SEEDS & ROOTS » album http://www.seedsandroots.org creative exploration & expression Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:49:29 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 album update: detroit city http://www.seedsandroots.org/my-music/album-update-detroit-city/ http://www.seedsandroots.org/my-music/album-update-detroit-city/#comments Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:18:35 +0000 J. Stephens http://www.seedsandroots.org/?p=1647 IMG_5652

here’s a work in progress. when you listen you’ll see what I mean by “in progress”. vocals are coming soon!

detroit city – it’s a working title. detroit, motorcity, motown. do you get it?

that’s how my brain works.

hook up some good speakers!

Detroit City Incomplete & Unmixed

Detroit City (Demo)

peace

J. Stephens

]]> http://www.seedsandroots.org/my-music/album-update-detroit-city/feed/ 0 album sessions have begun http://www.seedsandroots.org/my-music/album-sessions-have-begun/ http://www.seedsandroots.org/my-music/album-sessions-have-begun/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:38:12 +0000 J. Stephens http://www.seedsandroots.org/?p=1232
[Read More Inside...]]]> I’ve started work on an album.  The way I see it, the time is now.  I’ve got the musicians who are willing to help.  I’ve amassed enough of the necessary equipment to pull it off.  The master plan/goal is to do it all independently: write, record, distribute (online), promote, & perform.  Hopefully, before the years end, I’ll have something available for download on iTunes.

So the inaugural event took place earlier this week.  I transformed/destroyed my den into a recording space.  I invited my buddy Drew (NC State Architectural Grad Student/Good Drummer) to lay down some tracks with me.

Here are some raw unmixed instrumental snippets. Hook up some good speakers and take a listen:

session 1
session 2

IMG_5115-2

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Here are the production secrets…

DRUM Recording Chain:

Ayotte kit, Tama Bubinga Snare, Drum heads taped with felt, A-Custom Crashes, etc…

Shure PG-81 (overhang) –> Hamptone HVTP2 Tube Preamp–> FMR Audio RNLA 7239 Compressor –>Edirol FA 101 A/D Convertor
AKG C2000B (3ft from the bass drum) –> Hamptone HVTP2 Tube Preamp –> FMR Audio RNC 1773 Compressor –>Edirol FA 101 A/D Convertor
Shure SM-57 (on the snare) –> Sytek MPX4A Preamp –> DBX 1046 Compressor –>Edirol FA 101 A/D Convertor

ELECTRIC GUITAR Recording Chain:

Squier Strat –> Pedalboard –> 66 Blackface Deluxe Reverb –>
Shure SM57 (close miked) –> Hamptone HVTP2 Tube Preamp –>FMR Audio RNLA 7239 Compressor –>Edirol FA 101 A/D Convertor
AKG C2000B (3ft from the amp) –> Hamptone HVTP2 Tube Preamp –> FMR Audio RNC 1773 Compressor –>Edirol FA 101 A/D Convertor

I’m recording onto my Macbook Pro using Ableton Live 7. I love Ableton Live! It’s perfect for me.

Also, I’ve been using my stereo speakers for monitors.  I’ve got a pair of Alesis M1 Actives, but they’re packed up being that I’m moving in two weeks.  I figure if a mix sounds good on my stereo speakers,  it’ll sound good just about anywhere else.

Watch the Sessions Page for progress reports!

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