Shacklehands

Just putting the final touches on a mix for Shacklehands, a twangy rock band from Wakefield, RI. This session was a little different, in that I didn’t record any of the original tracks, just a few overdubs later on. Most of the instruments and vocals were recorded in the basement of the group’s singer and songwriter, Gregg Figliozzi. As recording gear gets more and more affordable, these types of projects are becoming more common.

This album was a lot of fun to be part of. Terrific songs, and some really cool instrumentation choices; straight ahead rock lineup, with touches of lap steel, mandolin, and sitar. Putting these mixes together took a little longer than usual ( an engineer can do most of his EQ’ing before a note is recorded, through guitar/amp choices, drum tuning, and mostly, mic choice/placement) but it was a welcome challenge. Again, with songs this good, the job of the mix is to support the strength of the song, and to help it reach its full potential while more or less being unnoticed. A project I really enjoyed, and a band I hope to work with again.

Rumor has it that Gregg has nearly a second album’s worth of material ready to go. Look for this album very soon, and please go check this band out live, and check out their not-so-secret weapon, Amy.

Shacklehands

• On The Ropes
• Right in Front of You
• Wait to Blink

Exit Zero

Just in from the printer is Ted Stevens’ new album, Exit Zero. As Ted is a very busy musician situated in Florida, we had a small window to get this project done. With Doug Ernest on drums, and myself on bass, we knocked this record out in 4 days, while Teddy and I each played shows on three of those nights. One of the quickest sessions I’ve done, but one of the most rewarding.

Ted is an extremely talented song writer, as well as a great guitarist. We got together and played with his rough ideas for a couple of days, laying down some demos, and about 6 weeks later, he made it back to town for the real thing. Sunshine Menezes and Tom Kutcher on vocals added the last pieces we were looking for, and Exit Zero was born. Ted will be up in Rhode Island for a few weeks in late May to support this album- go check him out. tedstevens.fourfour.com -Ray

Check these out-

• 16 Phone Calls
• Kryptonite
• Long Time

Rocktorium of Love!

Hi all-
After years of producing most of my own bands, I’ve decided to put together this website about my studio, the Rocktorium of Love. Having already completed 4 projects in 2010, and having just started another, I’ll be posting sample tracks and links for some of the great artists that I’ve been working with. Projects this year have included The Ravers, Ted Stevens, Shacklehands, The Mintones, and The Rudeness. Please enjoy, and support these artists. Thanks- Ray

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