Feature
MUSIC – Behind the Music – One20 Studios
Put in your favorite CD. Turn on your favorite radio station. Sure we can all rock out to our favorite songs, artists, and bands, but how often do you really stop to listen to the music. Of course, it’s a combination of the music and lyrics that really resonate with people all over the world, but save for knowing every word to every song, do you ever ask yourself, “What does it really take to capture the music itself? What does it take to record the incredible voices and instruments we sometimes take for granted?”
Producers and sound engineers make it all happen. Admittedly, before I started working in music and managing These Lions, I had absolutely no clue what it took to record sound. Admittedly, I still barely have a clue. The technical side of the music is still all Greek to me, but I’m learning and have a huge, new-found respect for producers everywhere. It really takes a whole other distinct type of listening and skill set to master the art of sound and the art of capturing sound, even if you’re a musician.
Since I’m fascinated with music, I wanted to get a little bit more insight on just what it takes to be a sound engineer/producer. Thankfully, I have one of Pittsburgh’s best producers at my disposal, so I figured I would pick his brain.
I sat down with Tim Mulhern, owner of One20 Studios in Pittsburgh, to find out more about his profession, and what exactly he does when he works with musicians. Tim’s title is Producer and Sound Engineer and he has worked with a widely diverse variety of musicians, both nationally and Pittsburgh-based. The name One20 Studios came from the address of a house he once lived in with a bunch of musicians, where his career really started to take off. Pittsburgh’s City Paper even said his work is, “masterfully recorded.”
Maniac Magazine: How long have you worked in the business?
Tim Mulhern: Well I have been playing in bands and involved with music since middle school. After high school is when I really got interested in the recording side of music. I initially got into it so I wouldn’t have to pay money to record my own music, but then I became so involved with it that other people started approaching me to record their material. So I have been recording other artists and working as a producer/engineer for the past eight years.
MM: What does it take for a producer/sound engineer to put together a great recording?
TM: There are so many options and different ways to do things these days, that there really is no one thing that it takes to make a great recording. I mean, sure, great microphones always help, but from there, it’s just doing a lot of experimenting with different placements and mic combinations to get what you want out of a recording. There’s a ton of amazing records that were made in peoples houses or different locations. I don’t have a large studio space, so I have been bringing the studio to the artist; a “mobile studio” of sorts. So I would say it takes a lot of being creative and thinking outside the box.
MM: What artists/bands have you worked with?
TM: Well I have always recorded my own music. When I lived in LA for a couple years I recorded a band called Myzewell. I also worked with a funk band from Venice called Native Sun and some other various songwriters out there. When I moved back home to Pittsburgh I immediately started recording the band Of An Empire. They are a great local indie rock band and I recorded their first CD that they released last month. I also recorded These Lions debut CD. And in the past year I worked with songwriting duo Broken Fences, recording their first single “Wait.” I have been lucky to work with some amazing artists in town. There’s a lot of talent in the Pittsburgh music scene right now.
MM: How does being a musician help you in the recording process when working with clients?
TM: I think it can help a lot. Musicians definitely speak a common language and though I’m not a huge theory guy, I approach recording from a songwriter’s point of view. So I try to find the best way to approach each specific song. I think that can help a lot with the recording process.
MM: What’s the most challenging part of your job? Most fun part?
TM: I would say the most challenging part is the recording process itself. Since I was doing a lot of mobile studio stuff for a while, it can definitely be challenging to go into a new space and make it work. You only have what the space offers as far as the sound goes, so the most difficult part is figuring out what will work best for the song; How to set up the mics, which mics will sound best, etc. Then, making everything come together and sound cohesive can be challenging.
That also ties in as the most fun part of the job for me. I love getting the unique sounds and characteristics of different locations. With Of An Empire, we recorded the majority of the CD late at night in the basement of a bar in the strip district. For These Lions, we did all of the vocals and cello parts in a wine cellar, and drums at a river house. And we recorded The Broken Fences single on the altar of this amazing, old church in Shadyside. I think that really gives the recordings character. I don’t think there should be any rules that bind you with recording. I will try anything to see if it sounds good.*
Tim Mulhern has proven, like so many other producers and sound engineers in the business in Pittsburgh and around the world, that you don’t need to be Abbey Road, Sunset Studios, or Electric Lady Studios to make and record amazing music that changes lives and moves people. He believes in “keeping an open mind to new musical ideas and continuing to learn as much as you can in order to progress in music.” Currently, Mulhern is looking for a larger studio space to offer more in-house recording options for musicians. Interested in finding out more about Tim and his operation, or just looking for a killer place to record your next hit? Be sure to check out One20 Studios. Big thanks to Tim for taking the time out of his crazy schedule to chat with Maniac Magazine! The three studio photos are from Abbey Road’s website, and the photo of Tim Mulhern was taken by Katelyn Rose Petraitis.
~~ By Dominic Janidas
BEAUTY – Nail Trends 2012
Who doesn’t enjoy a good manicure? Now that the sun is shining and the temperatures are rising, swap that classic manicure for a more colorful, dramatic look.
Feminine colors are perfect the perfect transition into the season. These nail tones have been inspired by the blossoming buds and flowers typically associated with springtime—pinks, reds, yellows, oranges, and burgundy!
For those who want to take it a step further, try adding a bold pattern. Models were seen strutting down the runways with fancy manicures that involved glitter, airbrush, and more! Although these looks are daring, they are still approachable.
Now if you’d like a manicure that’s less funky and colorful, there is a look for you as well! Minimalist colors will also make a big statement this season. Shades of gray, pale pink, white, and beige are subtle, yet perfect for the time of year. If you go with this look however, try to keep them as perfect as possible! Chips and scuffs can be more noticeable with these tones.
Three different looks that are fabulous, but different. Each one suits a different personally, perfect for you! Whichever you choose just remember one thing this season—don’t let your nails go bare! Happy painting MANIACS!
~~ By Cody Wiegand
BEAUTY: Trend Alert – BB Cream
By now some of you beauty Maniacs may have heard about a new phenomenon called “BB cream” and wondered what, exactly, it is. I’m here to spill the deets. BB Cream (“Blemish Balm, Beauty Benefit, Beblesh Balm or Blemish Base cream) is a multi-tasking skin care and makeup product; it’s like a tinted moisturizer on steroids. The formula originated in the late 1960s in Germany by a doctor and was initially used by dermatologists on patients’ post-laser surgery faces. The cream was intended to give protection, natural looking tinted coverage and moisture to the skin, all the while encouraging cell regeneration.
BB cream was first popularized in Korea by soap opera actresses who were thrilled with the cream’s effects on their complexions and began to spread the word to the public. BB cream soon garnered widespread attention amidst Asian consumers and has now spread to the European and American markets. Although Asian brands such as Skin Food, Missha and SKIN79 were forerunners in the BB cream movement, European and American brands such as Garnier, Clinique, Estee Lauder and MAC have recently followed suit.
Each BB cream offers different variations of a makeup and skincare product – most are tinted for moderate coverage, and include numerous properties such as oil control, acne prevention or treatment, wrinkle prevention or reduction, sun protection, skin brightening, pore minimization, antioxidant protection and hydration. It’s a great all-in-one alternative to using a multitude of separate products.
~~ By Katherine Reel
