NEWS
11.11.08 Best Birthday Ever
So, last Tuesday I got pretty much the greatest birthday present ever. What an election, eh? In the end, both of those guys proved to be real class acts. I hope they can keep their respective parties in line and work together to untangle this mess. I feel pretty damn proud of my country right now.
Been putting the analog chain through the paces this month. I just finished mastering some tracks for Cleveland jangle-sters COFFINBERRY, and I'll tell you what: my new Pendulum OCL-2 compressor is pretty incredible. It's true what I've been reading about all these years. So far, software compressors (at least the ones I've used) have yet to match the sheer "vibe"/thicky-ness of hardware. Not trying to sound like an elitist; I feel like I've done some excellent work in the digital domain, but I've never quite dialed in sounds like I can with the OCL-2. Pretty thrilled with that little purchase. And the Cranesong HEDD is just plain bitchin' too. Getting a lot of mileage out of the pentode saturation emulator. Just seems to breathe life into otherwise sterile audio.
Mastered 2 tracks for France's experimental electro-act CATALEPSIA (Philtre Audio Endeavors). This was actually the first project to get the analog treatment. The tracks were already pretty compressed, so I just sort've gently gave them a little thickness and spent most of my time focusing on EQ. Epic and unpredictable stuff.
Also was pleasantly surprised to work with some clients from years past: CENTRAL 8 STUDIOS (half of which was formerly Akron's Studio B) and the SPEEDBUMPS, a seriously talented Ben Harper-y/Jack Johnson-y folk-pop outfit. Their stuff was a challenge in that it was so dynamic, and I'm not used to mastering project instructions that don't include the words "crush," "blindingly loud," or "shred." Some of the catchiest stuff I've had the pleasure of working on, and it was neat to work on acoustic music for a change.
Other ongoing projects this month included work for FRIGID, CHANTILLY LACE, and LUDWYG. Speaking of which, I have loaded 2 brand-new mastered tracks in the player: "Phyction," by the aforementioned Ludwyg (which I mixed and mastered), and "Deplete Me" by performance artist Kristen Baumlier's PETROLEUM POP PRINCESS project, of which I mixed, mastered, and contributed additional keyboards and production. Please listen!
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One final thought:
Can I just say for a minute that I stopped into a local mega-guitar mart the other day and was treated like an absolute turd? I've spent literally thousands of $$$ at that place over the years, and to be treated like that pretty much sucks. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that if you actually treat your clientele with respect and bend over backwards to accommodate them, you are way more likely to develop a long lasting, positive relationship with them, which leads to more work and better results. Just sayin'.
Been putting the analog chain through the paces this month. I just finished mastering some tracks for Cleveland jangle-sters COFFINBERRY, and I'll tell you what: my new Pendulum OCL-2 compressor is pretty incredible. It's true what I've been reading about all these years. So far, software compressors (at least the ones I've used) have yet to match the sheer "vibe"/thicky-ness of hardware. Not trying to sound like an elitist; I feel like I've done some excellent work in the digital domain, but I've never quite dialed in sounds like I can with the OCL-2. Pretty thrilled with that little purchase. And the Cranesong HEDD is just plain bitchin' too. Getting a lot of mileage out of the pentode saturation emulator. Just seems to breathe life into otherwise sterile audio.
Mastered 2 tracks for France's experimental electro-act CATALEPSIA (Philtre Audio Endeavors). This was actually the first project to get the analog treatment. The tracks were already pretty compressed, so I just sort've gently gave them a little thickness and spent most of my time focusing on EQ. Epic and unpredictable stuff.
Also was pleasantly surprised to work with some clients from years past: CENTRAL 8 STUDIOS (half of which was formerly Akron's Studio B) and the SPEEDBUMPS, a seriously talented Ben Harper-y/Jack Johnson-y folk-pop outfit. Their stuff was a challenge in that it was so dynamic, and I'm not used to mastering project instructions that don't include the words "crush," "blindingly loud," or "shred." Some of the catchiest stuff I've had the pleasure of working on, and it was neat to work on acoustic music for a change.
