Whether you are a recording or performing artist, looking to have music composed for your project, or maybe you just need voice overs…Asparagus Media is the place to go!

I recently made some panoramas and 360-VR images of their main control room and its corresponding studio. Having a background in recording myself, I can say that this room sounds awesome. I was able to hear some of their multi-room live multi-track recordings and the sound was phenomenal. (the band must have had a blast recording like that too!) The sound was very warm and alive. I definitely recommend them if you are in search of a studio! Tell Steve I sent ya!

So this is a breakdown of how we set up:

Hauling a giant drum kit up and down two flights of narrow stairs is lots of fun. (Can you hear the sarcasm over the music!?) After some technical difficulties we opted to shoot the kit as a single kick. I discovered that a giant drum kit truly prefers a stage over a studio. I also couldn’t get the side lights exactly where I wanted them due to walls, but everything worked out fine.

We had a lot of fun on this shoot and the shots came out pretty cool. I am partial to the fisheye shot myself.

Enjoy the shots!
-Tony

This image has the same lighting setup but I shot from almost overhead with a fisheye. I had to crop a little so my legs wouldn’t be in the final shot!

I toned this image slightly brown in processing.

I processed this one as well. I dug the toning at first…but its growing on me less as time goes on. We may see a different version of this one soon.

Thank you to everyone who made it out, the volunteers, the film crew, Vwa Ayiti, and especially to to all the bands! It started snowing pretty hard but that didn’t stop anyone!

Vwa Ayiti International is where you can go to donate, find out how to help, or just learn more about what is being done locally and in Haiti. Their efforts are not just for the recent earthquake relief. They are an ongoing commitment to the people of Haiti and should definitely be checked out!

Aspargus Media has a studio in DC, definitely check them out. Asparagus helped run this event.

You can check out the bands that performed here:
Sitali
Eastern Standard Time
The Ambitions
Tommy T & The Abyssinian Roots Collective
Spoonboy (I am unfortunately unable to find his website…maybe someone can fill me in…)
Rosemond Jolissant (Awesome performer from Haiti…but can’t locate a website!)

Here are some highlights from the show! (I am posting a bunch, so click any of the images to get to larger versions of the entire series!)

Please check out this upcoming show. Your support will go directly towards continuing the aid and recovery of the people of Haiti. Not only will you be helping a fellow human, but you will be entertained for your support! What a luxury! I would like to give huge thank you to all the volunteers and artists that are working to make this happen! Music is our common language. It tells our story and overcomes all barriers. Open your mind, open your heart, and find a way support those that are in need. I hope to see everyone at the show!

You can learn more about this show as well as Vwa Ayiti here:
Voice Of Haiti Organization

You can find out information on the Concert venue, DC 9, and get directions to the show here:
DC 9 Concert Venue

Check back after the show for some images!

BIG WARNING! If you ship stuff from Singapore…PAY FOR FED EX!!!!!!!! Everything came through customs fine with Fed Ex, but some strings going through standard mail got lost, and their replacements took forever! This was NOT the fault of Eason, but the mail system. It pays to use FedEx expedited!

So, here I am with a beautiful Liuqin made of Willow, Ivory and Jade! It’s so sweet sounding. It just sings! Perfect action and setup! I will post pictures in another post. (you can see it in my recent studio panorama however!)

So, does anyone else play a Liuqin around here? I would love to collaborate with some other musicians that play a Liuqin, or even other Chinese instruments! If you are in the DC / MD / VA / PA, drop me a line! Also, it seems finding resources or sheet music for the Liuqin has been quite difficult. (Maybe I should learn Chinese!) I will probably have to sit down and really transcribe some of this stuff! I will be posting recordings of my own compositions with the Liuqin shortly! It’s so inspiring to play!

The Liuqin is tuned G-D-G-D which is a pair of 5ths (intervals), but the center is 4ths. I have been experimenting with G-D-G-C with gives me a 5th and two 4ths. This eases the tension on the highest string slightly. It also allows me to run arpeggios and chords more similar to a guitar. Makes it easier for my mind to process for the time being. (and its only one step, so i’m not far from the traditional tuning should I need to adjust!)

I have provided YouTube clips for two songs that I love! Enjoy the awesome sounds of the Liuqin!

Fisherman’s Song
Fisherman\'s Song

The Garden After Rain (totally rocks out around 7:10 or so!!!)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buq_9xnSOz4&hl=en&fs=1]

New Studio

Well, its done! My recording space has been upgraded and improved! The sound is fantastic! I guess this means I have no excuse not to post new music soon!