Plinth - Band diary

We've been recording our first track for the Autumn Bandsoc CD, and this is how the day went.

It was pretty cool...we got there about 2 o'clock (after various troubles with Edd leaving the capo in his room, so we had to go back in the taxi). Studio was a poky place but good value for £35 an afternoon - it's kind of set up in this guy's house, and he does all the recording stuff on his own, so it's a pretty DIY arrangement, but it works kinda well.

It took us about half an hour to get started, what with setting up the drum kit and everything and then the obligatory pissing around. Drums, bass and lead guitar were recorded first, and it took about five takes to get that perfect. Meanwhile, I was sat in the, err, mixing booth (or whatever you call it) just listening and chilling. 'Twas a surreal experience. We finally got those instrumental tracks nailed after about an hour or so, and it really had not only an energy but also an intricacy the live show didn't seem to have.

So then it was my turn, I had to do my acoustic guitar first, and then my vocals second. The acoustic guitar was odd, I made the faux pas of forgetting the chords in the first take, but it was odd being on my own in the recording area with everyone watching me. In the end I decided to do it sat down and looking away from the gawpers, so I couldn't see them. Eventually we got that nailed. But the best bit of the day had to be recording the vocals. I got to stand in this little booth with no windows (though it had a toilet and sink - very civilised) singing with the mix coming through my headphones again. And I just sort of took the piss with it and made it really overwrought and dramatic, and the result was it sounded great!

We finally finished around quarter to six, with all the recording and the more arduous process of mixing done. It really was an invigorating day and so so exciting.

Nick -- 03/06/2004

Gah, sorry about the delay, I forgot to write one after the gig. Anyway, again, thanks to everyone who came to see us play at Junktion 7 on Thursday, and yah boo sucks to all you buggers who didn't. It was a strong night, possibly will have been the strongest heat, and we were the most inexperienced band. Never mind, because we rattled off Someone Dull and Rubble brilliantly at the start of the set. Cheers for all going wild while we rocked out, a great experience for both parties? Anyway, I don't think we'll be in the final, we need to tighten up more on the live stage. So that isn't too discouraging at all. Hopefully we'll be playing outside the hall after the May exams, but that may not happen. Here's hoping. Rock on kids. Nick.
Added by Nick - 05/05/2004

Big thanks to everyone who turned up to Open Mic Night to listen to everyone. I think you'll all agree it was a great night, some quality playing and some great songs. Our set seemed to go down well, we played Someone Dull, Every Word Pushes Me, and an acoustic version of Radiohead's Airbag. Seemed to go pretty well, but we'll have to play a better set at Battle Of The Bands methinks. I'm sure we will though. Still no idea who we sound like - a friend's suggestion of 'a heavier Turin Brakes' has been dismissed as 'bollocks', so who knows. Maybe we do have our own individual sound. Though mainly indie.
Added by Nick - 15/03/2004