I think it’s a fair assumption that the majority of us home recording folks have a few of our favorite short cuts. Of course, the obvious ones are undo and save.

Hitting Command or Ctrl + S (Save) is one of the best habits you can get into. You only have to lose hours of work once to realize how important saving often is. It’s become an OCD move for me, that’s for sure.

What about the undo button? Also one of my favorites. The beauty of the digital recording world is that it doesn’t take much to hit undo and try again. The problem with that, however, is that the performance can often times become less important.

Fix this, fix that. Edit this, edit that. Next thing you know, you have a chopped up mess.

Not to mention, every time you hit stop playback and undo, that audio is just piling up in your hard drive.

ABORT!

So, here’s the quick tip of the day: When you’re tracking a part and you realize that it plain sucks, don’t hit space bar. Instead, just hit Command or Ctrl + Period. This will abort the take as if it never exists.

No audio piling up, no messy region bin and hopefully a better performance.

Today, April 21st, 2012 is Record Store Day. Before you do anything else, consider heading out to your local independent record store.

What IS Record Store Day?

Record Store Day is a celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally. This is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Metallica officially kicked off Record Store Day at Rasputin Music in San Francisco on April 19, 2008 and Record Store Day is now celebrated the third Saturday every April.

• Special Releases: Hundreds of your favorite artists are releasing exclusive records specifically for this day.

• Find a Participating Store Near You: Search for participating stores near you.

• Artists Quotes: Check out this list of quotes from artists who have been inspired by record stores over the years.

“I was introduced to lots of great music through my local record store. It was a place where people knew music and they knew me, and could make great suggestions and discoveries. Whether it is in the physical world or on-line, the value of a great and knowledgeable record store has not gone away”

- Peter Gabriel

I normally don’t like to get too over the top geeky about new gear. That said, I’ll be the first to admit that new gear can be fun. No, gear isn’t going to revolutionize your recordings. However, when I find a new piece of gear or toy that can literally change the way I work in the studio in a positive direction, I get pretty excited.

That’s exactly what the V-Control Pro iPad app has done. After only a few test runs on some sessions, it’s already one of my favorite tools in my studio. If you’re not familiar with what the V-Control is and what it can do, let’s take a quick look:

Features

V-Control Pro was created by software developer Paul Neyrinck. The V-Control supports over 10 DAWs including Pro Tools and Reaper. The app simply allows you to operate your DAW session from anywhere your iPad has Wi-Fi reception. It gives you hands-on control of multiple faders simultaneously, which is great for those of us who like touching the controls. It controls any size session, 8 tracks at a time. Just swipe to the left or right to locate the remaining tracks. The newest feature “V-Window” also gives you additional windows to control from the app. Basically, any window that you may have up on your computer, you can now access from your iPad. Brilliant.

How I Use It

I’ve just recently downloaded the app but I’m already blown away at how powerful this thing can be. Like many of you, I’m normally alone in my home studio. As a drummer, my job is to wear the “creative musician hat” as well as the “engineer hat”.

The biggest challenge with that is when I’m working on a take or needing to adjust levels. I have to get up, walk over to the computer, make adjustments and then back to the drum kit. In my opinion, it’s important to be the musician first, engineer second. The V-Control has already completely cured this pain.

From behind the kit, I have the iPad set up right next to me. I also have a wireless mac keyboard in front of the iPad. In Pro Tools, I have each track sent to my in-ear monitors via aux sends. On the V-Control, I can access every track including each drum mic as well as the guide mix. I can adjust “more me” on the fly as well as adjust other things quickly like the click track level. I can also access plug-ins for adding more reverb, for example. In addition, I’m now able to access the transport window and arm or dis-arm tracks without leaving my seat.

Downside?

Of course, no review is complete without a downside. Honestly, I can’t think of many. At least yet. The price tag is around $50 for the Pro version. A bit pricey, yes, but in my opinion it’s worth every penny. There is also a free version on the app store that may actually work for most. The free version lacks some of the newer features like V-Window.

I don’t know about you, but that kind of remote access when recording alone is invaluable. Think about having this set up next to you when tracking guitar or piano. You could also use it for when you’re recording someone else and they need their own mixing station. Lastly, the support is fantastic. The same day that I downloaded the app, I had a few weird adjustments to be made. I emailed support  and within minutes was doing a Skype session to help troubleshoot.

Now, don’t take my word for it. Go check out the official Neyrinck website and read more yourself. It may just be what you’ve been missing.

