Here is M1's new motion sound rotary keyboard amp. USed in the recent recordings in the cat box. Dig the low tech recording technique. AudioTechnica AT2035 capturing the swoop of the the rotary horn. The Korg tosses out a ton of bass and the high SPLs blew the MXL990 and MXL2001 out of the water. The AT can handle a very high SPL. A great mic to have in your kit.
M1 runs the Wurli and the KORG-Cx3 into the channel with the rotary. The Kurtz PCX2 goes into the stereo input.
This as a very versatile amp. We'll be rigging it possibly with a half moon switch for controlling the rotor at the Korg rather than a footswitch as it is now. M1 likes to stand.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Division - Protoype III
For the March 12th shwo at Main Stage we'll have
another iteration in the quest for a final album.
Division. 10 songs. $10 bucks.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
March 12th
Saturday march 12th Main Stage, Waukesha WI.
$5 cover three bands. Soul Amp is one of them.
Update from the Cat Box
Last Wednesday, and Saturday we started tracking again for the CD. We've been working on new songs and will possibly playing some of them at our upcoming Main Stage gig.
After about 6 months now of tracking, a tweaking our recording techniques and songs has paid off big time. From the scrappy basement we are getting this huge sound as we track 8 tracks live.
5 tracks on the kit -
two MXL 991 overheads, SM57 on the snare, Audio Technica D550 on the kick and a MXL 990 on floor tom.
SM57 mic on guitar cabinet with new Traynor YCV20 loaded with JJ EL84's and Groove Tube 12ax7-C, the Tex Mex strat is played straight in.
M1 got a new motion sound amp and we are micing it with a sturdy AT2035 on that the SPL on the motion sound blows every other mic into clipping. We DI the bass off the back of a Eden Metro.
We are really pleased with the sound we are getting and with the technical aspects of recording now faily locked in we are free to really starting thinking about how the songs sound themselves, we are tweaking dynamics and tones from the various instruments and some of the older tunes are finally showing thier true color.
We'd like to share some of these with you but we also want to wait for the CD to be complete...but if you keep checking in here at our blog you might get an opportunity to nab a version of a tune or two.
After about 6 months now of tracking, a tweaking our recording techniques and songs has paid off big time. From the scrappy basement we are getting this huge sound as we track 8 tracks live.
5 tracks on the kit -
two MXL 991 overheads, SM57 on the snare, Audio Technica D550 on the kick and a MXL 990 on floor tom.
SM57 mic on guitar cabinet with new Traynor YCV20 loaded with JJ EL84's and Groove Tube 12ax7-C, the Tex Mex strat is played straight in.
M1 got a new motion sound amp and we are micing it with a sturdy AT2035 on that the SPL on the motion sound blows every other mic into clipping. We DI the bass off the back of a Eden Metro.
We are really pleased with the sound we are getting and with the technical aspects of recording now faily locked in we are free to really starting thinking about how the songs sound themselves, we are tweaking dynamics and tones from the various instruments and some of the older tunes are finally showing thier true color.
We'd like to share some of these with you but we also want to wait for the CD to be complete...but if you keep checking in here at our blog you might get an opportunity to nab a version of a tune or two.
Monday, February 28, 2005
April 23rd Rally Against Violence
We are playhing the MKE RAV at Turner Hall on April 23rd for the Rally Against Violence organized by Milwaukee Artists for Social Change.
Should be a good event with music, info, art etc...
Should be a good event with music, info, art etc...
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Master SOng List as of 2/05
Soul Amp Song Master List
Roughly in chronological order
1. Banner Day
2. Time on My Hands
3. Summer Holiday
4. She Walks On Up Ahead
5. Splash Jam
6. Take What You Want
7. New Day
8. Division
9. Tears
10. Jamie Says
11 . Cold Dinner
12. Sealed Away
13. Seeing Jimmy
14. Moves in for the Kill
15. Spinning Things
16. More Than I Asked For
17. Flowing On
18. She Slit Her Wrists Again
19. Turn out The Morning
20. Beautiful Picture
21. Throwing Rocks
22. Lucky For You
23. Capital People
24. Memory of a Friend
25. Shove
Roughly in chronological order
1. Banner Day
2. Time on My Hands
3. Summer Holiday
4. She Walks On Up Ahead
5. Splash Jam
6. Take What You Want
7. New Day
8. Division
9. Tears
10. Jamie Says
11 . Cold Dinner
12. Sealed Away
13. Seeing Jimmy
14. Moves in for the Kill
15. Spinning Things
16. More Than I Asked For
17. Flowing On
18. She Slit Her Wrists Again
19. Turn out The Morning
20. Beautiful Picture
21. Throwing Rocks
22. Lucky For You
23. Capital People
24. Memory of a Friend
25. Shove
Soul Amp Blog Relocated
The Soul Amp Blog is now located at our official website
http://soul-amp.com
Click on the blog tab.
Also if you want to can find us here:
View Soul Amp's EPK
Soul Amp Calendar of Upcoming Gigs
http://soul-amp.com
Click on the blog tab.
Also if you want to can find us here:
View Soul Amp's EPK
Soul Amp Calendar of Upcoming Gigs
Monday, February 21, 2005
News...
Some highlights of activities.
We have another gig at the Main Stage in Waukesha. March 12th.
Also we signed up for Sonicbids.com. SUmmerfest is using this. I am not sure we'll use it beyond trying to get a Summerfest slot as most of the opportuities cost between 15-50 bucks to through Sonicbids. Wheras you can send a press kit via snail mail for free to some of them. However some of the events only take saonicbids EPK....
YOu can view out EPK here...
View Soul Amp's EPK
It also has a calendar...
My Sonicbids Calendar
If we continue to use this I'll probably post this calendar in the main web page...
