Thursday, October 11, 2007

StudioBlues

the dismantling and re-building of StudioBelew has begun in earnest.
the monumental task of taking it all apart,
storing or selling the parts we no longer need,
(including the giant 9-foot 48-channel Neotek console)
installing the new parts we will be using,
and wiring it all back together will take weeks of effort
and the ensuing chaos inherent in such an explosion,
but in the end we will have an updated more modern
and efficient place to create music.

our friend and partner in this effort is Saul Zonana.
most of you know saul as my one-man-band opening act
for many of our shows of the last two years.
he is of course a very talented and capable person.
a terrific songwriter, a singer with his own style,
a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and engineer.

saul, his wife nicole, and son jesse have just moved
to the nashville area (murfreesboro).
we have decided to merge our studios and abilities.
eventually this will result in very select co-productions.
more importantly it will give each of us
another set of ears, eyes, and hands to rely on.

since july of last year with the sad loss of ken
StudioBelew has mostly sat vacant.
I have spent the bulk of my efforts playing live concerts
with the mighty power trio I love.
now at last I'm ready to go back to recording mode.
this is a time of preparation for next year's work
which will include rehearsals with the new krimson,
as many live dates as possible with the power trio,
and the development of a brand new solo record.

with saul's adept engineering abilities we have
already completed side four (live) (more on that soon)
and my hope is to stoke the fire of creativity further
with a fresh round of material for the trio to play live.

for 15 years now I have owned my own studio.
no doubt it was the smartest career decision I ever made.
it's my little slice of heaven.
the place where I write or practice or experiment
or try out new devices or produce other artist's music
or play on other artist's records
or rehearse with the bears or king crimson or the trio
or outline new ideas with robert
or record my music and mix it
or listen to CDs at night
or paint my paintings
or do my phone interviews
or just sit quietly.
it's a great source of inspiration.

it used to be the daily scene of numerous activities.
I can't wait to see it flourish again.

26 comments:

  1. Hi Adrian!

    Lots of good news! I hope that this change will provide that spark of creativity that you want. Change has that impact on my creativity. Sometimes just simply rearranging the furniture is enough to renew my enthusiasm.

    We are all eagerly awaiting the release of Side Four and I have high hopes of seeing you with the trio next Spring.

    Kind Regards,
    Scott

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  2. Adrian,
    Congrats on the new studio, hope everything works out. Just to clarify, the new Krimson is yourself, tony, robert, and pat, yes?
    Also, I met Henry Rollins over the summer and had a conversation with him about Krimson and yourself. He is, as I'm sure you know from working with him on "I Can't Get Behind That," a huge fan. This mutual interest is what gave me the courage to go and say hello.

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  3. yes:
    henry is way cool.
    about krimson, the answer is:
    not entirely. there is a fifth member.
    long ago I was asked by robert not to divulge the name of the "fifth beatle" until DGM officially announces it, presumably after we've rehearsed in late march.

    cheers,
    adrian

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  4. Good luck getting the studio up and running.

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  5. Re: Krim lineup

    Oooooh, a teaser :^)

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  6. Ah yes - cleaning house and setting up a new shop always does something to stoke those creative juices. The rest of us may not be able to watch it flourish ourselves, but I for one can't wait to hear the results...

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  7. Adrian, I love your list of studio 'activities', I'm dying for a nice place like that myself! You're a man who certainly knows how to spend his time well and to get the best of out the time he has. Nothing like a good cleansing and reaarangement to start anew...

    Can't wait for Side 4, I was there when it was being recorded and have been waiting rather impatiently on it's completion. Best of luck for a speedy wonderful release!

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  8. You forgot to say that studioBelew is an awesome place to enjoy a Lemon Drop Martini! Looking forward to seeing you next week and the first round's on me!

    Love,
    Margie

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  9. Adrian, here's hoping the new studio turns out just the way you want it. Doesn't sound like Saul will be your full-time engineer, though; just wondering if you've decided to forgo having a full-time engineer in your employ as you did with Ken and the others before him. Hey, if you hadn't had so much free time the last year, we probably wouldn't have this blog, so as tragic as Ken's loss was, maybe there was a silver lining or two from the change. It would be great if you are still able to devote some time to the blog after the studio is up and running.

    To all of you besides Adrian (since I know he can't comment): there is speculation that the fifth member of the next Crimson incarnation is Eric Slick, based partially on some hints of big arisings on his mom's blog... it would make sense, but it's just a rumor. Any other guesses?

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  10. Yeah! I guess you should go visit the comments section for that topic at Krimson News.

