I just got home from mixing The Violet Flames at The Espy in St. Kilda. The Violet Flames were freakin awesome and the crowd was amazing. They're only a 3 piece band but don't let that fool you because they sound HUGE! I had such a great time mixing the boys.
On a side note, St. Kilda was windy tonight but thank God it wasn't freezing. It was the calming kind of windy beach weather, the kind that you'd want to take a slow stroll by the shoreline and listen to the water crash into the sand and rocks. There was something about the St. Kilda air that made it romantic. I wish the weather stays this way so we don't freeze out butts off when the wife and I go see The Cat Empire soon.
On a completely random note, in my quest to find a healthier snack, I bought those low fat crackers from Safeway the other day and guess what, it is absolutely tasteless or rather, it tastes like cardboard and it's so hard that it cuts your mouth! So, goodbye low fat crackers. Moving right along to the next snack please.
On a side note, St. Kilda was windy tonight but thank God it wasn't freezing. It was the calming kind of windy beach weather, the kind that you'd want to take a slow stroll by the shoreline and listen to the water crash into the sand and rocks. There was something about the St. Kilda air that made it romantic. I wish the weather stays this way so we don't freeze out butts off when the wife and I go see The Cat Empire soon.
On a completely random note, in my quest to find a healthier snack, I bought those low fat crackers from Safeway the other day and guess what, it is absolutely tasteless or rather, it tastes like cardboard and it's so hard that it cuts your mouth! So, goodbye low fat crackers. Moving right along to the next snack please.
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All Broken Scar's music is available on www.reverbnation.com/brokenscar
All Broken Scar's music is available on www.reverbnation.com/brokenscar
Labels: Audio Work, Live Mixing, Melbourne, St. Kilda, The Violet Flames
I felt like a superhero last Saturday when I saved the day by providing an ipod connector cable to the girls hosting the show before us at SYN 90.7. The girls had some problems with their audio playback and I helped fix it simply by swapping the ipod cable. It's nice to chip in and help out whenever I can.
I sometimes feel like over-preparing is a waste of time because 9 out of 10 times I over-prepare or over-pack equipment, things tend to run smoothly. The extra equipment that I had packed would render quite useless. But that leaves us to that one time that something or everything will go wrong and having the right equipment at hand will just make you look like a hero.
I pack extra guitar cables with me when I mix bands. You never know, a guitarist might have rushed to the gig and forgot his cables and when he yells, "Does somebody have a quarter inch guitar cable", I can swoop in and say, "Here you go, Sir". There are also tonnes of other stuff that I pack with me when I mix bands and half of what I pack hardly ever gets used but I am ready when the time calls for it.
I mixed three bands last night at The Espy in St. Kilda. Johnny Uppercut was up first, followed by Madonna and The Final Eclipse headlined the show. I was contemplating whether to bring in all the extra gear or not because I had not mixed at The Espy's basement before. I went back and forth in my mind and I finally decided to lug all that gear down to the show. Boy, was it worth it. The Yamaha SPX 90 II effects unit that I had saved the day. It would have gone well even without it, but it was really the icing on the cake. It made the vocals come alive and made the bands sound awesome. Sometimes, the little things count. I could have just gone with the standard and mic up just the kick, snare and vocals, but I went the extra mile to mic up the kick, snare, toms, guitar cabs and DI-ed the bass. The extra work is definitely worth it. The bands were happy, the crowd was happy and I was definitely happy. All in all, it was a very good night of awesome music.
I sometimes feel like over-preparing is a waste of time because 9 out of 10 times I over-prepare or over-pack equipment, things tend to run smoothly. The extra equipment that I had packed would render quite useless. But that leaves us to that one time that something or everything will go wrong and having the right equipment at hand will just make you look like a hero.
I pack extra guitar cables with me when I mix bands. You never know, a guitarist might have rushed to the gig and forgot his cables and when he yells, "Does somebody have a quarter inch guitar cable", I can swoop in and say, "Here you go, Sir". There are also tonnes of other stuff that I pack with me when I mix bands and half of what I pack hardly ever gets used but I am ready when the time calls for it.