On the recording front we have four new tunes we're polishing. And a we are recording new versions of some our older songs about 8 so far on the list. We'll be in the studio tuesday and wednesday night and this saturday tracking.
SO for those of you who have the New Day and Tube prototype disk those there won't be anymore of those sold. I think I have aout 15 or so left of Tube.
That's it for now.
BRad
We have another gig at the Main Stage in Waukesha. March 12th.
Also we signed up for Sonicbids.com. SUmmerfest is using this. I am not sure we'll use it beyond trying to get a Summerfest slot as most of the opportuities cost between 15-50 bucks to through Sonicbids. Wheras you can send a press kit via snail mail for free to some of them. However some of the events only take saonicbids EPK....
YOu can view out EPK here...
View Soul Amp's EPK
It also has a calendar...
My Sonicbids Calendar
If we continue to use this I'll probably post this calendar in the main web page...
On the recording front we have four new tunes we're polishing. And a we are recording new versions of some our older songs about 8 so far on the list. We'll be in the studio tuesday and wednesday night and this saturday tracking.
SO for those of you who have the New Day and Tube prototype disk those there won't be anymore of those sold. I think I have aout 15 or so left of Tube.
That's it for now.
BRad
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Soul Amp selected for Break up Song
We recently submitted our song She Slit Her Wrists Again to MKE magazine for a breakup song online compilation. Our song was selected and you can download it and all 15 other tracks here.
So we got a blurb in the MKE magazine out now and another link and reason to post.
Also in the list is one of my local favorites Spill.
So we got a blurb in the MKE magazine out now and another link and reason to post.
Also in the list is one of my local favorites Spill.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Tone Quest Update
Well I have switched back to Groove Tubes 12ax7-c's for the pre-amp stages of the Traynor YCV20. The JJ ECC83S either need some burn in or one has an issue. Word out in the ether is that the JJ ECC83s' have some manufacturing issues. One reseller dicontinued the tube because he had 25% rejection rates. I am in contact with Bob at Eurotubes and I'll post a post-morteum once I find out what the scoop on these tubes are. Tonight I will be trying them in the Champ 12 to see if I can isolate the issue. This issue is a ratty high frequency static that seems to appear in overdrive settings.
I left the balanced JJ ECC83S in the phase splitting spot and it seems to be doing okay. Though I might try a 12AT7 that I have. To see what that will do.
The EL84's from JJ are performing well and the overall sound is better than the Sovteks. I might swap back again just to make sure though...
I also investigated speakers and have decided on the Eminence Red Fang AlNiCo 30 watt speaker. Partly because of some favorable reviews and price. It is 1/3 the cost of an Celestion Blue and is close to the sound. I am sure the tube amp wolrd will start hearing more about this speaker soon based on a few things I have read. One reviewer on Harmony Central put the Red Fang and Blue in a head to head test. He said the Blue was still the best but the Red Fang had a different yet equally musical sound. Quite a excellent value. The weak dollar has allowed Eminence to gain some ground on Celestion on their UK produced speakers. The big bummer on the weak dollar is that is has put UK amps pretty much out of reach.
I had some mp3s of the tone but unfortunately they have too much digital clipping on them to post. So I will rerecord the samples and with more care on the amp settings and what I play to to provide a better comparision.
I'll put a new section on the website called "Combo Tube Amp" for you fellow tone freaks out there.
I left the balanced JJ ECC83S in the phase splitting spot and it seems to be doing okay. Though I might try a 12AT7 that I have. To see what that will do.
The EL84's from JJ are performing well and the overall sound is better than the Sovteks. I might swap back again just to make sure though...
I also investigated speakers and have decided on the Eminence Red Fang AlNiCo 30 watt speaker. Partly because of some favorable reviews and price. It is 1/3 the cost of an Celestion Blue and is close to the sound. I am sure the tube amp wolrd will start hearing more about this speaker soon based on a few things I have read. One reviewer on Harmony Central put the Red Fang and Blue in a head to head test. He said the Blue was still the best but the Red Fang had a different yet equally musical sound. Quite a excellent value. The weak dollar has allowed Eminence to gain some ground on Celestion on their UK produced speakers. The big bummer on the weak dollar is that is has put UK amps pretty much out of reach.
I had some mp3s of the tone but unfortunately they have too much digital clipping on them to post. So I will rerecord the samples and with more care on the amp settings and what I play to to provide a better comparision.
I'll put a new section on the website called "Combo Tube Amp" for you fellow tone freaks out there.
Pestilence...
A illness has befallen the most delightful person that plays upon the drums in the band of gentlemen known as Soul Amp. Seems the sturdy M2 has been stricken with pneumonia and is home on bed rest by doctor's orders. His recovery is proceeding and his spirits are high. All the wish him the best in this difficult time.
In the mean time M1 and myself are generating a bevy of new tunes with the goal of having more to sellect from when the time comes to put the upcoming album in the can. Which BTW is slated for May 1st, 2005.
Upcoming gigs are nebulous at this time as we are concentrating on re-recording tracks already selected for the album.
In the mean time M1 and myself are generating a bevy of new tunes with the goal of having more to sellect from when the time comes to put the upcoming album in the can. Which BTW is slated for May 1st, 2005.
Upcoming gigs are nebulous at this time as we are concentrating on re-recording tracks already selected for the album.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Brad and Strat.
Once again getting ready for rehersal in the CatBox. I'm still in my work uniform.
What dedication.
Free Lite Beer....
