Mar 18

On opening for DRI, Doyle, & Michale Graves… and new releases

An update is due, as DISFUNCTION (horrorpunks in 21) has opened for three very cool bands recently: DRI, Doyle, and Michale Graves. At the most recent show opening for Michale Graves, we also released a new 2-song single CD and Cassette: “More Than Meets The Eye” / “Paranoid”. These shows were a whole lot of fun, and while it is always exciting with DISFUNCTION – I love this band – it was extra exciting to play these three significant shows in such rapid succession.

The DRI show was a lot of fun, and they played some of their new songs from a forthcoming release. Originally, the plan was that Spike was going to play through my cabinet, but plans got shuffled, and it didn’t work out that way. However, I did get to meet the man after their set. When we played, we finished with a cover of The Exploited’s “Rival Leaders” – and I dedicated the song to DRI. Appropriate for a speedcore-turned-crossover-thrash headliner!

I mentioned the DOYLE show in an earlier post, but I have some different songs from that night that were not included in the first posting. DOYLE was awesome, and they played about 1/4 to 1/3 Misfits songs. The sets were plagued by bad sound onstage, though, and it was sometimes clear that DOYLE was experiencing the same kind of frustration with the monitors that I had an hour or so prior… A great night.

The Michale Graves show was probably the most fun show of these three. Sound was really good, the crowd was into it right off the bat, and it was a little more intimate setting. The stage was a bit small and crowded, but we still managed to move around a bit, and the crowd was really moving by a couple of songs in. Michale and his band – featuring members of Darrow Chemical Company – really put on a great show, including several of the favorites from the 90s Misfits among new and old Michale Graves solo songs.

You can hear the “More Than Meets The Eye” record below, and you can also see/hear DISFUNCTION playing the title track on the night of the release:

Additional DISFUNCTION tracks recorded during the same bunch of sessions will be released on an upcoming split record, for which I did the principal production work for both bands.

Mar 11

George Martin – Producer Links

George Martin, Producer of Beatles records, has died. He participated in playing parts on the records, and he not only influenced music and rock&roll, but also what the role of a “Record Producer” would become in later years…

https://reverb.com/news/george-martin-the-producer-who-took-a-calculated-risk-on-the-beatles

george martin

Nov 30

DISFUCTION Opened for DOYLE – formerly of The Misfits

Here is a brief excerpt of DISFUNCTION’s show opening for DOYLE of Misfits fame – While it was hectic for us because there were technical difficulties throughout the set with the on-stage sound and bass amplification, it was still a really good show in hindsight. And it was awesome to share the stage with DOYLE and the other bands, all of whom also tore it up that night!

Oct 19

Dave Jerden – Producer links

dave jerden

Dave Jerden shares recollections on 13 of the career-defining records he produced
http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/production-legend-dave-jerden-on-13-career-defining-records-586973

More from Dave Jerden:

Sep 12

Recording and Final Mix Completed for The Filthy Dix!

media-blitz-records-logo-inverted-for-faviconI wrote before that I was impressed with the progress made by Dave of The Filthy Dix in the drumming department when the time came to record some songs. We later recorded bass and guitar at Necro21 Headquarters with my recording equipment and the band’s instruments. The usual ups and downs that go with recording good takes and not-as-good takes were amplified, most notably upon the successful completion (nailed it!) of the rhythm and lead guitar for a certain song… Forgetting that he was still plugged into the DAW equipment, the rest of the band mobbed him with hugs.

I must say the enthusiasm surrounding the recording of this record has really been something.

Everyone involved in the recording process got to be included in the “gang backup vocals” featured on the record, and the drummer’s impromptu backup vocals captured in the studio will always remind us of the event for those that were present.

The “Final Mix” for CD/Streaming purposes has been completed and delivered, and it has been a pleasure working with The Filthy Dix. Look for the songs to be included on an upcoming split EP (expected to be released on vinyl) in 2016.