Other ongoing projects this month included work for FRIGID, CHANTILLY LACE, and LUDWYG. Speaking of which, I have loaded 2 brand-new mastered tracks in the player: "Phyction," by the aforementioned Ludwyg (which I mixed and mastered), and "Deplete Me" by performance artist Kristen Baumlier's PETROLEUM POP PRINCESS project, of which I mixed, mastered, and contributed additional keyboards and production. Please listen!
----
One final thought:
Can I just say for a minute that I stopped into a local mega-guitar mart the other day and was treated like an absolute turd? I've spent literally thousands of $$$ at that place over the years, and to be treated like that pretty much sucks. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that if you actually treat your clientele with respect and bend over backwards to accommodate them, you are way more likely to develop a long lasting, positive relationship with them, which leads to more work and better results. Just sayin'.
11 Nov 2008 | by: adam |
09.23.08 Gettin' Hitched AND We're One Year Old!!!
Good evening friends! Man, I can't even believe how busy this month has been. It's a wonderful development. A few things to mention, then I'll get into the various awesome projects I've worked on this month.
First of all, I am getting married in 2 days! I am so ridiculously stoked. I'm amazed that I actually found time in the day to pull this all off, fingers crossed. My lady Shirin has been amazing, and even though we've seen each other for like 2 minutes this month, we've got ten days off together. No work for me. No work for her. No audio, studying, or other life-stuff. Again, I am stoked beyond words. Wish us the best of luck!!! I will not be working at the studio for the next week and a half, but I will be available via MySpace and email for future projects.
I've taken the plunge and have started investing in my analog chain. That's right folks, next month Cauliflower Audio will commence mastering in the analog domain. This month I purchased a Cranesong HEDD D/A/D converter/digital signal processor as well as a Pendulum Audio OCL-2 Class-A tube compressor/limiter. I haven't had much time to integrate them into the system, but I did get to use the HEDD on a couple projects. Wow. The processor is amazing... tape and tube saturation emulation . Sounds unbelievable. The Pendulum compressor is not quite ready for prime-time, but I did mess with it a bit and the compression is totally transparent. What this means is thicker, meatier, louder, punchier masters. This is the stuff the big boys use, and I am pretty excited to step up. And my affordable rates are staying the same! At least for the time being. Also of note, I purchased a DAT machine!!! So, all of you old-timers with bands from the 90's should hit me up. Those old tapes are gonna rot you know.
Now then... This month was the month to bust ass and get shit done, pardon my French. I just finished a huge production project that's been going on since early Summer. It's by the PETROLEUM POP PRINCESS, a.k.a. Kristen Baumlier. Think Madonna/Le Tigre with themes of oil conservation and environmentalism. Very tongue-in-cheek, heavy, and conscientious. It was a absolute pleasure to work with her. Got to flex my programming muscles a bit and play around with my crazy plugins. Totally fun.
I just finished round one of the instrumental mixes for LUDWYG's forthcoming Limelit EP. Man, this thing is turning out great. These guys are super easy and fun to work with. Very dark, atmospheric, beat-heavy post-industrial stuff. Lots of vocoders and treated guitars. Simple songs with miles-thick arrangements. Should be done by Halloween. I can't wait for you all to hear it. Some of my best mixes yet!
On the mastering front, I just (finally) finished mastering MISSILE COMMAND's "Machines Should Think People Should Work" album. The interesting thing about this band is that practically every song has a different vocalist, and is stylistically varied from beginning to end. All falling in the realm of electronic stuff, from complete chaotic noise to almost orchestral ambience. Great stuff... 5 years in the making.
In international news, I mastered tracks for HAJIMAMA, a garage-punk band comprised of Westerners living in South Korea. A complete treat to work with. The first project that got the HEDD treatment. And I learned a few Korean phrases working on it!
