Kirsty Video

It’s been ages since i did the blog but anyone who is involved in video editing will know the hours just zoom by when making a film. I’ve been using the opportunity to learn about Final Cut pro which is a truly amazing film editing programme. Since doing loads of tutorials on the subject I’m getting really hooked on making films. I had a go a few years ago making an offbeat promo video and it also took ages to complete but since learning new tricks it’s getting easier and more methodical to come up with a good result. You can judge for yourself when the short video for Kirsty’s new single ‘Feels Good’ is completed. We have been mapping out a demo for the film using my small DV cam and when we have finally worked out all the shots we plan to redo the film using HD so that we have a chance of getting it broadcast.

Happy Xmas To One And All

Offbeat wishes all your customers a very Happy Xmas and a Happy New 2008.

Mike Dodds - work experience

14 year old Mike Dodds is in the studio doing a weeks work experience. Mike is an astonishingly adept Bass player for his age and has several compositions he wrote on the Bass using a strumming chord technique he has developed himself. He is also picking up the basics of tape oping and getting a good overview of how the studio works. His Mum Louise is a singer who approached me to get Mike the job, she used to sing with Dave Robb, a bazouki player and songwriter with whom I have recorded two albums over the years. I predict that Mike will become a musical force in the years to come if he sticks at it and keeps going the way he is.

Kirsty Music

Been focusing on the debut album for Kirsty which is the studio’s main production project for 2008 and so far it’s off to a great start. The album is a blend of simple acoustic arrangements and dense electro acoustic tracks which feature her unique electric violin sound and distinct vocal style. The first single “cause it feels good is due for release in February 2008 and will be followed by two other singles before the album is finally released in around Spring time. Tracks can be heard on the offbeat sampler which can be found on http://www.offbeat.co.uk/lounge. Check the track list there and use the wimpy player to skip to her tracks.

Mum for breakfast! (not literally!) - Iain’s blog

Well I’m making my lovely Mum breakfast again today. She’s 81 and so young at heart and in spirit. I absolutely love doing it for her. When I was 11 she bought me my first guitar from Woolies for £10 and when I was 12, I convinced her to get me a Fergusson stereo  reel to reel recorder which was definitely the start of my recording career. i must have been making a god awful racket at the time, I don’t think she understood what kind of music I was making but she never once complained about the noise. Thanks Mum! Long may your lum reek!!!