Transcendent moments in the studio

[Fu Schnickens]

OK, we've all read the "stupidest things in a studio" thread and loved it, but I'd like to see the other side of the coin. Tell us about your most triumphant, transcendent, greatest time ever in the studio or on a gig. I'd like to hear about the best times you've ever had.

For me it was the chance to record my band at Cherokee Studios in Hollywood. The vibe there is amazing, as if all of the musicians on their incredible client roster had left some of their mojo in the room. This was before I knew anything about engineering, and it really turned me on to audio as a possible profession. The whole experience was awesome.

Not a spectacular story, I know. But I'm sure y'all have some good ones!

[slick0]

No super huge moments that I can recall. I like having this happen, though. Wearing headphones, ipod on random, taking a walk or something. A song comes on and you start to wonder if you could duplicate, say, the bass sound, and how it sounds on the monitors. Then you remember you tracked/mixed the song. Of course, wondering how the hell you forgot mixing it brings down the good feeling a touch, but it's still a nice feeling.

[Dr. Fringe]

I don't know if this counts but there are always moments when things gel, especially if you're doing it live. But people in the band say it's when I start to sweat, and I'll get a look in my eye, and it's like something else takes over. I've noticed something similar with others as well. Getting into the zone, something clicks and you kinda become one crazy big animal. Reminds me of Rocky, when he finally reaches the capital and stuff. All the stuggle transformed to organic natural beauty. Same thing goes for recording, be it at home or rehearsal. I don't use studios, but great thread start.

[James Meeker]

Worked with a R&B singer/songwriter out of Toledo. Dude came to the studio and comped a few chords on the Triton for a minute while singing some lyrics that one of his posse wrote down. He went back and switched a few words, wrote out a chord chart. This took about 5-6 minutes.

Then he started sequencing a drum line and arranged it. About 5 minutes.

Then he threw down a bass synth, piano, electric piano, strings, a little organ and whatnot. About 25 minutes later all the music was recorded. My assistant and were running to keep up he worked so fast and flawlessly.

Then he jumped in the booth and did his vocal parts and harmonies--one take each, absolutely perfect. Then he had his backup singer come in and do the chorus--4 part vocal harmony with 4 tracks per part.

In a little over an hour we had the whole track written and recorded. They came in the studio with really nothing. He was in a hurry so I only got an hour to mix the track, but it still came out pretty great.

Whole project done in two hours. Insane.