangement on display are top-notch. While technically not in our mission statement, it sure doesn’t hurt to have a leg up in this department as one goes about the actual recording end of things. The positive message in the lyrics is undoubtedly welcome these days, and J. has done a superb job managing the various elements that make up the track. While sticking to a relatively basic instrumental bed, the vocals, both lead and backing, sound fantastic throughout the song.

We dug the subtle delay on the lead vocal and the well-conceived panning on the harmonies. The rap-vocal section at 1:57 was perfectly executed in the mix, with no sign of volume or energy disparity through our monitors. As for the instruments, J. took fine advantage of his Alesis keyboard/ Sonar combo, creating a nice groove and melody. His skilled sense of dynamics allowed for an uninterrupted flow of sound sources that came and went effortlessly in the mix. Sweet!