Witzend Recording Studio

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Mike Cardy

2012-02-06T10:12:00.003+08:00

Mike was in the studio Saturday tracking Drums for the album. Mike's son Shane was playing the drums and the session went very well with the 5 tracks that we planed to do being completed in time for us to have the evening off. Shane played to the guide vocal & guitar along with the click track.

The only slight down side of the day was that Shane turned up with a St Kilda shirt on, however this was soon offset when he told me he had bought a Freo Dockers membership for this season.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Laurie Mansell

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000+08:00

Laurie was back in the studio yesterday to track another song for the CD project, we tracked drums and piano with Laurie laying down a guide vocal and guide guitar.

In The Studio (Jeremy Beste) - Mark Hewitt

2012-01-30T09:58:00.000+08:00

Mark was back in town last week and popped into the studio with Jeremy to add some material for the upcoming CD.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Sophie Costello & Matthew Allen

2012-01-18T10:33:00.000+08:00

Last week I had two very talented young people in the studio recording some demo tracks. Sophie was recording 2 original songs playing the guitar and singing the vocal.

Later we also recorded Sophie singing to some backing tracks both

solo and as a duet with Matthew.

Matthew also sang a couple of songs solo to backing tracks

The session went very well with a great performance producing a very good demo.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Mike Cardy

2011-11-28T14:43:00.000+08:00

Mike Cardy started an album project this weekend. Altogether there are 11 songs for the album and we started by recording acoustic guitar tracks to a click and then some guide vocal. The idea being to get a good guitar track recorded so that the other musicians can record later. All went well and a fair few of the songs have been started.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Hiatus

2011-11-24T10:36:00.002+08:00

Hiatus recorded a demo of 3 songs last night for a promotional CD / web page tracks. Hiatus are a duo featuring, Jake Minear: vocal & acoustic guitar and Kevin Siggins: acoustic guitar.

The demo was done in a combination of totally live through to guitars live vocals later depending on the song. There was also a nice mix up of acoustic guitar miked up through to an acoustic electric sound. The 3 songs were completely recorded and mixed in the one night.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Laurie Mansell

2011-11-21T09:36:00.000+08:00

Yesterday Laurie was back in the studio working on songs for the Album. We tracked some acoustic guitar, electric guitar and extra vocal parts. In the future we will have some guest musicians adding drums and piano.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - The Suntones

2011-11-10T09:29:00.000+08:00

After a marathon 3 nights of mixing, "The Suntones" 5 song CD is now finished and ready to go into production. To quote the wife of a band member "You sound better than normal," so we are all taking that as a compliment.

The CD will be available at gigs and the guys are off to Tamworth for the festival in January so lets hope plenty get sold there.

In the Studio (Alan Dawson) - Escape Artist

2011-10-31T14:24:00.001+08:00

Escape Artist started a project on Saturday recording a new song "Hunting Season".

The band describe themselves as : Escape Artist (EA) …… First formed in December 2008, converting computer generated beats and samples into a 5 piece live hip hop set consisting of two MC’s, DJ, bass and guitar.

As the band has an electric drum kit we recording the audio and midi at the same time so that sound substitution and triggers could be added later. When we had a drum track down, Bass, Guitar, Decks, Vocal and MC were added. In a few weeks we will finish off the recording and have a look at the mix.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - The Suntones

2011-10-31T14:05:00.000+08:00

The Suntones have now finished the recording stage and mixing will be carried out this week. Fingers crossed all should be finished by the end of the week.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Mike Pratt

2011-10-31T14:02:00.001+08:00

Mike's album has now been finished and mastered, Mike is reviewing the finished work at home before the final tick off. The CD is only available at gigs for now, but if any retailers get stock in the future I will let you know where.

Here is some further information on Mike if you want to Google him:-
Full Name: Michael Pratt-guyan, Gyspsy and Andaluz styles, Studied with Diego del Gastor and Emilio de Diego among others.

In The Studio (Jeremy Beste) - MSJ Productions

2011-10-31T13:55:00.000+08:00

Jeremy has been working with the talented crew from MSJ productions over the last few weeks, and a few more weeks to go. They are building up live backing discs to use with future live show production.
Up to 10 vocalists at a time and all live.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - The Suntones

2011-10-17T12:45:00.004+08:00

The Suntones started recording their CD last weekend. We tracked the Instruments live with the intention of recording vocals later. All drums and most of the instruments were finished, with a little overdubs and extra tracks to be added.

The Suntones are a country/blues roots based band currently playing in Perth and Fremantle. The line up is Chris Harwood -Acoustic upright bass/vocals, Steve Smith acoustic guitar/mandolin/vocals, Jeff Barham - Acoustic/Electric guitar, mandolin, Dobro and vocals, Andrew Smith - drums.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Update

2011-10-10T10:32:00.000+08:00

Just a quick update on what I have been doing the last few weeks.

Mike Pratt: We have been recording a couple of tracks each session working towards the start of mixing, this should happen in the next 2 weeks.

