IPR’s DIY 360 Featuring Walt Chancellor’s “Funk 101″ with Conversation Piece

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Christian Groves
Conversation Piece

Conversation Piece with Host Erica West (Photo by Kate Waterloo)

Friday December 2nd, 2011 – One reason I dig spending time with Instructor Walt Chancellor is that I learn something just about every time. But, today, Walt gave all of IPR a funk history lesson that won’t soon be forgotten.

Walter Chancellor at Funk 101

Walter Chancellor Jr. (Photo by Kate Waterloo)

“Funk 101” looked effortless for Conversation Piece: Todd Burrell (keys), Chance Howard (bass, Keys, vox), Kirk Johnson (kit, vox), George Scott (guitar), Walter Chancellor (sax, vox). IPR’s Robinson Hall listeners were treated to a timeline sample of funk that moved from James Brown to Herbie Hancock, and ended with a full-on funk slam down George Clinton style.

George Scott and Todd Burrell

lft to rt: George Scott and Todd Burrell (Photo by Kate Waterloo)

Host Erica West asked all the important stuff and fielded questions during an audience Q and A. Band members Walt Chancellor, Kirk Johnson, and Chance Howard gave most of the historical instruction: James Brown is both the Godfather of soul, and the Godfather of Funk, Herbie Hancock married funk with electronic instruments through synthesis and his own brand of jazz / funk fusion, and George Clinton and Bootsy Collin’s carried funk into the future and beyond. Then there’s Prince, who basically married funk with rock, pop, blues and added his own creative genius to what became known as Minneapolis funk, or, “the Minneapolis sound”.

Kirk Johnson

Kirk Johnson (Photo By Kate Waterloo)

Conversation piece was formed with the purpose of bringing funk, weekly, to Minneapolis venue Jazzmine’s Nightclub (now closed); the band used to be a Wednesday night staple in the club’s heyday. Sadly, even then, funk was under-represented in the Twin Cities and still is. This is surprising given Minneapolis’ reputation worldwide as a city with its own sound, but it appears clubs in the area don’t typically hire funk bands. Hence, the reason today was Conversation Piece’s first set together since 2004. Even so, they were exceptional… almost like they’d never stopped playing together. But that’s what you get when musicians of this caliber unite for passion of craft and music in lieu of riches and fame. And These guys are as good as you’ll find anywhere (see who they’ve played with).

Chance Howard

Chance Howard (Photo By Kate Waterloo)

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Audio Production 282 with Special Guest Nels Cline

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Christian Groves

IPR’s AudioProduction 282 class is at it again…

Woody Woodman and Nels Cline

Woody Woodman and Nels Cline

As if it wasn’t cool enough that Kevin Bowe is writing with his friend Paul Westerberg (The Replacements fame), I just learned that Nels Cline, Wilco guitarist, threw down a solo for the Bowe/Westerberg track “Everybody Lies”. According to Kevin, Nels came to visit MasterMix with their mutual friend Woody Woodman (“luthier to the stars and inventor of the “Mastery Bridge”, a high end replacement bridge for Fender Jazzmaster guitars all over the world”). It’s a good thing that Kevin and Woody are friends… Kevin’s students should be taking notes about music business networking while tweaking nobs. If you’re good at audio production and engineering, you still need to understand how the entertainment business works.

“Everybody Lies” will be a featured track on Kevin’s upcoming album. Surprise! It’s a good song (duh). After listening through a rough mix only two times this morning I still have the melody lodged in my mind’s ear.

Nels Cline, a guest at IPR: I love this place!

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IPR Weekly Article Recap for 12/5/2011-12/9/2011

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Christian Groves

It’s cold in Minneapolis this week, but it can’t touch what we’ll see in a few months. Every year, when the weather turns its back on me, I start questioning my decision to live in such a cold climate. By the time I get past the holidays my survival instinct has fully taken root and I forget about it; then I begin to remember that Minneapolis is absolutely the best city I’ve ever lived in. As I watch the morning sunlight bounce off the buildings downtown I remember that this place has become my home. Whether unbearably hot in the summer or crazy cold in the winter, the people, the music, the entertainment, the food, basically the entire cultural package, keeps me here. And on that sentimental note, I present to you your weekly article recap.