I’ve been working hard at upgrading and tweaking things in the studio to simply provide songwriters and bands like YOU the best recorded drum tracks that I can offer. That being said, I’m excited to announce a new drum tracks promo. It’s pretty simple and it’s geared towards making new music in 2012.

If you have been working towards recording a new EP or full length album and could use a real drummer with real drum tracks on your songs, then this promo is for you.

Here’s how it works:

I’m offering two packages, the EP package and the full album package. To lock in the discounted rates, all you have to do is pay for your drum tracks by May 31st. Not only will I play on your songs, I’ll personally work with you throughout the recording process to make sure your project stays on the right track.

• EP Package – $300 ($495 value, minimum 5 songs)

• Full Length Album Package - $550 ($990 value, min 10 songs)

To lock in rates, payment must be received by 5/31/2012. Drum tracks must be delivered by 12/31/2012.

Ready? Contact me right here to get started on your project. Here’s to making music together in 2012!

Even if you’re not into recording, that kick drum thump in your car is irreplaceable. All of us know and can appreciate when we hear a great sounding kick drum.

There’s certainly a lot that one can do with EQ and plug-in tricks. However, a great sounding kick drum needs to sound great in the room first. If the kick drum sounds wimpy and dead in the first place, that’s what you’re going to get. Try tuning the kick drum at the lowest possible pitch and get it sounding killer first.

Have you ever listened to music on your favorite speakers or attended a live show and said: “Man, that kick drum right at 60 hz sounded killer.”

I’d bet that it would go more like this: “Man, that kick drum FELT great.”

More often than not, I hear and read articles about how to get more low end from your kick drum. While this is important, don’t forget that the click of the pedal beater is what gives the drum it’s life. It’s the beater-that’s connected to the pedal-that’s connected to the drummers foot-that portrays the feel.

Whether live or in the studio, here are three simple tips that I like to use to get more feel and “bite” out of the kick drum:

1. Position the Microphone Closer to the Batter Side

When positioning the microphone inside of the kick drum, get it closer to the batter side head. Try for around 6 inches away, listen back and re-adjust to taste. Also, angle the mic to be shooting across the kick drum, not aimed directly at the beater.

2. Consider Using a Coated Head

I started using a coated kick drum head recently and will never go back to clear. The reason? There’s something about a coated head that adds that extra “bite” or “scuff.” I use coated heads on all of my toms for this same reason. The next time you’re changing out your bass drum head, replace it with something like an Evans EMAD coated. It certainly can’t hurt and you may never go back.

3. Stop Using That Felt Beater

Think about it: You’re using wooden sticks in your hands to strike every other drum and cymbal around the drum kit. Then why would a felt beater be acceptable when striking the bass drum? Consider switching out your beater with a wood beater like this one from Pearl or something like the Drum Workshop two-way beater.

Remember, a great drum sound begins with you. It comes down to personal taste. After you’ve dialed in the sound and feel that works for you, consider these three simple tips the next time you’re recording or playing live.

Have other techniques and tricks that you use as well? Let us know! Leave your comments below.

Photo Credit

I recently had the opportunity to attend a local clinic with drummer Todd Sucherman. The clinic was hosted by Greenbrier Percussion and Pearl Drums and drew a room full of fellow drummers. If you don’t who Todd is, here’s a quick intro:

Todd has been playing the drums since he was kid. Over the years, he’s managed to win Modern Drummers reader’s poll for the #1 Rock Drummer, #1 Educational DVD as well as #1 Clinician in DRUM! Magazine. In between all of these number one’s, he’s toured the world with the multi-platinum rock band Styx.

Let’s just say I when I heard Todd was doing a clinic nearby, I was excited to find out what all the buzz was about!

The clinic started out with an introduction from Pearl Drums rep (and a great friend of mine) Ron Depew. Ron spoke a bit about the quality and integrity of their shells. I am already a huge Pearl advocate, so I just nodded my head in agreement. After Todd’s intro, he just played. He played along to several backing tracks and then soloed for at least 25 minutes or more.

Methods & Mechanics

Let me start by saying that you don’t win #1 in anything by not putting in years and years of practice and experience. There’s no question that Todd has paid his dues and then some when it comes to being a professional musician. There’s also no question that Todd is a fantastic drummer. He has chops out the wazoo and lock tight timing. However, this won’t be a review about his playing. That being said, I DO highly suggest picking up his Methods & Mechanics DVDS (Part I & II). Both DVD’s are fantastic, refreshing and inspiring.