Main Stage has these cool wing counters with couches and stools along the sides that make it a great place to chill and chat. Here we are partaking in some libation before we went on.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Watching the listeners
Yesterday, I dropped one of the latest prototype CDs at a coffee shop in the area. I've played at this place in the past with another band I'm currently playing with. After I chatted with one of the owners about when they'll be starting to program bands again I ordered some coffee & a nosh and he told me he'd play the CD while I was there. I think the shop had around 20 people in it. I grabbed a copy of the Arts section of the New York Times, read up on Cirque du Soleil's new show in Las Vegas and sipped my coffee. While our CD was playing I noticed a few things...
- even on the shop's miniscule sound system we sounded quite good, Brad's vocals could be heard, lyrics understood plainly, even with a somewhat boistrous crowd and the front door of the shop propped open, letting fresh, warm outside air into the shop
- it was nice to sit around perfect strangers (although I find myself wondering why people use the expression 'perfect strangers', what makes them perfect? how exactly do we know for certain they're even all that strange? more strange than me?) and listen to our music
- it's one thing to play our CD for friends & family and have them give sincerely good review of our music, it's one thing to play live and get the same including the same from patrons in the bar/club, but it's an entirely different thing to be sitting in a coffee shop listening to our music and notice a patron with his wife as they enjoy the beautiful weather, sip their coffee and gradually start dancing in their seats, a wide smile gaining real estate on their face and their toes tapping like some sort of hoe-down hillbilly (hopefully the owner noticed)
So, I think we're on the right track. =)
- even on the shop's miniscule sound system we sounded quite good, Brad's vocals could be heard, lyrics understood plainly, even with a somewhat boistrous crowd and the front door of the shop propped open, letting fresh, warm outside air into the shop
- it was nice to sit around perfect strangers (although I find myself wondering why people use the expression 'perfect strangers', what makes them perfect? how exactly do we know for certain they're even all that strange? more strange than me?) and listen to our music
- it's one thing to play our CD for friends & family and have them give sincerely good review of our music, it's one thing to play live and get the same including the same from patrons in the bar/club, but it's an entirely different thing to be sitting in a coffee shop listening to our music and notice a patron with his wife as they enjoy the beautiful weather, sip their coffee and gradually start dancing in their seats, a wide smile gaining real estate on their face and their toes tapping like some sort of hoe-down hillbilly (hopefully the owner noticed)
So, I think we're on the right track. =)
Saturday, February 05, 2005
JJ Electronics ecc83s
JJ Electonics ECC83s or 12ax7. Word out in tubeland is that these tubes are some of the sweetest to come down the pipe since the Telefunkens in the early 60's. I'll be loading the Traynor up with these in a few days. Today I'll be putting down a version of a new tune on acoustic and will do some sample recordings of the Traynor and Champ 12 with the different tube sets I have.
Friday, February 04, 2005
The EL84 Power Tube
TYPICAL CHARACTERISTIC:
Ua = 250 V
Ug2 = 250 V
Ug1 = -7,3 V
Ia = 48 mA
Ig2 = 5,5 mA
S = 11,3 mA/V
Ri = 40 kOhm
µg1/g2
CLASS A AMPLIFIER:
Ua = 250 V
Ug2 = 250 V
Rk = 133 Ohm
Ia = 48 mA
Ig2 = 5,5 mA
Ra = 5,2 kOhm
Ug1eff(50mW) = 0,3 V
Ug1eff(N) = 4,3 V
N(10%)1) = 5,7 W
N2) = 6 W
1)Ug1fest fixed grid bias
2)Ig1
What does this MEAN!! I don't know but it looks cool...
Ua = 250 V
Ug2 = 250 V
Ug1 = -7,3 V
Ia = 48 mA
Ig2 = 5,5 mA
S = 11,3 mA/V
Ri = 40 kOhm
µg1/g2
CLASS A AMPLIFIER:
Ua = 250 V
Ug2 = 250 V
Rk = 133 Ohm
Ia = 48 mA
Ig2 = 5,5 mA
Ra = 5,2 kOhm
Ug1eff(50mW) = 0,3 V
Ug1eff(N) = 4,3 V
N(10%)1) = 5,7 W
N2) = 6 W
1)Ug1fest fixed grid bias
2)Ig1
What does this MEAN!! I don't know but it looks cool...
Traynor YCV20
New amp. Soul Amp aquired this little gem from e-bay. I played the Sprizzo gig with it after I wired a switching 1/4 jack and installed a mounting plate to the inside cabinet to hold it.
I used the Fender 2x12 closed back cabinet that is loaded with EVM-12Fs. The cabinet is 8 ohm. Plugging in a cabinet to the Traynor automagically turns off the speaker and maintains the 8 ohm output requirement.
I replaced the stock Sovtek 12ax7 with Groove Tube 12ax7-c Shugaung made.
First off this amp being a EL84 cathode biased amp is a much differenet animal than the Champ 12 I have been using. The signal to the power tubes in the Traynor is split into two seprate opposite phases and are sent to the power tubes for amplification. The Champ is a single ended Class A with a single 6L6 power tube and has this one dimentional quality to it compared to the dual EL84.
Basically in a nutshell the Champ 12 is a "American" high gain rock amp. The Traynor is really more of a "Brit" type amp. Think Orange AD15, Vox AC15, Marshall 18 watt. It was designed in response to the Mesa Boogie high gain amp of the day. The two amps have very different sounds. The EL84 amp though is able to replicate the sound of the Champ 12 to a degree. The big bonus is that the EL84 amp has a higher degree of flexibility and a more complicated sound .
Be sure to get yourself some Free Soul Amp music by clicking here.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Monday, January 31, 2005
Sprizzo Jan. 29th
What follows are a bunch of pictures from the january 29th SPrizzo gig. Sprizzo is a small cafe'/coffee house/Art Gallery/Martini/Wine Bar....that is a lot of slashes. They have music on a regular basis and do everything from jazz, folk to alt rock. If the bands keep the volume down this is a fun place to watch and hear music. Great food, drinks and warm non-smoking atmosphere make for a very intimate music experience for all ages.