Monday and Tuesday’s best finds were mixing tips. Both came from http://audio.tutsplus.com/  , and both deal in the practical. This cool drum compression tip reminded me how IPR first taught me to find annoying EQ frequencies and pull them out of a mix.  First you’ve got to exaggerate the annoying frequencies, narrow the Q, crank the level, and fish for just the right annoyance by sweeping the spectrum, then you gotta pull the nasty stuff out. This compression tip teaches the reader to exaggerate the compression up front to easily hear exactly how it’s affecting the mix, then to adjust it via standard compression parameters (i.e. ratio, threshold, attack, release and make up gain). The given audio examples make this an extremely straight forward explanation. It’s so simple that you’re going to want to try it whether you’re a beginner or not. Also…

Don’t assume up front that you’ve heard it all before or that you know what a mix tip article is about; you probably don’t. If there is anything I’ve learned over my time at IPR it’s this… just when I think I “get” something, I learn something new about it that surprises me. Having said this I found equally cool things in this article about using Reverb and Delay in a mix. This second article is going to take you a little more time to work through, but it’s worth it… and, on a side note, the author uses Logic for the tutorial.

Wednesday found me checking out an article sent to me by Tina Halfmann (IPR Librarian). The article claims a 1976 amendment to the Copyright Act offers “…song authors the right to re-claim ownership of the song’s copyright after 35 years.” I’ve been following this story for several months, but this is the first local news I’ve heard about it. The article’s subject is Steve Greenberg, author of the song “Funky Town”; he’s a St. Louis Park resident. The thing that makes this lawsuit special is that it’s the only one I’ve heard about a Twin Cities songwriter being involved so far. I’ll try to keep you posted as the story develops.

You’re going to love this next one….

To be fair, the RIAA had to make some type of legal stink when illegal file sharing first began. As unfair as it was to artists, and, admittedly, even record labels, something had to be done to protect the income of those creating and marketing copy written music. But many feel going after and suing individual music consumers was a bad move… so do I. If these individuals were profiting off illegal sales of said downloads that might be another story, but they were merely sharing it with other individuals (still stealing in the form of illegal distribution). Even so, now the RIAA is in essence taking credit for the creation of legal, downloading via sites like iTunes because of said lawsuits, and feels said lawsuits were a good strategic move. You’ve got read this article.

Alas it is Friday, and I didn’t have time to fish for online content today because IPR needed me for other things. Luckily I made it back in time to get this posted before the weekend. I wish you all an amazing weekend of creativity and fun, and I look forward to connecting with you again next week. In the midst of your hard work, be sure to take time for play.

 

MON

Cool drum compression tip – APE, SDVM

TUES

Tips on how to launch a career in video game audio – APE, SDVM

Ball Beats MIDI controller review – APE, SDVM

“Make it Big” by 9th Wonder – APE, MEB

Practical explanation of how to use reverb and delay in mixing: 3D Mixing Part 6 – APE, SDVM

WEDS

Copyright fight against record labels continues; “Funky Town” writer brings Twin Cities to the table  – MEB, APE

20 plus minute video interview with DJ Premier – APE

Interview with T-Pain about album collaboration with Lil Wayne – APE, MEB

THURS

RIAA takes credit for legal downloading options, says suing individuals was effective way of controlling illegal file sharing – MEB, APE

Local artist Chris Bartels releases new project this week; Youa Vang, IPR graduate, writes about it – MEB, APE

Lefsetz sounds off on what it takes to get into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame – MEB, APE

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IPR Weekly Article Recap for 11/29/2011-12/2/2011

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Christian Groves

Yes, the weekend is almost here, and I’ve carved a little time out of this Friday afternoon for a weekly article recap; I was wondering if I was going to meet the deadline, but, alas, here it is!

The most exciting thing on my radar this week was DIY 360 featuring Walt Chancellor’s Funk 101. His band mates from Conversation Piece agreed to help educate the current lot of IPR students and staff in the ways of funk. The event was this morning, it rocked my face off, but, you’ll have to wait until early next week to read the write up; I still need pictures from the photographer. If you missed it, I’ll be posting video to IPRpresents YouTube channel as well. Until then you’ll have to be satisfied with knowing it was awesome, and checking out the Conversation Piece biography.

