Sorry for the delay, but I get real busy in the studio these days! That's a good thing right? Well, Aaron is finishing up his internship with me and I have to say, I'm impressed! "When the student becomes the teacher." He made my life easier around here and will still look forward to working with him. I think the kid taught me has much as I taught him... We work real good as a team and bounce stuff off each other too! I'm gonna spend more time on the other side of the glass, playing, instead of always doing the tracking.
My mic locker his taking on a upgrade lately! I have added a few more "must haves" to it. I feel comfortable to say, there is no sound I cannot capture with the tools I have! I went to Wallyworld and bought a wood shoe organizer and it makes for a great mic locker.
I have also done some rearranging of the effects pedals for guitar. They are all sounding awesome now!
My drummer buddy, Simon, broke 2 fingers and is now finally out of the casts! He is working on getting his chops back again. Which means, we can start writing again! Well I am off to do some more mixing for the day! Keep in tune!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
We are doin it all at the Bear's den!
In the last month we have worked on Country, Hip Hop, Soft rock, Hard rock, Heavy Metal, Remixes, Mastering, Remakes and even did some cleaning of the studio! I'm having a hell of a time keeping up. If we keep going at this pace, I will be 60 before I am 50?
I so enjoy having Aaron "the intern" here working with me! The kid does an excellent job and does everything he is told. I even asked him to become a permanent fixture here at the studio. When it comes to Pro Tools the kid has me beat, but he still needs me for other things.... I think? I like being able to work on both sides of the glass and he seems to understand my lingo, no matter how crazy that is. I still want to show him more about mic placements, and that will come soon enough!
More repeat customers are coming around too! That tells me we are doing good things for people. Being able to share our gifts is God given. I met with another chap last weekend and he seems real interested in the studio for his next CD. I was going to try and slow this stuff down but, I better make sure Aaron gets his hours in for school first.
It has been a while since we had time to do Acoustic Tuesday! It has been "feast or famine" all summer and I guess I knew it would pick up this fall! I'm looking into some more mics and preamps to capture with. If anyone has some idea's on what I should have on hand, please let me know!
Well I gotta get back to work! Like always, chow for now and stay in tune.....
I so enjoy having Aaron "the intern" here working with me! The kid does an excellent job and does everything he is told. I even asked him to become a permanent fixture here at the studio. When it comes to Pro Tools the kid has me beat, but he still needs me for other things.... I think? I like being able to work on both sides of the glass and he seems to understand my lingo, no matter how crazy that is. I still want to show him more about mic placements, and that will come soon enough!
More repeat customers are coming around too! That tells me we are doing good things for people. Being able to share our gifts is God given. I met with another chap last weekend and he seems real interested in the studio for his next CD. I was going to try and slow this stuff down but, I better make sure Aaron gets his hours in for school first.
It has been a while since we had time to do Acoustic Tuesday! It has been "feast or famine" all summer and I guess I knew it would pick up this fall! I'm looking into some more mics and preamps to capture with. If anyone has some idea's on what I should have on hand, please let me know!
Well I gotta get back to work! Like always, chow for now and stay in tune.....
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Busy boys with noisey toys
Hi fellow studio rats! We are in full production these days! Been in working 3 days a week now! Some songs are gettin' finished and others are gettin' started! It seems the intern keeps better track of whats going on, then me! I like that!
Simon has got the drums dialed in now and they are sounding great! The preamps have new tubes and all I have left to do is restring the guitars before next week! Starting some harder rock songs next week! I like that the most! I hope they let me sit in too! I'm still a kid at heart and so enjoy rock in roll! I have been known to lose sleep for music... Some things will never change!
Been working closely with Aaron and he seems to have a real good ear. I think his schooling was very worthwhile. I like to let him get his hands in there and I also give him free reign on what he thinks it should sound like! If I think it should sound a lil different, I will sit down with him and review it. Lets face it, I get tired too and its always nice to have some fresh ears. I can't believe I did it by my self for so long. Sessions go so much quicker when I dont have to do mic placements, running back and forth!
Well I will try to spend a lil more time on the blog... But until then, stay in tune!
Simon has got the drums dialed in now and they are sounding great! The preamps have new tubes and all I have left to do is restring the guitars before next week! Starting some harder rock songs next week! I like that the most! I hope they let me sit in too! I'm still a kid at heart and so enjoy rock in roll! I have been known to lose sleep for music... Some things will never change!
