STUDIO DIARY
How to Record a “Band” Record Sans Band IN THE STUDIO with Jeff Taylor of Dumpster Hunter
ablum info
Artist: Jeff Taylor (Dumpster Hunter) Album: TBD Recording Studio: Pat Dillett’s studio Saltlands. Record Label: Self-released Release Date: Spring 2014 Engineers: Day 1: Dave Groener at Pat Dillett’s studio in Midtown. Days 2/3: Dawn Landes at Saltlands Studio in Dumbo. Mixing: Steve Wall Mastering: Steve Fallone at Sterling Sound, NYC Artwork: Rawan Rihani.
52 FEBRUARY-MARCH 2014 PERFORMER MAGAZINE
interview by Benjamin Ricci photos by Anton Coene
PRE-PRODUCTION What was your pre-production like on this project?
After a few years of obsessing over the idea of being in a band with a set group of people, I decided to make a record that focuses more on completed songs - one that doesn’t depend on working handin-hand with others on the songwriting process. I just finished these four songs, asked a friend to produce, and we went into the studio. I finished these songs in a very natural, focused way, over the past six months or so. Instead of settling for half-arranged versions, which didn’t satisfy, I’d work on these songs even
when I didn’t feel like doing it. Just pick up a guitar, or sit down at a piano, and play it through. What feels right? What feels honest? That’s how these were pre-produced.
How did you choose the studio?
I didn’t choose the studios this time around. Thomas Bartlett, the producer for this record, brought us into rooms he has experience working in. I’ve been thrilled with the environments and engineers.