I offer full band recording here at my studio, and have done this numerous times. I am going to share some thoughts about being prepared. Leave your ego at the door, and be present. Show up knowing the material. Everyone. This is different than...
Read morePre-Production
I am excited! I am getting ready to record a full band here soon for the first time in a while. The pandemic prevented getting together, especially in confined areas for prolonged amounts of time. I am going through the checklist: how best to...
Read moreISO DIY vocal booth
I made some small ISO boxes last year to use on guitar amps when recording a live rock band. They ended working quite well. I used PVC pipe and heavy packing blankets. I also attempted a vocal booth that didn’t work so well last year. So...
Read moreHal Blaine
Hal Blaine just passed away at age 90. Look him up if you don’t know his name. Many of you will know the groups and the songs. 15 Classic Songs that Featured Hal Blaine If you haven’t done so already, check out the documentary The Wrecking...
Read moreRecording Bands
Recently, my studio has started getting work recording bands. Originally, I designed my space with private teaching (with video cameras); remote drum tracks; and drum instructional videos in mind. However, I have started to embrace engineering...
Read moreLive Radio Show
Here’s a quick blurb and a link to a radio show I did with The Anthony Russo Band on Denver’s kgnu radio station recently. Curtis Hawkins is on bass. Anthony and the band start around 2:05:22. Enjoy!
Read moreDrum Fills and Listening
Most drummers like to play drum fills. Some drummers really like to play these fills — sometimes to the point of being too much. My main piece of advice to my students is to learn to listen. Listen to the song and stay out of the way of the...
Read moreTuning Drums
I like my drums to sound good and I try to tune them after setting up at a gig. This means that I try to to get to a gig in plenty of time to not only set up, but to accomplish the tuning task as well. It’s not always possible for me to...
Read moreMicrophones
Recently, I bought some new and used microphones for Gregory Tech Drum Center. I will be recording some examples of the different models — also known as a “shoot out.” I can’t wait to see how different the drums will sound with...
Read moreBeing Prepared for the Studio
I’ll be recording with a 10-piece band near the end of the month and want to be as prepared as possible. Today, I learned which charts we’ll be doing which is really helpful. There will be one rehearsal before the recording, but I...
Read moreRecording in the Studio – Live!
Today, I had the pleasure of playing and recording some fun fusion music! We recorded live and even though it took a little while to find a good level for the entire band, I think that it was well worth the effort. I really enjoy creating and...
Read moreRecording and Being Open
I was recording today – tracking bass and drums. For some reason, I swapped out snare drums. I took the drum that’s usually to my left (by my hi-hat) and set it up as my main snare drum. I didn’t dig it, but the bass player did!...
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