Every year the Second Stage drama gets stranger than the previous one. Why? I have no idea. None the less, some of the acts were announced today on their official Facebook page. In an even more puzzling move, some acts will be announced at later dates as the event closes in. That's either to wait confirmation of the acts or to hide the identity of certain bands so as to not cause riots or, hanky panky, or a possibility of headliners from out of town? Whatever the reason, it's odd but this is the Sault and you kind of expect things like this. I'm a little bit disappointed in the lineup as it seems to be a repeat of a previous 2nd Stage lineup but there are a few new acts one being Garden of Bedlam. |O| Anyways, here is the lineup for this years event.
Clusterfolk
Saturday July 24th 2010
Bellevue Band Shell
Queen Street
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
The following info is from the Clusterfolk Facebook page with a list of the artists performing.
"Clusterfolk is a local folk music festival, an initiative started by Matthew Corcoran and Jessica Sebastiano in February 2010. The festival is a celebration of local talent and the coming together of music lovers, a non-profit (that means FREE for you! but we will be taking donations!) opportunity to see and hear great music and meet some people over common ground. Expect to see input from local visual artists, as we believe in the importance of different art forms coming together to support each other, and the interconnectedness of art."
BAND LIST:
The Pine Cones
Wojtek
Jordan Flesher
Shannon Moan
Deter
Bear Arms
Annie Metheany
James Watterworth
Johnee Rae Whalen
Hannah Clement
The Blackberrys
The Missy Maes
Isaac Rendell
Redd Monkey
SPEAKERS:
Tyler Knoch
Manda Hohmann
and possibly more TBA.
And FACEPAINTING by Janna G.
Contact clusterfolkfestival@gmail.com if you'd like to talk to us.
WE ARE UNABLE TO TAKE ANY MORE BANDS, SPEAKERS OR BOOTHS SET UP. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE, BUT HOLD ON FOR NEXT YEAR. :)
Ok. I never heard about the 1st Annual Secret Stage, :-) but I do know about the 2nd Annual Secret Stage show coming July 16/ 2010. :-) The show will be held at the popular Bottoms Up Lounge on Queen Street. This of course is the same night at Rotary Fest so it adds to the city wide affair. I think it's a great idea to have pockets of entertainment around the downtown area and not just in one location.
The line up of artists include;
The concept of the "Attack of the Garage Bands" thread is to show how local bands create their music and the technique and gear they use to record it. Over the years I've noticed that no 2 local bands record the same way and that each tries to accomplish a product that is unique yet at the same time, attempt to capture the band's signature sound and energy as best as possible with the resources available. There are so many local bands recording these days that I thought it would interesting to start a thread showcasing how these bands achieved their goals in recording.
I recently saw the local band Sykotyk Rampage play at the KISS Battle of the Bands contest where they offered up their brand of Sykotyk "muzyk". You could see that the audience didn't know what to expect
from the band and watched with curiosity as the band kicked out 2 of it's original songs. I can easily say they are local garage rock pioneers and that night stood out as being the most original sounding. This band has released over 20 albums. Yes kids, over 20 albums and a new one on the way. What does that tell you? It tells me these guys love music and creating it, and that nothing will stop them from blessing the world with it. ;-)
I've known guitarist/ vocalist Dirk Becker since our days in highschool so when I asked him if he wanted to take part in this "Attack of the Garage Bands" thread, he jumped on it and contributed all the info below, so enjoy this article on how they create their "punkish, Zappa meets the Ramones, Sykotyk rockisms" from one of the true pioneers of local garage rock. ;-)
"Creating music for Sykotyk Rampage has basically been the same since its inception in the 80’s, we just plug-in and start crafting music. All the lyrics and music are created as we play, and recorded live. No editing out guitars, lyrics, mistakes...it all happens for a reason, no redo’s no overdubs, just us creating live music as we have done for 30 years.
The Sykotyk Rampage band members are;
Paul Becker drums and vocals
Shane Kokis guitar
Dirk Becker guitar and vocals
And we did have Brian Cattapan as bass player but he has moved to Sudbury,
We each have a shure vocal microphone that has a noise gate between 45d/60d. The main vocals for the songs are created by the Drummer Paul as he plays drums and sings at the same time – an amazing feat just in itself…let alone creating the music and lyrics at the same time. Occasionally I will sing a song, but mostly it is Paul’s creativity that drives the direction of the song and music. One of the guitar players, Shane or me, will start a “riff”…rhythm then we just flow through the creative process; from one new mantra right into another usually with numerous changes of genres. We have played together for so long now that it comes natural to “know” the inflections and dynamic changes of each other.
