Dusty old Tune Recorded in a Train Depot
Check out this hidden gem from the past: the live recording of “The Golden Rule” by the bashfully talented Craig Steven. Unearthed from a treasure trove of recordings, this recording took place within the echoes of an abandoned train depot nestled in the heart of Hendersonville, NC.
Picture this: a raw and hauntingly reverberating vocal that seems to linger in the air, creating an intimate atmosphere that pulls you in. I can still recall the intricate process of positioning the field recorder just so, striving to capture those vocals in all their big and boomy glory. The guitar, a faithful companion, found its place near the doorway, its melodies drifting away from us as our voices intertwined in song.
But let me share a secret with you about the beats that brought this recording to life – they weren’t from a high-tech drum kit or sophisticated equipment. No, it was the gentle clapping and patting of our drummer’s girlfriend, crafting a steady downbeat that danced lightly, refusing to linger and echo within the depot’s cavernous space.
This recording became our canvas for an experiment in harnessing the embrace of natural acoustics. Imagine us, armed with a Zoom H1, embarking on multiple takes, each one a unique exploration as we shifted our positions within the vast emptiness of the depot. It was a trial and error dance, a symphony of sound and architecture.
And then, that magical moment arrived when the mix fell into place, imperfectly perfect. With a collective breath, we seized the opportunity, embracing the unknown with all its quirks and blemishes. Mistakes? Oh yes, they were there, woven into the fabric of the recording. But therein lay the beauty – an unfiltered, unedited testament to the authenticity of the moment.
Take a listen, and you’ll find not just a melody, but a cherished memory. A memory of pushing boundaries, embracing the unconventional, and creating music that echoed not only in the depot but also in the corridors of our shared experiences. This recording is more than a track; it’s a fond snapshot of our journey into the realm of experimental field recording, a journey that still resonates with joy every time we press play.
