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Davis Mitchell, Lead Singer,
Guitarist & Song Writer for Dishwater Blonde
Jesse
hey man I just thought I’d drop U a line and just tell U how great u
made this latest Dishwater Blonde recording sound. As u know this was
our first full band effort and all I can say is “THANK U”. U made the
whole recording process effortless for the band and I feel like we got
the most out of the time we got 2 spend in Nightsong because U took
ALL of the worry out of the recording process and let us be the best
band we could be. U captured amazing tones and your years of
experience were evident as U guided us thru some downright FUN
tracking sessions or should I say U put the FUN in Funky! I know I’ve
already told U this but I just wanted U 2 feel encouraged that U have
helped us make an amazing record that we believe will be a blessing 2
many lives and we consider U 2 be just as much a member DWB as anyone
else on the record. In the words of one my musical mentors, Sly
Stone, THANKU4LETTINMEBEMICELFAGIN!
Also if u don’t mind, I believe I have some words of wisdom for anyone
who might be conflicted about how 2 go about making a CD. As u know
from our discussions these words of wisdom are bought at the price of
many, many, many long and grueling misplaced recording efforts of my
own. Hundreds and Hundreds of hours of time, irreplaceable time,
worry, stress, disappointment and regret that could have been avoided
if I’d had someone sit down and give me this advice. So for ANYONE
who might benefit from this info, it has cost me more than I could
ever begin 2 tell U. But because I want artist 2 avoid these same
“landmines”, for U this info is FREE! This isn’t for everyone but
maybe it’ll help some folks!
1.)Leave it 2 the Pro’s-
Look, if u are anything like me, U probably are
already saying 2 yourself “yeah, but if I just get the right gear/ the
right software, I can do it all myself” and U probably follow this
statement with something like “...and those studios charge so much, I
just can’t afford 2 do it that way...etc..” Let me just help U by
clearing this up, NO,NO,NO,NO,N-O!!!! I’m not trying 2 be mean but
I’ve done all of this and invested thousands and thousands of dollars
only 2 come out with a sub-par project. If u find an engineer like
Jesse, U will know what I mean. The money I spent on one piece of gear (i.e. a pre-amp) was more than a 60 hour package cost me at
Jesse’s studio...and I STILL don’t know how 2 work it...anyone need a
nice preamp????:))))
If U want 2 get the most out of your time, and
as an artist your time is EXTREMELY valuable, stick 2 being an artist
and let someone like Jesse (who is an artist in his own right) engineer
your recording and just focus on what U want your final product 2
be...don’t get sidetracked by the
“do-it-your-self-in-your-home-studio” trap! It’s never ending, just
trust me!
2.) There are No shortcuts-
Ok, my grandpa used 2 say “Work pays off
later, laziness pays off now”....we’ll somethin’ like that but it’s
true. This is kinda the same theme as the 1st but it just
is another example of hard-headed mistake(s) that I have made so
hopefully u won’t have 2. Wherever U try 2 shortcut, U can expect 2 be
disappointed. If not now U will be later. Let me give U an
example. I’ve “experimented with lots of those digital
workstation things and don’t get me wrong, these things can be GREAT
for DEMOS but don’t expect 2 be able 2 get a “commercially viable”
product. It’s just not the same as having the years of
experience
that a reputable studio like Nightsong will have. If U have lots of
time and lots of money 2 blow, go ahead, but don’t say I didn’t warn U!
3.) DO NOT Prematurely Plan your CD
Release!!!!!
Ok, I’ve made this mistake on EVERY single cd
I’ve ever released. Wow, can I tell U the stress it causes as your CD
release date closes in on ya and your anxiously awaiting the fed-ex
man, THE DAY OF your cd release. Trust me, it’s not worth the
stress. It’s NOT the way to truly promote an album either. I know U
are excited 2 get your CD in the hands of the people BUT be
patient. WAIT until U have the CD back from replication and then
formulate a well orchestrated strategy to get it in the hands of radio
stations that play local music, the local cd stores and contact your
local print media......WEEKS before U plan 2 release it, CREATE HYPE!
I’m learning this too...patience grasshopper! Something 2
ponder...”if a tree fell in the woods and nobody was around 2 hear it,
would it make a sound?”..can u connect what I’m tryin’ 2 say here?
4.) Use a REPUTABLE Mastering House
So now, you’ve taken all the right steps for
recording now, U are ready 2 send your cd off 2 be
duplicated/replicated DO NOT short circuit the process by skipping
this. This can make all the difference in your final product. I
didn’t really believe this before Jesse encouraged me to do it but NOW
I’m a believer. Now it’s easy 2 think, “oh, that’s just more money
they’re tryin’ 2 squeeze out of me” but NO, Jesse encouraged me 2 find
an “outside” mastering source and he didn’t make a penny off that.
5.) Get an ARTIST to do your album cover
design
Again this is something that tempts those of
us with the “do-it-myself” mentality...U wouldn’t want a painter, who
had no clue how 2 play guitar, playing a solo on your album, would U?
So stick 2 what U do well, maybe I’m only speaking for myself, but I’d
just as soon let the guys/gals who do graphic art do what they do best
and I’ll stick 2 the musical part...well that is of course unless I
want 2 make a stick figure man the cover of my new cd!!!:))
6.) FOCUS on putting your “best foot
forward”
I LOVE 2 write songs and 2 me all my songs are
great but if I get real with myself I’d say that not everyone feels
that way. Do some Pre-production before u go into the studio. Make
sure U go in with a CLEAR idea of what U are going 2 record, don’t try
2 write in the studio, it’s counter-productive..at least for those of
us with limited time and limited $$$$$. Get some feedback...be
prepared for constructive criticism and try 2 grow from it. Depending
on what U are trying 2 accomplish, U should always choose quality over
quantity. It’s better to have 5 GREAT songs on one EP that 3 full
length CD’s that have a TOTAL of 5 great songs, the great songs will
get lost in the shuffle.
7.) Enjoy the process
it’s very easy 2 get ahead of yourself and
destroy all the joy that music can bring U. When u say things like,
“I can’t wait till this is over or till I get this done” it’s gonna end
up being reflected in your final product. HAVE FUN...how many people
can say that they had an opportunity 2 record an album???? Don’t
short change yourself/your music or your band by worrying. Jesus said
that “worry can’t add a minute 2 your life”....I can tell U from
experience....HE is right!
--Davis Mitchell / DishWater Blonde
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