Time has been a valuable commodity lately. The recording process has unfortunately taken a back seat to some other activities. But it's about time I pick it up again. I currently have 2 songs in the works. One only lacks vocal tracking. The other still needs a little songwriting work and is currently only about half tracked. These two songs are bit heavier and delve more into the metal side. While not quite as progressive sounding as "Mercury", I like them. My plans beyond here include going prog with some of this metal and more than likely much more "metal" than this metal. Which kinda brings me to....
I've been trying to pick up on some new (well, new to me anyway) stuff and discover some acts that I've not yet paid much attention. One act was Porcupine Tree's records that aren't as well known. Interesting stuff. A few others here and there that I gave a good effort but really aren't worth mentioning. However, while digging around in Texas/southern metal, I came across a metal act from Fort Worth that simply blew me away. I have no idea how well known they are on the metal scene, but I fell in love. Oh, Sleeper or if you're a Spotify user, Oh, Sleeper – Children Of Fire. Great songwriting, creativity and musicianship. The lyrics on "Hush Yael" will make you shiver as the dissonant guitars are both beautiful and evil only to be swept away by gorgeous vocals over the top of the chorus.
So anyway, that's what I've been up to. I'm determined to get some tracking and writing done in the next few weeks, so stay tuned. Also, feel free to post here or on the facebook page and show me some stuff you think I should take a listen to, or your own music or blog.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Sing the Scream, NOT Speak the Scream
I'm not a screamo person really. But in the past few years I've found some bands that I'm really enjoying in which the vocalist screams/growls. I've also found that I like some better than others. I also really enjoy it if the singer can actually sing.
In wondering why I like one above the other I've determined that 2 things really determine my ear's fate.
1. a growl/scream is always better with lots of wind behind it. Lot's of air and power tend to make them sound better.
2. They sound better when they are at least a little musical. This is hard to describe, but making the vocals understandable, well articulated pronunciation, and not so monotone tend to sound better to me.
It's kinda like Soilwork vocals vs Children of Bodem. Soilwork's vocals sit on top, you can understand them and there's emotion involved. I've never been able to get into Children of Bodem because the vocals have always sounded like an afterthought, monotone and emotionless white noise.
So the way I've determined I like to describe this is that you have to "sing the scream, not speak the scream" I'm not sure if this makes since at all, but I've never said it out loud and now I feel better.
I understand there are those out there that like the "Cookie Monster" stuff and that's just fine. But remember, it can still be cookie monster and sit in the mix in a place that sounds good.... and not like white noise.
In wondering why I like one above the other I've determined that 2 things really determine my ear's fate.
1. a growl/scream is always better with lots of wind behind it. Lot's of air and power tend to make them sound better.
2. They sound better when they are at least a little musical. This is hard to describe, but making the vocals understandable, well articulated pronunciation, and not so monotone tend to sound better to me.
It's kinda like Soilwork vocals vs Children of Bodem. Soilwork's vocals sit on top, you can understand them and there's emotion involved. I've never been able to get into Children of Bodem because the vocals have always sounded like an afterthought, monotone and emotionless white noise.
So the way I've determined I like to describe this is that you have to "sing the scream, not speak the scream" I'm not sure if this makes since at all, but I've never said it out loud and now I feel better.
I understand there are those out there that like the "Cookie Monster" stuff and that's just fine. But remember, it can still be cookie monster and sit in the mix in a place that sounds good.... and not like white noise.
Monday, January 9, 2012
The History and Future of Amp Modeling
http://projectk2r4.com/2012/01/06/the-history-and-future-of-amp-modeling/
This is an exceptional read. Guitar Amp Vs Simulation in a nutshell. I think anyone who doesn't like the simulation side of the story can still argue some of these points. But it's still a debate until it becomes the norm....and it will. Well said Sir!
This is an exceptional read. Guitar Amp Vs Simulation in a nutshell. I think anyone who doesn't like the simulation side of the story can still argue some of these points. But it's still a debate until it becomes the norm....and it will. Well said Sir!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Studio Pics
Just for the fun of it I thought I might post some pics of the studio. HAHA, not much I know.....
Yes, the keyboard is junk and I do use monitors that are straight out of a 1979 Radio Shack catalog....They sound fantastic. I produce everything on this site from this setup and I'm fairly happy the way budget sounds these days. Sorry, no pics of the $200k sound proofing job (comfy couch) behind the camera, the wall of guitars and amps (the Les Paul), the vocal both (closet), or drum room (actually it's still in the process of renovation, I've not yet completed the update to SSD 4.0).
Yes, the keyboard is junk and I do use monitors that are straight out of a 1979 Radio Shack catalog....They sound fantastic. I produce everything on this site from this setup and I'm fairly happy the way budget sounds these days. Sorry, no pics of the $200k sound proofing job (comfy couch) behind the camera, the wall of guitars and amps (the Les Paul), the vocal both (closet), or drum room (actually it's still in the process of renovation, I've not yet completed the update to SSD 4.0).
