The importance of a good recording!

Hello Everyone,

Although I am really busy I wanted to share some insight on how getting good recorded tracks from the start saves a lot of hassel as the project moves forward. You can't depend on mixing - I repeat you can't depend on mixing or a good producer even for that matter to bring bad recorded tracks alive. If you want the best all around you better have me record your tracks as well ;) In all seriousness, this is the beginning of your sound and you need to nail this. If I get tracks done in other studios or home studios I can usually make them rock. If there is hiss or room noise - a good low pass, noise gate etc. might do the trick, but if you want the most natural and organic sound from your tracks test them out.

Problems happen with spikes, digital clips (no mans land and can't come back) poor recorded tracks are a death to a good song. Check your tracks or have myself or another professional do your song from scratch. You will get the most out of my magic if I have control from the start or know how the start was created. Garbage in garbage out. Take the extra time and nourish your song. The song and you deserve that extra commitment.

Although I handle all aspects of a song from birth to graduation. I sometimes get songs that have been tracked somewhere else so if this is the case - here are some tips.

1. Make sure you know what your playing.

2. Make sure you like the sound going in. Very crucical to get the sound you want when you are recording it. That way you know what your going to get.

3.If you are sequencing and using midi make sure your midi channels don't have a lot of noise associtaed to them. Check your tracks individually if you have to. Find the source and figure out a way around it. Midi has a very high gain most of the time and that can cause hiss. You might not notice on one track, but if you throw a bunch of midi tracks together you will hear it and it will kill the song.

4.If you are recording guitar, bass, drums, or anything else analog then make sure your instrument cables, microphones, stomp boxes, etc. are giving you the desired sound and not static. If you hear radio stations, weird artifacts there could be a number of reasons why. I would always check with the cables first. Good converters, good power supplies, good grounding, are life savers when it comes to solid tone and a good sound.

5.Know your arrangement and don't depend on the mixing engineer to do 6 different mixes because your song wasn't ready - unless the mixing engineer is also being commisioned to produce and arrange.

6.If you play a part and you don't nail it, then find someone who can. The song, arrangement, and the playing will enhance the emotion and feel and even if it was recorded in a cardboard box you will still feel some kind of magic from it. Don't skip the quality all around. Even though I play multiple instruments, I wouldn't attempt to play a cello since I don't play cello. I would find a great cello player to enhance my production. The same should go to putting a song together. I play a lot of the instruments for my clients and sometimes my clients don't play anything at all. Find the right sound for the right part.

7.I love making music for a living and being able to make peoples dream come true. I love working with bands/singers, I love being in a band. Just remember the first step to anything is usually the most important because it determines where the next step will take you. A song is a life. Raise it right. ;)

Narcolepts on the Great Unknowns podcasting and interview

Narcolepts was featured on The Great Unknowns

Also you can see the interview here interview

Also Here is some information on the man behind the great unknowns

Thanks Michael it was a blast.

It's been a little I'm back!

I have been wrapping up some big projects coming your way soon.

Some new bands-stay tuned.

Here are some projects I can mention that are finishing.

Stone18- Classic Rock/Modern Rock/crazy guitars, great drums, and pure rock for all those who live for that kind of stuff ;)

Narcolepts- my personal baby.

Rain Rain- mixing the album. Electronic/Dance/Alternative. Rain is a very talented singer/songwriter who is not afraid to take chances and create chaos. My kind of project!

New singer/songwriter Francis Zagarrigo - Finsihed creating an awesome song with this guy and he has a geat voice. Looking forward to working more with him.
The first acoustic demo is finished.

Some other projects which I will mention as they get closer to conclusion.

Always creating.

I will have links to all of the projects once they get settled.

More projects in the works and very excited! Keep it moving.

New Projects

Some very cool albums and ep's coming soon.

I'm writing some songs for singer Damon Daniels. We are making a soul/folk/acoustic style with some darker elements. The firsts song "OOh Baby" is a classic that will warm your soul. Yeah it's that good. He is going to sound amazing on it. Damon has a very strong/soulful voice and he is going to impress.

New artist Latonia Salazar came to me with an idea of something you would hear in the movie Twilight. She is a talented singer/songwriter that I have the pleasure of working with to create this mood of forest, open spaces and broken promises.

Country/Blues artist Roy Brown met up with me and showed me some classics of Johnny Cash, Alabama, and some other rock tunes and the idea came to me. Roy has a rich sound to his voice and we are making some modern/classic/country/rock songs with a twist of chaos and experimental elements that could make this one of a kind.

Once their websites are up and running and their other links are active, I will have all connections to these artists available.

More coming your way,

Blessings

"I'll Keep Smiling" video number 8 on top ten 10 countdown!

At the end of 2008 I finished electronic/acoustic/pop artist Joel Evans cd "Embracing the light, the dark, and then some..."

You can check out both of his albums here on cdbaby

Jet Kanashi - Enjoy the Sadness
Joel Evans - Embracing the light, the dark, and then some... will be out later this year.
Here is the single from the record. I'll Keep Smiling

On both albums I did the arrangements, produced, played all the instruments, mixed and mastered. Joel wrote the lyrics and collaborated on ideas.

I'm happy to say all the hard work has payed off and the albums are doing great. The "I'll keep Smiling" video is in the top ten video countdown standing off to some heavy competitors.
When Indie artists can throw down with major label artists like Pink, Madonna, Coldplay and it's the fans who choose who they would like to hear then the rules are changing for the better. Welcome to the new day and the new times. Here is the video I'll Keep Smiling

Be sure to check out "Embracing the light, the dark, and then some... " for a great mix of acoustic/pop/electronic songs that create a great listening experience in 2009.

Craig

Some really cool bands

I'm sure a lot of you know about these bands I'm about to mention. If you don't I suggest you check them out. I'm always searching for inspiration wether it's music, movies, art or good conversation. I will keep you updated on some cool original music from time to time.

TV on the Radio

MGMT

Goldfrapp

Loius XIV

Dredg

Narcolepts

Pauline Taylor

Notice how they explore the fields of possibilities. I hope you enjoy.

Craig