London Calling, Beirut and more!

Did a great concert recording of Beirut for VPRO 3voor12 together with (engineer & friend) Hans Bunt. I think we managed to capture this unique band and it's very personal energy. It sure is not music everybody will enjoy, but i encourage you to check out some songs on their MySpace page. The band gave a thrilling performance and we were glad that we were pressing RECORD!

Also did some sessions with singer/songwriter Bertolf Lentink. You might remember Bertolf as the frontman of The Junes. Although I have to say 'former' since The Junes split up. Bertolf still plays a lot of instruments in Ilse De Lange her band (basicly everything with strings on it, except for snare). He also writes songs for others, but this time we went into the studio to record some stuff for himself.
You can check out the 3 songs we did on his MySpace page. The first 3 songs on his profile are from the session we did. Bertolf played all instruments himself, except drums. Bauke Bakker (of Cool Genius) came in with his drumkit and did a wonderfull job. (he also did a couple of nice backing vocals)

Some pics:

Wow, and let's not forget London Calling! The second edition of 2007, and this time spreaded over 3 days! So we had to record 27 bands in 3 days!!!! If that isn't inhumane?! Well it's a hell of a job in both the good and the bad way, I tell you that.

I am not gonna write about all acts, but I will tell you my favorites:

-Reverent and the Makers
-Dragons (the press will say they are not original and they are old. But it's a great liveband and they have good songs!)
-The Dykeenies (super tight live band with an original sound)
-Video Nasties
-The Displacements (a promise! They have to grow and become much tighter than they are at the moment, but they already have the songs and performance to become really big!)
-Blood Red Shoes (young reversed White Stripes duo. Super energy)
-The Runners

also good (but not as good as last time): The Wombats

BTW: the first reviews of the debut cd from Cool Genius (wich I mixed, and did some recordings on) are in. And they are ranging from great to outstanding!

Wilsum and Veldman Brothers in charts

Both Wilsum & The Veldman Brothers are in the Lowlands top 25 (that's an album chart). The Veldman Brothers are on top of the list, for the second week in a row now, and Wilsum is number 3 in the list.

So; that's 2 albums I recorded & mixed in the top3. Not bad ;-)

Nou En & international acts

I told you about the new Nou En single called "Roos" wich I mixed. It's already on the TMF playlist.

Here is the videoclip:

I received some emails asking if I did any foreign bands recently, since all news-items are about Dutch bands. Well I did... How about:

• Tunng

• My Brightest Diamond

• Parts & Labor

• Menomena

• Jeffrey Lewis

And because of the flu, I had to cancel recording Les Savy Fav today. Unfortunately!

On my schedule: 3 days of London Calling and Beirut!

I just worked on a another project with the well known arranger Rik Elings (wich will be released all over the world). Rik made arrangements for lot's of different artists and worked for different orchestra's and big bands. He did over 300 pieces for The Metropole Orchestra.

It will be released by music-publishing company De Haske.
We also did some sessions for De Haske ("Play 'em Right - play along II") with trumpet-player/arranger Erik Veldkamp. Erik is a member of the Dutch Jazz Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra (Europe).

"Floating Forces" ;-)

Newspaper 'De Stentor' wrote a 2 page-special last tuesday about the local music-scene Zwolle/Kampen. Including interviews with Jeremy's, Wilsum... and ehhh... I was also interviewd. That part of the special can be found online HERE. [sorry article in Dutch only]

According to the article I am one of the "floating forces" hehe  ;-) LOL

Hits, TMF awards and other news...

Jeremy's single Saturday is in the charts for the 3rd week now!!!!
Also don't forget to continue voting for them @ TMF awards. All you have to do is go to www.tmfawards.nl and vote. (click on 'STEMMEN' in the upper menu)

Last saturday Wilsum released their self-titled debut album with a nice party & gig at the Hedon venue.

Wilsum is retro; their songs sometimes remind you of the good old days when The Who / Grand Funk Railroad / Led Zeppelin / Black Sabbath (and more) were still going strong. These guys are really into vintage equipment, that's why we also used a lot of old techniques, equipment and microphones to capture their sound. So don't expect a smashed-to-death-modern-rock-sound, because that's NOT what you are going to get. What DO you get? Groovy guitar, ramblin'bass, angular drums and screaming vocals combined for a high energy, kick a$$, dynamic, rock&roll overdrive!

