Mixed Feelings

Posted by koripop on Dec 8, 2009 in "From the Outskirts" Journal | 1 comment

For those of you wondering where I have been, I should tell you that November and now December have been dedicated to mixing From the Outskirts. And, for those of you who are not sure what I am talking about – the mixing process is a most crucial element of having a professional recording. Simply, after you have all the parts of a song recorded (ex: guitar, trump, piano, tuba, kalimba) the next step is to make sure they are all working together properly in a sonic sense. For instance, the piano may be drowning out the kalimba or the vocals sounds harsh – a good mix is the remedy for these predicaments. Have you ever listened to a song with headphones and noticed that the vocals may be in one ear and the guitar in the other ear – or – a guitar solo starts in your left ear and than travels to your right ear almost as though it feels like it went directly through your head? That is a result of mixing. Dave did an amazing job getting the songs ready for this stage of the recording (in fact I think he could be a mix-master). But the cherry on top is Roman Klun. I  have been so lucky to have this incredible person mixing “From the Outskirts.” It is a very tedious process, especially when you are working with two perfectionists. Dave and I are clinically particular. When a part is not in place, neither one of us can rest until it is righted. Roman has been wonderful throughout this stage and I am so fortunate to have this mastermind handling my songs (he was just nominated for a Grammy for goodness sakes!). There is one song left to sort out and then the mix is done. (You should hear how awesome they sound…I am blown away!)

My feelings towards this are mixed up. Although I am beyond excited to finish the record so I can share it with people, I do not want it to end. I LOVED the recording process. It was a lot of hard work but by far the most rewarding musical experience of my life to date. I am sure that it is due to the fact that I have been surrounded by people who are not only technically gifted at what they do but full of adventure as well. At no point in its creation was this record subjected to the Easy-Way-Out (except for the darn tambourine – the never failing vibe booster!). What I mean is that myself, Dave and Roman have worked really hard to give each song its own landscape. Every sound recorded or mixed is particular to that song. When you finally hear the album I hope you can hear (and enjoy) this.

Now, the next step: Mastering.

Until then.

k

Here is a photograph of Artist Extraordinaire DAVE HIND. He was the first “outsider” to hear one of the mixes…

and I am pleased to report that he was all smiles.