FROM WRITING TO THE FINAL MIX, THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS IS THE ARTIST’S VISION.
Photos by Jacob Holdsworth
Photos by Jacob Holdsworth
When approaching a project you have to get inside the head of the songwriter/creative genius and determine what they are trying to express. Understanding the person and the story they are trying to tell is massive. Once you become a collaborator with that person and they begin to trust you, you have to ensure that they are guided toward making their best work ever. No problem should be unsolvable, everything they want to try or hear should be given time. They have this thing burning inside that they need to express, and they need help doing it.
Very often songwriters work in a vacuum and overlook the talented people they have around them, or band politics have resulted in a defensive attitude to opinion, so I try to involve everyone and get them to play to their strengths.
Once all the songs are in great shape it’s time to decide on the best way of recording. I try to get as much recorded ‘off the floor’ as possible. The energy is incredibly different when everyone has eye contact and is hearing everything in context. After that we begin building the overdubs and constantly listen from beginning to end to hear how the song is working dynamically. The vocalist should be able to sing as soon as the basic tracks are cut together, no waiting until the last day of recording to do 10 lead vocals!!! It should be a fun and exciting process for a band because they are working together to create something they have to live with forever.
ME, Bob Marlette, Kenny Aronoff
Auckland Dec 2009
Vinny Appice, ME
Sarm Studio One - Oct 2010
Feb 2013 with Scott Travis
Shangri La Studios - Malibu Dec 2012
Geezer, Tony, Brad, ME, Ozzy
Shangri La Studios - Malibu Dec 2012
Shangri La Studios - Malibu Dec 2012
Geezer, Tony, Brad, ME, Ozzy, Rick
Sarm Studio One Oct 2009
Robanna’s Birmingham
Shangri La Studios - Malibu Dec 2012
Rockfiled Studios - Monmouth Dec 2008
Preparing to say farewell to Ronnie
If you’re interested in working together, please get in touch to arrange a conversation by contacting me by Calling, Texting or Email.
Phone: +44 (0) 797 382 6567
E-Mail: mike.exeter@gmail.com
Social Links:
Instagram: /mikeexeter
Facebook: /mikeexeterproducer
Twitter: @mikexeter
Youtube: Mike Exeter
Special Thanks:
Full Sail University:
Website: www.fullsail.edu
Instagram: /fullsail/
Warm Audio:
Website: www.warmaudio.com
Instagram: /warmaudio/
Brainworx Audio:
Website: www.brainworx.audio
Instagram: /brainworxaudio/
McDSP:
Website: www.mcdsp.com
Instagram: /mcdsp/
Gizmotron:
Website: www.gizmotron.com
Instagram: /gizmotronllc/
Origin Effects:
Website: www.origineffects.com
Instagram: /origineffects/
Sonnox Plugins:
Website: www.sonnox.com
Instagram: /sonnoxplugins/
Gospel Oak Studios:
Website: www.gospeloakstudio.net
Instagram: /gospeloakstudio/
Woodworm Studios:
Website: www.woodwormstudios.co.uk
Instagram: /woodwormstudios/
RecordProduction.com:
Website: RecordProduction Youtube
Instagram: /recordproductioncom/
Jacob Holdsworth • Audio • Photography:
Website: www.Jacobholdsworth.com
Instagram: /jacobs_realm/
Analogman Guitar Pedals:
Website: www.analogman.com
Instagram: /analogmike_piera/
Waves Audio:
Website: www.waves.com
Instagram: /wavesaudio/
Focal Official:
Website: www.focal.com/en/home
Instagram: /focalofficial/
Focusrite:
Website: www.focusrite.com
Instagram: /wearefocusrite/
Avid Technology:
Website: www.avid.com
Instagram: /avid.protools/
Kemper Amps:
Website: www.kemper-amps.com
Instagram: /kemperamps/
Chord Electronics:
Website: www.chordelectronics.co.uk
Instagram: /chordelectronics/