Journal

JOURNAL

Hello and welcome to our journal. This is an informal record of what we have been doing this year with our own personal photos and notes about projects, along with some links to things we think are cool or interesting. From time to time we will publish our own articles, stories, retrospective thoughts and other tickles of interest which can be found in our blog page - so please take a look there for further updates. Please click on the button below to see journal entries from our archive of previous years…

• We have made a real return to recording this month. This is our first very large scale socially distanced recording. The new Robert Zemeckis film “The Witches” has a large symphonic score by Alan Silvestri which was conceived to be played ‘tutti’ or all together in the studio. COVID 19 has meant that this is just not possible at the moment, so we had to come up with an alternative plan. Our ambitious plan proved to be a first in many ways. We decided to record a socially distanced string section in Abbey Rd Studio 1, at the same time connecting Studio 2 (via audio over ip) with a full woodwind section, with 2 harps, a piano and celeste in isolation booths, we could record our first layer. This was followed by a second layer of brass and percussion in studio one recorded by one of us, whilst the other was in studio 2 recording choir, and guitar overdubs. Alan and his team connected from several locations in California, and could communicate seamlessly with all the musicians, conductors and ourselves. It was a delight to be back in the studio and the musicians were happy to rise to this new challenge, and it all sounded absolutely fantastic!! The score was sweeping, epic and a lot of fun, and we all had a blast with this new experiment. Phew!! [pc]

• We’ve just finished our first COVID studio recording session. It’s always a pleasure to be at Air Studios and also to work with the wonderful arranger, David Campbell. This time on a string arrangement for the new Charlie Puth song - “Free”. This song is featured in the new Disney film “The One and Only Ivan”. [kw]

• It’s been great to be working again on some new orchestral recordings as London recording studios begin to open up again. We are mixing a score composed our friend Gabriel Yared for Broken Keys. The film directed by Jimmy Keyrouz is part of the 2020 Cannes Official selection. [pc]

• Just been tweaking the setup of some of our interesting vintage FX gear on this funky analog ladder vibe!

  Top step is the Meazzi valve tape echo (PA304), as originally pioneered by Hank Marvin. This has 6 heads and the unique delay patterns these create just instantly invoke the sound of the early 60s and The Shadows guitars!

  Next step down is the youngster of this area - the fab Strymon Timeline - and the only one who likes a bit of midi sync!

  Followed by the Binson echorec - this analog echo machine is based on a magnetic drum system rather than tape (famously favoured by Pink Floyd). Our unit here has a special varispeed modification that gives us some true grungy warble factor should that be required!

  One step down and we have the Grampian Reverberation Unit Type 636. This is a rare and sought after little box. As well as being an awesome spring reverb as used by dub legend Lee “Scratch” Perry, it was also responsible for Pete Townsend’s signature distorted guitar sound.

  Descend one more step to the Nagra IVS tape machine. This is an iconic portable 1/4” tape machine, a stunning piece of precision engineering from the early 1970s, much beloved by film sound recordists.

  And at the bottom our beautiful pair of Roland RE201 Space Echoes. These specially selected and restored machines are amongst the most useful things in our studio. The warm, slightly random echo just makes the most lovely space, and when the two are used in stereo it does something magical !

Oh, and finally many thanks to Pop Whalley (SST handyman department) for building the custom ladder for us ! [kw]

• Work on the Hulu streaming series The Great, has continued with some individual remote recording in LA and mixing here in London at Sweet Thunder. We’ve really enjoyed the experience of working on this first season, the score is fab and the show really has us laughing with each of the ten episodes. We have relished the chance to work on something over an extended period of time and continue to push the creative process with each show. As the release of the show approaches (at least in USA), we’ve just seen the trailer appear online …….[pc]

• Any guesses what this new studio beast is??? Not at all vintage, with 28-core goodness it really is a very pretty monster! Now to empty all of those PCI chassis…….. [kw]

• Happy Birthday to Pete !! Another birthday in the studio - good to have nice bit of birthday vintage with the vintage !! [kw]

• Like everyone in our whole community we are really sad to hear about the loss of Dave Stewart, manager of British Grove Studios. British Grove is one of our absolute favourite places to work, and Dave was an inseparable part of that special experience. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues. He will be missed greatly…… [kw]

• It’s been a very strange time here in the UK under COVID19…….. Recording musicians in studios has come to a complete halt worldwide. But after some initial lockdown, with appropriate social distancing Kirsty and I were able to complete mixing at Sweet Thunder of the score for Black Widow. We really look forward to the release of this film so everyone can hear Lorne’s work on this - the huge orchestra meets with Russian style male voice choir and exciting electronic textures to give a unique flavour to the score. We are waiting news as to when the film will be released due to new world circumstances, but here’s something to whet your appetite!! [pc]

• It’s been great to team up with Lorne Balfe again….. this time to record and mix his truly epic score for Marvel’s Black Widow. We believe this may be the largest film orchestra recording ever in Abbey Rd Studio 1 !! 118 musicians !! [kw]

• Pete and I are big fans of certain vintage valve consoles. On our last trip to LA we found one that we hadn’t seen or heard before. This 1950s Gates radio broadcast console is in stunning condition, fully restored by the legendary Mike Dorrough. It has just arrived at Sweet Thunder and it sounds soooo sweet and looks like nothing else ! [kw]

• Finishing off the month with a very enjoyable day at Abbey Rd recording singers for the new musical film version of Cinderella. Some fabulous vocal arrangements by Keith Harrison - very uplifting, fun and plenty of girl power !!! [kw]

• It’s been a delight to begin work on the first episodes of Nate Barr’s score for “The Great”. This Hulu series will air later in the year. We have been collaborating remotely with Nate, and recording strings here in London at the wonderful British Grove studios. Back to Sweet Thunder to mix - it’s a great combination of contemporary synths, traditional Russian instruments and strings. We will keep everyone posted about the release of this fab show - it’s irreverent, exciting and very funny!! [kw]

• Continuing our work with composer Nate Barr….. but this time a welcome return for us to Los Angeles and Nate’s fabulous Bandrika Studio. Ssssshhh……..here we are setting up for a secret project - watch this space - look forward to sharing it with you when we are allowed!! [pc]

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