I also did some transfers of masters for JAY GLENN (1/2 of the Cleveland post-punk band Blazer) as well as a remix for an as-of-yet unnamable up-and-coming band from the Midwest. And next month I will be finishing up the mixes for LUDWYG as well as mastering a single for France's CATALEPSIA (Philtre Audio).
In short, please help me celebrate my upcoming nuptials as well as the one-year anniversary of Cauliflower Audio! Yeehaw! I haven't gone crazy or broke yet. Send me an email or something, jeez. Seriously, thank you to everyone who's made this an amazing year. I'll buy you a beer or something.
05 Oct 2008 | by: adam |
08.14.08
All is wonderful in the world of Cauliflower Audio... lots going on. I am finishing up a long term production project for tongue-in-cheek petroleum activist Kristen Baumlier's multi-media extravaganza. It's been a lot of fun working with her, and educational too. Feels good to take part in something for the greater good. We've done a lot of cool cool stuff with this, and I'm looking forward to seeing it all unfold.
Next up is mixing 2 more songs for Canton electro outfit Ludwyg's forthcoming EP. We've already finished one track and it pretty much rules. Very interesting textures, dark and dramatic. Super nice fellas too.
I also finished a remix this week that I am ridiculously excited about... I can't wait to show you guys, but can't divulge too much yet. I feel like it's some of my best production work yet. Got to put Logic Studio to work, and man, does that app rule my lifestyle. So much easier to work with than 7 and intuitive too! I didn't open Reason once, and I feel like a better man for it.
Finally, I will begin work on mastering the Missile Command full-length... sorry guys! It will be out soon and should be amazing. Those guys just played Convergence 14 in Florida. I feel like a proud papa!
Later this month I may be making a substantial upgrade to the studio... I'm still weighing all my options, but I am excited about the possibility of adding a bit of analog to the chain. We shall see how everything plays out, but I am pretty stoked.
Next month Shirin and I get married!!!! I am pretty friggin' jazzed to get started on this new phase of life with the wifey-to-be. I will be out of commission towards the end of the month (a much needed break from work and all this not-so-meaningful audio stuff).So, I hope to finish everything on my plate within the next couple weeks... until then... wish us luck!
Next up is mixing 2 more songs for Canton electro outfit Ludwyg's forthcoming EP. We've already finished one track and it pretty much rules. Very interesting textures, dark and dramatic. Super nice fellas too.
I also finished a remix this week that I am ridiculously excited about... I can't wait to show you guys, but can't divulge too much yet. I feel like it's some of my best production work yet. Got to put Logic Studio to work, and man, does that app rule my lifestyle. So much easier to work with than 7 and intuitive too! I didn't open Reason once, and I feel like a better man for it.
Finally, I will begin work on mastering the Missile Command full-length... sorry guys! It will be out soon and should be amazing. Those guys just played Convergence 14 in Florida. I feel like a proud papa!
Later this month I may be making a substantial upgrade to the studio... I'm still weighing all my options, but I am excited about the possibility of adding a bit of analog to the chain. We shall see how everything plays out, but I am pretty stoked.
Next month Shirin and I get married!!!! I am pretty friggin' jazzed to get started on this new phase of life with the wifey-to-be. I will be out of commission towards the end of the month (a much needed break from work and all this not-so-meaningful audio stuff).So, I hope to finish everything on my plate within the next couple weeks... until then... wish us luck!
28 Aug 2008 | by: adam |
07.12.08 June Cleaver
Last night was one of my rare "Nights to Go See Shows" nights. There were like 5 shows going on all over town, and my goal was to hit as many as possible. I got tuckered after 2. My lady also pointed out more grey hairs in my beard yesterday. Gettin' creaky. Anyhow, got to witness Johnny La Rock & Mushmouth at Bela Dubby. My first time seeing them, and they were seriously amazing. Such good energy and fun old-school rhymes. Deaf By Arms played too; they were good as well. I wasn't aware I knew them until they started playing... they were featured on a comp I worked on last year. Small world. Also got to see the ever-bitchin' Coffinberry (most of whom live in the same house I used to with Furnace St.) and a bit of Ghostman Sandman's set at the Cleveland Matinee. Equally good and PACKED! Saw a lot of old friends and played on the cast iron rocking chairs there before old-man-itis set in. I missed the big Beachland show and am bummed about that, as that was the initially-planned destination for the night. I'm dumb.