FDs

Jun 14

“Positivity” Album Intro & Track by Track Commentary

Positivity Cover v1 - OCR std
Hey, I am super excited to announce the release of my new album, “Positivity”, which is very funk-rock driven, with lots of punk rock and alternative rock influences … and lots of rad guitar solos. I will state up front that the album is heavily influenced by music from many eras of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The vocals are all over the place. Likely vocal influences I think I have identified this time around include Anthony Kiedis, Henry Rollins, HR, Glenn Danzig, Jello Biafra, Gibby Haynes, Darby Crash, and Billy Corgan. I guess those are pretty high-profile names…

It’s a good mix of mostly upbeat, fun music that will make you want to rock out, dance, and listen. The lyrics poetically deal with serious subjects in a thoughtful and grounded way without weighing down the songs. This album is meant to be a PMA (Positive Mental Attitude – which has deep roots in hardcore punk and elsewhere) experience, which will make you think and feel good.

This album is a bit different from the hardcore punk you may have expected. On future albums, I intend to expand further into the funk, pop, and rock genres, in addition to hardcore, punk, thrash, and metal. I will take a moment to introduce and describe each of the eleven songs on the album (scroll down to hear it!):

POSITIVITY
As soon as I came up with the opening/main riff, I was pretty sure this would be the first song on the album, and it also sounded like the most clear example of the tone I wanted to set for the rest of the record. I also thought it would be good to have the weird chorus vocals on the first song, so the listener would know they shouldn’t expect to know what to expect…

PREPOSTEROUS
To me, this has RHCP all over it. It has a simple funk-punk riff in the verse, and then a chorus with cool twin lead guitars over funk vox. I like this one more all the time.

PUBLIC INTOXICAN’T
Building on the sound of the previous song, this is the third of the three opening fast songs that begin with the letter “p”… It may have a little bit of The Dead Milkmen in its style, and it has some pretty intense “soul music” vocals

CROWD SORES
You can sit back a bit on this one. Mid-paced. Funky pop-rock. Like most of the solos, this one was improvised without a plan, and it is a single take… Lots of puns in the lyrics on this one…

YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG
I think it has kind of an Alice in Chains sound, though it was originally intended as a reggae-dub song…
* End of Side 1 *

IN THE CITY
* Start of Side 2 *
As noted, the first song on side 2 when it is put on vinyl or cassette… Very funk-rock, with at least 3 vocal styles. The bass is pretty strong on this one, especially at the end of the bridge.

LIFE AS A GHOST
When I finished recording the improvised lead guitar on this one, that’s when I knew this had to be a good record. That’s when I really got excited. This song’s lyrics compare having to keep your mouth shut about all the B.S. around you to how ghosts supposedly are always dwelling on important and unfinished things from their lives. I thought it seemed like a cool, poetic idea, so I made it. Oh yeah, it’s a really mellow song…

MODEL CITIZEN
Now that you’re all rested up, you get hit with what is probably the hardest rocker on the album. It is also a sort of tribute to The Germs, which you may be able to hear in the vocal style used.

LITMUS
It is a nice transition into this song, which is the second “chill” song on the record. The metaphor works pretty well throughout the song.

THE CAUSE-HEADS
Have you seen PCU? If not, you need to! This song was born from the frustration of seeing these people who express their feelings of desperation to stand for something by standing for anything they are told is good, particularly when they cannot and refuse to see that the people directing them are bad… Much like the PCU film, the song has a hopeful and positive vibe to it… I love that driving chorus beat…

OVER THE HORIZON
Okay, this actually kind of sounds like an upbeat Cure song. Let’s hear it for poppy distorted bass! The lyrics tell the listener to focus his vision, to recognize and find strength in the fact that those around him have made similar mistakes, and to have the courage to do what’s right – with a positive attitude. The song is on the cool, mellow side, but it has a driving aspect to it. I think the song and album finish strongly.

You could loop it right back to the first song and listen to the whole album again. I do think that despite the diversity of sounds explored, it sounds like a single, complete album. I also believe I succeeded in tackling somewhat serious topics in an upbeat and artful manner while promoting a positive and upbeat perspective, which is the theme and what I set out to do. Thank you for reading/listening, and I would like to hear what you like about the album.

