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The Thingamajigs
Brendan's first experience in a studio
Here's the questions: I play in a Celtic/Irish instrumental trio (fiddle, guitar, and mandolin).
Six months ago, we began exploring the idea of recording some tunes in a studio. The ones we selected come naturally to us and that people enjoy listening to us play. Ultimately, we recorded ten tunes that provided a balance of tempos, keys, and styles. In the lead-up to the recording, we put new strings on our instruments and ensured we had spares. Finally, I mentally prepared for the recording. I told myself that there might be some challenges and nerves on the day, but I needed to take a deep breath and be in the moment.
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What was the most surprising aspect of your first recording session that other artists should be aware of?
During my first recording session, I was surprised by how every tiny noise was picked up by the sensitive microphones while wearing headphones. I learned to be mindful of background noise and small sounds, as they could ruin a good take. Additionally, I realised the importance of tuning my instrument before each take to ensure the best recording quality. Tuning also gave me a chance to relax and breath.
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How do you maintain focus and energy during long recording sessions?
We brought a list of tunes to the studio and I kept the list nearby. After recording a song we ticked it off and I stood up and stretched my legs. I sometimes made a cup of coffee or had a mouthful of water. When Chris (guitarist) was doing a solo recording, I stepped outside and looked at the birds and trees in Steve’s front yard. It freshened me up before recording my solo.
I wrote two words on a piece paper and placed it on a music stand – ‘Focus’ and ‘Concentrate’. In addition, I acknowledged the idea that this was another step in my journey as a musician (I know that sounds corny). I reflected that that this was another experience and another opportunity to learn. These words inspired me during the recording and they also give me energy.
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Are there any mistakes or challenges you encountered during recording, and how did you overcome them?
We decided to play as a group and capture a ‘live’ performance. A couple of times one of us would make a mistake and we had to start again. There was some frustration and maybe a swear word or two. But we offered positive reinforcement and got on with the task. Mistakes are inevitable but it is important to not let them define you.
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On a more practical level Steve was able to clean up the recording. For example, he said to me, “Brendan. I cleaned up some of your bum notes.” (Thank you, Steve!)
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When I first listened to the mixes I was a little bit underwhelmed with some of the tunes. I could hear parts where I didn’t play with great energy or there were parts where I could have done a triplet or a slide. But then I thought about the book I was reading at the time by a former AFL player called Dylan Buckley. He wrote about his AFL career and his move into podcasting and the media. He wrote, “My friends – in life there is no glory without a bit of cringe.”
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Preparing for Future Recording Sessions: What aspects of your music or process will you approach differently in your next recording session?
Now that I have been in the studio and enjoyed the experience I want to go back and do some solo recording. A friend of mine has said to me that he would like to be my producer! As it will be a solo recording, I will definitely use a click track to record my tracks. However, I have said to my band mates that when we record again we should use a click track and record each track individually. It means that everything is in time and it is much easier to correct mistakes and do overdubs.
What resources or support have been most helpful to you in your journey as an artist and recording musician? It is important to talk about the trials and tribulations of being a musician with fellow artists. Everyone seems to have that little voice inside their head that pops up at the most inconvenient time that says things like, “You can’t play this tune.” Or “Why are you bothering doing this?” Whilst talking with other musicians about their experiences I have realised that they are more than willing to offer advice and encouragement and they have had similar experiences.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists preparing for their first recording session, what would it be?
Go for it! The right time is now.
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Rob Tuncks, ABC Muster Dogs
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"MUSTER DOGS" is a 4-part reality series about the important role of working dogs in Australian farming. It follows five farmers/trainers as they train puppies to become skilled working dogs, showcasing how this affects agriculture and the environment. Muster Dog was the ABC's highest-rating show for 2022.
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Rob, featured on the show, has been recording his EP here. Not only is he a skilled farmer and a seriously good dog trainer, but he also has a long history of writing songs and performing. Although Rob owns his own recording studio and has always recorded his music in-house, this time he decided to collaborate. We gathered the best studio players for his genre and style and he has been working with them to bring his music to the level that he had always hoped.
Fortunately, my studio has the word 'dog' in the name, so his choice of where to work was made easy. His EP should be ready for release in early 2024.
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Pictured is Rob with our very own muster dog, Radar.
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What advice would you give musicians considering recording their music professionally for the first time?
Be prepared for things to go wrong, and work beforehand to counteract that possibility. Whether in rehearsal, having chats, or planning for things taking extra time than expected. Do whatever you need to do to create an environment for yourself with the least stress so you can relax and enjoy playing the music - as that comes across in the recordings.