And of course it's not only released on CD, but also on vinyl. Check their MySpace page and listen to some songs.

More release party's:

Both Cool Genius and Heavens Devils are releasing stuff on the 19th of october.

Cool Genius will present their debut album ('Maybe you should do that too') in Hedon Zwolle. Heavens Devils are throwing a big party for the release of their EP ('Kings and Killers') in Diana, Assen.

So pick your poison...

TMF nomination for Jeremy's

The story continues: Jeremy's is nominated for a TMF Award!!!!
How cool would it be if they won?! You can help to make it happen. All you have to do is go to www.tmfawards.nl and vote. (click on 'STEMMEN' in the upper menu)

You need to place a vote in every category. Jeremy's is nominated for: 'TMF KWEEKVIJVER AWARD'

ThanX a lot!!!

...and the snowball is still rolling and growing ;-)

Van Katoen single

Just finished mixing the brand new Van Katoen single.

VanKatoen= Alternative, loud rock with dutch lyrics!

The music of VanKatoen is best decribed as a mixture between punk, rock and metal. They sing/scream in Dutch, not only because Bazz, the singer, isn’t particulary vluently in English, but also because VanKatoen believe that’s the only way they can bring across their socially involved lyrics.

As soon as they upload this new song (called "Waar ben jij") I will post a link so you can listen to it.

They are also working on a videoclip.

Lot's of projects

I told you earlier about an album I made with Jeremy's guitarist Fokko. It is a side-project with Dutch songs. (Well... I mean that he sings in Dutch... allright).

Untill recently the band was simply called Fokko, but they changed their name to WantWant.

WantWant also has a brand new MySpace page wich features some of the songs we did.

My personal favorite is a song called "Heleen" wich has a great guitar-solo-melody. This song is also on their MySpace page, so you can check it out.

I also promised to put some of my Thailand pics online. Well... I did ;-)
Click here to see a slideshow with some of my pics.

The first Cool Genius single is probably gonne be "My Friend". Check this song (and others) on their MySpace page.

The new Nou En single called "Roos" is ready (after recording & mixing, I still had to do the mastering) I told you about this song in my last news-update. It's a great-super-catchy-slick-rockin'-tune that won't let go.
You can listen to it on their MySpace.

They also shot a video for the single wich will be uploaded somewhere soon; I will keep you posted.

As you might know (or not); I also do my share of budget-mastering. Normally I don't mention any of that in this news-section, but I want to make an exception this time.
There are 2 mastering jobs I have to tell you about.

First; Next Waste Dimension. Blending heavy guitars with modern dance. Only few bands dare to do it, even fewer are able to make it work. With REWIRE REALITY Next Waste Dimension (NWD) prove they can pull it off. And how! On this debut NWD shows how to perfectly blend metal, dance and industrial in a way it sounds both natural and refreshing. They got some great reviews, so check out their site.

Second; Parkside. Dutch music magazine OOR wrote about them: "Parkside evokes exiting atmospheres through delightful sounds that are prominently placed without disturbing the songs. Extremely well-done! Think of Radioheads Kid a, but with a little more song to hold on to."

They've recorded and mixed alle those atmospheric songs themselves. You can check out songs on their MySpace!

Cool Genius, Nou En, Jeremy's

Wow I've had some crazy weeks of hard labour. After our vacation to Thailand (I might post some pics later) I went straight back into my rollercoaster-life. I've been working my ass of, but it was very satisfying!

I just finished working on the debut album of a f@ckin' freakin' band with the illustrating name: Cool Genius. These crazy sons of bitches have been recording more songs than healthy. To make it even worse they thought that their crappy 16bit game-soundcards would be fine. ;-)
Do you get the picture? Crazy a$ hell if you ask me. And then these stupid morons asked me to retrack some vocals, guitars, basses, drums and other amazing shit for serious. And what makes things even worse; they thought it would be a good ID if I would try and mix their shit$ into hit$. (Or should I say hit€ ?). Wow, what have they been smokin' lately?

