Tracking is complete on Nettle Honey’s new record. Now it’s time to mix it down. The big question is whether to make it super clean or to mix in the ambient room sound hot and heavy. Like most things, I think moderation will be the key.

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio

With most of the tracking complete, Nettlehoney came in to finish up the last two songs. We had less time this session, but still milked it for all it was worth. The final tune they are recording is an “epic acoustic journey”. Though deceivingly short, there are a lot of really interesting mood changes and rhythmic shifts.

Almost there, folks, and still on schedule for a Folklife release.

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio

Nettlehoney came in with the goal of tracking 11 tunes in one session. While we didn’t make it to 11, we got good takes for 9. I attribute this to several things – 1) they’ve been playing a lot recently, including a tour, and are therefore at the top of their game; 2) they were all in their stations and ready to play within 10 minutes of arriving; and 3) there are no time-consuming overdubs for this music. In a way this style of music is way more complicated to record than rock. Just as the performance is all or nothing, so is the recording. We tracked everybody in one room in a circle, making headphones an option rather than a necessity.

A lot of good original tunes scattered with a few old-timey numbers. 3 vocalists, each taking turns singing the ‘loudest’ part; they don’t allow the terms ‘lead’ and ’solo’ ;)

One more quick session and all the tracking should be complete. They are expecting to have the album ready for Folklife. So watch for them busking and dealing it at Seattle Center later this month…

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio

Sunday recording session with Creeping Time. We recorded a song that we’ve recorded 3 times previously. According to plan, Kjell led the production of the song. From coming up with tasty ideas to keeping us on track, Kjell kept the session rolling. I think we all agree that we laid down the best recorded version of the song and the idea of revising has gone away. 4th time’s a charm!

Next session, bluegrass.

drummers…

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio

About two weeks ago I botched a live recording for the Gloria Darlings. Note, if your recording setup requires multiple digital devices, make sure you give yourself lots of time to test and debug driver issues, etc…

Anyway, Thursday nights are God’s Favorite Beefcake’s night. We’ve played several times with Schmootzie the Clod at Pies and Pints and have caught his act at the Racer as well. A great band and I was super stoked to be able to run sound for them as well. Collin is the regular sound guy there and he was totally helpful getting things set up, transitioned, etc… Even had a great attitude about me stepping into his space and asking him for favors ;)

Originally billed as two bands, it ended up being a four band night – Tarka and Victor (Oud/Sax duo we met a couple weeks back), Gloria Darlings, Toybox Trio, and God’s Favorite Beefcake.

This was the first opportunity I’ve had to mic a typewriter. Each of Toybox Trio’s members took a turn at playing the typewriter. I didn’t know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised to hear three different styles of typewriter playing. It must mean the typewriter is a legit instrument, if it allows somebody to express themselves through it.

Some good recordings came out of the night. Stay tuned…

0 Comments | Posted by Michael Spaly in Recording Studio, Shows