Now the final mixing starts! This is my first stab at a real mix of "I Like The Way She Cleans Erasers." It's labeled "Mix 0.5" which pretty much means I don't consider it to be final. When you start to see mix numbers like 1.0, that means I consider them final - even though The one we actually release might be adjusted further - numbered like 1.1 or higher depending on the number of iterations. A lot of times I listen to a mix the next day (what I call "the next day reality check") and discover things like snare drums too loud or pianos too buried. If I make an adjustment at the mastering stage rather than the mix stage, it gets a number like 1.01 (this would be the first master adjustment on mix number 1.0). In our file system, you would songs numbered like 2.32 (a significant re-mix with three revisions PLUS two mastering revisions of Mix 2.3).
Ok - enough ramble and on to the song. The album is starting to take shape!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
Showing posts with label Songs Under Construction 'Kast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Songs Under Construction 'Kast. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #30
Now the early mixes begin! After adding bass to "Going To School" I pushed some faders around to get a bit of balance. This still isn't a real mix but at least guitars and stuff won't pop out real loud out of nowhere. This is where you can start to hear the final song emerge from the chaos of all the tracks.
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #29
We added guitars and bass to the song we're collaborating with George Hrab on - "When I Was Your Age."
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - loud vocals, guitars or other stuff might pop out at any moment so be careful with your volume control!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - loud vocals, guitars or other stuff might pop out at any moment so be careful with your volume control!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #28
This "monster in the closet" song is developing as we add guitars to "They're Out To Get Me."
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - loud vocals, guitars or other stuff might pop out at any moment so be careful with your volume control!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - loud vocals, guitars or other stuff might pop out at any moment so be careful with your volume control!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #27
We added bass and LOTS of guitars to "The Six Year Old Reporter." Listen for the classic Frampton/Bon Jovi/Aerosmith "talkbox" effect. And I couldn't help but throw in a "Van Halen" harmonic trill just for fun.
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - loud vocals, guitars or other stuff might pop out at any moment so be careful with your volume control!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - loud vocals, guitars or other stuff might pop out at any moment so be careful with your volume control!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #26
We added guitars and vocals to "My Cereal."
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - loud vocals, guitars or other stuff might pop out at any moment so be careful with your volume control!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - loud vocals, guitars or other stuff might pop out at any moment so be careful with your volume control!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #25
We added guitars and bass to "I Like The Way She Cleans Erasers."
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - loud vocals, guitars or other stuff might pop out at any moment so be careful with your volume control!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - loud vocals, guitars or other stuff might pop out at any moment so be careful with your volume control!
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #24
Here's the next iteration of "Hey Joe (Joe Bully)." This is another that we added guitars to during those 26 hours of guitar sessions. And then we added bass!
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - and still beware of the loud guitars that show up at any moment! Of course the guitars SHOULD STILL be loud, shouldn't they? :) The bass is probably too loud too. But you get the idea...
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - and still beware of the loud guitars that show up at any moment! Of course the guitars SHOULD STILL be loud, shouldn't they? :) The bass is probably too loud too. But you get the idea...
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #23
Here's the next iteration of "Bed Wetter." This is another that we added guitars to during those 26 hours of guitar sessions.
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - and still beware of the loud guitars that show up at any moment! Of course the guitars SHOULD STILL be loud, shouldn't they? :)
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
As before, this isn't a real mix yet - and still beware of the loud guitars that show up at any moment! Of course the guitars SHOULD STILL be loud, shouldn't they? :)
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #22
Here's the next iteration of "Are We There Yet?" We added guitars to this one during the 26 hours of guitar sessions.
This still isn't a real mix yet - beware of the loud guitars that show up at any moment! Of course the guitars SHOULD be loud, shouldn't they? :)
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
This still isn't a real mix yet - beware of the loud guitars that show up at any moment! Of course the guitars SHOULD be loud, shouldn't they? :)
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Friday, February 13, 2009
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #21
This is the guide track to "Joe Bully". We'll keep the drums, but then all the rest disappears. Guitars, bass, vocals, keys, etc. will be added starting this weekend.
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #20
Here's the guide track to "I Didn't Do It". All that we'll keep on this version is the drum track. Guitars, bass, horns (lots of horns!), and vocals will come later...
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #19
Here's the guide track to "Bed Wetter". Now, keep in mind this song was written the day after we figured out we weren't writing an album for kid's per se, but an album about us -- the band -- as kids. (And, yes, this is based on a true story by a band member who wishes to remain nameless but wrote the song.)
