Here are some of my homebrewed pedals, and a four channel mixer.
Theres a big muff, a fuzz face, a tube screamer, an old transistor radio effect, and two compressors. The roud compressor is a replica Dynacomp and the orange one is a replica orange squeezer.
This weekend we’ll be recording Not To Reason Why, an awesome psychedelic/post rock band from Petaluma…The crew of 4, rock a tight combination of electric guitar, bass, piano and thick-epic drums. Their last album, also recorded at Sound Arts, packs a bunch of dynamic build ups, shifts in tempo and time signature, and contrasts of big sound and ambient spaces. They Released it at the end of last year and instead of touring this weekend, they decided to hit up the studio and just bust out another record!
Here are some images from their last session…
This morning, Kevin, our newest engineer and equipment partner, showed Ryan and I some cool ideas on miking drums, probably the most coveted and experimental rock instrument to record. He was suggested to set up a pair of matched large condenser mics (we used Shure KSM44’s) spaced 8 feet apart, behind Paul’s kit, 1 inch from the floor. These faced the the floor, and grabbed unique reflections that are difficult to capture in the air. I’m looking forward to hearing them. The band also mentioned they’d be doing vocals this time on one track. we’ll keep you posted.
Here is our mess of cables, mics, drums and intense potential.
This past weekend, Sound Arts hosted an awesome Logic class where 4 students participated in all aspects of audio production using Apple’s cutting edge software. We began with basic audio and MIDI editing and worked into advanced automation, 5.1, and multichannel comp creation. We created 2 neat promo pieces for the Bay Area Video Coalition… Check em out!
BAVC plans to continue to host off-site Logic classes at Sound Arts along with a handful of other cool classes including a Sound Design Workshop on June 10th, 2008, with instructor and musician, Christopher Willits. To enroll in the next Logic class on July 28th - 30th, 2008, contact www.bavc.org
Here are some really cool, rhythmically pulsating frogs. This was recorded in my home town of Kansas City a couple of years ago. Using a French recording technique, O.R.T.F, these frogs were captured about 5 feet away from the pond where they were mating…
great to meditate to…
Enjoy!
Ryan
Two of the coolest artists we’ve worked with have recently gone through breakups. From places like heartbreak, inspiration, anger or liberation, some of the best songs and works of art have taken form. Both Heather Catalinich (Sparklebritches) and Zack Vieira have tapped into this inward space where masterpieces are formed. Sound Arts has, not only had the opportunity to work with both Zack and Heather, but plans to put together a release sometime around January 2009 with songs and recordings pertaining to the contrast of breakup and breakthrough.
Check out these tracks in the works:
Very Excited to work with Zack tomorrow. I have no idea what he has brewing, but we’re gonna make some awesome tracks. Zack Vieira is tapped in to a strong blend of genres and styles with loads of songs and talent to hold it all together.
