Idiots With Instruments

We start this fine episode by reflecting on (and playing) the two new songs we have in the works. Doug gets pissy. Jim makes fun of him. Andris is awkward. Next, we interview Mark Ignoffo, recording engineer to the stars. Mark got his start in Chicago and recorded some amazing bands, including a very young Smashing Pumpkins. He also played on a few Smashing Pumpkins songs that made it on their first album. And he recounts that Billy Corgan had the loudest amp he’s ever recorded.

We start out chitty chatting about nonsense then get down to work on two new songs: “Sweaty Betty” and “Holdin’ It Down.” Jim has trouble remembering his parts, as usual. And accidentally identifies this episode as episode 7. It’s not. It’s episode 8 (or 9 if you count episode zero as episode 1...nevermind).  Doug accidentally spits out some music theory and amazes us all. Andris keeps talking about how fat he is but he is far from the fattest member of the Red Hot Rebellion. Progress is ma

Today we talk to our friend and brochacho, Ryan Malott of 500 MILES TO MEMPHIS. Ryan takes us through his songwriting and recording process and offers some insight on what it's like being in a hardworking independent band slugging it out on the highways and bi-ways of America. Ryan's work ethic is second to none, and his music is goddamn fantastic. He's also a fan of the show, so the conversation devolves into a series of callbacks to previous episodes and general silliness.

“Who’s the idiot and who’s got the instruments?” -John Fryer In this episode, we interview the world-famous producer, John Fryer and ask him how we can possibly make songs one tenth as good as the ones he’s helped create. John is most well known for his production work for bands like Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, White Zombie, Cocteau Twins, Jesus Jones, Love and Rockets, Stabbing Westward and his own music projects This Mortal Coil, Dark Drive Clinic and Black Need Noise.

We have an arrangement for another new song that we're tentatively calling, "All Teef (F the F)." Jim forgot his "order up" bell but magically some bell-like sound effects show up anyway.  Some advice for the studio and live environment are shared. When you tune your instrument, MUTE YOUR INSTRUMENT. No one wants to hear that stuff. It's a sign of an amateur. Don't do it. It makes everyone crazy.

We have the extreme pleasure to talk to singer/songwriter, Stolar, who in the past four years has written over 1,000 songs. Stolar shares with us some of his songwriting philosophy and techniques and boggles our minds with his organization and life skills. After the interview, we decompress and discuss our thoughts on rockin’ music and what we’re trying to accomplish as a band. Then, as usual, we devolve into extremely immature banter that has nothing to do with anything.

On this exciting episode, we welcome our first guest, producer, engineer and damn fine human being, Chris Suttle. Chris talks about how he got his start in recording as well as the importance of working with a producer or engineer that fits with the bands' personality. We all give some "what not to do" tips for the studio.

In the last episode, we gave Doug some homework and boy, did he deliver. Doug brings 38 starts to songs -- different riffs and chord progressions he has recorded while writing at home. This episode is an excellent example of exploring the possibilities of a new song and letting the music try to lead you in the right direction. We go in a lot of different directions, trying out different styles, tempos, etc. before getting something we like. Feast your ears on the majesty.

We talk at length about writing music. Then, lo and behold! we actually write some new music! But it happens waaay at the end of the episode. Jim brings an article about “ridiculous songwriting tips” that he found on the Internet. After initially critiquing the article, the lads find some helpful gems to help spark creativity. Also found in the article? Silly bullshit. But it might help you too, so keep an open mind.

Doug goes into an in-depth conversation about his new amplifier. He also swears this is the last amp he will ever buy, which we know is bullshit, but we humor him and let him gush about this amazing gush-worthy amplifier. Then it gets a little weird, as Doug and Andris start objectifying music gear. Then, we shift gears and talk at length about pre-production, getting ready for the studio, and the importance of being prepared before your step a foot in a recording studio.

We play an older song, a new song and then the conversation devolves into a therapy session for struggling with perfection and imposter syndrome. Jim has a minor meltdown about how his voice is out of shape and how writing vocal melodies is difficult due to his singing style. Also discussed are the differences between playing live and when recording. Some tips for recording vocals, guitar and drums are shared.

In this episode, Jim, Doug, and Andris take fall ass-backward into a quest to make the most magnificent rock n roll record in history. The lads lay the foundation for what's to come on the Idiots With Instruments as well as take a trip down memory lane to discover Red Hot Rebellion is a little older of a band than some of them thought.  And in true Red Hot Rebellion fashion, they pledge to do something insane: drag the public along with them as they endeavor to write and record their new album.