Part II: PHILosophy of Audio and Video

Hello evildoers! Today we return for part two in our exciting series on local musician and producer Phil Way!! Give it a read, give Phil a listen and a follow. More interviews are coming soon, enjoy!!

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Part 2 - Studio (Sons of Apollo)

and Buck Fiddy Sessions

Some ear candy from Buck Fiddy Sessions while you read.

Q: When did you start recording your own music?

A: I started recording my own music at 18 years old. I made a techno track on a simple computer program when I was 17 using only samples and I was hooked. I wanted to focus more on using organic sounds that I had recorded myself and I wasn't so much into EDM, so I purchased a small recording setup and a couple of cheap mics and away I went.

Q: What made you decide to invest in recording?

A: Before I became heavily invested rather than just  a hobbyist, I was a landlord for a few years.  I hated it.. So one day I decided to sell the house and throw that money into something I was really passionate about, music and recording! I've never regretted that decision. I knew it was a solid investment because it would be cheaper in the long run than paying for studio time, plus I like to work alone when doing my own stuff. Also I knew I wouldn't ever quit music so I decided to invest in something I knew would be a part of my entire life either way. It's also a nice way to bring in some money, which is usually put right back into the gear.*

*We would like to mention the extent that recording engineers, studio, and live artists put into gear. The "spend 5000 dollars on gear for a 200 dollar show" stereotype is no joke. But we digress...  It's all for the love of the craft...

Video Production and Audio Production?!

Q: When did Buck Fiddy Sessions (BFS) start?

A: The idea started in 2018. The first video I ever did was on July 4th, 2018 with a local group called Seneca Guns. It was a good first run but I certainly had a bit to learn as far as video production goes.*

*Dig the first ever Buck Fiddy Sessions Video!

Q: Where did you get the idea for the video elements of Buck Fiddy Sessions?

A: It stemmed from my love of live music videos. I'm also a huge fan of the NPR tiny desk concerts. Live video is a great way to feel closer to an artist and the visual aid can really help convey a performances emotion rather than just listening, which is also nice. 

Q: How difficult was the transition between audio recording and audio/video recording?

A: It took some learning. I had to learn to use Adobe Premier Pro, operate a camera whilst using the proper settings, use lighting to my advantage, as well as several other technical aspects. I enjoyed the process and I'm still learning more things all time. The audio world is quite vast and I keep learning that it's the same thing in the video world. 

Q: When did you start your YouTube channel? 

 A: The YouTube channel started with the launch of the first session on July 4th, 2018.

Business Must Move Forward

Q: In a few words, what services do you think you can offer people? Who is your target audience?

A: I can offer an opportunity to create a high quality video of live off the floor performances. These can be for promotional purposes, booking gigs, or just entertaining your audience with some nice content. Every time I work with a band I feel honored and humbled to be able to do this. I don't want to charge people an arm and a leg, I want to make a good product that will make people smile and give the artists' something to be proud of. I keep the production pretty simple and honest for these particular video sessions. I find it gives a better picture of what the band would sound like in a live setting. There's so much overproduced stuff out there, I feel that BFS is more raw and true to the artists' performance skills. I'm using very high quality gear nowadays so the audio clarity is a big plus when watching the videos.

*One of our projects St. Vith did an awesome video with Phil prior to their latest CD Release of 'Meta'

Q: What are your plans for the future in terms of recording?

A: Well, I just completed my portable recording rig. Now I'll be able to travel to record performances at venues as well as at bands' practice spaces. I can bring that studio sound (or very close to depending on the space) anywhere by use of various microphones that are tailored for certain situations and a set of great pre-amps. I'm also looking forward to having the ability to record drums in a big church... for example. Inspiration doesn't always strike in the studio, so I want to be able to be there when it does and in a setting that will make the artist most comfortable*. It's very exciting stuff for a music nerd like myself.

* Having the ability to record anywhere and gain inspiration from the world as it is, is something we truly admire and separates Phil from some of the other great national studios.

Q: What technological advancements would you like to see in the recording field over the next ten years?

A: To be honest, I am pretty happy with how things are right now. Recording technology is in a pretty awesome place. It's super accessible and surpasses the quality of the old days exponentially. That being said, if we go too far in tech development then I think that would just put us further away from the music. Things are already done heavily in a digital domain so let's try and keep some of that soul from getting too lost in a world of 1's and 0's. It's all about capturing that analog magic and mixing it with the power of digital editing.*

*Hybrid recording. Analog/Digital. We know that well with our partner Windfall Recording who has a very similar mentality. Great minds think alike...

New Music

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming recording projects? A: Well, I have two solo albums written (for the most part) that I hope to have ready by New Years 2021. I’ll be playing all the instruments throughout it so I can have everything played the way I want and can spend more time dialing in the ideal tones. The first album  of the two is yet to be named but will be more of an indie style that's mostly acoustic based and relaxed. Due to the chill nature of the album, it will have a little more emotional depth as opposed to my second album in the works. The second, which will be titled "Equestrian Pedestrian", will be mostly funk based for the purpose of dancing and head bobbing. A lot of groove based riffing and grit. I've been building up my equipment to this point where I feel like I have the best gear I could possibly need to record the best sounding album I can. I'm very excited to get it out there. Look out world!

*Phil, we are super stoked as well. Perhaps stay tuned for a full feature on new Phil Way music in the future?

Phil Way is the proud owner of Sons of Apollo Studio, Buck Fiddy Sessions and is a great musician himself!

Stay safe everyone. Thanks for tuning in for the first of our ongoing Artist and Local Business features, and remember.

Stay Evil!