Recording

This week has been a busy week.  The first week of my new job and recording preparation for both 'This is Turin' and 'Colonel Blast'.


This is Turin


We begin recording our debut album next week.  The last couple of months have been all about preparing for entering the studio.  We've kept the gigging to a minimum so we can focus on stripping each song down and ensuring each song is what we want it to be for recording.  We've all work harded to make sure our individual performance on the album will be the best they can be.  


It has been a difficult time for the band as we have parted ways with our long time drummer.  We wish Ed all the best for future.  Fortunately tracking for the drums is done and our only focus is making sure we can deliver on top of this.


Recording starts on Monday with Guitars and I will start my time in the studio next weekend.  In the meatime I will be visiting the Turin rehearsal studio throughout next week to practice over a click track.  I like to do this because I can hear how consitant each scream is.  Other instruments can hide a thousand sins vocally!


I'm feeling confident about the album.  It has been a long time coming!


Colonel Blast


Things are really positive in Colonel Blast at the moment.  Our performance at Damnation Festival has received a great response from the press and was a personal highlight of 2010.  Since then we have been busy writing and we have new material coming out in May.  There was once a time where bands releasing split E.P's was a regular occurrence and and I wish it was more regularly featured now.  It is a great way of sharing your fan base and also providing people with fresh sounds.  Networking with other bands has always been something I believe bands in the UK could better at and it is a pleasure and an honour to be featured in an upcoming 5 way split with 5 of the countries finest grind acts.


I have spent this week recording my vocals for the two Colonel Blast tracks on the E.P and I had a great time doing so.  Ben, our guitarist, did a fantastic job and I feel really confident about the future of the band.  I can't wait to get back to show some shapes live with the boys.

UNDER A ROCK

Hello! *hangs head in shame*

Firstly, I’d like to inform everyone that I have slapped my wrist for taking so long to update this blog.  As some of you are already aware, I have been studying a sports degree for the last 3 years and the last few weeks have been a little busy to say the least.  I have now finished University and due to an epic amount of job hunting and organising of other aspects of my personal life, my work load has not decreased much! 

I’m going to cover a few things in this instalment and I will try and keep things to the point (not my greatest skill).   I will discuss some of the goings on outside of performance with the band as well as some of our gigs.  I don’t intend to do much in relation to reviewing the gigs.  I intend to bring some ideas to the table that were provoked by those shows and I’d love your opinions.

Going forward this blog will be monthly and I will include some information on gigs we have played and I will also include my own ideas on how things are going and other developments.  I will include a supplementary update next week due to the volume of things that have happen since my last update.  I will be doing a special daily blog during October which is when I will be back on tour with This is Turin.  We are doing a full UK tour in October with the band ‘I Defy’ and I’m pretty excited about getting back on the road.  We often play one or two gigs a week, but it is rare that we get the opportunity to go on the road and spend a few days as just a bunch of lads doing what we love doing best.  Some of the best nights of my life have been on the road with the band so I’m looking forward to more character developing incidents!

We will also have an album ready by then.  We have some news relating to our record deal and album status that we will be releasing soon, but we are excited about being able to deliver and album as soon as we can.  This past week I have been recording vocals for two tracks we are going to release in the next couple of weeks and I was pretty pleased with how it sounded considering they were recorded in our drummer’s bedroom!  Recording and demoing our new material has taken longer than I wanted really, but I think we are getting more organised and more focused on getting the tracks down.  I think it is vital we have some new material to provide to people.  I’m personally looking forward to recording some of our more aggressive tracks in the next couple of weeks.

We have played a few gigs since I last blogged.  I’m going to briefly mention two of them today because I believe they all bring different considerations to the table.  I will also include one next week which will cover a couple of other shows.

The Tivoli in Buckley

The venue is huge and probably a little large for a local metal band night.  However, with big venues and big sound systems often comes a big and clear sound so I’m definitely game.  We were asked to arrive at the venue for 4pm.  I have a real gripe about turning up at venues so early.  I understand that bands must turn up before the audience and I also understand that sound checks must be done in good time.  I could probably count on two hands the amount of times it has been that organised.  Usually it would be the same promoter that acquires two or more of my weathered digits.  Often we arrive early, wait for an hour and then sound check.  In all honesty, I don’t really mind that.  Far too many times have we arrived before others bands to be told that only the headliner and openers receives a sound check and because we are sandwiched in the middle, we have to do a line check before we go on which means we may as well of turned up at the same time as the audience.

This gig was an extreme example of why I often snigger at being told to turn up very early.  A few of our lads turned up at just gone 4pm.  No promoter to be seen, no others bands and no sound guy.  When the headliner turned up at 5pm they spent the next 2 hours messing with their drum kit before sound checking.  We started to set up our gear and sound check whilst the audience were being let in the venue.  What a fucking joke.  The promoter didn’t even turn up to the show.  In my opinion it is his responsibility to make sure this kind of thing doesn’t happen and that we works with the bands and sound guy to make sure people pull their finger out and get the job done.