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Steven Slate Drums 4.0
As a beta tester, I can tell you that this is total awesomeness. I hope
most of our suggestions got looked into and I hope a few things got
fixed. But all in all I've been very impressed. If you're already a
Slate fan, you're gonna make a mess in your shorts over 4.0. If you're
not a Slate fan, it might be in your very near future to become one.
this software rocks my socks, the new player is MUCH better, the samples
are totally unprocessed, the velocities are much better, the cymbals
are better, everything is better! Here's a quick sound sample of a new
song I've been working on for a few months now (ssd4.0(beta), X50
rhythm, Anvil Lead, BOD/Lextac bass: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3406793/Dtest2.mp3
Thank you Mr. Slate for the great opportunity to test SSD 4.0. I wish the best for you and this great new addition to my arsenal.
Steven Slate Drums 4.0
Holiday PreRelease
December 22nd 2012
100 Drumkits, New SSD Player, and Much More!
Steven Slate Drums 4.0 is now available as a holiday prerelease!
3 long years in the making, Steven Slate Drums 4 Platinum is the most complete and versatile drum instrument containing 100 preset drumkits including the new Deluxe Series kits, which Steven recorded with the most extreme precision and detail resulting in amazing playability. The Deluxe series kits are unprocessed, yet sound so big and rich, very little processing is required to make them sit in the mix. SSD4 has everything you could ever want in a drum instrument, starting with the new SSD Player, a new VST AU RTAS drum sampler built from the ground up by the award winning Slate Digital team.
SSD4 contains kits in every genre you can think of, such as metal, reggae, funk, vintage, 60's, 70's, 80's, rock, country, electro, dance, urban, and even jazz and brushes. You have unprocessed kit, processed kits, and kits with both! There are even kits that model famous drum sounds from artists such as Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Metallica, Dream Theater, and more! Cymbals are all sampled from Soultone custom Turkish cymbals. Roland Vdrums, Yamaha DTX, and Pearl E Pro Live edrums are all supported. The internal groove player makes it easy to get real pro drum sounds in your mixes without ever having to hit a midi note.
UPGRADE from SSD 3.x or CROSSGRADE
If you own SSD 3.x Platinum or EX, or own a competing drum instrument (see crossgrade page for specific titles that qualify) you can get SSD4 for HALF OFF for a limited time!!
Visit our upgrade crossgrade page HERE
upgrades expire February 28th 2012, crossgrades Expire February 1st 2012
Watch the SSD4 Launch Video
The SSD4 Launch Video takes you through the new SSD4 Player, and has live kit performances by Jerry Lyons and Walter Turner III on the jazz drums.
You can also hear many more audio demos of new kits at our website,
http://www.stevenslatedrums.com
TO PURCHASE Steven Slate Drums, Visit Our Store:
http://www.stevenslatedrums.com/store/
IMPORTANT INFO ON PRERELEASE:
This is a holiday prerelease, and therefore, there will be a few updates coming within the next two weeks:
- 64bit versions
- Complete Groove Library
The Slate Team is committed to YOU, the CUSTOMER. If you have any problems, or questions, please submit a support ticket here:
http://www.slatedigital.com/support
Thank you Mr. Slate for the great opportunity to test SSD 4.0. I wish the best for you and this great new addition to my arsenal.
Steven Slate Drums 4.0
Holiday PreRelease
December 22nd 2012
100 Drumkits, New SSD Player, and Much More!
Steven Slate Drums 4.0 is now available as a holiday prerelease!
3 long years in the making, Steven Slate Drums 4 Platinum is the most complete and versatile drum instrument containing 100 preset drumkits including the new Deluxe Series kits, which Steven recorded with the most extreme precision and detail resulting in amazing playability. The Deluxe series kits are unprocessed, yet sound so big and rich, very little processing is required to make them sit in the mix. SSD4 has everything you could ever want in a drum instrument, starting with the new SSD Player, a new VST AU RTAS drum sampler built from the ground up by the award winning Slate Digital team.
SSD4 contains kits in every genre you can think of, such as metal, reggae, funk, vintage, 60's, 70's, 80's, rock, country, electro, dance, urban, and even jazz and brushes. You have unprocessed kit, processed kits, and kits with both! There are even kits that model famous drum sounds from artists such as Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Metallica, Dream Theater, and more! Cymbals are all sampled from Soultone custom Turkish cymbals. Roland Vdrums, Yamaha DTX, and Pearl E Pro Live edrums are all supported. The internal groove player makes it easy to get real pro drum sounds in your mixes without ever having to hit a midi note.
UPGRADE from SSD 3.x or CROSSGRADE
If you own SSD 3.x Platinum or EX, or own a competing drum instrument (see crossgrade page for specific titles that qualify) you can get SSD4 for HALF OFF for a limited time!!
Visit our upgrade crossgrade page HERE
upgrades expire February 28th 2012, crossgrades Expire February 1st 2012
Watch the SSD4 Launch Video
The SSD4 Launch Video takes you through the new SSD4 Player, and has live kit performances by Jerry Lyons and Walter Turner III on the jazz drums.
You can also hear many more audio demos of new kits at our website,
http://www.stevenslatedrums.com
TO PURCHASE Steven Slate Drums, Visit Our Store:
http://www.stevenslatedrums.com/store/
IMPORTANT INFO ON PRERELEASE:
This is a holiday prerelease, and therefore, there will be a few updates coming within the next two weeks:
- 64bit versions
- Complete Groove Library
The Slate Team is committed to YOU, the CUSTOMER. If you have any problems, or questions, please submit a support ticket here:
http://www.slatedigital.com/support
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