SPrizzo is not a late night place. Bnads fire up at 8 and typically they start shutting down by around 10-10:30. We were packed up and sitting in House of Guiness having a pint by 11:30.
Families welcome. We had quite a few fans who brought the kids. Which is great way for families to do something other than watch T.V. or go to ::choke:: Applebee's...go to Sprizzo...
Starting out the night at 8 p.m. we had pretty much standing room only for the first set. The second set was "mostly winging it" and havning fun trying out some variations on songs that were not in the first set.
Thanks to Patrick Netteshiem for the photos.
It was a good gig. We had a blast, sold some disks, ate some sammies and drank some moose drool.
SPrizzo is not a late night place. Bnads fire up at 8 and typically they start shutting down by around 10-10:30. We were packed up and sitting in House of Guiness having a pint by 11:30.
Families welcome. We had quite a few fans who brought the kids. Which is great way for families to do something other than watch T.V. or go to ::choke:: Applebee's...go to Sprizzo...
Starting out the night at 8 p.m. we had pretty much standing room only for the first set. The second set was "mostly winging it" and havning fun trying out some variations on songs that were not in the first set.
Thanks to Patrick Netteshiem for the photos.
It was a good gig. We had a blast, sold some disks, ate some sammies and drank some moose drool.
Set up
Here is the tight space to set up in at Sprizzo. We relocated tables at the front. Volume is key at this place. Keep the bass deep. M2 used HotShots to keep the volume down. Sprizzo's has a small PA. Use it if you play there. I placed my speaker cabinet to the left of the door to spread the sound.
All in all we had no complaints on the sound and we didn't blast people out.
All in all we had no complaints on the sound and we didn't blast people out.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Sprizzo's Chicken Nachos...
I am big nacho fan. And I am very picky about them. Real cheese. No canned goo. Sprizzo's has for the most part really good nachos. Except for a time when one owner decided it was better to have nacho cheese canned goo instead....bleech...
All I can say is between Sprizzo's Nachos with a Moose Drool and Es station's Nachos Con Carne and a margarita, Waukesha may very well be the Nacho capital of the known universe.
As and old punker from Minneapolis t-face used to say: "mmmm num nums"
All I can say is between Sprizzo's Nachos with a Moose Drool and Es station's Nachos Con Carne and a margarita, Waukesha may very well be the Nacho capital of the known universe.
As and old punker from Minneapolis t-face used to say: "mmmm num nums"
This Is Sprizzo
Main Street Waukesha. We'll be playing on Saturday the 29th from 8-10.
This is also to site of "bean scene". Each Wednesday before practice a few soul ampers hang with their groovy "chicks", kids, friends etc. for Moose Drool and Nachos..or soup, latte', coffee...whatever.
This is also to site of "bean scene". Each Wednesday before practice a few soul ampers hang with their groovy "chicks", kids, friends etc. for Moose Drool and Nachos..or soup, latte', coffee...whatever.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
"Tube" Potential CD Cover
Well I downloaded the templates for various CD jackets/sleeves and inserts from DiskMakers to start tossing around ideas for the final graphics for the upcoming CD.
Playing with "tube" idea as cover I tried a few thing in PhotoShop. I have some ideas that we'll to take some more photos to realize...super secret ya know...
Playing with "tube" idea as cover I tried a few thing in PhotoShop. I have some ideas that we'll to take some more photos to realize...super secret ya know...
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Prototype-IIb - "Tube"
Here is the cover design for prototype II dubbed: "tube".
M1 and I finished this up last night selection a range of songs that we felt sounded good together. We'll be selling these at the Main Stage and Sprizzo gigs for $5. This weekend in Waukesha.
The seven song disk is yet another step along the way to our completed album. It is likely that these versions will only be available on this disk.
If you lucked out and got the first prototype why stop there...come and get this one too...
I personally really like this little disk. It shows the progress the band has made musically since November. There are three new songs, Flowing On, Beautiful Painting and Turn Out The Morning.(new to us) on the disk and it's cool in that they are really fresh recordings made moments after the songs came together, probably the third or fourth take.
I am digging these new tunes as they revealed that we have broken through some hidden self imposed boundary and we started opening up some new sonic territory. Specifically in Beautiful Picture there is some really interesting stuff happening there it's dark and sweet. All in all tasty disk and a great step toward our finished album...
I was holding a pre amp tube (12ax7-c Groove Tubes) I bought and was admiring it as we waited for the track to processes the mastering effects. Mike said "lets take a picture of that...".
As I thought more about it seemed tube was a pretty name for this collection.
We all live in tubes of sorts.
Well rounded and confined.
In our own little columns of influence.
tube junky
corporate silo climber
See you at the gig...
Brad
M1 and I finished this up last night selection a range of songs that we felt sounded good together. We'll be selling these at the Main Stage and Sprizzo gigs for $5. This weekend in Waukesha.
The seven song disk is yet another step along the way to our completed album. It is likely that these versions will only be available on this disk.
If you lucked out and got the first prototype why stop there...come and get this one too...
I personally really like this little disk. It shows the progress the band has made musically since November. There are three new songs, Flowing On, Beautiful Painting and Turn Out The Morning.(new to us) on the disk and it's cool in that they are really fresh recordings made moments after the songs came together, probably the third or fourth take.
I am digging these new tunes as they revealed that we have broken through some hidden self imposed boundary and we started opening up some new sonic territory. Specifically in Beautiful Picture there is some really interesting stuff happening there it's dark and sweet. All in all tasty disk and a great step toward our finished album...
I was holding a pre amp tube (12ax7-c Groove Tubes) I bought and was admiring it as we waited for the track to processes the mastering effects. Mike said "lets take a picture of that...".
