The blogging of the recording process was started last year (2005). Here's Zomb's account of what transpired from then to now....
Enjoy!
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{Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 2:39 pm}
As we journey thru the different phases of recording our new album, so can you...
The Demo Session (PRE-PRODUCTION)
On July 11th, we had hit Throatlatch studios to record all 10 songs,
back-to-back and live as a pre-production exercise. These versions were raw, scratchy, errorful and more for reference than distribution. One of the main reasons for this was to gauge the feel of the final album and areas, which need to be re-written or improved. Viru, the Sound Engg at TL gave us a rough mix of You're Bloody Right which ppl have been downloading and giving us some valuable feedback.
Here're some pics from this session...
We also used some of these tracks for the 'Live at July Massacre '05' VCD as background scores to the intro and outro (credits) of the video.
We also passed on a copy of this to our album producer/engg Fali Damania, to get acquainted with our music and lock on to open-ends if any!
The Drums Session
On August 8th, we hit Sunny Super Sound studios (owned by Bolloywood star Sunny Deol) at Juhu, Mumbai (right on the beach) to record the drum tracks of all the songs. We had a pre-defined schedule of completing all the tracks in 3 days (8 hrs X 3). Sunny Super Sound is an entire 5 storeyed building with studios on each floor. Metakix was on the 3rd floor. There is a lot of film editing, recording, and what not going on in this building by the who's who from the Indian Music and Film industry.
On the 8th, we used Fali's Yamaha kit with Sheldy's cymbals and percussion on the kit. In all the kit had 3 crashes, 1 china, 1 ride, a tamborine, a cowbell, hihats, 2 tom toms, 1 floor tom, 1 kick and 1 snare. The ubiquitous Jay of PDV/Medussa/And many other bands was present in the live room to give us a hand. Thanx again man! The kit looked like this after all the mics were placed on it.
Shedly used his laptop to generate the clicks per song, to which we had to lock in and thus play on time. Just the way we rehearsed. Sheldy was the only living soul in the live room, while Viresh, Nicky, me and Fali where in the control room and maintained eye contact with him thru the glass. The sound board on which we recorded the drums is a 1995 MAHA mind-blowing thingy called Solid State something. Man, this thing was like 7 ft wide!!
Once we had the drum sound going, we started trhe session with Pay Day Blues. We got it in one take! Next we moved on to Hand in Hand. This we got in three takes. And then came You're Bloody Right. This guy took about 6 takes as both Viresh and I kept going off towards the end and Sheldy would get distracted. Finally after a grueling 2 hrs or so, we nailed the track! We were almost done for the day as we had about one hour or so left. We were confident we could do one more song. So we picked something simple on drums, Lone Star. We got greedy, and decided to take yet another song. The instrumental called, Anthem. Both these songs came out right in the very first take and Fali was like woah! The studio crew was skeptical about our notions of finishing drums for 10 songs in 3 days. At the end of the first day they were patting our backs and saying 'Terriffic team effort, way to go!'. We nailed 5 songs on the very first day. Our rigorous rehearsals were paying off! We were putting up at Utsav's place. We got enuff booze, food and herbs to have a party at his place. I also slipped in the 'Live at July Massacre' VCD since all of the boys hadn't seen it. We got sloshed and crashed.
On the 9th of August, we had planned to take a few of the tough songs. We had one song which is really long but has a straight beat and so we decided to take that first. Forever it was and we got it right in one take. Marzbaan (He also enggineered and recorded Agni's debut album), the ace sound engg from Pune happened to drop in. I met him after some 3 yrs and we exchanged our 'Hey' "WOW', etc etc. He was really surprised to see the entire band had changed and totally fell for the music. He praised Nicky, Sheldy and Viresh. We'll be catching him again at the JumpStart gig at Pune, since he's doing the sound for the gig. He sure is gonna be on fire that night!!
