Scamb Records

Yesterday, Easter Monday, I ran the first recording session for the new record label. The first thing we are doing is putting together a compilation CD to showcase the five bands who have initially signed up. When I say 5 I mean three, plus songs from me and Wayne to give a bit more diversity and substance. I will put two of mine on – My Destiny and a shortened version of When I was a boy. Anyway, I had two bands yesterday – The Jamlinjays – funk rock rap and Phoenix Impact – Rock. The sessions were a bit slow in getting started but were sweet by the end.

The Jamlinjays put together three tracks, two of which worked really well.

We got a good drum sound and recorded 6 tracks of drums, 1 x guitar and 1 x bass directly with guide vox put out in the live room through a monitor which spilled a little, but considering the lack of acoustic treatment little enough not to notice once we overlayed the main and backing vox. I’ll add some reverb, delay and a bit of chorus to the chorus(!) and also have a play with some weirder FX on a double track of the main vox. I eq’d quite high, as the guitar was quite bass heavy and I didn’t want to lose that depth. Jay has a great lyrical sense and sense of rhythm and timing in his delivery and raps well. His lyrics are great too. Jon on bass (mostly, with some guitar) was great – he’s been playing 2 months (guitar before) and put in some impressive slapping. Guitarist Will was talented as well and dead cool. The drummer is excellent as well – real sense of funk and jazz in his playing, which all adds to an impressive overall sound.

Jay also played a CD he’s done the previous day with a mate in Biggleswade – hip hop – great beats and rap delivery.

For phoenix Impact, we recorded 3 tracks as well. Again, got a good deep drum sound. Overall not bad for a community centre recording. The bass sound was a bit flabby on early takes, so we tightened it up a bit at the bottom end and took the top end off that was creating too much noise. It was a full, bass-heavy sound that reminded me of a Rickenbacker on bass pickup only. Paul has a good voice – interesting and different from most – if we can capture that properly in the recording that could make the difference between a good recording and an average one. His guitar playing is good rock style. Again, good drumming, which makes a difference to the overall quality of the track.

Piston Head were unable to make this recording session, due to work commitments, so we’ll have to get them at a later date, so we can put the compilation together. I also need a couple of tracks from Wayne – could do a session recording Mayhem at same time as Piston Head?

Next step is to mix the tracks we laid down and prepare rough mixes for the bands. Once happy we’ll then master them.
Now, if only we could agree on a name……