Feb 27 2003
Today is Thursday and we are now on the 3rd song in progress. Working title is Inside Outside and it is turning out to be beautiful with an incredible groove and a soaring chorus "You still captivate me, fascinate me"
Tomorrow we hope to get into a song called Every little thing's gonna be alright which we've performed live a couple of times and has gone down well. We've overtaken a small studio near Arundel and we have gear everywhere from vintage keyboards to digital multitrack recorders. For those geeks out there like me you may want to know how we're doing it.
The premier drums are mic'd up in various configurations depending on the sound using a selection of Audix mics, including a, SCX25, CX111, SCX1 condensers and a D6 on the kick drum. The snare is on a an SM57 running through a Urei LA4 compressor. All drums are fed into vintage Neve mic preamps and recorded on the Otari Radar 24tk hard disk recorder at 24 bit, 48khz.
Still awake?! Jon's bass collection has grown for this project with the addition of a musicman sterling which is sounding fantastic through his Ashdown amp. We are taking a combination of D.I. and a AKG D112 mic on the cab.
Stu G has a small room just for his amps to provide separation of sound and is choosing different combinations for different songs. In there is a Park, Orange, Vox ac30, Tremoverb, Gerlitz and other oddities. SM57's are on the speakers and are fed into a Neve 8 channel radio desk for blending different mics.
Tim has loads of rack synths including his JV5080 and a filter factory. Also the fender rhodes is providing loads of inspiration along with the grand piano from my living room which we've managed to squeeze in. Most of Tims sounds are coming from plug in synths ranging from old analogue reissues to up to date digital rubbish(!)
For my vocal I've come back to the AKG solid tube mic which is running through a Jo Meek preamp and then into a Tube tech CL1b compressor. I have a fender twin for guitar sounds running into a palmer speaker simulator and a collection of keyboards for getting ideas.
The whole mix is running into a Yamaha O2R mixing desk and we are monitoring on NS10s Mackies and Genelecs.
Teabags are pg tips and coffee is decaff as we are opposed to drugs in the studio and final takes with shirts off are compulsory.
So think of us while we make this music that we cant wait for you to hear, it feels very exciting at the moment and we are ecstatic. Will keep you updated.
Cheers, Martin.
Tomorrow we hope to get into a song called Every little thing's gonna be alright which we've performed live a couple of times and has gone down well. We've overtaken a small studio near Arundel and we have gear everywhere from vintage keyboards to digital multitrack recorders. For those geeks out there like me you may want to know how we're doing it.
The premier drums are mic'd up in various configurations depending on the sound using a selection of Audix mics, including a, SCX25, CX111, SCX1 condensers and a D6 on the kick drum. The snare is on a an SM57 running through a Urei LA4 compressor. All drums are fed into vintage Neve mic preamps and recorded on the Otari Radar 24tk hard disk recorder at 24 bit, 48khz.
Still awake?! Jon's bass collection has grown for this project with the addition of a musicman sterling which is sounding fantastic through his Ashdown amp. We are taking a combination of D.I. and a AKG D112 mic on the cab.
Stu G has a small room just for his amps to provide separation of sound and is choosing different combinations for different songs. In there is a Park, Orange, Vox ac30, Tremoverb, Gerlitz and other oddities. SM57's are on the speakers and are fed into a Neve 8 channel radio desk for blending different mics.
Tim has loads of rack synths including his JV5080 and a filter factory. Also the fender rhodes is providing loads of inspiration along with the grand piano from my living room which we've managed to squeeze in. Most of Tims sounds are coming from plug in synths ranging from old analogue reissues to up to date digital rubbish(!)
For my vocal I've come back to the AKG solid tube mic which is running through a Jo Meek preamp and then into a Tube tech CL1b compressor. I have a fender twin for guitar sounds running into a palmer speaker simulator and a collection of keyboards for getting ideas.
The whole mix is running into a Yamaha O2R mixing desk and we are monitoring on NS10s Mackies and Genelecs.
Teabags are pg tips and coffee is decaff as we are opposed to drugs in the studio and final takes with shirts off are compulsory.
So think of us while we make this music that we cant wait for you to hear, it feels very exciting at the moment and we are ecstatic. Will keep you updated.
