Mixdowns and Whatnots

December Studio Journal and Year Reflections

Yesterday, I spent several hours down in the studio working on mixes. The main goal was to tackle the new Circles and Squares EP.  I had to mix 5 songs in all but ended up doing 3 different mixes of each song. My first mix was raw and a bit distorted. Mixing is really the least desirable part of the process for me. I never really know how loud the vocals should be and that was the issue with the first mix. But then, I listened back later on the computer and it sounded good.

The best part about the Circles and Squares EP is that is was recorded pretty well and the performances are spot on. We were able to capture our live sound but included some other little nuances like extra keyboards, etc. After all, were are only a 3 piece band and that presents some limitations for live performances. So, for the second mix, I concentrated on getting a more even sound between the instruments and vocals. Without listening to them, I cannot make any asessments just yet. But, it feels great to have something we can call representative of our sound.

YEAR IN REFLECTION

We had a great year. 3 solid releases and loads of new songs and demos cut by Circles And Squares, Winter In June, Squeaky and the Futures, Greno, Jesse Cotton Stone Band, Anonymous Collective, Skinny Mulligans and other various projects. Each project required complete focus and I demanded nothing less. It is great to work with true professionals in this realm. The Circles and Squares EP will probably be the release to prove most fruitful in the long run.

I planned to release a full-length follow-up to Soul Love this past year but it never came to be. I had enough songs for the record but when I put together a CD of the songs to hear, something was missing. I like all of the material individually but as a collection, something felt wrong. So, instead I am releasing a 5 song EP of new material that I feel is the some of my strongest material to date. The new EP is called Dream Spells. Next year, I will be working on a brand new album that I have not even dreamed up yet.

The Winter In June recordings sound fantastic. I have been working with Frank for almost a year now. The songs are pretty unique and feature Frank's take on relationships with the ladies. He is also producing the Circles and Squares full length. We tracked some songs at the SSV Vape Lab last October with him. Plans for an overdub and vocal attack are in the works for early next year. 

This was the first year that I didn't release a Squeaky and the Futures album. We recorded about half a dozen songs this past year but the girls were not as into it. I thought it would be good to take a break and come back to it when they are ready. We did track some really cool songs and had fun recording them. I am letting the girls take the musical reigns more and more. It is fun to watch them work on music. I am so proud of them for sticking with it.
One day, the music we have done will mean a lot to them. 

Started a new improv project recently that will be a recording project as well. I am working with my friend Brian Kogan, who plays keyboards and guitar. We tracked some improv grooves a few weeks ago. These songs will serve as a nice foundation for future jams, etc. 
I would like to be able to play live at some point after we get down a solid line-up of like minded individuals. 

Overall, a fantastic musical year indeed. Next year will be even better!

New project born tonight

Here's a post I wrote on December 2, 2012

A new music project was born tonight. My friend Brian Kogan came over to record some music at my basement studio. Right before he arrived, I recorded 5 drum parts to overdub on once he got there. Before we started the session, we loosened up with some long 40 minute jams on keyboard and drums respectively. Then, we started working on these new tracks I laid down. They were all pretty different and unique. A few of the beats did not change throughout the pieces and others had a few different parts to work out. I did this to try and keep it simple yet interesting. 

Brian was a pro through the whole process and came up with some really interesting keyboard sounds/parts. After a few hours of overdubs, we felt really excited about the prospect of this new music we created. One of the best things about creating music is that you basically take something out of the air and make it into music. This music we recorded tonight did not exist before tonight and that is an exciting way to live. Plus, now we have some actual original material to play right off the bat. We don't have to wade through a bunch of covers to find our sound. We found our sound tonight. It is to be celebrated.

The next step will be to complete these works and make some more magic in the basement. I will be adding bass to some of the tracks. The key will be to lock in with the drums nicely without stepping on the keyboard tracks. I think we will call upon Anthony for some sweet guitar licks on a few tunes. He always seems to come up with just the right part for every song. 

I see this project evolving into some kind of instrumental band. I'd like to involve the typical cast of characters for this kind of thing. 

2013 on the horizon.