Island Studio Project so far

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 19 Sep 2006 10:58 am

John, nice to see you here commenting.
I wondered when you would drop in.

We are trying to get the roof and tiles up in the next 11-12 days.
After that progress will slow,
but keep on keepin on.

The Coup d'Etat, may make getting some supplies difficult though...
DANG my tiles are coming down from around there!
YIKES!

Well we'll see won't we.

Next morning.
Only 40 of 180 sheets of plywood available...
DRAT!
Gotta go scramble, and likely pay more. DOUBLE DRAT!

Oops spoke to soon, the engineers,
NOW... say the roof tiles will be too heavy.
I could just scream!!!
I have said from DAY 1 what my requierments were.[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 20 September 2006 at 04:46 AM.]

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 20 Sep 2006 6:40 pm

Alright David, I've seen enough cinderblocks elephant droppings, and guys in ladies straw hats.....let's see some of the local talent now......

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 21 Sep 2006 8:25 am

Ooh ah ah...
I just missed a shot of like 17 elephants walking off to pasture today.

But I had JUST got a call that our dog SteeLee
had got hit by a motorcycle.. who didn't stop.

She got a bloodied snout, and maybe some leg bruises, but other wise is ok, and seems rather chassend about the street.
We will pass by the vet in the AM for sure.

As to local talent.
Well I see who I can shoot this week.

No wait... I got one...
the afternoon of the coup,
world class DJ Nakadia came by with her keyboard player to check out my little room.

Recently back from spinning
before and after the World Cup Finals.

She was dancing to MY electronica!
And I am likely to get some sessions
with them for her next album.
They were vocally quite happy with my assorted sounds.

So Howard.. she work for you?[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 21 September 2006 at 09:38 AM.]

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 21 Sep 2006 2:32 pm

I don't know about Howard, but I know I'm satisfied with that photo.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 22 Sep 2006 8:46 am

Ok, some local ladies.
Toy, with the great smile in the center is a friend.

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 22 September 2006 at 09:47 AM.]

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 23 Sep 2006 9:10 pm

Howard trust me,
those so called "ladies hats"
are one of two ways not to die of heatstroke.

Many works use WOOL head covers like ski face masks,
they say it keeps them cooler...
I can't imagine why...

I have only ever dressed like this
at 2000 meters up
on skis in -10° degree weather
and 50° below windchill...
But they work like this day in and day out.

Mike Shefrin · Post by **Mike Shefrin** » 23 Sep 2006 9:23 pm

Yes but can they clorox walls and ceilings?[This message was edited by Mike Shefrin on 23 September 2006 at 10:23 PM.]

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 24 Sep 2006 1:43 am

Without being asked...

Well I doubt Nakadia would,
unless asked.

Naturally house proud in these parts,
even if it isn't their house.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 26 Sep 2006 9:34 pm

We had a small "dog and pony show" at the temp studio last night.
About 30-35 local and Bangkok players,
and some realestate types etc.

Some barbiqued nibbles, and a small bar.
My landolord went out and bought a case of beer,
unsolicited, just to help out. He thought we could use more.
He is a TOTAL Sweetheart!

It went over very well, good networking
and great "buzz" happening.

But also I started an interview with the Samui Express paper,
about me, a bit on the band, the current studio
and the big studio project.

This will include photos,
and we get editorial control
of what gets printed too.

I have a follow up interview today.
Good stuff!

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 26 September 2006 at 10:36 PM.]

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 27 Sep 2006 10:34 pm

Ok I got a copy of the little "hagiography" on me.
And the band etc.
**********************************************

Professional Recording Studio Debuts on Samui!

