Music Mixing Blog

BRilliant Use of Autotune

2009-05-30T20:15:00.001-05:00

This is one circumstance where i think AutoTune has been used briliantly and creatively. I'd like to make records with this guy.
Enjoy!
-Ken

Art, Painters, Sculptors, Cathedrals

2009-05-27T01:37:00.003-05:00

I just found this article, "The 101 Most Important Painters of All Time". Quite a coveted list to be on I'm sure. Anyway, I thought i'd post the article

101 Most Important Painters Of All Time

for you to check out. Growing up, i was bored with art, it didnt move me, i wasn't interested, etc... Turns out i just hadn't seen the right stuff yet. Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio can certainly come with its share of vanilla. I went to college in Boston and discovered the Boston Museum of Fine Art, and that was pretty cool, but when a major Monet exhibit came to the Museum, i went to see and i was blown away. maybe 100 of his master works. huge paintings covering half a wall sometimes. Thick coarse brush strokes that made much more sense to the eye looking from 30 feet away than from 5 feet away. I was hooked right then and there. Monet remains one of my favorites.

I love art, but i'm basically a sucker for the Masters. I dont really care who painted what, and i dont personally care to know the deep meanings that the painter is trying to convey. I just know what catches my eye and what i like. Artists like Picasso I'm torn. some of his works i really dig, and some i'm like "OK, i see thats the nose, thats the eye, but its just not doing much for me".

My favorite living painter is Paul Guy Gantner, and I am very fortunate to have one of his large paintings on my wall. I still smile every time i walk past it, and i still think its as beautiful as the day i got it. Art makes me happy... physically, smiling, happy. I truly enjoy it.

One of my favorite dead painters is Salvador Dali. He's just about the only painter who can make me like pastels (usually i like muted and earthy tones). His work is intense and challenging, imaginative, insane, bizarre, all wrapped into one. I got to see the biggest Dali Masterworks collection ever assembled at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. over 200 of his big paintings, plus sculptures, sketches, you name it. amazing amazing stuff brought from galleries and private collections all over the world for this exhibit. Now i have my own Dali wood etching. Its a collectors piece, but in the grand scheme of things, a very small one. I just love it because its Dali and its beautiful, I'll have it til i die, along with my Gantner. This is the one i have....

Dali - Purgatory 33

Like i said before, I really am just a sucker for the masters. Some of my favorites are Monet, Van Gogh, Pissarro, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Rubens, Renior, Rafael, Rembrandt, Seurat, Botticelli, I also love the sculpture of Rodin, Michelangelo, and a whole bunch of others i dont remember.

Funny, I also LOVE European Cathedrals, though i'm not religious. I can spend hours in them. Of course partly because of the amazing acoustics of those spaces. I was in Munich, Germany and wandered into a Cathedral there around 6pm. a boy's choir was beginning to sing and the chuch organist was playing the massive pipe organ. the Cathedral must have had about a 6 second long reverb, the sound just floating endlessly in the air like angels. Some of my favorite Cathedrals are The Notre Dame in Paris (because of the amazing gargoyles!!!), Westminster Abbey in London is MASSIVE, and dead people are buried under the floor and you cant help but walk on them, kinda cool in a weird way. Kings are buried there.

In Florence, Italy, the Santa Croce Cathedral is (all things considered) a fairly unassuming place as Cathedrals go, except for the fact that dozens of incredibly historic and famous figures are in tombs there in the main room, one next to the other, Dante, Michelangelo, Rossinni, Galileo!!!!! Holy cow. So many more. just to be in the same room with "them" was pretty inspiring. Their ghosts must have great parties. Pretty much everywhere in Europe I go, if there's a big Cathedral, its on the route. Maybe i'm getting a little bored with them lately, i mean there's only so many you can see before you've seen enough for a while, but mostly still they are awe inspiring from an artistic and acoustic standpoint.

So, I'm rambling, and i have mixing to do, and my break time is long over. time to get back to work. If you are not yet familiar with many of the names in this post. Start googling!! or better yet, if your in a major city with a good art museum, go check it out. I'll give you one secret. Art museums can be overwhelming. A part of you is always saying "i've got to see everything", or "How can i just walk right past this painting, its in a museum for gods sake, it must be good right?". The trick to enjoying museums is to learn to walk right past the stuff you dont care about until something catches your eye. Dont even slow down. normal walking speed until your eye tells you to stop, then enjoy THAT. Just about every museum just has way too much stuff, find the stuff that moves you and spend your time there.