So that's basicly what we did for two weeks; recording and mixing some music created by cool geniuses. Anyone who likes acts like: Soulwax, Soul Coughin, dEUS, Gomez, Zita Swoon, Lenny Kravitz and Presidents of the USA should have a listen to their album once it's being released. Untill then; some songs we did can be found on their MySpace

Mothers get a hold on your daughters once Cool Genius is released! Don't say I did not warn you...

From their bio: Cool Genius signed up with Goomah Music, who will release the debut album "Maybe You Should Do That Too" on October 19 at Hedon Zwolle.
Their talent- status has been ratified by elections like ‘Talent of the Week’ and ‘3FM Serious Talent’, as well as ‘Demo of the Year’ of the Dutch Pop Institute. Their energetic liveshows have brought them to several stages like Melkweg Amsterdam, 013 Tilburg and Effenaar Eindhoven, with a highlight at the Liberation Festival in Amsterdam in May 2007. Cool Genius consist of Erik Neimeijer (vocals, guitar), Bauke Bakker (vocals, drums)and Sebastiaan van Olst (bas/contrabas, vocals). The band has been based on their mutual broad minds, creativity and skills, which enables them to elaborate on each other’s songs. With 3 strong vocalists and continuous delivering composers, you can call your band ‘Cool Genius’, without being arrogant or presumptuous. Being cool and ingenious, this is a very remarkable band in the Dutch scene. This band doesn’t match a major label with sales targets and restrictions.

boithuh!

Last time I told you about the fact that I started recording with Nou En again. Remember them? Those catchy punkrockers with a hit about a Gothic Girl ;-)
We have been working on some new songs. I already mixed two of the new songs, and one of them is gonna be the next single. It's a great-super-catchy-slick-rockin'-tune that won't let go. Damn this thing is catchy!

Before it can be released, a videoclip has to be made. So you all have to wait a little longer before you can hear it. Maybe it will be on their MySpace page soon. If that is the case, I will mention it on my site.

The Jeremy's story continues:

Their first single 'Saturday' is finally released. There's also a funny videoclip wich entered high-rotation on clip-station TMF. (Wich basicly means that they play it a lot!). Hollands biggest newspaper (De Telegraaf) also picked up on the hype and wrote: "World hit from Kampen". haha, finally some Dutch paper who's going for the (traditional) English hype-style ;-)
Almost to funny!

The clip has been viewed by almost 30.000 people on YouTube. Click here to see a 'making of' and the clip itself

Besides that, they signed with THE biggest booking agency in this country, and they are going to sign a record deal with a major record company! (And Vans and Converse will make sure they wear cool shoes and clothes).

Their tour-schedule is pretty full, so enough opportuniy's to check em out live.

...and the snowball is still rolling and growing ;-)
[I know I keep repeating myself with that last sentence, but it still aplies]

I also went to the studio to work (guerrilla-style) on an album with Jeremy's guitarist Fokko. He has a side-project with Dutch songs. (Well... I mean that he sings in Dutch... allright). Untill now the band was also called Fokko, but they are going to change that name to avoid confusion.
Like I said, it was guerrilla-style just like we did with the Jeremy's album.
That's going into the studio with a small group of people for a very quick recording session, and getting out before you even realise it. Same for the mixing: very quick in and out and the thing is ready and will hit you right in the face ;-)

As soon as Fokko has decided on the bandname, I will post a link to his MySpace page wich will feature some of that songs. I guarantee you!

Kick ass live recordings: Editors

Got to work with Editors last week. Together with Paul Schoenmakers I recorded & mixed the (secret)gig they did at Melkweg Amsterdam.

Their new album is great, and their performance was amazing. Wow these guys are tight! Last time I saw them, they were great, but this time they were even better. These guys are gonne blow away some audiences at the summer festivals for sure!