As I thought more about it seemed tube was a pretty name for this collection.
We all live in tubes of sorts.
Well rounded and confined.
In our own little columns of influence.
tube junky
corporate silo climber
See you at the gig...
Brad
Monday, January 24, 2005
Main Stage 10 p.m. Friday - Jan 29th.
Debut Gig - Main Stage 716 Clinton, Downtown Waukesha Wisconsin. 10 p.m.
45 minute set.
We'll be playing:
Time On My Hands
Banner Day
She Slit Her Wrists Again
Moves In For The Kill
Turn Out The Morning
MOre Than I Asked For
Sealed Away
New Day
Summer Holiday
Jamie Says
45 minute set.
We'll be playing:
Time On My Hands
Banner Day
She Slit Her Wrists Again
Moves In For The Kill
Turn Out The Morning
MOre Than I Asked For
Sealed Away
New Day
Summer Holiday
Jamie Says
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Breakup Song
Seems there is some sort of thing happening on MKE online...they were looking for local bands to submit a "break-up" song. So we tossed them She Slit Her Wrists Again, not exactly a little ditty bout Jack and Diane more of a "whoa...what's up with that.." you can download it here.
I guess this makes this our first...internet freebie release. Make sure you come out and hear it live sometime.
I guess this makes this our first...internet freebie release. Make sure you come out and hear it live sometime.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Soul Amp
Soul Amp is unique; the music is rich with experience and draws on a great variety of influences. The song-based sound is deep and warm with dynamics that set this four piece apart. Their tunes are soulful and challenging while being delightfully musical, at times heavy and other times wildly light and fresh. Mature listeners and music fans will appreciate Soul Amp as they pay homage to the texture and depth of sound once thought lost in our mostly digital instument music world. They are indeed the soul amplifiers for a generation that grew up through the 60's and 70's. This group of four late "boomers" will bring to your festival or club a welcome diversion into the sounds that define what rock music is and was.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
MIke Fisk
Mike (M1) Fisk - keyboards
Mike hails from Colorado and is a self-taught piano player from early childhood. Mike has been in and around music for years as a composer and band manager. He co-wrote songs, produced and managed a popular band while in Colorado and produced his own album of instrumental piano. He is a prolific writer, "tech-geek" and brings a wealth of ideas to Soul Amp. In Soul Amp Mike comes out form behind the scenes and brings his talent to the stage. Mike sticks to traditional sounds. He utilizes a vintage Hammond organ, Wurlitzer electric and Yamaha Grand pianos in the studio and for stage plays a Korg Hammond tone wheel clone, Kurtzwiel PC2X controller and a vintage Wurlitzer. While working their day job, Brad and Mike frequently discussed their joint musical interests. Their conversations led to the conception of Soul Amp in 2004.
Mike Nettesheim - M2
Mike (M2) Nettesheim - drums/percussion
After meeting Brad at an open mic session Mike Joined Soul Amp in August,2004. He has played drums since 1972, professionally gigging and recording since 1980. His credits include regional touring band Tiger Rose, punk band Barking Spiders, alt rock band E'Gad and blues guitarist Jon Moore. Mike plays vintage Ludwig kits on stage and in studio. Soul Amp needed a drummer that could draw on a rich exposure to many forms of music without fear of experimenting with unusual beats and timings to accent the tunes. Mike's creativity is unflagging and as time went on he found that the music being made was indeed as he put it "amplifying my soul, it's my soul amp". Mike brings a great deal of skill and enthusiasm to Soul Amp and he and Steve are quickly becoming a rhythm section admired by other musicians.
Steven White - EB
Steven White (Esteban Blanco) - bass
Steve comes to Soul Amp from 25 years of playing rock, pop, top 40 and jazz. He started playing bass guitar in high school and since then has played with big bands, solo performers and a range of small-stage acts including the many performance groups while in music school. Some of his most successful gigs have been with Flat Rabbits, Pulse and U2Zoo. Steves primary influences are not only world-renowned bassists like Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller and Darryl Jones but also artists from other disciplines such as Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, Joan Miro and Frank Lloyd Wright. His philosophy of playing is simple: know the song, listen to the players, carry the bottom line and always be willing to express yourself. Steve plays on Brian Moore 5-string, Fender Jazz 4-string fretless and Ibanez Musician 4-string basses and uses Eden amplification.
Brad Odland
Brad Odland - guitar/lead vocal
Brad started playing guitar in 1974 and has been playing and writing original material since 1985. While living in Minneapolis he joined the Landsliders as lead guitarist and backing vocalist. The Landsliders released a 6" EP and played in the region through the late 80's and early 90's. In 1990 while still gigging with the Landsliders he formed the power trio Frozen Soul and they wrote over 50 original songs over a four year period eventually releasing the cassette "Contemporary Music for Neanderthals". Brad moved to Madison, Wisconsin in 1995 and went "back to nature" for 8 years playing solo folk and original bluegrass. After Handful of Grass parted company in 2003, Brad looked to return to rock music.
In early 2004 he began working with keyboardist/songwriter Mike Fisk and together they found a common musical sense. Brad and Mike focus on lyrics that reflect experiences from simple slice of life tunes about relationships and love to darker explorations of loss, war and politics. Musically Brad draws on sounds from four decades of music including rock, pop, punk, blues, reggae and Americana and brings this experience to bear with the members of Soul Amp to sculpt a fresh sonic experience.
As a guitarist Brads understated playing style is simple but rich with emotion, texture and tone. His voice is soulful, personal and draws on years of singing folk, rock and bluegrass. Brad plays Fender Stratocasters through a modified 80's vintage tube Fender Champ 12 and 70's Fender 2x12 cabinet without effects. His playing relies on analog tech to milk the sound from the wires. Un-fettered by effects the true sound of the guitar and its player sing true.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Sup...
