Artist Bio
Influences: Anything that sounds good to my ears or that I can't get out of my head.
Please feel free to critique, as it helps me to learn.
My brother, @zecoop, @helenseviltwin, and I put out a Covid EP on bandcamp in the spring of this year.
It was featured on Michigan Public Radio, which can be found here:
https://www.wmuk.org/post/shutdown-produces-two-very-different-musi...
Check out the EP for yourself on Bandcamp here: https://distantsocialclub.bandcamp.com/releases
I play what sounds good to me. FAWM is fun because I have complete control, for better or for worse. My goals this year are to improve on my mic choice and placement, mixing/eq-ing, and hopefully encourage as many of the people around me to be a part of FAWM to any degree, including my wife and two sons, if possible. I also would enjoy collaborating again with my brother, Zecoop (thank you for getting me into this), as well as others who are interested. Writing another children's song with my boys is another goal; I did manage to reach that goal last year and I just love doing it. In terms of songwriting, I would like to start with basics and build from there. I tend to be very chordy and would like to give my songs some more space for layering of sounds and texture.
I truly admire the creativity in others and am energized when I am fortunate to have a spark myself, too. I also do appreciate collaborations and will do whatever I have time for.
Everything that I record is with a variety of microphones and mic preamps into Reaper, as I want to continue to learn and practice these skills. I am planning to do the same this year, but hopefully better...let me know how I can improve. I also have owned Harrison Mixbus for the last three years and would like to do more with that this year (UPDATE- this is not happening this FAWM 2021, as I had too many roadblocks at the beginning of the month to add another stressor). I like the idea of mixing more with my ears than with more plugins and grids. Advice and constructive criticism of my songs or mixing/recording is encouraged.
I have had a tough year that continues to be difficult. It will be interesting to see how that plays into this FAWM. I may be making some changes in my career, but we shall see.
My brother, @zecoop, and father, @srcoop also participate in FAWM, so go check out what they do and maybe offer them some support. I know that the words that my dad write are pretty easy to incorporate into songs, so if you are looking for that, seek him out. He is more than willing....
I DO NOT have any preconceived notions of what the vocals should or could be....at all. I don't write words. I try to focus on the music. So, if you have ideas for vocals on any of my songs, please feel free to do so (just ask). I don't write lyrics, but generally try to write songs that give singers a great opportunity to do what they do best. If someone does do a collaboration after I’ve posted a song, which happens often, I (or we) will just post that separately so that it gets it’s just attention. I will get to 14 anyway, so numbers don’t matter in that regard.
Best wishes to you!
Oh, and I did this on the 4 track challenge this year:
https://fawm.org/songs/124614/
Songs (24)
Make My Own Way Home (In Search Of)Soundboard
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@nadine 2 weeks
Get well soon! We're lagging far behind on vaccination. I'm looking forward to the recordings 😀
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@yarimurray 3 weeks
Thanks for the Zoom prompt. I'm home sick from work today and pretty ratty otherwise I'd consider joining in.
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@nadine 3 weeks
Just wrote you a mail. I hope you received it... Somehow I had some issues with my mailbox gone into spam >.<
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@yarimurray 3 weeks
Glad to see you had a prolific FAWM this year! I know it's been tough but you certainly didn't seem to let that get in your way. I'm looking forward to listening to more.
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@conorg 3 weeks
Hey thanks for leaving such positive comments on our tracks! Your stuff sounds great. Interesting to see you have some similar family collaborations going on.
This is my first time doing FAWM and I was really just using it to try some long distance songwriting with my brother (I am in Ireland and he is in New Zealand). Wasn't expecting it to sound so much like an actual album!
Next time round I intend to get more involved in the collaborative side of FAWM so hopefully we can work together on something!
Interesting that you picked out My Bloody Valentine: I do rate Loveless as the best album to come out of Ireland! I listen to plenty of new music but when it comes to influences I seem to be stuck in that 90s era of Guided by Voices/Radiohead/Pixies/Teenage Fanclub/REM/Breeders etc.
Matt Pond PA: I did have one of their early albums back when it came out, don't remember much about it, will have to refresh my memory on that one! -
@jeustan 3 weeks
I'd be interested in his expertise. I miss the shiny tone of the two Jenson's on this thing.