We decided on Back in the Zone was our next track. Now this track more than 5 takes. I think we nailed it after the 7th take. Some minor correction was needed, which Fali took care of. We were kinda surprised that we couldn't maintain the same pace as the previous day. So we cracked a few jokes and got back on track. We decided on True Alter. This song has a time shift and we thought this gonna be a bitch to record. We did the whole thing in 2 takes!! HAHAHHA! Man things always turn out different in the studio. We had two more songs to go. Sheldy preferred we did Duff Stereo Groove and so we did. We nailed the track in time and thus ended day 2 of recording drums. Utsav got us on motion picture. He seemed to be enjoying the experience. After the end of the session, we headed back to Utsav's place for a repeat telecast of the previous days activities. This time with more booze, more food, more smokes! Utsav played a lot of the music on his comp for us. We were more at ease this night, as we had only one more song to go and a few fills here and there. We did sleep soundly!!!
On the 10th of August, we first headed out to buy maddles for the cymbal fills. Actually it was just Sheldy and Nicky who went to do so. Viresh and I went to the beach. We had to encounter a 'small episode' there HAHAHA (I'd save this for some other writeup). Well, we were all in the studio by 11.30 am and all ready to start on Only the Good Die Young.
After a few initial hiccups we nailed the song in 5 takes. We also did the cymbal fills for Anthem and a drum roll for Duff Stereo Groove. We were done with the drums for the new album by 1.45 pm. All of us were real pooped. We decided to wrap up and head back to our individual homes. You can see our pooped faces here....
We managed to meet the deadline, hardly any pressure. Our rehearsals paid off. So did all the feedback we got from our fans. Fali is one super guy to work with. He is patient and motivating. (Let's see if we can push him over the top, HAHAH!) Next up, we start with recording the bass, rhythm, leads and vocals (in that order) at Fali's Over The Top studios.
More as an when it happens...
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{Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 3:04 pm }
The reporter is back with a sack full of readables and viewables...
The Bass Sessions
On August 28th Nicky stepped into Fali's Over the Top studio to record the bass parts for the album. From what I'd gathered, he was rehearsing at home by playing along with the demo we had recorded at Throatlatch. And supposedly he had all his bass lines properly figured out and well rehearsed.
To be honest, I thought he was gonna break in the studio. Most mighty men do! HAHAHHA! While I was at Gateway of India, waiting to attend I-Rock, I get a call from him saying he has finished laying down the bass for 5 songs already. I was like, what a bunch of crap...Really? He was like haaan bhai really...I nailed em all.
Then there was a repeat telecast of the same conversation on September 10th. Nicky had completed bass for the remaining 5 songs as well. And also had time to catch a nap, as it would seem...
Also seen in the background a fantastic mural by Bruce from AFS!
He went on to give me the gorey details (HAHAHAH) of the bass session. He uses a Zoom 3030, but Fali had adviced him not to use it and go direct thru his bass amp. He uses a Stranger PM 102 (this is one killer bass amp). In the first session he had completed Forever, Pay Day Blues, Anthem, You're Bloody Right after a mild hiccup, and LoneStar. On most of these songs he uses very minimal or absolutely no overdrive (distortion) on the bass. Plus these songs are the easier ones compared to the remaining 5.
Viresh, Sheldy and I dropped in one day (secretly, might I add) to meet Fali between the bass sessions. I had to confirm with Fali whether what Nicky proclaimed was really true or he was pulling a nasty one on me. Fali was like, Yup its all done! Sweeeet!!
BTW, you can catch a glimpse of some studio gear here. The Spool Tape machine is a must-see!!
Seriously man, this Nicky is fast I tell you. For the 2nd bass session on September 10th, Nicky connected his fx processor and then went into his amp. This time round he recorded True Alter, Only The Good Die Young, Back in the Zone, Duff Stereo Groove in ONE take ..m/ (even I am amazed, cos this one is a tough bitch) and Hand in Hand.
Here's a very happy Nicky, in a highly elated state! HAHAHAH! Mr. Deeply Distrubed now appears to have mutated to Mr. Prancing Partisan!!
The sword has shifted from over his head and now sits above the unsuspecting guitarist. Viresh starts with his rhythm parts soon...
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{Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 9:16 pm }
The day finally arrived when the unsuspecting guitarist had to wake up, brush his teeth and go recording!! Here's what dreams (Viresh's dreams) are made of...
The 1st Rhythm/Lead Guitar Sessions
From September 19th to October 7th, Viresh recorded his rhythm guitar parts at Over the Top. These were not continuous sessions. About 3 days a week.
