Voodoo Doll Moderator

Wed November 19 2003, 06:55 PM

Recording Q&A's!! (ie. get your info here!) Hey Mongers! Motely Sue posted this on November 17 in WFAA. Since she is overwhelmed with work, thought we could continue the conversation here. Hey Mongers... Craig Bartock is the co-producer in the studio with Ann and Nancy. Here is a message from him. He has been watching the boards, and thought he'd pop in and say hello. I will post his official Screen Name shortly. From Craig..... Ok everyone, it's time to let the cat peek out of the bag just a little bit. I'll be here from time to time to give all of you updates on the new Heart CD. I'm co-producing and co-writing it with the girls, and I have to tell you, it's quite an experience! Their creativity so amazing these days, and their voices are better than ever. It's quite wonderful to go to the studio day in and day out and work with so closely with them. They are such incredible people. I'll be monitoring the board from time to time, so if you want to ask me any questions, do it there. First off, a little history. I met Nancy last February in Los Angeles for the first time. We immediately hit it off and wrote three songs together, one of which was "Love You" (which they performed live this last summer). "Move On" came next. Since then, Ann, Nancy and I have written close to twenty five songs. We wrote "The Perfect Good-bye" right before they left for the tour. The writing process didn't stop when they were on the road. We exchanged tons of emails and phone calls and got lots of work done. Writing with these girls is pretty amazing. Their ideas and creativity seem endless. So here is where the actual recording is right now. We have finished the "basic tracks" on the seventeen songs that we picked from everything we'd written. Basic tracks means, Drums (Ben), Bass (Mike), and guitars (Nancy and me). We are now starting the overdub phase. That means lots more guitars, keyboards and tons of Nancy's amazing mandolin-stringed instrument parts. (And yes, all of the band members from the last tour are contributing to the overdubs.) This process is going to be about two weeks. Next comes vocals. This is the fun part. Imagine sitting in a studio and hearing those voices coming out of the speakers every day. What a wonderful job!!! I can't really get into too much detail about the music right now, but I can tell you that it's a collection of incredible contrasts. It's real rock and roll. Anyone who saw them over the summer knows what I mean. This CD has tons of edge to it and yet at the same time it has very beautiful acoustic moments too. They are writing some of the deepest and meaningful lyrics I've ever heard. So there is this wonderful contrast. It sort of reminds me of later Beatle albums like St Pepper where you can get "A Day In The Life", "She's Leaving Home" and "Lucy In The Sky" all on the same CD. Right now, it's feeling a bit like an audio movie of sorts. It has everything the fans want and much more. Well, that's about all the beans I can spill for now. Like I said, I'll keep checking the message board from time to time and answer any questions I can......................................... Until next time!!! PS...From Motely Sue... Hey Mongers... "It's Just Me" is Craig Voodoo Doll ...I got treasure in my chest, the price is high for all the rest...

BlueGuitarMan
Hey Craig: A techie Question of course: What kind of Vocal mics are you using on Ann's Voice , or have any vocal tracks been recorded yet? BlueGuitarMan "I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous - everyone hasn't met me yet." Rodney Dangerfield.
	Wed November 19 2003, 10:04 PM

Andreas@Heart (andreas@heartmongers.de) Club Monger Member

Wed November 19 2003, 10:31 PM

Hi Craig, thanks for the updates on the recording process!! You already mentioned, that the 2003 live songs Love You (= Oldest Story in the World), The Perfect Goodbye, Move On, and Lost Angel will be recorded for Jupiter's Darling. What about the 2002 live songs not published yet (except on the Alive In Seattle CD and DVD): Break the Rock, Sister Wild Rose, Two Faces of Eve, Heaven? So long Andreas "If the real thing don't do the trick - You better make up something quick"

