We’ve been recording our second record for a good amount of time now (close to 6 months) and I feel as if I should shed some light on the whole process. We entered Cutting Cane Studios in Weston, FL in April of this year with the intentions of recording drums and vocals. At the time, money was so tight for the group that we didn’t think we had the funds to record the entire record there. Our plan was to get a solid drum recording and then record bass and guitars at another facility, all to return to Cutting Cane and lay down all the vocal tracks. Thankfully, we did not go that route. Thankfully, with help of our engineer Jo and the studio’s owner, famed produced George Noriega, we were able to make Cutting Studios the permanent home for our record. Aside from the help of these two wonderful people, it was the studio itself that gave us a welcoming vibe. It was almost as if it would not let us leave. This feeling was so powerful that we were determined to complete this record there. Money, no matter how scarce and difficult to come by, would no longer serve as obstacle for us getting the recording that we wanted.
Soon after we had layed our drum tracks, we got busy in making the final adjustments to our bass and guitar parts. This was perhaps my favorite part of the recording process. Aside from getting to do something other than sitting on a couch and giving suggestions to John (drummer), the rest of us were finally able to physically contribute to the record. During the process of recording bass and guitars, our singer Mike who plays guitar as well and our bassist Jorge were enthralled at the opportunity to play a TON of vintage and boutique instruments. Without going overboard, this recording contains the sweet sounds of a 72 Telecaster, 1957 Gibson Les Paul (Reissue), Gretsch semi-hallow body (nicknamed “Rosa”), Bogner Shiva Amplifiers, and a Divided by 13 custom head and cabinet (this barely scratches the surface). For us, we were like kids in the greatest candy store.
After the completion of both the bass and guitar tracks, we felt as if we were on a roll. To keep this momentum we started working even harder towards making the final adjustments to the vocal melodies. In addition to this, we also decided to start playing shows again. We felt it was time to (1) showcase these new tunes and (2) well, we really felt like playing in front of a crowd again. Thankfully, with the help of a friend we were (as they say in the business) “hooked up” with Best Buy and our regional Rock n’ Roll Station “93 ROCK fm.” With both these entities behind us, we began playing at Best Buys throughout South Florida. These shows proved to be instrumental in helping us reconnect with fans, as well as make some new ones. Soon after these performances, we went back into the studio to begin recording lead vocals. Shortly afterwards, we began recording the vocal harmonies. Early this morning at approximately 12 AM we finished them.
The record now feels Alive. We’re so excited about how these songs are coming out, and we’re so grateful to everyone that has played a hand in helping us make this record. You know who you are and we still have some work to do. But at least we’re nearing the home stretch.
Before I sign off, I leave you with some photographs of our time thus far at Cutting Cane Studios. I hope you enjoy, and on behalf of Delpaxton, THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT.
Sincerely,
Ray
Above: Quaz laying it on thick.
Above: Mike entrancing me with his vast musical abilities.
Above: Jo, our babysitter/engineer
Above: After 14 hrs straight of guitars, Mike and I felt as if we should brighten everyone’s mood with some adult beverages and musical improv.
Above: As a result of our hard work and brilliant musical stylings, The Recording Academy has decided to just give us the Grammy for “Best Rock Album.”