He was super-charged-up and was spot on with most songs. Fali loaned him his GIBSON Les Paul!!!!!! HAHAHAHHA Are you still alive??
Oh OK, you are back. Well as I was saying, Fali lent Viresh his GIBSON Les Paul which he used for all distored rhythm parts. Let me give you a sneak preview...
He initally planned to use his Boss rack for FX, but decided against it, as Fali connected him thru a Mesa Boogie tube amp which inturn was connected to a Marshal 4-cone cabinet!!!!! I told ya, you should have taken a breather!!
Viresh was fast and accurate in his sessions. From what I gathered, Fali didn't lose his sanity working with him. I would be present in a few of these session goofing around, almost hoping Fali'd break. But nope, he dedicatedly and diligently got the best outta Viresh.
Viresh also borrowed a Fender Squire guitar from Sidd of famous bands Zero and Helga's Fun Castle, for some of the clean parts!! . Thanks Sidd (BALDY my man ..m/). Furthermore, used a couple of his own guitars for these. Like the clean strums in LoneStar and You're Bloody Right.
He later told me the secret of his successful sessions. He would take breaks in between sessions and go to the neaby bar and drink up. He also told me he subjected Fali to some impromptu soloing which he demanded be recorded. Drunkards often do such things. Am sure Fali was not even there in the control room at those times, HAHAHA! This picture was taken
on the last day of Viresh's rhythm session and you can see how ecstatic Fali is to get rid of Viresh, FINALLLY!!!
In the meantime, on his way back home Viresh's mind wandered. He thought of being rich and famous. Of being in an El Dorado of booze and honey (not the bee variety). (No prizes for guessing what the tattoo reads)
He dreamnt of chilling with buddies (by the name Xavier) and sharing plates of chicken lollipops, while they binged and 'pinched' in sweet abandon! He saw a world that was peaceful, groovy(that's why Duff Stereo Groove HAHA), free of racisim and crowded, where all were one and that one was for all!!!
He soon unknowingly transcended into the realm of abstract art, where in his thoughts vehicles (specifically vans) would jut out of walls as an expression of minimalism. He wished that some day that claustrophobic place would house deejays who would show the rock sign and play Thrash Metal in a largely soft rock bar!
In the end just as he climbed the stair to his apartment, he realized he was only kidding himself. "All this could not be!" He resumed real-life, called it a day and went to sleep with the chugging riffs of Back in the Zone pounding in his head.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Up next is me. I start recording my rhythm parts starting 11th October. Am already getting goose bumps! HAHAHAHAH Wish me luck people....
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{Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:34 am
}We just finished shooting a video for You're Bloody Right. We did this on the 15th of October. It was a day long thingy and really painful. We had to stand there headbanging, thrashing, lip-syncing :P and do the same thing over and over again, all day for about 500 times. As if this was not enuff, I had the added privilege of doing this again the next day. F.U.CK, my back hurts!! We got about 65 shots in all. Yup, it's a low budge thingy. But the editor/director of the video can work magic!! He's good!
I finally got to the studio yesterday (17th October) to record my rhythm parts and fills.
Also, I won a beer guzzling competition. Kingfisher paid me 5,000 bux for being the highest consumer of alchohol in a week!!! HAHAHAHA! Such bliss!
Later then...
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{Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:26 am }
The update on the recording is that I have completed most of my distorted rhythm parts. Now all acoustic and clean guitar parts remain. Also twin solos and individual solos by Viresh and me.
We are planning on sending Hand in Hand as our entry for GIR. So we'd be wrapping it up first!
I am awfully drained to do a write-up on this right now. I promise I'll put up something soon and not break the flow.
The Video Shoot
In the meantime, for those of you who were keen on updates regarding the video shoot, check these pics out... (We shot the video for You're Bloody Right on 15th October)
In this one, I am doing a Hurricane Catrina and Rita impersonation
Viresh is trying to tell you that his scalp is free of dandruff and so he is KVLT!!
Nicky stoops so low that he just might bite the dirt on the floor. It's all about being aggro, you see!
Sheldy sees the light and tries to stay away from it. It sure was hot as hell.
</P>
Viresh and I dissolve into the background.
