Stupid studio time: Day 4

A concise day 4 in the studio is in the books. Veg and I got our last two songs with vocals down and cranked out about half of the horn parts. Not bad for a five hour session. David is a magician with Pro-tools and has a great ear for things that may be lagging or in need of punching-up. I love the new additions to GINA and the sound on Twist and Shout. We only have a few more tracks to lay some horns down on and then back-up vocals then, fingers-crossed, that should be it.
Tonight's show is going to be a good one. I love all the bands we're playing with (Big Booty Party, New Vices, Fire At Play) and the venue, Dipiazza's, is a great spot that is very close. It is such a chore to have all my friends, as well as us, drive all the way up to LA to have a good time, just to pack up and drive all the way back down. The goal is to get in good at Dipiazza's and keep this ball rolling into the next huge show with Sonic Boom Six and Chase long Beach next month!

Biggest show EVER!!!!

So last night we had the fortunate opportunity to play with two of the biggest ska bands EVER: the Skatalites and the Untouchables! Playing at the Coach House was epic to say the least. The hallways and walls are littered with signed photos of all the legendary acts that have performed there over the years. We had our own green room that was scribed all across its entirety like a truck stop bathroom. I, of course, added to the inked walls in hopes that someday, someone will look at my terrible penmanship and say, 'Wow, Nate from Stupid Flanders was here.' An unforgettable night in such an intimate setting; I was practically on the stage in my seat. That sounds funny because I was just performing on that stage, screaming and sipping from my various liquids placed before me by my loving friends/stupid fans. The night wouldn't have happened without them.
I shook hands with the tenor sax player for the Skatalites and thanked him for the opportunity to play with them and as I walked away he said, "I really liked your set too." Praise from Caesar indeed.
Stupid Flanders

Stupid studio time: Day 3

Another extensive day in the studio is behind us. Veg laid out some great audio tracks and I got one down. Nothing like being forced to do some freestyle skit-skat-skiddely do's. Just a bunch of good times and another step closer to a final product. We had to tack on another day to the recording schedule to finish vocals and horns. Next Monday should (fingers-crossed) be the last day of recording then we leave it in Irish's hands to edit it into a work of art, and yes I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I am the beholder. I can't wait for everyone to hear all the sweat dripped into evey track.
Our session today was at night because Reel Big Fish was in the same studio before us. Really!? Just the fact that one of the bands we try and emulate is using the same studio and equipment as us leaves me standing puzzled, scratching my bald-spot in awe. Just good luck, apparently.
I guess I get my reprieve for the week. A little homework to perfect for next Monday but it is time to focus on our huge show Wednesday night with the Skatalites and the Untouchables. I'm nervous but in a good way, if that's truely possible. Stay tuned...

Stupid studio time: Day 2

So day 2 in the studio has come and gone. A full 8 hours in a small room with a group of immature guys telling eachother how gay the other one is, while gorging on donuts and Java-Monsters spiked with Jamesons, listening to Veg and Joey lay down the guitar and bass tracks like seasoned professionals. I sat caffeine-shaky on the couch with a plaster Lisa Simpsons gazing aimlessly into the distance to my right, while I intermitantly checked my phone for updates on the Chargers, who lost, waiting for my turn to contribute to the recording. After all the millions of guitar tracks were laid down, Joey stood in the recording room alone and spewed forth the vocals for his two songs on the album. The bell tolled and it was time to punch-out till tomorrow night when we have to crank out the rest of the vocals and all the horn parts. David Irish is our sound tech (also the drum-tech for Reel Big Fish) and is a master of the editing board. If we continue on this route, the album will be AMAZING!!!
Now off to wish my friend a happy bday (Happy Bday Sophie as well).

Stupid studio time

I am currently sitting in the sound room at the recording studio recording Stupid Flanders first 'official' album. This is such an exciting, nerve-racking experience. This is going to help us in so many ways. We're going to be sequestered in this sound dungeon for the next three days. Cross your fingers for us and let the stupidity flow!

1rst chance to make a bad impression

Ok. So the fam is pasted all over the blog-o-sphere and I guess I need to join in so I can contribute/take-away from this craze that is blogging. I'm not sure if I'm doing this right, but I guess that it really is my page, so I can only blame myself. The majority of the family doesn't have a myspace or even a facebook account so not all have access to the 'wonders of Nate's life.' There's a lot going on in my life curently, but strangely enough, I have time to sit down and waste time figuring out a template for my blog page. A bit of an oxymoron (pronounced ogs-im-eron) but I have found that I waste a lot of time and do treasure that ability when I have no time to spare. The balancing scales of life, I guess.
Well, there you go. I won't type-gurgitate anymore for you, that's for future blogs about the gym, my car, school, and the band (of which there is mucho happening as of late).