The keyboard sound you hear is a combination Casiotone MT-35 and an Omnichord. Also, these are John's "keeper" vocals. We hear a lot of psychedelic stuff going on in this one and will likely explore this as we add guitars, keyboards, and flesh it out.
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
The keyboard sound you hear is a combination Casiotone MT-35 and an Omnichord. Also, these are John's "keeper" vocals. We hear a lot of psychedelic stuff going on in this one and will likely explore this as we add guitars, keyboards, and flesh it out.
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #18
Here's the guide track we created for "Are We There Yet?"
We're still working on the lyrics but the structure is now locked down. Also, we have a melody line for the chorus, but weren't able to add it to this version. You can hear the original demo here in SUCKast Episode #2.
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
We're still working on the lyrics but the structure is now locked down. Also, we have a melody line for the chorus, but weren't able to add it to this version. You can hear the original demo here in SUCKast Episode #2.
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Monday, February 9, 2009
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #17
We love working with other musicians and with this album we were lucky enough to get the chance to work with the great George Hrab (indie musician, podcaster, writer, and all around uber-talent). We've been meaning to work together since interviewing him for our book, The Indie Band Survival Guide and DIY Music Manual. And this album seemed the perfect chance, so we called him up.
While describing the concept of the album to George on the phone, he commented on how there's a ton of stuff kids have these days that we didn't have growing up. And, "When I Was Your Age" was born. After the call, I went back to John and Tom and told them about the phrase we all heard while we were kids and how that may make a good album title as it captures the concept behind the album well. We'll see if it sticks...
Anyway, within two days George emailed over the guide track of the song he came up with - guitar/bass, click, and vocal. And it's awesome. It's now up to us to build up, arrange, add instruments, backing vocals, etc. (we're really, really hoping George will sing lead -- as he should!). And, what you'll hear here is the guide and the final drum track.
Subscribe to this podcast's feed here as there's more songs under construction coming down the pike.
P.S. If you're not already subscribed to George's highly entertaining, fun, and thought-provoking Geologic Podcast, by all means subscribe and do so today. You have over a hundred podcasts to enjoy. I envy you cuz you have so many to catch up on. I, however, have to wait now like everyone else until he posts a new one each week.
The George Hrab primer:
Geologic Podcast - http://www.geologicpodcast.com
George's Blog - http://www.GeorgeHrab.com
CDs & Music - http://cdbaby.com/all/geologic (also at the iTunes and other fine digital retailers)
And (just) two must-see music videos:
Video for "The Assumption" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtiUdF4sGY0
Video for "Out of my Mind" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRwFgZAHDOY
[display_podcast]
While describing the concept of the album to George on the phone, he commented on how there's a ton of stuff kids have these days that we didn't have growing up. And, "When I Was Your Age" was born. After the call, I went back to John and Tom and told them about the phrase we all heard while we were kids and how that may make a good album title as it captures the concept behind the album well. We'll see if it sticks...
Anyway, within two days George emailed over the guide track of the song he came up with - guitar/bass, click, and vocal. And it's awesome. It's now up to us to build up, arrange, add instruments, backing vocals, etc. (we're really, really hoping George will sing lead -- as he should!). And, what you'll hear here is the guide and the final drum track.
Subscribe to this podcast's feed here as there's more songs under construction coming down the pike.
P.S. If you're not already subscribed to George's highly entertaining, fun, and thought-provoking Geologic Podcast, by all means subscribe and do so today. You have over a hundred podcasts to enjoy. I envy you cuz you have so many to catch up on. I, however, have to wait now like everyone else until he posts a new one each week.
The George Hrab primer:
Geologic Podcast - http://www.geologicpodcast.com
George's Blog - http://www.GeorgeHrab.com
CDs & Music - http://cdbaby.com/all/geologic (also at the iTunes and other fine digital retailers)
And (just) two must-see music videos:
Video for "The Assumption" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtiUdF4sGY0
Video for "Out of my Mind" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRwFgZAHDOY
[display_podcast]
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #16
Here's where we took the song "My Cereal". The original guide track is in Episode #10
This one is now way more than a guide track. It's well on it's way toward getting done. Heck, this one even has all the lyrics in place (er, we basically toured our local supermarket's cereal aisle with a pad of paper and a pen). The drums, keys, and vocals are all final at this time. We'll be adding guitars, bass, and other keys/FX in the next two weeks.
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're up at "the iTunes" now.