The drums, guitars, vocal microphones and if we have a bass player they are all routed into a 12 channel peavey non-powered sound board. There is a vocal effects off-board compressor/noise gate system. The sound board is the mixer for recording, it takes a while to set the tones, peaks, vocal effects, and levels but basically they are set the same for each session. We usually play once a week, either as a recording session or an actual band practice if we are going to play somewhere.
The drum kit has 6 dedicated drum microphones
Snare, kick, tom left, tom right, floor toms, and 1 cymbal overhead, they are all tight to the sound resonant zones. The kick and overhead have direction covers to cut background noise. Each microphone is level separate, with the kick having a high peak zone, and the cymbals and high hat at low peaks. On the kick and right toms a small amount of effects usually running at level 1.
The guitar amps- crate 2 12”speakers 150watt, and Ibanez 150 watt 4 10” speakers stack
external mic’d 6 inches from the speaker. On the sound board they are at peak level 1. point 2 flat tones, no effects, .5 gain
Shane and I are both using a zoom pedal systems between amp and guitars.
Guitars are a telecaster, and a hagstrom swede.
Bass amp is direct out to the board, that way there is more control over tones and volume peak levels.
Recording is into a computer that is running a program called Gold Wave (http://www.goldwave.com/), and is recorded in stereo. Volume and gain levels from the board are levelled in the computer by an analogue metering system. Tones are metered by a digital graphic control.
Basically I just set it up and we play and record live, we may play 10 or 15 new songs in a 3 hour session, 5 are junk, 5 are good, 5 are amazing. I take the songs chop them to length, equalize them and that’s it…what you hear is raw Sykotyk Rampage, all music and lyrics created and recorded live. Recording the way we do, we don’t actually “write” the music, ever. We will then take a song and learn it after it is done, learn it for when we play live. With a song catalogue in the thousands, so many songs have not been released; we could pump out an album a month, which I don’t have time to do. The songs that go on the albums are just random, from a few recording sessions. We actually think of an album name then find the songs to fill it from the recording catalogue.
The newest album “Bella Disgusta” was thought of on the beach by Brian and Paul back in 2009. The last album “22” was called that by Shane for the only reason that it was our 22nd album. We have a double album with completed songs, “Genius Mushrooms with Thoughts of Intellect” which will be released in September; we thought of a theme and ideas for it then just made the music. It’s in post production right now.
Well that’s how Sykotyk Rampage makes Blues Chinese Metal Crash Punk consistently for the past 30 years and always thinking of new ways to give people brain tumours with our own version of garage rock!"
Big thanks to Dirk Becker for the input on his band's recording process
To listen to or buy music by the band, click the following link. "Sykotyk Rampage Music"
If you've not heard of Reverbnation, it is a free website that independent artists can use to help promote and sell their own music. I've been a member for years and it gets better all the time. Reverbnation offers free space to upload your songs with a free player for people to use. No installation. Just click the song and it plays. . You also get space for videos, photos and graphics PLUS you can customize your site. What's even greater is that your music is showcased around the world and if that wasn't enough, your music is charted with other artists around the world. What that means is that your songs climb the music charts as you get more plays. You can listen to other music from bands every where and you can add them as friends to follow what they are doing musically. You can also post dates you or your band are playing, add a bio and the best part, use "Widgets" that will enable you to post your music on other sites like Facebook, Blogger or Myspace and so much more. Did I mention you get all of this for............"FREE"??? Lots of local bands are just beginning to see the bonuses to using Reverbnation. If you're a musician with original material, sign up now and start showcasing your music around the world. The very first song at the top of your list of songs will be the one that enters the Reverbnation charts. You can only have one song in the charts at one time but you can rotate your selection with other songs if you wish. It's simple to do. Just drag a song that you want in the charts to the top of your list and it will enter the charts by the end of the day. To go up in the charts people must play your song. Check out this great site at the link below.
