From RVs to Sheds: The Unconventional Journey Behind This Year's Must-Hear Metal Album!
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Unleashing Chaos: The Unorthodox Recording Journey of Loathe’s Latest Metal Masterpiece
If the colossal groove of Erik Bickerstaffe in Loathe’s Revenant feels like a wild ride on the edge of a cliff, its as the guitarist laid down the track while the band cruised down the highway in their RV. This is just one of the many spontaneous moments they encountered while independently recording, producing, and mixing their highly anticipated third album, A Stranger to You.
“I found myself in a foldable chair, the kind you’d typically see at a picnic, completely sunk into it,” Bickerstaffe reminisces about that chaotic session. Meanwhile,bassist Feisal El-Khazragi was keeping an eye on the recording via a laptop perched on the RV’s kitchen counter. “The direct input was horrendous, running thru a generator. But once we re-amped it, it really added a unique character to the sound. It’s a wild and messy part, anyway.”
Recording in Unconventional Spaces
Alongside their RV, the band also recorded in various Airbnbs, Bickerstaffe’s shed, and even at Peter Gabriel’s renowned real World Studios for the drum tracks. The latest album captures a percussive dissonance reminiscent of their 2020 release, I Let It In and Took Everything, while amplifying the intensity wiht tracks like Revenant and Gemini.
Bickerstaffe describes A Stranger to You as a more contemporary reflection of the band’s evolving musical palette, delving deeper into previously hinted influences of progressive rock, fusion, and shoegaze. He cites inspirations from guitar legends such as Pat Metheny, Eric Johnson, David Gilmour, and the progressive metal band Meshuggah.
Dynamic Soundscapes and evolving Styles
The track Harder to Pretend, penned by drummer Sean Radcliffe, evokes a sophisticated city pop vibe, cranked up to an exhilarating level. Meanwhile, the nearly eight-minute epic Gifted Every Strength shakes the room with its heavy grooves before transitioning into Bickerstaffe’s smooth jazz-inspired solo and a serene acoustic conclusion.
This evolution in sound illustrates Loathe’s journey beyond their initial ambition of being the loudest and most abrasive band around. Their growth reflects a broader dynamism that has captivated audiences and critics alike.
(Image credit: Gabe Becerra)
Bickerstaffe explored a range of tones, from explosive to subtle, using his silver-panel Bassman and various Global Audio and Neural plugins. He crafted riffs with Telecasters, Strats, a Lothario baritone, and more.
Recently, he showcased a playthrough of Revenant to promote Gretsch’s latest line of Electromatic CVT and Jet baritones, marking his first advertisement for the guitar brand. However, he didn’t receive the instruments in time to feature them on the album.
“It would have been fantastic because they sound incredible,” he admits, adding with a playful hint of regret, “After I finished re-recording for Gretsch, I sent it to Ed Al-Shakarchi, who mixed the album with us, and we both thoght, ‘Wow… this sounds so much better.’”
Bickerstaffe chuckles, “But it is what it is!”
From rvs to Sheds: The Unconventional Journey Behind This Year’s Must-hear Metal Album!
From RVs to Sheds: The Unconventional journey behind This Year’s Must-Hear Metal Album!
the Road Less Traveled: Recording in Unique Spaces
this year’s standout metal album has taken a refreshingly unconventional approach to its recording process. Instead of the typical studio habitat, the band opted for a variety of unique locations, including RVs, sheds, and even Airbnbs. This creative decision not only added character to the music but also reflected the band’s adventurous spirit.
Why Choose Unconventional Spaces?
Authenticity: Recording in non-traditional settings allows for a raw and genuine sound that can resonate more deeply with listeners.
Adaptability: Artists can work on their own schedule, free from the constraints of a studio environment.
Inspiration: Unique surroundings can spark creativity and lead to unexpected musical ideas.
Behind the Scenes: the Recording Process
The journey of creating this album was filled with spontaneity and experimentation. The band members embraced a “throw-it-up-and-just-go” mentality,capturing moments of inspiration as they traveled. Here’s a closer look at their recording process:
Key Recording Locations
Location
Purpose
Unique Features
RV
Guitar Tracking
Mobile setup with a relaxed vibe
shed
Vocal Recording
Soundproofed for better acoustics
Airbnb
Drum Tracking
Varied acoustics and unique ambiance
Real World Studios
Professional Drum Recording
High-end equipment and experienced engineers
Creative Challenges and Solutions
Recording in unconventional spaces came with its own set of challenges. Here are some of the hurdles the band faced and how they overcame them:
1. Sound Quality Issues
One of the primary concerns was achieving high sound quality in less-than-ideal environments. As a notable example, while recording in the RV, the direct input (DI) was subpar due to the generator noise. The solution? Re-amping the tracks later to enhance their character.
2. Limited Equipment
With limited access to professional gear, the band had to get creative. They utilized a mix of personal instruments and plugins to achieve the desired sound. This included:
Telecasters and Strats for versatile guitar tones
Universal Audio and Neural plugins for effects and processing
Innovative mic placements to capture unique acoustics
3. Time Management
Balancing travel and recording was a logistical challenge. The band learned to maximize their time by setting up quick recording sessions during travel breaks, ensuring that inspiration was never lost.
Insights from the Artists
band members shared their thoughts on the unconventional recording process, highlighting how it influenced their music:
Erik Bickerstaffe (Guitarist)
“Recording in the RV was a wild experience. It felt like we were capturing the essence of our journey, and that spontaneity translated into the music.”
Feisal el-Khazragi (Bassist)
“The unique environments pushed us to think outside the box. We experimented with sounds we wouldn’t have tried in a traditional studio.”
Benefits of an Unconventional Approach
Choosing to record in unconventional spaces offers several advantages:
Enhanced Creativity: New environments can lead to fresh ideas and innovative sounds.
stronger Band Dynamics: Working closely in unique settings fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships among band members.
Unique Sound: The resulting music often has a distinct character that sets it apart from mainstream releases.
Case Studies: Other Bands Who Took the Leap
Several other bands have embraced unconventional recording methods, leading to successful albums:
1. The Black Keys
The duo recorded their album Turn Blue in a variety of locations, including a home studio and a rented house, capturing a raw and authentic sound.
2.Bon Iver
Justin Vernon recorded For Emma, Forever Ago in a remote cabin, which contributed to the album’s intimate and personal feel.
3. Fleetwood Mac
The band famously recorded parts of Rumours in various locations, including their homes, which added to the album’s diverse sound.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Musicians
If you’re considering recording in unconventional spaces, here are some practical tips:
Plan Ahead: Scout locations in advance to ensure they meet your sound quality needs.
Be Flexible: Embrace spontaneity and be ready to adapt your plans as inspiration strikes.
Invest in Portable Gear: Use lightweight and versatile equipment that can easily be transported.
Collaborate: Work closely with your bandmates to foster creativity and ensure everyone’s ideas are heard.
First-Hand Experience: A Musician’s Perspective
One musician who recorded in a shed shared their experience:
“The shed was a game-changer for us. It was quiet, and we could really focus on the music. Plus, the acoustics were surprisingly good! It felt like our own little world where we could experiment without distractions.”
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