Most people do one of two things on spring break: go on vacation or sleep in. I did not really do either. However, I did get to go to see the Naugatuck, Connecticut based band A Will Away track songs for their new album.

How did I get this chance? By watching their Facebook live on Monday, March 11. It was there that they mentioned how they were working on new music (but could not release all the details just yet) and wanted some fans to be a part of it. They would be involved through these tracking sessions. If you wanted to participate all you had to email them and let them know you were interested.

They wanted fans there because you play differently when you know people are watching. They wanted to get some different sounding takes in a settling like that. So I figured this is an opportunity I could not miss. I asked to attend the session on Friday, March 15. So I waited for a response and on the night of Thursday, March 14 I learned that I would be going and I could not believe it.

Then it was time to head over to their studios. Getting to go at all was wonderful, being in the studio was a dream. I could not believe I was actually there and that it was all real. I was so excited. While I was there they tracked a new song, showed us the mixed version, and joked around with us. It was such a cool experience. The whole time I was there I felt such pure joy- even though they were recording the same song in different ways.

And if you did not believe me when I said I loved it, maybe this will convince you: since March 15 was so chill, they invited anyone who wanted to come back the next day (March 16). And so I did. I got there pretty early without meaning to and got to make some small talk with the band members. Now, of course, I loved that because I was talking to band members I look up to but also because they were personable. You could have a real conversation with them and it was genuine. Even after only being back in their studio for 30 minutes, I was glad I came.

Now when I came on Saturday I came by myself. While that was a new experience for me, I got to make a new friend. Making that new friend reminded me of how music literally does bring complete strangers together. And that feeling of wonder and excitement? It was still there. I still felt like if I was pinched it would turn out to be a wonderful dream. But the best part was, it was not a dream. It was real life and I get to say I was a part of their record process. That is something I will always be grateful for.

I just want to thank the guys from A Will Away from the bottom of my heart for putting on these sessions. I could only hope to be a part of something like this again. Their debut album “Here Again is” out now.