Album Blog: Mastering the Album
Today Jay and I are at Bernie Grundman's Mastering Studio in LA, to master our new album, SOUND OF SUNSHINE. You may have wondered what mastering means when you see it credited on the back of the record. Mastering is the final step in the process to recording an album. When you record a series of 10 songs, often times they have different sound qualities (and one may have too much bass, next might not have enough bass). So a highly skilled mastering engineer in this case, Brian Gardner, equalizes the sound, so that all the songs on the album have a similar sound quality. This is a super important part of making a record. If you ever wondered why a Doctor Dre album has that incredible boom, or a U2 album has the crispness to the guitars...it is because of the skill of Brian Gardner. His studio is covered on every wall by Platinum albums from Eminem, Linkin Park, Sublime, No Doubt, Snoop Dogg, Them Crooked Vultures, Queens of the Stoneage on and on and on... Also in mastering, you organize the sequence of the songs, the order of which they occur on the album. When I make an album I constantly listen to the songs over and over again in my kitchen while cooking so that I can hear which songs flow together musically so that the album doesn't get boring and you want to keep it in the player. I also make decisions about which versions of songs to leave on or off the record. Sometimes I also finish the whole album and decided there are too many fast or slow songs and write another song after the mastering and add it to the record. In the digital age every song has a code number and a title and it is the mastering engineer who does this as well. This is always a really exciting part of making a record for two reasons. First of all it means the record is pretty much finished after a long battle with my creative muse and second because I don't have to do anything but sit back listen to the music on the best stereo in the world and hear the songs getting better without having to touch a knob myself. Afterwards, I get a CD of it and listen to the record on the way to the airport. I'm always blown away by the way Brian Gardner takes the mixes we give him, which sometimes have serious deficiencies, and turns them into musical gems that rock a sound system! This record sounds sick!!! Can't wait to share it with y'all. Next, off to Kingston, Jamaica to make a video for "Shake It" with the Legendary director Ras Kassa. Peace, MF
(2 votes)
Comments
Dec 2011
A wonderful game is
A wonderful game is definitely astounding effectiveness,<a href="http://www.cheapcoltsjerseysnfl.net/">Cheap Colts Jersey</a> unfortunately benefits a people and artists as well as the TV audiences.<a href="http://www.cheapcoltsjerseysnfl.net/peyton-manning-jerseys-c-30.html/">Manning Jersey</a> all not only thrills a people,any excitement as well overpowers <A href="http://www.uscoach1941.com/">Coach Outlet</A> who check out games plus physical activities.While the viewers pick and choose a common hobby,<A href="http://www.coachccbag.net/">Coach Factory Outlet</A> will choose a common company in addition to player,and can even spend millions of dollars on the popular <A href="http://www.uscoach1941.com/">Coach Online Outlet</A> and teams simply by doing prophecies on what groups should profit.To enable <A href="http://www.coachccbag.net/">Cheap Coach Bags</A> to make money every time they watch the experience at the same time.Sporting events picks now have develop into incredibly methodical. <A href="http://www.coachccbag.net/">Coach Outlet Stores</A> is not loosely sorted out to any extent further.<a href="http://www.uggshoes.cc/">UGG Boots Outlet</a> are several web pages this let the zealous activities potential customers and the wonderful keen on wagering turned into paid members located at a free or even at a small price.<a href="http://www.north-face-outlet-store.com/">North Face Outlet</a> is just like a better way connected with gambling and also bets regarding activities together with large agrees with about whatever online game is called sporting activities picking.
Sep 2011
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait ..
<a href = "http://shiningcolors.com/">Seo Melbourne</a> strontium <a href = "http://www.ledbudguy.com/">How to grow weed indoors</a> legitimacy <a href = "http://www.buywheyprotein.org/">Whey Protein Powder</a> trashy
Sep 2011
Id need to verify with you
Id need to verify with you here. Which isn't something I usually do! I enjoy reading a submit that will make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
<a href = "http://levitrafr.ucoz.com/">Levitra</a> diacoele <a href = "http://kamagrafr.ucoz.com/">Kamagra</a> saprogenic
Sep 2011
What a utilization of tools
What a utilization of tools and effects you did, It's really amazing work, I am inspired by your work and obviously this blog is perfect.http://www.logo-genie.com .
Jul 2011
For added hip bag, you can
For added hip bag, you can accept Mulberry Aston. These altered Mulberry handbags appear with chic and functionality so you will not acquisition it adamantine to attending for a Mulberry backpack that apparel your every need.
May 2010
Can't wait to have new tunes
Can't wait to have new tunes to dance to in the kitchen also. Michael & guys, years ago I heard a song at a school benefit you did called Lifesaver. Wish it could find a place on the CD. Bring it back!
May 2010
Please note kudos to who made
Please note kudos to who made this website it is very clear and well set up -
May 2010
Stop the presses!! Michael I
Stop the presses!! Michael I beg of thee you add a new updated version of California Uber Alles to the new CD - we need it for mental health and more - all you gotta do obviously is just use that great mind of yours (and friends maybe) and tell us how it is today in the land of politics with that same great beat music as when I first heard you - certainly this November is going to be an interesting election isn't it and you there with roots ha in Oakland could facilitate what needs to be rightly done - and if it's done it's going to be a national monumental change in a lot of things I think - so please - this only a polite request I know you are busy but ya know is society any better than 20 years ago when you had that song originally politically time stamped? Now it's 2010 ...........! the names change but the beat goes on!
Apr 2010
Yayee can't wait for the
Yayee can't wait for the album. i am a new fan just jumped on board after i saw you on the JM tour. looking forward to more shows in LA area.
:)
thanks for keeping us posted. your awesome
Apr 2010
yeah baby - always nice to
yeah baby - always nice to hear some new tasty tunes....can't wait for Alta Wyoming and Red Rocks...can't afford Aspen.....
Mar 2010
The MN spearits cannot wait
The MN spearits cannot wait to hear the new album! Any tentative dates yet? You can count on MN to play it on thecurrent.org, your favorite MN radio station!!!
Apr 2010
I can't wait to add this new
I can't wait to add this new album to my MF and Spearhead playlist and just let it go on and on and on...for a thousand times...
Enjoy Jamaica.
xx
Feb 2010
can i have the first one
can i have the first one sold?...ill be your best friend
Feb 2010
can't wait for the finished
can't wait for the finished product, videos and tour!! the new stuff sounds great, the sound of sunshine, Shake it, I'll be waiting for you, the thing that helps me get through, Hey Hey Hey...is Keep on Rolling in it? I love this one too!!! see you in a few weeks and do not forget about the Rawking Rice & Beans...
Peace,
Carlos
Apr 2010
Awesome news Michael! Have a
Awesome news Michael! Have a great time in Jamaica. Be blessed and be safe.