Been working closely with Aaron and he seems to have a real good ear. I think his schooling was very worthwhile. I like to let him get his hands in there and I also give him free reign on what he thinks it should sound like! If I think it should sound a lil different, I will sit down with him and review it. Lets face it, I get tired too and its always nice to have some fresh ears. I can't believe I did it by my self for so long. Sessions go so much quicker when I dont have to do mic placements, running back and forth!
Well I will try to spend a lil more time on the blog... But until then, stay in tune!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Change in the season.... Ain't no changes in me!
Boy things are looking great these days! The intern started in the studio and he is a great kid! I'm having a blast working with him. We are working on finishing up some of the open projects around here! No, I don't just make him take out the garbage! He has a part in the studio and he is responsible for his part. Just like everyone else! Everyone works as a team... way cool!
I have been doing some back up vocals myself lately, so I need someone on the other side of the glass. Lets face it he has the schooling already! I'm enjoying being able to sit in on some of these sessions. As an engineer, that doesn't happen alot.
My effects set-up was featured on another web page and I couldn't be happier! It lets me know I am on the right track. http://www.effectsbay.com/2010/09/pedal-line-friday-910-joe-bear/ check it out!
This week will hold alot of personal challenges for me. I don't know how much time I will get in the studio, but I know I will be back in on Tuesday... This is like my baby... I hate to be away from her! Soon it will be balls to the walls around here and I need to prepare better this winter! I am also adding a separate vocal booth and that has to be done between sessions. Its looking like sometime in October for that.
Brad Brookes new song is coming along nicely! He has requested alot of input from me. I like that because it takes the tension out of the mixes. I get to have alot more free expression on the instruments, the sound, and things like that. It takes the EGO out for all of us! Nice!!!!!!!!!
Well I can't type all day! Keep stopping back, and stay in tune!
Oh... one more thing: I see alot of people visiting the blog, but no one leaves comments or questions? Please let me know how I'm doing if nothing else! Chow for now!
I have been doing some back up vocals myself lately, so I need someone on the other side of the glass. Lets face it he has the schooling already! I'm enjoying being able to sit in on some of these sessions. As an engineer, that doesn't happen alot.
My effects set-up was featured on another web page and I couldn't be happier! It lets me know I am on the right track. http://www.effectsbay.com/2010/09/pedal-line-friday-910-joe-bear/ check it out!
This week will hold alot of personal challenges for me. I don't know how much time I will get in the studio, but I know I will be back in on Tuesday... This is like my baby... I hate to be away from her! Soon it will be balls to the walls around here and I need to prepare better this winter! I am also adding a separate vocal booth and that has to be done between sessions. Its looking like sometime in October for that.
Brad Brookes new song is coming along nicely! He has requested alot of input from me. I like that because it takes the tension out of the mixes. I get to have alot more free expression on the instruments, the sound, and things like that. It takes the EGO out for all of us! Nice!!!!!!!!!
Well I can't type all day! Keep stopping back, and stay in tune!
Oh... one more thing: I see alot of people visiting the blog, but no one leaves comments or questions? Please let me know how I'm doing if nothing else! Chow for now!
Monday, August 30, 2010
With age, things start to change!
I'm sorry its been so long since the last post. I went to the Rush concert at the statefair, and had a blast! Things are starting to pick up in the studio! It happens every fall, people seem to take time off in the summer and then want to get busy again. I guess I enjoyed having some free time too.
I came home this weekend to a voicemail of a young gentleman, who asked if he could do his internship with me! He is going to school for music engineering! After I tried to talk him out of it, I told him I would work with him! I could use the extra help around the studio anyways! I guess we will see if this ol' dawg has any new tricks!
I have a new open spot in Sept. if anyone has recording to do. This power trio decided they weren't ready yet. That saves me alot of headaches when they think ahead like that! I told them I would get them in when they are ready.
There are alot of garage studio's poking up in the minneapolis area. I hope they really think about their recordings before they waist the money! Don't confuse my cheap pricing with shabby work. I love what I do! I'm not really trying to make a living at it. I was given a gift... and it wasn't playing guitar! But, I know that and when I am in front of a vocalist, or band, I know what I am listening for. Halve of these so called studios don't even know about phase correcting. You need big,fat mixes... you need me! (Joe, watch your ego!)(sorry)
Well, I guess, I best be getting ready for winter. So keep in tune, and chow for now!
