Week 32. The Final Frontier
August 23, 2004 06:44 PM
Monday August 23
Welcome to The Last Week
This Blog Should Die
Apologies for getting sucked out of the forum for the longest period of time
in boyd history. I had to get that html eblast out, crank on revisions to
the cd graphics, handle stuff for the band re: new gear, get artwork to
the screener in LA and deal with all the communication, work on tour -
(thank God Kimbertones is helping) routing, hotels, etc (ahhhhh!!!!) ...I'm
stopping there because the minutia is way bigger than what I just listed.
So, officially, HI everyone. Good to be back on the forum. I feel like life
is normal when I'm here. Anyway, we're here in sunny, near-down-town
Burbank at a studio called El Dorado. I don't know that much about the
place other than Jane's Addiction (widely heralded as the fathers of
Alternative Rock), Talking Heads (...hmmm, more like Art rock) and
Hanson (uhh....m-bop rock) recorded here, among many others.
So much is happening behind the scene...gosh, nothing earth-shattering;
just lots and lots of details I guess. What do you want to know? I know it
all. (a regular know-it-all; what a joke) hmmm... This studio is very cool.
A huge console room. So huge, we're all in here hanging out non-stop.
The people here are stoked over the whole (almost) fam' thing and speak
of how awesome those Hanson guys were. Of course, they're quick to
say how different the music is...and they say they love Eisley. I
think it's true because they bought the ep's and know all the songs.
There's a big Hanson sticker on the fridge.
The new Rob and Doug team is very familiar (There was a different Rob
and Doug team at the beginning of the year, remember?); we were with
them over a year ago tracking songs at Glenwood Studios. They're
funny, friendly and great at what they do...just like Rob S's team. That
was trivial.
We're getting into midi. I've been pushing as hard as I can without
getting anyone irritated. (not the band...they're all about it) It's just
expensive and always a struggle to push into a new level. Figuring it all
out is just part of it. I've had tons of help...from friends like Thomas on
this forum. He's king of this stuff. (thanks Thomas)
Anyway, so...in order to better demonstrate the wondrous layering of
keyboards on the record, we have to move into deeper technology. The
Rhodes, of course, is always a part of the live show, but when you start
having to cart around fragile, beat-up, organs from the 70's, mellatrons,
piano's, b-3's, you hit the limitation wall really fast.
So, we're working on all of this stuff and it's so cool...like, i'm talking
about what can be done. Authentic sounds that have been recorded
with millions of subtle dynamics from keyboard instruments like samples
at various volumes, attacks, etc. You can almost hear the hammers. On
the strings, you'd swear you can hear the bow grinding across the brittle,
wire-wrapped strings. The b-4 is virtual. It's freaking amazing.
Hoping to get into the right gear before this tour starts next week. Stacy
will be using my Powerbook on stage - accessing a variety of amazing
sounds to embellish these songs. Where instruments can't be virtualized,
the band will be using tracks to build the live show. I can't wait. If not
for this tour, the next one. Either way, you're going to see an Eisley that's
steeped in vintage gear, but knows how to utilize technology... Bjork
style, if you will. I'm glad they have this tour to get their feet wet before
the record release tour. (whenever that will be)
Stacy just got thru tracking acoustic piano for Telescope Eyes and is
about to lay down Rhodes. Weston has already tracked drums. I'm not
going to say anything about the tune. It's sounding pretty cool so far.
Well, I could say a little. Sherri's verses are back from the original indie
version. (yes!!!) It's faster - which seems to work. Strangely, everyone
likes the tempo, especially Weston.
Trade off's, right? The funky bridge still doesn't work...gosh, the song
would be way too long. Also, before, you were left to daunt over the lyric
as if it was the only real content to be valued, now you can't help but feel
like the song is suppose to offer something aside from just the meaning
of the song... like, something rhythmical...something to make you move.
Then again, I note, also, that the song now has an urgency that seems to
underscore the emotion in the lyric. hmmm. deep thoughts. somebody
pull me out.
Friday is the last day of tracking for this record. I can't believe it. Eisley's
record will be finished Friday. And...this blog will end. I look back over
the 32 weeks and wonder why I kept this going... it's not like there was
that much to say about the record, you know. I had to improvise and
search for words to fill the pages. Hope it was somehow meaningful - at
least in describing the journey through this maze...this bumpy landscape.
I'll pick up on the tour, of course... Oh Lord, am I going to have my
hands full - tour managing, driving, toiling for hours in the wee morning
keeping up with this forum and making it as effective as it's been
historically during tours - all while continuing to design and build the
graphics for Eisley's first cd package...oh, and then there's that web thing
that has to happen. If I survive this, if we survive this, it'll be a miracle.
OH my wow...help me. We heard another mix tonight. I'm going to keep
it a surprise...the song, that is. I wanna talk about it so bad. mmmm...
biting my mind and tongue; my fingers. It's so... you guys are gonna
love the fact that this song is on the record. Yes. yes indeed.
woah...that guitar tone is the best I've heard for the chorus of Telescope
Eyes. She's using Rob's 335... "Lucille". It's, you know... the B-B King
body with the cutaways, partially hollow. I think it's like the 355...almost.
Anyway, it's coming out of an old Vibro-King amp. (for you gear heads)
Ok. I've done enough damage. Talk soon. I'll go catch up on the forum
before getting off. Rock.
I typed these in a minute ago, not for the purpose of the forum, but I
don't want to have to do busy work so I'm leaving them here.. (Eisley's
A&R's bands; I asked Craig because I was curious. trivia.)
eisley
my chemical romance.
the used
the diddy bops
hot hot heat
avenge seven fold
the distillers
rilo kiley (well, sort of)
Tuesday August 24
The Telescope Monster
Fears for Tears
Howdy.