If you are on the Metakix mailing list, be sure to check out the 1 MB video file of a shot called "Group Thrashing" which is one from the 65 odd shots that we took. Just something to keep you latched on!!
Also, there'll be a smiliar video from our private live gig that we did recently!
YENJOY I SAY!!!!
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{Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 2:37 pm}
Howdy folks,
Here's the long-awaited status of the album recording...
99% of the music is recorded completely.
Viresh and I have a guitar solo each, remaining.
I just finished the vocals of Duff Stereo Groove last night. (This is one hell of an angry track. Someone really pissed me off) This after a long break due to the December gigs and parties, etc! What a killer experience it was!! Fali you RULLLLEEEEE DIKRAAA!!
In all vocals of 6 songs are complete.
I start day after with LoneStar.
There's also a surprise bonus track on the album.
Actually we are considering this as of now. If it works out the way Fali and I have envisioned it, it's gonna be ON for the album. More on this when it's done.
On the album inlay front, I have explained the front cover concept that has been in my head since this album took shape, along with a scribble to Abhishek S. He's the same guy who illustrated the HEADLINES cover. He also is the guy who designed the entire stage for the Joe Satriani shows all over India. He is really excited about doing the inlay for this album too! He actually demanded that he do it :-D
We'll be announcing the name of the album, once the front cover is ready! Cos I'd like to post the cover image along with that announcement. For added impact, of course!
On the You're Bloody Right video front, the first cut is here. The director, A.J. is in Mumbai currently!! We sent out this first cut to a 'select list of friends' here and abroad to get feedback on what they think about it. The folks, including all of us from the band, were floored when we saw it first. I actually froze up and couldn't believe my eyes. A.J. ruleth hands down. The video looks international and underground at the same time! KILLLER!!!
Here are some stills from the edited version of the video....
So far we haven't made any considerable progress on roping in a sponsor. Some good people are still trying to get em in. Going by the mind boggling response Hand in Hand has got so far, we are considering shooting a 2nd video for this song. It's part of the deal we are offering to sponsors. So if the money is here, you'll have another video (hi-budget) to watch!!
Shit man, there is so much more I wanna write, but I am too pooped to document every single thing. I will try to do this in bits and pieces. Hey I wanna thank all you people for hearing us out!! I appreciate it NOW as a musician and 10 years hence will cherish your support as fond memories. I hope we have a handful of albums by then too :-D!!
Bye!
PS: In one of our drinking escapades, we dropped (read donated) the camera with which all the above pics were clicked. Thanx to Viresh and my vices. We'll make alternative arrangements!
You might wanna read this...
http://www.metakix.com/images/articles/Meta_DNAFront_27thDec05.jpg
http://www.metakix.com/images/articles/Meta_DNABack_27thDec05.jpg
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{Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 2:32 pm}
Mixing of a few tracks has started.
Recording kinda at a stand still due to this...
See you there!
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{Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 12:18 pm}
People,
The four of us in Metakix are really thrilled about the fact that you guys are interested in our album.
Yup, there has been a delay and from what it seems now this will continue.
However, we have finished 99% of the recording.
Have already mixed 2 songs. 4 songs partially mixed.
We should be releasing the album this year.
We don't wanna hurry it up. Wanna take our time with the mixing process. We have put in a whole lot of effort, time and money into this project and don't wanna mess it up in the end.
I appologize for the delay. But I guarantee this one's gonna be worth the wait. BTW, you can hear our 2nd single on the AIM Volume One compilation to be released next month! AIM (Absolute Indian Metal) has 16 crushing bands from all over India!!
Thanks again!
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{Posted: Fri May 26, 2006 1:16 pm}
Here's an update...
We've received the first mix of 8 out of 10 songs.
Back In The Zone and Forever are the two remaining songs. We should receive this by next week from Fali.
The next step from here is to tweak out/correct problematic areas of the songs in the first mix to get them all to a solid 2nd mix.
Most songs will not change from here on. We hope to achieve this in June.
Another good news for you guys...
Going by the killer response for the live Warzone videos, we decided to pull out vidoes of our peformances in the last two years.
We plan to put up a video each of all 10 songs from our upcoming album.
