Project Objective 3: Gonzo Recording
Thirdly, on the introduction and overview page I mention "gonzo" recording. Having dabbled before in recording in rough and ready circumstances. I know that, even avoiding the use of professional recording studios, with laptops and hand-held recording devices, it is possible to make effective multitrack recordings. As is well-known, many musicians have had commercial success online with albums made in this way. Plus, what I learned over the past year is that it is possible to make a convincing big-band recording with no more than three musicians at a time, sometimes only one or two. And that, say, a four-part trumpet section can be convincingly emulated with a single trumpeter, overdubbing - whatever the recording environment.
Equipment?
These gonzo recordings will make use of conveniently portable digital recording equipment, working in suitable venues, such as hired rehearsal facilities (much cheaper than recording studios), or my own and others' homes where possible, I plan to carry out the following steps. These will as usual rely on the indispensable collaboration of unpaid volunteers - not necessarily members of the band I am planning to form. multitrack recordings. As is well-known, many musicians have had commercial success online with albums made in this way. Plus, what I learned over the past year is that it is possible to make a convincing big-band recording with no more than three musicians at a time, sometimes only one or two. And that, say, a four-part trumpet section can be convincingly emulated with a single trumpeter, overdubbing.
Three-Step Approach
These recordings will be made in the following three main stages:
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Firstly record a 3- or 4-piece rhythm section (bass, drums and guitar and/or keyboards) one or two songs at a time.
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Secondly, overdub further parts, up to and including all the instrumental parts of 6- and/or 17-piece arrangements.
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Thirdly, mix the completed recordings using software such as Ableton Live or Pro Tools, so as to produce releasable tracks.
Further technical details of this recording process are written about in a leaflet (TOTR08 Gonzo Recording Technique).
The Results
This process will hopefully produce - probably within somewhat protracted timescales - results comparable to, if not as refined as, the live recordings recently completed in a professional recording studio. This approach will be pursued over the longer term in parallel and as an artistic alternative to my proposals for the more costly, crowdfunded professional recordings. It will be interesting to compare the results in future at a musical-aesthetic level.