Category Archives: studio events

6 things you need to develop as a recording artist

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Benjie

In an era of weak record labels, who’s going to develop new recording artists? I’ve been chatting a lot this month with mixing engineer Frank Pappalardo as we get things in order for the “Secrets of the Mix” seminar he’ll … Continue reading →

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Why every Chicago sound engineer should mix live and in a recording studio

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Benjie

As I was chatting with Frank Pappalardo this week about his upcoming “Secrets of the Mix” seminar at Backthird, he made an interesting claim: Every studio engineer should do some live sound, and every live mixer should do some studio … Continue reading →

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Mixing Tip No. 1: be “Mr. No Problem”

Posted on October 13, 2012 by Benjie

Frank Pappalardo is one of the most successful music engineers I know. His 30-year career has brought him chances to work on productions for a huge and diverse list of artists, from Alison Krauss to Yes. When he first paid … Continue reading →

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12 weeks to a vibrant Aurora music scene

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Benjie

Dear musician friends: What if 6,000 engaged, attentive listeners could hear your act live? What if you could quadruple your band’s fan list – before this summer? What if you got PAID to help make this happen? Would that be … Continue reading →

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The void spoke back

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Benjie

It’s all worth it when you push that “play” button for the first time. Wednesday was one of those moments – actually, it was 74 of them. Most of the musicians who collaborated on Father Peter’s 18-song “Retrospective” piled onto … Continue reading →

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Recording with an audience – the Hyrax album release

Posted on June 25, 2011 by Benjie

Last night’s open recording session – and I can’t believe I’m still saying this – was an event unlike any we’ve done at Backthird Audio. The Hyrax are celebrating the release of “Fistful of Critters,” but a straightforward listening party … Continue reading →

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Record “acoustic metal” with the Hyrax at next week’s record release!

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Benjie

Punk and metal heroes The Hyrax release “Fistful of Critters” on Thursday, June 24 – and we’re celebrating with an open recording session at Backthird Audio. The boys will be back in the studio to re-recording two of the album’s … Continue reading →

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Aurora music alive and well at the Artwalk

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Benjie

Last night’s Aurora Artwalk – the 5th walk to date! – was another visual and musical feast. Here at Backthird we were vamping on the theme “Made in Aurora,” with two artists from the recent release – Jeremy Keen and … Continue reading →

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Waubonsee Community College Class at Backthird Audio – Beyond the Garage, How to make a Record

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Kyle

Last night Benjie and I hosted and taught a class for Waubonsee Community College at the studio called “Beyond the Garage -How to make a record”. We had about 12 students come in varying in age from high school to … Continue reading →

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Behind the Aurora music: the “Made in Aurora” studio open house

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Benjie

We filled the recording studio with musicians and Aurora arts supporters – two of my favorite things! – for Thursday’s “studio open house” on the making of Made in Aurora. Kyle and I had a great time digging into what … Continue reading →

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