It isn’t that I’m not appreciative of having an opportunity to play a venue and I’ll happily turn up early to a venue for sound check, but if the chances are that we won’t get a sound check and that we will be waiting an hour or two for the sound guy, then I wish the promoter would be honest so that we don’t have to miss out on wages at our day jobs, especially if the show is not financially viable.  Some promoters are fantastic at organising their shows and I really do commend them for supporting the bands in this way.

Roebuckfest

This show is a festival that is put on at the same time as a bikers rally.  A fantastic idea that also raises money for charity.  It also gigs some locals bands a chance to play on a bigger stage outdoors and gives young fans who don’t have much money or methods of transport an opportunity to see some good bands.  When I turned up at the venue I couldn’t help but feel surprised that there was no security on the door and only one in sight.  During the day there was a security member on the door, but I still couldn’t help but feel there should have been more throughout the crowd.

We won some new fans at the gig despite a sound I can only describe as disgraceful.  Luckily enough we weren’t the only ones cursed and we managed to make it sound as good as we possibly could.  It was great to meet some new people and share some banter about metal or past and present.  I was also encouraging to see us gathering a younger fan base as well, something I think we have been lacking for a while.  I saw a few people singing my lyrics in the crowd and I can’t explain in words how proud and honoured that makes me feel.  I was so surprised and engrossed by someone who was correctly singing the words of a song we have yet to record, that I actually forgot the words myself and prompted free styled the line.   I chuckled to myself when I saw them explain to a friend that they got the words wrong.

I went home early to draw the curtains and have a horlicks after a solid day of drinking and noticed how the positive atmosphere throughout the day was slowly setting along with the sun.  Some people had obviously had to much to drink and some people should not of been allowed in as I was more than aware of their reputation for trouble.  It did not surprise me in the slightest to hear that trouble the following day meant that the police had to shut the festival down before the headlining acts could take to the stage.  This meant a few hundred people were let loose into the local town and caused a shut down of many pubs.  I’ve seen a number of facebook groups slating the police for not responding soon enough to an original call to them regarding the trouble.  People should realy point their anger towards to idiots that created the trouble, but I don’t think many people have the balls to stand up to people like that and would rather blame others.  I also think that in hindsight far more security would of helped considering that we’ve played shows in front of 30 people where 2 security lads are working.  Ultimately, people should remember that it doesn’t matter how much you prepare, it’s the narrow minded idiots that cause the problems that should be blamed.  I really respect the job the organiser had done for the event and only hope that he isn’t put off future endeavours by this incident.

I will discuss a couple of other shows next week but I think by now you have more than had your fill of my ramblings.  On a more personal note, I am currently getting to grips with some of the tracks on the new album from ‘Colonel Blast’ as I will be handling vocal duties for them next month.  Go to their myspace and check them out.  The album is both solid, varied and always interesting!   I’m looking forward to hitting a stage with them real soon.

www.myspace.com/colonelblast

Tragic...

 It is tragic that I can identify with this video...

An act of God?

Firstly, I'll apologise in advance for the short length of today's post. I'm currently in the final weeks of my final year at University and time is like gold. As well as a certain blowing hill in Iceland, I believe this may of had an effect on my show last night.

Last night saw us playy Moho in Manchester. The bill was to include Haste the Day and Oh! Sleeper. For the record, I've been a big Oh! Sleeper fan since I saw them supporting Underoath. That was the reason why I tired to get on the gig. Also it would mean I wouldn’t have to pay for ticket! Unfortunately, due to the current situation with the Volcano in Iceland the band were unable to fly over from America. I’m sure everyone is aware, but for the sake of reading back on this blog in the future I’ll just mention that all flights to and from the UK have been suspended due to a little bit of ash. Gutted.

I really enjoy going to and playing shows at this venue. Dave the promoter is not only a great professional, but a really nice guy. We’ve played with a lot of promoters who have had a chip on there shoulder for putting on ‘big’ bands. Most of the time by ‘big’ bands they mean cover and tribute acts. Dave has put on some of the finest bands in metal and indie, yet treats all bands and fans with nothing but respect. We appreciate the opportunities he has given us and feel proud that he recognizes how hard we work at art.

The sound at the venue was great and the sound on stage was good. It was nice to work with a sound guy who knew his rig. I must admit though that before the show I didn’t feel quite up to it. My work load at University is stressing me out and if I’m going to be honest all I wanted to do was be back home chipping away at it. I’ve felt this way for the last few gigs which is unlike me. I usually thrive off playing live. I’m sure I’ll feel better in a few weeks.