It'sJustMe Monger Member	Wed November 19 2003, 11:30 PM
Andreas, those songs aren't a part of this new CD. All 17 songs are new. You already know the 4 that they did live. BlueGuitarMan, yes, I've recorded Ann a lot. Ann's voice is very powerful in the studio. I've had a lot of luck with the tube Telefunken mikes with her. I've even used AKG 414s from time to time, but mostly Telefunken.
It'sJustMe Monger Member	Thu November 20 2003, 10:47 AM
Hey All .........answers........ I asked Nancy that and she said Jupiters Darling without the "'" There are a lot of potential singles on this CD. "The Perfect goodbye" is one of my choices. Also, there is another song called "I Give Up". It really rocks ......serious guitar action and has a great chorus. I would we have the basses covered for singles. I'm not too sure how many N is going to sing. Maybe 4?? We're still sorting that out. My experience? Well, I've been writing and producing and playing now for over 20 years. I've written and worked with Blondie, Nikki 6, Tina Arena, The Troys, just to mention a few. I've also worked on lots of other CDs like Simply Red, Brandy, Seal .......way too many to mention here! "Oldest Story" really rocks on the CD. It sounds a lot like when they played it live. Really down and dirty rock. It jumps right out of the speakers. Yeah, I liked "The Witch" live too, but it's not slated for recording right now.

BlueGuitarMan

Sat November 22 2003, 07:50 AM

Good Morning Craig , No questions here, cause it's way too early. Just a little record producer humor to start off your day. One day the musicians for a rather large recording session were assembling at a studio. Everyone had their headphones on, the session was close to getting underway and the producer of the session came over the talkback system and said "Okay I need to have total silence!", Just then the drummer on the session played a big Barumdum Crash! To which the record producer replied, "Okay who did that?". Have a great day BGM "I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous - everyone hasn't met me yet." Rodney Dangerfield.

It'sJustMe Monger Member

Sat November 22 2003, 09:12 AM

Hello again. Let's see if I can answer these questions.......... The basic timeline for the CD is getting all of the recording done by the middle of December, take a Xmas break and then the final mix right after. Not too sure about the hidden track thing. We are recording 17 songs and we will be holding a few back for special releases, etc. They're all so good, it's going to be hard to figure out which ones have to go. No set release date yet. Yes, we just put a Dobro on a track a few days ago. Darian is playing keyboards ...... and I am as well. No piano based ballads. This CD is pretty much guitar based. Keyboards will have some moments, but we're keeping it ROCK!!! BGM ......good joke. It reminds me of the musician who said "Are the noises in my head bothering you??". C.

It'sJustMe Monger Member

Sun November 23 2003, 09:51 AM

More answers ....... The meaning of the title will be revealed in the next studio update. The girls and I wrote all of the songs. Some just Ann and me, some just Nancy and me, and the 3 of us on the others. No artwork yet, but lots of ideas. I would say that there are probably 4 to 5 very "radio friendly" songs on this CD. We did the basics in Seattle, the overdubs in LA and we're back to Seattle for the vocals.

flyv Monger Member	Sun November 23 2003, 02:26 PM
quote: Originally posted by Kerri: My only question would be is Nancy playing any lead guitar? Good question. I'd like to know that too, or maybe any long acoustic solos?

It'sJustMe Monger Member	Mon November 24 2003, 08:56 AM
answers......... No bass or flute yet for Ann, but you never know. It still may happen. There will be a few guests on the CD. I'll tell you more after the recording process. Nancy hasn't done a "solo" on any song yet, but let's just say that her electric rock guitar playing is a very BIG factor on this CD. The first single would probably be an uptempo rocker. C.

dboogie Club Monger Member

Wed November 26 2003, 10:35 AM

Now that y'all are going into the vocal phase of the studio Album...."VOCAL LAND" Just curious....(actually have always been curious about this) ....what seems to be the MOST productive time of the day for the GODDESS (AFW) AND WHIZFINGERS (NFW)? .....IN SHORT....are they more productive in the AM or PM??? Also, IS ANN a one take wonder???? ONE remarkable interview commented that SHE recorded the vocals for "ALMOST PARADISE" in less than one hour....WHAT A PHENOMENON!!! (TOP 40 HIT for the AFW...which in my opinion is a vocal masterpiece)