Mike hard at work

Laurie Mansell: Last week we tracked keyboard and guitar on 2 songs we are currently working on for the album.

Laurie doing a Rick Wakeman impersonation.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Nola Formentin

2011-09-02T09:30:00.005+08:00

Nola dropped by to record some backing tracks for a live vocal show that see will be performing over the next week. Nola had programmed the drums & piano, then played bass and multiple trombone parts to finish off. Mixed and mastered and all ready to go.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Sally Hodgson

2011-08-29T09:09:00.000+08:00

Sally recorded a demo of 6 songs. The demo was recorded live with Sally singing and playing guitar. The demo will be used to give other musicians a listen to the songs so that an album with a full band can be recorded at a later date.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Mike Pratt

2011-08-29T09:04:00.000+08:00

Last week Mike Pratt started recording an album of Flamenco and classical music. The album will be recorded over a number of sessions with the aim of getting 2 to 4 pieces recorded each session.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Laurie Mansell

2011-08-24T13:20:00.000+08:00

Laurie has been back in the studio over the last 2 weeks working on 3 new songs, Vocal, Guitar and bass have been recorded to a drum machine track (that will be replaced later by drums or percussion) and there will be more instruments to follow.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Gnash

2011-07-08T08:43:00.002+08:00

Gnash are a 5 piece band with an unplugged acoustic sound. The band members are: Suzanne Clark: Vocal, Guitar, Mandolin, Helen Mc Donnell: Vocals, Guitar, Alex Chapman: Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Mandolin, Gerard Foley: Vocal, Keys, and Nigel Hobson: Vocal, Congas.

We recorded a demo of 5 songs, all tracked live with up to 5 vocals, guitars, mandolin, bass, keys, harmonica and percussion playing at the same time. We did cheat on one song with Alex over dubbing the bass due to not having 4 arms.

Update 14/7/11: The band came in on Tuesday night and we mixed the songs, come out really well and everyone was pleased with the results.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - The Urban Cowboy Band

2011-07-04T15:39:00.004+08:00

The Urban Cowboy Band are back in the studio recording the next single "One God". We spent the whole day Sunday tracking Drums, Guitars and Bass, and have schedules next weekend to track Keys and Vocals.

We also plan to mix the song over the same weekend and have the single ready for a launch gig on July 16th and on air late july.

Update 11/7/11: The band were back in the studio over the weekend to record the Keys, Vocal and backing Vocal, all finished by Sat night, Sunday we mixed the song, it will be released on the web Saturday with a launch at the Railway Hotel.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Gyuto Monks of Tibet

2011-06-30T11:40:00.004+08:00

I had a very special group of people in the studio last night, the Gyuto Monks of Tibet who had been traveling around Australia with the Dalai Lama and stopped off in Fremantle, after the tour, for 4 days of Teachings and demonstrations followed by 2 sold out concerts at Kulcha.

Karla and myself had been putting them up at our house and while there it was suggested that we record some material for a new CD. One of the Gyuto Monks previous CD's "Pure Sounds" was nominated for a Grammy award in the "Best Traditional World Music Album" category, however the actual line up of monks changes as they travel between India and Australia and this lineup had not recorded as a whole so an opportunity was presented.

I set them up in the studio and they did 2 chants back to back with no break (as to not loose the vibe) which ran for an hour straight through. The result was stunning, amazing what a lifetime dedication to practice produces, we then recorded Sonam (their Tibetan translator and comic relief) doing some voiceover for a future meditation CD.

The CD's of this recording should be out later in the year.

Monks having a good time in the studio,

so is Karla (who was not singing on this occasion)

Had to get a photo with the Grammy nomination,

The Monks gave me a haircut that morning, only one cut available

(new monk).

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Dakota

2011-06-29T11:28:00.000+08:00

Cover band Dakota were in the studio Sunday doing a demo. The demo was done live including vocals and with a minimal of overdubs.

Band members: Nigel Vocals, Michael Bass / Vocals, Leigh Guitar / Vocals, John Drums, Pinna Rhythm Guitar / Vocals, Andrew Keys.

Dakota play regular gigs around town and are often seen in gig guides. I forgot to take any photos Doh!

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Mike Pratt

2011-06-02T10:40:00.001+08:00

Mike, a very talented musician, was in the studio last night doing some pre-production for a classical / Flamenco guitar album. This will be the second album I have done with Mike, the last one being recorded over at the old studio, so with the reception his last album received a new one is very overdue.

We used the pre-production time to help pick which guitar to use for which piece and to experiment with microphone selection and position. Mike will start recording the album in September.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Aftershock

2011-06-01T10:42:00.002+08:00

Aftershock are a cover band that needed a good demo to give to agents, I did my usual approach for this and set the band up live in the studio as if they were in a rehearsal room.