Cheers, Martin.
Feb 01 2003
There's been some serious sweating going on round here of late: much of it getting worked up at Camden. But as well as the now infamous showcase gig, we've been sorting things out with a full on start to the new year in more ways than you can imagine. Here’s how…
news
First up has to be the showcase. The deal was simple: one tiny London venue (the Underworld, Camden), 500 fans, a bunch of industry big boys and, oh, a band playing their big hearted socks off. It was, to be honest, pretty good. In fact, it was one of the best live performances the band have given. There was an energy about them that challenged the idea that a band who’ve just completed their first decade must be thinking of taking it easy in future. The songs were fresh, the boys were relaxed and Martin oozed confident charm. All in all, quite a show, and of course, you’ll be the first to know what comes out of it.
The day before the showcase the band were meeting with the crew from Hope HIV, the charity working with AIDS orphans in South Africa. The band have already made a couple of trips out to Zodwa’s House, Soweto, and the meeting covered, among other things, ideas on how you D:fans can get a little more involved in the future
It seems like a little while ago now, but the new year kicked off with some kind of tasty coverage from the BBC. Having interviewed the band at the Christmas gig in December, January 15th saw the feature get shown nationally on the BBC1 Breakfast show as well the Six O’clock News in the South and all over the World Service. What was the deal here? A good old fashioned sense of astonishment at the fact that the band outsell Robbie Williams two-to-one in the USA but have yet to be a mainstream sensation over here. Well, we’ll just have to see what we can do about that, won’t we?
We’re also in the mood for welcoming our latest addition to the Furious family: new designer Dan Armstrong. And as we’re on the subject we’ve just got a vacancy in our accounts department (well, more of a desk than an apartment). If you’re keen then have a look at the ad on the Furious? site.
We are pleased to annouce the safe arrival of Levi Jesse Jonson Smith to the world.
A healthy baby boy was born on tues 5th february weighing in at 7lb 7oz. Some of you may be aware that scans revealed that there was a heart problem with Martin and Anna's unborn baby but mother and baby are home and well. The heart scan at birth showed that the right ventricle of the heart is a little small and the left side is a little too big but is operating efficiently.
Martin, Anna and family would like to thank everyone for their prayers at this unforgettable time.
future plans
Well, right now it’s all about two things: the album and the tour. The boys will be making a few trips out to America and Australia over the next few months, so keep an eye on the tour dates page for the latest information. As for the new material, the very latest is that demos for nine tracks have now been completed. Among them are ‘Rain Down’ and ‘Every Little Thing’, both of which have had a decent workout at recent gigs and look set to translate just as well to the studio as they do to the stage. Other tracks show the band ready to get down and dirty with an inspired blend of honesty, power and sparkle. Who knows what it will sound like after production, but so far the lyrics are sharp, the tunes intense and the vibe is classic Delirious with a double hint of magic. By the way, Stu G and Jon are currently in Scotland looking for a little lyrical inspiration. We’ll let you know what they turn up.
worldwide roundup:
It’s not going to come as any surprise to hear that the band sell records all around the world, but some recent distribution deals have seen D:tunes get into some pretty bizarre Eastern European places. Not only do we export to distributors in Latvia, Lithuania and Bulgaria, but in a matter of weeks we’ll also be finalising deals in the Ukraine and Russia. Right now the ink is still wet on our very latest deal to the beautiful land of Estonia. Thanks to the wonders of Hughbert Jakobs and his Heaven’s Music company, you can be pretty sure of getting stocked up on D:albums next time you’ve got a few hours to kill in Tallinn.
hot seat: stuart david garrard/stu g/stug/stuglas/zoot.
Q. what was the last book you finished?
A. Bernhard Langers' autobiography.
Q. if you weren't in Delirious, which band would you most like to be in right now?
A. Smashing Pumpkins if they were still going!
Q. what's your top tip for long-haul travel?
A. Watch movies, sleep as much as possible, wear DVT prevention stockings! And don't take tablets!!
Q. what magazines do you buy regularly?
A. Today's Golfer. I blag all the music ones off others on the road
Q. what was the last fashion mistake that you made?
A. A blue blazer from Cancer Research in Rustington
Q. do you have a favourite star wars film?
A. Return of the Jedi
lyrical direction: 'Rain Down' by Martin & Stu G
Looks like tonight, the sky is heavy
Feels like the winds are gonna change
Beneath my feet, the earth is ready
I know its time for heaven‚s rain, it's gonna rain
It's gonna rain, again
Rain down all around the world were singing
Rain down can you hear the earth is singing
Rain down all around your people singing
Rain down rain it down on me.
