Greatest. Studio. Dog. Ever.

Next time you have a drink, pour one out for Juno.

While Reptar was tearing up SXSW, I was en route to Bethesda, Wales to the beautiful Bryn Derwen Studios. I'm working with English band Fanfarlo and having a great time. It's a residential studio in North Wales and very secluded. We're basically in the middle of the countryside with no car and nothing really to do but make music. Band is great, studio is great, and our engineer, David Wrench just informed me that he mixed the last 2 Caribou records, so I think we're in excellent hands.

Stay tuned, as I'll be constantly updating (ie, every week!) and trying to keep up!

Best,

b
e
n

...but a horrible blogger. If only I could afford to pay someone to follow me around the studio, taking pictures, downloading them, editing them, posting them to this website and then writing witty blog posts...if only.

But, it's just me...

Here's a brief history of the last 6 months:

Mixed 3 songs for MIA mid-2010

"Tell Me Why"
"XXXO"

AND, remixed "XXXO" with Jay-Z!

I also did another remix that they didn't like so much. I thought the tune had a completely different vibe so I submitted this one and the dudes at Interscope literally laughed at me. But, I dig it. Perhaps you will too. Feel free to enjoy it.

Later, I produced and mixed a record with Deerhunter. It was a challenging couple of weeks, but I think the end result sounds pretty great. Some other people think so too. My favorite track is "Coronado". Bradford's lyrics are ridiculous. David Barbe of Athens' Chase Park Transduction was instrumental in the success of this album.

Not content to sit on my laurels for any real length of time, I made a record with Atlanta locals Gringo Star. Good boys, good songs. Only band I know that's been sued by Ringo Star.

Cut Copy @ Southern Tracks with the soul posse 

Shortly thereafter, my new mates Cut Copy rolled into town to mix the forthcoming Zonoscope, out on Modular very soon. Nicest band in Australia perhaps, though their basketball game could use some work. Their taste in coffee is epic and I have since caught the bug. I hope to pull some shots for them when they roll through the ATL in March. Juno got some airtime on the vid too.

Then, I actually did rest on my laurels for a spell. Went to Santa Cruz, CA to visit my buddy Tony G and to do some surfing. I'm a total novice and was constantly berated by the locals for my foam board and poor skills. I still managed to have an absolute blast. Thanks T. Why don't I live on the West Coast?

After all that rest, I was ready to work again, and began work on the new Reptar EP, which we're actually mastering this coming week. If you don't know Reptar, then you don't know yourself. Once you are spiritually and sexually prepared to have your life changed, please go check them out. The show is amazing and they might be the nicest dudes in Georgia, and I know a LOT of really nice dudes in Georgia.

Spent most of November mixing Finnish prog-pop outfit Rubik. Imagine Kate Bush meets Dungen and you get the idea. Better yet, go buy the album when it comes out and you can actually get the idea.

December saw the arrival of Ernest Greene, aka Washed Out. Ernest and I spent a few weeks crafting a record that I'm  proud of. No title yet, it's not even mastered, but there are some moments on this album that are breathtaking and I'm really digging it. Ernest also happens to be one of the nicest dudes in Georgia.

Dr Dog and Juno the dog

After Washed Out, I hit Glow in the Dark again for 5 days with Dr Dog, who might be the nicest dudes in Philly. I don't know, because I've never really hung out in Philly, but I have a feeling that they're up there with the nicest of the nice. Scott made Juno and I matching hats and I learned how to love yerba mate. Also, who knew that a Sphere console from the 70's could sound so good?

Now, I'm wrapping up mixes on the Reptar EP which should be heading to Joe Lambert for mastering on Monday, if I can finish it tomorrow!

Hopefully, I can manage to be a better blogger and do this like twice a month instead once every 6.  Here is your free ringtone of the month, BTW.  Just right click to download and drag it into your 'Ringtones' folder in the top left corner of iTunes.

Best,

b
e
n
_____

So, working on the new Matt and Kim record here at Maze. We've been at it for over a month and while I'm a little fried, I'm also very excited. I think it's a really cool record with great songs.

We use only the finest gear.

We have the most premium snacks, like these.

Matt likes keyboards: lots of them.

Next door, my buddy Exit is working on his Common remix project. It's gonna be badass!

Michael Dorio and Brad Hagen from Trances Arc stopped by to say what's up. Brad lent a little percussion to the record for us.

Bruce Lee.

Imagine a world before computers.

Imagine making records with only 4 or best case 8 tracks. Imagine life where a performance would be captured on tape and never edited, tuned or manipulated on a DAW.

Imagine standing in a recording studio the size of your bedroom, with a tape machine the size of a refrigerator and a console with huge knobs and a guy wearing Ray-Bans and smoking a cigarette while he's turning them.

Now look to your left. See that big wooden crate in the corner? That's a plate reverb. That is the sound of music from the early 50's through the 80's, all 6ft and 400 lbs of it.

There is no reverb but plate reverb.

Well, spring reverb is a very close second. Everything else is just an algorithm.

Hey all. I'm such a douche. I haven't made a post in months. It's all in the name of music though, as I've been stupid-busy.

Look out for several posts over the next few days.

In the meantime, check out my new favorite band Reptar. They're the best band in Athens right now. Period. We've just cut a 7-inch that will be out soon. Keep an eye out for it in stores as well as iTunes.

Best,

b
e
n