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Testimonials“Several months ago, I was told by my band mate
Amar Sastry that our group, The Rhythm Method, might be eligible to
receive free studio time through Concordia University. Needless to
say, I was very excited about this prospect and for the next few months I
can honestly say that the upcoming studio time was never far from my
thoughts. My girlfriend would tell you that my excitement bordered on
obsession. Indeed, as anyone in a band can tell you, going into the studio
for the first time is something that every band looks forward and doesn't
take lightly. As the time
approached, our band prepared with a great deal of intensity. We knew that
for us to record our goal of three songs in 8 hours of recording time that
we had to be ready. In the days leading up to the recording session, we
were worn from rehearsing but excited with anticipation for what would be
for most of us our first time working in a professional studio. However tired we may have been
from rehearsing, nothing could have prepared us for our first day at the
studio. It wasn't long before we all realized that our goal of three songs
was very ambitious, and despite our extreme preparedness, it was going to
be very tough day. Happily, with the exception of a few overdubs
left to do and the vocal track for one of our songs (Sally,) we had
completed the three songs. By the end of the day, we were all so exhausted
that we had to scrap our initial plan of beer and cigars in favour of
shower and bed. The next day was mostly dedicated to mixing the tracks. Here
again I had underestimated what a large and important job this was, and
once again we found that we had to work fast and efficiently with the
eight hours we had. By the end of the day, we were again exhausted, but
were very happy with the tracks and all felt that sense of accomplishment
you get you are able to stop and reflect on a job well done. As I was growing up, I noticed
with increasing frequency that while the traditional school subjects like
Math and History remained fixtures, subjects like Drama, Art, and Music,
the "Arts," were relegated to a field of lesser importance in
our school system. I vividly remember with a great deal of
resentment being forced to choose between Art class and the school band,
even though at the time I loved drawing and music equally. Ultimately, I
chose to pursue drawing on my own and play with the school band.
Throughout my entire scholastic career, I never had the privilege of
taking a drama or art class because I never had the option of taking more
than one arts class at a time, and as I grew as a musician, dropping the
school band was never a realistic option. And though I don't blame it
entirely on the school, my skill as an artist remained stagnant and
undeveloped and I gradually lost interest in drawing.
Our school system's archaic preoccupation with traditional methods
of education is extremely unfortunate and hypocritical, particularly in a
country like Canada that considers itself an artistic centre and producer
of world class artists and art. Though this may sound like an
exaggeration, who knows how many Mozarts, Matisses, or DeNiros now lead
lives as insurance salesman or flight attendants, unaware of the immense
talents within that our great Canadian education system failed to help
them discover and cultivate? This
is why I am both surprised and delighted when sponsored opportunities like
the one we received come along. Though our band had long discussed going
into a studio to make a demo, there is no telling how long it would have
taken us to put together enough money to make our goal a reality.
It is difficult to exaggerate
how important a demo is for a band that is just starting out. After
playing your first show, making a demo is the next major step for any
group looking to play professionally. Every member of The Rhythm Method is
eternally grateful not only for the invaluable experience of recording in
a professional studio, but for the final product of our studio session, a
demo which we will use to expand our reputation and gain access to more
prestigious shows and venues. Moreover, I feel that the collective final
product of this endeavour reflects extremely well on everyone involved,
revealing extraordinary organizational ability, impressive musical talent,
and most importantly, a passion for music that lets everyone know that
cultivating the arts is as important to us as anything else. I am very
thankful for the opportunity we received and I hope that others in the
future can enjoy the same privilege that our band has enjoyed, |
