On making music, studio gear and tea
There's only one person who can make you cry while playing drums made out of buckets. That's Bryan Hollon - Boom Bip to you. He's a carpenter. He's a guy with hands that tell a story. He's a gentleman with fine taste in shoes. He also swears by tea when it comes to music...
Tell us about the progression of your tracks, from idea to completion...
I guess I usually start with a simple melody that I come up with on guitar. I walk around the house with my guitar around my neck while I watch television, or at least stare at it, and do chores. I then lay that down in MIDI or on my four track. Next, I start the drums. I usually do most of this with some Roland V-Drums to set in a groove. I then get back to the melody and work in basslines. After that i is usually the chops and final atmospheric touches. Voila.
What equipment do you use most?
I use electric guitars, acoustic, bass guitars, etc. I have an old drum kit that consists of a 56 Slingerland snare and a late 60's Stewart kick. Some late 60's Zildjians and a few Calico toms. Computer wise I use aG4 Powerbook and a G5 tower. I just made the switch from DP3 to Logic, so wish me luck. For plugins I use Native Instruments Battery and Atmosphere soft synths. There's also turntables, a few Theremins, old cheap keyboards like my Yamaha PS-55s. I love my Waves plug-ins - they sound great. Honestly, I could live without any of them. I'm getting into a more raw sound these days.
When you're in the studio what comfort food do you have to eat and does it help?
I like tea for when I am in the studio. Usually a nice Earl Grey or green tea really does the job. I feel balanced and relaxed in front of the computer with a nice cup of tea.
Is there any piece of equipment that doesn't exist that you wish did so you could use it?
The dream interpreter or dream recorder. I would love to record the audio from my dreams or at least have the video to put music to. That would be amazing!
What words of advice can you impart to the readers on how they should start their home recording studios?
Three chords and the truth. That is all you need. A four track might help. Keep it simple. You don't need the latest computers or software to make good music. In fact, some of the worst musicians I know have the most equipment. Those who have very little tend to be more creative and truly explore the capabilities of what their equipment can do. They push the envelope with what they have. Also, don't listen what anyone says about your music. Do what you do best no matter how much it sounds like someone else. We all sound like someone else.
In How to...:
Home recording equipment
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/recording/homeequipp01.shtml
Choose music software
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/recording/softwarep01.shtml
Clear samples
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/legal/samplep01.shtml
In Music exposed:
Avril
The french electronica producer talks music and kit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/exposed/avril340p01.shtml
Blacksmoke
Jimmy Cauty talks about his new Blacksmoke project
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/exposed/blacksmoke338p01.shtml
Other links:
Radio 1 Online: Breezeblock
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/dance/breezeblock/
BBCi Music: Boom Bip Review
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/experimental/reviews/boombip_seedtosun.shtml
Radio 1 Online: One World - Lex Records
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/urban/oneworld/lex_records.shtml
www.lexrecords.com
http://www.lexrecords.com
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