The Recording Studio
The recording studio is finally in full swing! It took a ton of DIY work on sound proofing and frequency / reflection control. From a sound control aspect I had to build everything from custom window plugs, door wedges, acoustical blankets, gobos (movable absorptive and reflective barriers), mic direction isolators, bass absorption panels, diffusers, floaters that keep sound and vibrations from transferring up through the floor and even built a soundproof AC unit box.
Through ought the years I have learned a ton about tone, gear and modifications. After all of my work on sound control of the room, it was time to turn my attention to the next weakest link. I completely retooled my studio by upgrading microphones, preamps, effects, monitoring, midi controllers and organizing to improve speed of workflow. Last but not least, I have seriously studied the science and art of sound engineering, mixing and mastering. I am continuing to learn and improve, but aleady the overall results have been staggering! Unfortunately, you can't hear them yet... The songs available on the web are still my old demos. The finished songs will come.
I have posted some of my projects and mods on this website and my blog. I am always working on something so there will be more to come. Hopefully they will save you some time, money, spark your creativity and improve your recordings / music.
The Music
The first 4 songs for my debut EP are coming along nicely. Their arrangements and instrumentation are still not set in stone, but they crystallize more and more every time I work on them. I also have the basic chords, melodies and lyrics ready for over a dozen other songs. I am wildly excited about finally completing the goal of my first finished EP, but it is a long process for a part time artist. Rest assured, I will continue to battle against time to do what I love.
I wasn't able to do any work in the studio for more than four months due to my back. Now I am finally able to begin working on my music again. I was at least able to make a serious dent in my web presence during the down time. I certainly didn't plan on having a fully operational website with this much content before I finished the music that it was designed to highlight… But then again, I didn't plan on needing multiple back surgeries either. At least I was able to keep things moving forward in some capacity.
I had a serious loss of strength and numbness in my left hand due to a pinched nerve. Thanks to constant rehab and strength training I am now able to play my instruments well enough to begin recording only a month after my first surgery. Within 6 to 8 months, my left hand should be back to 100% and I should regain all of my technical playing abilities. This could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I have been a fighting a life long battle with "lead guitarists disease". My main symptoms are: the adding of a large quantity of notes in every instrument whether it suits the song or not, the constant temptation to add solos and changes despite the song length, and the constant use of fog / wind machines and sequins in all aspects of my life. Perhaps this hand injury will help to avoid some of the musical clutter.