I came home this weekend to a voicemail of a young gentleman, who asked if he could do his internship with me! He is going to school for music engineering! After I tried to talk him out of it, I told him I would work with him! I could use the extra help around the studio anyways! I guess we will see if this ol' dawg has any new tricks!
I have a new open spot in Sept. if anyone has recording to do. This power trio decided they weren't ready yet. That saves me alot of headaches when they think ahead like that! I told them I would get them in when they are ready.
There are alot of garage studio's poking up in the minneapolis area. I hope they really think about their recordings before they waist the money! Don't confuse my cheap pricing with shabby work. I love what I do! I'm not really trying to make a living at it. I was given a gift... and it wasn't playing guitar! But, I know that and when I am in front of a vocalist, or band, I know what I am listening for. Halve of these so called studios don't even know about phase correcting. You need big,fat mixes... you need me! (Joe, watch your ego!)(sorry)
Well, I guess, I best be getting ready for winter. So keep in tune, and chow for now!
Friday, August 20, 2010
I sent out a song to L.A. on the west coast!
It will be interesting to see if this process is a good way to get some where in this business! After completing a song I often ask people what their next step is? Or, what are their intentions? The answer always seems to be the same... "I'm not sure" Well, has a recording engineer, I never viewed it to be my responsibility to nudge them in the right direction. I always told them they need to get a manager if they don't already have one. Although that is sound advice, most of the work I do is for bar demos. The times are changing in the music industry and doing whole albums from beginning to end, are gone. I have been doing bar demos for musicians that are recording quality or better! I go through and explain the recording process. I will make them do take after take to get it right. Musicians now a days, want the engineer to fix things in the mix. To me that is just wrong! If you have learned the song well enough to play it live then, you need to play it better to record it... Please you guys, take pride in your work!
Over the years of recording I have done, I got to work with some of the best musicians in the business. In return, I have also met some of the right people to help get things done in this industry! A few years back, I had a guy come in the studio with big EGO..... We call this LSD, (Lead Singers Disease) He was doing a concept album and before it was even mixed, he wanted me to send it off to have a big time producer listen to it. I told him I would not do that because my name is on the same recording as his and we would both look foolish! He got mad and stormed out of the studio. I later found out that he was sending it to his uncle to have him critique it...Well his uncle and I have been staying in contact with each other, via email. This was the first time I used this contact in hopes I can better some else s life!
Well I guess I have done enough ranting for one day! Stay in tune and chow for now!
Over the years of recording I have done, I got to work with some of the best musicians in the business. In return, I have also met some of the right people to help get things done in this industry! A few years back, I had a guy come in the studio with big EGO..... We call this LSD, (Lead Singers Disease) He was doing a concept album and before it was even mixed, he wanted me to send it off to have a big time producer listen to it. I told him I would not do that because my name is on the same recording as his and we would both look foolish! He got mad and stormed out of the studio. I later found out that he was sending it to his uncle to have him critique it...Well his uncle and I have been staying in contact with each other, via email. This was the first time I used this contact in hopes I can better some else s life!
Well I guess I have done enough ranting for one day! Stay in tune and chow for now!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Another big week in the stude!
We had a awesome Tuesday night acoustic jam this past week! I think we all look forward to it each week. There is nothing better then to have some good, quality musicians working in the studio. Brad didn't seem to mind about not having his project done! He has been working hard with his Alveraz guitar on Tuesdays! Next week, it sounds like I have 2 more joining in the fun! I might end up just playing the tamborine, and I'm okay with that! Most people like to do copies of songs, were Simon and I like to just open up the jam and let it rip! To each thier own and everyone is welcome.
This weekend I have a young female comming in to record her own tune! I have worked with her in the past and she is a beautiful singer! She also plays violin and acoustic guitar very well! Anyone under 18 years old, has to have a parent along. It's my rule to keep me save! I just don't want to get involved with some parent thinking I'm harming thier child in some way! I have grand kids of my own, and I love them to pieces:o)
Maren, who is 17 years old, came in and recorded 3 songs with her older sister Micheala. Thier dad sat behind me in the mixing room with tears in his eyes as his 2 beautiful daughters belted out one tune after another! Anytime something magical happens in the studio, I get goosebumps. Well working with these 2 girls, I get down right chilly! So much natural talent it will scare the bejesus out of you... When I heard Marin wanted to come back and record with me, it warmed my heart! I even found a nice comfy chair for her dad, I know he will be right by my side. I couldn't tell ya who gets more excited about recording... Marin, her dad, or me!
