Recording, part one

We haven't had a single show yet but we're recording? Yes. And that's precisely why.

The problem with our previous demo-tracks was that they didn't have actual drums. We used Cubase and Plug-ins to create them, but of course the end result would be much better with an actual drummer behind the kit. Duh. Everything else, bass, guitars, vocals and synths, can be recorded by ourselves in our home-studio, but drums are the tricky part.

So we decided to go and record drums to at least four songs, five if we had time, in a local studio. This is just the start. The big plan is to record everything else our selves, in our home studio, and either release it and use it to get gigs or use it as material to send to record labels. Or both.

There's not much to write about. Everything went smoothly.

Micing in process

Checking levels

After setting everything up and checking levels it was recording-time! We got all five songs done, and even some editing. Some we'll have to edit later though. After a take we'd listen carefully to weed out any mistakes and unnecessary fills and stuff. And then another take. In the end we had fine results, simple enough, but with spices. 

It's hard for me to take the lead and tell other people what to do. I have been in studio before, but never doing my own music. There was usually someone else telling me what to do. And now I had to assume that role. I was nervous at first, but the atmosphere was relaxed and the guys kind, so I soon found courage to say out loud what I wanted done. So, thank you!

So timid

Next will be recording basses.

Band Photography

Yeesss... Time to make a post about this event!

We needed band photos for future promotional purposes and it turned out that our drummer knew just the right guy. The had worked together before doing videos and promotional photos for the drummer's other bands. I looked him up and liked his work. Next step was contacting him of course and negotiate. There were other photographers I considered as well, but he came up with the most reasonable price and solutions, considering the low budget of a starting band.

After settling on a date that suited everyone we searched for locations. The drummer, again, had quite a few in mind. Everything would depend, of course, on what I wanted the final pictures to look like. I was uncomfortable with the idea of the classic heavy/metal band picture, heavily photo shopped and altered, angry guys posing and looking so damn tough. Also, I didn't like the idea of going to the woods, since (black) metal bands usually get lost there. (We could have managed since we are not a black metal band.)

I had two ideas in mind: One direction would be highly visual, like me in a flashy or outright outrageous outfit sitting on a throne with my faithful band members around me. Like a classic Goth-queen on her throne. But in a dark, filthy, industrial environment. It would require some prepping but would be possible. But then again, it might be a kind of picture that has been used over and over.

The other direction, which we finally took, was  more natural. I wanted the pictures to be good photography with minimal alterations. I also wanted to communicate a dark atmosphere without using all those goth- cliches I love so much. I really do. Like grave yards and skulls and vampires. Still, those fun things don't necessarily communicate what I'm trying to say with this music and this band. One other reason, I feel uncomfortable forcing other people into my visual mold. I think the band's final visual image stems from individual members and their styles. There was the possibility that nobody else would show up in black except for me.  So, the way to go was good old-fashioned black and white photography.

Our time was limited to one evening, so more than two locations were out of question. One option was an old soda factory. There were several spooky rooms and dark corners in there, said the drummer. I also asked around from an old brandy-factory, which had been restored and was now used as a cultural center. We had the opportunity to go there for free, but it turned out that the schedule for that day was just too tight to arrange everything in both locations. So in the end, the soda factory was our final location.

We used spotlights and available lights from the factory to create the dark mood. I decided to go without make-up but still do my hair. Never quite got that Robert Smith result, but it turned out ok. Outfit of the day was an indie-styled maxi-dress and jewelry. The place was rusty and industrial, with cool gadgets and weird rooms for soda production and storing. The corridor floors were covered in rusty water, the dark halls and rooms with bird shit and some other unnamed filth. There was also a cool cave in a remote alley. I could have got lost there, easily. In fact me and the bassist got lost one or two times!

We took group photos in on at least five different locations and individuals as well. The more we took, the more ideas the photographer himself had, and after the initial tension had melted away we had a great time. The results were very nice, amazing indeed! Here are some of the pictures:

Boys found these lamp holders on the spot

Simple against-the-wall picture, but it works

In the cave

We just had to make use of this ceiling

the cool effect of shadows on the wall and reflections in the water

I need to pee, apparently

This is one of the best shots, definitely will be used 

A close shot, some one is lurking behind...

Ok, let's try to concentrate!

"Old Photo" effect was used on some pictures as well

not much of a dancer, but the shadow is cool

This was the room we started in, loved the complete darkness

Thank you guys! And a special thanks goes to Ville Solkinen, who took these beautiful pictures!