So, remember our Windmill Lane recording? The plot thicks...

MilanPan!c

Most of the regulars probably remember that, kind of randomly, I had the opportunity to record a song in Windmill Lane, about a month ago.

A MP regular, Damaged Trax, works there and needed a band to record for his reel, essentially.

I sent him a song, he liked it and we set up a date to record.

I've been working with a singer since January (the lovely Elaine) and had a bunch of material, but no drummer.

About the same time, a drummer, a super nice guy (name withheld), approached me about the band.

Long story short, we needed a drummer to do the WL thing, he was very into the tunes so we said, grand. Perfect.

We did some pre-production, DT helped a ton, bringing ideas and advice, and helping up rent gear, etc., etc.

During this time the drummer seemed pretty good, but also pretty reticent to play with a click in rehearsals.

At any rate, the day of the recording came along, and we went to lay down the rhythm tracks. It became almost immediately apparent that the drummer couldn't actually play to a click. A good enough drummer, but... he couldn't do what we needed... it's a hard job, being a drummer these days.

So, we did our best, and then DT and the whole WL crew "fixed" the drums, as best they could in 15 minutes, with Beat Detective.

We then did the rest of the recording to a "fixed" but not great drum track.

DT then spent quite a bit of his own time, fixing the drums, in prep to mix. Then he made a rough mix and called us over for a listen.

Sigh.....

The thing is, as you all know, Beat Detective (and anything like it) is pretty good, but when you have to mangle a drum track into shape that is essentially 30 secs longer than it should be and played very, poorly, well the end results aren't magic. (In fairness to the drummer, he played it a million time better when he wasn't trying to control his tempo, but that didn't help us on the day.)

So, the drums had no pop and the song was severely lacking because of it...

Now this is where it gets amazing.

I knew Robin Ball, el drummer magnificent, from boards. We'd talked a bit about a few industry things in the past, so I knew his background and abilities.

I called him up, and asked if he could save our butts.

He immediately said yes, and for an amazing price, and within the week, he'd produced an AMAZING drum track, with perfect feel and finesse. (He actually was even more professional than I could believe.. a real pro.)

So, when we finally unleash this track on the world (with a music video, which also is being done by a Boards guy - - anyone got a venue we can "borrow"?) it'll be Robin Ball on drums. And you'll be amazed!

I wanted to sort out the other drummer before I announced it. We're currently holding auditions for a replacement.

And yes you gotta be able to play to a click.

So thanks Robin, a ton and thanks again Barry!

I can't wait for it to be done, so everyone can hear this mythical recording (myself included).

The most important thing to take away from this is: Robin Ball is an awesome guy, and amazing drummer. If you need someone, consider him. He's really great!

DamagedTrax

+1

great drum recording and the playing is top notch. highly recommended from me :cool:

also, just wanted to mention chris, i dont work there. i work at the base now but ive assisted and freelanced at WL and engine room and had access to the facilities (hence the free recording). alan kelly is the house engineer in WL (the sound crazy beardy guy you met)

flyswatter

Fair play, look forward to hearing the song!

Rockshamrover

flyswatter wrote: »

Fair play, look forward to hearing the song!

Likewise.

Good luck in finding a drummer too.

MilanPan!c

Rockshamrover wrote: »

Likewise.

Good luck in finding a drummer too.

Thanks! If you know anyone....

Rockshamrover

MilanPan!c wrote: »

Thanks! If you know anyone....

Stick a note up in Drums section of Adverts. You'll get lots of drummers there.

ZV Yoda

Rockshamrover wrote: »

Stick a note up in Drums section of Adverts. You'll get lots of drummers there.

No point doing that... most drummers can't read... and those who can would never be able to figure out how to use a computer.



Relax. I'm a drummer. Just getting in there before anybody else does :P

Robin Ball

Thanks for the kudos guys! Keep me up to date on the drummer situation.

Robin Ball

ZV Yoda wrote: »

No point doing that... most drummers can't read... and those who can would never be able to figure out how to use a computer.

Lol, classic....

MilanPan!c

Robin Ball wrote: »

Thanks for the kudos guys! Keep me up to date on the drummer situation.

Don't you worry about that!



Why are good drummers so hard to find?

We'd take an illiterate Mormon, as long as they're good and can play to a click.

DamagedTrax

MilanPan!c wrote: »

Why are good drummers so hard to find?

because, as already stated they cant read and usually end up getting lost. try an APB.. but again that will only work if they can remember their own name.

if all else fails trying looking for them at their girlfriends house.

Dravokivich

MilanPan!c wrote: »

Why are good drummers so hard to find?

Have you check your bass players car?

Rockshamrover

Dravokivich wrote: »

Have you check your bass players girlfriend's car?

Fixed that for you.

eviltimeban

What's the last thing a drummer says before he leaves a band?

"Hey, why don't we try one of my songs?"


...ad infinitum.

MilanPan!c

Why did the guitarist put a drumstick on the dashboard of his car?



So he could park in handicapped spots...

Boom boom.

So anyone know any drummers?

novarock

did you hear about the bass player that locked his keys in his car? It took him three hours to get the drummer out...

Rockshamrover

[QUOTE=MilanPan!c;

So anyone know any drummers?[/QUOTE]

Well, if you're really not too fussy, I could always ask my uncle to come out of retirement.

http://www.wimp.com/wronggig/

MilanPan!c

Rockshamrover wrote: »

Well, if you're really not too fussy, I could always ask my uncle to come out of retirement.

http://www.wimp.com/wronggig/

We absolutely could not afford that super genius.