The band consisted of Vocals (Krystal), Guitar (Alex), bass (Kash) and drums (John). We recorded the songs live to the multi-track with a minimal of overdubs, a little bit of extra guitar rhythm and a new vocal on one song. Did a mix of the 4 songs and mastered it to a demo CD. This approach is perfect for demos and we did the whole session, recording, mixing and mastering in 8 hours.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Richard Ranalli

2011-05-27T09:45:00.000+08:00

Richard is a singer song writer and wants to record an EP. We worked on the 1st of his songs with me playing Keys to a click track and then Richard singing the melody. At a later date we will get a session guitarist and drummer in to play to the click and the guide vocal, I will play bass, then we will throw away my (average) keyboard playing and record the final vocal track.

In The Studio (Jeremy Beste) - Mark Hewitt

2011-04-27T13:28:00.000+08:00

Mark was back in town this week after some time up north and decided that there is nothing better then recording a CD while here, so Mark and Jeremy blocked out the studio for the whole week and are recording a 6 track EP.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - New Mind Records

2011-04-14T10:45:00.001+08:00

David Sandercock of New Mind Records was in the studio this week doing some more recording, this time with Ethony. David is producing a series of CDs for release shortly.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Trace and the Cubes

2011-03-21T15:19:00.000+08:00

Trace and the Cubes come in for an all day session on Sunday to record a demo of 6 songs, which turned into 7 songs as we recorded 2 different version of one of them.

The band is a little unusual as there are 3 guitar players, David Kew, Adrian Miloro and Enzo Piscitelli, and vocal, Tracy Donovan. The recording was done totally live with everyone in the room. Everything went smooth and stress free and the by the end of the day the CD was finished. There was some very interesting material and the guitars worked well together.

The band is plaining on recording some more material in the future and may introduce drums and bass, as Enzo also plays drums in another band.

Still have not found the camera so I will get a photo or two of the band later.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - New Mind Records

2011-03-21T15:08:00.001+08:00

I was in the studio with New Mind records again this Saturday, the recording was of some traditional drums and a 7 piece choir.

Due to the volume of the drums, 3 off them, we recorded the drums first with single guide vocal, then we set up the choir and played them the drums and guide through headphones, this worked really well and captured some great vocal. David (from New Mind) is going to loop and edit the drums and vocal into the spoken word tracks we recorded last week at his home studio.

Sorry no photos as I misplaced the camera I will see if I can get some later from the musicians.

Out Live - Lama Ole Nydahl

2011-03-18T10:02:00.001+08:00

I had the pleasure of doing live sound for the recent visit of Lama Ole Nydahl.

We started at the Perth Town Hall on Friday night, this was in the form of a panel discussion on "Happiness in the Fast Lane" with Verity James as MC and guests Associate Professor Mike Dockery and Deputy Lord Mayor John Tognolini. The event was also webcast live, filmed and recorded. Jeremy gave me a hand on the night as the mix position is up on a balcony a long walk from the stage.

On the Saturday I supplied PA and recording at the Melville Civic centre for 2 sessions, afternoon: "Buddhism in the West", and evening: "Buddha and love". Again both sessions were webcast, filmed and recorded, with a lot of questions being fired back from the net from people on the webcast.

In The Studio (Jeremy Beste) - MSJ Productions

2011-03-18T09:44:00.001+08:00

MSJ Productions have been back this week for a couple of sessions with Jeremy, recording on Monday and Wednesday. Mixing will be finished today ready for MSJ's live show coming up shortly.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - New Mind Records

2011-02-17T10:51:00.000+08:00

I am working on a spoken word project with David Sandercock of "New Mind Records". New Mind Records have a large range of Meditation, Mind and Spiritual CD's. So far we have finished recording the first 6 parts which feature "Peregrin Wildoak".

I only have to record this project as David will carry out all the editing at home (phew! As I know how tough editing spoken word is) and add music as required, We will carry on recording the next part of the project next week.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Lime Curios

2011-02-17T10:37:00.001+08:00

Last Saturday I did a full day recording the band "Lime Curios". They are a cover band that wanted a good demo showing the type of material and what they sound like live. I set them up as if they were at a rehearsal with everything recording live including vocal.

This is the perfect why to do this type of demo, all went very well and we got 6 songs recorded and mixed in the one day. The band also have original material which they are planing to record at a later date.

In The Studio (Jeremy Beste) - The Witness

2011-02-17T09:16:00.003+08:00

Jeremy has been working on a project by The Witness. They recorded at another studio and asked Jeremy to do the post production and mixing. Jeremy mixed this project on protools both at home and in the studio and re-recorded a few parts. Mixing is almost finished and the project will be sent off for mastering at Turtle Rock shortly.

In The Studio (Alan & Jeremy) - The 4-Givin

2011-01-21T15:24:00.006+08:00

This week The 4-Givin have been in the studio recording a 7 song EP. Jeremy has also been working on this project to help me out due to a clash of commitments (yes the holiday is over see a quick update below).

The 4-Givin are a Christian / indie rock band from Geraldton about 450 km north of Freo. They came down and spent the week here staying at the backpackers.

The recording went along very smooth and myself and Jeremy are in the process of mixing and mastering, this should be finished by Monday. The band have been posting the story of the trip and the recording on youtube.

