After a long and tedious process of rhythm guitar tracking, I have finally moved on to bass guitars. The single most important foundation of a song recording is the rhythm section, mainly drums and bass. This is the backbone to any kind of melody you lay over top of it, and will solidify the listeners decision to continue listening or stop and move on to the next song. Im putting a lot of effort and detailed attention into the recording of bass guitars.

A lot of metal bands or solo musicians who attempt to record the bass on their own treat it as just a “big guitar” that can get by with only playing the root notes to the power chords their rhythm guitars are playing. I want the bass to be it’s own individual instrument, that when required can blend with the power of the kick drum and deliver that sonic punch in the gut that a good heavy song should have. Im using my usual Yamaha RBX 765a 5-String on this recording simply because I love the feel of it, and it has active pickups that give the recording a good kick in the ass.

Im going directly into the board using a DI box, even though the pickups are powered and don’t require one, I feel it evens out the sound slightly and keeps my levels tight. What’s great about going direct, is afterwards during the mixing process I can re-amp the direct bass recordings if I want to achieve a more natural sound played through an amp. It all depends on whats right for the mix, and I will cross that bridge soon!

To streamline the process of posting and interacting with fans who submit their nightmares to Autumns Eyes, I put together a new site where nightmares can be shared and now commented on. If you have yet to share a nightmare of your own, feel free by clicking the link below to visit the new and improved location of “Share Your Nightmares”!

As I read my latest issue of EQ magazine I found a review of the virtual instrument I use frequently called East West Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra. To the surprise of not only myself, but many I am sure, the company behind the genius program is giving away the software for absolutely NO COST AT ALL. The only thing you need to do besides visit their site is complete a small survey. The program is over 1.5 gigs large and comes with only the stage microphones enabled, not the surround or close microphones. Click here to visit the site and fill out the survey to get your own copy!

This has always been one of my favorite death scenes not just from a Nightmare film, but horror movies in general. Whats even worse than Phillips uncontrollable sleep walk is the deaf kid trying to get peoples attention for help.

The Autumns Eyes store has been cleaned out from head to toe, and thus starting a new collection. I worked on a couple new images and had them placed on t-shirts only for now. Im working with a really bad ass artist who is doing some outstanding design work for the next round of clothing. So hang tight, and until then check out the new stuff!

I often run into articles about home recording that annoy me beyond belief. This is mostly due to the pompous jerks who write the articles and feel the need to focus only on people who can afford the “higher end” equipment. They continue to claim only those who use said equipment can achieve the utmost acceptable sound quality from their recordings. This includes purchasing microphones over $1000, acoustically treating your studio environment, using strings made of Unicorn hairs, etc…

This could not be more false and one sided. You can make music with a cheap ass Radio Shack microphone, and a ukulele you found at the dump. Take Nirvana and The White Stripes for example. Kurt Cobain had many cheap guitars that he used as favorites for recording and live performance. The White Stripes have built their entire empire on a cheap, simple, and effective sound.

The point is not to listen to the douche bags who claim you cannot achieve sonic greatness without spending a fortune. You can create with any budget, and I am living proof of that. My first couple of albums were recorded using borrowed equipment and free software. So next time you see an article written by one of these pompous producer snobs, use it as toilet paper!

The fans have spoken, and decided that “The Devil Made Me Do Her” shirt was the favorite. So to honor their choice, the shirt has been redesigned for both him and her. Check it out at the link below…

Work began on tracking acoustic guitars. The addition of acoustic tracks creates yet another element of nostalgia to the overall sound of the album. There are certain songs that will remind you of specific decades. With 70s and 80s horror movies being the most prominant inspiration towards the song writing and sound design.

Micing the guitars was pretty straight foward. I used a KSM27 and a SM57 by Shure with the 27 diagonally aimed at the sound hole, and the 57 diagonally aimed at the center of where the neck meets the body. The two microphones combine for a very full yet distinguishable sound.

A huge thank you to all the fans who supported Autumns Eyes through 2009, you each played a huge role in spreading the word across the globe. For someone who does this not for the fame and fortune, but for the love of the craft, it means a lot when you have a genuine group of people who continue to inspire and support to keep the momentum going.

There were over 10,000 downloads of Autumns Eyes albums in 2009! As a thank you for the support, this weekend only download “The Awakening of the Sleeping King” for FREE!

::: THIS OFFER IS EXPIRED :::

Now bring on the tricks and treats of 2010!