In Studio
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Throughout my 17 years working as manager and recording arts instructor for the Owen Hall recording studios, I’ve had the honor and privilege of teaching and working with students interested in recording studio production. For the most part, the students were enrolled in Sound Recording Fundamentals, a course that offered computer lab lectures learning Pro Tools, while receiving hands-on studio experience. Under my production guidance, students recorded basic tracks, overdub rhythm and lead instruments, recorded vocal parts, and mixed the completed song. Each song was recorded at the end of the semester as part of the final studio lab, known as the Rock Lab. The rock lab was held on the last weekend of the semester. An 8-hour, all day recording session was scheduled and within that time period, an original song was tracked with student mixes required as the final assignment.
Here you can listen to a few of the songs the students recorded. Note how each song has a unique sonic signature, demonstrating the difference between each student production team. Keep in mind, none of the students nor the artists were professionals. In most cases, recording sessions were a first time experience and purely academic for both the students and artist. The purpose of the rock lab was not to produce a hit single but rather learn how to record and produce a song in a recording studio environment. Full disclosure, as mixing a song Is an extremely complex and experienced-dependent process, the songs below were mixed by me, ProfJeff.
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To the best of my knowledge, these songs were never released and are not for distribution.
What You Got – Avon Union
This song was recorded in May of 2008, and was the very first song to be recorded in the Owen recording studio as part of the Rock Lab
Guitar Man – The Cossta Brothers
This song was recorded in May 2011, and featured brother musicians who performed all the tracks in the song.
Young At Heart – Unknown Artist
This song was recorded in May of 2013. The unknown artist and the band were well prepared for the recording studio session. This song could easily be the outro song for a Netflix love story.
Take My Sole – Kyle
This song was recorded in May 2014. The recording session was unique as the drummer has to unexpectedly leave before recording the basic tracks. When he came back 4-hours later, the entire song was tracked in the remaining studio time.
Say Goodbye – Brandon Passion
This song was recorded in April 2016. The recording session was last minute as the team was unable to find an artist. Playing in the Layer Friday night, Brandon agreed to be the lab performer. On Brandon's track, he played guitar, bass, piano, and sang all vocals. A studio guitar player was brought in for the arpeggio and solo.
Break me Down – Melv Swenson
This song was recorded in May of 2017. Anything can happen in a recording session. Guitar strings may break, bass speakers may blow, and even a vocalist can have a bad day. However, if you’re in the right place at the right time, you may find a vocal opportunity.
Light and Dark – Peter Hackett & Zach Silver
This song was recorded in Dec. of 2023 and was performed by two local Stockton musicians. Peter Hackett is a producer and songwriter, and Zach Silver vocalist. The song was inspired by the COVID19 lockdown.
Disappear – Alex
This song was recorded May of 2024. This rather fatalistic song is in the style of contemporary Christian rock. Unfortunately, it offers no solution, only warning to the crisis we face as a species.(Synth parts by ProfJeff)