-Ken Lewis

6 in 13

2009-05-05T23:36:00.002-05:00

What a run i've been having lately!! I havent been blogging much at all lately, which is too bad, i like to do it, but it might give you some insight into just how busy i am right now. complete craziness! First a NOTAR project update. The album is coming together beautifully. I am so proud to be a part of it (I'm producing, mixing, writing, performing, etc...). Most of the production is done, and I'm now finished with 5 songs, mixes and all. I feel like a Matador. I cant wait to let people start hearing the album, SO GOOD!!!!!

So....6 in 13. yep. I've worked on six #1 Albums in the last 13 months. Holy CRAP!!! I'm pretty happy about that. Not sure if there's ever been a 13 month stretch of my career that i could say that about. Though there have been 2 different times where i worked on 3 of the Top Ten Billboard albums. Thats a pretty crazy feeling as well. Anyway, this current run includes Danity Kane, Day 26, Young Jeezy, Kanye West, Notorious Soundtrack, and NOW Vol. 30.

Alas, (i said it, alas) i have more big news on the horizon. don't wanna jinx it. So much good stuff happening right now. I really feel like the planets are beginning to align and much of what i've worked so hard for the last several years laying the groundwork for is beginning to come to fruition.

Oh, one of those things, that is current public knowledge is 15 year old Ariana Grande. I produced four songs for her late last year. She is utterly awe inspiring to watch perform and to hear sing. Like a young Christina Aguilaria who can also act. Ariana finished a run on Broadway in January and then went out to LA. She was recently cast in an as yet to be titled Nickelodeon series that i think comes out in August. The show will make a pilot run of six episodes (i could be making that up, not sure) and hopefully (probably) the show will get picked up for a full season. She's also currently negotiating a contract with a major label, and if that label has any sense they will sign her in a heartbeat. No worries though, if that label doesnt sign her, she's already got significant other interest from other majors. This girl is on her way and its no surprise to me, she's gifted, driven, and has a great support network. I'm glad I'm a part of it.

OK, now I've REALLY got to get back to the mix currently on my console. another great song, and I'm inspired.

-Ken Lewis

MUST WATCH

2009-04-29T02:08:00.003-05:00

It has been WAYYYY too long since i blogged, but i saw this video tonight and damn near cried it was so moving. Things like this remind me how much i love music. This is so brilliant, i wish i would have thought of it. I'm not gonna give it away, you just gotta watch. Enjoy!!