I mixed three bands last night at The Espy in St. Kilda. Johnny Uppercut was up first, followed by Madonna and The Final Eclipse headlined the show. I was contemplating whether to bring in all the extra gear or not because I had not mixed at The Espy's basement before. I went back and forth in my mind and I finally decided to lug all that gear down to the show. Boy, was it worth it. The Yamaha SPX 90 II effects unit that I had saved the day. It would have gone well even without it, but it was really the icing on the cake. It made the vocals come alive and made the bands sound awesome. Sometimes, the little things count. I could have just gone with the standard and mic up just the kick, snare and vocals, but I went the extra mile to mic up the kick, snare, toms, guitar cabs and DI-ed the bass. The extra work is definitely worth it. The bands were happy, the crowd was happy and I was definitely happy. All in all, it was a very good night of awesome music.
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All Broken Scar's music is available on www.reverbnation.com/brokenscar
All Broken Scar's music is available on www.reverbnation.com/brokenscar
Labels: Audio Work, Live Bands, Live Mixing, The Espy, The Limelight Hour
I was in Adelaide over Friday and Saturday with The Bright Star Alliance, finishing up the last show of the tour and this is what I got up to.
The Giant Koala. Everyone who drives through from Melbourne to Adelaide has to stop for this! I'm still wondering what it's made off.
This is what we do during the long drives. We take photos! The drive only took us close to eight hours which was way shorter than to Newcastle.
Nikki bass
Chillin in the van, heading to Adelaide. Oh, and the view outside was just majestic. I took some photos but it just won't do it any justice. You definitely have to take a drive to see for yourself. I am so tempted to take another drive down those roads. Oh, and the cross wind was hardcore. It was nothing like the tiny ones back in Malaysia. The winds were so strong, I actually swerved the van, thinking that I had a flat tyre. When I got out of the van to check the tyres, they were fine. The winds were just that strong.
The gear behind me. We packed a little lighter this time round since it was just an overnight trip.
At The Fowlers, Adelaide. This is the green room downstairs. It's got this feel as though there has been heaps of history in that place. Lots of famous people would have walked those corridors.
The dressing room. How popstar is that? Look at the mirrors!
The Lounge. I really liked the chilled out vibe. There are also bathrooms in the area, for obvious reasons.
The main entrance
Mr. Castley, restringing and getting some fresh air out in the open
Mr. Barker, multi-tasking
The Yamaha PM3000 that I mixed on. Really nice desk to work on. Love the VCAs.
The line-up
Err...me?
A glimpse of the stage before the show
The bar area
Deez Nuts Merch. They had heaps of merch man.
I can't seem to resist old skool games. I just can't get away from them.
I know the high score isn't all that much but hey, I'm still 1st and 2nd.
I eventually beat my high score and got 77080. Woohoo!
Headliners, Deez Nuts
The stage, after the show.
Pictures today, stories tomorrow.
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
Labels: Adelaide, Audio Work, Australia, The Bright Star Alliance
Day Two & Three: Canberra & Sydney
0 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Friday, September 12, 2008 at 2:19 PM.
Hello from Castlehill, NSW. I finally have some time to sit down and update compared to the last one which was such a hurry. I literally had to run out of the Internet cafe the moment I hit "post".
Anyway, I'm hanging out in a huge mansion with a swimming pool and all (Pictures when I get back to Melbourne). It's awesome! To be honest, the last two days have been a big blur but it's been a great trip so far. I'm trying real hard to recall the events of the past 48 hours and here goes.
Day Two: 11 September 2008
After staying overnight at Mikey's place in Newcastle, we drove to Canberra on Thursday afternoon. The gig in Canberra was at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre and there wasn't much that I could do, sound wise. I ran my kick mic, a snare, lead vox and ran my wireless mic for Mitch's vox. It still sounded good despite the modest equipment provided. My 901 is amazing for the kick. It's the best piece of equipment I have! I also mixed headliners, The Red Shore. Had a panic attack after we left the venue though. I left my bag behind and we had to turn around to get it. I felt like an idiot. We drove into the night and headed past Sydney to Castlehill. We drove past the Hillsong church, which I think is the main church.
Day Three: 12 September 2008
So now we're just chilling in this mansion. Had an easy breakfast and the rest of the boys are shooting some pool. I was so tired last night I fell asleep instantly. I think the key to getting a good sleep is tiring yourself out dry. But then again, it was 6am when we went to bed. It's a good thing we got today off to just chill a bit. I need the rest just to organise my brain a bit. It's all over the place right now. I'm gonna go take a shower and catch up with the boys now. I'm gonna go explore the house! We're heading out to St. Claire tomorrow.
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
Labels: Audio Work, Australia, Tour
Day One: Newcastle
0 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 11:52 AM.