Videos of 5 songs are already up on our site....www.metakix.com/song.html
This serves the following purposes:
1. You guys can get familiarized with the new songs and know what to expect from the 2nd album
2. Those of you who haven't seen Metakix live, can get a sneak preview before we hit your town. Those of you who have, can try to locate yourself in the videos!!!!!
3. We can exploit the Internet to reach far and wide. Not to mention, save our live footage from rotting away to oblivion.
4. We can brainwash you and your friends with our music and then finally take away all your money!!! (This being the most important purpose!)
HAHAHHA! Enjoy!!!
Metakix - LoneStar (Live at UnderGround, Mumbai)
Metakix - Pay Day Blues (Live at JumpStart, Pune)
Metakix - You're Bloody Right (Live at UnderGround, Mumbai)
Metakix - Only The Good Die Young (Live at JumpStart, Pune)
Metakix - Duff Stereo Groove (Live at Warzone, Mumbai)
Metakix - Hand In Hand (Live at Technoblitz '05 SIES College, Mumbai)
Metakix - Back In The Zone (Live at Unwind Center, Bangalore)
Metakix - True Alter (Live at Unwind Center, Bangalore)
COVERS---
Metakix - Kaiowas Indoor version - Sepultura cover (Live at UnderGround, Mumbai)
Metakix - Kaiowas Wilderness version - Sepultura cover (Live at Roots, CEPT, Ahmedabad)
Metakix - Propaganda - Sepultura cover (Live at Warzone, Mumbai)
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{Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 6:57 am}
And now...
The 2nd Rhythm/Lead Guitar Sessions
Don't really remember when I started and when I completed all my parts.
I'd say it was spread across some 4 months or so. All of the basic rhythm parts are laid down. I am now recording fills here and there as and when the mix of a particular song demands it.
For all of my distorted rhythm parts I used my special edition Jackson KV2, which in my opinion is the best guitar around. Especially for people
like me who have big fingers and cannot live without tons of pounding riffage! All distortions in this album is driven from a Mesa Boogie head connected to a Marshal Bassman. Fali defined two different tones for Viresh and Me determined by our playing style and sound spectrums that needed to be filled up on the record.
Unlike HEADLINES, on this record I am playing only 3 main lead solos. I used the Jackson for my solos too as they needed some whammy work. Not that I would wanna use any other guitar! HAHHA!
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For the solos, I used the same patches I use on my Boss GT-6 when we play live. These were wired thru the Mesa and a Noise Gate. It was a lot of fun playing those solos.
Apart from distorted rhythm, I am also playing most of the acoustic rhythm parts on this record, including an acoustic solo in the song Forever.
I used my Samick acoustic (The same guitar that I use when playing live toned-down kinda gigs). It is the best acoustic guitar I have played on till
date and am very pleased I was lucky to get this piece. Well, Fali recorded my acoustic rhythm parts using two mics placed at 90 degrees for full stereo separation. Ya, that's some technical shit there!! He used an SM 57 and some other mic for this.
For my one acoustic solo, I put the GT-6 between the guitar and the board. It sounded splendid. And I was a happy rocker at the end of my guitar sessions.
So I took some time off to pose like an UBER COOL DUDE! ^^ It took me a great deal of effort to maintain that smile for the pic. HAHAHAH (Pictures often lie!)
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{Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 7:25 am}
The Vocals Sessions
Somewhere in the previous pages you will find a random post on my vocal sessions. I am adding to that now...
^^^ Before that, let me take time off for a commercial break!! HAHAH
OK back to the music...Like my guitars, I recorded my vocals over a wide span of time. I would rehearse the various root melodies all week. Then compose alternative melodies or harmonies that could be used as 2nds or backups to the root melody. Once I was covinced that I had all the parts well defined, I'd arrange a session.
Sometimes during the recording, we'd realize that some vocal line just does not 'DO IT'. In such cases, Fali would come up with an idea or a melody which I'd lay down. It was quite an interesting experience. Cos Fali essentially got the best out of my voice, both distored and clean.
I used my Shure SM58 cordless mic for most of my singing. People would argue that there are better vocal mics out there. But I have been using this baby at live shows for about 4 years now. Not once has it let me down. It's like the mic was made just for me (OK, bohat jyaada boldiya!). We actually tired using one of those 'proper' studio mics. But I didn't like the sound of my voice thru it and quickly swtiched over to my mic!!