Anyhow, this month has been another busy one, mostly finishing projects that have already been in-house for awhile. I finished the mix consultation/mastering for frigiD's "Hello World" disc which turned out some really excellent minimalist electropop; as well as the Mercury Project's "Failure is Not an Option" ambient/instrumental full-length, featuring remixes by Click Click (!), Silicon Shadow (ex-UV), and yours truly. Both turned out great. Had a mixing session with Billy from Ludwyg to make some revisions to "Black and Blue," and made plans for mixing the rest of the EP. Working on some multimedia stuff, editing projects, and a couple remixes in the near future.
I've been working in this room for close to a year now, and I really feel like I'm getting to learn how to hear it, if that makes sense. I scored a pair of NHT Zero bookshelf speakers at the thrift store for $6 (!). I had never heard of the brand, but they looked like a quality build, and they were white! Turns out that NHT is a pretty well-respected outfit and some of their bigger models are actually quite suitable for mastering. These little puppies sound pretty nice (great imaging, tight low end) and I'm planning on integrating them as a alternate monitoring source soon.
This month I put Audiofile Engineering's Wave Editor to the test as my main mastering application. I can't say that it stood up to the challenge 100%, but it was definitely useable and I'm not giving up on it. Still had a couple crashes, and navigating the layers can be daunting (plus saving a plugin chain as a preset isn't possible, yet I'm told), but compared to the apps that are out there for Mac, it shows enough potential for me to stick it out. Excellent tech support, attractive interface, and a pencil-tool that actually works! I haven't used it to compile a CD yet, but the DDP export option looks pretty sexy. Will have to wait and see. Until next month...
Anyhow, this month has been another busy one, mostly finishing projects that have already been in-house for awhile. I finished the mix consultation/mastering for frigiD's "Hello World" disc which turned out some really excellent minimalist electropop; as well as the Mercury Project's "Failure is Not an Option" ambient/instrumental full-length, featuring remixes by Click Click (!), Silicon Shadow (ex-UV), and yours truly. Both turned out great. Had a mixing session with Billy from Ludwyg to make some revisions to "Black and Blue," and made plans for mixing the rest of the EP. Working on some multimedia stuff, editing projects, and a couple remixes in the near future.
I've been working in this room for close to a year now, and I really feel like I'm getting to learn how to hear it, if that makes sense. I scored a pair of NHT Zero bookshelf speakers at the thrift store for $6 (!). I had never heard of the brand, but they looked like a quality build, and they were white! Turns out that NHT is a pretty well-respected outfit and some of their bigger models are actually quite suitable for mastering. These little puppies sound pretty nice (great imaging, tight low end) and I'm planning on integrating them as a alternate monitoring source soon.
This month I put Audiofile Engineering's Wave Editor to the test as my main mastering application. I can't say that it stood up to the challenge 100%, but it was definitely useable and I'm not giving up on it. Still had a couple crashes, and navigating the layers can be daunting (plus saving a plugin chain as a preset isn't possible, yet I'm told), but compared to the apps that are out there for Mac, it shows enough potential for me to stick it out. Excellent tech support, attractive interface, and a pencil-tool that actually works! I haven't used it to compile a CD yet, but the DDP export option looks pretty sexy. Will have to wait and see. Until next month...
12 Jul 2008 | by: adam |
06.04.08 May I?
Another fine month in the world of Cauliflower Audio. May saw the beginnings of several large-scale projects cross the studio threshold, as well as a few shorties, and a handful of fun, just for the heck-of-it projects. The interesting thing is that while I've been really busy, it's been mostly with mixing/production work... no mastering. Weird.
