The Dead Detectives Club

I can't remember when I first started working on the first of these. Years ago for sure, maybe a decade? Maybe not quite that long.
It's been a long road at any rate, but without further ado, here's the new EP: https://soundcloud.com/blinddrew/sets/the-dead-detectives-club

The thing about working on a project over this timescale is that things change. I've changed computers twice, changed interface once, changed guitars, microphones, DAWs, rooms...
Trying to then pull it all together into some kind of homogenous mass adds a new set of challenges compared to the band EP from last year.
But I'm happy with how this came out. Sometimes you just need to say that something is done, and then move on.
This is done and I am content.

Band on budget - the recording process part 9

Well, that's the vocals done. Pretty happy with what I've got over the last couple of days even if it has taken longer than I'd have liked. Not for technical reasons this time, just because I was knackered this morning and didn't get going 'til lunch time and because of the competition recording yesterday afternoon (which went quite well I think, and I now own a shiny new mic, see below:

We'll give that a spin at the next band practice methinks).


As for the actual vocal recording, that's largely been hassle free. Just a case of setting up to try and minimise room noise, getting the mics aligned to minimise phase issues and then setting levels. Very much stuff I've done before lots of times, the only difference being using the Art pre-amp to try and add a bit of colour - to be frank, I'm not sure it's made a great deal of difference but I'll have a more analytical listen later. There's certainly nothing I'm unhappy with there.


Next up is recording my acoustic guitar parts.
Arguably this should be pretty straightforward as well but there are a couple of complications:
1) a couple of the parts are quite complex, particularly Northshoremen, and
2) I've never really been happy with the recorded sound I've got to date.


So for the rest of this afternoon I'm going to experiment with some different mics and placements to see if I can get something better. I'm pretty certain I should be able to. I can't believe that it's an issue with the kit - no matter how budget my set up, I'm sure it's capable of what I'm looking for.


Right, enough prevaricating, let's crack on.

Full Band Gig!

A gig you say?
A band you say?
What's all this about then?

Yes indeedy the band has its first gig. We'll be supporting The Dan Webster Band and Vesper Walk at The Woolpack on Wednesday 23rd July.

We're working on a couple of approaches for the band; some gigs will be with a full drum kit and electric geetars and amps and all that stuff, some will be stripped back with a cajon and acoustics. York's music scene being what it is* I expect we'll be doing a lot more of the latter.

This gig will be of the stripped back variety and we're currently working on a set list that should give a nice mix of some new songs, some old songs and a couple of re-worked ones.

Finding places to play original music in York is not the easiest thing nowadays, and this will be one of the last gigs that the Woolpack puts on. That's a shame but all the more reason to come down.

So we've got some songs, we've got a gig, but of course we're still working on a band name. Any suggestions? Pop 'em in the comments.
Stay well
Drew

* I'm not having a dig at the York scene by the way, we have an excellent crop of acousticky-type musicians in York and a lot of venues and pubs who support them. Trying to get a full band gig of original music means a lot fewer options though.