STAND BY ME

-Ken Lewis

Notar & Counting Crows

2009-02-19T21:08:00.002-05:00

Well, I eluded to it in a previous blog. Now that I've got one song completely done and mixed, and about 12 more songs going in various stages of development or mixing, I feel comfortable blogging about this project. I am currently working with an exceptionally talented artist name NOTAR. You could call Notar a rapper, and in some ways thats spot on accurate, but I really like to just think of him as an artist. Musically, this project is a true combination of rock and hip hop. There are songs with straight up down south hip hop drums and loud raw rock guitars on top. Notar is an accomplished musician (trumpet), so its easy for us to speak in a musical language creatively, we can talk the language of hip hop, or rock, or music in general, which makes my job of producing so much easier and more creative. As songs get finished and posted, I'll give you links.
So, the team behind this record could be considered a bit of a dream team. Bruce Kirkland of Tsunami Entertainment is on board consulting on the non studio stuff. Bruce and Cael Kirkland connected me to the project, thanks guys!!!! The General behind the project is none other than Adam Duritz, lead singer of Counting Crows, and he is Executive Producer of the album. Adam signed Notar to his record label, Tyrannosaurus Records (one of my favorite record company names ever!!). Adam also performs on one of my very favorite songs on the album, called "Stranger", a very timely song about Iraq. Adam sings the hooks, Notar tackles the verses. As much of a pleasure as its been to work with Notar, its truly an honor to be working with Adam Duritz, as i am a big fan of Counting Crows and have seen them perform live more than any other label artist.
Side Story..... sometime back in the 90's, my friend Mike Habig came to NYC for work and i went in to have some dinner with him. On the way to his hotel, someone asked me if i wanted to buy scalped Counting Crows tix. They were playing at Hammerstein Ballroom right around the corner from the hotel and Mike and i decided, what the hell, we'll go. Neither of us were really fans at the time. that all changed. The show was being recorded for a live album called "Live Across A Wire" and it was also being broadcast live on MTV's Live at the Ten Spot. Lets just say that if you find the recording of "Round Here" from that concert album, well...... it probably changed my life. Counting Crows are one of the most musical bands on Earth. Anyway, that show changed my life. So, you can guess that while i dont think i've ever been star struck by anyone, it is immensely fun to be working with Adam Duritz to make this Notar record. With some luck and plenty of hard work, hopefully we'll be able to make Notar as big a household name as the Counting Crows. I think he possesses the talent.
Last weekend i brought in the lead singer of rockers "Silvertide" to sing a hook for Notar's album. OK, if you dont know who silvertide is, www.myspace.com/silvertide just listen to Walter's voice. then imagine him belting a raspy powerful rock vocal over a grimey hip hop beat. gave me chills. There are also rumors that Chris Carraba, the singer of Dashboard Confessional, might come in and sing a hook as well. And maybe if we're luck we'll get Adam on one more hook on the record. but dont get it twisted, Notar can sing a bit himself, and he tackles a few singing hooks himself very well. Notar's album will be called "Devil's Playground" and all of the songs on the record kind of fit that mood and theme, life on the dark side.
Anyway, keep your ears open for Notar. I've been brought to this project to bring it home. There are about ten songs that have been started but not finished, that i'll be doing (am currently doing) additional production on, and many songs that we're starting from scratch that i'm producing, and of course I'll be mixing the whole record as well. And i'm doing some writing on it, especially on the songs i'm producing. So far its coming out really hot and i'm very excited to be working on the record. I'm sure it'll be a running theme on this blog for the duration of the project, which could go for another month or two. Stay tuned!!!
-Ken Lewis

Kanye's "Heartless" is #2 Single in the Nation!!

2009-02-18T21:13:00.002-05:00

For those who havent read my blog recently, I played the staccato flute in "Heartless" that is the main drive of the song. "Heartless" hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Charts this past week. YEAH!!!

-Ken

"Welcome To Heartbreak" - Kanye Video

2009-02-18T21:01:00.003-05:00

Hello all,
I just saw that Kanye West posted the brand new video for his song "Welcome To Heartbreak", which i played piano on and also added a synth melody line at the end of the song. Lyrically, this is my favorite song on the album and I'm so glad to be a part of it! The video is an amazing feast of visual effects. Here's a link for you to watch the video. Make sure to leave em a comment and tell him that whoever played that piano line has magic fingers :-)

Welcome To Heartbreak - Video

Enjoy!

-Ken Lewis

Man On Earth Showcase. BE THERE!!!

2009-02-06T14:18:00.002-05:00

I produce an awesome NYC indie band called "MAN ON EARTH". Their big Music Industry Showcase is next Thursday, 7:30pm at Mercury Lounge in NYC. If you are an A&R, Manager, Label person, etc... You want to be at this show. Man On Earth just released a new album (produced & mixed by me :-) called "The Time Spent Wondering". You can check them out at MySpace.com/ManOnEarth. Watch the video's for "All We Want" and "Hold Your Breath and Brace For the Crash". This band has so much amazing stuff going on that i cant tell you everything here. Come to the showcase on Thursday and check them out!!!
Thanks!
-Ken Lewis

Still Hangin Tough on the Charts.

2009-01-29T19:23:00.002-05:00

Well, I cant complain. I worked on the #4 & #5 albums in the country again this week with Kanye West 808's & Heartbreak and The Notorious Soundtrack, and the Kanye single "Heartless" that i performed on dropped from #3 to #4 on the Hot 100 singles charts this week, and "Heartless" was the Greatest Airplay Gainer on the charts as well. I've got several things in the works right now that could break big soon, Lee Carr, Marina Chello, Small Town Sleeper, and a couple more things. keeping my fingers crossed for a great 2009. It sure feels like its going to be a great year so far!
-Ken Lewis

Console in Pieces

2009-01-29T19:18:00.002-05:00

This happened a few months ago, but i just looked at the picture today and thought it would be an interesting thing to post a picture of. A few months ago, a power supply in my console blew up. Unfortunately, to fix this problem, i had to take apart most of the console, which was a heart wrenching experience. Thought you might want to see what an SSL console in pieces looks like.

