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Please Twist My Arm!
By joseexist in Musings On Muses
February 29, 2012

The road to originality is paved in imitation. Musicians usually start out mimicking their favorite artist and some find success early on in those endeavors. Cover bands can easily find a market by performing the tunes crowds are familiar with.

I learned a lot of classics along with former Legasys bassist/guitarist/saxophonist, Herman Cardona. Collaborating with him back in high school, we figured out songs by AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Jimi Hendrix, and others. In our situation we jammed on those old tunes in practice sessions. It was rare for us to ever play them live though. There’s a legal ‘grey area’ when you play other peoples music. I for one never wanted to gain fame by covering tunes written by others.

In recent years I’ve allowed some of my own creations to be used by others freely. This has resulted in some versions that turned out surprisingly good as far as I’m concerned. No hits yet, but that in no way bothers me. That somebody thought that much of something I’ve created was enough air for my ego.

I’ve also leant my guitar work to the songs of other artist. Collaborating is still something I’m a bit novice to but the results were satisfying to say the least. For a few years there I burned the candle at both ends. These days the mental exhaustion is still there. My own recording sessions now happen whenever I have the time. After a long day at the office there’s not too much energy left in me. The muses really have to give me a strong incentive to make me hit the cave so to speak.

I’m currently studying up on the use of compressors. There is a technique that intrigues me that one Mr. Brauer (a recording mixing professional) has trademarked or copy written. I don’t have the money to be able to have the equipment he uses with all the options he has but there are a few aspects of his methods of operation that I can learn from. With a ten and a sixteen track studio I’ve taken a few notes from Mr. Bs’ process that get me close to what he does.

My first attempt in that direction yielded a great sounding track. I’m sorry to say though; it won’t be released anytime soon. Unless of course people like you, dear reader, pressure me to do so. (I extend my arm. Twist away!)

There is still much I am in the process of learning. That is a road I enjoy traveling. The well fed mind is always a happy mind. Learning what others do, whether its music performance, or production, science, or philosophy, or anything my brain likes the taste of, is always enjoyable.