[display_podcast]
This one is now way more than a guide track. It's well on it's way toward getting done. Heck, this one even has all the lyrics in place (er, we basically toured our local supermarket's cereal aisle with a pad of paper and a pen). The drums, keys, and vocals are all final at this time. We'll be adding guitars, bass, and other keys/FX in the next two weeks.
Join us on this album by joining our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. We're up at "the iTunes" now.
[display_podcast]
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #15
This song is about having a crush on your teacher.
This song, "I Like The Way She Cleans Erasers", is the song Tom, John, and I wrote Friday night that led to the big discussion about whether we were creating an album for kids or an album about us as kids. We collectively came to the realization that we were writing two albums. After we wrote this one, we decided we'd head down "the album about us as kids" route. And once we made that decision, the concept for the album came into focus and it became a LOT easier to pick the songs for the album.
This is a "guide track plus". The drums and vocals are the final ones we'll be using, but everything else will disappear.
Our friends in the band Another Cultural Landslide (who are also participating in the RPMChallenge.com) tuned in to the studio webcams while we were recording vocals, took in the song, and sent us a lick/melody line right then and there. Talk about collaborating. So, when you hear the cosmic, dreamy harmonium in the background, that's thanks to them!
Anyone can throw us more ideas at our Facebook collaboration page. Please feel free.
Subscribe to the feed here. And we're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
This song, "I Like The Way She Cleans Erasers", is the song Tom, John, and I wrote Friday night that led to the big discussion about whether we were creating an album for kids or an album about us as kids. We collectively came to the realization that we were writing two albums. After we wrote this one, we decided we'd head down "the album about us as kids" route. And once we made that decision, the concept for the album came into focus and it became a LOT easier to pick the songs for the album.
This is a "guide track plus". The drums and vocals are the final ones we'll be using, but everything else will disappear.
Our friends in the band Another Cultural Landslide (who are also participating in the RPMChallenge.com) tuned in to the studio webcams while we were recording vocals, took in the song, and sent us a lick/melody line right then and there. Talk about collaborating. So, when you hear the cosmic, dreamy harmonium in the background, that's thanks to them!
Anyone can throw us more ideas at our Facebook collaboration page. Please feel free.
Subscribe to the feed here. And we're now up at "the iTunes".
[display_podcast]
Friday, February 6, 2009
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #14
"Tap Your Feet" is another guide track we created for the band to build on. This one is a pseudo-gypsy swing jazz type of thing. We REALLY REALLY want to have the sound of a tap dancer in the middle section. If any of you tap dance - let us know!
Throw us more ideas at our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. It’ll soon be up at “the iTunes”, Podcast Pickle, and other podcast sites as we syndicate it.
[display_podcast]
Throw us more ideas at our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. It’ll soon be up at “the iTunes”, Podcast Pickle, and other podcast sites as we syndicate it.
[display_podcast]
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #13
"Cooties" is another guide track we created for the band to build on. This one is a re-working of the demo from TheSongOfTheDay.com. Somehow we thought this would be just the right concept for a kid's album.
Feel free to join in and throw us ideas at our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. It’ll soon be up at “the iTunes”, Podcast Pickle, and other podcast sites as we syndicate it.
[display_podcast]
Feel free to join in and throw us ideas at our Facebook collaboration page.
Subscribe to the feed here. It’ll soon be up at “the iTunes”, Podcast Pickle, and other podcast sites as we syndicate it.
[display_podcast]
Songs Under Construction 'Kast - Episode #12
"Go To Bed!" - a phrase said round the world by parents everywhere. This is yet another guide track that we created to lock down the tempo and structure.
We're still working on songs, song ideas, and lyrics, so feel free to join in and throw us ideas at our Facebook collaboration page. What we need is actual recordings of kids now. Talking, arguing that they're not sleepy, babbling, whatever. We're thinking adding kids talking throughout the album would be a good idea. If you have access to a bona fide, real, live, actual kid, record 'em and send the audio in to us!
Subscribe to the podcast feed here. It’ll soon be up at “the iTunes”, Podcast Pickle, and other podcast sites as we syndicate it.
[display_podcast]
We're still working on songs, song ideas, and lyrics, so feel free to join in and throw us ideas at our Facebook collaboration page. What we need is actual recordings of kids now. Talking, arguing that they're not sleepy, babbling, whatever. We're thinking adding kids talking throughout the album would be a good idea. If you have access to a bona fide, real, live, actual kid, record 'em and send the audio in to us!
Subscribe to the podcast feed here. It’ll soon be up at “the iTunes”, Podcast Pickle, and other podcast sites as we syndicate it.
[display_podcast]
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