Apr 25

Drum Tracking Completed for The Filthy Dix!

media-blitz-records-logo-inverted-for-favicon
We have completed drum tracking for the first EP/Split from The Filthy Dix… As is often the case with local live drum recording sessions, Seth and Josh from DISFUNCTION/Necro21 handled the mic setup and the Roland VS 1880, while I was there to oversee the sessions and discuss the recording strategy with the band. The drum tracks have since been ported over to the computer, and I will be taking over the recording and production from here.

I have to say that the Filthy Dix’s drumming has come a long way in the past year. I am very excited to continue working with them on the project, the final recordings of which are expected to be released on vinyl and other formats.

Apr 18

Explaining The Band Recording Process

Here is the Quick Rundown of
What To Expect in The Band Recording Process:

Your Songs Should Already be Written & Well-Rehearsed.

In most cases, we will record the drums first. While we are recording the drums, the bassist (sometimes the guitarist or other) will often also play along in a way that the drummer can hear. The drummer may also use a metronome. We usually use headphones to achieve this. This bass (or other) will either not be recorded, or it will be at a very quiet level. (When it later comes time for the bassist to record his part, he will generally be playing these same parts he had played quietly.)

We then break for the day. We need to get the drum tracks on the computer and prepare the song projects.

When we come back together to continue recording, we usually record the bass next. Rhythm guitar typically follows. By this point, most vocal parts can then be recorded. Alternatively, lead guitar, solos, and additional instruments like keyboards or brass can also be added when desired. There will generally be a plan for what will be recorded during a day’s session.

After everything is recorded, we break again. Early mixes are made, and we discuss what changes, if any, should be made before the final mix.

When the mix is decided, audio files with this mix are created, and they can then be emailed, uploaded, and/or burned to CDr as needed.

Mar 21

The Right Way To Approach the Recording Sessions

Sometimes a band member will have done some recording in the past, will have a very inflexible idea of how things should be done. Sometimes it is a matter of the musician wanting the record to sound “just like we sound live” … and an effort will be made to limit the “studio magic” used to make the record sound good.

When encountering these attitudes, I usually try to get at least one version of the part recorded the way the musician is describing, but I also insist we try things my way to ensure we have what we need to serve the record itself. Nonlinear, nondestructive digital audio editing allows for many opportunities to make parts sound better than they may sound when first recorded into the mic – perhaps better than they would have sounded on a 4-track cassette tape.

I recorded from amp-to-mic-to-tape for over ten years, and most of it was punk rock. I get it. However, what you initially get with that approach is not always what you want. The tone of the guitar in the room doesn’t always translate to the recording. By getting a solid direct line recording, we may be able to better achieve your desired sound and/or sounds you had not yet considered through the use of custom presets. I am a snob when it comes to guitar tone, and I understand if you are, as well – I will work with you to get what you are looking for.

What is important is that both sides come into the process with open minds and clear ideas of what needs to be accomplished. Creative solutions can then be determined as needed.

Mar 01

Electronic Beats & Drum Loops Versus Live Drums

roland-vs1880

I have used drum loops since I began playing punk bass, and later guitar. My first song recording on a tape recorder in the mid 90s featured a drum loop with playing over it. I have gone on to use drum loops in all types of music recording projects from industrial and techno to hardcore punk and rock. I also play drums – though not as often as I would like, and I love playing with a good drummer. I can also appreciate a not-so-good drummer, and everyone has to start somewhere. I have seen some drummers come a long way in a short time, and I have known some very good ones.

When a studio recording project requires recording live drums, we will usually use 3 or 4 mics on the drum kit, then recording them digitally to a Roland VS 1880 (18 track digital recorder).

If a studio recording project (or live performance band) requires drum loops, there are many possibilities for creating, acquiring, and/or utilizing such beats. If you have such a requirement, we can discuss your situation and determine the best solution for you.