Well as we head into a new year it is time for news and idle banter. First Soul Amp is chuggin ahead getting ready for the upcomging gigs at Main Stage and Sprizzo. We'lln be doing a 45 minute set at Main Stage. So we are polishing that set. We'll start the ight at Sprizzo with the music not played at Main Stage and then finish with the set from the night before. Expect to here some jams at Sprizzo as I am sure we'll open it up a bit.
M1 is off in Co. for the holidays so M2, EB and I practiced lastnight. It was funh and we got a chance to "just jam" some too as we were'nt too serious about getting anything other that a refresher with M1 abscent. One thing is for sure., Hammond organ and piano sure fills out the sound. With M1 missing it was wierd to play as a three piece, these songs that were arranged for four.
So to make up for M1 not being around we made sure his picture was repeted over and over again in the promo photo collage. Sorry Mike, couldn't resist.
M1 is off in Co. for the holidays so M2, EB and I practiced lastnight. It was funh and we got a chance to "just jam" some too as we were'nt too serious about getting anything other that a refresher with M1 abscent. One thing is for sure., Hammond organ and piano sure fills out the sound. With M1 missing it was wierd to play as a three piece, these songs that were arranged for four.
So to make up for M1 not being around we made sure his picture was repeted over and over again in the promo photo collage. Sorry Mike, couldn't resist.
Happy Smiling People
Smiling like idiots...(lol) as we are freezing. Lucky
there was some tasty Spanish wine waiting....
Promo Photo
Well here is the first of what will be many
promotional glossies. We had to get one together quick
to start sending out for gigs. This one is heading to
Memphis for the a shot at playing the Beale street
music fest.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Flyers!
Well here you go! We llnaded another gig for January at the Main Stage in Waukesha. So I created some fliers for posting in the clubs and around town. I dig fliers for bands...I used to collect them when I was in Minneapolis and somewhere in the boxes of stuff I have a bunch for the mid 80's. So you flier hunters out their here's your chance to add to your collection. The future rare "Badminton" tour flyers....lol
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Protoype I CD Ready
The Soul Amp's Protoype I CD "New Day" is pretty much completed. If you are interested in purchasing this limited edition pre-production prototype there are few ways to get one. First come to our debut gig at Sprizzo Gallery and Cafe' on Saturday, January 29th 8-10 p.m. 378 Main Steet, Waueksha, WI.
The reason you WANT one is because when they are gone they are gone. There will NEVER be more. It is also likly that some of the songs that appear on the Prototype I disk will not be on the final production CD. I can't tell you which ones becuase we don't know yet...We are still writing tunes and they may bump some of the older songs as we craft the final vision of the album.
The reason you WANT one is because when they are gone they are gone. There will NEVER be more. It is also likly that some of the songs that appear on the Prototype I disk will not be on the final production CD. I can't tell you which ones becuase we don't know yet...We are still writing tunes and they may bump some of the older songs as we craft the final vision of the album.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
New Gadgets
Last night M1 and I broke in some new software. iZotopes's Ozone3 mastering plugin.
We spent the eveing figuring our how to use it. I had to borrow my Wife's G4 Ti powerbook to run it. The results were pretty stunning. We will be using in mastering the final production CD.
Also on the horizon is a iMac G5. to repalce my iBook G3 that is currently been the workhorse. Actually the G5 will really be my wifes new graphics workstation as her Ti powerbook is now tipping the years at near 5. Souls Amp will be fortunate to be able to utilize the new G5 for the final push in the production of our debut CD then I'll take over the powerbook and hand the iBook down to daughter bass player.
We spent the eveing figuring our how to use it. I had to borrow my Wife's G4 Ti powerbook to run it. The results were pretty stunning. We will be using in mastering the final production CD.
Also on the horizon is a iMac G5. to repalce my iBook G3 that is currently been the workhorse. Actually the G5 will really be my wifes new graphics workstation as her Ti powerbook is now tipping the years at near 5. Souls Amp will be fortunate to be able to utilize the new G5 for the final push in the production of our debut CD then I'll take over the powerbook and hand the iBook down to daughter bass player.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Ahh Memories
Intro...
Well, I was thinking the other day about all the wacky stuff I've experienced in playing with bands so I thought I would start writing them down. And what better place than right here under the banner of SOul Amp...
..fade to black...
Crossing Paths with Soul Asylum
In the Late 80's Minneapolis, Minnesota the Landslider's the band, I playing in was booked at 7th Street Entry. THe Entry was a small club attached to the famous First Avenue. The premier music and dance venue in Minneapolis. The Entry was more or less a closet attached to First Avenue. The trapezoidal shaped room had maybe five tables and a few stools. Bleacher like carpeted platforms rose up tow levels along the back wall and afforded fans a way seeing over the near floor level stage over the crow on the back level.The entry also known as Minneapolis's largest ashtray was grey and black inside indoor outdoor covers the interior.
Photos are linked from First Avenue and are credited to Dan Corrigan.
Here are the steps leading to basement or the "dressing room".