Back to the start, my heart is heavy
Feels like its time, to dream again
I hear your voice, and yes I‚m ready
To live the life to sing your song, to sing your song.
Yes I belong
Give me strength to cross the water
Keep my heart upon your altar
©2003 Martin Smith/Stu Garrard
According to Stu G this one started at a sound check for a gig some time ago. Stu G was playing about with the riff and the others joined in, with Martin coming out with the chorus straight away. It all sounds a bit too easy if you ask me, but Stu G insists that it’s pretty rare for the band to come up with songs like this.
behind the scenes: Paul Smith
He’s Martin’s older brother and he’s just changed his Furious nickname from ‘merchy’ to ‘perchy’. Why? “I’ve been in charge of the band’s merchandise since 1998, but have just changed to being Production Manager, making sure that everything we release comes out on time.”
As such Perchy Paul is going through something of a culture change. As Merchy he was a regular and essential part of the touring crew, putting in the long hours on the road. In fact, if you’ve ever bought something at a gig stand then Merchy’s probably been there with a cheeky smile for you. It’s not going to take a genius to work out that the toughest part of his old job was the long hours, but it’s clear that he’s had a few perks along the way.
“My favorite places would have to be Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia.” Poor guy. Now it’s all different. With so many albums coming out from Furious and Fierce the crew are relying on Perchy’s hard head for business. “I used to be the Corporate Hospitality Manager at the BT tower, but me, my wife and my family all liked it down here in Littlehampton, so we moved down. I was commuting back up to London for a while, but when the Merchy job came up it seemed like a great idea and I didn’t want to miss out.”
Now Paul is fired up about the latest challenges: learning more about the business and having a little more time to get things done. Hopefully it will make up for all those Hawaiian beaches he’ll be missing out on.
news
First up has to be the showcase. The deal was simple: one tiny London venue (the Underworld, Camden), 500 fans, a bunch of industry big boys and, oh, a band playing their big hearted socks off. It was, to be honest, pretty good. In fact, it was one of the best live performances the band have given. There was an energy about them that challenged the idea that a band who’ve just completed their first decade must be thinking of taking it easy in future. The songs were fresh, the boys were relaxed and Martin oozed confident charm. All in all, quite a show, and of course, you’ll be the first to know what comes out of it.
The day before the showcase the band were meeting with the crew from Hope HIV, the charity working with AIDS orphans in South Africa. The band have already made a couple of trips out to Zodwa’s House, Soweto, and the meeting covered, among other things, ideas on how you D:fans can get a little more involved in the future
It seems like a little while ago now, but the new year kicked off with some kind of tasty coverage from the BBC. Having interviewed the band at the Christmas gig in December, January 15th saw the feature get shown nationally on the BBC1 Breakfast show as well the Six O’clock News in the South and all over the World Service. What was the deal here? A good old fashioned sense of astonishment at the fact that the band outsell Robbie Williams two-to-one in the USA but have yet to be a mainstream sensation over here. Well, we’ll just have to see what we can do about that, won’t we?
We’re also in the mood for welcoming our latest addition to the Furious family: new designer Dan Armstrong. And as we’re on the subject we’ve just got a vacancy in our accounts department (well, more of a desk than an apartment). If you’re keen then have a look at the ad on the Furious? site.
We are pleased to annouce the safe arrival of Levi Jesse Jonson Smith to the world.
A healthy baby boy was born on tues 5th february weighing in at 7lb 7oz. Some of you may be aware that scans revealed that there was a heart problem with Martin and Anna's unborn baby but mother and baby are home and well. The heart scan at birth showed that the right ventricle of the heart is a little small and the left side is a little too big but is operating efficiently.