Under the mastery of David Donald's brilliant engineering and his 40 years of recording experience, a professional recording studio debuted Sept. 23rd on Samui. Hosting the opening bash with fellow musicians, friends and supporters - flow band members happily greeted guests at their new studio and home in Bophut.
David happily said that the studio was already very busy with a number of projects on the go, including pre-production for one of the world's most in-demand DJs, Thailand's own gorgeous Nakadia as well as with new ‘flow’ recordings over the past few weeks. flow incidentally are making tremendous progress on the long awaited ‘flowers’ CD with 16 of the 20 songs already recorded in demo format. One of the songs, 'Drugs Against War' was released as a demo and immediately debuted at number 9 out of 500 songs worldwide on Neil Young's web site Songs Of The Times (neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/lwwsongspage.htm). flow will be putting more songs up for streaming as they come along (to listen and learn more visit [url=http://www.f-l-o-w.com).]www.f-l-o-w.com).[/url]
In touring the studio, it’s surprising to see various rooms – each structured differently to accommodate the setting and sound for a specific instrument or allow different sounds for the same instrument, in a natural, not synthetic fashion. The sound reverberates differently in the ‘Drum’ room; the ‘Vocal’ room; and the ‘Guitar’ room. All are married to the heart of the studio, the ‘mixing’ room where the maestro (David) controls, adjusts and perfects the technical needs for each instrument in bringing together the perfect blend of sound for each song.
It was a treat to meet London-based TV Presenter & Host from ‘Big Strong Boys’, Jake Robinson” at the studio debut. The TV star is visiting Samui and was impressed with the professionalism of the recording studio that also can provide video editing and post-production effects. The actor and host is scouting the island, considering producing and hosting a ‘Trading Places’ or ‘make-over’ type TV program to be made on Samui featuring local residents.
In moving forward, Jake mentioned he is interested in the studio for his new project and was happy to find a sound studio of such high quality on the island. Musicians, media and others interested are welcome to contact David about use of the recording studio or to take a tour. It’s an interesting process as we learned a recording studio head endures a tedious and time-consuming process, requiring focus and flexibility, in getting all the little variables in place.
The person – in this case David - has to be highly competent and intelligent as well as talented in order to end up with "Good Sound'. As Roland (guitarist for flow) relays, "at the end of the day, a room full of the best gear in the world is completely useless without the right person, who has the right ears, and the knowledge to use that equipment. David is one of a diminishing group of people left in the world who are masters at the art of microphone placement in an acoustic environment, which has regrettably become increasingly less understood, if no less important, with the advent of electronic music and affordable digital recording systems. It really is a joy to see someone of such caliber, who has such honed skills do his thing. Thanks to David the process of getting a song down has never been easier for us. David has also been filling in on bass for flow while Peter is on hiatus recording an album with the talented Leena (www.leena.com.au) in Perth, Western Australia.
A man of many talents and a true renaissance man highly respected in the music industry, David grew up on the east coast of the USA and is a second-generation ‘recording’ guru. He recalls when he was 12 years old, his Father's studio was handling the final recordings of ‘Hogey Carmichael'. "I been recording others for years, so I was allowed to place the mics on Hogey's piano, and they weren't changed for the whole session!" He was honored to work with such a legend. His interests are varied, and he is only one of two players of Pedal Steel Guitar in Thailand.
After a 10 year stint in Paris and Nimes France pursuing many of his avocations – such as cooking and song-writing – while working a video shoot in the north, David decided Thailand would be a great place for his music. Hooking up with Roland and Rick, it was a natural segue to move to Samui and pursue his dream of building an all-encompassing recording studio. Noting construction is underway, by Samui Buliders Co. LTD, for an even larger and more complex recording studio to include "surround sound" mixing to picture, he shared plans and photos of the progress of a unique building that easily compares to high quality recording studios in the USA, Australia and Europe.
The opening party, lasting long into the night, was a high energy, laid-back jumble of talent and experience. Other guests included Barie Manso, with Steve Whitby of the ‘Big Buddha Blues Band’ who play at Beatles Bar in Fisherman’s Village, talented London songwriter Oscar De Zilva, esteemed guitar virtuoso Al Lewis, Michael from the Roaring Boys of Tropical Murphy's fame, Daniel from well known, ultra-talented Bangkok based progressive blues band Cannonball, and J Ram with Claudia who are currently fronting the Coco Blues house band Pirates. What a night, what a studio, what a great asset for the island! Contact David Donald for more information and studio availability on shobuddist@yahoo.co.uk

************************************
A bit over the top, but I won't argue.
As the PR flacks in Hollywood say;
There is no bad press.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 1 Oct 2006 4:38 am

I am like so immpressed, Dude!

And the studio isn't even built yet.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 1 Oct 2006 8:39 pm

This is based on the SMALL Studio, not the big one, yet.

Jake Robinson does the british version of This Old House.
Funny man, great sense of humor.
He is looking to do something like that from here,
for a segment on vacation homes.

I also connected with a pretty german lady, Natalie,
who has a very cool resort here, The Art Palace.

She was a TV producer in Europe,
and is interested in projects.
[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 02 October 2006 at 12:34 AM.]

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 4 Oct 2006 8:24 pm

Ok, this is the picture for the article,
of the small temp studio in the rental house.

And one I would have liked.
More tools less human interest.
For me it's the tools and space,
for the press lady it is the people.
I should have turned the Shobud around...alas, to rushed at the time.

And a older pic of the small non-environmental control room,
that Sooch and I built in France.

And the 'cabin' instruments. Drum and overdubbing room.
Actually both rooms were equally used as
recording areas.

Here is some sound from this space.
Everything was recorded in these two rooms,
except the acoustic piano.
I recorded that last in NYC, and editied it in.
Using my own take on piano micing.

Actually there is a full all track edit in this piece,
to add a verse when I was sure the piano was going on the track.
The drummer couldn't tell where I did it.
http://worldserver4.oleane.com/canardplus/Musique/River's_Edge.mp3

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 04 October 2006 at 09:37 PM.]

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 4 Oct 2006 8:29 pm

And for some gratuitous topic drift.

Though as a photographer / videographer,
I do plan on shooting images in the big room for sure.

2 shots of the 1998 european solar eclipse
I took near Soissons France.

Almost total

The Grains of Bailey.
Sun peeking around the moons mountains and valleys.

