"Runnin' on Empty" - an exploration of exploitation

Listen to Runnin' on Empty?...

or download Runnin' on Empty.mp3 (12mb)

I've been loving the sounds of the 60's and 70's in a big way.  I started listening to a bunch of blaxploitation movie soundtracks, and wanted to try my hand at a tune in that style.


Whenever I try to do that, it seems to go in a Beastie Boys direction, because I listened to so much "Check Your Head" when I was a teenager!  It's embedded!


I started with a percussion loop from Edwin Starr's song "Runnin'", and added my own stuff over that.  I played Organ, Foxx Fuzz Wah Guitar, and an overdriven Gonzales Jazz Bass.


Fun!  I tried to add Trumpet, but I suck, so I gave up on that.  If anyone wants to add Brass for me, that would be stupendous!

Foxx Fuzz Wah, the most troublesome, frustrating, pain in 

the ass pedal I've ever owned!

Barely ever works, known to cripple minds and hearts.  

Sounds proportionately evil awesome!

I love you, you blue wretch.

4Track: Longman Funk

I recorded this four track song using the Fostex X28 that I found in the attic. I'm sure Murgatroyd wouldn't mind me using it.

Listen to Longman Funk

or download Longman Funk.mp3 (5mb)

I recorded my friend Damo playing drums, then played the keys and bass over it.


Now I'll admit that I can't really play the keys, but I have fun trying!  I love genre pieces, and this one most certainly is one of those...  


Inspired by the likes of Interstate '76.  Thanks Damo!  Sweet drumming!

4Track: Miasm & Clavbassics

After stumbling upon Murgatroyd Humpadink's tape machine, I decided to investigate further.  Being a musician myself, I thought I'd try doing some four track recording myself.


Listen to Clavbassics (Solid BBoys)

or download Clavbassics.mp3 (5mb)

I made purchase of a Yamaha MT120 via the ever fruitful eBay...

...and laid down some Roland 606 drum beats, runnin' 'em in nice and hot.

...then added some Nord Electro clavichord, and Gonzales bass.

Once I was happy with the bass and clav, it was time to mix the song.  
I sent the AUX output to a Biyang Triverb and my Line 6 Echo Park.
I also messed with the tape speed on the fly.  I basically wanted to expose myself to the sorts of things you can do when you're using a totally analog bits of gear, instead of tapping and clicking away on a computer.


After spending a bit of time in the digital multitracking domain, it was really nice to use an analog desk with hands on all the faders, panners, and auxiliary sends.  


I did a bunch of mixes of each of the two songs, trying different tape speeds and effects during each mix.  Here's two versions of "Miasm" below...


Listen to Miasm (Monolith Burgers Eating Lounge)

or download Miasm (Monolith Burgers).mp3 (5mb)


Listen to Miasm (Welcome to my Echo Den)

or download Miasm (Echo Den).mp3 (5mb)

Off the Hinge!

This one is fun.

I was trying out some "trumpet bass" sounds using my Nick Nitro pedal with my Gonzales bass.

Love it. Reminds me of some 80's family tv show!

Listen to Off the Hinge

or download Off the Hinge.mp3 (4mb)