Layering sounds

This is a new instrument to me, and as I'm not used to 8 strings and foreign tunings, one with a real learning curve.  However, picking basic rhythms seems to work well in this context.  I ran this direct into my mixer.  The amp was not mic'ed.  I also added just a touch of compression from my previously mentioned software purchase.  Someone obviously doesn't share my enthusiasm.

Soloed:



A portion of this same solo within the song:

Long road

Pretty sure I've mentioned it before, but this is a relatively unorthodox style of music to remix.  I'm finding it difficult to tastefully re-imagine these songs.  I feel that if this were a for-on-the-floor type album, this would be far easier.  For lack of a better term, things would "blend" better.  It also doesn't help that these songs are so intricately composed and arranged.  Instruments come in and out, and not necessarily when you'd expect.  This makes things a challenge, as you can't go by the grid.  Still enjoying the process, though it's tougher than I would have thought.  Minnesota, WI is developing with painstaking effort.

Minnesota madness

I'm beginning to think that all the LCD Soundsystem I've been listening to lately is seeping into my thinking when it comes to this project.  I started this one off with a basic kick drum and then added a hi-hat and a few other percussive elements.  I kind of had a central theme down, but then kept tacking on intro ideas and things quickly got convoluted.  Why not share?

Official remix comp results

So Justin has chosen his favorite remixes over at Indaba.  Some great submissions and kind of humbling, to tell the truth.  It seems that he didn't necessarily go for the popular or obvious choice.  I'm hearing all kinds of different interpretations on Spotify, where a remix album was released with all the winners.  Justin took the time to comment personally on a lot of submissions, which I think is above and beyond.  In the past, bands with far less of a following have failed to post up anything until the end of a competition.  I'll link you to the Indaba page for those who may not have Spotify.  Just click on the individual song titles on the right hand side of the page.  As I've said before, all efforts documented on this blog are not related to the contest, other than the sourcing of stems.

Click here.

Bon Iver live

Here's a link to a free streaming replay of last Friday's show at NYC's Radio City Music Hall. This should be up for a couple of days. Enjoy.

http://t.co/Z9zacCAb

The beginning

Justin Vernon and company from the band Bon Iver have decided to release the "stems", or raw studio tracks for each song off of their self titled album.  If you've heard it, I bet you liked it.  It's inspired, has wonderful production, and his arrangements are at once hugely lush and also minimalist.  Many people are choosing to remix one or more of their favorite tracks for submission to an online contest which can be found here.  I would encourage anyone to give this a shot if they've ever wanted to, as these stems are free to download (once you join as a member), and the tools needed are easily had on the cheap.  I have decided to remix the songs, but not for contest purposes.

My goal is to remix the entire album and document the process through this blog.  What I hope to get out of this process (remixing and blogging about it) is as follows:

• the opportunity to work with top talent and source material
• a better understanding of music production, mixing and mastering
• the overall project management side of album creation
• a chronicled point of reference for future projects
• a cohesive end product that does justice to the artist and allows the music to be viewed from another unique angle

Of course, I hope to collect any opinions as I work through different ideas, etc.  I'll be sharing bits and pieces as things progress.  Some may be interesting, others unintelligible.  Please check back for updates if you're so inclined.

Thank you,
AOC