Welcome to the Fuzz Cast Podcast! Dan Shimmyo speaks in depth about music production on solo projects, improvised jam sessions with band, Fuzz Bucket, and talks to inspirational creative people in the animation industry and all walks of life.
This episode is a major upgrade from previous shows in regards to it being recorded almost entirely live instead of requiring production after-the-fact. This is because I hooked up a mixer so I could play stuff off my laptop, play my guitar, bass, or drums, and of course, I've got my trusty blue snowball usb mic. So I'm really only recording 2 tracks, the voiceover in one, and the instruments/computer/sound effects in the other. I've been setting up a Squier Hello Kitty guitar. It sounds great and the setup is pretty slick but it goes out of tune easily and it has limited tone capabilities because it only has a volume knob and one pickup. But if you like the classic single humbucker sound you'll like this. I've also been introduced to the most amazing thing I've ever heard which is an amateur commercial turned into a brilliant jazz guitar piece:Jones Big Ass truck rentals & storage - Harmonizatorhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoLS9We9hl4 This week's featured track is a jam session from this past Thursday called recursion. Normally I try to mix and post our recordings but this week Eric beat me to the post. For this jam we experimented with a new idea. Due to a computer mixing glitch during our previous jam session we got a track that had me playing saxophone and drums simultaneously. We thought it sounded amazing so Jamie had the idea of bringing his looper pedal and sampling my sax playing and then sprinkling it into the jam while I played the drums. So, the jam consists of me playing a saxophone solo where Jamie sampled a portion of it and then Jamie (bass) and Eric (guitar) come in and I start playing the drums. We definitely had a good time with it and it ended up being an 18 minute jam. It was more like 3 or 4 jams in one but with the saxophone loop being the thread that binds them all together. Here's the track on soundcloud:Fuzz Bucket - recursion https://soundcloud.com/maumau13/fzzbkt21215recursion This was also the first jam session featuring my brand new Squire bass which was my brother's birthday present to me.You can download Fuzz Cast on iTunes here:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4or on my blog:http://shimmymusic.blogspot.com/or directly from libsyn:http://fuzzcast.libsyn.com/more links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
I'm slap-happy with the bass today because it's my new toy. My brother bought me a Squier Vintage Modfied Jazz Bass as a belated birthday present. I'm also more comfortable in the studio today because I've got a boom arm stand for the microphone which allows me to position it especially while playing bass. The bass tones today are complements of a device called a Vox Amplug for Bass. I'm pretty happy with the tones that I get, plus I don't have to deal with latency issues that I get from using the amp emulators available in Garage Band. Nonsensical Ramblings is a Fuzz Bucket jam session from 9/24/2014 where Jamie played Novax, Eric dialed knobs on the synth and played drums, and I played Trumpet and Saxophone. It's a good fun drony moody thing. It came highly recommended by my brother, Roy, who was visiting over the weekend to deliver the new bass. Nonsensical Ramblings is on soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzbkt-9-24-14-aYou can download Fuzz Cast on iTunes here:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4or on my blog:http://shimmymusic.blogspot.com/or directly from libsyn:http://fuzzcast.libsyn.com/and also on Stitcher app:http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/dan-shimmyo/fuzz-cast?refid=stprmore links:http://soundcloud.com/shimsterhttp://danshimmyo.bandcamp.comhttp://twitter.com/danshimmyohttp://www.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
After a long hiatus, maybe 6 weeks, I'm in my new home rehearsal room / recording studio. It's the most cozy room in the whole place so I might have to update the rest of the place. It took a lot of work and planning but my music space is done and I can't wait to start producing music in that space. In this episode I played some trumpet to demonstrate how I'm able to hit a much larger range of notes, particularly the high notes. My tone is still too breathy but what really sucks is that the mics were too hot and the trumpet was too loud so the sound quality blows. Sorry about that. Next time I'll back off from the mic. I spoke a little about going to an Extreme concert and how awesome of a guitarist Nuno Bettencourt is. And I bitched about work again. This week's musical track is called Hamhocks and Beans. It features me on drums and saxophone and Eric Maurer on the Novax CH8 (guitar/bass) and a mini moog keyboard. It's an epic 17 minute jam so make sure you're comfortable. I hope to have more home-studio recordings to share with the podcast. Hamhocks and Beans is available on soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fuzzduo-1-9-15-eYou can download Fuzz Cast on iTunes here:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4or on my blog:http://shimmymusic.blogspot.com/or directly from libsyn:http://fuzzcast.libsyn.com/more links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