It was one of those productions were everything seems to come together easily and all went smooth just the way we like it. The fact that Derek Fudge is their Tour Manager, might have something to do with that ;-) Since I think he is one of the best tourmanagers around. I have worked with him a couple of times before (also with Coldplay) and everytime things are running smooth, and he surrounds himself with a very professional crew.
Thumbs up for Derek and his crew! I wish all crews were that good!

The Jeremy's story continues:

We recorded & mixed a Lennon-song (Love) for Amnesty. Go to their MySpace-page to check it out. Also go to www.jeremysnoise.hyves.nl and become their friend. If they gather enough friends radiostation 3FM will let them perform at the world-famous Hilton Hotel room in Amsterdam. (remember 'Bed Peace'?)

Besides that, they are about to sign with a big bookig agency, a manager and they are going to sign a record deal with a major record company real soon!

...and the snowball is still rolling and growing ;-)

Besides that I also started recording with Nou En again. Remember them? Those crazy bitches with a hit about a Gothic Girl ;-)
We are working on some new recordings, wich I hope to mix right after my vacation. If all goes well, their new single (&videoclip) will be released in september. I'll keep you posted!

US release Veldman Bros.

Great news: the debut album I recorded and mixed for The Veldman Brothers is also going to be released in the United States of America by the US company DWM Music.

The Veldman Brothers features the two brothers Bennie (on Hammond + Mouthharp) and Gerrit (on guitar). Most songs are sung by Gerrit, but Bennie is also featured on leadvocals for two songs. They play their own material and an occasional cover.

BTW: all songs are recorded live in the studio, so you might hear an occasional mistake, but you will also get a lot of pure energy and atmosphere! We all thought the 'feel' of these blues-songs is the most important thing to catch on tape.
Check out their MySpace-page to preview 2 songs.

Go to my photo-section, if you want to check out pictures of these sessions.

Editors / Greendive

For the next 2 months greendive is selected "Serious Talent" on Dutch radio 3FM. The track "Scar my face" can be heared daily after 7 PM, and on sundays. This is very quick, just after the EP "Break the silence" was finished three weeks ago.
The first labels also showed interest so everything seems to develop very smooth ;-)
Please check out their MySpace-page to preview 3 (out of 5) songs we recorded.

Other great news: my schedule contains recordings with The Editors!

I just worked on a project with the well known arranger Rik Elings (wich will be released all over the world). Rik made arrangements for lot's of different artists and worked for different orchestra's and big bands. He did over 300 pieces for The Metropole Orchestra.

So far...
keep the music rollin'!

Greendive / Shins / The Junes / Jeremy's

Latest news (releases/recordings/sessions. Not everything, just some highlights).

I was lucky enough to work with Greendive again. We went to the studio and quickly recorded 5 of their brand new songs. After that I went into a quick mixing-session and now there is a demo-cd ready to get them a new record deal.

In the past I mixed and produced a few songs of their debut album, and later on we did a single together. The band (however) went to some tough times and it looked like they were going to split:
After a hectic period in 2005 the band takes a break to review its future. The chemistry and synergy between the band members is fading, resulting in the departure of two members. A few days later greendive’s rehearsal studio burned down completely in a serious fire caused by a short-circuit. The inferno destroyed almost all of the equipment and instruments. The remaining band members sticked together and decide to rebuild their musical home. In spite of all the bad luck during this period, the heart of the band beats muffled but steadily and Bas Ossenblok started writing songs again in his home studio. In april 2006 former greendive guitar player and co-writer Andres Deijkers rejoined the band - and a new bass player (Piet de Nijs) joined them - the tide was turning.
With Andres and Bas, the heart of greendive is complete again with both songwriters back in the centre of the band. After months of hard work, greendive’s energy is renewed. The band is reborn from the ashes (almost literally) and is on top of the world once again. The new songs are intense and sincere but still accessible and the band feels the urge to get back on stage again.

The expressive, unique and distinctive feel of greendive music prevails. Emotion, intensity and dynamics are the keywords that describe greendive’s music, but... still it’s different this time... better!

Please check out their MySpace-page to preview 3 (out of 5) songs we recorded.