The lansliders recently off a fresh name change and sporting a new demo tape landed a series of gigs in spring of 87 we were playing out pretty regular doing front gigs mostly. One night as we were setting up for a show at the entry Jay the drummer asked, "Who the fuck is Sunshine on My Shoulder?". I said "I never heard of them." He was pissed because we got the opening slot for this Thursday night and we were a bit bummed at getting bumped by a unknown band. As jay was setting up the kit he stopped and this tall lanky dirty blond guy stroad in with a similar curly haired mutton chop guy Dan Murphy...they passed Jay. I took no notice. Jay said "Isn't that Pirner...?". Asking if it was Dave Pirner of SOul Asylum. I said, "yeah I think so." We continued setting up our gear and the activity was increasing as we started to do our sound check. I seemed as if a who's who of the Minneapolis music scenes was slowly filtering through the place. I though cool we get some discerning ears for tonight's show. Well it ended up being quite a awesome night for sure. Within minutes we realized that indeed SOul Asylum was playing under the alias of Sunshine On My Shoulder. They were kicking off their tour for "While you Were Out". We had heard that they had Twin Tone had just inked a deal with A&M and the independent label was going big time and taking the bands with them.
Pirner and Murphy sat against the back wall of the entry while we did our sound check. We peeled our gear off the stage and headed down to the basement to eat pizza and drink some snowshoe grog...or favorite pre-show snort. Well as we were down hanging out chatting with SOul Aslyms Drummer at the time. Who walks into the dressing room but Grant Hart from Husker Du. Grant and his buddy sit down and light a joint and proceed to pass it around. So here we are in 1987 goofing in the Entry with Grant Hart in the Entry.
After splitting a pizza with everyone we got ready for our show and headed up and launched into a high energy set. The place filled up quick as we went through the set and we got a good response from the crowd. Certainly I was now glad we were playing first as Soul Aslyum would pretty much blow away everybody who cam after them.
They took the stage and played a set that was so tight and powerful it ripped your head right off...no kidding.
It was a memorable night and a good gig for us even though I think we were pained like $75 bucks. I always was disappointed in the pay in Minneapolis at the time but it sure beats what new bands have to go through today. Hey wait I'm a new band again...
The Masterbeats only legacy...wow I can't believe I found this pic...(Dan Corrigan)
Look close above the head of the guitarist looking at Peter Buck from REM. You will See scrawled in black marker "The Master Beats", I wrote that on the wall after I played at the a show at the Entry. I think we fronted the Gear Daddies or the Gyrones or something. I believe Peter Buck was in town and sat in with the Gear Daddies.
It must have been around spring early spring 1986 or so. I found this pic at First Avenue's web site. Funny I thought I wrote that in the basement of the Uptown Bar and Grill...well....stuff is pretty blurry from those days...but stuff is coming back to me...I'll toss out some other stories from the past, I 've got a ton of them...like the backwoods ski trolling, and playing after demolition derby, spinning vans on ice, rehearsal in jail....oh my...yeah.
Well, I was thinking the other day about all the wacky stuff I've experienced in playing with bands so I thought I would start writing them down. And what better place than right here under the banner of SOul Amp...
..fade to black...
Crossing Paths with Soul Asylum
In the Late 80's Minneapolis, Minnesota the Landslider's the band, I playing in was booked at 7th Street Entry. THe Entry was a small club attached to the famous First Avenue. The premier music and dance venue in Minneapolis. The Entry was more or less a closet attached to First Avenue. The trapezoidal shaped room had maybe five tables and a few stools. Bleacher like carpeted platforms rose up tow levels along the back wall and afforded fans a way seeing over the near floor level stage over the crow on the back level.The entry also known as Minneapolis's largest ashtray was grey and black inside indoor outdoor covers the interior.
Photos are linked from First Avenue and are credited to Dan Corrigan.
Here are the steps leading to basement or the "dressing room".
The lansliders recently off a fresh name change and sporting a new demo tape landed a series of gigs in spring of 87 we were playing out pretty regular doing front gigs mostly. One night as we were setting up for a show at the entry Jay the drummer asked, "Who the fuck is Sunshine on My Shoulder?". I said "I never heard of them." He was pissed because we got the opening slot for this Thursday night and we were a bit bummed at getting bumped by a unknown band. As jay was setting up the kit he stopped and this tall lanky dirty blond guy stroad in with a similar curly haired mutton chop guy Dan Murphy...they passed Jay. I took no notice. Jay said "Isn't that Pirner...?". Asking if it was Dave Pirner of SOul Asylum. I said, "yeah I think so." We continued setting up our gear and the activity was increasing as we started to do our sound check. I seemed as if a who's who of the Minneapolis music scenes was slowly filtering through the place. I though cool we get some discerning ears for tonight's show. Well it ended up being quite a awesome night for sure. Within minutes we realized that indeed SOul Asylum was playing under the alias of Sunshine On My Shoulder. They were kicking off their tour for "While you Were Out". We had heard that they had Twin Tone had just inked a deal with A&M and the independent label was going big time and taking the bands with them.
Pirner and Murphy sat against the back wall of the entry while we did our sound check. We peeled our gear off the stage and headed down to the basement to eat pizza and drink some snowshoe grog...or favorite pre-show snort. Well as we were down hanging out chatting with SOul Aslyms Drummer at the time. Who walks into the dressing room but Grant Hart from Husker Du. Grant and his buddy sit down and light a joint and proceed to pass it around. So here we are in 1987 goofing in the Entry with Grant Hart in the Entry.
After splitting a pizza with everyone we got ready for our show and headed up and launched into a high energy set. The place filled up quick as we went through the set and we got a good response from the crowd. Certainly I was now glad we were playing first as Soul Aslyum would pretty much blow away everybody who cam after them.
They took the stage and played a set that was so tight and powerful it ripped your head right off...no kidding.
It was a memorable night and a good gig for us even though I think we were pained like $75 bucks. I always was disappointed in the pay in Minneapolis at the time but it sure beats what new bands have to go through today. Hey wait I'm a new band again...
The Masterbeats only legacy...wow I can't believe I found this pic...(Dan Corrigan)
Look close above the head of the guitarist looking at Peter Buck from REM. You will See scrawled in black marker "The Master Beats", I wrote that on the wall after I played at the a show at the Entry. I think we fronted the Gear Daddies or the Gyrones or something. I believe Peter Buck was in town and sat in with the Gear Daddies.
