Completely stumped in the studio...

g&lplayer · #1 06-16-2010, 07:20 AM

Hey guys, so I am in a bit of a connundrum (not sure if thats how you spell it). I was recently hired to do some studio recording for a guitarist I used to be in a band with. After listening to what he has recorded so far (mainly drums, melodic instrument, and chordal instrument) I really just don't get the stuff at all. I realize that since the tracks arent done I cant say they are bad but, they are a bit lacking so far, and I'm really just not feeling it at all, which is pretty rare for me. Ive never really just been "speechless" as far as basslines go but this one takes the cake for wierd/not groovy music. To make matters worse, his computer broke so I can't get any of the changes and/or music from him either.
One track has a melody on steel drums that just makes absolutely no sense. Ive transcribed it, and frankly still just have no idea what would sound good under it. Personally i think it sounds like he took a bunch of arpeggios and stuck them in a blender. Another one is just really boring and although it has a really talented drummer on it, I am totally not getting what the drummer was thinking when he recorded it.

Should I just keep quiet about all this and just sound like a mediocre bassist ? This is technically HIS project, not OUR project so I don't know what to do. I feel like he has already done so much hard work on this album that I obviously can't walk in and say "dude your music sucks"... maybe Ill just record it and request that my contribution to the recording remain anonymous?

Jonathan1990 · #2 06-16-2010, 07:35 AM

Since it's his music, shouldn't he decide what kind of basslines he gets?

superbassman2000 · #3 06-16-2010, 07:52 AM

you could always just double the melody for the first one--it might not make sense to you but if he likes it, then how can he not like your line too then? Otherwise maybe after listening to the melody with the bass doubling it, it might give you an idea on what might be better.

When it comes to playing with drummers, especially when they are trying to do something that might sound odd is to find the one and go from there

stingray56funk · #4 06-16-2010, 07:56 AM

Did you say Steel Drums? Think like Jaco and you'll be fine.

You might want to ask him (and you may already) what approach is he going for? Does he have any musical influences that sparked these songs and are they ones that you could listen to the bass lines and see if there is something that you'd like to cop the feel of for his tunes?

noahw1 · #5 06-16-2010, 11:45 AM

Don't think of it as being mediocre but as playing for the music. Sometimes roots and fifths are okay. I recorded a demo for the band I'm in and the leader was fine with me just being solid with the root and 5th because that's what worked. Rhythmic variations helped and it turned out well.
Of cours,e I think the advice of asking him what he's looking for is helpful too.

g&lplayer · #6 06-16-2010, 12:09 PM

Yea, I dunno I just don't want another mediocre sounding recording to my name. I already have a lot of those. Also, if he just wanted roots and fifths he would have recorded it myself. I feel like the reason I got called is because I can usually groove really well, only this is the first situation where I just can't. Maybe I just need to practice even harder though....I dunno. What I was really after though, is opinions on whether or not its okay to discuss changes/additions to this guy's recording, or since its not mine should I keep my mouth shut. I mean, will i sound like a total a-hole suggesting this guy change around his chord structure and melodies, or make some other major changes to HIS album?

bassbrad · #7 06-16-2010, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g&lplayer

Should I just keep quiet about all this and just sound like a mediocre bassist ? This is technically HIS project, not OUR project so I don't know what to do. I feel like he has already done so much hard work on this album that I obviously can't walk in and say "dude your music sucks"... maybe Ill just record it and request that my contribution to the recording remain anonymous?

Try to get some idea what he wants. Just keep it simple and lay down a supportive bass line, don't let your ego dictate that you lay down some burning ****.

noahw1 · #8 06-16-2010, 12:48 PM

Again, I think you need to not worry about the "mediocre" sounding recording part look at the Lee Sklar's of the world. You can always groove really well and be solid as hell, sure beats being busy and not fitting the tune.
That being said, I think it would be okay to ask him about the recordings, maybe mention some of what you're having problems with it BUT have solutions to help instead of just negatives. The best way to deal with situations is to have something constructive to say. I think if he asked you to come in and play he must respect you as a musician so would be willing to listen to what you have to if it's done in a respectful manner.

noahw1 · #9 06-17-2010, 11:35 AM

So what happened?

g&lplayer · #10 06-17-2010, 11:45 AM

Well we aren't going back in the studio until Monday so I'll let you know then. We did have a long talk however, and it seems like he thinks the same thing I do...that the song isn't really going anywhere. For now he is still keeping the melody but we are completely redoing the drum track which should hopefully tie the song together a lot more. Part of the issue I had was that the melody was in 12/8 but the drums were playing in 4/4 and sometimes in 3/4, which left me clueless as to which beats to play on. I guess i'm hoping it will sound a bit more like a song instead of noise once we get every part recorded. U guys are right though, my job is definately to lay low and just do my job to the best of my ability.

Quote:

Originally Posted by g&lplayer

Should I just keep quiet about all this and just sound like a mediocre bassist ?

I guess I should have said mediocre album not mediocre bassist...sorry about that.

P.S. Thanks for the help guys....

**john turner** · #11 06-17-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g&lplayer

Hey guys, so I am in a bit of a connundrum (not sure if thats how you spell it). I was recently hired to do some studio recording for a guitarist I used to be in a band with. After listening to what he has recorded so far (mainly drums, melodic instrument, and chordal instrument) I really just don't get the stuff at all. I realize that since the tracks arent done I cant say they are bad but, they are a bit lacking so far, and I'm really just not feeling it at all, which is pretty rare for me. Ive never really just been "speechless" as far as basslines go but this one takes the cake for wierd/not groovy music. To make matters worse, his computer broke so I can't get any of the changes and/or music from him either.
One track has a melody on steel drums that just makes absolutely no sense. Ive transcribed it, and frankly still just have no idea what would sound good under it. Personally i think it sounds like he took a bunch of arpeggios and stuck them in a blender. Another one is just really boring and although it has a really talented drummer on it, I am totally not getting what the drummer was thinking when he recorded it.

Should I just keep quiet about all this and just sound like a mediocre bassist ? This is technically HIS project, not OUR project so I don't know what to do. I feel like he has already done so much hard work on this album that I obviously can't walk in and say "dude your music sucks"... maybe Ill just record it and request that my contribution to the recording remain anonymous?

frankly imo it's sorta insulting to request to be anonymous, unless you have a pre-existing business relationship that requires such a thing.

besides, unless you're a very big name, playing on a "quirky" recording isn't going to hurt you professionally unless -you- suck on it. so regardless of how it sounds to you, if you're going to do it, do it right (tight with drummer, "in" with melodies, at least in enough that the composer is happy with it). get his input, as much as you need, and

do you know what key the music's in? what arpeggios he's playing? i understand where you're coming from though - some of the quintessential jazz recordings, like giant steps, sound exactly like what you're describing (arpeggios in a blender). never could get any parts of my own outta that song that i liked, no matter how i tried, just not my personal thing.

Li Shenron · #12 06-18-2010, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g&lplayer

Yea, I dunno I just don't want another mediocre sounding recording to my name. I already have a lot of those.

Use a pseudonym

Quote:

Originally Posted by g&lplayer

What I was really after though, is opinions on whether or not its okay to discuss changes/additions to this guy's recording, or since its not mine should I keep my mouth shut. I mean, will i sound like a total a-hole suggesting this guy change around his chord structure and melodies, or make some other major changes to HIS album?

Just acknowledge that he's in charge. Suggest freely and he'll appreciate any help, but only he has the final word and takes all responsibility for eventually bad results. Don't push him, and don't get frustrated if he says no every time, after all you're just hired for a job, this is not your album.