9 & 10 September 2008
Quick update from Newcastle. Spent close to 15 hours on the road from Melbourne to Newcastle. The boys played a sick set last night at The Lucky Country.
Heading out to Canberra NOW!
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
Quick update from Newcastle. Spent close to 15 hours on the road from Melbourne to Newcastle. The boys played a sick set last night at The Lucky Country.
Heading out to Canberra NOW!
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
Labels: Audio Work, Australia, Tour
On Tour With The Bright Star Alliance
0 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Monday, September 08, 2008 at 11:32 AM.
These are the current dates of The Bright Star Alliance tour and I'll be heading out with the boys tomorrow evening. So if you're in the area when we head into town, feel free to give me a buzz. Would be good to catch up.
10 Sep 2008.
Hells Night @ Lucky Country 18+ w/red shore.
Newcastle, New South Wales
11 Sep 2008.
Tuggeranong Youth Centre AA w/red shore.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
13 Sep 2008.
St Clare Rec Center AA w/red shore.
St Clare, New South Wales
14 Sep 2008.
Chili Longe 18+ w/red shore.
Wyong, New South Wales
26 Sep 2008.
Fowlers With ’Deez Nuts’.
Adelaide, South Australia
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
10 Sep 2008.
Hells Night @ Lucky Country 18+ w/red shore.
Newcastle, New South Wales
11 Sep 2008.
Tuggeranong Youth Centre AA w/red shore.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
13 Sep 2008.
St Clare Rec Center AA w/red shore.
St Clare, New South Wales
14 Sep 2008.
Chili Longe 18+ w/red shore.
Wyong, New South Wales
26 Sep 2008.
Fowlers With ’Deez Nuts’.
Adelaide, South Australia
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
Labels: Audio Work, Australia
Mixing The Bright Star Alliance
2 Comments Published by Kevin Broken Scar on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 3:38 AM.
Picture taken @ Next
This week has been pretty eventful and I should say, things turned out pretty awesome.
Monday. Was in Canberra.
Tuesday. Finalised thesis.
Wednesday. Submitted thesis. I felt like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Thursday. Mixed The Bright Star Alliance at Next. The gig turned out awesome and I had such a great time mixing the boys. It was also really rewarding that the band was very happy with the mix and it was good to hear good feedback from the crowd about the mix too. It's amazing how things turned out.
Friday. Rehearsal for next Saturday's gig at Evolution. Met a bunch of awesome people at the rehearsal too while I was at it. It turned out the Melbourne music scene is smaller than I thought it was.
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
This week has been pretty eventful and I should say, things turned out pretty awesome.
Monday. Was in Canberra.
Tuesday. Finalised thesis.
Wednesday. Submitted thesis. I felt like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Thursday. Mixed The Bright Star Alliance at Next. The gig turned out awesome and I had such a great time mixing the boys. It was also really rewarding that the band was very happy with the mix and it was good to hear good feedback from the crowd about the mix too. It's amazing how things turned out.
Friday. Rehearsal for next Saturday's gig at Evolution. Met a bunch of awesome people at the rehearsal too while I was at it. It turned out the Melbourne music scene is smaller than I thought it was.
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
Labels: Audio Work
Mixed these guys at The Tote last Tuesday. The guys from both bands were a great bunch.
Boy From Sunday
Quarter Life Crisis
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
Boy From Sunday
Quarter Life Crisis
______________________________________________________
Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
Labels: Audio Work
I mixed The Bright Star Alliance and The Vaine at Bang tonight. Bang's an alternative night held in Melbourne city itself at Royal Melbourne Hotel. Both the bands were awesome and it was great fun to mix them. It was even more fun doing the lights and sound at the same time.
On the flip side, I'm tired as heck after a long day's work. I should be real stoked because I did a great job but I've been having mixed feelings over the past few days. I mean, I mix bands and I can achieve a balance in sound but I can't seem to un-mix my own mixed feelings?
I don't quite know what it is I am searching for or whether I am even searching for something? All I know is God pulled me through today and because of that, I did great tonight.
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Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
On the flip side, I'm tired as heck after a long day's work. I should be real stoked because I did a great job but I've been having mixed feelings over the past few days. I mean, I mix bands and I can achieve a balance in sound but I can't seem to un-mix my own mixed feelings?
I don't quite know what it is I am searching for or whether I am even searching for something? All I know is God pulled me through today and because of that, I did great tonight.
______________________________________________________
Broken Scar's album, Midnight In St. Kilda is available on www.mytracks.com/brokenscar
Labels: Audio Work