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 5 Oct 2006 5:59 am

Nice pictures... The leaves are coming off the trees here, and winter is coming soon--a month long lockout at your place is sounding prettty good about right now...

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 5 Oct 2006 8:32 pm

John, I have a thumbprint electronic lock,
just waiting for a door.

Crew is off till november, as of tomorrow night,
so it goes into slow mo... DRAT!

It will get done eventually.[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 05 October 2006 at 09:34 PM.]

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 10 Oct 2006 12:51 am

Well the article came out,
and I met someone who saw it before I did.
He seemed impressed.

There were actually two articles,
both with pics of us in the control room.
The one above, and one with the british TV guy Jake Robinson. Who got a mini article for himself.

Hope it brings in work for the small room.

Mike Shefrin · Post by **Mike Shefrin** » 11 Oct 2006 9:29 am

Hey David, cool photos. Is that you playing the dobro? [This message was edited by Mike Shefrin on 12 October 2006 at 10:41 PM.]

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 12 Oct 2006 2:18 am

Mike yes that's me with the Mosrite.
The band is 13-38 years YOUNGER than me.
One drummer is 12...

Looks like the gorgeous Nakadia is coming in this week!

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 22 October 2006 at 10:19 AM.]

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 22 Oct 2006 9:05 am

Not so much progress in October.
But some more will happen shortly I believe.

Here's a shot of control room roof on
and 'the long wall'.

And the wall where the front monitors will go.
This looking at left front monitors position aproximately.

Out front looking at control room and office apartment,
with my Honda Shadow and bass carrying racks/sissybar.
I even have a trailor hitch on it.

I can put a 6 string bass and a Crate 50w battery powered bass amp on the bike and get to gigs.

Finally some detail of the roof trusses.
I am thinking of putting V shaped vibration traps,
filled with rockwool, in the V's of the trusses,
which are not parallel to walls roof or floors.

I will also try several with velocity grid hole patterns,
to allow 2nd reflection sounds to enter the rockwool cavity when returning,
as well as be broken up by vibration absorbsion/damping
of the panels themselves.

They will be resting on foam and rubber,
or suspendeed with plastic wire ties.
So they are free to break up modes,
but not excite the trusses themselves.

If neccesary much of the ceiling will be rockwool filled also.
Listening and measurements will tell in the end.

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 22 October 2006 at 10:40 AM.]

Dave Burr · Post by **Dave Burr** » 29 Nov 2006 9:52 am

David ~ I've been looking forward to the latest on your Studio... How about an update?

Respectfully,
David Burr

John Macy · Post by **John Macy** » 29 Nov 2006 10:54 am

yeah, get those boys back to work...

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 29 Nov 2006 11:21 am

The crew is going back to the roof this week or weekend.
Just had the meeting.
Should have much of the glass work done,
and maybe some doors.

Then it will be internal wood work.
And prep for the large rockwool installation.

Some stuff is small regular cash outlays,
and others LARGE sums.
Unfortunatelt some smaller work must wait
for bigger work first.

There are no true mortgages for foreigners here.. DRAT.
Well if you have a company with books over 3 years old MAYBE.
And I don't want the loan sharks signed on either.

So a bit more a bit more there. Nid noy.
It will get done.

I took the last month and change, to relax, finish 4 songs which are on the way to Sony/BMG,
and take 3 weeks of Thai language classes.

The other band pricipals are doing a 2 week trip to Austrailia,
caused by the new visa run regulations,
I have more time off right now, for building supervision.
And more steel gigs for me...!
I'll do more pics when I have glass.

Dave Burr · Post by **Dave Burr** » 30 Nov 2006 6:37 am

Thanks for the update David. Can't wait to see the progress! You might want to start a Part II thread ~ This ones taking a long time to load.

Respectfully,
David Burr

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 30 Nov 2006 9:53 am

Yeah that's an idea. That will make b0b happy.

I think I am off on a road trip for a few days.
3 blokes, 3 bikes and 3 ladies across the Thailand peninsula,
to Phuket through the mountains,
and then up to Krabi and back to Samui.

I expect to have some nice pics and some of the roof on etc.

I had been thinking of posting a picture to
the Ride Captain ride thread,
and only just saw how/why it had come to
drop off the map.
My condolences also to b0b and Kevin.

In these parts bikes ARE the basic transportation.
Most people can NOT afford a car or truck,
But families can manage 2, 125cc's one with a sidecar.

I have seen families of 4-6 ALL on ONE Honda Wave;
Dad driving,
Mom pregnant, with babe in arms,
2 year old in the front basket
3 year old in between the parents,
and the 4 year old sitting behind mom, backwards feet dangling over the plate.

Going down the street in trafic,
and the cops don't even blink.

3-4 on a Wave is not even an eye turner...

I just drive assuming EVERYTHING live
or inanimate is trying to kill me on the roads,
car or bike...
But if your time is called,
and your number is up... it IS.

People die in bathrooms and kitchens everyday.

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 30 November 2006 at 07:08 PM.]