T.E.'s is having the icing put on. You know... like decoration; final
touches. There's mixed emo on this one ya'll. But, isn't that always
the way it is? Bands historically hate their biggest songs... and this one
just won't go away until it reaches it's final destiny. Certain band members
don't like the tempo, other's are ok with it, others like it. (only fair to say
the writer doesn't like it...wups!)
Yeah, the day has been a struggle to get through - sparking every
gamete of emotion, challenging communication...relationships. While
that's true, it's very objective of me to note that this is WEEK 32!!
@#$%!! sheesh. I am a peacemaker, but wasn't really successful today
- ha. Songs are very emotional, right? But in 2 weeks from now, nobody
will care. Everyone will be jamming to tunes in the van, rocking it out for
you guys, and loving being out of the cage. DUDE. ok?
I'll say this, it's certainly a song the label needs to market the record with
some kickbootiness. So, that's the label...does Eisley need a hit song? I
think they need one in the same way that they needed the Escaping
Song. (figuratively) I don't know. I'm too close to it...but am trying to be
objective. I think the record will offer a great mix of everything in Eisley's
arsenal. Seriously - stuff that's artsy, folksy, poppy, quirky, big, small,
hard, soft, indie, Brit-rock, happy, sad...but it's all woven together with
Eisley's very definitive style...and it's all mixed under one sonic space.
Maybe it'll be the most controversial song...the most loved, the most
hated, the biggest...therefore, the one that divides us. Fast, slow...
whatever; the band is tired of this one. And some of you are too. But, if it
goes on the record and gets on the radio, it's going to be the handle on
the suitcase.
There are very cool things happening to the song. Like...hmm, what is
that? - bells? or a glockenspiel? Stacy is over there hammering out
something with a mallet and rob is holding an sm-57. 20 minutes ago,
she tracked a 70's Wurly which really made the song for me. 1 hour ago,
chauntelle tracked a new guitar solo using an high track and a low octive
on another - giving it a sorta eerie sound. Tomorrow, they're bringing in
a toy piano. Bass tracks went down this afternoon, Weston shook a
tambourine...it's pretty fat. I think the song sounds great. very
different...but very great.
Gotta go. Tomorrow is Lost at Sea...
Wednesday August 25
Lost at Lost at Sea
Searching for Treasure
Lost at Sea is presenting itself with a built in anchor that must be
unchained if the song is to float, ride the 7 seas and find it's way - "all the
way home".
The day started slow...with time invested in the rough mix for Telescope
Head...I mean Eyes. The band wandered around - bored to tears as
producer/engineer worked through the difficult process. It's a crowded
house - support people/assistants from the studio, A&R from WB,
producer/engineer, band... lots of talking heads. But eventually, the room
cleared out and sleeves were rolled up.
The song has a cadence but not a heavy beat...so solving the rhythym is
foundational. I still don't know what they'll do. It's not solved yet. All
kinds of antedotes have been dredged from famous loop fabricators...at
least 4 that I heard; the band/producer didnt' like any of them. Weston
took a shot at pounding an overturned water jugs (the giant, thin-plastic
walled ones that dispense water) and created some interesting, sensible
rhythms for the song... at least enough for Stacy to track piano.
(beautiful baby grand)
There have been strings submitted for the song...that didn't work. They
were beautiful, but... a little to traditional. The band wanted more counter
rhythms. Toss that one overboard.
Anyway, the day went well...just slow. Guitars were layed down... some
guitars. Rob and Chauntelle spend hours tweaking tones and trying
various guitars. (omygosh, you should see the arsenol) At the end of the
day, the anchor was still attached.
I'm going crazy with TM duties. My brain is that of an egghead - housing
pieces of scrambled hotel confirmations, venue names, logistics,
mapquest bits and dates - all being tumbled with grey matter in my skull
tumbler. Last minute details pertaining to merch, advancing the tour,
meetings, graphics and worries of all are raging through my abdula
longata with the fury of 12 vibrant, red pakman chompers - who desire
nothing more than to rid me of my only brain stem.
chomp.
Thursday August 26
Found at Sea
Killing the Sharks
It's the day before the last day of tracking...the day before the day we
leave to head back to Texas - the day before we leave for the tour.
Chauntelle and Rob are still hacking away at the rusty, weakening chain
that stands between the the song and it's freedom to float into the
harbor. It's sounding sweet... but they're very, very picky. We're a long
way from home, but I no longer sense that anyone is lost...and the
sharks no longer seem to be encircling.
Telescope Eyes is being fixed and shipped over to Jerry to mix. If you've
the previous tempo for the song in your head sac, it's time to start
erasing the file. It's faster. Like, for this song, here's what I recommend:
When you finally get the record, drink lots of coffee, turn your stereo up
loud...get comfortable...and give Telescope Eyes about 4 spins before
you make a judgement... It takes a bit of getting used to, but it's alreay
feeling right to us. Or, if you don't like it, removed the tune from your i
pod and just leave it for the radio/mtv peeps to chew on. (another shark
reference...we saw "Open Water" the other night with management and
were horrified.)
Today we'll hear another mix - for another song. Can't wait. You know,
one of those songs I'm not telling you about because I'm so mean. Lost
at Sea was a no brainer. You knew it would end up on the record - by
Captain Hook or crook.
I have to get back to it. Later, Thomas is flying in to help us with midi
keyboard solutions...getting Stacy ready to wow you with new
technology. I have to pick him up at LAX around 8:00.
Stay Tuned. If any newsbreaks happen, I'll let you know. later yall.bd
______________________________
Did you stay tuned? NO!!! I asked you nicely and YOU DIDN'T STAY
TUNED! It's 3:22am Texas time and you long horned whimps are sleeping
like flabbly little babies.