A quick update

2011-01-18T10:00:00.008+08:00

There has not been an update for a while due to the fact that I had a 2 month trip overseas.

I spent 6 weeks in India visiting New Delhi, Agra and for the most part McLeod Ganj in the Himalayas. This was followed by a 10 day visit to Germany where we stayed in Bad Münster (home of the Schwiegermutter), the retirement health town for people with breathing difficulties that has a cigarette machine on every street corner? Just to top it off, had a quick stop over in Hong Kong on the way back. So I am overcoming jet lag and the change from -10deg temps to +38deg temps this week.

(Update 24/1/11): Some of you have asked for more information about the photos:

Left: I was sitting at "Coffee Talk" Temple Rd McLeod Ganj (best coffee in town) when this cow walked past. I went to grab the camera but I was too late. However about 2 minutes later it came back, classic India. I know it does not look it at that moment, but Temple Rd is a busy main road in town, and yes it is the road to the Dalai Lama's temple.

Centre: Taken from McLeod Ganj, the mountain is "Moon Peak" (Mun Peak), height of 4600 mtrs (remembering I am at 2000 mtrs already), in front you can see some hills, where the dip is in the middle is the base camp, "Triund" at 2875 mtrs, I did the 5 hour each way trek to Triund, on my second last day there.

Right: Bad Münster and the cigarette machine, and yes it is cold and no my lovely wife Karla did not want any cigarettes.

And the Studio:

Jeremy was looking after the place while I was away and worked with MSJ Productions, Ned Robles, Witness and Victoria. This week we are both working with "The 4Given".

In The Studio (Jeremy Beste) - MSJ Productions

2010-10-28T11:12:00.015+08:00

MSJ Productions teach a range of vocal, dance and theatre classes for all ages. Several groups of all ages come in yesterday to record vocals to backing tracks used in various shows that they perform around town.

They were very well rehearsed and had no trouble tracking the vocal quickly. Mixing of the recordings will be carried out today with some more recording to be down next week.

(Update 4/11/10): The remaining songs were recorded and mixed last night, the CD has been mastered and can be heard at future shows by MSJ Productions.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Dudley Bastian

2010-10-25T14:23:00.001+08:00

Dudley Came in Friday night to cut a demo of a new piece of music he has written. Dudley is a great keyboard player and used to play with Fremantle Band "Colourblind" a few years back (not to be confused with the current WA band Colourblind), and before that used to play with cover band "Planet E".

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Dandelion Dreams

2010-10-19T09:53:00.005+08:00

Dandelion Dreams have been recording a demo of 6 songs. We started last Thursday and Friday the instruments and vocal were tracked live as if they were in a live gig situation to get the live vibe. We are getting together this week to over dub some keys and vocal due to illness on the second day, and mixing will start in a couple of weeks time.

(Update 21/10/10): We added the missing parts last night and recorded a new unplugged song (no drums) live in the studio.

(Update 8/11/10): Friday and Saturday recording, mixing and mastering was finished and the demo is now complete.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Laurie Mansell, Cooper Creed & The Gladstone Chorus

2010-10-12T15:19:00.007+08:00

Laurie Mansell has started recording this week with the band Cooper Creed & the Gladstone Chorus. We have tracked drums for the first 2 songs and also got down some useful guitar tracks. Drums: Greg Turner, Lead Guitar: Ian Young, with Laurie doing the guide vocal and rhythm guitar duties.

We will be tracking the rest of the instruments and the vocal next weekend.

(Update 19/10/10): Saturday we recorded the main vocal, acoustic guitar, some of the backing vocal and some of the clarinet. We will be back in next week to carry on recording and do the mixing.

(Update 4/11/10): Last Sunday we finished recording and mixed the 2 songs, due to time restraints (my pending overseas trip, more on that later) Laurie is getting the songs mastered himself, I will let you know where the recordings are available as soon as I know.

In The Studio (Alan Dawson) - Maryanne Butler

2010-10-08T21:11:00.005+08:00

Maryanne was in the studio tonight recording some spoken word for a set of healing meditatiion CDs.

You can find out all about Maryanne here. We will be working on more spoken word next week, an soon will be recording some of maryanne's music as well.

(Update 21/10/10): All voice and background music recording has been finished and final editing and mastering is underway, should be finished by the end of next week.

In The Studio (Jeremy Beste) - Mark Hewitt

2010-10-08T14:30:00.003+08:00

Mark Hewitt is travelling around the world on a working holiday, while in good old freo he dropped into Witzend to record some songs he had been working on. Due to my stupid work schedule at the moment, Jeremy obliged with the engineering / producing duties.

Recording is almost finished and mixing will start over the weekend.

(Update 25/10/10): Recording and mixing has now been finished and the tracks should soon be available on Mark's myspace site and on CD from Mark himself busking around Freo.

