Aims:
- I intend to research and discuss the record production techniques used by John Leckie on the albums; Showbiz and Origin of Symmetry by Muse, and Rich Costey on the albums Absolution by Muse and Renegades by Rage Against The Machine (which was only mixed by Costey)
- I will use a selection of these techniques and technologies to shape and influence the sound of an EP comprised of original material
- I will conduct extensive research using articles, video clips and audio about these two producers and the methods and technologies that they used on the aforementioned albums
- Using this research I will record an EP of 4 tracks, each of which will be material written by me, and produced in the style of both Leckie and Costey. The music will be professionally recorded and mixed to industry standard. The drums, guitars, bass, piano and synthesizers will be recorded at the university and the vocals will be location recorded in York.
- The production styles in this instance include recording and mixing techniques, instrument sounds, and types of instruments used
Individual Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the project I will have learnt how to;
- Identify and produce guitar sounds similar to those used by Matt Bellamy and Tom Morello on the albums mentioned. These will correspond to both John Leckie and Rich Costey’s work. (LO1)
- Identify and shape synthesizer sounds and production techniques used by John Leckie on Showbiz and Origin of Symmetry (LO2)
- Identify and replicate the use of recording spaces used by Rich Costey on Absolution to create similar sounding reverbs and ambience. (LO3)
- Identify and produce bass guitar sounds like those used on all 4 albums to create a bass tone that can dominate a piece of music. These will correspond to both John Leckie and Rich Costey’s work. (LO4)
- Mix a track(s) to sound full and complete with a minimal selection of instruments, like the work of Costey on Renegades and Leckie on Showbiz and Origin of Symmetry. (LO5)
The Synopsis of the EP:
- The final audio project will be an EP of 4 tracks of original material, written by me. It will be recorded by myself and two bandmates, with whom I have previously worked. The recording sessions will be planned to ensure I get the exact sounds I want as quickly as possible giving me more time to mix them.
- The sounds will be planned by undergoing research into the producers and albums studied, with production elements influenced by Showbiz, Origin of Symmetry, Absolution and Renegades.
- The tracks I will be using will be demoed several weeks before recording commences, so that I have time to plan which influential production methods and sounds will be used for each track.
- The final product will be a professional quality EP that takes notable influence from John Leckie and Rich Costey, while retaining the originality of the composition.