On Tuesday I ran into an awesome video interview… a little lengthy for my online viewing preferences, but it was well worth the time. 9th Wonder is smart and has words of wisdom for anybody who wants to make a living doing music. He’s one of the most articulate music, media spokespersons I’ve ever heard interviewed, and it turns out he’s also professor. It would be great to have him guest at IPR, no? Anyhow you need to check out this video – you’ll be glad you did.

Last week, Kevin Bowe and his AP282 class helped a group called “One of Many” produce a holiday CD. For Kevin and his students, it was awesome to see this motivated group of teens work… even as amateurs they really seemed to push themselves to get things right. Some of what I heard Kevin’s students say: “I could appreciate their talent for their lack of experience” and “it was nice to see their potential and their energy was infectious”. As I was able to observe part of a session, I agree. I even got to catch part of the group choreographing a dance to one of their tracks for their CD release party… these guys are motivated and there is no doubt in my mind that their CD release performance is going to be a great show. I plan to go. The piece was posted earlier this week; Read the article here.

I wish you well as you venture into the weekend, and remember to take some time for yourselves as both finals and the holidays are closely upon us. But, whatever you do, don’t forget that taking time for yourself could just as easily mean booking studio time for a much needed getaway instead of clubbing or couching it with an Xbox controller in your hand. Though this may be none of my business, I’m just sayin…

Please feel free to become part of the conversation by leaving your comments below.

Mon.

DIY 360 with Walter Chancellor’s Funk 101 – APE, MEB

New type of DJ MIDI Controller that uses pressure, velocity, and location sensitivity – APE, MEB

Learn why it’s important to understand and master reverb in your mixes – APE, SDVM

 Tues.

Harry Cohen on collaborating with Oliver Stone and Quentin Tarantino – SDVM, APE

Could you use this idea that Starbucks had to help promote your band? – MEB

9th Wonder offers exceptional wisdom in this 12 minute video interview – APE, MEB

Kevin Bowe and IPR students help non-profit singing group produce a holiday CD – APE, MEB, SDVM

 Weds.

The BCR2000 is still a DJ mainstay at an awesome price – APE, MEB, SDVM

 Thurs.

Best mics. under $200; just in time for the holidays – APE, SDVM

Does Dr. Dre want to be a DJ again? Short video – APE, MEB

Bob Lefsetz shares a conversation he’s having about a new entertainment business model – MEB, APE, SDVM

Spotify becomes a music platform as it allies with other music media sources – MEB, APE, SDVM

 Fri.

Napster is out of business – MEB, APE

New type of MIDI keyboard controller; impressive control – APE, SDVM

20 best VST software synths on the market today – APE, SDVM

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Audio Production Class at IPR Helps Non-profit Record Holiday CD

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Christian Groves

Though audio production is a skill that’s both natural and acquired; it can take years to master. So it’s not every day a Grammy winning songwriter/ producer has time to offer an unknown singing group. But, when IPR Instructor Kevin Bowe learned about non-profit The A-List, he saw a chance for applied learning; IPR students could help others while putting their audio production chops to the test, “I think it’s a cool opportunity for our students to realize that they are already far enough down the road to provide help and inspiration for kids who are just starting out in music.”

One of Many w Kevin Bowe RS
The A-List singing group “One of Many” with Kevin Bowe’s AP 282 Class

The A-list was born out of the desire to help teach youth to become entrepreneurs through practical application. This organization is structured so that the youth decide what, and how to bring entrepreneurial ideas to fruition. “One of Many”, an A-List singing group, was created, choreographed, and marketed by A-List youth from the ground up. In essence this group of teens is learning a DIY approach to the music business.

A-List Managers Jeanne McMahon, and Scott Kelly, contacted IPR because “One of Many” had formed with the intention of releasing a holiday CD. Scott was hoping IPR could donate some studio time to help them record their project. What they landed was world class  Master Mix recording studio, the audio production knowledge of an industry proven producer, and the help of some of IPR’s most experienced students.

Like his instructor, audio production student Guy Tarrents feels helping “One of Many” record their holiday project is a gauge of how far his IPR education has brought him, “When I first came to IPR, I didn’t know much that first quarter and now I have a lot to offer these guys.”

Because of Kevin Bowe, and his Audio Production 282 class, IPR welcomes The A-List as a new community partner.

“One of Many” will hold a CD release party at The A-list Tuesday, December 13th, from 7-9 pm. 7652 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443. Call for details: 763-566-4545.