We're still working. There's a room full of amazingly talented people in
this mongous console room who are working feverishly with Eisley to help
produce these songs...it's so cool. It's 1:30am and they just pulled up the
last song to begin work on. (shhhh)
"Lost at Sea" is boyant... it's floating... it's sailing... They brought in these
amazing vintage keyboards, moogs...i don't even know what this stuff is;
they're finding great sounds that enhance the song. I'm impressed. I'm
so dang impressed with Rob and company. Rob Cavallo is a seasoned
veteran... he's the land of opportunity...he's the realm of possibility... the
pool of talent he has available at his fingertips is a casm...with no
bottom...
So far, there are really no drums. The bass and piano/guitar patch
makes the song. There are cool layered vintage keyboards. Sherri is still
going to sing tonight.
But..the OTHER song. wow. I love it. they just did hand claps. I have
video-tape. laughter and frollicing. Stacy is tracking vocals right now.
woah, perdy. woah... so so perdy.
Anyway...oo much fun around here tonight. Weston has this little
keyboard that records samples, so he recorded his voice and is making
all these alien sounds. Rob walked thru the tracking room and Weston
turned off the lights and made us listen to how scary it was... like some
horrid, amphibious sasquatch...at any pitch. The low one was scary.
Now it's 4:31am Texas time and you sick little goat ropers are counting
sheep. How could you be so spineless!?
Well, I have to trolley off now.
later.
bd
FRIDAY AUGUST 28TH
THE END OF THE BEGINNING
Please tell me...will we ever find it again.
I know I won't be able to express in words how we all feel about being at
this place...sitting in the studio on the last night of tracking for record
number one; it's a happy, happy time... not just because it's over;
because Trolley Wood is growing into a beautiful, rootsy, woodsy,
painting right before our very ears. The mood that's pumping through the
studio speakers is bringing closure to the 32 weeks that you guys have
had a tiny window into. I think this track would be the perfect ending for
the album. It's making us all want to cry...and smile at the same time.
It's all been worth it. I hope you'll understand when you hear the record.
We're done.
I love you guys and will try to finish out the week as promised. We're leaving the studio right now. The end.
Week 31. Back in Sunny LA to Finish What We Started
August 16, 2004 08:55 PM
Monday August 17
Meeting Morrissey's Mixer
Eating and Wild Partying
YES MEANS MAYBE, NO MEANS WE'LL MAKE IT UP AS WE GO.
LA is such a strange place...or maybe it's the music industry (reference
my discussion from Sunday about the pace and the communication here).
At 2:00pm, we finally met up with management and mixer at Larrabee's
(on Cahuenga). After a 15 minute meeting, we were free...so we went to
grab a bite at The 101 Cafe (great food), which was really just a quick
stall before we were supposed to go back to the studio to hear a mix...
but instead, we came back to the Hotel and I worked; but around 7:00,
we got the call from management: "show up Tuesday at 2:00 to hear the
first mix of Marvelous Things" (instead of show up "now" as discussed).
What a weird place. Flexibility is something we Texans might should learn
about. Then we could goof off more and work less. I think I could get
used to this culture pretty fast.
JERRY FINN
Jerry Finn mixed and produced Morrissey's last record... maybe even the
one before. Jerry is a friendly, happy guy with a good attitude. He said he
was a big fan of Eisley's music. I think he'll do a great job with Eisley's
first real record. Somewhere on this forum, I posted his entire discogra
phy. If you want, I can dig it up. He say's that Morrissey is a strange,
strange man, but sang every tune with one take...never missed a note. I
think that say's it all.
Jerry asked the band about their influences and what records they liked
and how they wanted the record to sound. It was a great 15 minutes.
btw - Hot Hot Heat is recording in the room right next to Eisley's mixing
studio. We might should say hello to those guys.
PROGRESS
Btw. I finished the sticker and the poster, (Snow Patrol tour promotions
for Eisley) got sign off's and handed to sticker to an intern who came to
the hotel and picked up my disk which was funny since WB is a stone's
throw from our hotel. I told them I could go drop it off. oh well, see how
nice they are? Poster and flyer to deliver tomorrow. Then it's back to the
CD. You guys will get this stuff if you go to this show. (free stuff)
PARTY ANIMALS
So, we chilled in the Hotel, eventually got bored and decided to go out for
a night of wild, crazy partying - which included visiting with a friend of
ours and Brad's (Jeremy) in our rooms, driving to an outdoor mall in
downtown Burbank, getting various coffee and chai beverages at The
Coffee Bean, walking down the street, hanging out, walking back to our
van, crashing "Pzykotic's" apt and listening to Rilo Kiley's new cd (it
comes out tomorrow) followed by a drive up to that weird, scary peak
that overlooks the Hollywood Bowl but the gate was locked and anyway,
Stacy and Christie were so scared they were sick to their stomachs from
all the hair pin curves and steep embankments so we drove into
Hollywood and had a huge Chocolate milk-shake party at Mel's Diner,
drove pzykotic home, came back to the hotel where the Weston and Brad
are now sound asleep and I'm in the dark room typing by the glow of my
forum purchased Apple g-4 Powerbook monitor screen. What a night.
I have more to report in the morning. Too tired now. I'm still on Texas
time where it's 4:10am. g'nite. bd
p.s. the chocolate milkshakes were lo-fat yogurt.
Tuesday August 18
Marvelous Things
Rilo Kiley
It's been a long day. I'm getting about 4 hours of sleep and struggling to
keep up with so many activities.
The biggest news of the day - Jerry mixed "Marvelous Things" and it's
huge. I don't remember ever using that term, but... I believe it fits. The
new vocals are arresting; the mix is brilliant, dynamic. One listen and the
band was like..."that's amazing...". And, of course, Craig Aaronson got
chill bumps. The next song is the new "Memories". Can't wait.
