What better way to spend the holiday season than sitting in a studio with your loved ones, playing the same song over and over and over again? That’s basically what we did on a recent Thursday at the Record Co in Boston. Thom and Chris spent the day camped out with Dereck Blackburn from Quiethouse Recording, laying down the bones of a few new tracks (plus one re-record).
Believe it or not, this was actually our first time working with a dedicated audio engineer. If you listen to any of our previous recordings, we’ve always handled all of the production and engineering elements ourselves (until recently, we even did our own mixing, too). We’ve hired Dereck a few times now to help us out with mastering, and he offered such a thoughtful perspective and critical ear that we thought it might be worth our time (and money) to let him handle all the microphone placements and other technical aspects that go along with that.
Lemme tell you: that makes a difference!
Dereck knew his microphones. He knew which ones worked for what, and he knew exactly where to put them. It was one of the smoothest setup processes I’ve ever been through. It was also the best sounding one. Even the raw drum tracks had a natural EQ and shimmer unlike anything we’ve ever accomplished on our own.
Check it out:
Recording Drums for “My Life As A Weapon”
Everything you’re hearing there is from the monitors in the booth. The raw tracks sound even better!
I should also mention the Ohma microphone that Dereck strapped onto my Hot Rod Deluxe. That thing sounded like fire. Don’t get me wrong, the SM57 I typically use at home is still a sturdy classic. But that Ohma mic opened my mind and ears to levels I never expected.
Don’t believe me? Take a listen for yourself.
Guitar for “The Edge of Memory”
And another angle on “My Life As A Weapon.”
“My Life As A Weapon” (Drums & Guitar)
(Extra thanks to Dereck for filming those clips while we were busy, ya know, playing.)
Here are a few more photos from throughout the day as well, also courtesy of Dereck Blackburn.
It’ll probably be at least another few months until you hear any of the finished songs from this session — but trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.
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