Fritz Myers

Kate Earl is a recording artist for Universal Republic.  I was asked by fellow trouble maker Gabriel Jeffrey to come record Kate for a promotional video for her song Melody from her EP Introducing Kate Earl.  Word 'round the campfire is her full-length will drop August 9.

This was recorded in Kate's Los Angeles loft - a really wonderful space with high ceilings and a lovely baby grand piano.  We recorded with the windows and doors open - if you listen closely you can hear birds chirping in the background.

We did a few takes and once Gabe had what he needed for coverage, I ran off to get a mix together.  We were shooting to get this to the label as quickly as possible.  

Kate made it easy as she's a talented and pretty effortless performer.  The 'mix' consisted mostly of adjusting room vs. direct sounds.  I chose a feel that reflected, at least to me, the openness of the space - it was a warm, breezy afternoon that seemed to fit the song perfectly.  

On a side note - this is the first pass on this mix.  I sent it off and didn't hear anything until Gabe sent me an e-mail a day later saying the label loved it.  

This reminded me of an article I read some years ago about an engineer recording live shows for a DVD.  He sent off the roughs to the band, who promptly ran out of money for the sound (shocking, I know).  The "roughs" he had done ended up on the DVD, which went on to become something of an indie rock classic.  Moral: There is no such thing as a rough mix.

Mics:

Vox:  Beta 58A

Piano:  AKG 414 and AKG C2000B

Room:  Stereo pair of Rhode NT-5s

Recorded and mixed in Pro Tools.