I'll believe it when I see it, but it has been announced that KISS will do their make up gig at the Essar arena August 10 with opening act Garden of Bedlam. Hopefully that is confirmed. ;-) Garden of Bedlam won the local Battle of the Bands to open for KISS back half a year ago but then the KISS show was canceled due to snow or something to that affect. I won't be going so let me know how the show goes.
For the longest time I have searched for rare recordings and videos of local Sault bands or bands from other areas featuring local musicians. No easy task since video has really only been popular for the past 2 decades. In the 70's, film was the media and today, hard to transfer to digital without proper gear. None the less I have found a few from various online sources. You might consider this a bit of a history lesson ;-).
First video is ultra rare. It's a video of the extremely popular local band called "The Reggulars" who were leaders of the new wave somewhat punkish bands to become big draws in the early 80's. Unfortunately, this video's sound is really low and you have to crank it. This was filmed at the old Victoria House Bar that is now gone. The P.A. system is mine ;-)
The other popular new wave style band that was extremely popular was called "The Vox". Again, early 80's. I remember selling their drummer my very first drumset and them playing a concert in the Memorial Gardens parking lot area many years ago. They were a fun band and I do believe did some recording. Very hard to find material. Here is a video of them at the Zombie A Go Go, the local home for many bands of similar styles. This video was performed there. You could always tell the Zombie A Go Go by the back wall painting and it's visible in this video. As for my old drumset, I bought it back and it's in my basement. ;-)
One of the most popular guitarists in the Sault was Keith Danby. He played in numerous bands before moving away but he is still playing and I recently connected with him through a mutual friend. I first met
Keith when he was with a band called "The Drive" and further through local bass player Dan Boden for
a few band jams. I think the last time I saw him was when Arnill's Music first moved to Queen street.
After Keith moved most of us just heard of him playing in a band called "Jack Wrabbit" and that was it.
Keith has numerous videos of his music projects over the years on his Youtube channel but I picked this video because it shows Keith's history which includes some of the time he was growing up in the Sault.
It's funny how I remember him playing Van Halen licks in the music store but also playing Rush tunes,
like Spirit of the Radio and 2112, but I do.
Another find is this video of Sonny Boy Mick. Most locals won't know this band as I don't think they've made appearance here BUT, the guitarist and lead singer is Steve McPhail, long time Saultite and member of the old band Edison Slave and yes.........Bedrock that use to play the local scene in the late 70's and early 80's. Steve also worked with the road band "Total Stranger" who put out an album that I have somewhere in my collection. I saw them a few times live back when the Royal Hotel was a music scene staple here. Steve continues to play and last I heard had joined forces with local drummer Paola Erme who left the Sault years ago. I believe they are now both in Sonny Boy Mick.
Lastly, this is the band Human Disorder featuring local guitarist/ singer Jason
Talifer and local drummer Joe Laverne back a few years. I have one of their albums. It's truly heavy if you're into that sort of thing. I admire the tightness of the band but I've never been a fan of the cookie monster vocal "thang".
Still, there is no denying this band had talent. This is a rare video just recently posted so enjoy.
This is interesting. Guitarist Mike Davies has set out on his own to start a music school. Not much to add to that except that it will be located near Bawating Highschool. I will post details as I get them. ;-)
It has never been easier to do recording of original material than it has been these past few years. The market is simply swamped with recording software, computers, and harddrive recorders to help you create your own music at a reasonable cost. Many of the Sault's bands are presently recording in various ways and the results are all quite interesting and impressive.
Options are vast for recording and it all depends on your budget, skills, drive to accomplish this task and most of all, focus. The entire recording process is a long one and it has to be planned out in a lot of detail. If you've got the money and really have your material worked out then it's probably best to visit a few of our local recording studios where for the cash, you pay an engineer to do it all which keeps your focus on playing the songs and paying the bill at the end of the project without major headaches. The other extreme is to buy a simple multitrack recorder from your local music store, plug in one mic, and record. There are so many options and steps to recording that like I said, you have to plan out what you want to do. Most bands find it economical to just put out an EP which is basically 4 to 6 songs with minimal artwork. This way, it keeps the cost down, the time to record to a minimum and it's a cost effective way to shop your music around the country for interested record labels. Right now, 4 local bands have used Stereo Soul Studios here in our local community recently. These bands are Wishbone, Garden of Bedlam, Sense of Truth and Big Wheel and the Spokes. There are more obviously but these are either in progress or recently completed. These bands decided to take the route of using a studio to keep the most focus on their own playing but also to get the product done by experienced professionals. There is cost for all this ease of pressure and it can run into the thousands of dollars, but if you've got it, spend it. It's worth it. Others like to do things themselves like me for example ;-). This list is long with some bands that have done their own projects on their own gear in the Sault.. Bands like Stifflers Mom, Mike Yurich, Sykotyk Rampage and others like The Billy Bastards, Catherine Taddo, Big Suit and my own band Flat Stanley have gone a different route and adapted to using our own studio or recording gear to record the music we create. With this method however, there are giant learning curves depending on the hardware and software you use.
