Research Into Recreating A Song

Which song have you chosen and why?

I have chosen 'Where I Stood' by Missy Higgins. Its a very powerful and emotional song. I love how the song is produced. I deconstructed the whole song in my previous blog post and we saw how beautifully the song is arranged. The song is so dynamic that it keeps the listener hooked.

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What do you intend to change and/or improve in the recording?

I think the song can definitely use some synths in the verses. Still keeping the vibe of the track intact, synths might just add to the dynamics of the song. Also, I feel this song can use harmonies and double takes, especially in the chorus.

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Research the Production Credits for the original - who were the producer and engineer?

The song was produced by Mitchell Froom. It was recorded and mixed by David Boucher and mastered by Bob Ludwig.

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In which studio was the original recorded?

This song was recorded in the Therabeta Studios in the US.

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List the audio equipment used in the original production (Mics, Console, Preamps, Compressors etc). Also, List the musical equipment used in the original production (Drumkit, guitars, amps etc)

The exact equipment used for the track was difficult to find but following is the list of gear David Boucher used for another band. This list is only indicative of the kind of microphone choice David would go for.

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Drums: 1964 Ludwig Gold Sparkle

Bass: 1972 Fender Precision Bass

Guitar: Parts Tele, Harmony Meteor

Keys: Wurlitzer 200

Organ: Hammond B3

Amps: 1960’s Kalamazoo Two, 1953 Fender Tweed Deluxe, Ampeg, Bell&Howell, 60s Fender Bassman

Mics

Vocal: U87

Kick: Custom Mojave

Snare: Josephson e22

OverHeads: KM56

Wurly: EV 666

Organ: C37a, RE-20

Guitar: EV666, Sm57

Console: MCI JH416

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• What equipment do you propose to use? Is the equipment used in the original available to you? What are closest alternatives or better options? Justify your choices. Also, Provide an input list for each instrument to be recorded, include mic, preamps and outboard signal processors where required.

As mentioned above, the equipment used in the original is not accessible to me. What I would use for the recording is as follows:

Drums

Kick In: E902

Kick Out: D112

Snare Top: SM7B

Snare Bottom: SM57

Toms: MD421

Overheads: AKG C414 pair

Room Mic: Aston Origin

Guitars: Fender Twin Reverb Amp with MD421 to capture the performance.

Vocals: Neumann U87 with a 'distressor'.

Acoustic Guitar: NT2A

Piano: AKG C414

My choice of mics is based on the frequency response graphs of these mics and also my experience recording with these in the Ferris Wheel Studios, Gurgaon, India. I worked on multiple projects as a record engineer and these mic choices are heavily based on the experience.

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• Which instruments do you plan to replace, and why?

I'm more of bringing in a synth section instead of pads/strings in the chorus to further enhance the dynamics of the song.

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• What do you propose to add to the existing production and why? Provide direct references for the sound and production

I like how the vocals are layered in the following video. Especially at the time stamp 2:06. I want to recreate this vibe in the chorus. Though the feel of the two songs are pretty different but I'm pretty confident with what I want the section to sound like.

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• methods you will use and any changes in the recording aesthetic.

Given the COVID-19 restrictions, I plan on recording using the AudioMovers plug-in. I have contacted a singer in New Delhi, India and I'll be producing the background vocal layers with her.

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• What equipment/software do you propose to utilise in the embellishment of your production (be specific)? Justify your choices.

I'll be working on Ableton. For the synth section I'll use Omnisphere and for vocals tuning I'll use Melodyne 5.

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