All news updates regarding Jeremy's are outdated before sent, since news keeps coming in almost every day. (but I will try once again)

Last time I told you about MTV, 3FM and more. There's still a lot going on; the snowball seems to keep rolling and growing. Hopefully it won't scatter to pieces.
A lot of labels showed interest and among them are some very big major record company's. Besides that they are also talking with booking agency's.

And there is more: they are asked to cover a Lennon-song for Amnesty. They played live on several 3fm shows and Katelijn was interviewed in 'Arbeidsvitaminen'

That's what I call a lot of good news! Check out their MySpace-page to preview 2 songs.

Together with engineer Frits Rosingh I recorded a live show by The SHINS @ Paradiso, Amsterdam. The Shins are an indie rock group with elements of folk and alternative country on Sub Pop Records. The band's third record, Wincing the Night Away, was released on January 23, 2007. It debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart with 118,000 copies sold in its first week. It reached #1 soon. The band played an awesome gig! They showed that not only they have some great songs, but they also are able to perform them beautifully. Thumbs up!

I will use this opportunity to answer a frequently asked question...

Q: When are The Junes starting with their debut cd?

A: Ask them! ;-)
All I can tell you is: they are preparing. Besides that; Bertolf joined Ilse de Lange her band. He is not only playing electric and acoustic guitar he also plays some dobro, lap steel, mandoline and sing a lot of harmonies.

V8 recordings, and more

Let me start off by giving you an update on Jeremy's; a very talented punkrock band with a pop-flavour. As you might know I did most of the recordings and mixed all songs for their debut-cd. They are still talking to severel labels as we speak, but there has been a lot of development. First of all: trendsetting 3FM DJ Giel Beelen is very enthousiastic about the band. He not only ranked them as "Most Promissing act" in Hitkrant magazine, but also invited the band to come play live at his populair morning-show.
Second: Other 3FM DJ's are also playing "Saturday" and they also performed that song live in the show that's hosted by Barbara (forgot the name). 3FM added Jeremy's to their "Serious Talent project".

Third: MTV invited the band to come over and have a chat. They want Jeremy's in their "Kweekvijver" ;-)
Fourth: there are already plans for the first video.
Fifth: there is also interest to release the album overseas.

So that's what I call a lot of good news! Check out their MySpace-page to preview 2 songs.

Other bands I mixed at the end of 2006 are also going strong. Both Heavens Devils and Dolorous Daze are talking with labels after A&R's responded positively to their music. Check out their MySpace-pages (by clicking on their names) to listen to their music.

Together with engineer Frank Mathijssen and assisting engineer Frank van Kleef I recorded a Fratellis live show. Brit-award-winning band The Fratellis is from Glasgow and scored a big hit with "Chelsea Dagger". We recorded the concert they gave in Haarlem and they showed that they are a promising act. Let's see if they can forfill that promise this summer playing the Pinkpop festival.

Almost forgot to mention one of the biggest highlights of the last few weeks: recording a live show from The Decemberists. They are a five-piece indie pop band from Portland, Oregon, fronted by singer/songwriter Colin Meloy. Their fourth full-length album "The Crane Wife" is their first appearance on a major label and also their first official European release. The band gave a tremendous concert at the Paradiso in Amsterdam at wich they showed, that not only they have got some excellent songs, but they also know how to perform them live and create their own unique atmosphere. At times: breathtaking.

I also finished recording The Veldman Brothers. This bluesband features the two brothers Bennie (on Hammond and Mouthharp) and Gerrit (on guitar). Most songs are sung by Gerrit, but Bennie is also featured on leadvocals for two songs. Inspired by the Blues and Rhythm & Blues they play their own material and an occasional cover. All in wich the Hammond, guitar and blues harp play important roles.
Some of you might know Gerrit because he used to play in The Prodigal Sons. Or you saw him on the successful tour with a band called Nexperienced for a Jimi Hendrix Tribute. Thts band even played in the Heineken Music Hall during 'the Night of the Guitar', where Gerrit shared the stage with names like Steve Vai, Steve Lukather and Eric Sardinas.