I have a unique ability in making anyone sound good... it's a gift! But, when I get to work with natural talent, I almost feel guilty for charging them! I did say almost, right? I keep my prices way lower then any other studio, just cause I love it so much! If you decide you want to record a demo, song or album, just let me know. I promise to do the job at less then anyone you can find. I have also been doing this longer then most people you can find! Put a price on that!
Well thats all I got for now. I will post Marin's new song up next week if she is okay with that. Until then, stay in tune and chow for now!
This weekend I have a young female comming in to record her own tune! I have worked with her in the past and she is a beautiful singer! She also plays violin and acoustic guitar very well! Anyone under 18 years old, has to have a parent along. It's my rule to keep me save! I just don't want to get involved with some parent thinking I'm harming thier child in some way! I have grand kids of my own, and I love them to pieces:o)
Maren, who is 17 years old, came in and recorded 3 songs with her older sister Micheala. Thier dad sat behind me in the mixing room with tears in his eyes as his 2 beautiful daughters belted out one tune after another! Anytime something magical happens in the studio, I get goosebumps. Well working with these 2 girls, I get down right chilly! So much natural talent it will scare the bejesus out of you... When I heard Marin wanted to come back and record with me, it warmed my heart! I even found a nice comfy chair for her dad, I know he will be right by my side. I couldn't tell ya who gets more excited about recording... Marin, her dad, or me!
I have a unique ability in making anyone sound good... it's a gift! But, when I get to work with natural talent, I almost feel guilty for charging them! I did say almost, right? I keep my prices way lower then any other studio, just cause I love it so much! If you decide you want to record a demo, song or album, just let me know. I promise to do the job at less then anyone you can find. I have also been doing this longer then most people you can find! Put a price on that!
Well thats all I got for now. I will post Marin's new song up next week if she is okay with that. Until then, stay in tune and chow for now!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Opened up more room in the studio!
I did some much needed house cleaning in the studio. Things were starting to get cramped. I removed the guitar work table out of the live room. I have a work station in the control room, so it didn't make sense to have 2 of them. Dah?
The guitar set-up is completed and all set up! I had Rick my pedal guy over last week and even he was loving the sound. In order to get all 24 pedals hooked up and to sound decent, is no easy task! I had to have a special booster/buffer made for the pedals that go into the front of the amp. I also had a booster added to one of the pedals that go into the effects loop of the amp. It will knock your socs off now! The bass and guitar amps got new tubes from Euro-tubes and they are in pristine condition now! I added a foot controller to the bass rig and that is just a blast to play now. I got the monitors all hooked up in the live room and it can get really loud now!
Once I get the mixing room cleaned and organized, the studio will be ready for fall! I don't plan on adding anymore equipment, I can't imagine what else I would need? I am going to try and get a photographer in here to add some pics to the blog page. They are much needed now! I think we are even starting to get a fan base going! I love you guys! Well chow for now, and stay in tune!
The guitar set-up is completed and all set up! I had Rick my pedal guy over last week and even he was loving the sound. In order to get all 24 pedals hooked up and to sound decent, is no easy task! I had to have a special booster/buffer made for the pedals that go into the front of the amp. I also had a booster added to one of the pedals that go into the effects loop of the amp. It will knock your socs off now! The bass and guitar amps got new tubes from Euro-tubes and they are in pristine condition now! I added a foot controller to the bass rig and that is just a blast to play now. I got the monitors all hooked up in the live room and it can get really loud now!
Once I get the mixing room cleaned and organized, the studio will be ready for fall! I don't plan on adding anymore equipment, I can't imagine what else I would need? I am going to try and get a photographer in here to add some pics to the blog page. They are much needed now! I think we are even starting to get a fan base going! I love you guys! Well chow for now, and stay in tune!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Fun things added to the blog!
If you scroll down to the bottom of this page. You find some fun and cool stuff! A full octave guitar that is controlled by your computer keyboard, A rhyming word program, and a youtube search engine. All right here!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
My buddy Rick has some great pedals for sale!
If you are looking for guitar effects, no body knows them better then Rick..... Tell him the Lil bear's den sent you! http://pedalrmods.shutterfly.com/
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The guitar center and Bass center has been upgraded!
When Simon bought the new drum set for the studio, I was jelious! So I have been doin some up grades to the the various rigs we have. I have added 25 different effects pedals to the guitar rig. Most of which are Boss pedals, and many of those have been modded! The Crate guitar head I have has been modded by Savage Audio, (to get the Vox sound)and we have added a Marshal JCM head. I am going to be upgrading the speaker cabinets I have, except for the Carvin 4x12.(I love the sound of this one!) I also have about four other cabs comming to complete the speaker wall! If you can come up with the guitar sound, I can replicate it...
