Aaron Johnson’s Blog

Just got back from CMJ...

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:13:28 -0700

It’s funny, when I lived in NYC CMJ was nothing more then a nuisance. A moment when all the clubs got packed, and great acts that could sell out good venues ended up at some place you had never heard of on 37th St. Now it is different, I actually flew across the country for it, granted I had ulterior motives.... I had not been to the “city” since December, and man did I need my fix. I also like to come to NYC to do meetings with various people in the industry, and NYC has them all. Sooooo did you see any good bands? Sort of, CMJ has become uber-indie, so in that sense of things, yes I saw some good bands. BUT I will only speak of two, because they really got my blood pumpin’. The first is a fairly unknown band called “All The Day Holiday”. I bought the album after the show, which I never do.... I was disappointed that it did not capture what I had seen that night... but if you get the chance to see them live, do it. You will not regret it. The other was “The Temper Trap”. They have been a big buzz band for about a year now, I saw them in Austin at SXSW... was not crazy about the whole thing frankly. But this night I saw them in NYC was electrifying! I don’t know what changed, but I got it this time, and it was “good” (in the Spinal Tap “Stonehenge” sense of the expression). Really enjoyed them... that was at Bowery Ballroom. I found out later that All The Day Holiday was also on the bill that night at Bowery (I had seen them a couple nights before in Brooklyn). I missed them at Bowery, but man that would have been awesome. Anyways, lots of work coming together right now, I will have some new projects to write about soon.... bye!

One day...

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:52:22 -0700

I’m on my last day of the Secondhand record. Last minute tweaks, adding a little percussion. Getting everything mix ready. Time to pass the reigns to Tim Palmer. Couldn’t be happier with our results on this album, can honestly say we met what we set out to do. Just went on a bit of a gear selling spree... I have this crazy idea of bringing my SSL back to life that is sitting in my garage... plan as of now is to set it up in the living room. We’ll see if I follow through on it. Threw up a couple pics of a U67 that I sold, and beloved Black Pultec (yes it’s a black one... very cool).... bummed they are leaving me, but I know that good music will continue to go through them.... and I’m stoked to get going on my SSL! Talk soon. aaron

Secondhand album is going to be very good..

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:40:09 -0700

This album is going to be great. It’s a more mature Secondhand Serenade, but it’s still the same band. Just more extremes... goose bumps abound. Some really great songs. David Levita was in doing some guitar overdubs over John’s guitars this past week. Mainly used his Tele Deluxe thru his Deluxe, it was the one amp we have been lacking so it fit nicely onto the canvas. We did bust out the AC-15 for a few parts though as well. Taking a small break while John does a small tour. Should be mixing by mid to late August... Tim Palmer is mixing.

On to the next...

Sat, 6 Jun 2009 11:44:45 -0700

The Jonas record is mixed and just got mastered.... sounds great. Was my first time mixing in Swinghouse’s new mix room. The 8058 they installed sounds great, Mike Stucker from Echo Park commissioned it. Vlado Meller mastered, hopefully you will hear it by the end of summer.

I just started the next LP for Secondhand Serenade. I am stoked to be working with John. We are going to have some great players on the recording, but it is all starting with Secondhand’s drummer Tom Breyfogle... formerly of Bleed The Dream. So far the Vistalite kit is winning the drum sound battle. There are going to be some new textures for Secondhand on this album, while sticking within their sound. It is going to be a big record.

It was the best of times...it was the worst of times

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:15:38 -0700

This is always a great time in the process of recording an album.... things are coming together, songs are getting completed. The painting is not just mattes of color anymore, the details are making a picture now.... it’s fun and rewarding.... you get to see your hard work pay off, all those hours getting those parts just right you did weeks ago. Now you hear why and think back on the frustration of getting those parts right, and you are glad you did.
This is also the most stressful time in the process of recording an album.... everything is coming to a head... the small things need to get done to cross the finish..... and you still have some big hurdles to climb. Time starts to creep in on you, much like the grim reaper... or just before daddy took the t-bird away. Alas... we are almost done, and this is why I love to do this.... to hear the end product.... we get together and make record of a moment in time, no one will ever be able to change or take away. One week left on the Jonas record.... then on to the mix in May... by June I will be on to a new project and we will do it again. Talk soon .