Tomorrow is the big pow-wow at WB (right down the street) with
management and A&R. We'll have breakfast in Craigs office, everyone
will roll up their sleeves and dook it out. I don't expect any casualties.
Why? Because, the band likes all of these songs and realize that only 11
or so will make it on the record. The only few that Sherri fears will be
stripped but really wants on the record are "The Escaping Song" and
"Plenty of Paper".
Trying to think - what's newsworthy and what's hype...and what's just
boring? hmm... We talked to Paul, the bass player for Hot Hot Heat for a
good while at the studio. If you can imagine, he's taller than Weston. a
big boy, indeed. Interesting seeing other bands interact with Craig. They
love him, you can tell...same relationship.
I finished throwing down all the stuff for the tour and got it off to WB. I
feel a huge sense of relief... now back to the cd.
We hung out with friend Eddie for a bit, dropped him off in Burbank and
headed for the Rilo Kiley in-store at Amoeba with Luke. I have to say,
after hearing the new record last night and seeing them live tonight, I am
now a Rilo Kiley fan. They were really, really good. Yes. Seasoned
musicians, happy, melodic, catchy songs... it was the most professional
indie performance I've ever seen.
After, we shot over to Baja Fresh for some great Tex-Mex; we'd wanted
to say hello to R.K. since Eisley has the same management, they were so
amazing and because we've spent some time with Blake (1/2 writer and
guitar player monster). So, (at my advice) we did... and ran into Blake
behind the stage. What a nice guy. He pulled Jenny and others from the
signing table to spend a few moments with Eisely trading praise. I was
very impressed with those guys... for some reason I expected Jenny to
be this hardened, raspy, smoking girl (?? just from what people had
described), but she was so sweet and kept showering Stacy and gang
with wonderful words. We did the same. ok enuf.
Some of them hung behind to go see "Garden State" at the Arclight on
Sunset. Me and Weston (uncorrect english) are watching the Olympics.
Stacy and Christie are on line or whatever.
I'll toss up a reduced version of the poster... as i said, it's thrown
together quickly - somewhere between Tuson, Arizona and the border of
California. I have a limited # of shots for the band since I was deprived
of shooting prior to leaving because of Jon's illness. At this point, all we
have is what we pushed for 2 weeks before this trip. The trailer shot is
the only one I could expend - seeing how the best shot should be saved
for the CD package.
But having said that, you guys probably feel like i do...that picture
communicates something deeper (at least to me); it sums up everything
that's happened this year to the band. Only you guys who've been
keeping up know what I'm saying. They look like a completely different
band after having been through the struggle of making their first record
and dealing with everyone along the way. They look like they're willing to
take less crap, they look like they're sick of sitting around, they look like
a band ready to get out on the road.
I think the small trailer provides the perfect metaphor for where they are
right now...and nobody will get it but you. This is the mindless information
you get from these ridiculous reports that gives you insight beyond what
anyone would want or ever need.
The sticker picks up on some new Sherri art... there's a t-shirt coming
that ties this all together. Wait. I'll toss a small graphic up for that one
too. Colors may vary...but it should be brown. Thanks. bd
Tuesday August 18
Flickerings of News
as it dribbles in
Peace Pipes
We're about to leave for this pow-wow at the WB. I only hope they have
great coffee (order in from The Coffee Bean? please) and everyone is in
a great mood. It's going to take both. I won't release the song list...at
least I don't think so, but perhaps we can talk about what songs will get
mixed.
Rumors
Will the band have a record release tour? Yes. I don't know when it will
be yet...but there are rumors that the band might be skipping across the
pond again before the year is over.
That's good for Lisa and Juan - though I expect that by now, there might
be as many as 7 UK fans. By the time the Snow Patrol is over, there
could be...oh, I'd say 14.3 fans. (well within the tolerance to prompt
another oversea's excursion) I hope some of those 10,000 that watched
them play their 5 song set at V-Fest will remember them.
Rumors of Release
Anyway, if there isn't a November tour in the US, there will be one at the
beginning of the year...but here's the point: it's looking more and more
like the first week in November for the record release. (DON'T HOLD ME
TO THAT). Maybe I'll know more today.
I think they'd like for the record to be out there for a few weeks or
months before the band tours the record; it gives you guys and new fans
a chance to hear the new songs before touring. Granted, there aren't as
many new ones as you might have hoped for, but the new/old stock are
amazing.
I'm also pretty sure there won't be some big blitz for radio. Remember,
Eisley wants to come out slow... sans the hype... grow naturally. That's
managment/band/label's strong belief. It's always been at the very
center of my thought since the beginning. You want the market to pull the
band through instead of pushing it through. If college radio embraces the
music, a demand will grow and spread into the bigger markets.
Jerry Finn
People here in LA tend to freak when I tell them someone named Jerry
Finn is mixing Eisley's record. (in a good way) Last night at Amoeba, I got
a loud shout from one A&R of another undisclosed label when I told him.
"Jerry Finn! oh MY gosh... he's freaking huge..." Anyway, after talking to
Craig about him a little more yesterday, I thought I'd give you more info.
When asked how he nailed this first song (M.T's) so well, he explained
that he'd researched Eisley. For real... like he's been browsing this forum
and been all over the website and dug deep - into the indie discography
and thru both ep's - trying to uncover the mysteries of Eisley.
Wait. We have to go. I'll report in after the meeting. Wait, it'll be this
afternoon cuz me and sherri are going to look at T-shirt colors with
management's marketing/merch guy who worked at Capital for years
and did all of Coldplay's merch. Later yawl. bd
Thursday August 19
Where I Left Off
WB Meeting and Mixing Progress
Where DID i leave off?... well, the meeting went well. There weren't any
bloody noses or chopped off arms. I think maybe one person's femur
was pummeled and scraped and there was one finger bit off, but...no
serious casualties.