I'm starting to think it's just a great gig amp that's too hissy to use in any recordings. I never use it anymore but I did this year on Untitled #2 because I wanted to use a loop pedal to do a one-take improv. You can definitely hear the hiss noise there... From what I'm reading it's characteristic of the Custom Vibrolux Amps, so I'm real close to trading or selling it after all these years. -
@jeustan 4 weeks
Thanks! I’m glad I did, too!
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@nadine 4 weeks
I'm doing fine thanks ^^ Reviewed lots of song the past two weeks and made a lot of friends here. Busy writing mails and mixing the first stems. FAWM just felt the right community to join!
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@nadine 4 weeks
Hey, I've uploaded the final version of "All Hallow's Eve"; your harsh electro halloween soundtrack. No need to comment, just make sure that you exchange my raw mix with a proper master 😀
How is your post-FAWM? Busily recording? I'm receiving the first stems and that mixing will be tough work! -
@cynthiawolff 4 weeks
Looking forward to seeing you in zoom!
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@aesthetic72 4 weeks
Not a problem! I’ll render the vocal take as a wave and email you gdrive link? I haven’t done a tap of anything but work since the end of Feb. 😀
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@mikeskliar 5 weeks
thanks! plugged in the 'snow' tracks and they sound great. others in the next few days (got busy today with other family and work stuff) have fun with the last two, if you get to it!
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@lyricslinger 5 weeks
Hi,
Thanks a lot for the nice comments that you gave on my lyrics 'The Price Of Stupidity' and 'Old Pictures'. Really appreciate you taking the time to comment in such a thoughtful way.
Simon -
@highmountain 5 weeks
Thanks a lot for the Why and Waiting comments! It means a lot to me, because I've became a bit isolated over here. Since I started out this FAWM with another project (The Farmyard Orchestra) I had to whip off my Pat Highmountain songs at a rate of a new one every day. I felt quite a rush as I thought I found these veins of gold, the one after the other. It's nice to have confirmed it wasn't just stone!
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@highmountain 5 weeks
Howdy, Guatecoop! Glad you liked my Alpscalp.
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@highmountain 5 weeks
Send your wife belated birthday congratulations from me!
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@lenigmusx1 5 weeks
Thank you for all the awesome comments. Also thank you for listening to all of songs. I am slowly getting caught up on listening as well. I will be back to finish your catalogue!
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@pipewrench67 5 weeks
Zoom went about 90 minutes, will be doing it next Sunday @ noon CST again.
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@cynthiawolff 5 weeks
Hope you make it to next weeks zoom open mic song circle! It was really cool and would love to see you
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@laotranati 5 weeks
Hi! Thanks for commenting on my songs "A veces" and "Cómo me deshago de ti'
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@helenseviltwin 5 weeks
Don't worry about it at all. Easy mistake to make.
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@helenseviltwin 5 weeks
The mix you put up was great, except that the vocals came in about 4 bars too early, which weirdly worked until a certain point, then it sounded like we were on completely different keys, so I put my crappy mix back up as a placeholder. Sorry, I guess you didn't see my email...
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@tamsnumber4 5 weeks
Thanks for listening to my songs "Something Dark", "Amelia" and my collab song "Where I want you / By My Side", I appreciate it!!
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@highmountain 5 weeks
Howdy! Thank you for your kind comments and for taking out my last zong!
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@nahlej381 5 weeks
Long live the cannabis Rex!
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@nahlej381 5 weeks
My wife wasn’t feelin the collab this year lol
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@emkaydeebee 5 weeks
Thanks so much for your comments on my songs! You chose a good selection there! My favourites this year were probably the collabs I did, including a couple with your brother. Really pleased to know the Coop's!
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@marthie 5 weeks
Yes the clues were David making suggestions for lyrics and true- I did not follow all of them. Thank you for listening.
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@jaegerin 5 weeks
Thanks for the kind words 😀
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@emkaydeebee 5 weeks
Thank you! I shall be reciprocating too! Been a full on year this one!
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@nadine 6 weeks
Hmm that's strange. I sent this emali on the 24th. Maybe just write me and I'll copy paste my content.
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@nadine 6 weeks
Thats wicked! Now I get why the harmonies could work together. I should try this technique with my band!
