Bernardo Almeida

Review of Earwig Studio

I have been playing bass since the fourth grade wi...

I have been playing bass since the fourth grade with friends, in bands, studios, and orchestras. I have carried along a small virtual-suitcase of songs in my head for my whole life. I had set up a small home studio with decent gear and put together small reference demos but never was happy with the quality, energy or the process. But I wanted to get my songs out of my head and onto media and didn t really have an idea where to go or how I could get what I wanted.

Then I met Don Farwell the engineer at Earwig Studios.

I met Don while doing some bass tracks for fellow artist Jeff Kanzler. I immediately liked Don and the sweet studio space. The equipment is a perfect mix of hands-on analog input, balanced with the best parts of digital recording and editing. I knew the experience was going to be more than just tracking- that I had found my place!

The first time a person walks into Earwig Studios is like putting on a comfortable after-dinner robe with matching mohair slippers and a warm snifter of Courvoisier- You are so welcomed- wrapped and coddled in musical Brother and Sisterhood!

Don had set up and skillfully miked a classic set of Ludwig drums at Earwig and was tracking another artist s project over a three week period using an amazing, talented young drummer in from Nashville. Don suggested that I should take advantage of an off night get some drum tracks. When I heard the full fidelity quality of the drum sound in the control room, I was shocked- this kid was epic- and I have played with some great ones!

Don has an amazing wealth of knowledge and technical skill. His ear is discerning, open and creative. He was so supportive and enthusiastic during the tracking of my music and constantly offered really thoughtful suggestions and pathways. There was a bit of Mad Scientist in-fluxing as well- and that made me stop and listen, disagree, re-assess or move straight ahead. All of it was such a blast.

When it came time for final mixdown, Dons diverse skills at the board, the beautiful peripheral gear and his sonic perception of the nuances in the songs floored me. Everything sounds SOOO good. He completely turned my meager demo-ing project into a full-blown CD that has my musician friends singing my songs in the shower! Hah!

Earwig Studios is an oasis in the wilderness where they really get it.
You get to taste the music you make!