Unleashing the Riffs: Alter Bridge Takes Over 5150 Studios for Their Most Powerful Album Yet!
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Alter Bridge: Crafting Their Heaviest Album Yet at 5150 Studios
In the bustling world of rock music, few guitarists are as active as Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge. Balancing commitments with Creed, Slash’s band, and even a tribute to Frank Sinatra, these six-string virtuosos are among the most industrious musicians in the industry today.
Despite their packed schedules, the duo prioritizes their work with Alter Bridge, the band that has evolved into a highly respected name in modern rock, thanks to their songwriting prowess and dynamic performances.
Choosing to record their self-titled eighth album at the iconic 5150 Studios in Los Angeles, a place rich in guitar legacy, the band aimed to channel the spirit of rock history into their new music.
A Heavier Sound Emerges
Myles Kennedy: “The track Tested and Able emerged with a heavy metal Morse code vibe. It’s incredibly rhythmic and tuned down. Knowing we where at 5150, a legendary spot for guitar riffs, definitely influenced us. Mark and I felt the pressure to deliver our most powerful riffs, which shaped the direction of this album.”
Reflecting on his early musical inspirations, myles recalls, “In the summer of 1983, while playing baseball with my brother, I first heard Eruption by Van Halen and their rendition of You Really Got Me by The Kinks.That day, I decided my path in life. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar work was nothing short of extraordinary. Eruption felt like it came from another planet-truly transformative.”
Shifting Focus to High-Energy Tracks
Mark Tremonti: “I reached out to Myles to discuss the idea of skipping ballads for this album, focusing instead on high-energy tracks. We both agreed, and when we got to the studio, the vibe was undeniably heavy. The last song we recorded, Hang by a Thread, turned out to be our ballad, though it’s not your typical ballad-it’s the most ballad-like track on the album.”
Myles: “The studio isn’t a flashy place; it’s designed for functionality, allowing artists to work without distractions. I appreciated that aspect. While some studios offer distractions like video games, 5150 is all about providing a great-sounding space with top-notch equipment. This focus was crucial in shaping our album.”
Creative inspiration from the Studio’s Legacy
Whenever thay faced creative blocks, the duo felt a connection to the studio’s storied past. ”It was almost as if the walls were guiding us, whispering, ‘Play the D chord!’ It felt like the spirit of the place was inspiring our next moves,” Myles shared with a laugh.
Exploring New Musical Territory
Tracks like Scales Are Falling showcase the band’s willingness to experiment and push musical boundaries. Mark: “That song became one of my favorite guitar moments on the album. My brother was surprised to learn that the melodic leads in the bridge were my work, as I usually lean towards a more aggressive style. The open G minor tuning adds a unique character to it.”
Myles: “The outro solo was my homage to David Gilmour. I love playing lead guitar, and this album allowed me to explore that. Scales Are Falling is unconventional; its phrasing keeps listeners guessing about where the ‘one’ is.It’s essential for us as a band to keep evolving and exploring new possibilities.”
Alter Bridge – Blackbird – YouTube
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Inside the Gear Choices of Alter bridge: Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti
As signature artists for PRS Guitars, Myles kennedy and mark Tremonti have distinct preferences when it comes to their gear, notably in the studio surroundings. Their choices reflect their unique styles and the sonic textures they aim to achieve in their music.
Signature Guitars and Their Unique Sounds
Myles: “I primarily use my PRS signature model, which is their inaugural T-style guitar. Being involved in its development was a privilege, as Paul and his team recognized my passion for this type of instrument. They reached out to see if I would be interested in collaborating on this project.”
He adds, “Designing a guitar from scratch is no easy feat. Even with a clear vision, every minute detail is crucial.This experiance has given me a profound respect for the research and development process.”
Mark: “I brought around seven guitars to the studio, but one in particular-a black and gray model adorned with a Van Halen sticker-became my go-to.” He explains,”We have a practice where PRS sends us various guitars,and we track individual songs with each one. Fans can then purchase the guitar that made it onto the album.This specific guitar was sent to me a few albums back, and I instantly felt a connection to it.Each guitar has its own character, but this one truly resonated with me, and I use it frequently.”
