286 Recordings Update, Andy Wallace, Radio Sunlight & Montague Arms

Adaq 286 writes:

Hello, dear followers! I'm Adaq (that's pronounced add-ak...). I play the violin. I like tea, coffee and Andy Wallace. Wikipedia him, he's a genius and has a very nice SSL4000G+. I'm a bit of a music production geek – I do it for my day job and in all of my spare time, so it's my pleasure to be working on The 286 recordings, even though I don't have a very nice SSL4000G+...

This weekend Spencer and I had a session working on Sophie Sands. We're going for a richer and more contemporary sound. Key to any mix is (in many ways) using the right compressor. If you alter the dynamics of any element in a mix then you affect the perception of the entire track – this isn't rocket science of course!

Whilst you're not actually changing what was recorded you can radically change the feel of the track. Find the right compressor and you can make a recording sound solid, pushed back or in your face, or punchy, fat, heavy or bouncy... anything you want! I currently use a Universal Audio 2-1176 twin vintage limiting amplifier. It does a great job, but there's still work to be done before we're happy with the mix of the song...but we'll get there!

We're also in the beginning stages of working on a website (http://www.the286.com/) starting with the design concept and layout template. We always love to get feedback from fans etc, so if you have anything you would specifically like to see on the website then do let us know! We'll update on our progress here on the blog over the coming weeks/months.

Finally, here's a photo that Spencer took of us whilst we were waiting to go into Radio Sunlight's studio for the live session. As Harry said in the last blog entry, we had a great time and played acoustic versions of four of our tracks, as well as a lenghthy interview. You can hear recordings via the links on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pages/The-286/244161049552)

Next up for us is our gig on Friday, at the Montague Arms in New Cross Gate. We're on stage at 10.30pm. We'll make sure to post our experiences from the gig in our next blog entry!

Alladin Medway (Radio Sunlight, Bowie & New 286 Songs)

Harry 286 writes:

Hello everybody, Harry here (you know, the bassist, I tend to end up hidden behind PA stacks so you may not have seen me). This week it is I who shall be in charge of the Blog entry so plug yourself in and steady yourselves.

I should probably start by introducing myself.

I'm Harry (hello), I've recently finished my Masters in Composition, I've been doing the band thing on and off for 10 years and have an unhealthy obsession with David Bowie. Actually, I think it's rather healthy, the man is a genius! I'll respect anyone who can work with such diverse acts as John Lennon, Brian Eno, Arcade Fire and Nine Inch Nails, continuously (bar a slightly odd patch in the 80's) pushing the sonic boundaries of Pop music. If you want any questions answered on Mr Bowie, give me a call. I'm also obsessed with India for similar reasons... I'll stop there before I go off on a tangent.

Introductions aside, here's the rub on the continuing story of Bungalow Bill... Sorry, I mean The 286. Well we are officially flying in the ether of Kent's airwaves (a fact I am particularly happy about, Kentish Man that I am). Last night we all convened in Gillingham at the Sunlight Trust (Radio Sunlight) to play on Fizzer's Radio Show (http://www.fizzersradioshow.com/) - we all thought it was brilliant! Nathan even managed to get some swearing in, you'll see what I mean once we get the recording up online.

We're also heading back in to the studio soon to record some more gems for you all and all going well we should be getting some new material going in the near future. It's all very exciting times!
It's Rock and Roll!

H