However, I have been acting as a mix consultant for two upcoming mastering projects. One being for my pals in Missile Command... I am helping them out with suggestions for their forthcoming "Machines Should Think" disc. It's pretty cool to see these songs taking shape after hearing them in a live-only setting over the last few years. Later this Summer M.C. are playing Convergence (long-running goth festival; last year Skinny Puppy played), which is pretty impressive.
Also helping out with Chris Foldi's (ex-State of Being) solo project Frigid. I think we've got about 1 or 2 songs left to finalize before we put it to bed... really fun primitive synthpop which reminds me a bit of Suction Records stuff.
On the mix front, I completed an instrumental of "Black and Blue" for a forthcoming EP from Canton's Ludwyg. Looks like I'll get my hands on 4 songs in total. Pretty heavy-duty stuff-- very beat-heavy and complex post-industrial. Still waiting on vocals and live drums before moving onto phase two. I've also started production on a large-scale multimedia/art presentation... more on that soon.
Just today I finished a remix for Cleveland hip-hop luminaries Johnny Larock and Mushmouth. I gave their track "I'll Be Frank" a grimy, overdriven electro-funk workout. As usual, abuse of Reason (i.e. modulated feedback loops and digital distortion galore) figured heavily in this one. Ear-piercing glee! I also laid down a bass track for Philtre co-owner Textbeak's "The New Deal Representatives of Northern Disco" EP over the past couple days. Felt good to actually play a real instrument instead of a mouse for once!
A belated thank you to everyone who came out to my and Jon Sonnenberg's (Travelogue) DJ set at the B-Side last month. I can't tell you how much of a blast it was. Our roles were as such: he provided the tasty obscurities, and I handled the guilty pop-pleasures. We murdered Madonna, Skinny Puppy, Ulrich Schnauss, Martial Canterel, Silverchair, Dark Day, and Hot Butter to name a few. One of those "why isn't the recorder running?" moments. We're hoping to do another later this year.
However, I have been acting as a mix consultant for two upcoming mastering projects. One being for my pals in Missile Command... I am helping them out with suggestions for their forthcoming "Machines Should Think" disc. It's pretty cool to see these songs taking shape after hearing them in a live-only setting over the last few years. Later this Summer M.C. are playing Convergence (long-running goth festival; last year Skinny Puppy played), which is pretty impressive.
Also helping out with Chris Foldi's (ex-State of Being) solo project Frigid. I think we've got about 1 or 2 songs left to finalize before we put it to bed... really fun primitive synthpop which reminds me a bit of Suction Records stuff.
On the mix front, I completed an instrumental of "Black and Blue" for a forthcoming EP from Canton's Ludwyg. Looks like I'll get my hands on 4 songs in total. Pretty heavy-duty stuff-- very beat-heavy and complex post-industrial. Still waiting on vocals and live drums before moving onto phase two. I've also started production on a large-scale multimedia/art presentation... more on that soon.
Just today I finished a remix for Cleveland hip-hop luminaries Johnny Larock and Mushmouth. I gave their track "I'll Be Frank" a grimy, overdriven electro-funk workout. As usual, abuse of Reason (i.e. modulated feedback loops and digital distortion galore) figured heavily in this one. Ear-piercing glee! I also laid down a bass track for Philtre co-owner Textbeak's "The New Deal Representatives of Northern Disco" EP over the past couple days. Felt good to actually play a real instrument instead of a mouse for once!
A belated thank you to everyone who came out to my and Jon Sonnenberg's (Travelogue) DJ set at the B-Side last month. I can't tell you how much of a blast it was. Our roles were as such: he provided the tasty obscurities, and I handled the guilty pop-pleasures. We murdered Madonna, Skinny Puppy, Ulrich Schnauss, Martial Canterel, Silverchair, Dark Day, and Hot Butter to name a few. One of those "why isn't the recorder running?" moments. We're hoping to do another later this year.
04 Jun 2008 | by: adam |