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Bring on The Education: Walt Chancellor’s “Funk 101″ @ DIY 360 this Friday

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Christian Groves

IPR’s Walt Chancellor is jamming with an amazing group of players this Friday for a crazy good DIY 360. Your funk education begins 11:30 AM this Friday, December 2nd in Robinson Hall. Your host for this week’s DIY installment is Erica West. You can’t miss this one!

Conversation Piece

 Conversation Piece

Todd Burrell / Keys, Vocals / Work History: Has performed and toured with:Alexander O’Neil (2002-2004), Recorded on Prince’s CD “Emancipation” (1996) NPGRecords. Has also performed toured with The Steeles, Anne Nesby, Best Kept Secret,Curbfeelers, TKO & High and Mighty. Todd performed with Conversation Piece for 3years as House Band for Jazzmine’s Night Club), and was graced on stage by artistssuch as Prince, Musique, & Larry Graham. Maceo Parker there at Jazzmine’s Nightclub.

Walter Chancellor / Saxophones, Vocals / Work History: Has performed withvarious local and national groups in the Twin Cities music scene such as:Prince, The Steeles, Chaka Khan, Bobby Lyle, Musique, Larry Graham, Louis Johnson, Maceo Parker, TKO, Best Kept Secret, Debbie Duncan, Thomasina Petrus. Walter performed with Conversation Piece for 3 years as House Band for Jazzmine’s Night Club), and was graced on stage by artists such as Prince, Musique, & Larry Graham. Maceo Parker there at Jazzmine’s Nightclub.

Through his own production company founded in 1993, SAX U UP MUSIC COMPANY & UPTOWN PRODUCTIONS, Walter provides production, songwriting, and session work for local record companies, artists, corporate establishments, and non-profits. Walter also is an Instructor and teaches Desktop & Audio Production at The Institute of Production and Recording in Minneapolis. And is Program Director & Instructior for the Ideawerks after school programs.

Chance Howard / Bass & Bass Keys, Vocals / Work History: Has performed with The Time (1995-2004, recorded & toured with Prince. Candy Dulfer, Solo, Karen White, countless amount of recording credits. Chance performed with Conversation Piece for 3 years as House Band for Jazzmine’s Night Club), and was graced on stage by artists such as Prince, Musique, & Larry Graham. Maceo Parker there at Jazzmine’s Nightclub.

Kirk Johnson / Drums, Vocals / Work History: Has performed and recorded with Prince (1990-2004), has recorded & produced several tracks on the CD “Emancipation” NPG Records, El Debarge, HBO, Chaka Khan (1990 – 1999) (The CD “Come to My House” 1998 ) NPG Records, The Kaj’ Orchestra, (TKO) (1994-1998) Kitchen Records, Co-Produced Walter Chancellor’s Solo CD Release “Saxophone Man” (1998) Kitchen Records, Kirk toured with ”Georgia” a very well-known Italian pop star throughout Italy and Europe. Kirk performed with Conversation Piece for 3 years as House Band for Jazzmine’s Night Club, and was graced on stage by artists such as Prince, Musique, & Larry Graham. Maceo Parker there at Jazzmine’s Nightclub.

George Scott / Guitars / Work History: Solo Guitarist, self produced Solo Release “Power Of Seven”, Has performed with Prince, Musique, Maxx Band, Mod-Squad Band & Soul Tight Committee George performed with Conversation Piece for 3 years as House Band for Jazzmine’s Night Club), and was graced on stage by artists such as Prince, Musique, & Larry Graham. Maceo Parker there at Jazzmine’s Nightclub.

For Bookings contact: Walter chancellor Jr., Phone: 612.998.1122 Email: waltzplace@me.com

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Blogging with the Experts: Kevin Bowe

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Christian Groves

What a studio rat is thankful for this Thanksgiving…

1. The Waves CLA compressor bundle… The “blackie” 1176 is super gooey and nice on vocals. I have to investigate the other ones more but I got this on Eric Olsen’s recommendation and I’m glad I did.

2. The rhythm section of Peter Anderson and Steve Price…although they haveruinedme for working with any other bass/drum team, I have made SO MANYRECORDwith these 2 over the last few years; they never disappoint.

3. The piano in Mastermix…try and make it sound bad. I dare you. You could record it with dixie cups and string and it would still sound great.

