For the Record, Press the Red Button

This is an old post that a lot of you guys have seen. It was an article I wrote that front paged the CSI newspaper. It's about my first experiences recording with my band. If you haven't read it before, enjoy...

(Photo by Hikaru Wolf)

For the Record, Press the Red Button

Nothing beats the feeling of popping in a brand new cd that you’ve been waiting to hear. The expectation of hearing your favorite artist latest work is always gratifying after a long wait. Now imagine if this cd was made by you. Imagine if you have been waiting for this cd for eight years! This is what happened to me. Now bring it back…

Being in a band is something I’ve endured since I was in the eighth grade. I have always had a passion for music, but no matter who I partnered with, it never worked out. The closest thing to recording was on the cassette tapes I made of the band recording a practice. Flash forward a few years and several bands, and now I think the formula is just right. As a band we all get each other. The music flows through each of us like blood through our veins. We have garnered up a local following, and a nice selection of songs. It is time to record.

Process of Fusion, my band, embarked on this journey together, January 6^th 2010. It was a good way to start the new year. We all had our expectations, but none of us really knew what to make of this new experience. Recording at times could be fun, and at times could be tedious and annoying. For me, sometimes it was just downright boring. I am the vocalist, which means, I go last. The drums go first, then the bass, followed by guitars. Since I share lead vocal responsibilities, the other vocalist goes first.

Finally it is my turn, and I must admit how nervous I am feeling. It did take me awhile to get used to playing shows, but this isn’t a show. My stage fright days are behind me, but some odd reason this task seems grueling to me. Maybe it’s the seclusion from the rest of the band in a big empty room. Maybe it’s the big headphones and stationary microphone on its stand, instead of me holding it. Or maybe, just maybe it’s the breaking down and analyzing of my voice piece by piece that frightens me so much. Nevertheless, I had to contribute my long awaited parts to the song. Eventually, I grew accustomed to recording and began to enjoy it…then we finished. Perhaps next time I can record with the same energy from beginning of session until the end, but lets get through this first.

The next step is mixing. This is when you go through every song looking for things to tweak or add. Usually it’s just a matter of raising volumes on various parts like cymbals or notes, but sometimes we can add cool effects to the voice or music. The point is to experiment and play with your sound until you get the perfect one. Once mixing is done, now it’s time to master. Mastering is bringing the music up to the level of quality you would hear on the radio or any other cd. As our producer said, “You’ll sound big”. The moment of truth is almost here…

“Quick, pop the cd in,” exclaims my excited guitar player. We all lean forward to await the familiar sound of guitars coming through the speakers. “Der ner ner ner, dun dun dun…” There it is, the guitar, here comes the drums! I cannot properly put into words what the feeling of hearing yourself professionally recorded coming through the stereo sounds like. If you have recorded a professional album, and you are reading this, you know what I speak of. I guess the next big move would be to radio, but for now the easy part is out of the way. Time to market, press copies, and promote our album and up coming shows. Now it gets hard…