-Ken Lewis

NOTORIOUS #1

2009-01-22T11:57:00.002-05:00

Its quite a nice week for me on the Billboard charts. This week, Kanye West's "808's & Heartbreak" album falls from #3 to #5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts, and his single "Heartless" stands pat at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Charts. But the big news this week is the debut of the NOTORIOUS SOUNDTRACK, which hit the Billboard Top R&B / Hip Hop Albums Chart at #1, as well as the Billboard Top Soundtracks Chart at #1, and also nods at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This is my 27th #1 album of my career, what a great way to start the year!

-Ken Lewis

DIAMOND CONFESSIONS

2009-01-19T04:25:00.002-05:00

Finally. I have waited patiently. So patiently. The Usher "Confessions" album just went DIAMOND (10 Million sold in the USA). That record has been sitting at 9 million sold for the longest time!!! this is my first Diamond Album, and the way records aren't selling anymore, it will most likely be my last. One is plenty enough for me. I can't wait to get the plaque for it. I've been holding out on ordering it until the album crossed the Diamond threshold and now that it has i think i need to get a retardedly big plaque for it. On Confessions, i worked on a song called "Throwback", one of my favorite songs of my career. I mixed it, and also did some vocal recording on the song with Usher, and i played guitar on it as well. Boy the good news just keeps rolling in!! Not even 3 weeks in yet and 2009 is charging out of the gates.

-Ken Lewis

"HEARTLESS" jumps to #3!!!

2009-01-17T13:22:00.002-05:00

Also an Honorable Mention to "Heartless" for capturing the #1 Spot on the RINGTONE CHARTS with "Heartless". I don' think i've ever worked on a #1 Ringtone before!

-Ken Lewis

Surefire Music Group - Songwriting Sessions

2009-01-16T17:41:00.002-05:00

Yesterday (Thursday) i did a 16 hour writing session with the producers and songwriters of Surefire Music Group from Boston, Ma. WOW, these are some incredibly talented cats. Yesterday they rolled in seven deep, and everyone contributed. First off, they drove down from Boston for a one day writing session in NYC and drove home at 5am after we wrapped the session. Thats hard core. The last time they came down several months ago, they got pulled over in Rhode Island and their car got impounded. Instead of going back to Boston, which was much closer than NYC, they rented a car and continued on their trip down to New York. THAT is dedication. So it comes as no surprise to me that the Surefire guys have been scoring label placements left and right lately. They produced 9 songs on the up coming star studded Lisa 'Lefteye' Lopez tribute album due out January 27th. They also placed 3 songs with Marina Chello (Bad Boy / Crazy Joint), and 5 songs with the Hulkster's daughter, Brooke Hogan. I heard the songs. Brooke Hogan is no joke! Great songs and she's an excellent singer and songwriter.

I think we will definitely place some of the songs we wrote yesterday, those are some talented cats! So, expect big things in 2009 from Surefire Music Group, as well as my own production team, The Skywalkers (me, Brent Kolatalo, and possibly one more soon!).

-Ken Lewis

Lee Carr - Jive

2009-01-14T04:16:00.003-05:00

Lee Carr was over to the studio today to wrap up mix revisions on another one of his potential singles. His current single "Breathe" (which i mixed here) is currently building momentum at radio. That song is a SMASH!!! hear it at his website MySpace.com/LeeCarr

Lee also played me a new song of his (cant tell you the name yet) that absolutely blew me away. If everyone does their job (and i'm certainly doing mine), Lee Carr should be a household name by summertime. I'm about 9 mixes into his album at this point. Almost done with the album.

Oh so much more going on. too much to tell, and too many things floating up in the air right now, but wow, i feel good about this year!