I thought we played ok. The crowd was very quiet and from on the stage it seemed like they didn’t enjoy it. However after speaking to people after the show that was fortunately not the case. We were a lot heavier than the other bands so it was good to impress those who aren’t extreme fans. I believe I could have performed better though. I feel I didn’t show the confidence I normally do on stage. I’ve learnt from this though. I believe that when you are in a band and you are serious you should evaluate everything you do. I got the feeling last night we didn’t give the same ‘big band’ feel we do at other shows. We didn’t really use the side of stage well enough when taking the stage and also unloading our gear. These might seem small things, but they are small changes that can be easily done that make a difference. It isn’t a problem though. Just something we can improve which is what it is all about.

Our next gig is an outdoor show at a festival in Cheshire so I’m looking forward to that. It’s in a few weeks so by then things will have calmed down a bit!

Please check out all our upcoming shows on our myspace and help spread the word on book face and myspaz!

Cheers!

Daz

As flat as an oatcake...

Last night was our 2nd show in Newcastle in the last 2 weeks. We tend to space gigs in the same area out a lot more than this, but we are never one to turn down a show. In hindsight we probably should have turned this one down...

Due to an accident on the road I turned up at the venue later than the rest of the lads. I thought I would have missed sound check but it seemed like the sound guy was only just setting the drums mics up, which was a little concerning as ime was getting on. I believe the sound guy wasn't very well, but he totally seemed like he wanted to be elsewhere. I gave him some feedback on what I thought needed changing with the sound and he humoured me with some button pressing.

Hayden (guitarist) was sporting a new guitar and his clean sections sounded real crisp during soundcheck. Dave (other guitarist)was still playing through his line 6 combo although he has recently acquired a line 6 head. I think a cab unit can’t come soon enough for him. You can tell that he is desperate to try out some new settings.

I started to become concerned about how the gig had been promoted when my dad (Steve) pointed out that all the posters in the venue didn't make any reference to this gig. I became even more concerned when the other band informed me that they too hadn't heard from the promoter and that he wasn't at the venue.

Instead of worrying about the lack of people in the venue I start sort out our new merch stand which Steve had built for us. There is a weird feeling of pride in a tidy little merch stand that is probably perceived as quite sad by anyone other than the band. 

I found out that the bassist of the first band had decided he wasn’t coming to play the gig because he had too much college work. I thought this was shocking. I am also a student under immense pressure from deadlines at the moment, but organisation and communication should stop this type of thing from happening. The band went on without a bassist and I felt really sorry for them. Being let down my a band member is like being let down by a family member.

Another gig in Newcastle and another idiot who can’t handle his ale in the crowd. This time he was mumbling and stumbling in front of the other band on the bill. Thankfully he was ejected before we went on stage.

The venue was pretty empty other than a few people that had come to see us. Regardless of this we played a pretty tight show and got a really good reception. I approached the manager of the venue following our set and expressed how disappointed I was in the lack of communication from the promoter and the lack of promotion done for the show. Why do venues expect bands to do all the promotion? Although we had been told we would get paid for the gig we once again left with nothing but emptier pockets from petrol, fuel and drinking funds. Great.

I did receive probably my best compliment to date off  a lady who most certainly wasn’t what you would class as a fan of the more extreme side of music.  She said “You were sexy in scary kind of way”.  That will do for me.  If you can’t win them over musically, scare them.

I  decided to drown my sorrows in a bottle of jim Beam on the way home which probably wasn’t the best of ideas as read and writing this blog is starting to give me a headache.

Next week is a gig with a band I have a lot of respect for called Oh Sleeper. Also on the bill are Haste the day. Both of these bands have proven records and playing with these bands will be a great little challenge for us. Time to level up again!

RIP Pete Steele

...so you want to be a metal vocalist?

I had someone ask me for some advice on becoming a metal vocalist.  They were very humble in their request and in all honesty I should be the one humbled by someone asking advice from me.  I am proud to be asked such questions so I thought it would be relevant to post my response on here;

Hey dude.  I'm cool man.  Everything is all good.

The first thing with being a metal vocalist is to remember that whatever type of vocal you are doing, it's a vocal technique and you need to approach it in that way.  A lot of people understandably think that screaming down a mic requires the same type of intensity as screaming when you are plain angry.  This isn’t the case.  A solid metal vocal is all about control and consistency.  I always rate my performance (from a vocal perspective) on how consistent my vocal is throughout a single ‘scream’ and throughout a gig.

Approach a vocal warmup the same way as a regular singer would.  There are lots of vocal warm up mp3’s out there that should help with that. 

Never try to sound like someone else.  Be influenced by all means, but don’t go out to specifically sound like someone else.  Think about the majority of bands you love and especially those who are at the top of their game.  Do they sound like anyone else?  The majority don’t.  Don’t be the next Mitch out of Suicide Silence…Be the first Jake.