In most cases, that method is computer based with specialized software. This is where the headaches start and you begin to see that writing the song was the easy part. |O| The entire concept of home recording is quite simple really. It's to 1. save money 2. have full control 3. allow the freedom to record anytime you want at any time of the day or night 4. satisfaction having created your music entirely yourself 5. To learn more about the recording process by the way of hands on experience. Sure, there are more reasons but I think it's safe to say, these are the main ones at least in my opinion they are.
One of the main problems getting starting is "where to start". In today's world of technology the easiest place to start is on your basic home computer. Your computer has the ability to record no matter how old it is. Think of it as a giant tape deck. If you have a sound card in your computer, and a single mic with the proper cable and or adapter, you can use that single mic and computer to record your music ideas. True, the more you spend on software and hardware, the better chance you get of putting out a quality product but honestly, I've heard bands record on the basics and get amazing results. You have to remember, you're creating a demo of your work and it's the music that counts. Production is always second. Production only helps but it's not the selling point. Remember that. Most people who listen to the music have no clue on why things sound the way they do. They're only interested in music and lyrics.
Now, computers come in drastically different configurations but they will all record at some level. It's your budget that allows you a chunkier computer with more functions. I originally started recording on reel to reel tape which seems like the dark ages now but at the time, tape was all you had. I then moved to a simple Pentium 120 computer with a simple sound card and a microphone. I utilized the music player that came with the computer which is software based and I also used the simple recording software that also came with the computer and operating system. I just put a mic in front of me with an acoustic and sang. I just made sure the mic was between my mouth and the guitar so I could achieve volume balance between the 2. It's primitive but it works. As I learned recording back in my reel to reel days, I learned to "bounce" tracks" which is a process by which you take one or more tracks and record them to one track freeing up those previous tracks with stuff on them. Make sense?. Most reel to reel tape decks were either 2 or 4 tracks. With today's computers, you don't really need to do that but still, I have used it on occasion even on my computer.
Software is the biggest headache in recording these days. The market is swamped with so many products that just reading the reviews on them can drive you totally insane. It is best to just download the demo versions of say 4 or 5 programs and experiment. That's what I did. Demos are normally free and allow you a chance to get familiar with the product. You may not get all the features with the demo or the ability to save your project but you will get to try the product and see if it fits your needs. That's what I've done along with many other local musicians.
One of the basic FREE recording programs out there that I have used along with numerous others is one called "Audacity" http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ It's a very simple basic multitrack recording software program that will get you started into the world of recording. It's small in size and does a ton of cool things and it will keep you happy for hours. Did I mention "IT'S FREE" !!! I suggest anyone wanting to get into recording, try this program for a short time because after that, the programs become a little more mind bending. ;-) Start with the basics ;-) I've used this program for demo use and recorded many songs with it including one called "Glen Thomas - Massive Machine" which you can hear by clicking the link. It's just a demo idea recorded for possible future use.. It's not perfect and it's not great but the fact is, it's presentable. I use Audacity still if I have a quick idea I want to record in a few seconds without the bells and whistles. Local band "Browbeat" has also used it on their song demos as have many others. Download it, READ the info and experiment but most of all have fun with Audacity..