In The Studio (Jeremy Beste) - Karma FX

2010-10-08T13:34:00.005+08:00

Karma FX have been working on a EP with Jeremy over the last week. Most of the tracking has been live with some guitar and vocal overdubs. Karma FX consist of: Pete Joseph (guitar and vocals) Sean Zemunik (drums) Michael Ward (Bass and Vocals)

Recording And mixing is continuing over the next few weeks. Here is a quote from their site:

"Karma Fx have crawled out of the depths in which Grunge itself sheltered for the past decade to unleash a new wave of acoustic rock blended with distorted grunge to bring you the experience known only as karma fx".

(Update 25/10/10): recording has been finished and the band has taken the track files home to mix on their own setup.

In The Studio (Jeremy Beste) - Zeitgeist

2010-09-21T10:12:00.008+08:00

Jeremy Beste is now also producing bands at Witzend, no I have not retired, and the 1st band he booked in was Zeitgeist.

Recently moving back to WA from NSW, the band are recording a new song plus working on a song they started a while back at other studios, some of the tracks coming from over east. Zeitgeist describe themselves as "Long simmering on the underbelly of Australian Gothik music, Zeitgeist have trawled the gutters of music, corsets and stripclubs Down Under to fuse unlikely influences into their original music"

You can hear some of their past work on myspace.

(Update 8/10/10): Vocals have been recorded and now only some backing vocals and a few other final touches remain before mixing starts.
(Update 25/10/10): Backing vocals and some extra guitar are being recorded this week.

In The Studio - Wasted Youth

2010-08-27T15:25:00.005+08:00

Wasted Youth was in the studio for 2 nights this week to record a 6 track demo. The band is a good sounding cover band and they wanted a demo to help secure gigs.

As well as the 6 tracks we edited up a sampler track with about 45 seconds of each song to go at the front of the CD and to be used as a myspace grab. The tracks we recorded should be up on their myspace soon.

In The Studio - The Urban Cowboy Band

2010-08-10T13:13:00.005+08:00

The Urban Cowboy Band return to record a couple of new tracks. We tracked most of the instruments and some vocal Friday and Saturday, and they return in a couple of weeks to finish of tracking and mix the songs.

We have to pull our finger out as the release date is the 29th of Aug at the Subiaco Arts Centre, however as Urban Cowboy songs are released only on line we don't have to wait for CD's and Printing.

(Update 23/8/10): Over a marathon Friday night and Saturday, we finished the vocals, mixed the tracks, Mastered and created some teasers as well. The tracks will be up on the net anytime now. (update 7/9/10): Songs are here.

in The Studio - Damien Thornber

2010-08-06T10:06:00.013+08:00

Damien has started a CD project this week, kicked off by getting the drum tracks down.

We set the band up in the studio so that the drums could go down with the dynamics of the band playing along. Damien Vocal / Guitar, Emily Minchin Viola, Joe Powel bass and Jeremy Beste lead all did guide tracks and we will replace the guide over the next few weeks with the real deal.

Damien does a lot of work for VOW, VOW is a non-denominational, not for profit, membership, non-governmental organisation for the poor/orphaned children of the world, and regularly tours the North West to remote communities.

In The Studio - Ben Johnstone

2010-07-26T11:25:00.016+08:00

Ben popped into the studio last week to record a horn section for an album he is working on at home.

Ben plays in Original Band Bordello and Cover band Sleazy Listening.

In The Studio - Noel McClumpha

2010-06-09T09:54:00.015+08:00

Noel returns after a bit of a break to record some new tracks for an EP, we spent last night putting a Vocal / Guitar guide

down to a click track. Shortly we will record the drums and bass and noel will record the final Guitar and vocal parts.

(Update 25/6/10): Noel was back in 3 nights this week. From the guide tracks 5 songs were selected to be in part 1 of the project. We then added Drums, by Andrew Smith (owns VHS rehearsal rooms, free plug), and Bass & Keys, by me, and Noel recording the final acoustic guitar, electric guitar and vocals. All recording has been finished and mixing will start late next week.

(update 1/7/10): We finished mixing / mastering last night and in the end have 4 songs, 1 of the songs will stay in the can for a rework at a later date. Noel will upload the 4 new recordings to Noel's myspace soon.

In The Studio - B.O.R.C

2010-04-27T14:41:00.008+08:00

One of my clients from the Beaconsfield era, Drew, returned to Witzend with his new band B.O.R.C. They actually asked what I would classify their music as? Answer, "Metal" (I won't get into all the sub categories). A good old: Vocal (Nick), Guitar (Drew), Bass (Fonga), Drums (Bo) set up. We tracked all the band and vocals for 3 songs Saturday and will be mixing this week. They had some great photos taken during the session by MarrVellous Photography some of which I used above.

(Update 30/4/10): Mixed the 3 songs last night and it come together really good, including the extra Growl! we added. Pizza and Garlic bread was good too.

In The Studio - auAu (Aussie Gold)

2010-03-29T11:35:00.007+08:00

auAu (Aussie Gold) return to Witzend this week to record an 8 song demo.

All tracking was done last Thursday and Saturday night and we will be mixing down in a few weeks time.

