NEWS
2023 thru Jun 2024
The last 18 months or so has been the biggest for the studio so far. The song Night Cap recorded here in late 2022, a cover of MGMT's Electric Feel, has been listened to over 94,000 times with the only promotion of the tune being their artist spotlight section. The Duststorm release is still the only Dead Houseplants release to date, and the band's creator and lead singer Lennie is headed to Berklee School of Music. Congrats Lennie!
A Long Road to Ho
2022
Amazing times at the studio these days. There's a practice night, a jam band night, and producing weekly as well. Ethan Lumus just released his new EP Over the Undertow, which sounds amazing! Recording has begun on the Dead Houseplants material, which will first be showcased by a single release of a track called Duststorm. We've worked hard to make it represent the vision of its creator and I think we've accomplished that. Vocals and narration have been recorded for several other projects as well including a tribute to a dear friend's loved one and samples for audiobook profiles. On the horizon is more recording of bands and more collaboration with Philip as he continues to create stunning visual media for our clients.
Start All Over
2021
Well the work at the studio keeps changing and evolving, and some things are also getting back to more normal. Ethan Lumus flew in from GA to record for his second album. Almost every week for about a year now we've been doing a live stream which has featured songs made in the studio as well as having had us testing many permutations of configuration of all the gear. Sometimes that also includes us playing live. Check out the YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJY09ZRTHLdxrURJh_fSpsw.
Strange Times Continue
Rest of 2020 into 2021
The situation around public exposure continues, so the ideas for the studio at this point are mostly about the options that minimize it. There's streaming happening weekly at this point with the gear we use being showcased and discussed, as well as some music being played back during the stream and some being played live. We had Steve in at one point and he laid down a couple cover songs. There are accompanying videos on the YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJY09ZRTHLdxrURJh_fSpsw.
Strange Times
Last half 2019 to first half 2020
So it goes without saying that the state of affairs has been in a constant flux for the last few months. It was a good end to the year, with Ethan releasing several more singles since his album, as well as the start of a few new projects in the studio. We recorded Melissa Engleman doing a cover and made a haunting rendition of "You Really Got a Hold on Me" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. We also started producing regularly for a side project comprised of myself and Derek Townsend called dim. And most recently we've been streaming sessions containing either live music or information about how to use studio audio and video gear. Mando Leyva also has been creating and has released a new song called "Let it Go" that was recorded here at the studio.
Spaced
First half 2019
The better part of the year thus far we've been recording and producing Ethan Lumus' self titled debut album. The experience was unbelievable on a lot of levels. It marked the first time material recorded at the studio was mixed by an A list mixer. In fact a few guys who are supremely talented worked on the record in addition to myself. Geoff Swan mixed on tracks in addition to myself, and Stuart Hawkes and Andy "Hippy" Baldwin mastered as well. It was also a pleasure and a privelege to have mixed beats made by MurrayWOW and a feature flow by Juice, both of whom are supremely talented and contributed excellent work to the project. Thanks to all our great team!
IllLumination
2nd half 2018
Most of this last half of the year has been focused on making Ethan Lumus music. We released Ethan's EP, Let's Go Inside, and concurrently Philip and Ethan and crew completed the accompanying short film by the same title. Work continued on Ethan's next single and EP release Rich & Famous which is available on all streaming platforms December 11th. My first official release as DanK will be on the EP, which is a remix of Ethan's song Sex. Ethan also has more releases planned for steadily throughout next year which have already largely been recorded here in studio. More UAD equipment and plugins have been added to allow for a full band with up to 22 inputs, 16 of which can change themselves to sound like any of several vintage and modern studio standard preamps using UAD's Unison technology. These are the best days the studio has ever seen and each day is better as the tools and the users continue to grow and improve. .
Singers and Standards
1.1.18 thru May 2018
The studio is the place for some singers to sound superb as they craft their tunes to their top tier tracks. Specifically Mike King and Ethan Lumus have recorded sessions featuring vocal performances captured to the highest standard known to this humble studio owner. Though their styles are different, each has been able to use the space as an effective means by which to extract some great sounding stuff. We had Mike in the live room with two of his favorite guitars and a wheelchair to serve as the seat on the magic carpet. Ethan chose to track vocals in the control room to maintain the clean sound that allows for maximum mixability in the end as he finishes work on the highly anticipated Let's Go Inside EP, produced entirely by Ethan himself in a most sonically beautiful manner.
DJ DanK sighting in the Hill Country
10.21.17
Feels like it used to be.. the connection with the audience makes for a feeling that can't be duplicated, described or imitated. It was a perfect evening in a natural amphitheater created by the canyon upon which the main lodge of the Seven Canyons Resort is seated. The PA system didn't disappoint as the sounds of the celebration echoed throughout the area. Re-lived the good ol' days for a weekend as DJ DanK for the party out at Seven Canyons Resort in Tarpley, TX during Greg and Teresa's wedding. The Beredo and Chavez families and their friends enjoyed a great night that lasted till the early morning. Got a bunch of the old Arlington crew together too. Good times. Fun was had within the studio working to develop new material for The X1Z1 as well as a side project or two.
Steve King completes Acoustic in 432
4.3.2017
There may be numerous people on Earth named Steve King (including some guy who writes books or something) but there is only one Steve King. Having gone by Stevie J King in years past, Steve is now ready to share what he has to offer in the form of his long awaited professional debut album, a 6 song release called Acoustic in 432. Listening will confirm your suspicions that Steve is a one of a kind -- a true Texas songwriter and the genuine article, soulful singer, and colorful character.
Best Album Ever Made
(in this studio)
This month marks the first time a studio album has come out of IXI. Actually, it didn't really come from IXI exclusively, because Acoustic in 432 was actually recorded on remote location and then mixed and mastered in the studio. If you have a chance, ask Steve how many takes it took for your favorite song to be made. (Guess what: it's not very many!) In contrast to polished studio magic albums, this work was not treated with intense vocal comping or other intensive methods. What you get as a result is the sound of real instruments being played naturally and a lack of robotic precision that comes from playing to a click track. Steve thinks it makes the recording real and true, and we think you'll agree. Check it out now under MUSIC!
Studio is a Go
This year is the first year of operation in a dedicated space. The new spot is exponentially more suitable for recording, with high ceilings and purpose-capable spaces. Treat yourself to a tour and you will be delighted by the hospitable atmosphere and a host who's looking forward to making the place feel ideal for creation.