BR: The 4 track cassette recorder was
about as simple as you could get with
recording devices. Today I use Pro
Tools HD on a Mac computer with tons
of software plugins/add-ons, a bunch
of outboard mic preamps, compressors, eq’s etc. This month I will receive
my new API 1608 analog recording
console. This thing is a beauty AND
a beast at the same time. It will be the
first API console to grace Fort Worth.
Can’t wait…
ADR: There’s lots of new studios
popping up in FW. What do you think
seperates you from the rest?
B.R: What separates Fort Worth
Sound from others is this: We have 2
Pro Tools studios; a smaller “B” studio
and the larger “A” studio. Tanner Landry runs the “B” studio and I run the
“A” studio. The “B” studio has smaller
and fewer rooms and less equipment,
with a younger engineer where newer
artists can get their feet wet in the recording process. The “A” studio boasts
high-end recording equipment and
software, more space with more rooms,
and a engineer/producer with 25 years
experience. Each studio is capable of
amazing results, but the pricing differs
to give the clients more options with
their project.
ADR: What is one of the things that
you have taken away from working
with so many people over the years that
has helped you the most in your work
today?
B.R: One of the things that I have
learned from all these years of recording is to remember that there is always
more to learn. Just when I think I’ve
got a pretty good grasp on things, a client does or says something that I didn’t
know, and puts everything back into
perspective again. We can always learn
from others. Always listen; you might
learn something.
ADR: For our readers who want to go
to record at a studio for the first time,
explain to us the recording process.
What is your methodology in a recording session with an artist?
B.R: When working with an artist who
has never recorded before, I like to sit
down and let them play me a few songs
in the control room, before they ever
set foot in front of a microphone. I
like to see where their weaknesses and
strengths are, and discuss them at that
time. I’ll then need to find out if they
have good timing and if they can play
ADR: Have you worked with any of
ADR’s Featured Artists?
B.R: I have worked with a handful of
your featured artists. Dusty Deaton
backed his truck into my fencepost.
Michael Padgett and I hug when we
drink whiskey together. Derek Larson’s
beard has grown quite full since the
last record I did with him. As for all of
these guys, they are all wonderful musicians/singers and fine human beings.
ADR: Tell us what the most difficult
client to work with is like.
“The most difficult clients to work with are the
ones who don’t listen to advice. They already know
everything and only need me to hit the record button. Why did you come to me again? Not for my
expertise apparently. [Ha]”
well with a metronome/click track. I’ll
then make sure their instrument plays
well and stays in tune and whatnot. If
not, I’ll suggest they use one of mine.
When they get into the tracking room
I want to make sure they are comfortable. I’ll always offer water, coffee, etc. to
keep the vocal chords lubricated. From
there I will give as much advice as they
need. I will point out shortcomings,
and will praise for outstanding traits.
It’s all about being honest with them.
B.R.The most difficult clients to work
ADR: Do you go by a strict routine
was when I was recording a hard rock
band back in the nineties. The lead
singer was having trouble nailing his
vocal part. After much trial and error
he asked me to send his Asian stripper
girlfriend into the booth to please him
orally. Pretty sure he was a fan of that
DOORS movie...
when recording different artists, or
does it vary from person to person
depending on their experience?
B.R: There is a certain amount of
routine to what I do. After 25 years
of producing records, I know how to
tackle most situations. It’s just a matter
of listening to the client and learning
what needs to be addressed for the best
final outcome.
with are the ones who don’t listen to
advice. They already know everything
and only need me to hit the record button. Why did you come to me again?
Not for my exp ertise apparently. [Ha]
ADR: Artists can be funny about having things they need to perform. Have
you had any strange request by a band
or artist while recording in the studio?
B.R: My strangest request by a client
ADR: How do you deal with a band
member that is either unprepared or
unprofessional in your studio?
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