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Apothecary Charms was recorded and mixed from January 2007 to August 2008 at The Surface. Cubase was used for the recording, editing, and mixing. I wanted to present a range of material on this project, and still maintain a tangible focus. I also wanted not to stray too far from the guitar most times, while still incorporating electronic sounds and unusual instrumentation. Many of the songs originated from a single sound or phrase, or an improvisation, and were built up from there over several months. I spent a lot of time fine-tuning the textural nuances and developing parts that would heighten the effect of the sounds I chose. The guitars used were a US Masters Vector Versatek, a Kramer XKG-10, an Ibanez RG-550, and an Electra Westone Dynasty XV-2. Some songs used unusual tunings I have developed, the remainder were in standard tuning. Guitar amplification and processing were often handled with Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 or Reaktor 5. A Roland VGA-7 was also used a few times, usually via direct out. The drums were performed or programmed using fxpansion BFD or Native Instruments Battery 3. Some actual drums/percussion/cymbals were also used. The bass was often recorded using the low-strung/detuned Ibanez RG-550 or the Roland GR-33 guitar synthesizer. The synthesizers used include a Waldorf Micro Q and numerous virtual instruments. Other equipment used extensively: PreSonus MP-20, and plug-ins by Native Instruments, Waves, Cycling '74, Bias, and many others. |