-Ken Lewis

My Next Two Hits - Marina Chello

2009-01-12T04:18:00.004-05:00

I'm currently (among many other things) mixing an album for new artist Marina Chello. Marina is the first artist signed to Bad Boy Records President Harve Pierre's imprint label "Crazy Joint Records". Harve hired me to mix Marina's entire album (we're four songs in at this point) and we just finished mixing the first and second singles. "Whats Done is Done" and "Sideline". You can hear them on Marina's Myspace page, MySpace.com/MarinaChello

I believe "Whats Done Is Done" was produced by Mario Winans and Harve Pierre, and "Sideline" was produced and written by Adam Messenger and Naseri. I've also started mixing a few songs on Marina's album produced by the incredibly talented Boston production & writing team "Surefire Music Group", check them out HERE

I think "Sideline" is an absolute SMASH HIT. Dont get me wrong, I really like "Whats Done Is Done" as well, but i think "Sideline" is going to be the one that makes Marina Chello a household name. take a few minutes and give her a listen, and drop her some love on her MySpace page and tell her i sent you! What a great start to the year! And on top of this, the NOTORIOUS SOUNDTRACK comes out this Tuesday and the movie Friday. I have a very special mix on that album as well. "One More Chance" by Biggie featuring his son CJ, as well as Mary J Blige and Faith Evans. Pinch me please.

-Ken Lewis

Kanye's Heartless Cracks Top 5!!

2009-01-03T15:18:00.002-05:00

What a great way to start my New Year!!! "Heartless" jumps to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart!

2008 - Auld Lang Syne

2008-12-31T17:34:00.000-05:00

Another year has passed us by. Where does the time go?! 2008 turned out to be quite a great year for me career-wise. This years highlights included scoring four #1 albums!!! (Danity Kane, Day 26, Young Jeezy, Kanye West). On top of that, i mixed a Top Ten Billboard Single, "Damaged" - Danity Kane, and played on another Top Ten single "Heartless" - Kanye West.

To start 2008 off, i bought an SSL mixing console, which has been a great investment. I've worked with many great artists this year, and at my own studio, I've mixed songs this year by (or featuring) Danity Kane, Day 26, Lee Carr, Fabolous, Joe Budden, The Game, Sullee, Busta Rhymes, Donnie Klang, Marina Chello, Notorious BIG (Notorious Soundtrack), Ariana Grande, Josh Xantus, Jadakiss, Ben's Brother, Joss Stone, Bizzie Bone, King Phaze, DMX, Sheik Louche, Stylez P, KK Alese, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, and I'm sure I'm forgetting someone. In addition, I mixed an album here for Asian mega-star "Rain". I also created alot of music here for three songs on Kanye's new "808's & Heartbreak" album and worked on Jeezy's album here too. And i've done mixes elsewhere featuring Rick Ross, Fat Joe, P Diddy, Mario Winans, and others. As i'm writing this off the top of my head, i'm sure i'm forgetting some great label clients, but wow! What a year!!!!

That all doesnt even scratch the surface of some of the great indie projects I've been fortunate enough to be involved with in 2008. Start to finish, this has truly been a great year, and I have loved every minute of it. Having said all that, i think 2009 is going to top 2008. I dont know how for certain yet, but i have very high hopes for 2009, and every bone in my body tells me its going to be a phenomenal year. I'm really excited about a new artist I'll be developing, as well as some seriously awesome songwriters i've been working with. Watch out for my Skywalkers Production team to have a serious breakout in 09. I was also recently contacted by one of my musical idols about doing some production and mixing for an artist he is developing. I wont say who he is until the gig fully materializes, which should be soon, but lets just say that round here we stay up very very very late. And i'll leave it at that. I am VERY excited about that project, as it might also include another one of my favorite artists as a guest appearance. All i can do is Breathe in for Luck.

2009 should start off with a bang credit-wise as i will have my first big release of the year on January 13 with the NOTORIOUS SOUNDTRACK. I'm hoping to add to my current tally of 48 Gold & Platinum records with that Soundtrack, and i hope to finally surpass 50 by the end of the year. I got 4 more plaques this year so two more for 2009 doesnt seem like an insurmountable goal to achieve. Lee Carr's album on Jive Records could certainly bring me to 50. Watch out for Lee's new single "Breathe" which i mixed here. it is a GREAT song and should be a big hit if Jive does their job, and the album will hopefully be a big hit as well. Its truly a collection of great songs, which i rarely say, but he's really got some heat on that album, with plenty of singles to follow "Breathe".

