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.

Anomie on Myspace

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.

The Flat Cats

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 Shams Band on Myspace

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.

Mad Minute, the furious Humboldt Park Punk band, assaulted Kilo with a slew of great songs that are to be the band’s next album.  It was a whirlwind of wailing drums, blaring bass, screaming guitars and some actual screaming, and turned out to be a super fun, very interesting project.  Watch out for their new LP – it will definitely whoop you with great tones and stellar performances.

Mad Minute on Myspace