They do make ‘em like they used to…
We love vintage recording equipment and instruments. In many instances, assorted prized gear from the 1950s and 1960s exemplifies a level of craftsmanship that can be hard to find in our modernized quick-consumer culture.
But that’s not always the case.
With our new AVID HD Native system up and running for several months now, we’ve had the opportunity to listen, really listen, to the rest of our signal chain. And you know what? Some of our modern equipment sounds amazing.
Our Chandler Ltd., Great River Electronics, and API mic pres perform day in and day out. They have character, warmth, and lend a valuable sonic signature to the work we’re doing.
Oftentimes, our industry can get pre-occupied dreaming about environments filled with the holiest-of-grail level pieces. Right now, we can’t afford many of those, but its reassuring to know that there are manufacturers today, in America, making outstanding and reasonably priced recording equipment.
To whomever and whatever inspired this new breed of designers, thank you. We’re all the beneficiaries…
Sex, drugs, and… toasted almonds?
There is probably a timeless motivation behind adolescent boys who happen to pick up a guitar (or any other musical instrument for that matter)- being in a band is often considered a good way to meet girls.
Regardless of the validity of this idea, without question, the romanticism of the rockstar lifestyle can certainly be alluring. In basements and garages across the country, bands of every ilk often have big dreams and even bigger expectations.
Case in point, earlier this week we had a very talented and motivated young band stop by the studio. However, instead of the usual case of beer, bottle of hard liquor, and other assorted agents brought in to “inspire” the recording process, this group had snacks.
Bananas. Toasted almonds. Green tea. Homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Honestly, we were a bit surprised. Sandwiches don’t seem very “rock and roll”.
While it might be true that we are just getting old and can’t drink the nights away anymore, we realized that we were actually very relieved with this trio’s decision. Their motivation was clear- to make music.
Unencumbered by outlandish and ill-advised behavior, we were able to spend the whole night focused solely on capturing great songs and emotional performances.
Not surprisingly, everyone involved was all the better for it…
We are now serving Affogatos…
We know, we are not a restaurant.
Nor are we any sort of cafe or coffee shop. We are a private music composition and production studio.
However, between now and October 2011, we will have the capacity to serve Affogatos to our clients and friends.
Why? Because they are amazing.
We had forgotten this important fact until a recent dinner at the Grand Cafe in Minneapolis. A classic warm weather dessert, an affogato (the rough translation apparently means “drowning” in Italian) is made by pouring fresh espresso over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
We already cherish our Lavazza espresso (thank you Espresso Services Inc), so why not add the ice cream? Well, we did.
Stop in, we haven’t had this much fun in awhile…
@amoebamusic- our kind of people…
Between meetings and a conference in Los Angeles last week, we snuck over to the Amoeba Music store on Sunset and to no one’s surprise (especially our significant others), we returned with another carry-on full of vinyl that Delta tried to charge us for.
But, travel headaches aside, we feel that it is more important to mention that while we were there, the store was packed. On a Sunday. At 7pm. Clearly, the value, excitement, and role of a quality record shop has not diminished for true music fans. We made off with rare Bill Evans, Jimmy McGriff, Lou Donaldson, and more. For us, this thing is like going to Mecca.
And, the store was staffed with kind and motivated employees who knew their shop, suggested great albums, and looked like they genuinely enjoyed their job. How refreshing.
We believe that great record stores really are critical for not only the future of our own industry, but our culture as a whole and the next generation of creative local musicians. On Saturday, April 16th, independent retailers around the country will be recognizing a now annual event- Record Store Day. Here in Minneapolis, the Electric Fetus is celebrating with live performances by LOW (in Minneapolis) and Atmosphere (in St. Cloud).
This is what it takes to keep our artistic endeavors alive- passion, support, and community involvement. Thank you Amoeba, Electric Fetus, Treehouse, and everyone else. You matter now more than ever.
(Now if only we lived in Nashville- we just heard that “the Killer”, Jerry Lee Lewis, is playing at Third Man for Record Store Day…)
You have managed to find NoWare. We are a music based creative house located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
