Steve Albini 101

I walked into Sony studios a few nights back to retrieve the latest copy of our recently mastered demo. Unfortunately the original mastering job didn't go over too well. Actually it was botched quite nicely, but I really don't want to go into that story. So I enter the studio and find Alonzo in the middle of re-mixing 'New Day.' This was a bit of a surprise since I thought I was picking up the finished product. Alonzo explained that he got inspired last minute to re-mix the tune after having a one-on-one session with famed music producer Steve Albini. Apparently, Steve was at Sony the night before working on a mix and invited Alonzo to sit in with him. This might not sound like a big deal, but it is. Steve Albini has been extremely influential in the independent rock scene producing many big albums including Nirvana's 'In Utero.'

Hey this blog is getting a little long. Anyway, Alonzo eventually played Steve our demo and as Alonzo explained, he really dug the tunes. In fact he started giving Alonzo some positive feedback on what he really liked and a couple of ideas on how to improve upon the mix. With his newfound inspiration Alonzo went back and re-mixed 'New Day' with a little more grit, grime, and edge. The result was a better mix with attitude. I have to say I’m pretty psyched and can’t wait to put the completed tunes on the site.

Even though we still don't have the finished product I'm glad the encounter happened. Hopefully my next blog will be titled 'Finished.'

-Mark

LA Thoughts

Just got back from LA this past Friday evening. I was only there for a couple of days taking care of some business, however two things really stood out to me. First - nobody walks anywhere. I was the only one on the sidewalk for a good mile. And second - every other car is a Mercedes. What's my point? It's good to be back in NYC.

Looks like we're heading into Sony studios tomorrow to finally put the mixes through the mastering process. It's about time. This whole process took such a long time. I feel like the music landscape has drastically changed since we started recording. Maybe it really has!

Lastly – I'd like to say thanks to Laura, Kristin, Erin, Eitak, Amanda, Gillian, Wendy, and Mia for your beautiful comments on our MySpace page. It's great to hear the positive feedback. Check 'em out!

-Mark

Mixes Are Complete

Finally!! The mixes are complete. Man, it’s taken some time however I’m happy to announce that the mixes for the new tunes are done. Click here to check out the latest mix of New Day before it heads to the mastering studio. The band recorded, edited, and mixed the songs: ‘Penny Waits’, ‘Swerve’, and ‘Courthouse Fire’ and Alonzo Vargas from Sony Studios re-mixed the tune ‘New Day.’ I’m very happy with the results and feel good that they’re done. After all I’ve been told I have a completion complex so I guess now I can relax – momentarily that is.

In other worldly news our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the bombing attacks in London.

-Mark