Final Song Selection for Eisley's First Record
It was an open door meeting... Craig, Darin, Eisley (ok an the writer of
this dramaqueenlogue). Bacon, Egg w/cheese bagels and coffee were
ordered out. Sheets were made with each song listed. Everyone in the
room made their choice of 10 and the lists were tabulated...a sort of
game - the results of which pointed to "knowns"...for example, everyone
in the room checking "Marvelous Things". There were also points of
contention...for example, 4 songs were left in the lurch; the band was
told pick two, drop two, which wasn't really so bad as it sounds.
Songs were categorized into rock, medium, ballad...and maybe another
category (I forgot cuz I left my sacred Eisley back book in the van). It
was interesting to see how this discipline divided the record into flavors,
whatever that means. It's an important part of choosing the right songs -
how do the songs balance out? Do you want a boquet (sp?)of different
flowers? or do you want 10 red roses with different character and bloom?
Eisley has so many different kinds of songs... everyone wanted to show
the assortment of styles.
Eisley in International Markets
In the end, 10 songs were selected and an 11th and 12th and 13th were
added for reasons I'll describe - uhh, ok...right now: I think the UK
market has to have one more song than the US does. And in Japan, 2
additional tracks are required. SO...since the record will be released in
those markets, additional songs had to be selected. That's right, Japan's
record will have 2 more than ours.
But no worries. Every song will be released. Either on i-tunes or a B-sides
or somewhere. Eisley was promised that yesterday. So, somehow, you
guys will get to hear every song. (17 I think) Trust me, you'll want to. All
of these songs are great. Some of you will be disappointed in the final
selection, some of you will dance a corny jig.
Release Dates
After the meeting, we talked with Xavier (marketing head) about the
record release. He said there are 3 possible release dates open in
November. It was touch and go for a while...do we release the record in
the land of the giants or wait till they leave the jungle at the first of the
year? (all the big, big records come out before Christmas) The decision
was made to go for it... Marketing confirmed that it could be done
and it was echoed by publicity...right there hanging out in the halls.
I now have a ridged schedule for getting the packing done and approved
at various stages. I have to meet with New Media before we leave to talk
about the web.
Three New T-Shirt Colors
After the meeting, we headed out... way out... to a T-shirt manufacturer
screener/merchandiser located "one mile from the worst crime zone in
America". (miles and miles in the traffic) New T-shirts look very
promising for the tour. We're talking about 3 designs/colors. A cool
neutral brown with the new design, a nice olive with the portrait T art in
dark, dark blue....and a sorta faded red shirt with the coffee time design
in white ink. The 3 shirts look good together; we'll print more of the
brown - forecasting higher sales in the new one. So, there.
I know there's more to say, but I've said too much. Dead tired. Can't
even think or see. I'll talk about today's events tomorrow. More songs
have been mixed. bd
Friday August 20
The Official Mix List Emerges
The Voice Inside My-Yed
Hey, I posted the hi-rez pdf of the poster and the other new shirt colors
on a new thread in Eisleyblog in case you're interested.
http://www.eisley.org/viewtopic.php?p=172005#172005
Street Team
I saw where peeps are frustrated over the street team page on WB. Well,
that's why bands take matters into their own hands. I'll be talking to
them. I've made comments before but it's time to open up pandora's
box. Do keep in mind that Eisley doesn't have a record out yet. WB see's
Eisley as an emerging band and the marketing machine is about to rev'
up. That's no excuse because there's a tour coming up in one week.
Songs already mixed:
Marvelous Things
Memories
Plenty of Paper
Just Like We Do
If you're Sherlock, you will deduct that these are...well, I won't say it, my
dear Watson. Still, these aren't necessarily going on this record.
Remember, we have to mix more than what will go on the US record.
Splendorous Mixes
I will say that we're all jolly-woggled over the mixes. There is dancing -
in our heads. Everyone is ecstatic. They're beautiful. Sonically, they're so
full... dynamic, rich... Think of some of your favorite mixes - I dunno, I
hear Radiohead sensibilities, Muse, The Flaming Lips, Kent, Mew... it's wet
enough to satisfy our fascenation with Brit-Rock, but it's not so syrupy or
fluid that you drown; it's not stacked or layered in a cheesy way - so you
don't get that radio-pop feel at all. Forget modern rock. No connection.
There are NO cheesy, creed-crunch guitar tones. Keyboard layering pulls
it uniquely toward Eisley's own style. The vocals are Thom Yorkish -
mix-wise. I mean, they're not buried. They're wet but there's great
clarity. I can't wait for you guys to hear the songs.
Well, we have a meeting with Rob Cavallo today - just to hang for a bit
and talk about what the band wants out of the next 3 songs: Lost At Sea,
Telescope Eyes and Trolly Wood.
Well, I have to get ready to go. Likely to get a call soon to go hear
another song: "I Wasn't Prepared". btw. Casey Prestwood from Hot Rod
Circuit recorded pedal steel for this song and one more. We heard a little
glimpse last night. Sounds very cool.
bye.
----------------------continued today--------------------------------
More about Jerry and the Mixes
FYI. Here are bands Jerry has worked with (there are dozens more that
I've never heard of - probably early in his career). I think Eisley really
rounds out his discography where mixing is concerned. He produced and
mixed many/most of these:
AIF
Vendetta Red
Blink 182
Bad Religion
Goo-Goo
David Usher
Morrissey
Sparta
GreenDay
Presidents of the U.S.
Sum 41
MXPX (way back in the day)
I know, like you, i'm thinking - punkrock, but...actually, not so much
lately; and, the Vendetta Red record is mixed beautifully. I didn't like the
band's "white knuckle screamo" so much, but the record sounds amazing.
Also, the AIF record is great...I think Blink's new hits are great mix-wise.