The next step in computer recording is moving up to the big boys of home recording. These software programs include
1. Cakewalk - Sonar
2. Digidesign Pro Tools
3. Steinberg Cuebase
4. Propellerhead Reason
5. M-audio Pro tools
These are just 5 of the most popular but there are 100's out there. I personally use Cakewalk's Sonar 8.3 at the moment and have been getting great results. Local recording studios and other basement dwellers use a light version of Digidesigns Pro Tools as most couldn't afford the pro studio versions at 12 grand and up. ;-)
As you get into these heavier programs, you can still use the single mic concept however, how that signal gets into the computer will now vary due to some of these software requirements. What happens now is a little bit of expense. You have to purchase an interface for some of these software programs that take analog signal and convert it to digital. Also, in the case of recording drums, you want the ability to have each drum on it's own track for editing purposes. You will need an interface that allows multiple mic inputs but also one that has the ability to keep those drum sounds separate once they're in the computer. A company called MOTU makes some great products for that. I own one and love it. It allows me 24 tracks of analog signal to be recorded at one time. That's 24 instruments at one time but the key is that it keeps them on separate tracks once they're in the computer. ;-). That is more than you'll ever need in a home studio situation. Again, you can still use the single mic setup with these software programs but you now have the ability to expand your horizons if you get a matching hardware interface. This interface is either a plug in card for your computer OR a stand alone rack mountable system that runs cables to a matched card that you put into your computer. Yes, it's a bit complicated and in most cases, getting the hang of the software is even worse. It takes years to get a good handle on achieving a solid sound recording. Learning the computer and the software is only part of it. Mic placement, types of mics, how the room sounds, and so much more have to be learned or experimented with too. So many variables can affect your recordings at this stage..
How far will all this get you? It's up to you. There is a hugely popular band called "The Black Keys" that have used a basic recording rig and have produced absolutely great albums both in music and in sound by doing what we local musicians are doing. Basic rig and technique with a whole lot of experimenting. You just have to remember one thing. You will not achieve the exact sound of major recording acts ok? You have to be realistic but that said, you can easily put out a product that sounds great where you can hear everything in the song and yes, it will appeal to almost anybody but most of all, you will created something unique. It's up to you how far you want to take it. My advise is this. Try and master each step you take in recording. When starting basic, do more than one project with it. Try and achieve better results with each song. It will happen and you will learn so much from it. Don't just do one song and abandon the software. They all have more features than you'll ever use in one song and it's best to learn the most before moving on because it only gets more complicated as you get into heavier software. ;-) Next, be your own critic. Do multiple versions of the same song. See if you can improve or change it to make it stand out more. I can't stress this enough. Most importantly, play to a click track. This will keep all you music parts in time and it will make your project sound tight and together and not loose and sloppy.
Listen to the local band "the Revue" on their basement recordings below. Simple recording but the songs sound great and complete. http://www.myspace.com/therevuetheband
I have just recently talked to Scott Kennedy, owner of the Basswerx Recording Studio and here is a brief update. Scott tells me the studio is approximately 80 percent done and they are taking their time to make sure everything is done correctly. He also told me that a new website and Facebook page is in development to promote the studio. They want to keep everything low key until they are ready, which I respect.
The building they bought was completely gutted and studio plans were designed by a professional. Those plans alone I know cost quite a bit. To save money, Scott and partner Steve Cardiff both did most of the work themselves which included 100's of hours of drywalling, wood working, wiring, you name it. I've talked to Steve and Scott in the past and they told me about the specialized walls and ceilings in this studio that were apparently extremely difficult to hang. The term for these walls is called "floating". This is a process where sub floors and walls are built inwards of existing walls and floors which helps sound proof the rooms. Special materials are used (sound proof vinyl, foam or sponge) between the existing walls of the room and the new inner walls. There are a number of products used. This all helps the room dynamics and soundproofing qualities. Basswerx's old website had photos of the early process of the construction but have been taken down now as the new website gets developed. Scott tells me that they will let everyone know when they are ready to go and knowing Scott, it will be big. The studio is based on Pro Tools software and Scott is a certified tech with this software. As for the hardware, no word but with Pro Tools, computer wise it will be Mac. Right now, Scott and Steve have major dollars invested in this venture and it will be a pro series studio. I was told when they started this project that this studio will cater to professional recording acts along with local acts.
I will be doing a story about Crank Sound Distribution in the near future featuring it's owner operator George Ravlich. He and I have talked via email and will connect when his schedule eases up over the next few weeks.