By the way... have you received my mail on "Going my way"? -
@airbagtester 6 weeks
LOL and here's the opposite of the beach house recording space, the "bring a generator out to the cabin" recording space:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crljYFw3BjQ
(The Big Sleep - "Slow Race") -
@airbagtester 6 weeks
Here's that video of Kevin Parker of Tame Impala I mentioned, where he's looping up a song in what looks like a beautiful beach house/improvised studio:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMt7oyHP6iw
It's probably a horrible design for a recording space (no treatment, reflections, etc.) but gee whiz who cares! Look out the window! -
@audrey 6 weeks
Thank you for listening to my music and leaving such kind comments. I appreciate it. About my photo. My friend, Gaylyn Young took it. I've always liked it. She caught a great moment. I'm glad you asked, because it made me realize I should credit her (in my bio) with that photo. Thanks. I've really enjoyed your music too. Have a great and safe year and hope to 'see' you next February. 😀
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@siebass 6 weeks
Very true, re: the 4-track. It's about as close as I'll get though, unless I purchase a 4-track recorder (that I would only use for FAWM). Maybe next year. It has a similar, person 1 does their thing then passes their baby along to see what it is when it's all grown up feel to it, but not quite as limited as going over the mail. Once that tape is sent, it is GONE, and there's no working independently once the bones of the song are down. Still, I enjoyed getting to see and hear your live setup as well. I don't think there are many "real" drummers on FAWM, out of the 2,000 or so active members in a given year? That's just the sense I get. TBH, I'm primarily Bassist>guitarist>drummer, but I can still keep the beat. It sounds like you play everything as well though, based on the tracks I've heard. Every band needs a swiss-army knife player.
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@siebass 6 weeks
Thanks for the comment on Team 6's Funk Machine! That one turned out really well, and you finally got to hear my "live" drum tone, ha ha. Being first was a lot of fun, as I got to control the arrangement and groove with the drums and bass, but the rest was outside of my hands until it came back to mix. I can see why y'all love the 4-track-tape challenge, as the 4 video challenge was a blast.
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@fearlessflight2014 6 weeks
Thanks so much for taking the time to listen to my songs and the lovely comments you’ve made. I appreciate it!
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@metalfoot 6 weeks
But it's still locked, I can't listen! 😀
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@metalfoot 6 weeks
Our song is going to be so awesome it'll make people not want to work! 😉
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@airbagtester 6 weeks
Hey, I think you had mentioned in the forums somewhere that you were listening to the bands Corridor and Quicksand? Anyway my ears are always listening for music recommendations so I checked them out and I really dig them. Thanks!
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@unkept 6 weeks
Thanks for letting me in on another collab, and congrats on your FAWM 21! 😀
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@metalfoot 6 weeks
https://bythefont.com/alex/fawm2021/rolling-v.wav
https://bythefont.com/alex/fawm2021/rolling-g.wav
https://bythefont.com/alex/fawm2021/rolling-g-v-click.mp3
Now with 20% less pitchiness and 30% more excitement in the guitar part! -
@srcoops 6 weeks
Regarding Time to Appreciate
That's my boys! -
@metalfoot 6 weeks
I cannot find the original track, which reminds me that I had a major program crash shortly after sending this so that would be why. If you send me the drum track I'll re-record the guitar and vocal lines both because I hear my vocal is pitchy too 😞 I do have the time to work on things!!!!
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@fearlessflight2014 6 weeks
Oh good!!!
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@fearlessflight2014 6 weeks
I'm running out of time so the mix was quick, but I hope you like the song. 😀
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@fearlessflight2014 6 weeks
I’ve been meditating in the morning for only ten minutes for over a year now and my whole life has shifted because of it. Everyone’s minds are busy but the ADHD brain is particularly hard to gain control over. I have so much more daily moments of presence and contentment. I’m not sure I would have survived Covid-19 with my sanity intact without my meditation practise.
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@fearlessflight2014 6 weeks
I finally finished the lyric for Static and Interference. I will record some vocals tomorrow morning and let you know when I’ve posted. I really enjoyed this one though it was kinda tough and epic. It ended up being about mindfulness. Go figure??!
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@iwilleatyou 6 weeks
Thanks for the listen!!
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@airbagtester 6 weeks
Heh. I'm actually more "DC Adjacent" 😀 I do work there though now and have lived about an hour from there all my life, but I missed out on the 90's live music scene there for the most part. When people ask where I'm from it's usually just easier to say "uh, close to DC" since everyone knows about where that is...
I lived in Baltimore for a while too and actually probably experienced more of that music in person:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdOTUsjwXbc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ATyKqpYmg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6gKT3NnE3k -
@beat 6 weeks
You just made my night. Thx.