It must have been around spring early spring 1986 or so. I found this pic at First Avenue's web site. Funny I thought I wrote that in the basement of the Uptown Bar and Grill...well....stuff is pretty blurry from those days...but stuff is coming back to me...I'll toss out some other stories from the past, I 've got a ton of them...like the backwoods ski trolling, and playing after demolition derby, spinning vans on ice, rehearsal in jail....oh my...yeah.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
soul-amp.com lives!
I haven't posted to our blog yet because... well, I haven't had much to
say yet. There's been a sudden flurry of activity in the ol' Cat Box and
elsewhere for us. As you've seen, we've finished up the first prototype
of our CD.
I recently got http://soul-amp.com up and running as well, just a few days
ago. There isn't a whole lot of content there, just an e-biz card for
now. It'll grow and change soon.
As for me, I carry the low end for the band. I'm currently playing on
Fender Jazz 4-string fretless and Brian Moore i5 5-string basses. I
reproduce them with an Eden Metro combo amp. If you want to hear me,
well, you'll have to come see us live or pick up a copy of New Day. And
if you buy one each of every prototype you'll have a nice sonic blog you
can carry around with you.
Thanks for spending time with us...
E.
say yet. There's been a sudden flurry of activity in the ol' Cat Box and
elsewhere for us. As you've seen, we've finished up the first prototype
of our CD.
I recently got http://soul-amp.com up and running as well, just a few days
ago. There isn't a whole lot of content there, just an e-biz card for
now. It'll grow and change soon.
As for me, I carry the low end for the band. I'm currently playing on
Fender Jazz 4-string fretless and Brian Moore i5 5-string basses. I
reproduce them with an Eden Metro combo amp. If you want to hear me,
well, you'll have to come see us live or pick up a copy of New Day. And
if you buy one each of every prototype you'll have a nice sonic blog you
can carry around with you.
Thanks for spending time with us...
E.
Friday, December 03, 2004
Sprizzo Saturday Jan. 29th
Upcoming Gig at Sprizzo January 29th 8-10
Downtown Waukesha WI.
Soul Amp will be squeezed up front of the small funky
cafe' - coffee house - martini bar on Saturday, Jan 29th. $2
cover and we'll be selling a limited number of
prototype I disks...now with 9 tunes recorded in the
Cat Box....
Read below for info the Cat Box and of course Soul Amp.....
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
More Than I Asked For
Last night M1 and I worked on More Than I Asked For. A new tune we recorded the bass, guitar and drum tracks for during rehersal one night.
Well M1 tackled adding a organ track and after about four hours of trying it just wasn't happening. Depression was setting in. We had one passage that was good and the rest it just was not happening. So...it was best to rethink the instrumentation. We dumped the Organ on verses and tried piano. ZOOM! that was it after a couple of takes M1 laid down a very cool piano track keeping the organ in the chorus. Cool thing is this will be able to be done easily with M1's live rig for shows. The song went from a rather plodding death march funeral dirge to a bright snappy , metro, love song...shades of Joe Jackson and Bruce Hornsby...
I then jumped in a nailed the vocals in one take. After four hours of sitting at the console starting and stopping a 5 minute song I was ready... the result..you can hear live at Sprizzo's on Jan 29th.
Well M1 tackled adding a organ track and after about four hours of trying it just wasn't happening. Depression was setting in. We had one passage that was good and the rest it just was not happening. So...it was best to rethink the instrumentation. We dumped the Organ on verses and tried piano. ZOOM! that was it after a couple of takes M1 laid down a very cool piano track keeping the organ in the chorus. Cool thing is this will be able to be done easily with M1's live rig for shows. The song went from a rather plodding death march funeral dirge to a bright snappy , metro, love song...shades of Joe Jackson and Bruce Hornsby...
I then jumped in a nailed the vocals in one take. After four hours of sitting at the console starting and stopping a 5 minute song I was ready... the result..you can hear live at Sprizzo's on Jan 29th.
Soul Amp - CD Prototype 1
Above is the cover for Souls Amp - New Day prototype CD. What I'm doing is creating prototypes of our upcoming CD. Using desktop technology that most are familiar with, Photoshop, Label printing, labels, CD-Rs and jewel cases I'm "prototyping" our upcoming release. Why? Why not...I am burning disks all the time as we polish and select the tunes for our album. So why not go ahead and start working out the look and feel of the CD as well?
So this is the first prototype titled New Day. Why should you care?
For each protoype that we do the CD will be different in many ways. First the content will likely be different. As we write more tunes some may get "bumped" and others the arrangements may change as well as tracks or the entire recording will be replaced. We will try different song orders as well as art work from a variety of graphic artist types that we happen to know.
So here is the final pitch.
We are considering selling them at gigs. Each protoype will be produced in limited numbers of maybe 20-30. Each will be good sonic quality and represent versions of tunes we are okay with. Also it will help fund the continued production of the final album. We need to raise about $1000 for the professional mastering, printing and reproduction for the first producton run. Since most gigs for original bands pay little we have to make some money somehow. I have always liked homegrown tapes and CDs and think it is way cool when an band lets the listener get a more intimate view of the band and it's progress.
Hence this blog...
So on the 29th of January 8-10 pm...at Sprizzo's Caffe and Coffeehouse we will probably offer some of these prototypes up for sale. Cover is 2$ at the door and the prototype disks will probably be $5 or so....
SO what is up with this design...
Well it is orange. To represent a warmth and glow of a new day. Simple enough. The yellow circle of couse is the sun and the use of green is to create a vivid contrast. The orange is a tip to the past.
That is it.
Below is the label.
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