(update 19/4/10): We mixed last Thursday and Friday nights and the demo is finished, I will post a link when the songs are available for a listen on line.

In The Studio - Jook Joint Band

2010-03-25T10:08:00.005+08:00

Last Saturday I recorded a live in the studio demo of the Jook Joint Band, We had a marathon 13 hour session and tracked and mixed 6 songs, with a bit of mastering on the Sunday. We had Peter: Lead Vocal / Drums (stand up), Bill: Lead Vocal / Guitar / Ukulele / washboard, Paul: Bass / backing vocal, Pas: Lead Guitar / backing vocal, Sean: Harmonica / kazoo / whistle, jug / backing vocal.

All went well, a good time had by all and hopefully the tracks will be up on the net soon.

(update 7/5/10): here is a link to the Jook Joint Band myspace and the tracks.

About the band: A potent mix of raw roots and blues jug band music scrubbed up on the washboard, soaked in sour mash whisky, stirred with the dulcet tones of uke, banjo, kazoo and harmonica and served up in a whisky jug.

Out Live - Tinpan Orange

2010-03-08T11:23:00.011+08:00

Did some live sound Friday Night at the Fremantle Arts Centre for Melbourne band Tinpan Orange. Great night, not too hot (been hot around here lately) not too cold and a good size appreciative crowd.

Always a pleasure to work with this band and they have their sound worked out, which makes my job easier.

Also got to mix Leah Flanagan, a great performer on her 1st visit to WA from NT.

It is always nice to get out and do some live sound and with great performers at a great venue what more do you need.

In The Studio - The Urban Cowboy Band

2010-03-02T09:22:00.020+08:00

The Urban Cowboy Band returned to Witzend this week to record a second single "Runaway Idol" Tracking is complete and mixing will be finished next week end. (Update 6/3/10): all finished mixed and mastered.

The single will be launched on March the 13th at "Hot Cross Rock" Presented by the City of Bayswater at the Maylands Peninsula Golf Course.

From the UCB press release:

The UCB is comprised of vocalist the Urban Cowboy (former solo/special guest vocalist Rod Grljusich), lead and highly respected guitarist Tom Sterle, drummer Andrew Shaw, bass guitarist Jack Sterle (all formerly from Centrefold), Duncan Strachan (Laced Affair) on rhythm guitar and introducing Mitch Tighe on keyboards

Written and composed by Tom Sterle, Runaway Idol creates the perfect rock pulpit for the Urban Cowboy to evangelize to the converted, the committed, the lost, the unredeemed and those who want to rise again.

"Runaway Idol" will be available as an online download email theurbancowboy@bigpond.com for information.

(update 21/4/10): Have a listen at Triple J unearthed.

(update 24/5/10): Video clip.

In The Studio - Dan Kealley

2009-12-21T11:01:00.003+08:00

Dan was one of my Clients from years ago, the Beaconsfield era. He popped in this week for a few hours to record a demo.

The recording was done with Dan playing guitar and singing live while running his backing tracks from a zoom drum machine that has the bass line programmed as well.

This demo is of cover songs as Dan plays a one man band show to keep the income alive while he works on original material. I hope to record some original material with him in the future as he is a very talented singer / guitar player.

In The Studio - Ned Robles

2009-12-09T09:57:00.003+08:00

Ned was in again this week. We recorded 3 tracks towards his 4th CD.

In The Studio - Mr Faz Music School

2009-12-09T09:38:00.003+08:00

The weekend of the 21st Nov I did a project with the Mr Faz School of music. We had over 20 students, some very young, that recorded a compilation CD. The idea was that the students formed bands (we ended up with 5) and rehearsed 2 or 3 songs ready to record. They then came into the studio and we did the recording. All the songs were recorded in 1 day with the bands basically using the same gear.

Enrico (Mr Faz) and I used the second day to mix and master the CD ready for release to the students that week as an end of year souvenir. The day in the studio was a great experience for the students, the musical ability for the age was incredible, and I picked out some future budding audio engineers amongst them as well.

In The Studio - Jamie Maika

2009-11-03T13:44:00.004+08:00

My 1st session back and working with a nice guy called Jamie Maika. Jamie was off the New Zealand a few days after the session, to act and sing in a stage play, and wanted a demo to take with him. We did a few covers using backing tracks and some original songs using backing tracks that Jamie made up on his home computer. I really liked the originals and I hope he releases something in the near future. Here is a link to We Coming up.

Bouncing back

2009-11-03T13:35:00.002+08:00

Well, back on the 7th of Oct I went into hospital for a simple 1 day knee operation. I scheduled a week off for recovery thinking no problems. The op went well and the knee felt good, until 5 days later when I was rushed to the emergency department with blood clots on the lungs. After nearly kicking the bucket, spending a week in Hospital and a few weeks recovering I am finally starting to get back on track, doing a few gigs (Empire Blues), getting back into the studio and adding to this site.

It does make you realise how fragile life can be.

