by beachraven | Aug 27, 2021
Topatopa Mountains, Ojai, CA I was having “one of those days.” At least that’s what I thought. We dropped our car off for its “free” regular maintenance only to learn it would be very expensive. A job I thought I was getting fell through. Finally, the costly...
by beachraven | Aug 21, 2021
Jettenbach, Germany If I have a method to mixing a song or a film, it’s this: I find the core essence, the essential elements. In a song, it’s the vocal or the instrument carrying the melody, and the main accompaniment, usually a rhythm guitar or...
by beachraven | Aug 13, 2021
Studio C, A&M Studios, Hollywood, Jim Novak, London May, Tracy Stevens (top), Robert Feist, Tim Swenson, 1988 Guitarist Jim Novack invited me to see his band Lunch Box at the graffiti-encrusted Al’s Bar (circa ’88). I always felt uncomfortable at...
by beachraven | Aug 6, 2021
Berlinische Galerie, Berlin, Germany As a recording engineer, I always recorded the first take, no matter what it was: a singer in a rock band or a voice-over for a commercial. Often, I’d get something beautiful in the first few passes. It might be the...