2009 should also see the release of the first single and album by "Small Town Sleeper". they are signed to my production company as well as Upper11 / Fontana Records. I developed them and got the band their record deal then produced and mixed their album "Conversations". Check it out on itunes! The label is gearing up to go to pop radio with STS's first single "Backseat", a song that I've known could be a big hit from the first moment i heard the acoustic demo. Small Town Sleeper has already toured with Daughtry as well as Candlebox and has shared the stage with many other big big artists. Hopefully 2009 will see them capture the spotlight we've all worked very hard to get them.

So, now i'm off to enjoy my New Year's Eve with family and friends!!! I hope your 2008 was healthy, happy, and prosperous, and that your 2009 brings you all of the success and happiness you are striving for. I know it will bring that and so much more for me.

Happy New Year!!!

-Ken Lewis

Christmas Card

2008-12-24T22:19:00.003-05:00

Well, its Christmas Eve. This is the night my family always celebrates Christmas, so we've already had our Christmas dinner and opened some presents, but i wanted to send out a special Christmas Card to you, my family, friends, clients, co-workers, and everyone i've worked with this year. Thats ALOT of people!!! So, Merry Christmas to all of the artists, musicians, vocalists, producers, engineers, managers, label people, songwriters, blog readers and everyone else who has made this year such a memorable and exceptional year.

I really wanted to get Christmas cards out this year, but just about every minute of every day for months on end has been going from this mix, to that production, to this performance, to that songwriting session. Don't get me wrong, these are WONDERFUL problems to have. Being too busy in this business is truly a blessing, and fortunately for me, i still very much love what i do, thanks in large part to all of the genuinely great people i get to work with and around all the time.

So, i know this is kind of cheating, but its the best i could do this year. To all of you, have a very Merry Christmas!!!

-Ken Lewis

Kanye "Heartless" at #7

2008-12-20T00:38:00.002-05:00

Those staccato Flutes that come in right after the intro and basically keep time thru the song. Thats me. How could you bee so Heartless........

BMV is #1 in Macendonia

2008-12-14T14:13:00.002-05:00

Recently i finished production and mixing of an album by Icelandic pop rock artist "BMV". BMV has been busy promoting the album worldwide, and i just got word that the single "Runaway" is #1 in Macedonia of all places!!! For those geographically challenged, Macedonia is a small country in Europe bordered by Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, and Serbia & Montenegro.

Radio 106, the biggest station in the country, is spinning "Runaway" 14 times a day!!!! Holy Cow! You can hear "Runaway" and several other songs on BMV's myspace page at MySpace.com/BMVsounds

You can also buy the song straight from his MySpace page if you really like it. Don't be shy! Here's a screen capture of the Macedonia Chart. Quite an impressive list of artists beneath him :-)

-Ken

#1

2008-12-07T20:09:00.004-05:00

808's & Heartbreak

2008-11-27T09:54:00.002-05:00

Kanye West's new album, "808's & Heartbreak" came out Monday and is set to debut #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart next week (my 4th #1 album of the year - Danity Kane, Day 26, Young Jeezy). However, the title of the album holds special meaning to me, at least the HEARTBREAK part, because, once again, my work is all over the album, but my name is missing completely from the credits. UGH. This happened to me as well on Gold Digger which i created music for, but my name was absent from the credits.

I contributed music to "Heartless" (the steady staccato flute is mine), "Welcome to the Heartbreak" (the piano line is me), and My biggest contribution to "808's...." is on the song "Robocop". There's a string section that starts the song, its a simple steady marching string section. Thats not me. Thats Larry Gold's string section. when the chorus comes in ("OK, OK, OK, you'll never stop it now") the big soaring orchestra in that section is all 100% me. and the orchestral music underneath the "Cause I dont want a Robocop...." is also all me.

When i say all me, I created it all. A basic breakdown of the instrumentation i used, all from sample libraries, alot from IK Multimedia's Miroslav Philharmonik, as well as East West Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra Platinum, and some of my other EXS 24 Logic sound libraries. Basically an entire orchestra, 1st violin section, 2nd violin section, viola section, cello section, double basses, french horns, trumpets, trombones, flute, piccolo, oboe, clarinet, english horn, harpsichord, tympani, orchestral snare, glockenspiel, and bassoon. It took me about 9 or 10 days to create it all, as there are several different passages, and lets face it, trying to create a full orchestra that fools the ear is quite an undertaking if you want it to sound real. Of course, Kanye sped up the orchestra, which also raised the pitch by 300 cents, so if you want to hear exactly what it sounds like at its originally created speed and pitch, you'll have to slow the record down, just like slowing a vinyl record down to drop the pitch by 300 cents. In fact, when i get back to my studio, i will take a clip from the chorus and do just that, and post it here for listening. I'd love to post a clean file of only the orchestra, but while i did all of the work, the record company owns all of the rights to it, so I can't really do that.