I'm also working on a story about the Soo's state of the art recording studio "Basswerx" that has been under development for the past few years. I've seen photos of the building renovations and I'm amazed at the work Scott Kennedy and Steve Cardiff have done.
I'm also going to do a thread on what gear and techniques local basement and garage bands are using for recording their demos and CD's and I hope to preview one song from each band to show the results they've achieved. It will be called "Attack of the Garage Bands".
First, I have been notified that the Rotaryfest 2nd Stage picks for entertainment are behind schedule and no
word on who is or isn't playing as of yet. Also, I received an email from Craig about the T.V. show featuring a local band and it is slightly delayed while his business relocates downtown. I was informed that my band Flat Stanley will have a meeting as soon as things are up and running. I would imagine all bands that submitted will be informed also.
Dan Nystedt is an interesting drummer that really reminds me of the drummer in the recording act, The Black Keys. Dan has an unusual animated style and plays loose most of the time but it always suits the band's music. I love his playing. Dan was a neighbour of mine as a kid and use to listen to my bands practice through my basement window. I didn't know he became a drummer until I saw his band "the Revue". When I did see this band I immediately loved them and their music. They were the hottest original act in town at that time but like most bands, it's hard to maintain that momentum and the band splintered apart. Dan is a very talented individual who along with being a creative drummer, is also a film maker who is presently doing a film on our railroad. http://www.myspace.com/therevuetheband
Bob Clarke is without a doubt a Sault Ste. Marie drumming legend. I heard about him as a kid long before I ever touched a drumset from my brother who was also a musician at the same time as Bob. In the 60's Bob was part of the band The Amen who also became hugely popular and went on to record 2 original songs that focus on Bob's drumming skills. Bob went on to tour with the Canadian band Jackson Hawk who were nominated for a Juno. Later on in life Bob played in numerous local bands and that's when I first saw Bob play. He has definite jazz chops and an absolutely killer blues shuffle. Bob and many of his fellow musicians took part in the extremely successful "18 Forever" concert back in 2007. His photo was taken from that event. Bob is noted for his tasteful drum solos and even those are legend throughout his years playing in Toronto area with The Amen. http://www.garagehangover.com_The Amen with Bob
Mike Lilley is without a doubt one of the Sault's top drummers. In his youth, Mike was notorious for asking a ton of questions about drumming and music in general. Yes, he drove me nuts. |O| I've known Mike since he was a kid and also know his dad Colin who is also a fabulous singer and musician. Mike played in numerous local bands before leaving the Sault to become a teacher in the Windsor area. Mike has recorded a few projects and even drummed for a touring Kiss tribute band years ago in full makeup. Mike is one of only a few local drummers to take on the technology side of keyboard sequencing while he plays drums on stage.
Cliff Alloy is a drummer that has an extremely loose jazzy style who loves to experiment during live performances. He is also the most animated drummer I've seen in town. There are times I wonder
if he even sits down when he plays. ;-) Cliff's playing can be heard with the killer local band "Big Wheel and the Spokes". They have 2 albums out and recently did a short Ontario tour. He is also a fan of drum collecting and over the years, had some nice kits Cliff also took my place in the Huckster band after I left last year. He is a very tasteful player that is easily at home with jazz, blues and some funk. Cliff and his
band Big Wheel and the Spokes are a must see. http://www.myspace.com/bigwheelandthespokes
I first saw Mike Oakley play back in the 70's when he was part of the Lakeway Highschool band playing songs from Movies and TV shows like Mash and Rocky. It wasn't until I saw him play at a school show when his playing and drum solo totally influenced me. I knew at that point I had to get better on a drum kit. Mike made this beat up old Ludwig/ Premier mish mosh kit sing for that show. I had just started playing and I was trying to absorb all I could from local players but Mike impressed me so much with his playing on that gig that I never forgot it. Over the years, Mike has been in numerous bands but gone in and out of drumming for many personal reasons. Whenever he makes his return, he always has a good solid rock band in front of him and kicks with solid rock drumming. Some may remember the WFO band. Cool solid rock band. Mike is also a great singer and one of the few local lead vocal drummers around. His present band is Sneaky Pete and will be out soon from what the word is on the streets. Mike and I have talked drums many times over the years and shared the stage a few times in Battle of the Bands in past years. Sneaky Pete on Facebook
