Tilted Band Project - The Go Thread

[Martian]

So any minute now, the guide track ought to be appearing on the FTP site, for those of us who know the secret handshake. Also appearing will be charts for the rhythm guitar and bass part.

First contestants on this are going to be our world famous rhythm section: ratbastid, grumpyolddude and Fly.

Fly: Since none of the other drummers have spoken up, it looks like it's all yours, baby.

Everyone else: Feel free to have a listen, and to practice your part. If you need help with anything, let me know. I am also designating Fly and vanblah production assistants; they both probably have much more experience when it comes to recording than I do, so you can direct questions their way too. They don't bite.

Well, okay, Fly might. But he's had his shots.

And I think that's it, for now. Go team TFPBand!

PS - I know the guide track's a bit rough around the edges. The bass part was learned in an hour and done in one take. The rhythm guitar was done in two takes, because I fucked up the key change first time around (and second too, actually, but not as bad that time). I didn't see the need to do three dozen takes for a guide.

Don't make fun.

[Fly]

damn rights i bite..........but only when asked of..........



thanks for getting this going Martian.

[grumpyolddude]

Got the guide and the pdf files.
I know it's just a guide track, but listen to the ending. The chord chart shows an "F" but if my ears aren't totally fried, I believe I hear an "Fm".
It's a small thing at this point, but something of which to be aware.

Hey, fly, how 'bout a "bossa nova" type rhythm? I'll play with an optional bass track with that flavor. Got some hand drums?

[Martian]

I think I played an F Maj. That's definitely what it should be. It's a bit of an oddity, since F minor would be expected; the parallel major popping up like that is one of several compositional quirks to the song.

My middle finger may have slipped; it's hard for me to hear what I'm playing when I'm recording acoustic over a backing track due to having a less-than-stellar acoustic recording setup, and I threw the mix together so quickly I just might not have noticed. If that is the case, the chart trumps the guide track, unless we decide the guide track sounds better.

EDIT: Grump needs his ears checked. Definitely sounds like F Major to me.

[grumpyolddude]

check my edit....

[little_tippler]

I've been trying to make a recording and I'll have something up soon. My mic is pretty awful though, so I'm not sure how it will work out. Looking forward to seeing everyone else's efforts soon!

[Fly]

Originally Posted by grumpyolddude

Hey, fly, how 'bout a "bossa nova" type rhythm? I'll play with an optional bass track with that flavor. Got some hand drums?

no but........i do have drums i can play with my hands and not sticks though........that work for ya'?



can't wait to hear what you've got too lil tip.........

[vanblah]

Originally Posted by little_tippler

I've been trying to make a recording and I'll have something up soon.

This is just a suggestion: I would wait for the rhythm tracks to get done first (drums, bass, rhythm guitar). Then let someone do a rough mix of that before you start stressing over vocals. Practice with the guide tracks as much as you can but the rhythm section is going to change the feel (if ever so slightly) and you'll want to sing along with whatever they come up with.

However, I'm also anxious to hear what you and everyone else have to offer--so please upload it when you feel comfortable.

Speaking of which; how is everyone doing in the rhythm section?

Originally Posted by little_tippler

My mic is pretty awful though, so I'm not sure how it will work out. Looking forward to seeing everyone else's efforts soon!

What are you using for a microphone and recording device?

[little_tippler]

Well, I've put something up as a rough sketch of what's going on in my court.

Be nice!

I have put up my first (ok second) take of the lead vocal with silences included. Just for fun I included a separate track with the guide in it, so you can hear a first draft with vocals added in.

I'd love input on the recording - especially because it's not up to scratch. When I hit the higher notes there's all kinds of distortion. Maybe I need a new mic.

Oh yeah, also, the recording is clean, no effects...so it's pretty dry.

I was trying to hook up my Shure Beta but wasn't able to purchase an adaptor. Apparently Portugal is still pretty backwater that way, it would mean buying a mixer which is not possible atm.

I will be working on improving this but for now there's a taster, hopefully it will give some of the rest of the "band" a bit of extra motivation.

ummm...ok if you hate me don't tell me!

[Fly]

oh yeah baby..........nice freakin' job li'l tip..........

falling behind myself....will work on it asap..........

[vanblah]

Your voice sounds fine.

Regarding the distortion you probably are overdriving the preamp on the soundcard. There's not much you're going to be able to do about that. The Beta (57 or 58?) may help some ... but what you need is a decent preamp.

Of course, you're not going to want to run out and spend money on something that you're not likely to use very often ... or are you?

There are a ton of USB mic pres that are fairly inexpensive. Or you could go with something like this:

SameDayMusic.com: BLUE Snowflake USB Microphone

(you'd probably need to find a dealer in Portugal).

Having said all that, ultimately it's up to you and whatever you give us we will work with.

If you record your part at 24-bit (if that's an option) as softly as possible to avoid distortion but loud enough that we can work with it I think it will be fine.

I'd recommend everyone record at 24-bit if possible. If you can't record at 24-bit that's fine but if you can that's even finer.