Alter Bridge – Scales Are Falling (Official Video) – YouTube
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Unique Experiences with legendary Instruments
Myles: ”In 2019, I had the possibility to perform Hallelujah in Paris using Jeff Buckley’s 1983 Telecaster. It was an incredible experience, though I felt a bit unworthy of such a historic instrument. I had to remind myself that it was just a guitar, part of a larger legacy. My goal was to honor that history without tarnishing it.”
He continues, “The album Grace gave me a similar feeling to when I first heard Eruption.It left me in awe, wondering, ‘What is happening here?!’ I felt that same excitement when I discovered Julian Lage’s music.”
Myles: “While it’s just an early-to-mid ’80s Telecaster, there’s something unique about how the pickup is wired. According to Matt Lucas from Matt’s Guitar Shop, there’s a technical flaw that contributes to its beautiful, shimmering sound. this imperfection adds to its charm, and when you plug it in, you instantly recognize that signature tone.”
The myles Kennedy Signature Model | PRS Guitars – YouTube
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Amplifiers: A blend of Preferences
Myles: “I typically use my Diezel VH4 amp. However, when we started recording at 5150 Studios, my amps were stored away, so I borrowed one of their 5150s, which sounded fantastic. Ultimately, we blended the tones of my VH4 with the 5150, and I plan to use both in my live performances.”
Mark: “For my sound, I primarily utilized the clean and overdriven channels of my PRS MT 100. Additionally, I incorporated my Synergy amp into the mix. I used the SLO II preamp alongside the MT 100’s dirty channel and paired the Fender-style TDLX preamp with the clean channel. The 5150 III in the studio delivered an incredible sound,so I combined all three. Like Myles, I intend to integrate this setup into my live rig.”
mark emphasizes, “I beleive in using multiple amplifiers to achieve a richer tone. Each amp has its unique frequency range, and when combined, they create a fuller sound. This method benefits both our band’s overall sound and my personal rig.”
(Image credit: Chuck Brueckmann)
Pedals and Effects: The Final Touches
Mark: “We utilized a variety of pedals in the studio, but the primary focus was on achieving a direct sound. The combination of our amps and effects allowed us to create a unique sonic landscape that defines our music.”
Exploring the Signature Sounds of Alter Bridge: Gear and Inspirations
For Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge, their choice of gear is pivotal to their sound. myles shares that his go-to effect is the Morley wah pedal, which he considers essential for his solos. “The wah adds a certain attitude and intensity that feels incomplete without it. This preference has been with me as my early days,” he explains.
Another key component in Myles’ arsenal is the Electro-Harmonix Micro Synth, which he describes as a “secret weapon.” He notes, “Our producer refers to it as ’the Alter Bridge pedal’ because he rarely uses it with other artists. What I love about it is its versatility; it produces a different sound each time we use it. We frequently enough track multiple takes to capture the perfect sweep.” This pedal has become a staple in their creative process.
Additionally, the band utilized the Kemper Profiler’s shimmer effect for the intro of their track Scales Are Falling. “It sounded fantastic in the demo, so we decided to keep it for the final cut. Interestingly, when the album was released, one of the first comments I received was about the Kemper shimmer, which made me think, ‘Nice ear!’” Myles recalls with a smile.
Alter Bridge – Playing Aces (Official Video) – YouTube
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Admiring Julian Lage’s Unique Style
Myles: “Julian Lage is a remarkable talent; he has a deep understanding of harmony.His ability to innovate is inspiring for all of us. It’s uncommon to hear a guitarist who isn’t just recycling the same ideas, and he consistently breaks new ground while making it seem effortless. I’ve watched some of his sessions with drummer Dave King,who is one of my favorites.Their musical chemistry is truly something special.”
Mark: “Julian’s playing is incredibly refined and smart, and I often find myself struggling to keep up. If you’re not well-versed in music theory, it can be challenging to grasp the intricacies of his style. Achieving that level of skill would require years of dedication, but I always strive to learn as much as I can from his work.”
Unleashing the Riffs: Alter Bridge Takes Over 5150 Studios for Their Most Powerful Album Yet!
Unleashing the Riffs: Alter Bridge Takes Over 5150 Studios for Their Most powerful Album Yet!
