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Andrew Pitts
Probably the most difficult chapter for me so far, simply because I have trouble remembering specific names of microphones, although I can remember what they look like and what they're used for. I have a similar problem with remembering peoples' names sometimes, although I've been working on using peoples' names and using memory tricks to keep it all straight. One of my co-interns, Xander, I remember because I've always loved the name Xavior, and the two are very similar. As corny as it seems, it usually works.
Working back in time starting with today, I went back to the Sound of Music studio to continue learning on-site. Bruce and John were working on two different projects, and I had the opportunity to watch John work and actually work with Bruce on a demo song consisting of a vocal track and a strummed guitar track. He let me play with the controls on the condenser and equalizer applications to get a feel for how each aspect affects the final sound. He also told me about phasing, which can be reduced by raising or lowering various ranges on the equalizer. Then we recycled some scrap metal from old lighting fixtures to clear out the back room so the nice people from Toward Space could set up their music video set. Overall, I would call it a very productive day in the studio.
Yesterday, I reluctantly (because I was already very tired from beach week) went with some friends to see a local band they like called The Weak Days. First went a few poets and comedians from VCU. I was very happily surprised when a small jazz group also showed up to perform at the house show during a break in their tour. The four-piece band called Fat Night played us some upbeat, fantastic songs from their repertoire. I had to buy their vinyl single for my collection. They put on a phenomenal live performance, with the volume low, laced with a capella style vocals. After that, The Weak Days played a few songs, but were cut short by the untimely arrival of police called for a noise complaint. I think the neighbors thought someone was simply playing their music loud, because nobody in the band missed a single note all night. The talent displayed by the Orlando-based, self-promoted band was surreal.
