Home Recording Project

Q: Where does the name Obi come from?

Obi is my nickname, and what my grandchildren call me.

Q: How often will you release new songs?

I don't have a set schedule, but if you're interested in new releases, keep an eye on this site, or follow the social media links at the bottom of this page.

Q: Will you release original songs?

Yes, I have a number of songs that I have written and will be recording. I am beginning by recording cover songs to give me enough practice with the process to eventually release my own music.

Q: What's the Greatest Song Ever Written?

In my opinion, the greatest song ever written is "Time" by Pink Floyd. Yes, it's over seven minutes long, most of which is solos, but buried inside are the greatest lyrics I have ever heard. An epic reminder to not waste the time we have left.

At the age of 53, I finally started arranging a lifetime of lyrical snippets and ideas that have been rattling around in my head. Occasionally one of them turns into a full song. I'm keeping a promise that I made my dad in his final days, so as songs are completed, recorded and mixed, I will put them on this site to be heard.

Latest Upload

Coming May 2026
Join Me on Discord to Get Updates

An Artist’s Job…

By Obi Rayburn | May 27, 2026

An artist’s job is to closely watch the world, then report it back in new and interesting ways.

I know… I know…

By Obi Rayburn | April 12, 2026

Yes, I’m taking longer than I wanted to release music. But have you ever been reluctant to show your work to others? Yeah, me too.

Try out my Discord channel

By Obi Rayburn | March 5, 2026

I’m checking in throughout the day, so stop by and say hi

See All Updates

Next Release In...

Get Updates And Chat

Join Me On Discord:

Current Project:

Cover Songs

Home Recording Sessions

January 31, 2026 - I am launching this website today, and have been working for several months to record cover songs while I am taking online classes to learn the DAW (recording software.) Logic Pro is complicated, but absolutely awesome.

In the coming months I will be releasing songs that I have recorded. Join me on Discord, instagram or on this website for updates.

Upcoming Releases

Wicked Game - Chris Isaak (Stone Sour Version)
Cover Me Up - Jason Isbell
Landslide - Stevie Nicks
Killing Me Softly - Roberta Flack
Feeling Good - Nina Simone (Michael Buble' Version)

Coming Soon:

Original Songs

Home Recording Sessions

Over the years I have written the beginnings, middles or ends of quite a few songs, but none ever felt quite right. In the last year I started putting those bits together and have now "finished" five or six originals. Lots of ideas still rattling around in my head, so hopefully more comes out.

My goal is to put together a couple of single releases, which will always be uploaded here first, then released to Spotify, Apple Music, etc.

Lyrics from Upcoming Original Songs

Excerpt from "Two Hours"

I hope she knows,
through all the miles,
she's still my anchor,
my light, my child.

Obi Rayburn

2026

Excerpt from "Bridges on Fire"

All my days are mostly nights,
Guided by the light of distant bridges on fire.
Now I made it, did I make it?
‘cause I can't tell when.
Clawing at the lid of the box I locked myself in.

Obi Rayburn

2026

FAQ.

In January of 2023, my dad was very ill. It had been a long time since he last heard me sing, but in his final days he had some requests. I suddenly found myself singing along with John Denver in a Dallas hospital room at 3 AM. We had sung all of these songs together before, and I still remembered all the words from childhood. Before he went to sleep that night he told me that I should record my voice for others to hear. It was one of the last things he ever said, and here I am, fulfilling the promise I made.

This website launched on January 31, 2026 - exactly three years after my dad passed away.

Where does the name Obi come from?

How often will you release new songs?

Will you release original songs?

What's the Greatest Song Ever Written?

Equipment.

The setup I am using for this project is pretty simple. Buying new toys is pretty addicting, so this list has already grown since I started.

Guitars
- Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S CE Concert
- Alvarez Artist Dreadnought
Midi Controller/Keyboard
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 Mk3
Computer
- Mac Mini M4
- Macbook Pro
Software (DAW)
Apple Logic Pro
Steven Slate VSX 5.0
Photo/Video
Sony RX100

Microphone
Shure SM7db
Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (4th Gen)
Headphones (Recording)
Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro
Headphones (Monitor)
Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum
Yamaha HTH-MP5
Studio Monitors
Yamaha HS5 Studio Monitors
Coming Soon
Roli Seaboard 2

Goals.

Build A Small Recording Studio
In Our House
Learn How to Record Music
The Software is Intense, but Amazing.
Record Cover Songs
For immersion in learning mixing software
Record Original Songs
I Have Written
Original Song(s) on Spotify & Apple Music
Big goal!
Do an Open Mic Show?
Let's find out if I'm any good first.

The Plan.

One of my goals has long been to record music that I love, whether that's cover songs, or ones that I have written. I'm not getting any younger, so now seems like a good time to start.

The software, and the process of recording and mixing your own music, is pretty complicated, especially from a beginner's perspective. I am currently taking a class on Logic Pro, and at the same time I am recording cover songs to help teach myself the software as I go. I am trying to create an immersive experience... at least as much I can make it from my tiny home studio.

I have written a handful of original songs, and have lots more ideas that I'm working on, so those will eventually be added here too.

This project is in memory of my mom, who taught me to sing, and my dad who loved to listen.

Obi's Picks

What I'm Listening To:

My Top Picks At the Moment

I listen to a crazy mix of music styles, and these are a few that I am currently enjoying. Follow this playlist on Spotify and I'll update it as I find new and interesting things.

Home Recording Project