Alter Bridge: A Band of Titans
Alter Bridge has long been recognized as a powerhouse in the rock music scene, known for their intricate guitar work, powerful vocals, and emotionally charged lyrics. With a dedicated fan base and a string of accomplished albums, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music. their latest endeavor, recorded at the iconic 5150 Studios, promises to be their most ambitious project yet.
The Legendary 5150 Studios
Located in Los Angeles, 5150 Studios is synonymous with rock history. Originally built by the late Eddie Van Halen, this studio has been the birthplace of countless classic albums. The studio’s unique acoustics and state-of-the-art equipment provide an ideal environment for artists looking to capture their sound authentically.
Why 5150 Studios?
Rich History: The studio has hosted legendary artists, making it a dream location for any musician.
Top-notch Equipment: With high-end gear, artists can achieve the best sound quality.
Creative Atmosphere: The environment inspires creativity, allowing musicians to explore new ideas.
Creating Their Heaviest Album Yet
Alter Bridge’s decision to record their latest album at 5150 Studios was driven by their desire to create a heavier sound. The band aimed to unleash powerful riffs that would resonate with their audience. Lead guitarist Mark Tremonti and vocalist Myles Kennedy discussed their approach to songwriting and recording in this legendary space.
Songwriting Process
The songwriting process for this album was collaborative, with both Tremonti and Kennedy contributing their unique styles. They focused on crafting heavy riffs and intricate melodies that would define the album’s sound.
Key Elements of Their Songwriting
Heavy Riffs: The band aimed to create powerful guitar riffs that would be memorable and impactful.
Dynamic Vocals: Myles Kennedy’s soaring vocals complement the heavy instrumentation, adding depth to the tracks.
Emotional Lyrics: The lyrics explore themes of struggle, resilience, and triumph, connecting with listeners on a personal level.
Innovative Gear and Techniques
To achieve their desired sound, alter Bridge utilized a variety of innovative gear and recording techniques during their time at 5150 Studios.
Signature Equipment
Equipment
Description
Morley Wah Pedal
Essential for solos, adding attitude and character to the sound.
Electro-Harmonix Micro Synth
A secret weapon for creating heavy single-string lines.
Kemper Profiler
Used for its shimmer effect, enhancing the overall sound quality.
Recording Techniques
During the recording sessions, the band experimented with various techniques to capture their sound effectively:
Layering Tracks: Multiple takes were recorded to find the perfect sound for each riff.
Live Recording: Some tracks were recorded live to capture the energy of their performances.
Effects Processing: The use of effects like the Kemper shimmer added depth and texture to the music.
First-Hand Experiences at 5150 Studios
Both Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti shared their experiences recording at 5150 Studios, highlighting the impact of the environment on their creativity.
Myles Kennedy’s perspective
Myles expressed his excitement about recording in such a historic location. “Being at 5150 Studios felt like stepping into rock history. The energy in the room was palpable,and it inspired us to push our limits creatively,” he said.
mark Tremonti’s Insights
Mark added, “The studio’s acoustics allowed us to experiment with our sound in ways we hadn’t before. It was a transformative experience that shaped the album’s direction.”
Benefits of Recording at 5150 Studios
Recording at a legendary studio like 5150 offers numerous benefits for artists:
Access to High-Quality Gear: Artists can utilize top-of-the-line equipment that enhances their sound.
Creative Inspiration: The rich history of the studio motivates musicians to explore new ideas.
Professional Environment: A focused atmosphere allows for productive recording sessions.
Case Studies: Other Artists at 5150 Studios
Many renowned artists have recorded at 5150 Studios, each leaving their mark on the music world. Here are a few notable examples:
Artist
Album
Year
Van Halen
1984
1984
Metallica
Death Magnetic
2008
Linkin Park
Minutes to Midnight
2007
Practical Tips for Aspiring Musicians
If you’re an aspiring musician looking to make the most of your recording experience, consider these practical tips:
Choose the Right Studio: research studios that align with your musical style and goals.
Prepare Your Material: Have your songs well-rehearsed before entering the studio to maximize your time.
Experiment with Gear: Don’t hesitate to try different instruments and effects to find your unique sound.
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