End Rant #155
In 1975, Brian Eno [ Tape Op#85] and multimedia artist Peter Schmidt published their first set of Oblique Strategies: Over One Hundred Worthwhile Dilemmas. These cards work as creativity resets, prompting breaks in non-productive work patterns as well as inspiring new methods. As we've seen the tools of music recording become more affordable, and now in so many musicians' hands, I think there's also a need to examine the basics of music production. With that in mind, I present my version of their groundbreaking work. Let’s call it the Not So Oblique Strategies. Use these suggestions wisely!
Is this song too long? Is this key too high or low for the vocal parts? Is that the best place to put the drums? Can all those parts be submixed for easier use? Is that guitar amp making too much buzz or hum? Do you have a decent talkback system set up? Can you hear everything said between takes? Set up a mic! Is anything out of tune? Are the lead vocals legible? Should they be? Are you sure you need so many overdubs? That's a lot of mics on the drums. Mute all but four. Add sparingly. Are there tracks in the mix with low end noises you didn't notice? Listen to the headphone mix before asking others to do so. Does this song need a click track? Is this the best tempo? Listen to vocal delivery. Do vocals need de-essing? Is the de-esser removing too much? Pick one doubled vocal or instrument and remove that double. Better? Worse? Turn off all reverbs and delays. Is the song stronger or weaker? Check drum phase on all mics. Check again. Press the mono button. Is the mix worse now? Repair. Listen from the other room. What stands out? What’s missing? Do the drums ring out in annoying/obstructive ways? Listen. Is the singer as comfortable as possible? Does the acoustic guitar have loud squeaks on chord changes? Solo the kick drum and bass instrument. Listen closely. Do you really need this many drum mics? Is the electric bass going sharp? Examine. What is the structure of this piece of music? Turn off all plug-ins. Is the mix better or worse? Are the bass amp and DI box really in phase? Are all those stompboxes causing ground loops? Does that guitar chord really need to use every string? Perform the song again. Compare to the previous take. Decide. Listen to the artists as they are talking and prepare for the next task. Think ahead. Do you really want the guitars and vocals to be panned to the exact same position? Solo the subwoofer and listen for conflicting sounds. When was the last time the musicians ate? Is everyone tired? Go home and try again tomorrow. Honor thy intention as a hidden error.Download PDF
Pick up your own set of the realOblique Strategies here: <www. enoshop. co. uk> < Read more and download PDF>