community presbyterian music

I just got a rough first mix of Community Presbyterians CD. It basically felt like I was recording Ethereal since Stokes, Connie, Adam, & Will were the singers/musicians. We started this project before the studio was even completed and months before we got the good preamps & mics. For our first real studio project I think it turned out pretty good. I would have done a handful of things differently if I could do them over. Eg. I was miking & running a DI in to record instruments then balancing them out in the mix. I was trying to make it a bit more crisp but after hearing some of those results, I realize it doesn't sound as authentic. Also, since that project, I've started shaping the sounds a lot more before they come in to the computer. Some folks may think that's a bad idea but I think I get much better sounds when I EQ on the front end. I'm also getting the benefit of my board preamps which I like. I definitely appreciate their willing to take a chance on the studio so early on and let me work out some bugs. I can't say enough about the people involved. Stokes has the best ear of anyone I know. Connie is the most talented violinist I know. She crosses over so well. Adam is just straight up Mr. Everything. Word is he's learning violin, which would make instrument # 4. Will is the best drummer I know. I in general don't know a ton of musicians but these guys would be at the top of anybody's list. They are really great to know and work with. Here are some clips. Keep in mind these are not final mixes and are not mastered.

Come Ye Sinners

No One Is Good Enough

st. marks & hannah brown

It was butt cold in the studio today, that is up until about 7pm when when we were about to finish. Then it finally got warm enough to tolerate. I feel sorry for the musicians when it's this cold. I do have heat it just can't compete. Ha, I'm a poet and I didn't know it.

I started recording St. Mark's youth band 1 year & 1 month ago. It was before the studio was even built. I started it on our Roland 1680 and then Will later imported it into Cubase. They are a really cool group and I've enjoyed working with them and getting to know them. They have since wanted to change some things and also a piano part was lost in the transfer. They came over this morning and finished up ( I think). Here are some pics.


Hannah Brown came in after that and we wrapped up lead vocals. I love her stuff and the mix down sounded great. This album is going to be really good... one I will listen to on my own will. We've got harmonies, a violin part, some piano, and percussion left. Sounds like a lot but I actually feel like we are about to finish up. Her stuff has a lot of production on it and has taken a lot of time but today proved worth it all. I wish I had been documenting her project as it went because it has allowed for me to work with a lot of musicians, some whom I didn't know before. Anyway, I'm beat and about to go to bed. I'm always surprised at how long I can record without getting bored or tired, although I do tend to get a little stressed out. Right Hannah?

This should have happened a year ago

It's like 10 minutes after you have an argument and then all of the sudden you think of a million great comebacks and points that would have annihilated the other person. The good ideas always seem to come late.

Anyway, if I had thought of this last year then I would be telling you about this great idea of having a studio that caters to artists with not much money but a lot passion and good music. And how we just finished remodeling a shed in my back yard to have an isolation and control room (honestly, I am actually really surprised at how quiet it is). Also that I don't really know if this whole thing is going to work but it seemed like fun to try.

The first year was good. I recorded 3 bands & 3 solo acts. I would have loved to have documented that process. There was a lot of learning going on in that but the artists were really great to work with. I'll post some final mixes as the come in... most of them are still in post production.

I am however still working on recording 2 of those 6. Hannah Brown writes some great music and has a really cool voice. I really wanted the chance to record her because I knew it was going to be solid music. She is coming in this weekend to try and finish up vocals. We've got a few more aux. instruments to put down but we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I can't wait for everyone to hear her stuff, it's sounding really good.

Hopefully I'll get some pics and start documenting these sessions a little better now that I thought about doing this blog. As we finish up these artists I'll provide links to their music so you can hear what we've been up to this past year. As far as what's on the horizon... just trying to finish up these projects. We get inquiring calls a lot but never know who will pan out and who will not which makes me glad I don't do this for a living... I'm stressed out enough. Also, I'm pretty sure our band will be using the studio this spring for our new project. That will be cool.

Contact

Soundscaping Studio is located a few miles south of Birmingham, AL.

Corey Nolen
205.919.1904
scnolen@gmail.com

Will Giuliani
205.305.6248
will@soundscaping.com

Gear

System & Software:
Intel Mac running Cubase 4 Pro Edition

PreAmps & Interface:
Presonus Firepod
Art ProChannel Class A Tube PreAmp
Avalon U5 Class A DI
Line 6 Pod XT
Mackie VLZ Pro Mixer

Mics:
Neumann TLM 103
Shure SM 57 (multiple)
Audix D1,2,3,4,6 (drum mics)
AKG C 3000 B (2)
AKG C 2000 B

Price

Soundscaping Studio exists to assist artists in their pursuit of global recognition & acquisition of exorbitant amounts of money. If this doesn’t work out, we would at least like to do all we can to help the artist get to the next level of their professional or amateur musical career & lifestyle. As fellow artists we understand the need for inexpensive yet quality music production. We use ourselves to record. It is our goal to meet each artist where they are and offer our services according to their needs and their budget.

Soundscaping Studio does not charge by the hour but rather,1.) by the entire recorded project 2.) by the entire mixed project.

(If you really want to know how much this ends up being per hour.... the average hourly rate of all our projects in 2006 (based on how much time we actually spent recording & mixing) ranged between $11 & $18 an hour. We simply want to help you make your music and are not looking to make a lot of money.)

Once production, # of songs, and other recording variables are considered Soundscaping Studio and the artist will agree on a flat rate for the entire recording session. A separate rate will then be agreed upon for the mixing of the recorded project. It might seem confusing, but it's just the way we work. We promise to give you an excellent rate, enough time in the studio to relax & do your best, and also to provide quality production.