It'sJustMe Monger Member	Wed November 26 2003, 09:27 PM
They like to record in the afternoon and into the evening. When it comes to vocals, Nancy is more of a "Ok, let me try that again with a little more ....". She studies her takes and keeps improving on them. Ann is totally different. She's like a racing car all revved up. I just start the track, hit record and stand back!!!

dsand Club Monger Member	Wed November 26 2003, 10:09 PM
Thanks Craig for keeping us up to date with the progress on the Jupiter's Darling project. I was wondering if there will be any instrumentals on the new CD and any orchestral arrangements on any of the songs? Sounds like you are having an amazing musical journey with Ann & Nancy. Thanks for sharing the info. Rock On, Dsand

It'sJustMe Monger Member	Thu November 27 2003, 12:02 AM
No instrumentals, but some strings and orchestral parts.

Trav Club Monger Member	Thu November 27 2003, 04:55 PM
Hey, Craig! Hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving. I just wanted to ask one short n' sweet question. If you could compare this new Heart album with any of the other material, whcih album would you choose? Thanks!

Vikki New Member

Fri November 28 2003, 06:10 PM

Craig, Thanks for all your updates. I second what someone else said about how we never got anything like this in the past and that we're all extremly thankful for what you're doing. I was just thinking...does our "week to week" interest affect what goes on in the studio? Do Ann or Nancy have any idea of all the things we're asking about? Is it distracting to them at all? I hope it's not. Or, rather, could it give them an extra sense of equal excitement? Is it as inspiring to them as it is to us? Thankfully, Vik

funkymunky Monger Member

Thu November 27 2003, 10:52 PM

I have played my Heart CD's repeatedly and have not yet once heard any accordions. Will there be any accordions on this CD? And not those wimpy waltzes, but some kickass polkas? Will there be any equations or mathematical word problems in the liner notes? If so, I have a couple of real noggin scratchers that I could recommend. When I buy this CD and the cashier asks, "Paper or plastic," what should I say? Thanks! F.M. P.S. Will I be able to play the new CD in my toaster?

It'sJustMe Monger Member

Sat November 29 2003, 11:08 AM

I've been listening to the work to date this thanksgiving and through the weekend in my car and let me just say that this CD rocks big time! When I hear the songs back to back (not just hearing one song over and over again like we do in the studio), I can't believe how diverse and "heavy" this body of work is! Now more answers....... The "comparison" question is a tough one. I think that it feels a lot like the 70's Heart (maybe even a bit more rock at times), but there is a maturity like a fine wine aging about it. It feels like a real rock band all fired up and ready to go. Almost like a young rock band doing their 1st CD. But like I said, it has class and an amazing diversity about it that you don't get with new groups. It's fresh and familiar at the same time. No accordions yet, but we've talked about it and say "Paper and Plastic please". Confuse them and cover all of the basses at the same time!! I don't think we can release any pics of work in progress right now. I talk to N and A about the questions here. They really enjoy the banter!! C.

dboogie Club Monger Member

Sat November 29 2003, 11:48 AM

Craig, THANKS FOR YOUR great contribution to this forum...Much luv to you and yours... Now to the questions.... I have reviewed some old video tapes...I have of the sisters in the studio... Comment - One particular scene involved someone in the sound booth providing "constructive" (in my opinion "lousy"... ) criticism to the Queen. (ANN Wilson)....i mean she IS the QUEEN!!! Question - Is "constructive" criticism "Allowed" as far as you are concerned when addressing the Wilsons? ...in other words, do A&N give you artistic license with regard to their "vocal stylings", "string stylings" and hopefully "flute stylings" *crossing my fingers*....in the area of criticism? ...I know if I were you...I would be very careful in my criticism of the QUEEN...YIKES!!!.... lol In my opinion, they themselves are probably their own toughest critic...perfectionists with regard to their craft.... Also, Comment - We have all heard the "herbal induced" out takes found on the Greatest Hits Live Album... there seems to be alot of "banter" ...laughing and just out right fun happening in the studio... Question - Do you see any of this "banter" ..."cutting up" etc..happening in the studio with the sisters and the band members...? ...And....will we be be getting any of this on the new album...? *crossing my fingers* Thanks for your candid commentaries Craig...you are a STAND UP guy...

