Practice : Space I very much enjoyed reading that entry on Ottmar's diary. How true and it got me thinking about the questions I've been asked over the summer tour which brings me to:
Gear Vs. Creativity.
Question: What gear did you buy to get that guitar tone and the over all sound on the Thira Album?
Answer: I spent more money on coffee then on gear during the recording of the Thira album. One mic, one keyboard, one guitar, lots of coffee.... oh, and a few percussion toys.
Yes, new gear can always be a helpful tool. However, it is just that, a tool, and it can only get you so far. Point being, the sound comes from you and knowing your instrument. The long hours of practice, spending time on song writing and working out arrangements. Time, rhythm, working on playing in the pocket. And, something that I think is very important, knowing your limitations and not trying to out do your self. Nothing wrong with pushing your self and practicing to become a better player, but trying to play and record stuff that you can’t is another thing. Remember, less is more. (I've been playing guitar for 18 years now and I'm still working on all of the above)
Also, sometimes you may not always have the opportunity to get new gear and you'll need to be creative with what you have.
Hm, maybe I should have called this entry, Gear Vs. Coffee??
4 comments:
You were asked for your equipment list? Such brass. That's like asking the Coka Cola Company for its recipe.
But it's not. If anything, that's the major message of this post :) Coca Cola is all about its recipe - there is nothing else to how its made, unless each bottle is packaged with love. But a great musician can make great music with mediocre equipment, and a lousy one can't make up for it with a great set-up.
Stephen, you've an unconditional passion for your guitar (I assume) and really a great talent (I'm sure). Well, you needn't a lot of gear. But an aromatic and tasty coffee it's very important for creativity!
Michelet (french poet, 18th cent.) said:
Kaffee, mächtige Nahrung des Gehirns, steigert anders alles andere die Reinheit und Helligkeit des Geistes.
or Honorè de Balzac said:
Der Kaffee kommt in den Magen und alles gerät in Bewegung und die Ideen rücken an!
Hope, Ottmar will translate for you, Stephen!
So true I have come to truly belive less is more and for sound there are no short cuts to creating sound. It one thing if you are just going for Loud rock but the kind of music you and Ottmar do there are no short cuts just like you said time time time practice and time. Well that can shurly free up a lot of cash for gear. Thanks for writing what you have so true.
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