Remember when you start trying out techniques not to do so for hours.  You’ll strain yourself and get headaches.  Make sure you don’t try to be as loud as you can.  Remember it is about the sound not the volume.  Take your time.  For many years my vocal was pretty low in volume, now it’s pretty loud but controlled.  If I go to the football and shout my head off, I’ll lose my voice.  Put me on a stage for an hour and I’m fine.  That is no co-incidence.

Focus on breathing techniques in regular singing lessons and practice through a mic as well as without so you can hear the difference.  Some singing lessons to begin with would be a good idea to get the basics down.

I hear some people say smoking and coughing before doing a metal vocal helps.  It doesn’t and as a matter of fact, it will ruin the consistency of a scream in the long run.

Lastly don’t get embarrassed.  I understand that having a microphone in front of you and having a load of peers watching you is a little bit daunting, but don’t worry.  Be confident and positive.  It will all pay off.

I hope this helps a little bit dude.  If you need any more advice or help, just let me know.

Take it easy

Daz

SCREAM FOR MY STAFFORDSHIRE!

First gig since I've started the blog so this one will probably bit a little more long winded than the others so I apologise in advance. You guys know how to skim read yeah?

Last night was our show in Newcastle-under-Lyme and our first show at this particular venue. I was getting a little concerned when Jane of Tom Tom fame navigated us down a road that turned out to be the loading bay for a shop, however it seemed that other members were suffering the same fate. Luckiliy we soon found the venue and proceeded to unbundle the gear from our cars. We don't currently have a van so we drive to most shows in our cars which is a bit of a blag, but it does means we can bring a few people. I have a really supportive family so I always travel with them.

I've been gigging for years now and last night was the first night I remember a promoter buying me a drink. It might not sound much but it is. I'm a firm believer that a band shouldn't have to be out of pocket for playing gigs. I don't expect the promoter to lay on food, cocaine and strippers (although that would be epic), but little things like a pint mean a lot. The promoter last night was a treat to deal with. He seemed a nice guy and it was nice smiling face welcome us.

When we started setting our gear up we found out of the manager that we had to do our own sound. I wasn't too concerned because the venue was pretty small and only the drums and vocals would need micing up. The only problem was that there was no drum mics and I had to mic the kick drum up with a vocal mic. It wasn't ideal and it wasn't the best sounding, but it was better than a lot of venues we've played so there wasn't any real problem with it.

I was really happy with how the lads got on with getting their gear set up and it was nice to watch them trying hard to ensure the sound was as good as it can be off stage. Although we love monitors and a good sound on stage, the reality is that we hardly ever get it. The way we see it is that as long as it sounds as good as it can for the people off the stage, then we are happy.

It was nice to sit and have a laugh with the people who had travelled up to see us. I love it when all the band members are sat together with our family. I see a lot of our supporters as family members. In all honesty, this is sometimes the highlight of the night for me. Our friend Liggy had also brought us all food from Maccy's. Food and drink in one night...we were getting spoilt here!

The gig went pretty well. We played a solid set with no fuck ups which is always the primary concern. The crowd was pretty stationary, but we got a good reception after each song had finished. Thats the most important thing. A bands worst nightmare is to ginish the first song and hear silence. The venue was situated in the town centre and was free to enter which meant a few people who weren't the biggest metal fans would wonder in from time to time. I actually see playing to these type of people the biggest challenge and I thrive off it. I've played gigs where people have come up to me and said "It's not my type of thing, but you guys were really good and put on one hell of a show". Now that is victory. Unfortunately, this time around there was one inbred twat that stood at the side making a nuisance of himself. He tried to grab my mic was I pushed my mic away from him. In all honesty I wanted to slam it in his face, but I've learn't from my mistakes and decided to rise above it. I gave the barman a wink and the inbred soon left.

The guitarist totally nailed their solos and I love looking to the side of me and seeing constantly growing in confidence every gig we play. I felt my vocals were pretty good, although I still can't shift all the mucus out of my head which is getting a bit of pain in the arse!

After the gig I was approached by two ladies who looked like they were about to go to a nightclub. Most people would be suprised to learn that they were big death metal fans, but I wasn't. I'm probably not the most conventional looking metal head as most of the time I'm in sports gear, so I understand that image has fuck all to do with loving and being metal. For a genre which used to be so focused on individuality, it has unfortunately become very narrow minded. They were top ladies and a pleasure to chat vocal techniques with.

A pretty good experience and it was a treat to earn some cash from a gig. We've started to get a little money lately because of our reputation and endorsements. Hopefully we can build on this and finally buy a van (and our own maccys!).

Next stop...back to Newcastle next week!

Until then, stay brutal!

Daz

Turin