Martin, Anna and family would like to thank everyone for their prayers at this unforgettable time.
future plans
Well, right now it’s all about two things: the album and the tour. The boys will be making a few trips out to America and Australia over the next few months, so keep an eye on the tour dates page for the latest information. As for the new material, the very latest is that demos for nine tracks have now been completed. Among them are ‘Rain Down’ and ‘Every Little Thing’, both of which have had a decent workout at recent gigs and look set to translate just as well to the studio as they do to the stage. Other tracks show the band ready to get down and dirty with an inspired blend of honesty, power and sparkle. Who knows what it will sound like after production, but so far the lyrics are sharp, the tunes intense and the vibe is classic Delirious with a double hint of magic. By the way, Stu G and Jon are currently in Scotland looking for a little lyrical inspiration. We’ll let you know what they turn up.
worldwide roundup:
It’s not going to come as any surprise to hear that the band sell records all around the world, but some recent distribution deals have seen D:tunes get into some pretty bizarre Eastern European places. Not only do we export to distributors in Latvia, Lithuania and Bulgaria, but in a matter of weeks we’ll also be finalising deals in the Ukraine and Russia. Right now the ink is still wet on our very latest deal to the beautiful land of Estonia. Thanks to the wonders of Hughbert Jakobs and his Heaven’s Music company, you can be pretty sure of getting stocked up on D:albums next time you’ve got a few hours to kill in Tallinn.
hot seat: stuart david garrard/stu g/stug/stuglas/zoot.
Q. what was the last book you finished?
A. Bernhard Langers' autobiography.
Q. if you weren't in Delirious, which band would you most like to be in right now?
A. Smashing Pumpkins if they were still going!
Q. what's your top tip for long-haul travel?
A. Watch movies, sleep as much as possible, wear DVT prevention stockings! And don't take tablets!!
Q. what magazines do you buy regularly?
A. Today's Golfer. I blag all the music ones off others on the road
Q. what was the last fashion mistake that you made?
A. A blue blazer from Cancer Research in Rustington
Q. do you have a favourite star wars film?
A. Return of the Jedi
lyrical direction: 'Rain Down' by Martin & Stu G
Looks like tonight, the sky is heavy
Feels like the winds are gonna change
Beneath my feet, the earth is ready
I know its time for heaven‚s rain, it's gonna rain
It's gonna rain, again
Rain down all around the world were singing
Rain down can you hear the earth is singing
Rain down all around your people singing
Rain down rain it down on me.
Back to the start, my heart is heavy
Feels like its time, to dream again
I hear your voice, and yes I‚m ready
To live the life to sing your song, to sing your song.
Yes I belong
Give me strength to cross the water
Keep my heart upon your altar
©2003 Martin Smith/Stu Garrard
According to Stu G this one started at a sound check for a gig some time ago. Stu G was playing about with the riff and the others joined in, with Martin coming out with the chorus straight away. It all sounds a bit too easy if you ask me, but Stu G insists that it’s pretty rare for the band to come up with songs like this.
behind the scenes: Paul Smith
He’s Martin’s older brother and he’s just changed his Furious nickname from ‘merchy’ to ‘perchy’. Why? “I’ve been in charge of the band’s merchandise since 1998, but have just changed to being Production Manager, making sure that everything we release comes out on time.”
As such Perchy Paul is going through something of a culture change. As Merchy he was a regular and essential part of the touring crew, putting in the long hours on the road. In fact, if you’ve ever bought something at a gig stand then Merchy’s probably been there with a cheeky smile for you. It’s not going to take a genius to work out that the toughest part of his old job was the long hours, but it’s clear that he’s had a few perks along the way.
“My favorite places would have to be Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia.” Poor guy. Now it’s all different. With so many albums coming out from Furious and Fierce the crew are relying on Perchy’s hard head for business. “I used to be the Corporate Hospitality Manager at the BT tower, but me, my wife and my family all liked it down here in Littlehampton, so we moved down. I was commuting back up to London for a while, but when the Merchy job came up it seemed like a great idea and I didn’t want to miss out.”
Now Paul is fired up about the latest challenges: learning more about the business and having a little more time to get things done. Hopefully it will make up for all those Hawaiian beaches he’ll be missing out on.
