Sleeping At Last, the musical project helmed by Ryan O’Neal, has consistently delivered emotionally resonant and intricately crafted songs. With their track “Nine,” listeners are once again invited into a world of sonic depth and lyrical nuance. This latest song, a testament to Sleeping At Last’s dedication to musical artistry, showcases a collaborative spirit and meticulous production, as detailed in the official liner notes. Let’s explore the credits and creative process that brought “Nine” to life, revealing the talented individuals and unique elements that make this song so compelling.
The production of “Nine” was spearheaded by Sleeping At Last themselves, taking on roles in production, engineering, and performance. This hands-on approach is a hallmark of Sleeping At Last’s work, ensuring a personal and authentic touch in every note. The core instrumentation and vocal performance are credited solely to Sleeping At Last, highlighting the central vision of Ryan O’Neal in this project.
To enrich the sonic landscape of “Nine”, Sleeping At Last welcomed a talented ensemble of guest musicians. Kumiko Bankson’s violins add layers of texture and emotion, weaving seamlessly into the fabric of the song. The vocals in “someone else’s eyes,” a particularly poignant phrase within “Nine,” are delivered by Alex G, bringing a unique vocal color to the track. Seth Richardson’s bass lines provide a solid foundation, grounding the song’s harmonic and rhythmic elements. These collaborations underscore the communal aspect of music creation, where individual talents converge to elevate the final piece.
A significant and heartwarming contribution to “Nine” comes from the Glenbard West Choir, directed by Andrew Jeffrey. The liner notes meticulously list each member of this choir, a testament to the inclusion and community focus of the project. Maeve O’Dea, Iris Joseph, Bryanna Sebring, and Ariadna Reyes are just a few names among the extensive list of talented young vocalists who lent their voices to “Nine”. The choir’s presence likely adds a rich, layered vocal dimension, characteristic of Sleeping At Last’s arrangements, and infuses the song with youthful energy and collective harmony. The detailed listing of each choir member serves as a well-deserved recognition of their contribution to this “At Last Song”.
The technical aspects of “Nine” were entrusted to industry professionals known for their expertise. John Goodmanson undertook the mixing of the track, ensuring a balanced and polished sonic presentation. Taylor Hales, working at the renowned Electrical Audio studio, handled piano and vocal engineering, capturing the nuances of these crucial elements. Mastering, the final stage in audio production, was completed by Jason Ward at Chicago Mastering Services, guaranteeing the song’s sonic integrity across various playback systems. Recording took place across several locations: Electrical Audio in Chicago, IL, Peacemaker Studios in IL, and Glenbard West High School in IL, indicating a blend of professional studio environments and community spaces.
Adding a unique and personal layer to “Nine,” Sleeping At Last incorporated “Type Nine ‘Fingerprint’ Sounds.” These are credited to a diverse group of individuals, each contributing sounds that resonate with the themes or emotions of the song, or perhaps represent a personal connection to the number nine or the Enneagram Type Nine, which Sleeping At Last often explores in their work. Bob Davidson contributed “tesla” sounds, TJ Hill offered “disintegration & integration” sounds, and “Science Mike” McHargue provided “11 sounds of nature.” Andrea Pope’s contributions were “running and water” sounds, while Tara Brown offered “sewing, door, roxy” sounds. Further contributions came from Aaron Strumpel (“trumpets”), Ryan Paul (“mall of america”), David Dark (“who are you”), Maria Goff (“baking banana bread”), and Ashley Goff (“bath”). The list continues with Wilhelmina Shoger (“running”), Ryan Taylor (“dog”), Jill (of Jill & Kate) (“new england waves”), Mandy Neumeister (“brush strokes”), Lynn Holstein (“children laughing”), Nate Goering (“daddy”), Beth McCord (“nighttime campfire”), Tyler Wohlford (“camera clicks”), and finally, Ryan O’Neal himself (“Wilco”). This diverse collection of sounds suggests a deeply personal and conceptual approach to sound design, making “Nine” a richly textured auditory experience.
The visual representation of “Nine” is in the hands of artist Elicia Edijanto, whose artwork graces the single. Known for their evocative black and white imagery, often featuring children and animals in silhouette, Edijanto’s style perfectly complements the emotional depth and introspective nature of Sleeping At Last’s music. The liner notes provide links to view more of Elicia’s work, inviting listeners to further explore the visual world associated with “Nine.”
Finally, “Nine,” this beautifully crafted “at last song”, is dedicated to Ryan O’Neal’s “sweet puppy, Wilco.” This heartfelt dedication adds a personal and tender dimension to the song, revealing the inspiration behind its creation and connecting it to a source of joy and companionship in the artist’s life. “Nine” is more than just a song; it’s a carefully constructed sonic tapestry woven with collaboration, personal touches, and dedication, inviting listeners to delve into its rich layers.