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  11. well----welcome back-mr KOT-TER-!!!
    as horshack would say--OO-OO-OO-!!!
    I can answer---that mystery question---there was an old WARNER BROTHERS CARTOON--"I KNOW SOMETHING-YOU DON'T KNOW-"--BUT--just like adrian--i've met mr fripp--and if we must wait--to tell the world--then PATIENCE--will
    make us all virtuous--i could --give all another clue---but---eric--would probably get mad/angry with me----on THAT-SUBJECT---eric's written a disclaimer--on krimsom board---that I'M NOT HAPPY--about-
    but respect HIS HUMBLENESS--WHICH COULD BECOME HIS "NAMENAME"--listen-UP-WORLD--!!!---I--HIS FATHER---HAS SEEN--EVERY---NOW----EVERY!!!!!--MAJOR/MINOR/WORLD'S GREATEST'S---DRUMMERS---TO GRACE THE WORLDS' STAGES--KETIH-MITCH-GINGER-BOZZIO-COBHAM-JONES-BRUFORD-
    PALMER-WILLIAMS---JUST REMEMBER-WORLDLY PEOPLE--I'M 53 YEARS OLD-
    HAVE ALL MY FACULTIES--HAVEN'T-HAD A DRINK--IN 20 YEARS!!!!!!!---ERIC-
    WAS BORN--WITH A SENSE OF TIMING-AND RYTHM----OOO---AM I GETTING WORKED UP---YES--he's more than capable/talented-ENOUGH--ALTHOUGH-this "humbleness"--that's struck him--is more proof--of how "beyond-his years"--he is not only in talent-but personallity---it would be-or actually is an INSULT--TO ADRIAN--- for him choosing-eric-to be part-of-"THE POWER TRIO"---DON'T BELEIVE ME--????--MY BEATIFUL
    WIFE'S BLOG--if you check-past-HAS
    A REVIEW--THAT MR WATTS--POSTED--
    "THIS IS A YOUNG LAD-(ERIC SLICK)-
    HAS OBVIOUSLY STUDIED THE MASTERS-HE HAS LISTENED TO PEOPLE LIKE BUDDY RICH AND MAX ROACH.I AM CERTAIN,AND WHILE I AM LOATHE TO SAY IT,I BELIEVE HE HAS ALSO LISTENED TO ME.THIS KID HAS NO PEERS IN TERMS OF INNOVATION;HE HAS A DEEPLY PERSONAL SOUND AND APPROACH."-"MR.SLICK NEVER LOST A BEAT AND WAS A DRIVING FORCE THAT EVENING.HE BROUGHT tears TO THIS OLD MAN'S EYES "-"HE COULD FILL MY SHOES ANYTIME"-(AMAZON.COM-RE ROCK SCHOOL)--6/15/2005---SIGNED/WRITTEN BY CHARLE W-(U.K)--
    now that being said--many--may feel---a guy--although one of the best "beat-drummers"-ever-along with "ritchie"-as lennon/harrison-called him--may NOT know talent when they see it--NOT-OH ALSO--i seeemily forgot on above list-BONZO---anywho--i've ranted--one other FACT--ERIC SLICK--currently-is drummer for so many-bands--oh well--right now/tonight--i'm fortunate e*nuf-to be goin up to asbury park tonight--to see him--
    with PROJECT/OBJECT-again-sunday-
    at WORLD CAFE LIVE-HERE IN PHIILY--
    so if you're local--you'll get some proof--c'mon out and see a GREATSHOW!!--you get a minute--ask-
    NAPOLEON-MURPHY BROCK-ABOUT ERIC---
    LOVE TO ALL---GARY SLICK--

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  12. gary:
    I'm afraid I"m in the dark about all of this (must be the new eyeglasses I got yesterday). where do I go to catch up?

    love,
    ade

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  13. Ha ha - I just came home to an empty house after a day of hawking my books at conferences and signings and too much alcohol and Gary has apparently traveled 90 miles to Asbury Park to see Eric play with Project Object tonight despite the fact that they are playing Philly tomorrow.

    Ah, he's such a good little groupie.

    Ade, Eric made the disclaimer right here because I think it was starting to distract him at a time when he really wanted to focus on his/your music.

    http://www.krimson-news.com/2007/10/02/king-crimson-touring-and-personnel-update/#comments

    And sorry, Scopob, my comments in my blog about huge news is alas my own...or not. I am in the process of selling one of my books to Hollywood and here's how business savvy I am...when they asked me what I wanted, instead of asking how much they were offering money wise, the first thing I said was "Can I be in charge of choosing the music for the soundtrack?"

    I kid you not.

    xo
    Rob

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  14. Adrian: a question.