Though I am not a session musician, in the sense in and out of studios, I have been recording my music on and off in a handful of studios with sound engineers. I never found the kind of value addition that Fali made with this record any where!
I have a peculiar style of singing. I have developed it since my childhood over some 15 yrs. I do a lot of off key - in tune kinda shit with my vocals. Also over the years my voice has gotten deeper. Part of the reason being in jams I occassionally sing without a mic and try to cut thru the band sound. That and other excercises have inevitably shaped my voice to be what it is today. That's where the identity of my singing lies. Part of the reason I enjoyed my vocal sessions most, cos Fali knew this shit and enhanced my singing without me having to change my style to ape something that has already been done.
OK, too much serious gyaan. Commercial break, anyone?? Poseur time!
Up next, the group chorus recording of Hand In Hand...
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{Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 2:39 pm}
The Vocals Sessions (contd.) - Group Chorus of Hand In Hand
We released Hand In Hand, the single last year in November '05. The song has really gotten popular and the crowd has been singing the chorus along with us at our shows. We wanted to capture that vibe in the song plus give the listeners something new to look for in the album version of the song. After some brainstorming, Fali and I came up with the idea of inviting some of Mumbai's unique vocalists to the studio and having them offer their singing to the song.
In all we contacted 10 singers. The band didn't know how they would react to this offer. After we heard from all of them, we were delighted cos the singers were unanimous in their willignness to sing for the song.
Unfortunately, the slated date of the session caused problems to a few of them and they couldn't make it to the studio. Here're the details:
Singers/Vocalists -
2Blue (Vayu) - made it to the studio despite the punishing rain. He was completely drenched when he got there!
Garreth (Split) - couldn't come as he had to go out of town for some work. What a voice!
Rust (Redemption) - couldn't come due to office timings. Has an amazing clean voice.
Gary (EarthClan) - made it along with Sheldy!
Lionnel (ex-Psychomotor) - couldn't make it as he hit a 104 degree fever.
Chaku (Silent Lucidity) - made it alright, despite his GRE exam pressures.
Ameya (Old Monks) - couldn't make it as he was not reachable. Thanks to TRUMP mobile service.
Valentina (my wife and ex-Freedom), Xianne and Rayna (Choir singers) - made it alright!!
and finally Musicman Mihir (The King Keys) - got there late and sang superbly!
I was surprised those who made it to the session could actually get there. The rains were real bad and messy.
All these vocalists in all laid down about 35 tracks of the chorus, individually and as a group. Each added their distinct singing style to the chorus. These tanlented people added the extra OOMPH and WOAH factor to Hand In Hand making the group chorus sound like an entire stadium is singing it!
Metakix would like to thank each of these
individuals and also those who couldn't make it for the amazing support and setting an example of unity in the Scene!! You GUYS and GALS RULE!!
Here are the pics and a little bit about the
singers...
Chaku - Lead Vocalist of Silent Lucidity
Look out for their EP slated for release soon. Amazing alternative rock!
He has a very soothing voice! Check out their album inlay and buy the CD!
It's a steal at 80 bucks!
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Gary - Lead Vocalist of EarthClan
He added the 'metal' singing to the chorus.
EarthClan is playing the first chapter of July Massacre on the 15th. If you are in Mumbai, be sure to catch them live.
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2Blue - Lead Vocalist of Vayu
Vayu has headlined almost every big gig in India and continues to belt out their brand of classic rock regularly. 2Blue possesses a great voice (and a huge female following) which he shows off periodically! HAHAH! He added some nice variations to the chorus.
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Sheldy - Drummist and percussioner of Metakix
He is a BAD BOY! Also has a deadly album coming soon sometime this year!
(^^^Giving new meaning to the phrase "Sleeping at Work"!)
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Complete Gang!
Emotional Vocalizing!
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Valentina, Rayna and Xianne
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And then came Mihir our bro, AIR radio-jockey, Indian Rock supporter, emusicpost.com ka Boss and Lead Vocalist of The King Keys. Like any great celebrity he made a late entry and blew us away with his fantastic singing! His voice is quite prominent in the final mix of the group chorus. BTW, catch The King Keys live at Not Just Jazz By The Bay on the 21st, if you are in Mumbai.