Hope sincerely that you don‘ grow ulcers for your hassle in the other place -
@ampersandman 6 weeks
Well thank you for your listens! Much appreciated!
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@sheslin 7 weeks
Thanks for busting my Zong Rob and for the lovely feedback. We are in the homestretch now!
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@airbagtester 7 weeks
I think taking out that second guitar for, what, the first 4 bars of the song? Is that the change you made? If so, it does make a big difference to how the song is introduced. Maybe starting the song with that much dissonance was an issue. I am hearing C# and B? Is that right?
Cutting one of the guitars gives the bass some of the spotlight too maybe. That outtro where it reaches up to D in unison before diving into b flat is still the real headbangin part to me! -
@metalfoot 7 weeks
I will get you something either tonight or tomorrow! 😀
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@yarimurray 7 weeks
FAWM Zoom sounds awesome but Tuesdays are rough for me due to working out of town. I look forward to your comments and continue enjoying your work. Lovely song with you and your wife.
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@aesthetic72 7 weeks
Hey! Doubt I’ll be able to get to your second one before fawm ends. Work is a beast.
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@unkept 7 weeks
Thanks for the comments! I'll get on your song soon, but it might take me a bit of time to get it finished.
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@kvnwoodruff 7 weeks
Thanks for the comments. It’s a G&L ASAT - which is pretty much just a tele. Good ear!
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@cleanshoes 7 weeks
Hey! Thank you so much for your recent listens and comments! Very much appreciated. I'm doing a little better vocally these days, though still not 100%. Thank you for remembering.
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@radioovermoscow 7 weeks
Thanks!
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@kvnwoodruff 7 weeks
Thanks so much for all your comments and feedback. I love the sound you’ve got going on here!
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@nadine 7 weeks
Thanks for your nice comments on my songs! Glad you enjoyed "All Hallow's Eve" and "Going my way". Of course, "Going my way" is still open for collaboration. I'd love to learn how to mix real drum recordings. Never had the opportunity to do this! As for bass - yeah, you could give it a try, too! So, basically I am here at FAWM to improve my mixing skills with real takes!
Can you please write an e-mail and give me the details of the recording quality you can provide and the backings or information you need? -
@aesthetic72 7 weeks
I like the way it sounds now ... but do whatever makes you happy.
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@aesthetic72 7 weeks
I'll try for a melody line on his now .... it's werk that's taking all my energy. Why do we have to need money?
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@aesthetic72 7 weeks
kristian will kill me if I don't do his song first. he sent me chordz. I gotta get some werdz goin.
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@shortdan 7 weeks
I'll drink to that! Cheers 🍻
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@shortdan 7 weeks
Yours was the first track on my list for this evening's listening session. I was just commenting to my other half that the bar had been set high from the off. Ha! I don't get quite as much time these days as I generally can't get into FAWMing until my 2 1/2 year old is put to bed!
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@vegansongs 7 weeks
The more the merrier! Ok. I working on lyrics- will send an email? If I get something worthy can I get just plug your mp3 into my keyboard arranger to record my vocal on top? Lo fi mix....
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@elesimo 8 weeks
Hi, there! For Tape 5 I just want to make sure you have my correct address, it's a PO box and it's in the document that @burrsettles shared with us. Thanks! 😀
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@metalfoot 8 weeks
Sent you an email. 😀
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@aesthetic72 8 weeks
I’m so glad you like it! The music set my synapses to my way back when machine in very particular place on highway 1 before it turned into either 156 or stayed 1 towards moss landing. That juncture factored heavily into my life for years. Thanks for agreeing to the collab! Pretty happy with the result, too!
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@aesthetic72 8 weeks
That sounds great! I am nearly done with the melody line - just need to set the lyric to it. That's such an incredible rise you built into that song. I'm really behind in all my things, but whenever a -coop's or a -coop relative's track makes me cry, I take it as a sign. There's some deep heart clench moments in that track - mid verse. Gorgeous. I hope I can do it justice.
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@aesthetic72 Feb 13
Thanks for listening and for the kind words about my songs! I'm slower than cold molasses this FAWM, but I'm tryna get stuff out when I can. Work blew up at the start of FAWM.
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@piney Feb 12
Thank you soooo much 💚💚💚
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@yarimurray Feb 10
Thanks for listening to the three I've done so far (and Zong busting Only God Knows). The Warm Audio stuff is amazing. I'm saving up for a WA87 R2.
