Tone Seekers

FYFM
(T. Bailey, J. Lardizabal, N. Lee)
Guitars: Tanner Bailey
EP/Organ/MPC: J. Lardizabal
Glockenspiel: Ny Lee
Strings: Susie Leibowitz
Vocals: Sierra Drucker

This song was created with a huge blank space in the middle. I knew I wanted something different to happen there, something dynamic. Inspired by The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life,” I decided I wanted a sort of build-up with organs and strings. At the time we started working on this song, I had never tried writing a section like this. It took about 2 weeks to put together this little 6 bar section! The strings, however, only took one session (with about a day or so of preparation) to complete, thanks to Susie Leibowitz. The rest of the middle section belongs to Tanner Bailey. His guitar solo comes out of nowhere to give the song an added dimension. Last but certainly not least, Sierra Drucker gives life to Ny’s lyrics and melodies with her sweet yet edgy vocals. We all had a great time creating this tune, I hope you enjoy it. Listen HERE

The Horror
(T. Bailey, N. Lee)
Guitar: Tanner Bailey
Organ: Ny Lee
Horns: Andrew Ing
Percussion: Sierra Drucker
Bass, Moog, and MPC: J Lardizabal

The change in name is a reflection of a fresh start and a revamped sound. We’ve worked really hard get this project to the point of being really happy with it. Now that we’re wrapping up our first EP, I’m happy to say we’re there. Here’s track 1 of the EP, an instrumental called “The Horror.”

Click HERE to listen.

Or should I say re-introducing? The band formerly known as Evo 9, has spent the last year working on their sound and integrating a new member (more on that later). They also parted ways with Kristen Agee and Christina Kaufman.

I’d like to take the time to thank Kristen and Christina for their time and efforts, as well as wish them luck in their future projects.

… but get ready!

I was six months old when Elvis died. John Lennon was taken from us a month before my third birthday. It wasn’t until yesterday afternoon that I felt what our parents felt when those two icons passed on. These “Where were you when you heard,” moments that seem to have this profound impact on our lives. Most of us didn’t personally know Michael Jackson and our parents didn’t personally know Elvis or John Lennon, but their music touched us so deeply, it’s as if we did.

Most people will remember him for his countless hit songs, the glove, the moonwalk, or even his idiosyncrasies. I’ll remember him for his ability to evolve as a musician. I marvel at The Beatles and how they redefined themselves from “Revolver” to “Abbey Road.” Michael Jackson was able to do it three times in his career. There is a distinct difference between his Jackson 5 days, his early solo career (”Off the Wall” and “Thriller”), and his later solo career. I’m not sure we’ll ever see such a diverse body of work from another artist.

So when my kids ask me where I was when heard Michael Jackson died, I’ll tell them I was a the grocery store when a friend texted me the news. I read the text and said ” Michael Jackson died?” The clerk at the store solemnly confirmed and my heart sank. The world just got a little less creative. Here’s one of the many ways to remember him.

The first minute of this vid shows that Jimi was a tone seeker. Half-speed recording is an old trick that you’ll see us borrow from time to time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYDWqpYLTLY

We have just installed a Radar 24 (iZ Technology) recording system at our studio. This system has been touted as one of the best sounding digital recorders ever made. It has the reputation of being the closest sounding recorder to a tape machine, but with all the benefits that digital has to offer.

After installing it, I could hear the improvement in sound right away. It’s astonishing how good the converters and the clocking are on this machine.

Some projects that were recorded to Radar are James Bond “Casino Royale”, “Plans” by Death Cab for Cutie, and “Third” by Portishead.

This past year has been a very productive one for us. From starting new projects, renewing old ones to revamping existing ones, we’ve learned a lot along the way. I’d like to thank all the wonderful musicians that I’m privileged to work with every day. I’d also like to thank the great group of interns and engineers that have helped make everything possible this past year. Lastly, thanks to everyone that has supported us by going to our shows, buying tee shirts, and giving our music a listen. 2009 will be a big one for us and we’d like you all to stay on for the ride! Happy New Year! -J

There are many schools of thought when it comes to recording music. In today’s digital world, many artists lean heavily on cutting edge technology to achieve their sound. We at Tone Seekers take a slightly different approach. Our use of digital technology largely remains utilitarian. During the creative process, we try to utilize techniques and equipment that stem from an older school of thought. The result is a much more organic sound that we hope people will eventually recognize as our signature.

Universal Audio LA-610 modified with vintage 1958 and 1964 tubes

Vintech Dual72

Channels from our modified Tangent 3216 recording console

Fender Deluxe Reverb tube guitar amp