Those lovable rascals that rolled through Kilo recently have just released a video for the song ‘Run from the Gun’. Ornery Little Darlings aren’t taking it lightly, either. They have entered this, their first video ever from their first release ever, in the ‘Rock the Roxy’ contest that is part of the revered SXSW Music Festival. Part of the said contest requires the highest amount of video views, so please support the group by watching it here. Share it with the world – it deserves to be seen (props to Endless Eye, iShootRockstars.com, and RUBBISH!).
‘Run from the Gun’ is off of the Darlings’ debut album ‘Ooh La La’ which was recorded and mixed here at Kilo. This track was a lot of fun to create, with its layers of vocals, guitars, and the live tuba we decided to put on it. There are 3 distinct vocal parts from 3 different people. Jason Ewers, singing the lead verse parts, has 3 layers of vocals: one layer through a tiny megaphone, another through a guitar amp, and a clean layer on top. These are all doubled, for a total of 6 vocal parts from Jason. Emmi Chen sings the main chorus vocal, and the texture of her voice is heavily distorted through guitar amps with a clean take on top for definition, all doubled for size. Stephen Paul Smoker lends his bass and his voice, belting out that he’s “got soul” toward the beginning of the track. His vocals were recorded relatively clean, with a room microphone and close microphone.
This is a great song with an immense driving rhythm section that double-dares you not to dance and aural decorations that keep it on your favorite playlist. Check out the video and keep an ear open for the EP, which will soon be available.
Anomie spent some time at the studio recently, recording and mixing a sort of small ensemble piece featuring cello, violin, clarinet, and bass clarinet. As if that wasn’t interesting enough, a groove is set up and some synthesized drums take the piece in a totally new direction. It was a fun time bringing two seemingly opposite worlds together in this little ditty.
This session made me remember why I love acoustic instruments so much… Tuning, changing timbre, dynamics, and the little intricate quirks that every instrument, without fail, presents. Capturing those little delicate sounds that comprise an instrument’s overall tone was key with this project. It was a great change of pace for Kilo.
Imagine yourself walking into this situation: a group of ladies are off in the corner practicing three-part harmonies, two guys are warming up saxophones, another guy is adjusting the bridge on his upright bass, yet another guy is dialing his electric guitar tone, and finally there is a drummer, obviously a drummer, setting up his kit, tuning toms and tightening snare tension to be just… perfect. This amalgamation of skilled musicians is what Kilo had the opportunity to experience. The Flat Cats were in session and were not messing around.
The “Swinging Jazz & Blues” band came to Kilo to record and mix some tunes. Being a very well-rehearsed band that plays out live more often than not, they were most comfortable recording everyone live – no need for overdubs (except when the multi-instrumentalists couldn’t possibly play more than one thing at a time). The songs all turned out to be superb, and a wonderful session went down in Kilo history.
Those lovable, highly talented, highly ambitious fellows from The Shams Band have graced Kilo again with their presence, while tracking for their new LP. These guys are all about capturing ‘the’ performance, and with a full length’s worth of songs, I was fortunate enough to witness this many times. We recorded some very clean, crisp tones but got down and dirty when we needed to. We also took a quantum leap back in time a few decades for a very special tune that is sure to melt hearts. And now for some photos of the band and a gratuitous microphone technique shot…
The finishing touches were put on to the Ornery Little Darlings EP, including some very beautiful vocals by Emmi Chen. Also some very enraged screams by Emmi Chen. Also a very intimidating spoken line in one song, and a little story told in another… by Emmi Chen. As the newest addition to the Darlings’ lineup, I was expecting maybe a little hesitation from her, but she certainly didn’t hold back, even a little bit. I was literally in awe after hearing her first take.
Now, in the final mixing stage, the Ornery Little Darlings project is about to become your next favorite EP.