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Harmonizing Passion and Precision:
An Inside Look at Crafting Music that Touches Hearts
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Ayda Akbal has recently recorded with her band. The music sounded absolutely beautiful during the recording session, and I'm eagerly anticipating the release of this album. You can learn more about Ayda at her website, aydaakbal.com
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'Where Do I Belong? Here.' is an exploration of what it means (to her) to grow up as a first-generation Turkish-Australian. After a magical recording session, generously funded by the Angus Gray Piano Project Grant, Ayda is deeply excited to be releasing it into the world soon.โ She hopes it will connect with everyone in some way, no matter where they are from.
Describe the style or genre of music you're passionate about creating?
I'm passionate about creating music that touches you in the heart, fills you up, and is informed by many different genres. I'm specifically pursuing a career in screen music, but for my newest album, I'm exploring what it means to grow up a first-generation Turkish Australian in a jazz quintet, string quartet, and vocal setting.
Which artists or albums have significantly influenced your music?
For my upcoming album, which I recorded at Soggy Dog Studios, I've been influenced by a variety of albums that I listened to growing up and also discovered throughout my own explorations. I was influenced by Coldplay's first few albums, specifically Viva La Vida and Prospekts March EP, Samora Pinderhughes' Grief, Bon Iver's 22, A Million, and Nico Muhly's Shrink: II. Sixths and Bill Laurence's Flint, to name a few!
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What motivates you to record your music professionally?
My primary motivation for recording my music professionally is to be able to share it with people the way that I imagined it in my head. I'm truly fortunate to be able to afford something like this, but it's a really special experience to be capturing your music in precisely the way you imagined — and then be able to share that with other people.
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What role does your recording studio play in bringing your musical vision to life?
A studio space - of course - plays the key role in recording your music cleanly and professionally so that it can be mixed, mastered and released according to an artists' vision.
In addition, a studio space has an important role in creating a safe and comfortable space, so the performers feel relaxed and there's nothing in their way of playing to the best of their ability. For me, ideally, the performers should also feel connected — not separated — which can be tricky when trying to isolate instruments and get clean audio recordings, but I really found that space in Soggy Dog Studios.
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What advice would you give musicians considering recording their music professionally for the first time?
Be prepared for things to go wrong, and work beforehand to counteract that possibility. Whether in rehearsal, having chats, or planning for things taking extra time than expected. Do whatever you need to do to create an environment for yourself with the least stress so you can relax and enjoy playing the music - as that comes across in the recordings.
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Simon Hosford
Spotlight on One of Our Session Musicians
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to one of our session musicians, Simon Hosford.
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Simon’s accomplishments in the music industry are both significant and diverse. He has toured more than 48 different countries with artists like Vanessa Amorosi, Taxiride, Jon Stevens, Shannon Noll, Birtles/Shorrock/Goble, and Anthony Callea. He has also recorded for artists such as Bachelor Girl, Peter Andre, Guy Sebastian, Ross Wilson, Christine Anu, and Anna-Maria LaSpina.
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His TV work includes holding the position of Associate Musical Director on the productions Australia’s Got Talent and X Factor, as well as being a member of the Australian Idol band.
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Simon began his classical guitar training at just five years old. By the time he was 19, he was touring Australia and America with the renowned guitarist Tommy Emmanuel as part of Virgil Donati’s rock/fusion band “On The Virg”. He was soon recruited by Colin Hay and Greg Ham to join the new Men At Work, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in the music industry.
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In addition, Simon has also served as the guitar clinician for Roland guitar products for Australia and Asia. His contributions to the music industry have made him a notable figure in the Australian music scene. We’re proud to have him as part of our Soggy Dog Recording family and look forward to creating more incredible music together. Stay tuned for more spotlights on our talented team!
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Left Write Hook
Seven women responded to a call-out to participate in an 8-week experimental recovery program. The program supports survivors of childhood sexual assault by addressing both the physical and emotional impacts of trauma through a unique combination of boxing and creative writing. What begins as an 8-week program soon becomes much more as these survivors build bonds with one another and with their coach that lead to transformations they could only have dreamed of.
Documentary out soon.
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Bethany Whitmore
Australian Actor. Star of award-winning movies, such as Girl Asleep, and featured roles in The Family Law, and Picnic at Hanging Rock, is making her debut EP at the studio. Bethany, at the age of 23, is an experienced actor, performer, and writer. She made her major debut at the age of seven in the multi award-winning feature, Mary and Max. Bethany, who played the young Mary, was joined with Eric Banner, Barry Humphries, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Toni Collette. Not a bad lot to be around in the movie world.
Bethany's music is quirky, and artful. A collection of originals and original cover versions that show her creative depth.
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Stephanie, Kim and friends from Melbourne's Zomi Burmese community.
I have worked with some of Melbourne's Burmese community for around nine years. They have fled persecution in their country and as refugees and have found a home in Australia. I have loved every minute of working on several projects with these musicians. Typically, the backings are made in their homeland. We record vocals in the studio, edit, tune, and assemble the tracks ready for mixing. The guide mix tracks and vocal stems tracks are then sent back to Burma for mixing.