Very intelligent stuff. Sparta...that's cool, but we have to separate the
band's tunes from the mix to understand Jerry's powerful contribution.
Getting inside Eisley's "Yed".
Here's why I think it's working. #1. He's at the top in his field. Everyone
told us he's not only mixed big selling records in the past, he's an up an
comer... very hot right now because of recent work and...he's just a killer
mixer; but beyond that, he studied Eisley.
I think I mentioned it, but he dug thru everything including this forum to
better understand the culture, the identity, the sound, the band's affinity
within this music culture we're all in... (you, me, eisley...us)
How do you mix a band that has an indie presence but on the other hand
posesses this diabolical potential to have a radio presence? You get into
the band's head...you listen to live video clips, you understand deeply
what the band wants and needs. the band...you compliment their unique
sound....you become the band.
----------------------------------
Tonight we hung out for a bit, went to eat a bit, drank a bit of coffee and
mixed a bit of music before driving a bit back to the hotel where we're
watching a bit of TV.
See, actually...we got together with 'berlies. It was nice... I mean, she's
nice; we met her friend Greg at a Japanese restaurant in Encino in the
Valley...
woah, Rob Cavallo just called and we have to go meet him. Catch you
guys later. bd
----------------------------------
It's 3:45am - just got back from meeting with Rob at Bob's Big Boy a few
blocks away. The meeting was pivitol...seeing how the last 3 songs hold a
great amount of weight for this record (at least from the labels
perspective and toward meeting goals). I can say they're important from
the band's perspective as well; Lost at Sea and Trolley Wood are
important songs artistically and could impact the record in a huge way.
Telescope Eyes could give the band and the record the exposure
they need... It's a song that could take a great deal of pressure off the
band...you guys know this; we've talked about it, but I'm too tired to
form intelligent sentences. Talk more tomorrow.
Saturday August 21
Discussions and Gernussions
Sub-Title Goes Here
Those title/subject things are getting to me. I don't want to have to think
that hard...especially if I don't know what I'm going to write about.
Like I said, the meeting with Rob Cavallo last night was amazing... he's a
great communicator/thinker. Having Rob on the scene at this final hour is
refreshing... he's very global, very executive...but also very much like a
friend who understands how bands feel, what they go through; it was like
having someone lower a grid, a framework for thinking, an understanding
that helped define where the project has been, where it is now and where
it should go. Since there are only 3 songs left and songs have been
selected, it becomes important to pull everything together - to make the
most powerful product possible. (ppp)
He's the kind of guy that doesn't just say, "so, how do you want these
songs to sound?"... he says, "what problem do these songs need to
solve?". (he didn't say that, I'm paraphrasing... but you get the idea)
You know how we've been talking about what colors are in the boquet...
and what colors are missing. Rob is all over that. Anyway, this is a deep
subject and hard to re-create. The meeting was productive and the band
starts with Rob at El Dorado Studio at high noon Monday morning.
Everyone is looking forward to the adventure and is very much on the
same page. So much to get done in one week. sheesh. Wish we had 2.
But NOT. Snow Patrol starts so soon... yikes.
On Indie rock... I noted that helloworld had a friend who didn't like Rilo
Kiley's new record because it was too "manufactured". I am very much in
touch with this feeling. On a lesser scale, I agree... for example, I hate
the highly commercial, highly compressed, muliti-stacked guitars of
Nickelback, Creed...much of modern rock, etc.
But this issue seems to divide the ranks. I'm familiar with both RK's old
stuff and their new stuff. Old records are are cool....but very stripped
down, analog, lo-fi, guitars are often out of tune. Songs are under
produced and very ruff.
So, I speculated, if raw = quality, then we shouldn't expect or desire
airplanes to fly. They could just be losely held together...ruff ideas. If
music is a celebration of raw emotions only, why ever tune a guitar? Why
ever add an effect? If digital sounds are too perfect, why are analog
pedals, which are just old school circuitry, ok? Why are tubes good but
solid state solutions bad. What replaced the echo-plex? Why is it legit?
Why sing in tune if guitars aren't in tune? What is manufactured? As we
head toward perfection, do we lose quality? do we lose our souls? Is indie
quality or crap? Is crap good and quality bad?
I like Rilo Kiley's new record... That's just me. It sounds good. Can they
hang onto their indie fan base with a record that sounds this good? I can
tell you this - if they hang onto their indie fan base, it's a plus. Sure
would be nice to grow and still take those guys with them. Not sure if
they will. More than likely their fan base will morph and adjust. There will
be casualties.
How do you think Eisley is doing? (in this regard)
Week 30. Chickens with Heads Hacked Off.
August 09, 2004 11:34 PM
Monday August 10
Shifting from Life to Logistics
Damn the 21+ Torpedos
It's happening. Life's little virtual moments are being eaten away by little
logistical Pac Men. Pieces to the puzzel that one week ago were held in
our mind as parts to the whole are now being disected and framed into
little equations and terms like estimate, minimal, maximum, distance,
map it, exclusion, direction, gps.
The background noise has moved to the foreground. The anxiety has
turned into panic; anticipation has turned into invigoration; the list of
To-Do's is becoming the list of DONES...
For example, I finally got those Rhodes leg mounts fixed. On 2 of them,
the threaded coupling (that allows the legs to screw in) had become
disjoined from the flange that mounts to the bottom of the instrument.
Because I took them to a muffler shop, they didn't charge me to spot
weld the little buggers. "hey, no charge man...no problem" (only in a
small town in Texas).
And we dropped off the Hot Rod DeVille to get fixed - since Chauntelle
has lost her clean channel...(problem coming from the power amp).