TDHS Club Monger Member	Sat November 29 2003, 02:26 PM
Any chance you'll play guitar on some dates with Heart?

connie Club Monger Member	Sat November 29 2003, 03:45 PM
Hi Craig, So once the vocals are finished, how much more time is spent completing the album? Basically, what is done at that point? thanks! Paula

It'sJustMe Monger Member

Sat November 29 2003, 04:28 PM

Good questions...... more answers. As far as this CD goes, we're a sort a "Team". Any good idea is welcome. A, N, and I have become good friends and we all respect each other quite a bit. All 3 of us have the same musical points of reference, so that really helps a lot. The three of us have spent hours and hours just sitting around and having "hootenannies" (as they call them) just playing Beatle, Motown, Zep, and any song that we can think of. It doesn't get much better than sitting between those girls and hearing them sing! And yes, we have recorded a few of those moments and we are going to try and put a few little candid snapshots in here and there........ Playing live with them???........Hmmmmm. You never know!!!!! We still will have to do the final mix (which might take a few weeks and then the CD is done. It's just artwork after that. C.

It'sJustMe Monger Member

Sun November 30 2003, 05:20 PM

More answers!! A and N and I don't really talk too much about the old days. We've all been doing this about the same amount of time and getting to your second question (which is partly an answer to the first), a lot has changed recording-wise because of computers. We have been using a lot of vintage stuff where we can though. The power of the computer basically doesn't tie us into one option. We can have more tracks, get more ideas down, and have more options later down the road. Now we can lay down 8 guitar solos and choose from the best. Technology is good if you don't over-use it! The amount of studio time is still the same. It still all comes down to capturing that one performance that is magical and no computer can make that happen. We have rows and rows of vintage guitars and amps to choose from. Most of the electric guitars we use are from the 60's and a few from the 50's. The same goes for amps. They sound so much better than the newer stuff. We don't really work too late into the night. It's more like 11 PM for us. We drink a lot of water. Other than that, "no comment"!!! I'm not sure how many will be on the final CD. Maybe 14?? Thanks for the high praise on "Love You". it's one of my favorite songs too. (Actually, it's the 1st song that we wrote together). Yes, there are some that rock just as hard as that one, maybe even more. As far as playing live with them, see above. There is something about that elsewhere. My posts here are going to be less as the week goes on and we get into vocal land. There will be many late nights at the studio!! C.

Ovation_girl Club Monger Member	Sun November 30 2003, 05:42 PM
Craig, I'm still wondering if you can fill us in with any more details on the title's mythology story. Thanks again for the updates and hope your holiday was happy! Sara Music is Magical

dboogie Club Monger Member	Sun November 30 2003, 06:13 PM
AMEN!!! Gracie...and ALLELULIA...JOY TO THE WORLD...PEACE and LOVE!!! Merry Christmas to ONE AND ALL!!! AFW TO Y'ALL.... CRAIG YOU ARE THE Greatest contribution to this forum since it's inception....except when the GODDESS AND WHIZFINGERS grace us with their presence...

tony ((the curious one :) )) Club Monger Member

Mon December 01 2003, 08:48 PM

Craig my last curious question's man so... what does Nance do to warm up and Ann for her vocals do they drink herbal tea .. do they practice with old songs from there heart catalog .. or even .. sing .. background tidbit's via the Brian Wilson style alot of ohhhhh 's ouuuuuuuuuuuu's ta da .. who is Nance muse .. ?? lol does she use a fave pick.. to play .. do the gibsons get first choice alot so..any chance of a digtal pic of the studio (the ..mixer etc .. or them with the headsets on .. was any of it documented .. for future release ?? and you said .. 14 or 17 ..tracks and wasnt a DVD bonus disc a thought for us .lol