4. The SoundToys bundle…even though they refuse to get back to me about setting IPR up to sell their stuff in our store, I still love them. EchoBoy, Phasemistress, Decapitator, Filter Freak, Speed, and the new PanMan are all essential for me.

5. Guild guitars…so much more than a red headed stepchid to Gibson. The pickups are amazing.

Kevin Duluth

Kevin Bowe

6. Magneto Mastering…. they have done the last 20 records I’ve produced and they never let me down.

7. Mike Brown… I trust him with my life. nuff said. Makes Alison Scott and band sound brilliant no matter what room it is.

8. Bad Cat Amps…. like a Vox that won’t break. I have two and I’m never letting them go.

9. Blue Microphones… the ones that are good are very very good.

10. Just so I don’t sound like a total nerd let’s throw in my health, my friends, my family, peace on earth and all that other stuff. And Waves plug in version of the API 2500 compressor.

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IPR Graduate Alumni Event Wednesday, December 7

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Norbert Kreuzer

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IPR’s DIY 360 Featuring Kristoff Krane

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Christian Groves

On Friday, October 28, The Institute of Production and Recording welcomed hip-hop artist Kristoff Krane to DIY-360.

To intro the day, Host Adam Levy read Krane’s bio; it’s something he typically doesn’t do for DIY guests, but he found it compelling and wanted to share. Krane’s  bio married his personhood to who he is as an artist. His life’s message focused on the importance of personal growth, awareness of self and helping others.

Chris Krane

The way Krane began his session was impressive. Though his gear was on stage, he was deliberate about putting the audience at eye-level; it was clear he see’s performance as a way to intimately connect with others. Once he was comfortably off stage and closer to the people, he launched into his first song.

Though I didn’t realize it at the time, “Picking Flowers Next to Road Kill” is quite an emotional piece. After a close listen to Krane’s cd, the track appears to be about being open in our strengths and weaknesses, and approaching human brokenness with grace and understanding. Krane himself is true to the character of his material.

Krane spoke intimately about his life throughout the course of DIY. He had a pretty normal childhood; he went to church, raked leaves for neighbors and was polite to his parents. From a young age he had a desire and a dream to work with and help kids. Even so, by the time he was twenty, he’d made some bad decisions that landed him in jail for five long months and changed his life’s plans. While incarcerated, he began to write, and discovered he was pretty good at it. This coupled well with his enjoyment of music and seeded a strong creative passion and a direction for the future.

Upon his release, Krane surrounded himself with those of similar passion.  He was drawn to his friend Michael Larsen (aka Eyedea). Together, they created music and toured the world until less than a year ago when tragedy struck; along with Krane, the hip-hop world mourned the unexpected death of Larsen. In the heart of his DIY interview, Krane picked up a guitar to perform “Wild West”, in remembrance of his lost friend.

Larsen was a well-known freestyle beat battle champion and Krane is no slouch to a good freestyle match himself. So one audience member wanted to know if Krane preferred to freestyle or simply stick to his standard set when he performs. Krane proceeded to invite the audience member to the stage for a freestyle rap battle between them.  In the next several-minutes, the two improvised back and forth within a set of idea boundaries. It was clear both were accomplished rappers as they created a complex conversation and bounced rhymes effortlessly between each other: a no brainer for a DIY high light reel.

Without question Krane offered this DIY audience a distinctive look into his art and unique personhood.

Because of his legal history, Krane is unable to work directly with children, but he did plug his after school “Wanna be a Rapper” writing program where he puts his focus of helping others to work.  Learn more about it via this Youtube link.

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IPR Visits Local High Schools Weekly

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Christian Groves

Hello high school students – if you’re seeking a media arts college and have questions about the programs at IPR, we may be visiting your school soon.  A great way to get your questions answered is to connect directly with an Admissions Representative. Meet Brittany and Sammy at an upcoming visit to your school:

Brit

Brittany Stewart

Brittany Stewart will be visiting the following high schools this week:

Wednesay, December 14th - Moundsview High School, 10 AM

Thursday, December 15th - Irondale High School, 10 AM

Sammy

Sammy Johnson

Sammy Johnson will be visiting the Following high schools this week:

Wednesay, December 14th – Columbia Heights High School, 1 PM

Thursday, December 15th - Washburn High School, 10:30 AM

If your school isn’t listed, talk with your counselor about scheduling an invite. We’d love to meet with you.

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