What I took away from the clinic was Todd’s positive attitude, professional integrity and humbleness. Most guys on this type of level could hardly fit in the door because of the size of their head. Not this guy. Todd is passionate about his instrument. He portrays an appreciation for doing what he loves to do. And he doesn’t take anything for granted.

For example, Todd talked a lot about “getting the gig”. The bottom line, as Todd puts it:

“There are plenty of grumpy musicians in the world today who like to complain. Don’t be one of them. No matter if you’re playing the VFW hall in town or Madison Square Garden, be thankful for the gig. Do your due diligence on working on the songs, practice your tail off and show up on time. Be positive and have fun.”

That pretty much sums it up. Be positive and love what you do. In my opinion, it doesn’t get much simpler and inspiring than that.

In Summary

If you ever get a chance to attend a local drum clinic (or any music clinic for that matter) do yourself a favor and go. The experience of getting out and meeting like-minded musicians and shaking hands is irreplaceable. Watching YouTube videos and DVD tutorials is great, but don’t forget about the real life situations. It’s those moments that you’ll remember for a life-time. And if you’re a music store that hasn’t hosted a clinic yet, consider arranging one soon. There’s nothing more exciting that a community of musicians getting together to learn more from each other.

What about you? What’s your opinion on music clinics? I want to hear about some of YOUR experiences… Leave your comments below:

The following is a guest post by Niklas Blixt from Sweden.

Maximizing Productivity

I think most of you want to want to be as productive as possible. Not only do you want to make good music, you want to make a lot of it! Isn’t that true? I know that I want to! But sometimes it can be a bit tricky to find the time, especially if you’re not working full time with music. For example, I am a freelance drummer and I study music production. I need to find time to practice and study both.

To get things done you have to start using your time more wisely, eliminate procrastination and rid your time with distractions. I have found a tried and true way to maximize my productivity:  Meet “The Pomodoro Technique.”

What’s The Pomodoro Technique?

The technique is actually very simple. All you need is a timer or stopwatch. (e.g. a kitchen timer will do)

Here’s how it works: You decide a task you want to work on, set the timer to 25 minutes and get to it.

The key is to focus on the one thing you’ve decided to work on and try to get as much done before the timer goes off. You don’t really have to finish the task you’re working on, but when the timer goes off after 25 minutes, you stop doing what you’re doing and take a break for 5 minutes. The important thing here is to take an actual break.

If your working on a new mix, for example,  hit SAVE and walk away. Set the timer again to 5 minutes, grab a cup of coffee, talk a walk or read the paper. The important thing is to do something less “focus demanding” for 5 minutes.

After the break, set the timer again to 25 minutes and continue where you left of. When you’ve done four sets of 25 minutes in a row, with a 5 minute break in between, instead of taking a 5 minute break take a 15 minute break and so on.

Focus on What’s Important

While practicing this technique, I am finding myself getting MORE done in less time. Additionally, I’ve found that using this technique while practicing drums, I’ve gotten a lot better quicker than before. And how is this possible? The answer is focus.

By working in sets of 25 minutes you’ll start focusing in what’s important to get things done. While working on a mix, it’s easy to try out every plug-in on a track and before you know it you’ve spent 3 hours searching for an EQ for that vocal-track without really moving forward with the mix.

The point is to set short-terms goals, prioritize your tasks at hand and just get it done.

Avoid the Pitfalls

There is a few things to keep in mind to be successful with this technique. First, try to keep the 25 minute periods as uninterrupted as possible. Have a notepad beside you to write down things that come to mind that have nothing to do with what you’re working on for the moment. Just quickly write it down and then continue with what you were doing. Turn your phone on silent and ABSOLUTELY NO TWITTER, FACEBOOK AND E-MAIL CHECKING. You can check in on that during your breaks.

The second thing is to really take a break after 25 minutes. This can be a bit tricky at the beginning. But once you get the hang of it it’s amazing what a major difference it makes to really concentrate on one specific task for 25 minutes and then take a rest. And there is something magical about setting a deadline. It makes you concentrate and work a little more streamlined to achieve the goal you’ve set up.

The Bottom Line

I think we all want to be more productive when we work on things and we can all be more effective, we just have to learn how. And for me “The Pomodoro Technique” really works. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose!

For more in depth information visit: www.pomodorotechnique.com.

Love from Sweden,

Niklas J. Blixt – www.niklasjblixt.com

Photo Credit