It'sJustMe Monger Member

Mon December 01 2003, 09:23 PM

More more more more answers........ As far as the whole "title's mythology story" goes, that's N's dept. Thank you dboogie for the nice complement about my contributions here! Vocal warm-ups?? The three of us are going to sit in a circle and play oldies (mostly Beatle songs) and get in the right mood. We'll be recording some of these little gems and a snippet or two just might it to the CD. Nancy uses bright green "Nancy Wilson" picks. They feel like hard Fender picks. We've used a ton of guitars on this CD. N has used a late 50's Les Paul a lot. The same one she used at the show. But there isn't one type of guitar that we've used more. It just depends on the particular song. There have been some pics taken but no plans for releasing any yet. Yes, there is a lot of energy going around on the tracking. It will be quite obvious just how much when you hear how much this CD rocks!! Now, I'm off the vocal-land USA! C.

funkymunky Monger Member	Tue December 02 2003, 05:11 PM
"...Will there be any ~vocal~ guest appearances on this CD? *crossing my fingers*"

Trav Club Monger Member	Thu December 04 2003, 09:10 AM
Hey, Craig! Hope you are doing well. I'm aware some things are hush-hush but I have two questions. Has Lynn Wilson contributed background vocals for any of the new songs? Has Sue Ennis contributed to any of the song-writing for this album? Thanks for keeping us so well-informed.

nancynsparky (nancynsparky@aol.com) Club Monger Member

Fri December 05 2003, 10:54 AM

Hi Craig, I just want to say how awesome it is of you to take the time out of an obviously busy recording schedule to answer our questions, you rock! I've got two questions. 1) In the studio update #4 you mentioned having a drummer coming in for the day to record, is this Ben Smith or someone else? Is Ben the main drummer for the album or is it someone else? 2) For the first few shows of the tour last year, Heart performed a song called "Lifeline" which Ann and Nancy also played at the Carl Wilson benefit concert a couple months back. I'm wondering if this song is one of the 17 songs that made the cut? I've been wanting to hear this song for a long time! Thanks again for everything! nancynsparky

It'sJustMe Monger Member	Fri December 05 2003, 01:41 PM
vocal-land-break for answers.... Vocal guests?? Not sure yet. No Lynn BGs yet and yes, Sue has helped on a song. Ben is the only drummer on this CD. "Lifeline" is not one of the 17 songs. If I'm not mistaken, it is a cover of a Nilson song from "The Point". Now back to work (The girls say "HI" to everyone!!) C.

dsand Club Monger Member

Sat December 06 2003, 10:12 AM

Hi Craig, Nancy had mentioned in an interview before the summer tour that there were also 2 other songs, Skin To Skin and Lucky Day that were written for the new album. Just wondering if those songs are still part of the 17 tracks that were picked to record for the new album? Thanks for the awesome job of answering all our questions. Can you tell we are just a bit excited about Jupiters Darling? The Heartmongers are sending you and Ann & Nancy and the other members of the band some GOOD VIBRATIONS for this music project.

It'sJustMe Monger Member	Sun December 07 2003, 01:19 PM
Hey gang.....more answers. No real FX on Ann's voice, but it depends on the song. There is always a lot of compression and EQ, but that's about it. I NEVER auto-tune!! "Skin To Skin and Lucky Day" are not in the 17 and thanks for the good vibes!! I think pretty much all of the songs are for the fans. They may start out as personal statements but we're always thinking of you guys!! C.

jakesdad Club Monger Member	Sun December 07 2003, 01:45 PM
Thank God - auto-tune not required. Are you eq'ing and compressing in the analog stage or the digital stage? I have to ask, because digital compression and even digital eq'ing adds a harshness to the sound that analog devices just don't add (unless you force it) - especially with vocals. Joel

wildchild Club Monger Member

Mon December 08 2003, 07:00 AM

Thanks Craig.....this is my first question, as everyone alse has been asking such great ones already!!! I haven't seen Gilby's name mentioned.....is he playing some lead on the record or not??? Also, do you know what label it will be recorded on??? F.Y.I. My degree is in music education....piano and percussion double-major.....we spent a lot of time studying the music of Bela Bartok!!! And finally.....I'm just curious if you have ever met Howard Leese??? A first class guy! Just like you! PLAY MY DRUM, BABY FEEL MY BEAT