    If one were to play an Adrian Belew song on the radio (which goes out over the internet), should AB recieve some sort or royalty payment or should he consider it free publicity so that others might legitimately buy Adrian Belew's music?

    In the old days payola was money paid to radio stations to play music, but nowadays many recording artists argue that internet broadcasters should "pay to play".

    What is Adrian Belew's opinion?

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  15. Hi Adrian,

    If you have time, let us know how the studio rebuild is going. The geeks out here would prolly enjoy hearing what's working out for ya. Best of luck getting re-wired!

    Looking forward to Side 4 along with the rest of the Belew fans here. These Slick recruits are gonna rock our world, I have no doubt. Writing on the Wall and @ live, hoo-hoo!

    btw, Eureka is an stunning album, in case you don't hear that as often as you should.

    cheers from WI,
    Tom H.

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  16. Here's to a smooth makeover at StudioBelew. There will be bittersweet moments I am sure.

    If Martha ever needs a secretary, call me. ;-)

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  17. Hi All....
    Just had to throw my 2 cents worth into the fray - regarding the ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE TALENT that is ERIC SLICK!!!! drummer extraordinaire absolute!
    It is NO WONDER that Adrian has enlisted and thoroughly embraced this young man (and, not forgetting his also incredibly talented sister Julie - THE barefoot priestess of COOL!)into his new UBER-AWESOME Power Trio ensemble.
    And all of us Belew fans have witnessed the resulting energy boost the infusion of these two young musicians have given Adrian - and I am so very happy that this has happened...for Ade, and the Super Slick duo!
    The sky certainly is the limit for these two young phenoms! And what better way to start your 'professional career' than with the help and support of Adrian Belew - THE most multi-talented musician of our time - who just happens to be THE nicest and most decent person you could possibly meet!
    Now, I have read Eric's new blog (excellent, by the way), and read his post over on Krimson News.... and I can't help but see just how 'beyond his years' Eric truly is. I was concerned though, by the obvious effect one particular comment seems (to my eyes) to have had on Eric....one that has moved him enough to actually make some changes.
    Now, I am no authority on drum technique whatsoever (although I absolutely adore the instrument) - I just know what speaks to my heart.... And Eric's playing does just that, and more! If Eric genuinely feels that he needs to practice more, then that may be a good thing - but my point is, I hope that Eric, now and in his very bright future, does not allow the various comments (be they good, bad or indifferent) of his audients, to adversely affect, or change, what he does, and how he does it. He must remain true to himself, and his vision - and not be manipulated and, worse still, hurt by the throw-away comments of the vastly unworthy.....
    We love who you are, what you do and how you do it Eric! ROCK ON!

    ----------------------------------

    SIDE 4 LIVE - SIDE 4 LIVE - SIDE 4 LIVE - SIDE 4 LIVE - SIDE 4 LIVE - SIDE 4 LIVE - SIDE 4 LIVE - SIDE 4 LIVE :-)

    Love to all,
    Wendy

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  18. belewbloggfan:
    both eric and julie are wise beyond their years. eric has wisely chosen to continue his musical education with lessons, not because of some smart-ass comment made by a faceless critic but because that's how devoted he is.

    a word of advice to eric and all other SMARTIES: people will always criticize you just as they will sometimes praise you. take both the praise and the criticism, roll them into an imaginary cigar, smoke it, (but don't inhale) then blow it out the window into thin air. because that's what it's worth: nothing.

    an absolute belief in yourself is the breath of creativity and when that stops, creativity dies.

    cheers,
    adrian

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  20. It seems from www.krimson-news.com that the "fith beatle" will be a drummer...I hope it's Ringo!

    Anyway, why not finally have a keyboard player in krimson? Jerry Harrison maybe?


    Anyway, can't wait for Side 4 and to see you in NYC next year.

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  21. applejam:
    yes, the "fifth beatle" is a drummer
    and no, it's not eric slick (he's MINE!)
    no, it's not me (I'm the guitarist/singer/frontman in case anyone's forgotten).
    I would love to play with ringo someday but no, it's not him.

    robert hates keyboards.

    thanks,
    adrian

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  22. G'day Ade!

    Exactly what I was trying to say....

    I totally embrace your words of wisdom!

    And, for what it is worth, please do not stop 'breathing' any time soon, Mr. Belew!

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  24. Re: keyboards in Krimson

    Who needs 'em? KC already has 2 able synthesists.

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  25. Ade,

    You MUST elaborate on the "Robert hates keyboards" for us.

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  26. Good news on Studio Mr Belew....looking forward to your next Australian dates! .....trying hard not to get into this "5th Member" guessing game.......

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