BARRELBRIGHT
One of the biggest joys of what I do is getting to play a small part in the creation of a collaborative work of art. This is rarely more true than when I’m handed the responsibility of mastering a complete album for a band or songwriter, like BARRELBRIGHT‘s debut CD The New West. I’m lucky enough to know all these guys (and girl) personally, and have proudly watched the band go from an idea in front man James Dean’s head to a full length 13-song CD.
My primary goal for mastering the record was to take this collection of songs recorded in fits and starts over more than year and turn it into a great-sounding and cohesive new entity unto itself, a challenge to be sure. Also, one of my biggest problems with recorded audio is it often doesn’t communicate the physical sensations of the live experience. BARRELBRIGHT is well known for an incredibly engaging, tight and energetic live show. My secondary goal was to make sure the listener “felt” as much of the dynamic punch of this band as possible. I’d like to think I accomplished my task, but I’ll leave it up to the listener to make the final judgement.
The New West should officially drop toward the middle of May 2011. Contact the band to get yours. In the mean time, you can listen to a short before and after snippet on the mastering page.
By the way, The New West was recorded at The Quarry Studio – one of the best-kept secrets in Wichita, KS. The facility is run by Kevin Harman and Moe Girard, two of my band mates from TAINTED. If you’re interested in recording at The Quarry, contact me and I’ll put you in touch with them.