Vikki New Member	Sun December 07 2003, 04:09 PM
If you could describe the overall VIBE of this new album in 5 words or more (hehe), without using the term, "rock", how would you? Also, are you writing lyrics, music or a little of both? Respectfully.. Vik

TDHS Club Monger Member	Mon December 08 2003, 10:15 AM
Thanx! What about "No name" and "Hey you". Two other titles Ann mentioned back then? Are they out too?

harley (webmaster@ladyclergy.com) Club Monger Member

Mon December 08 2003, 10:28 AM

Hi Troy and Happy Holidaze to you! It took me awhile but finally stumbled upon this thread. Awesome! Working with Ann & Nance must be incredible and sharing your experience with us is so cool. I see you worked with the Troys. Now I know this is off subject but what do you think - will they be the next Wilson sisters? How would you rate their guitar playing skills? -Harley ps: please tell A&N hello!

It'sJustMe Monger Member

Mon December 08 2003, 11:38 AM

Answers, answers, answers!! I'm compressing and EQing twice. Once as the vocal goes down and again for playback. I always double compress. And since you know equpment, it's an 1176 going down. 5 words, huh??!! Ok, here goes. 1. Commitment 2. Power (since I can't use "rock"!!) 3. Family 4. Fun 5. Edge I write more music than lyrics, but sometimes the line blurrs a bit. I'll give you all the final musician lineup at mixtime. Ah Bela. His name comes up a lot in these sessions! And no, I've never met Howard. "No name" and "Hey you" are not in the 17. I've known the Troys for some time now. They're very talented and sweet girls. They're music really isn't a whole lot like our girls here, but they're very good! C.

tinacherry Club Monger Member	Tue December 09 2003, 03:50 AM
Hi Craig, First of all, saying thank-you just doesn't seem enough for you taking the time to do this for all of us. It's sooooo cool and much appreciated!!! You previously mentioned that Ann & Nancy's creativity seems endless. It sounds like they are excited to be back in the studio. Could you ask them what has been their inspiration for wanting to make a new cd? Thanks

Groove_In_the_Heart Club Monger Member	Tue December 09 2003, 11:16 AM
Hiya Craig! Thanks for taking our questions and the insight you are sharing into the new album.....MUCH APPRECIATED!!! My Question: Will the new CD be in the same Super Audio Format (SA/CD) as was "Alive In Seattle?"

lostangel Club Monger Member	Wed December 10 2003, 12:58 PM
Hi Craig!!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for our little Christmas Wish from Ann & Nancy. I wish I could have been there to see that little ditty live. It brightened up my day knowing that Ann & Nance are thinking of us while their having fun!

Andreas@Heart (andreas@heartmongers.de) Club Monger Member	Wed December 10 2003, 11:34 AM
Hi Craig, are any longer guitar / keyboard solos planned as the one, for example, in "Magic Man"? 14 songs on one CD means that there will be no longer 5-to-7-minutes tracks? So long And thank you very much for your updates!!!!!! (if you will be touring in Europe with Heart, we will organize a Heartmonger meeting with you in Germany ) Andreas

It'sJustMe Monger Member

Wed December 10 2003, 01:59 PM

Hey gang.....answers.......... I think it's just time for them to really rock again. That's the real reason for this new CD. I'm not sure about the "super audio" thing. That's really not my dept. Yes, there are some longer songs on the CD with extended solos. Not really any keyboard solos though. This is mostly a guitar CD, but the moog does make some very nice standout moments on it too. And yes, it looks like I'll be there in Germany!! The Christmas message was a blast to make. We were thinking of all of you the whole time we were making it. And yes, that's "Oldest Story In The World" in the background at the end. We put that in there to give you a little taste of how much this new CD rocks. C.