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Topic: Going Into The Studio - First Time - |
Mark Edwards
From:
Weatherford,Texas, USA
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Posted 27 Jul 2006 4:19 am |
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I have been playing with this band for about four months, (Andrew Jones & the Brookhaven Band)(A very talented and solid voice) and they have put up with my hacking away at the steel. Got a call yesterday and was told they are going back into the studio to cut their 2nd CD and have asked me to do the steel playing.
I was blown away, I have only been at this for about 2 years, and in and of myself don't think I'm all that great of a steel player, and there is so much hotter players and talent out there.
I am humbled and scared shritless, yet I'm excited for the opportunity and believe God has had his hand in this the whole way.
I have been in a studio to watch one of my mentors "Gary Carpenter" cut a CD, but that is as close as I have come. Any words of wisdom from those who have been there and done that. I'm looking for some guidance and direction here guys. You might say this is a 911 steel emergency. This is also a dream come true, although full of fear goes with it, the excitment and exileration of a first time studio gig. |
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Mark van Allen
From:
Watkinsville, Ga. USA
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Posted 27 Jul 2006 6:13 am
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Congrats, Mark- enjoy the ride! Realizing that they've already decided that you're the right guy may take some of the pressure off. Any kind of nervousness is self-generated... along with any practice time you may be able to get in on the tunes, try visualizing yourself enjoying the process and playing great!
I wrote a couple of articles for Steel Guitarist magazine on starting out in the studio, I'll email copies. Have fun!
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Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com
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Jim Eaton
From:
Santa Susana, Ca
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Posted 27 Jul 2006 7:40 am
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Get your headphone mix the way "you" need to hear it when it's your turn and have fun.
JE:-)> |
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Posted 27 Jul 2006 7:50 am
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| If you're using a mic'ed amp, set up the steel in a different room or at least baffled from the amp. Otherwise, the amp mic will pick up the pedal noise. I'm trying to EQ the pedal noise out of a recording right now, because I did just that. Also, run two lines from your volume pedal (if you have two outputs): one to the amp and another direct to the board. That way you have more than one sound to work with in the mix, and the direct sound may be easier to manipulate effects-wise. |
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Larry Bell
From:
Englewood, Florida
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Posted 27 Jul 2006 7:53 am
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my buddy Mark's words are worth their weight in gold -- he is not only a great player, he also runs a commercial studio. Listen carefully to anything he tells you.
It's easy to say RELAX
Not so easy to actually do, but that's what's most important.
Realize that you will play your best if your hands aren't shaking enough to cause a tsunami.
Also, realize that you aren't there to play hot licks. Keep it simple. Listen to what others have recorded in similar context. The steel part is usually very simple but very PRESENT. Attitude and confidence show greatly in how your part will contribute to the songs.
Be sure you know the songs -- inside out. If you're doing songs you're already playing with the band, that's a GOOD THING. If not, learn them thoroughly and go in with a good idea of what you plan to play.
Most importantly -- just enjoy it. Recording can be very intimidating if you're not prepared, but if you are prepared it can be really easy and very rewarding. Just keep it simple (and PLAYABLE) and play with authority. You'll do fine. Best of luck.
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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
My CD's: 'I've Got Friends in COLD Places' - 'Pedal Steel Guitar'
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps
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Kenny Burford
From:
Independence, Missouri USA
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Posted 27 Jul 2006 8:26 am
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| Mark if you would be willing to e-mail me a copy of the articles you wrote I would sure like to read them, or if you can point me in the direction to find them. |
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David Wren
From:
Placerville, California, USA
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Posted 27 Jul 2006 9:03 am
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Have your steel tracks put on as late in the process as possible.... this will result in beter intonation with other instruments, and vocals (especially if there is a fiddle in the band)... and have FUN!
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Dave Wren
'96 Carter S12-E9/B6,7X7; Twin Session 500s; Hilton Pedal; Black Box
www.ameechapman.com
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Joseph V. Sapp
From:
eastern shore, Md.
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Posted 27 Jul 2006 4:26 pm
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Mark:
Congrats !!!! I know you can do it,,relax, and enjoy, put the steel track in last,,,,much,much better. you'll do just fine...God Bless
Joe |
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