And we're washing clothes and sending out T-shirts and designing a new
one and picking colors and I've been on the phone with management
working out details re: new gear needed and logistics and crew and
sound and merch the band is rehearsing and graphics are flying and me
and Kimbertones are headed for Dallas for a few days to celebrate our
big #25 (Aug. 11, 1979) and everyone is starting to freak out a little as
we realize there's no time between LA and the Tour to do anything so it's
ON US NOW!
I am dreadfully full of sorrow over this 21+ nonsense. I can't believe it.
How could it be true? How many venues are affected with this plague
upon you musically mature -21'ers? Since many of my freinds are in that
category, I feel the pain and wish to sock the face (in) of whoever was
responsible for this... but I fear it would be "Snow Patrol" and their
management/agent. Eisley's management/agent merely accepted the
invitation because they thought it would be strategically good for the
band. They could have waved off on the tour but remember - this isn't
the new Record tour...it's a pre-release Tour. I'll have words with them.
The next tour (soon coming - oh yes) will not shun the youthful market
segment of Eisley's fan base.
The Pac Men have eaten my brain stem. I go now. bd
Tuesday August 10
We Have a Name and a Cover
Under lock and key
I'm running out the door with the wife of my youth... but, a monumental
moment just occurred. At 12:30pm today, I unveiled the cover art to
Sherri and Stacy...and they were swooned. Weston came next with great
affirmation....and, now, I guess it's an emerging collective of agreement.
The good vibe as a result of our combined efforts culminating together is
contagious. I'll comment more later, but...for now, I must go. 25 Year
Anniversary (tomorrow) celebration is upon us... Have a great day. bd
Wednesday August 11, 1979
3 Days and we leave for LA
Time Flies...sorta
It feels like it's taken longer to make this record than Kim and I have
been married. We were just saying today that there's no way it's been 25
years. We're way too young... no way. It's some trick from a sinister
villain who dabbles in time travel. Anyway, we're not even half way there
- my parents just celebrated their 50th.
Oh well, we had a an amazing getaway... stayed at a newly re-modeled
hotel built in 1925 right there near where JFK was shot, saw the grassy
knoll, the depository building, the hair-pin corner at Houston and Elm
where they blasted all him, etc. But, mainly, we hung out at Dallas's West
End, which is nice. Ate fine food, had fine coffee... went all over today -
to vintage shops, books stores...tons of stuff; great fun.
We got home and there was a Happy Anniversary sign on the front door;
our sentimental family was all dressed up - like, the girls in long, vintage
dresses - Weston in a suit, etc... and they made a very cool cake for us...
we have the most amazing kids in the whole world. And they made us
these custom cards with photos and a collage and made up all these
wonderful things about us. Man. In spite of all the stress that I'm pushing
back relating to deadlines, this is one of those moments I won't forget.
Ok. enuf about us.
JON is SICK with MONO!! dang that boi's skaiter hyde. I had a photoshoot
all set for in the morning...and we're running out of TIME! Now he's
saying he can't do it at all and will be pushing it to make it to LA. sheesh.
I feel bad for him, but think about ME. Last chance to shoot Eisley here in
Tyler. Do you think I want to shoot them in LA? no. I might have to go
with something I have...which is plenty.
We start mixing on Monday. I got that official word today. First there's
that small issue of battling out which songs go on the record... Eisley, the
label and management will pow wow. I'll referee and have input... I'll try
to represent you guys if you want. ok. deal.
Hey. They're back with groceries for tonights eating bash. ahh... life is so
good at this moment. Thanks guys for all the nice anniversary wishes.
It was amazing. Still is... boyd out.
p.s. just got the email. you guys who are responsible...thank you. But
you're crazy. much love from me and that girl i married up with. i'll pm
you individually. bd
Thursday August 120
My files were destroyed
I mean, my blog for today
Something wicked happened on Friday (today) and everything that was
posted yesterday is gone I guess. Thomas is trying to find out if there's a
back up or what. I wrote all about Jon and how he has mono and can't
come to LA. sheesh. It was elaborate and I covered much ground on
other related topics. oh well...
Friday August 13
We leave in the morning
Goin' crazy. Wanna come?
Sorry guys. We were wiped out...a bit, anyway. There were 5 pages
when I posted last night and now there are 4 on this thread. But I'm over
it. I have too much left to do to cry about it.
We're in that final stage of packing... but friends are over and it's almost
impossible to think. But we won't see them for a long time, so....it's ok.
I'm working on the tour poster/flyer and the new giveaway sticker that
WB prints up to give to street teamers to hang, fly and give out at the
shows. I always like this part cuz it's free stuff and all I have to do is
send them the files to spec. Trouble is, they called yesterday and wanted
it today. This afternoon, when WB's merch guy ( Tom ) called me for a
status report, I had to let him know we were also trying to leave for LA in
the morning. Now I have till monday morning LA time. Looks like I have
to accomplish tons on the road.
I promise to check in whenever i get on line for an update.
Oh, I know what i talked about yesterday - the set list! I heard the band's
live show last night - sans mr. Jon, who's bed ridden and sickly. It was so
sweet. I swooned and clapped and acted like a complete moron after
every song. The 10 song set list lasts 45 minutes and is very good. Some
of the songs you want won't be in there, but others will. I won't give it
away. That would take the suspense and element of surprise out of it for
you... how lame...."ok, here's my list, Curtis...the next song will be ____"
But it's good. I promise. Oldies, newbies, in-betweenies. Please
understand, if they were headlining, it would be like 18 songs and your
experience would feel more complete.
WE don't know how Jon will be in 2 weeks. If he's-a-no good, we'll have
to use a Jon stand in...like maybe an old Luke Skywalker cardboard
standup with a plastic guitar that lights up velcro'd to it...and hang an
ipod with Jon's tracks around his neck. or somethin'. i dunno. But, no
worries...the show must go on, as they say.