I was called in to work on the songs very near the completion of the album. In fact, as soon as i would finish something, and Kanye would approve it, I would send it straight off to Manny Marroquin in LA so he could drop it into the mixes (I think Manny mixed the whole album). I hope and suspect that the lateness with which i was called to contribute is why my name got left off, as i assume the credits and artwork had already gone to press. I was literally working on this album the first week of November and it was released on November 24th, which is virtually unheard of in the record making world. Though actually, the same time frame happened when i was working on Young Jeezy's album, and they managed to get me properly credited.

All i can say about it is that i love the album, and I'm very proud to be a part of it, but it is utterly depressing to not be properly credited for my work time and time again. People like me survive and thrive from the credits we earn, and when that credit is left off, its like taking money straight out of my pocket from lost future work. I will still of course put the credit on my discography, but the millions of albums that should have my name in them, won't. What can i say, Welcome To The Heartbreak.

-Ken Lewis

Joe Budden brings The Game

2008-11-17T03:43:00.004-05:00

I just finished mixing the first single on Joe Budden's upcoming album. The song is called "The Future" and it features The Game as well. I did some mixing on The Game's first album "The Documentary", and also mixed a track that he rhymed on from Cuban Link's last album, so this is the third time i've gotten to mix him. Joe Budden and i go back to his first Def Jam album as well when i mixed 3 songs for his album. I've done lots of mixing for Joe over the years and I think he's one of the most lyrically gifted rappers on earth. The Game is no joke by any means either. I heard a mix tape a while back that The Game was on and he must have rhymed for about 5 minutes nonstop, no hook, just a straight verse, blazing hot.

Anyway, this song should actually start hitting clubs by the end of the week, and i imagine they'll start rolling out radio promo by the new year. Keep an ear out for it, i love the song! Tomorrow i have to wake up crazy early and mix a very special song for Bad Boy Records. I'm not sure if i can talk about it yet, so i'll hold off on details til i know its safe, but i'm excited about it. A great way to start off the week!

-Ken Lewis

Ariana Grande's Leading Lady Debut on Broadway

2008-11-15T16:49:00.003-05:00

What a week. Let me back up to July. In July i began producing 14 year old Ariana Grande. Envision the voice of Christina Aguilara with loads of charisma, excellent acting skills and stage presence, etc... I produced 4 songs for her which are getting mastered in a couple days. they came out spectacular, i'm very happy with them. Well, Ariana is also in the cast of the new critically acclaimed Broadway play "13" the Musical. Envision the Junior School version of High School Musical, except more honest and realistic and you have "13". Nothing against High School Musical at all, but you know, its Disney, there are only so many subjects they can honestly tackle without the Disney censor.
Anyway, out of over 7,000 kids who auditioned for the play, Ariana was cast as "Charlotte" and she also understudys the lead role of "Patrice". Well, last night was Ariana's time to shine. She got the call 3 hours before curtain that Friday Nov 14th would be her debut as Patrice in the leading role. She has understudied the role for a couple months, but has never had a full rehearsal with the cast, so there was plenty of tension and anticipation as to how well the show would go and how she would handle the pressure and opportunity. Well. Lets back up to Wednesday night.

Wednesday night i saw "13" for the first time, with Ariana in her cast role as "Charlotte" which she totally rocked. and I got to see the regular Patrice lead (her name escapes me but she's fantastic). So, from the Wednesday show, i knew how the Patrice role was supposed to be played and could compare Ariana's performance in the role on Friday night. Ariana ROCKED the lead role of Patrice and her lead debut! She flawlessly stepped into the role and onto the stage last night and hit every note, every cue, every stage position like she was born for the role. Scary good. I think this girl hasa very bright future, she's one to watch, and i'm lucky i get to watch from up close. check her out at Myspace.com/arianagrande and check out "13" at www.13themusical.com

-Ken Lewis