I have been loving the new bass rig I have put together, but have struggled with the effects portion of it. I took a rack case and loaded it with some of the finest components, BBe maximiser, lexicon multi effects, dbx compressor, alesis compressor. The problem always ended up with a lack of user control. It sux when you have to stop recording in the middle of the process! I chose to go a simpler route and got a hold of a rack mount Line6 bass pod! I don't know if this will answer my dilema, but with the added foot controller, it will be much more user friendly. The BBe might stay in the rack though... I just love it!
The two newest instruments added are must-haves for any studio. A Rouge six string lap steel and another acoustic guitar. The lap steel sounds amazing through the modded amp and a bunch of effects! I love the blues, and this does it well. I have had country singer Brad Brookes working in the studio and he thought I needed another acoustic. For the studio, he bought an Ibenez that I just love! The gibson J45 has been getting jelious... I told her to "relax" she will always be my first true love!
For the recording process, I have upgraded to a quad core computer and added dual monitors. With the added track counts I can get, I also upgraded Digidesigns Pro Tools and now have a total of 48 tracks! AMAZING!
I'm so excited again, I even restrung the mandolin! What a pain that can be! My fingers are to big for that thing... I may have to stick to bass:o)
I have been loving the new bass rig I have put together, but have struggled with the effects portion of it. I took a rack case and loaded it with some of the finest components, BBe maximiser, lexicon multi effects, dbx compressor, alesis compressor. The problem always ended up with a lack of user control. It sux when you have to stop recording in the middle of the process! I chose to go a simpler route and got a hold of a rack mount Line6 bass pod! I don't know if this will answer my dilema, but with the added foot controller, it will be much more user friendly. The BBe might stay in the rack though... I just love it!
The two newest instruments added are must-haves for any studio. A Rouge six string lap steel and another acoustic guitar. The lap steel sounds amazing through the modded amp and a bunch of effects! I love the blues, and this does it well. I have had country singer Brad Brookes working in the studio and he thought I needed another acoustic. For the studio, he bought an Ibenez that I just love! The gibson J45 has been getting jelious... I told her to "relax" she will always be my first true love!
For the recording process, I have upgraded to a quad core computer and added dual monitors. With the added track counts I can get, I also upgraded Digidesigns Pro Tools and now have a total of 48 tracks! AMAZING!
I'm so excited again, I even restrung the mandolin! What a pain that can be! My fingers are to big for that thing... I may have to stick to bass:o)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Acoustic Tuesdays at the Lil Bear's Den!
Well we had a great time tonight, before the storm came in! Simon, Brad, Mike and I, all took turns picking songs to do. It's been alot of fun. More people are always welcome! Even if you just want to play the tamborine...
I'm looking to do some upgrades to the studio and work on some of my own songs, its just been real hard to turn anyone down. I'm truely blessed to have the talent I do and it should be shared for others too! Well I should call it a night... Keep in tune and check back later! :o)
I'm looking to do some upgrades to the studio and work on some of my own songs, its just been real hard to turn anyone down. I'm truely blessed to have the talent I do and it should be shared for others too! Well I should call it a night... Keep in tune and check back later! :o)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Alot of acoustic stuff right now!
I have acoustic projects comming out of the woodwork right now! So much fun! Summer always seems like a slow time around the studio, but I do have some big projects comming up! I think September will be full and I am hoping to get some recording done for myself. Been talking about a new furnace and A.C. unit for the up comming winter! I should probably get movin on that!
I got country singer, Brad Brookes finishing up his new demo, we're hoping to have that mastered by the end of August. I got a Christian singer just starting to lay some tracks down, he's in no hurry though. Drum tech Simon, wants to do a Jonny Cash remake and I got a young talented violinist comming in to do a solo project. So I quess things aren't as slow as I thought!
I gotta find more time to add to my blog too!
I got country singer, Brad Brookes finishing up his new demo, we're hoping to have that mastered by the end of August. I got a Christian singer just starting to lay some tracks down, he's in no hurry though. Drum tech Simon, wants to do a Jonny Cash remake and I got a young talented violinist comming in to do a solo project. So I quess things aren't as slow as I thought!
I gotta find more time to add to my blog too!
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