DAVE WILKINSON – ON THE RUN

After working with Dave Wilkinson on and off for the past month or so, we are finally mastering his rockin’ demo songs. Today we have been working on Feed My Mind, She Walks Away, and On The Run (On The Run MP3 at the top of the page). These are first 3 finished songs out of the 9 song demo tape.

The vocals were the focus today as we changed a lot of the backing vocals to make them blend in better. Basically minor changes to tighten it up a bit as well as some reverb and delay to give it some kick. I was impressed at how tight the songs were sounding by the end of all the mixing. The session today has inspired to finish up and tighten some of my own songs when I get home.

Everything went smoothly today and hopefully will continue to until we are done the Dave Wilkinson project. Stay tuned for more sample tracks from Dave Wilkinson and we’ll keep you posted on the demo details and more.

- Braden Gerace

Before today I was oblivious to what all the different boxes were for in a speaker system. Mark showed me and told me a little bit about how there is one reciever that operates the CD player, the radio, and cassette tape player. After that I screwed in some hinges for the door the T.V is on, allowing it to be angled for watching it at the dinner table and what not. What a great idea.

Now back in the studio I have just been tidying it up and keeping everything in order for the next recording day. I’m looking forward to helping out with some more recording in the near future.

- Braden Gerace

I’m impressed how much Dave is able to sing without taking a break. I know when I sing I just hit record and run through it then toss a couple harmonies over it and I’m done. But theres quite a huge sound difference when you get the harmonies precise and even add third harmonies. Dave seems to just make up harmonies as he goes and they sound great. I can tell he has been singing for awhile. Also there is minimal “studio magic” done to change the vocals. This gives it a more raw and rockin’ feel.

The style of the music reminds me of a mix between the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and the Foo Fighters. It’s good to hear that music like this is still being made. There are catchy hooks, heavy drums, and sweet guitar riffs. Everything a rock song needs.

- Braden Gerace

Yesterday in the studio I had a first-hand experience watching guitar tracks be put together for a few songs with Adam Tobe, Dave Wilkinson, and of course, Mark Pezzelato. It was interesting to see how much more there is to the song than what you actually notice by ear. The guitar parts were also not planned out before the session, so when they were laid down it was some musical magic. With my songs I like to do minimal tracks but I learned that the little things make a big difference.

I was impressed at how the guys would all contribute their individual ideas and still make it fit well all together. It seemed like every idea they came up with for the guitar would add to the Rock n’ Roll feel of the song. One of the coolest parts was when Adam improvised a solo and nailed it on the first take. As a guitar player it inspired me to experiment more with improvising guitar parts.

At home I have a small setup for recording where my Schecter guitar goes through a Digitech pedal and directly into my laptop. With my setup I get a decent sound for a decent price, but it doesn’t even compare to the sound quality and tone of the guitar here. Just from watching and helping setup, I learned a lot, like how it takes a trained ear and the perfect balance of tones to get a good sound out of the guitar. I hope to see more of these recording sessions and to continue learning how I can improve my own setup.

- Braden Gerace

Mark Pezzelato of Pezmosis Music Productions interviews Alex St. Kitts of Astrodroids at the Aurora Jazz Festival on the August long weekend of 2012. They talk about music, Astrodroids, and what to expect from their live show.

Here I am.  Skin and bones.

Till I leave, what I call home.

Few regrets, can’t complain.

Who am I and what’s my name?

What’s my name?

What’s my name? I am.

I am light, born and free.

No such thing, compares to me.

I am here, I am great.

What we think is what we create.

What we create.

What’s my name? I am here.

What’s my name? I am here.

Like the stars, burning bright.

Like the sun, coming out at night.

Like the mountains, tall and strong.

I’ll be here, but not for long.

Not for long.  Not for long.

You choose everything.  You may ask yourself; “If I choose everything, then why am I unhappy?”

The answer is simple, you have not let go.  You have not let go of past regrets.  You have not let go of the beliefs you hold onto.  You have not let go of who you think you are.  You are an infinite being with infinite potential.  You were given unique talents.  For some, it is very clear what their talents are right from the beginning.  For most, it is unclear.  You must uncover them.

How do you discover your hidden talents?  By exploring your inner being and letting go of everything you believe to be true about who you are.  You are not the things you possess, the job you have, the clothes you where, the house you live in, or the people you spend time with.  You are infinite, significant, and beautiful.  You are all knowing, all powerful, and abundant.  You are energy contained in human form.

Be true to yourself.  Be honest.  Be loving and caring.  Love yourself.  Love who you are.  Be and let be.  Desire nothing.

READ MORE at www.transformationsbook.com

Mike Stanfield, songwriter and front man for York Region based Blackdog Ballroom, sits with Mark Pezzelato to talk about all things music. In this interview you will hear about how Mike and his band won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, his projects, his aspirations and his inspirations. You will also hear the Blackdog Ballroom hits: Bodhi Tree, Sounds Like Now, Alright and 7.3 Seconds performed acoustically by the man himself, Mike Stanfield.

Check Blackdog Ballroom out on Facebook or on Youtube.

Head out to The Sister on March 30th to see Blackdog Ballroom live.

Comprised in 2005 A.D in Oak Ridges, Ontario, Bad Songwriting One Hundred and One, or BS 101 as they are more lovingly known to their stalkers, have come to be known for their cathartic lyrics, interactive stage performances, and profound musicianship. Originally a duo consisting of Pez on rhythm vocals and the guitarded and programming skills of Ballza Steele, the desire to interact and perform with a greater number of men overcame these creative masterminds and street performer Capo was asked to join the band on lead rhythm drums, as well as former back up dancer Insane Maclean to complete the foursome on rhythm bass.

Members: Claudio DiBaudio – Rythm Vocals
Stiletto McGreggor – Lead Guitar/Back Up Vox
Dr. D – Lead Bass/Back Up Vox
Antoni Anchovy – Lead Drums