In The Studio - Clive Brown

2009-10-06T08:34:00.010+08:00

Most of last week I was mixing and mastering recordings by Clive Brown. Clive lives in Port Headland, approx. 1500 km

north (as the crow flies) and he did the recordings in his home studio singing and playing all the instruments, except drums.

After some thought I decided to import the track files into the Tascam MX2424 and carry out all the mixing via the analog console and rack gear rather than mix on the computer, this proved to be the right decision and help create an authentic sound that suited the material.

Altogether we mixed 12 songs, some classic rock / pop and a few originals which he plans to release soon.

(update 9/12/09) Album should be out for Christmas and cover is finished

(update 12/1/10) message from Clive, having a launch in Hedland on Friday 12^th. Feb. I am combining it with an art show and I got sponsorship. So free drinks , TAFE are catering and $5 from every CD sold on the night will be going to cancer research. I’m really looking forward to it. Cheers Clive

(update 21/1/10) Here is a link to Clive's new web site Link.

(update 15/4/10) Now available on itunes Australia Store www.itunes.com/clivebrown

In The Studio - Laurie Mansell

2009-09-30T11:36:00.007+08:00

Laurie Mansell popped into the studio again last night to do some more pre-production demos for an up coming album project. This time I remembered to take a snap.

In The Studio - Ned Robles

2009-09-21T11:21:00.008+08:00

Ned Robles has been recording his 3rd CD with me this week. Ned's style is electronic instrumental, inspired by funk, jazz, house, and break beats, His music is a fusion of ambient, funky, and atmospheric sounds.

He does all of his composing nowadays on a Yamaha MOTIF (FX) XS6, writing tracks on the keyboard at home then performing and recording all the tracks live in the studio.

In The Studio - Laurie Mansell

2009-09-02T09:09:00.002+08:00

Laurie Mansell popped into the studio last night doing some pre-production demos for an up coming project.

In The Studio - Heather Jean

2009-08-31T14:01:00.004+08:00

The "Magic Of You" Children's CD was recorded Early August, written by Heather Jean and performed by Matt Greshem. The CD is out now available at Heather's site. Great work by Matt during the sessions.

In The Studio - Nasty Dogz

2009-08-31T12:46:00.005+08:00

The "Nasty Dogz" were in the studio yesterday recording some cover songs for a promo CD / myspace tracks. We put in an solid 11 hour day (with the usual Pizza break) but it was all done. Good Oz rock band sound, check out their myspace (songs will be up shortly). They will be back soon to record some original material.

Photos left to right, Mason Clarke, Paul Whitehust, Russell Bond

In The Studio - The Bayou Brothers

2009-08-18T10:48:00.015+08:00

The Bayou Brothers are currently recording a new 10 track CD. Most of the recording is done live as a band to get that old world swamp blues sound, "Deliverance meets the Delta".

Check out The Bayou Brothers myspace to get a taste of the sound and listen to the new CD. The launch for the new CD is the 4th Oct 2009, Fremantle Arts Centre 2.00pm.

Photos left to right, Andrew Morgan, Richard Woollett, Dave Clarke (getting that dirty Dave Clarke sound), Also playing Phil Morgan Double Bass (no photo, sorry Phil).

Update (31/8/09): The mixing of the CD has been finished, after some discussion the CD was reduced to 9 tracks (as 1 track did not seem to fit with the rest), mastering will be finished off this week.

Update (22/9/09): All done and in production, songs up on myspace, the album is called "Green River Blues" and album artwork uploaded.

In The Studio - The Urban Cowboy

2009-08-13T11:37:00.003+08:00

The Urban Cowboy recorded his single "Washed" during June '09. View video here

“It’s a mix of Southern Rock, Christian Rock but its just rock, no matter how you roll,” said The Urban Cowboy. “It’s personal but not leaving it up to individual interpretation would be a sin given its lyrical mastery,”

“Washed" is available for purchase on The Urban Cowboy’s twitter page.

“Washed” was written and performed by the Urban Cowboy in collaboration with composer and guitarist Tom Sterle. The rest of the Washed team is as follows: Keiran Dent - feature vocals, Haydn ‘Ron’ Bishop - bass guitar, Vassya Shevtsov – drums.

In The Studio - Indigo Duck

2009-08-13T11:21:00.004+08:00

Indigo Duck have just completed their 16 song album "Quack". This was recorded live with the whole band in the studio, my favorite way of working, in May '09, and mixed and mastered in June. Check out the bands myspace page.

Equipment Photos

2009-07-27T11:40:00.008+08:00

Studio Prices, Contact Us & Bookings

2009-07-24T14:42:00.039+08:00

The base rate is $70 /hr (2 hours min).

If a client books 10 hours, which can be 2 x 5 hour sessions, it is charged at the 10 hr day rate of $50 /hr ($500/10 hours)

Once 10 hours has been completed, all extra hours are charged at $50 /hr.

Longer projects are still charged at $50 / hr, but I tend to charge an hour or 2 less here and there as the project goes on.