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While all this was happening in the live room, Fali was busy in the console room. Our pal Utsav is there too, soaking in this unique experience!</P>
And finally a smile that says it all!
WHAT A FREAKIN RUSH!!!!
PS: Nicky sings the chorus along with me when we play live. He couldn't make it to this session as he is getting drunk and laid in Goa! Viresh missed it as he has gone to meet God on a pilgrimage to Amarnath daring the cold and the heights to cleanse his sins.
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{Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 7:57 pm}
Finally mixing is complete. We start mastering in a week's time!
Album art work is ready too!!
Video has been spruced up as well.
And some other stuff too.
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{Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 10:48 pm}
The Mastering Session
We finalized the mix around October '06 end and were all excited about moving on to the mastering phase.
Also a little nervous, as in this process we as a band couldn't really add any substantial or specific inputs. Mostly because this is something that ONLY a sound engineering guru can handle. Lesser mortals like us don't really count!
So around the first week of October, we stepped into the 3rd studio in this album production - FLYING CARPET PRODUCTIONS. Ashish Manchanda (look up Google for his International repetoire) was THE man for us. It truely is a pleasure working with giants like him in the industry. Man, we were really excited!
Fali wrapped up the mixed tracks from Over The Top and did the official hand-over by passing on all the songs to Calvin Vaz (Ashish's assist. sound engg)
That's the renewed Fali with the new look. (Oh how the times have changed, since we started making this record!!!)
That's Calvin. Also an awesome keyboardist and bassist. Plays for a jazz/funk band in Mumbai!
After 3 rounds of mastering, Ashish gave us one hell of a killer master!!! Not only is he a great sound's man, he was patient enuff to hear our '2-cents worth' comments. And he actually applied the relevant ones to the songs.
Towards the end of the process he too seemed to be very charged up about this album! He went on to share his past experiences (which are unbelievable, hes worked with some BIG names from the west). He also disclosed that he is relaunching the studio's website (FCP website)in a big way! You must check this out in 2 weeks or so!! I happened to catch a preview! It rocks!
BTW, for those who don't have your Indian Rock history in place, Ashish Manchanda started off as a drummer and went on to form the original line-up of AGNI!! As I said, there are truckloads of pages to read on some of the great work (including the soundtrack mastering of almost every other movie in India) and achievements of Ashish.
Calvin wrapped up the final CD with all the required tagging and adding of our music video on to it. We are currently trippin on the master and testing it for CD-ROM compatibility. So far all looks good. Should be into manufacturing soon....
Thanks for your interest...
PS: Another source of excitement...our music and live videos were recently played at the University of Denver to a swell response from the students. That makes it univ. number 2 after the Bowling Green Univ. of Ohio!! These are the few things we will take forth with us!
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{Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 10:57 pm}
The Album cover concept
Here's how the cover concept started...
It all began with a scribble.
The bulb signifies 'connection' and the flower, like some great poets will tell you, can be an inspiration.
So that's where it started.
If you notice, it is also the union of two dimensions. The bulb with the wire signifies modern, artificial, inanimate. The flower with the creeper singifies retro, natural, life. A comparison to our playing heavy riff laden stuff with ballads or mellow stuff. The idea was to have something on the album cover that potrays the music on the record properly. That it also turned out to be aesthetic in nature was an added advantage. We are ------- proud of the album cover man!!
The cover is done by the same guy who did HEADLINES. His name is Abhishek Sharma. We (and I guess everyone) loves his work. He is the same guy who designed the stage for all the Joe Satriani gigs in India!!
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Yes, yes will share the cover art with you very soon. Just to keep you further on the edge - we are also launching a small line of merchandize around the album. Some cool stuff for you and cooler stuff post those sales. The merchandize is packed, ready to use!
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OUT NOW!!
Connect & Inspire, Metakix 2nd full length album released on 4th December 2006 (Official media and public launch event on 16th December at Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai)
Download the music video and find out how you can get a copy here
http://www.metakix.com
The album is available on MusicYogi.com (They deliver CDs to almost anywhere in the world!)
It's been one hell of an experience making this album.
Finally, we get to share it with you! Looking forward to seeing you at our gigs and hearing your views!
PHEW!!
Over and Out...
