From Iron to Rage... part 2.

Do you track most of the bands that come through or do you recording in a living setting or both?

I do a bit of both. It really depends on the vibe. I like tracking as live as possible. But it is hard doing that with death metal or something when you have to use a click track and all that. I would say ninety five percent of the recordings usually start with the drummer and rhythm guitar scratch tracks, then it’s on to final guitars and bass. Of course the vocals are always the last thing to track. It just depends.

Do you have a particular mic or mics that you like to use when recording various instruments? Do you have any other favorite pieces of equipment or instruments you like use when recording?

I pretty much use the industry standard stuff, but I have to say I do love my Rode Nt1 mics. They’re super versatile, and I use them for everything from drum overheads, secondary guitar, and vocals. I have two of them. Also, the Sunn Beta Lead comes in handy on a lot of occasions. Thanks Karl!

What was the first official Basement Rage recording or rather what band was first to be recorded? How did it go?

Other than my own stuff I think it was the Bulletwolf demo. That was back in 07, and it was a huge learning experience and a ton of fun. I love those dudes! They have a song called “100 Beers.” We damn near drank that many doing that demo. I think the final count was 92 or so. Shit. I’m a bit more pro these days. I did that recording for free after all.

How has it been working with the various Indy bands and their differing projects?

Awesome! We have so many killer bands in this city, man. I have learned so much from just having them down and having them want to work with me. I started this for the sole purpose of working with new bands, and so far it’s really been cool. I have no real formal training, and aside from reading a few books, I’ve learned all of this on the fly. It’s because of the bands in this city and through word of mouth and personal recommendations that keeps me doing this. I have nothing but praise and mighty hails for the Nap!

Is there one recording that stands out to you more so than another in terms of really capturing what the band was/is trying to do?

I dig all the bands I’ve worked with so far. I think most of the stuff captures the vibe the best it could at the time. If I had to pick one, then I would say the Coffinworm demo. I was just immediately floored by their material. I really immersed myself in that project as did the band. The all around vibe of those sessions were amazing, and I have to say its my proudest moment so far. They got a deal with Profound Lore Records on the strength of that recording, and that got me really stoked. I also love the Bulletwolf full length. That was my first big project. It was very cool to get that cd from the dudes after it was pressed, and I’m holding a real, pro pressed and distributed cd in my hands that I had worked on. That is a big accomplishment for me.

I would imagine with each recording session allows you to tweak and continually develop and refine you recording process. Is there a recording session that sticks out as more challenging and why?

Totally. It is all a huge learning experience. I learn something new every time. It’s really like anything else. The more you do it the better you get at it, or at least I try to. I’m always picking up on new things, and most importantly on things not to do. Production and engineering is still really fascinating to me, and there is so much to learn and experience. It also allows space for artistic expression, freedom, and experimentation. It is not as strict as a lot of people might think in terms of following some type of rule book. I still have a ton to learn. It’s never ending. All my sessions have been challenging for numerous reasons. Whether those reasons are time constraints, recording bigger projects like the Bulletwolf record, or gear issues. They’re all very challenging.

Do most bands approach you for demo work and smaller projects, or is there starting to be more interest in recording full lengths? Do you have a preference in recording either? I would imagine time constraints and scheduling could both be problematic.

Yeah, there is interest for both. I’m pretty much up for anything these days. I still only choose to work with people that have mutual interests, and I pretty much stick to the hard rock, metal, punk thing simply because that is what I’m into. Call me close minded, but I want to work on stuff I dig with people I like being around. I really don’t think Indy has that “go to guy” for those styles. Hopefully, I can be that guy one of these days. As far as preference, I’m cool with all of it. I try to keep at least three to four songs, but it really comes down to what the bands want, can afford, and how long we have to spend on it. I’m also on tour quite a bit these days with either The Gates of Slumber or Nachtmystium, so sometimes I can be the biggest scheduling conflict.

Who is lined up for some time in Basement Rage?

This is all before the end of the year. I have Apostle of Solitude coming in to do some new demos, and after I get back from Europe in November then I will be working with Demiricous. Then there is a project with Jeff from Nachtmystium in the works that I will be playing drums on as well. Christ Beheaded will have some new jams to record soon. Also, I just finished recording a cool doom—experimental band called Nidus.

Contact Bob Fouts at www.myspace.com/basementrage or basementrage@yahoo.com. To listen to music recorded at Basement Rage Studio go to its Myspace page or visit these bands’ Myspace pages:
www.myspace.com/christbeheaded666
www.myspace.com/tunguska317
www.myspace.com/bulletwolf
www.myspace.com/coffinworm
www.myspace.com/rejicide
www.myspace.com/summonthedestroyer
www.myspace.com/niduskills