James Blake Dom Connan Writing Recording Session
Artist: James Blake, Connan Mockasin
Producer: James Blake, Dom (Mt. Kimbe)
Recording Engineer: Nick Breton
RECAP:
One of the most unique writing sessions I’ve ever been a part of. It started out mellow, hanging out with James and Dom. Dom thumbed through loops and they watched a few UFC fights since nothing clicked. Dom pulled out his OP-1 and started making miscellaneous sounds and sampling the radio with it. Never seen that before, the way he did it was so killer!
Connan Mockasin arrived as Dom put some clips together, he wanted to go DI with his guitar even though I suggested the amp. Connan had a great pedal with him and started morphing his guitar like I’ve never heard before. James played Rhodes and all three of them started to jam. The writing that came from their jam was amazing… They locked in for about 40 minutes and went through a number of ideas. I sat there in awe and made tiny adjustments to everyone’s levels as they played. Such a great experience and vibe from beginning to end.
We took a break and went over to Erewhon for dinner, randomly ran into Boy George there and said hello. Was hoping he’d be interested in coming back to the studio with us but he had company with him. Had a quick meal then got back to the studio. James decided to pull up a loop he had on his computer and record vocals.
I had the U99 set up for him last night and re-patched the same chain I used last night. We got a great sound on his vocals and he ran through two 10+ minute takes. On the second take he laid a great idea that we went back to build harmonies on. It sounded so fucking beautiful raw with no processing and just a touch of reverb. Couldn’t have gone any better! We listened back to it a number of times both with music and acapella. Connan had a few friends come by and we spent the last 20 minutes hanging out before they all packed up and took off.
SIDE NOTE !
For those who’re interested. I asked James yesterday what his favorite mic was knowing he’s been to some fantastic studios and probably tried a number of mics. He told me about the Brauner VM1 which I’d never heard of. After the session last night I spent a few hours reading about the mic and Dirk Brauner. While the guys were watching UFC fights this afternoon I found a VM1 and made an offer which was accepted within minutes. VERY excited to have that mic on it’s way to the studio, I have a very good feeling that it may be the best mic we ever buy. I read all about the mic and Brauner history, I’m really excited for the purchase! It’ll be a completely new flavor from the other mics we have, big step forward.
JAMES BLAKE PROFILE:
Writer, Composer, Singer, Producer and touring artist from England.
TRUTH STUDIOS GEAR USED TODAY:
Soundelux U99
Purple Audio Sweet 10 500 Series Rack
Great River MP500NV Pre Amp
Purple Audio MC77 Compressor
Lynx Aurora 16
Burl B2
Dangerous D Box
Pro Tools HD3 PCIe
ADAM S3X
TRUTH STUDIOS PROFILE:
Truth Studios is a boutique recording studio located in the Fairfax district of Hollywood, California. The studio started in the bedroom of studio owner Nick Breton’s apartment making music with local Los Angeles buzzing artists. We have since grown into a beautiful loft where the studio currently operates. Truth offers studio rental, recording, mixing and mastering services to independent and major label clients from every corner of the globe. Truth Studios is affiliated with acts such as Chance The Rapper, Vic Mensa, Dom Kennedy, Asher Roth, Chuck Inglish, Alina Baraz, Anatii, Joey Bada$$, Boi 1da, Macy Gray, Mr Hudson, Walk The Moon, Martin Garrix and hundreds of other artists. This studio has become a landmark icon in Los Angeles and the music community worldwide.
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
James Blake Dom Connan Writing Recording Session at Truth Studios Recording Studio Los Angeles with Engineer Nick Breton. James Blake Dom Connan Writing Recording Session.