[Martian]

That's gorgeous, Tippler. I'm quite happy with it, meself.

Thought on the highs: try moving the mic away as you move up your range. Most microphones are more sensitive to higher frequencies, and it's especially pronounced on cheap mic.

If you have your mic on a base instead of holding it, turn down the gain and hold it anyway.

This is a very old video of vocal group Rockapella. I'm going to stick it up here, because high tenor Scott Leonard demonstrates most excellent mic control:



EDIT - Also, what vanblah said. I can work much more easily with a track that's too quiet, rather than a track that's too loud. However, ultimately whatever you give us will do. Don't stress too much about it.

[grumpyolddude]

Your voice is wonderful, Tip!

Would it cut the overdrive effect is you backed off the mic just a little? I'm not a sound tech, I'm just asking.
Struggling with getting a clean, full sound with my gear, but I've got options.

[little_tippler]

Thank you for the positive feedback, I'm glad you thought it was alright.

I'm going to try and improve my mic control for the next take. I'm not really used to a USB mic connected to a PC, that's my excuse heh. When I sing live I do back off the mic if I up the "volume", so to speak. That's a good tip, I hope it will work. That guy from Rockapella is awesome!

About the gain, I already did reduce it to the lowest possible level but there is still some distortion, though it was better than the first few attempts.

I'm sure I can improve it so we have a better sound. I am considering getting some better gear because I actually do want to be able to record myself properly. I have a few song ideas of my own I'd like to record for myself, as a register of ideas, so I might splash out a little in the New Year. But for now I will work with what I have.

I'm really looking forward to hearing what you guys are up to! I have so little time right now, but I'll gladly make time, it's so fun to be doing this with you all, that I still get excited thinking about it

[grumpyolddude]

Little Tippler was the first brave soul. I won't be shy either! There's a bass track up on the ftp, with and without the guide track.

It's VERY rough... seriously! But it'll give you an idea of how I'm thinking. Not as vanilla as Sir Paul's version. Not as busy as I started out.

My rudimentary home recording gear has my Ibanez 5 string sounding almost acoustic. Don't know if that's the flavor I prefer. As I said before... I have options... different basses, different recording gear I can borrow.

Feedback? (Yeah I know... some timing issues, fret noise, etc... this is a rough draft, early in the process).

Fly... your up to bat, baby!

And... Merry Christmas, y'all

[Martian]

Rough drafts are cool. I like it. Obviously it needs to be rehearsed a bit more, but quite frankly I'd be amazed if you had a polished, finished part ready this soon.

The bass line in the guide is intentionally minimalistic. Let your creative juices flow. Do what you want to make it your own. So far this is very much in line with the sound I'm looking for.

Keep it coming, boys and girl.

EDIT - Also, I think we all have to get over the idea that our first few takes are going to be a little rough. Such is the nature of this sort of thing, and I don't think anyone here needs to impress anyone else. I thought my guide turned out pretty awful, personally, but it seems to be serving it's intended purpose, so that's fine. If everyone wants to throw up rough drafts now and again so we know what directions things are taking, that's fine too and there's no sense in getting worked up about them not being perfect. If they were perfect, they'd be the final takes.

[ratbastid]

Sorry for the delay getting even a rough rhythm guitar track up--I'm finding that (A) my wife lent my computer microphone to a British man who is recording Winnie the Pooh for her, and (B) that was three months ago, no progress has been made on that recording, and the pommy bastard still has my mic. And (C) every other option I've got for recording audio sucks balls.

[Fly]

kay.i've got lil tip's vox take 4 and grumps bass line singled out in the studio...as i score some time,i'll drop my drums down too and wait for the guitar parts.........so far,i'm damn close to lining them up.

gotta do the studio today with a bandmate on our moredogs to finish a few things up before the new year so......tryin' to do it all.


lil tip........that 4th take is awesome,and grump........sweet bassline too bro

[little_tippler]

Loving that deep bass grump! Good stuff. I love bass and I used to have a good friend who played bass and we loved to play Norah Jones' Cold Cold Heart (just bass and vocal). Maybe we could try that some time

I too have tried piecing things together and I have to say though it's still rough, it's exciting to think I can hear us as if we were all playing in the same room!

Looking forward to seeing this evolve some more.

I'm considering doing a couple of takes in more of a swing style, just for fun.

I did forget to mention, as Fly has noted, I have a 3rd and 4th take up where I've improved on the distortion issue, the 4th is probably the better one overall.

[grumpyolddude]

Gotta agree with fly, little tippler, take 4 is awesome. I like the emotion you are bringing. Now I've got to step up my game to your level! This is going to be really cool!

[Fly]

gonna work on some stuff today for this.........we'll see how it turns out.

[little_tippler]

Glad to hear that Fly. I'll do some more takes soon. Everybody still hung-over from too much Christmas food and laziness? Heh, looking forward to continuing our joint project!

[Martian]

This enthusiasm pleases me.

