Bad Fader Productions

Warning: This blog post will go against what I’ve previously promised. I’m about to get into the technical aspects of recording, and specifically, the Mastering process. For those that follow me in my musical journey, this content may cause drowsiness. Please accept my apology.

By definition, Mastering is the process wherein a ‘finished’ track is finalized for distribution, whether digitally or on a CD. A Mastered track is the base for duplication.  Mastering can be accomplished with very expensive specialized outboard gear (Compressors, Equalizers, Effects Processors, etc.), or can be done within a Digital Audio Workstation, using similar software-based versions of the special hardware.

I was asked on Twitter whether I thought musicians fail to go to a professional to have their tracks Mastered, and why. The answer is a resounding YES, though the reasons vary. Here is my non-expert opinion as to why so many people make a potentially fatal mistake in their productions. Bear in mind that this explanation deals primarily with the average home-recording musician with a project-studio.

1. 1.       Cost: The vast majority of independent recording artists are on very limited budgets. They may choose to save money by producing most of their music themselves. Even if they seek some outside help, their budgetary limits restrict the types of help they can afford. 
2. 2.       Lack of knowledge:  There is a reason the big-name professionals ALWAYS Master their tracks. A lot of amateur or independent musicians don’t fully understand what the mastering process does, or why it’s important. Consequently, even well-produced tracks can miss out on a quality finishing touch. Or, if they do understand the process, they attempt to Master their own tracks, without a full knowledge of what a Mastering Engineer does. The end result is a track that may sound great, but has not reached its full potential.

The final reason is one I have been guilty of myself.

1. 3.       Losing Objectivity:  We’ve all done this. We dedicate precious time and energy into a project. We have invested ourselves into producing the best recording we can, based on talent, equipment, and raw effort. We listen to it countless times, mixing, EQ’ing, Compressing, and Reverbing until we feel like we’ve created the best. Recording. EVER!  At this point, it doesn’t matter if we are correct, or not, because we have lost objectivity. We can no longer listen to a track, and actually hear its flaws or weaknesses. We can no longer hear whether the bass-line is punchy, or just plain muddy. We need professional help, or at the very least, we need a fresh set of trained ears. Someone that isn’t invested in the project, or who’s ego won’t take a hit if something is wrong with the mix.

I’m sure there are myriad other reasons why an artist/producer wouldn’t seek a pro Mastering engineer, but within the scope of my own productions, these 3 reasons would jump to the top of the list. 

I was recently asked where the title for my new album came from. “I Hear” is an unusual title, I agree, but in my head, it makes perfect sense.

Music has been part of my life, to some extent, for as long as I can remember. Early on, it was purely for my entertainment, then I began singing, and entertaining others. Still, during that time, my knowledge of music and the theory behind music were very basic. I had a superficial knowledge. Thankfully, that changed.

In my early 20’s, I began a journey of self-discovery that led me to very dark and unhappy places. This journey was a result of my own choices, and has been the defining moment that has charted the course of the rest of my life. During this time, I came to understand myself and my own mind in ways that I could have never foreseen. It was during this journey that I learned a simple truth: There really IS music all around us.

There is music in the mundane things around us. There is also music in the experiences we each endure. Sometimes it is a happy, jaunty tune. Other times, it is a dark, melancholy song written in minor chords. The trick for me, as a musician and songwriter, is to hear the music of these emotions. Through my own experiences, I learned to listen. I learned to hear.

Many people can hear the emotions. Often, people can put what they hear into words, and craft beautiful poetry or prose. Others are musical, and can put emotions into music. While I fall into this latter category, I find that frequently, my ideas and ‘sketches’ far outpace my ability to produce them adequately. Still, I do what I can, and believe I do justice to the emotions. I am a servant to the emotions I hear.

None of my songs have lyrics or words. This is intentional. Each of my songs means something to me, as the writer. My hope is that they can touch part of my listener’s heart, and become a form of soundtrack for each person that hears my music. My experiences are mine own, but my emotions and feelings can be similar to what others experience in their own lives. I choose to let the music speak for itself.

My hope for each person that listens to my music is for the emotions to speak to them. My hope is that others can learn to hear. I have, and it has changed my life.

I'm official now! Yay!!

So, this will be my new blog relating to my musical journey, upcoming releases, and anything else related to my craft that I deem appropriate. I promise not to be too technical, and I will avoid making this sound like a technical manual. 

Also, please, dear reader, feel free to ask any questions you may have about my music, how it's made, etc. My methods and reasons are not trade secrets, so any question is fair game!

If you're new to my music, welcome. Thank you for joining me on this musical road I travel!

Tim