The pricing includes my services as Engineer, use of all recording and outboard equipment (no extra fees), and clients that book 10 or more hours get the use of any instruments / amps that the studio has.

I also work fast (within reason) and to a budget.

You do not have to pay a deposit when making a booking, however if you cancel a booking at least 48 hours notice is required or a cancellation fee of $50 will apply.

Unfortunately due to a few non-paying people (polite term) that have spoilt it for everyone, full payment is expected at the end of each session and before recorded material leaves the studio, unless prior arrangements have been made.

If you would like to meet up and discuss the project please email:

Alan: witzendinfo(at)highway1.com.au

Postal Address:

PO Box 426

South Fremantle WA

6162

Recording Room

2009-07-24T14:35:00.007+08:00

Control Room

2009-07-24T14:28:00.021+08:00

Equipment List

2009-07-24T13:15:00.068+08:00

Digital Recorders / Devices:

Tascam MX2424 24 Track Digital Hard Disc Recorder
   with 24 Channel analog card and 24 channel Adat card
Tascam MX2424 24 Track Digital Hard Disc Recorder
   with 24 Channel analog card and 24 channel Adat card
   (the 2 MX2424's are sample locked to permit
   48 channels of recording and playback)
M-Audio ProFire 32 channels Adat inputs/outputs to Firewire
   24 channels of analog to/from firewire via the MX2424

Presonus Firebox, 24 bit Firewire interface

Echo Layla, 20 Bit PCI interface

Tascam DA 20 DAT Recorder

Casio DA R100 Portable DAT Recorder

Sony DTC DAT Recorder
Zoom H2 handheld portable recorder

Analog Recorders / Reproducers:

Tascam MSR16S 16 Track Analog recorder Dolby S

Otari MX5050 2 Track ¼” ½ Track

TEAC 3340S 4 Track ¼” With Dolby Unit

Akai ¼” ¼ Track

Mixing Console:

Tascam M3700 32/32/8 with onboard Automation.

Tascam M2524 24/24/8 with mute automation (location recording)

Monitors:

Mission Pro SM6P

Yamaha NS10M

Auratone 5C

Outboard:

Pre-amp:

Bellari RP520 2 Channel Valve Mic Pre
Behringer Ultragain Pro MIC2200 2 channel Tube Mic Pre
Studio Projects VTB1 Tube Mic Pre, 2 off
Behringer Tube Ultragain MIC100 Mic Pre

Compressors:

TL Audio 5021 2 Channel Valve Compressor
TL Audio / HHB, Fat Man Stereo Valve Compressor
Bellari RP583 2 Channel Valve Compressor

FMR RNC Stereo Compressor, 2 off

DBX 163A Compressor

Alesis 3630 2 channel compressor / gate, 3 off

Behringer Composer 2 Channel Compressor/ limiter, 2 off

Alesis Microlimiter Compressor

Effects Units:

Lexicon Reflex Reverb Unit

Yamaha SPX90 Reverb Unit

Zoom 9120 Effects Unit

Alesis Microverb 1 Reverb

Alesis Microverb 2 Reverb

Idanez HD1000, Harmonics / Delay

Other Outboard:

Slapback Audio, Scintillator

Behringer Ultrafex 2 Enhancer

Behringer DE2000 De-esser

Behringer Autoquad 4 Channel Noise gate

Behringer Ultra Q 5 Band parametric EQ

Tascam PE40 4 Channel Parametric EQ

Alesis EQ31 31 Band EQ

Microphones:

AKG C4000B

AKG D330

AKG D320

AKG D310, 2 off

AKG D19

AKG D12

AKG D112

Audio Technica AT3525, 3 off

Audio Technica AT2035
Audio Technica AT2010

Beyerdynamic M200
Fathead Ribbon, 2 off
K-Micro Silver Bullets Matched Pair

MXL V67

Rode NT 1000, 2 off

Rode NT 1 (early version), 2 off

Rode NT2 (early version)

Shure SM57, 2 off

Shure SM58, 5 off

Sennheiser ME80, 3 off

Sennheiser ME40, 3 off

Sennheiser ME20, 2 off

Sennheiser MD421, 2 off

Instruments:
Acoustic Guitars:

Ibanez 6 String

Fender 12 String

Bass Guitars:

Fender Precision 1975

Fender Acoustic Precision with Fretless Jazz Neck 1989

Fender Jazz Fretless MIJ 1994

Ibanez BTB 5 String

Drums:

Ludwig 1964 Black Pearl (Ringo Kit) with 1954 Snare, Zildjian and Paste Cymbals.

Keyboards / Modules:

Korg N5ex

Korg X50

Roland Saturn 6 Organ

Casio CZ101 Synth

ARP Solina Strings

Keyboard controller

Modules:

Proteus 1

Proteus 2

Drum Machines:

Roland / Boss DR202 Dr Groove

Samplers / Sequencers:

Akai MPC1000 Sampling production station

Roland / Boss SP202 Dr Sample

Plus lots of other great stuff laying around.