My Recording Process.

Just got a great blog from Gary, he asked me about my recording process, something only artists ask each other. I for one, find it fascinating, how different artists go about getting the best sound they can.

I recorded my first songs onto a tape recorder. Then got a second hand Fostex 4 track, things broke on it, but i managed to keep it working. When i stayed in Rachels attic, we recorded on it, there were no buttons to press record, so i would stick my little finger in the hole.
But for a time now, i've been recording on a quarter inch tape, Tascam reel to reel 8 track. Not only have i got this for its unique velvety sound, but also the fact that its a machine and not computer, something that i just have to press once, and clonk, its recording.

Although i'm no technaphobe, i use a loop based computer program called Acid to compose drum tracks, i write these by first finding possible loops from 'Loop CDs'. The only trouble can be the amount of loops you listen to before finding the one that works, the more you listen, the less you hear. But, i don't always use a drum track, sometimes a metranone will do, or more often than not, i'll just record the song without exterior timing, this achieves a more personal, emotive recording.
I record my guitar through two 'Drawmer compressors', for stereo guitar, which i pan each side on the mixer.
The mics are 'SM 58'.
I record my vocal through a 'Focusrite compressor' and a 'Shure Beta A87' vocal mic with pop sheild,and everything then goes through a midiverb unit or effects unit, i usually have my midiverb set very low for a dryer sound. Then i have a CD burner to copy from the 8 track, 'voila la demo'.
If i do use a drum loop, i often record the drums from the computer and the stereo guitar and vocal at the same time. Then as i record, i can see where i am in the song on the computer screen. I then listen to it a thousand times, and start maybe adding some keyboard,strings,bass with a 'Roland VK 7'.
Then listen another thousand times, which reminds me, my headphones are 'AKG', and i love'em.

But recording in the London studio, with my producer 'Simon Townsend',things are slowed down, and we go for a great relaxed performance, whereas in my little demo studio at home, i just want to record the song, primarily to remember the music because i can't read music. So i keep'em in my head.

Writing and recording my music gives me a sense of purpose,also the affirmations in the songs i write help me on a day to day basis, i feel very lucky to be where i am, but i've always made sure i'd be nowhere else. whatever that bloody means?

Hope you enjoyed this blog, let me know?
mikey