Tracking Seminar with Matt Noveskey and Drastik IV

The first official Producer/Tracking Series at The Recording Conservatory of Austin went down on September 22nd, 2012. We were fortunate to bring in Grammy nominated producer Matt Noveskey and Austin's soul punk band Drastik IV. About 15 students helped assist and engineer the session while learning cutting edge production methods for their own projects.

Matt, who plays bass in the established rock act Blue October, is an accomplished record producer involved in artist development and management. He has helped guide the early careers of songwriters and musicians that have gone on to get signed to both major and indie labels, including Language Room, (a+)machines, Mahoney, The Vehicle Reason, Emphatic, Deep Ella, Dawn Over Zero, Wesley Lunsford and the Selfless Seasons.

The students arrived bright and early with the band to set up and prepare for the day's session. When Matt arrived, his energy and enthusiasm was infectious. He quickly and efficiently assessed the studio set up, met with the band, then gathered everyone for the game plan. He also explained the role of the engineer and producer in sessions, figuratively describing the engineer as the producer's "best friend", and the producer as the engineers "best friend". When working in harmony, a producer's big picture outlook coupled with the engineers technical proficiency produce the greatest results.

After thoroughly explaining his tracking methods while taking time to answer questions and talk about past recording experiences, he directed mic'ing and had the band play the song a few times. Matt then suggested some changes that really enhanced the song. He had an acute awareness of every musician's part and suggested ideas the band had never thought of, like cutting an intro, doubling a chorus, adding a bridge and even putting in a few cool reverse keyboard note swells. He always tried any idea the band threw at him, and no idea seemed silly or stupid. When everyone was happy with the final composition, we recorded did scratch tracks, drums, bass, guitar and vocals in 5 hours!

Matt was a joy to work with and brought out the best in everyone with his passion for music and gift for sharing his knowledge. By the end of the day, we had the makings of a great track and left feeling inspired. Thanks, Matt! Our Advanced Music Production student Robert Sewell of Sewell Studios did a fantastic job mixing and mastering the track, which can be listened to here.