I have to get back to work. The night is young and we get up early. Love
you guys. Pray for us if yer the prayin' type. The road is treacherous
between here and LA... all those tumbleweeds and dead cow skulls that
attack you...and, let's not forget the killer cacti.
I go now. Sorry posts were wiped out. grrrr... perhaps restoration will
occur if it was backed up. bye. boyd out and Eisley A W A Y.
------------------------
The distinct possibility thrives that Jon, in his sickly state, will not even
be on the tour. He told us today that he was only getting worse... with
this kind of disease (mono), recovery is long...fatigue is an absolute. The
road is relentless. We'll have to go with whatever his doctor says. We are
seriously considering an ipod replacement for him. We have all of his
tracks and Weston already plays to a pre-meter'd click track; all we'd do
is copy a stereo version - click in one track panned to Weston's ears and
Jon's bass to the front of house (also in in-ears). Or, we could run him on
an imac thru garage band or something. Sad, but...who can play bass
like Jon? nobody...but Jon himself.
Saturday August 14
Half Way Between Tyler and LA
El Paso, Texas
Hey everyone. Good news: Earthlink works. I dropped AOL because I
hated the software and this is almost half the price. So far, the service is
amazing, the people are cooler and no one is paying me to say it. I won't
really be able to weigh in until the tour is in full swing. It's a big country.
We'll see how great their reach is.
We're in bed watching the Olympics. Me, Weston and Brad are sharing a
king. Oh well... we'll deal. All the girls piled into a king also...Christie
included. Hey, $43 bucks...that's a deal.
Today was great. Non-stop music from Weston's ipod and tons of Brad's
cd's. We stopped like...2 times tops and made it here in 11.5 hours I
think. That's a record for us, but we're not toting the trailer. I'm tired but
have to get to work on graphics, so I have to make this short. Just
wanted to say hello and let you know we're ok. (i know you were so
worried) We get back on the road at 8:00am after the continental b-fast.
New T-Shirt on the drawing board
We're talking about a brown T-shirt with some new Sherri art for this
tour. The girls originally wanted a Hanes color called "moss" (fitting,
huh?). It was a pale, limish green...I guess more like pale yellow-green,
but stupid Hanes Beefy-T didn't offer that color in youth sizes. There are
many other brands, but none with that color... other brands fit really bad
too...so the big issues are always color, fit and availability.
Fruit of the Loom is the only other brand that really fits right for all sizes,
so we're dealing with a limit the color pallet. Weston wanted Red, Stacy
agree'd but Sherri wanted Brown; I felt like we were straying too far
away from any semblance of Eisley identity; we ended up doing some ad
hock market research while four of our 17-20 year old male friends were
at the house last night. They were thumbs down on red and big thumbs
up on brown so...Sherri won.
I'm making an attempt to bring continuity between the new T and the WB
giveaway sticker (very similar to the silk screen from the BN tour). Not
sure about the poster yet... brain dead from staying up till 3:30am and
getting up at 7:00.
We're staying in a hotel this trip. 2 weeks wasn't long enuf to snag an
apt. oh well.... night ya'll.
Sunday August 15
Driving Thru the desert
Cacti, Rocks, Dirt, Mountains, Skulls, Sand, Tumbleweeds, Windmills
We're here...in one piece, all happy and in our rooms...with HIGH SPEED
INTERNET (wireless and hardwire). It's great...and we don't even have to
go into Hollywood and we won't because we're here in downtown Burbank
and the studios are in North Hollywood (that's on the North side of the
mountain) Yes. This is divine. We have continental breakfast, pool,
microwave, fridge, internet, work out room, laundry...we're SET. This
brand new Best Western has our vote.
Our butts were so tired of sitting in that van. ohmygosh...it takes forever
to get across that desolate, scorpion-ridden, hellish desert; it was 105 at
one of the gas station pit stops in Arizona. (we'll be back for the Tuson
and Phonix shows)
Weston's new ipod rules; think i mentioned - the new device that links
your ipod to an FM signal of your choice; we were smattered with such a
wide array of tunes - Queen, Gino Vanelli, The Unicorns, Black Sabbath,
Carol King, Ryan Adams, The Shinns, Lori Chaffer, Mew, Keane, Eisley,
Radiohead (live at Berlin), Cashmire, Foo Fighters, Aaron Sprinkle, Muse,
Brand New and tons of Beach Boys... (and much, much more)
I think we only made about 4 stops today...only 3 yesterday. I think we
only spent about $150 in gas... Try flying 8 people to LA. This is
economy. And basically, if you'll just sit your butt in a chair in a small
room, nibble on food and only get up about 3 times a day to get blood to
your feet, you'll see how easy it is to drive to LA from East Texas.
In the morning, we meet Darin for b-fast I think...and head over to the
studio afterwards for mixing...I think. Plans are always sketchy in LA, and
they never start on time or make good use of daylight. If, for example,
someone in the music business says, "we should meet for breakfast say
around 10", it more than likely means - "i have no clue if that will work
out, we'll see... I'll call you in the morning... or not."
In Texas, if you said, "we should meet for b-fast around 10:00, both
Texans would be there around 5 minutes before 10:00 to get a table and
order coffee. Both are ok. It just takes getting used to the different
communication styles.
Someone asked if the band would play the same set for the entier tour. I
think: yes. Especially if Jon is reduced to an ipod. But the set list will be
fresh to each market. Too bad they don't have a longer set.
Well, we're tired and I have to work. So we're gonna go to bed but I'm
gonna stay up and work. I have my own bed tonight. No homophobia.
Last night i slept on a retractable chair thing and covered up with a towel.
I curled up into a fetal position and got 100% coverage from the towel.
It was great. Weston and Brad shared the King Daddy. (no spooning)
Anyway, everything is going well....our trip was great and we're super
thankful. bd