I just finished mixing the album and the band will try to find a label that will release their debut-cd. BTW: all songs are recorded live in the studio, so you might hear an occasional mistake, but you will also get a lot of pure energy and atmosphere! We all thought the 'feel' of these blues-songs is the most important thing to catch on tape.
Check out their MySpace-page to preview 2 songs.

A lot of people have asked me to make some pictures in the studio while recording.
I finally did! Click here to go to my photo-section, and check out these pictures.

I also just finished the recordings and mix-sessions with retro-rockband Wilsum. A band that combines The Who / Grand Funk Railroad / Led Zeppelin / Black Sabbath (and more) into a great groovin cocktail. These guys are really into vintage equipment, that's why we also used a lot of old techniques, equipment and microphones to capture their sound. So don't expect a smashed-to-death-modern-rock-sound, because that's NOT what you are going to get. What DO you get? Groovy guitar, ramblin'bass, angular drums and screaming vocals combined for a high energy, kick a$$, dynamic, rock&roll overdrive!

All sessions were highly rock&roll, to give you an example: we had pasta that was cooked in a few liters of Bacardi! We also recorded a V8 engine blasting from 0 to 200 it a couple of seconds, wich will feature in one of the songs.

Check their MySpace page. I will keep you posted on any news regarding the release of this album. (On CD and Vinyl!) ;-)

I also made recordings on the last episode of London Calling festival in Paradiso. So maybe I will shine a light on those two days and 22 bands(!) later on...

Please keep rockin'!
Guido aka Gie aka GieSound aka MuteMaster G aka Der MuteMeister ;-)

Happy 2007 (+news)

Hi everybody,

I wish you all the best for 2007 and I like to thank you for the support, inspiration and the trust you gave me in this past year.

Latest news (releases/recordings/sessions. Not everything, just some highlights).

2006 was a very important year for me, because it became clear that I had to focus for 100% on my work in de studio. Mixing, recording, producing and mastering. For the last few years I combined this work with a part-time job for a music-venue (behind the scenes work). But thanks to the conversations I had with inspiring colleagues (like Michael Brauer) at the TapeOp conference in Arizona it became clear that I have to put all my effort into my real passion. So that's what I am doing now full-time.

Therefore I spent a lot of time in studio's for the last few months, and I was enjoying every single minute of it. I had a blast recording a festival like London Calling for VPRO. But it was also an honour to work with a creative and inspiring mind like Mike Patton once again. We recorded his liveshow with (one of his projects) Peeping Tom And there were more projects with well-known names. The highlight of the last few months was Lambchop; they played a magnificent concert with an amazing string-section.

But I also worked with yet unknown talents who still have to prove themselves in 2007: One of them is Jeremy's. A very talented punkrock band with a pop-flavour. Their album will be released somewhere in 2007. Thanks to guitarplayer Fokko, a young talent who writes all the catchy songs, and the strong performance of singer Katelijn this band can reach out to a big audience. Trend-setting radio-dj Giel Beelen ranked them as "Most Promissing act" in Hitkrant magazine. Jeremy's brings you the vitamins you need: energetic, powerful, catchy and fast songs with a sexy sauce of chick-vocals on top of them.

Heavens Devils are bound to do a lot of gigs in 2007; once promoters got to hear their new demo the bookings must be flying in.
The fundaments of this band are of solid Rock and Roll. Four men strong with a clear mission. Driven, passioned and with total dedication these gentlemen play highly energetic RNR you'll never forget. High voltage - Steamy - Razorsharp Rock and Roll with influences from the 70's rock were sparks fly off.
Think 'Danko Jones joined with Bon Scott as a singer'. The Heavens Devils are on fire! The future looks bright for these true rockers!! Known for there solid and audience focussed live shows!

As we speak I am working on a retro-rock cd with a band that combines The Who / Grand Funk Railroad / Led Zeppelin into a great groovin coacktail.

2007 is promissing. First I am working with a Bluesband with an amazing guitarplayer, and there's a lot more on the horizon.

One shocking fact I have to share with you: I am going to mix my first Death Metal cd in 2007!

That’s all for now; I hope to meet you all again. And please: stick out you neck in 2007!

GRTZ
Guido

That's all 4 now! I hope to meet you soon!!