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@steffan Feb 9
Final cut is pricey if you’re not going to be regularly editing video... iMovie is free and has nice functionality. Those are also both mac only, but I’m sure there are comparable programs for PC.
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@steffan Feb 9
Hey! I'd be happy to tell you everything I know, but I fear I won't be terribly useful unless you're using Final Cut to edit it. What program are you using? Also I will say that there are fancier ways to sync the audio and video, but I almost always wind up doing it manually.
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@piney Feb 9
Hehe 🙃
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@w1n Feb 9
Thanks for the comments, something strange with my watch list haven't gotten notice about your songs, but looking forward to checking them out. 😀
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@sw1n3flu Feb 9
Yeah different mindset this year. Just do it. No point overthinking.
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@sw1n3flu Feb 9
Hey - thanks for busting the zong for can't let go ... and commenting on my balls out rock song, "Don't waste my time"
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@alboe Feb 9
Should be in your mail again, please let me know if it worked this time.
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@petemurphy Feb 8
Badass o' clock works equally well 😛
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@drivelmonk Feb 8
Hey there! I'm the guy sending you Tape 5. Send your address to statusmusicdesign at gmail. Thanks!
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@cts Feb 8
Thanks 3x for stopping by!
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@alboe Feb 8
Hey, just checking if you received my wetransfer email.
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@deli Feb 7
d00d! writing music is H A R D !
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@sheslin Feb 7
Hey Robert! You know an instrumental track kinda speaks to you - and I think that Monty's track had an uplifting sound to it which the mandolin really added to. I knew it would be shorter lyric lines and a stacked chorus so it kinda lent itself to a song that had an encouraging positive message in it. It is amazing what Monty does with Band-In-a Box and it is a really cool product. We made a number of changes to the original track that he could do quickly while we Zoomed. I am so impressed with people who make instrumental tracks - especially live ones like you do! Thanks for the listen and comment!
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@nadine Feb 6
Salutes to everyone who records drums. It's complex and I really dig the sound of a real recording!
I'm songwriter first and producer second. My main (and only) instrument is the synthesizer. I've learned piano as a child and never had classes afterwards. I'd like to learn guitar and/or bass, but hopelessly, it never came so far 😞 So I write and produce plenty of songs which I cannot play, always searching for someone to replace my VSTs. -
@sheslin Feb 5
Thanks Robert! I have my ears out for a collab song with you - fingers crossed. I loved what we did last year!! Hope you equipment cooperates with you!!
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@steffan Feb 4
Crazy that you have 635s and F15s! I use those weird mics a LOT. The 635 in particular. I own three! I want to make a video about how you can record a whole track with three 635as.
My kit is a mismash of a lot of of random cheap stuff
Kick IN - Avantone Mondo
KICK OUT - Shure KSM27
Snare Top - Audix i5
Snare BTM - Some radioshack brand that I literally found in the trash.
Hi TOM - SM58
Low Tom - Shure PG52
Overheads - RODE NT5s
Room - EV635a
All of that feeds into my ART Tubeopto, except for the room mic which is just straight into my interface.
I've really gotten into engineering lately... Watching LOTS of Steve Albini interviews! -
@majordanby Feb 4
My accidental time signature. Always 3/4 for some reason.
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@metalfoot Feb 4
So how are we going to do this collab thing? Do you want me to send you some lyrics you can write a track to or do you want me to wait for a track you create or what? 😀
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@piney Feb 4
Thank you for all your heartfelt comments. We are in this together and I am so happy to hear that I might be sparking some inspiration for you. 😀 Can't wait to hear your sounds!
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@momentegalerie Feb 3
Thank you for your comment on my lullaby Vierzehn Englein - yeah the words you wrote really touch me <3.
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@dragondreams Feb 2
Thanks again, Rob. 😀
I was going to tag it as arrogant rather than pompous... 😉 -
@sw1n3flu Feb 2
Cool - looking forward to your collabs. BTW I don't think I have ever collaborated with another fawmer (bandmates don't count!).... perhaps this is the year...!?
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@sw1n3flu Feb 2
Thanks for commenting! I am resorting to random imrpovs at the moment in between trying to get some fuller formed songs completed and/or recorded. Definitely taking the approach of getting things out of the system this year.... it's only day 2 LOL