We all have lives outside of TFP. I figured Christmas season would be a bit of a bust in terms of making progress on this project. Hopefully we can get things moving soon.

ratbastid: Are you good doing the rhythm guitar? I can give that out to someone else if you don't think you have the right setup for it, and you can contribute elsewhere.

[ratbastid]

I'll do it. I need to make a run to Radio Shack or something, but I'll do it.

[Fly]

kay.........i slapped a quick drum down,added Lil Tips vox.......grumps bass(with guide)and Martian's guide.

rough mix........but what i need is wave files.......when i convert from mp to wave myself....i end up with a bit of hiss,compression will kill it but,like i say,quick rough mix with pans......check it out.........

so?



oh yeah.......and i uploaded the file to (other)........just because.

[ratbastid]

Radio Shack. Tonight. I promise. I'll have something for you sooooon.

[vanblah]

Originally Posted by Fly

but what i need is wave files.......

I'd say that we need to hold off on .wav files until we get keeper tracks. So, if you feel that your take is a keeper please upload .wavs ... but keep in mind that space is limited.

D

[Fly]

should we do keeper tracks as mp3's then?

see how it works,then wave them?

all ears man,learning as i go too.............

[vanblah]

Sort of. If you think you have a keeper then go ahead an render them as .wavs ... but it shouldn't be too difficult to do a rough mix with MP3s.

I think if everyone just uses their best judgment we should be fine.

[grumpyolddude]

If we get a consensus on which tracks are "keepers" on mp3, could the wav files be forwarded right to those doing the mixing via email? That would conserve space on the ftp, right?

And, could a version of the guide with out the click, or maybe with the click dropped after the front eight count be posted? It's tough to get the full effect of fly's drumming with that click through the whole tune.

Progress! I'm lovin' this!

[ratbastid]

I own a microphone. Now to get more than .2db out of it in Audacity...
-----Added 3/1/2009 at 10 : 42 : 41-----
OKAY! There's finally a rhythm guitar track up on the FTP site.

It's a first cut, anyway. No bad notes, but not a real inspired interpretation. I was thinking I'd take another pass on it with fingerpicking. But hopefully enough for you to rough in. Let's call this a tech demo.

[Martian]

We now have a rhythm section. Good stuff.

I will record a lead and do a rough mix before the weekend is over.

Next goal: Work toward getting some final takes.

Any takers on the solo?

[ratbastid]

I can do it, if nobody else wants it.

I just picked it out--Classic Harrison "I can only sort of play, so either hire Clapton, or let me just double the melody" solo...

Not to speak ill... but really...

[Fly]

Originally Posted by Martian

We now have a rhythm section. Good stuff.

I will record a lead and do a rough mix before the weekend is over.

please..........lose that damn click too......i'm gonna try something today in the studio

[vanblah]

The goal will be to completely lose the guide track.

Fly, you will have to upload a drum track with no guide at all. Play along with it in your headphones, but don't render the take with the guide. THEN everyone else will build on top of that.

Don't forget to copy/paste and line up the first 4 or 8 clicks from the guide track at the beginning of your takes though. That way the mixers can make sure everything is properly aligned.

The guide track was only there to establish the initial tempo and arrangement. The REAL groove will come from the rhythm section.

Doug

[ratbastid]

I didn't include the initial clicks, but my track starts at the same moment as the guide. If you line my zero up with the guide's zero, we'll be in sync. Will that work?

[Martian]

I actually have a clickless guide track, although apparently I forgot to upload it. I'm a bit short on time right now, but that will be done as well by Monday.

And yes, the guide track was never meant to serve as more than a.. well, guide. It shall not be included in the final mix.

I'm making another Executive Decision for mixing. I'll do that myself, with Fly's assistance/input.

[Fly]

kay....clickless take up........Ratbastid(rythm).....grump(bass)......lil tip(vox)......Fly (drums)


in other .........as AND I love her MIX


busy here so,rough mix........but it's a start
-----Added 3/1/2009 at 01 : 27 : 51-----

Originally Posted by vanblah

The goal will be to completely lose the guide track.

Fly, you will have to upload a drum track with no guide at all. Play along with it in your headphones, but don't render the take with the guide.

workin' on that too.......tryin' to put a click at the beginning of my take.....which i'll be able to lose later.


gimme a couple hours and it'll be up in the drum section




lone drum track up to work with.......pretty fucking boring but......hey that's the tune.

[vanblah]

Why not let anyone with the desire to put up a mix? All we need is the final wavs of each track. Just a thought.

Of course, the final mix shall be Martians.

I didn't include the initial clicks, but my track starts at the same moment as the guide. If you line my zero up with the guide's zero, we'll be in sync. Will that work?

It's possible that lining up the takes will work. If it doesn't then we can request a re-upload with the clicks in place.

[Fly]

Originally Posted by vanblah

Why not let anyone with the desire to put up a mix?

great idea............


please do.



and van.........you can toss any other takes of mine........'cept for the drum take,it's clean with the click at the beginning.