Well, I'm back at work but I've got a nice jam session from last week before Thanksgiving. We got out early on Wednesday so Eric invited me over for a jam session. It's one of the most creative jams we've ever had. Well, from my point of view it's some of the most creative saxophone playing I've done. I love coming up with cool rhythmic riffs. There's also some cool psychadelic stuff where Eric rerouted my saxophone audio through his effects rig. Also, in this episode of Fuzz Cast I talk about home repairs, soundproofind, a cool band I saw called Mamarazzi, and my initial disappointment with the EWI USB. I'll keep working on the EWI and see if I can incorporate it into my workflow. The jam is called Diddle-eyed Joe and the Infinitude. A little Quentin Tarantino reference in there, but I thought the name was rhythmically appropriate. Hope you like the jams. The track is also available on soundcloud here:https://soundcloud.com/shimster/diddle-eyed-joe-the-infinitudeYou can download Fuzz Cast on iTunes here:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4or on my blog:http://shimmymusic.blogspot.com/or directly from libsyn:http://fuzzcast.libsyn.com/more links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
This week I'm happy that I can share Undelivered Package which is a scifi short that I did some sound editing on. It's super short but pretty amazing. Check it out on Vimeo here: https://vimeo.com/111371933I'm also recommending Birdman except it made me feel stupid. I started using iTunes Match which gives me access to my entire music library. Glad I got that working because now I can listen to all the Miles Davis and Bela Fleck I can handle. I'm also glad I found a few Bela tracks that featured Branford Marsalis who is pretty much my favorite saxophone player, especially on Soprano Sax. The featured track this week is called FFA. It sounded to me like a Free For All because Eric, Jamie, and I were kind of all playing in our own worlds. Anyway, I really dig this jam. You can listen to it on Soundcloud here:https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzbkt-9-24-14-i-ffaYou can download Fuzz Cast on iTunes here:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4or on my blog:http://shimmymusic.blogspot.com/or directly from libsyn:http://fuzzcast.libsyn.com/more links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
In this episode of Fuzz Cast I hooked up my bass and a Korg nanoPad. The idea was I was going to try to come up with something musical on the fly, maybe next time. But I did demonstrate that some musical drum parts can be banged out on the tiny korg pads. I'm also pretty happy to be practicing saxophone at lunch these past couple days. I've been transcribing a song by the Branford Marsalis Quartet called My Ideal. Well, I only started learning the intro which is epic all on its own. This week's track is called Doot Deet Doot and it's on soundcloud here:https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzbkt-9-24-14-b-dootdeetdoot You can get Fuzz Cast on iTunes here:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4or on my blog:http://shimmymusic.blogspot.com/or directly from libsyn:http://fuzzcast.libsyn.com/more links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
In this episode of Fuzz Cast I start out playing Powerslave by Iron Maiden. The original plan was to use the spooky opening as a halloween themed intro and then use the rest as background music but the music was so overpowering with it's awesomeness I couldn't stop myself from appreciating it out loud. I go on to talk about my first Iron Maiden concert. I kinda sorta recommend John Wick even though it was "too much awesome!". I talk about fixing my roof. I play a new fuzzbucket track called Chacha Hamas which features me on the trumpet and tenor saxophone. I'm pretty dang proud of the trumpet playing and I also play a super long note on the tenor sax. Chacha Hamas is also available here: https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzbkt-9-24-14-h-chachahamasmore links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
I talk about integrating dialog with music using ducking and EQ for use in audio for film. I describe in a little too much depth my experience playing with a Structure 3d scanner. I go off on a tangent about the Brian DePalma film Blow Out which inspired me when I was a child to become an audio engineer, which is just one of my many hobbies. I recommend a movie called In a World. I also give a quick review and demonstration of a trumpet mute that has an audio output so you can hear what you're playing. And finally I talk about a recent Fuzz Bucket jam called Trip Foot Part 2 available on soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzbkt-9-19-14-tripfootpart2links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
In this episode I dig up an ancient tape of a recording experiment from around 1991 or 1992. In this experiment I covered Green Tinted Sixties Mind by Mr. Big. Back in 1991-1992 it was my favorite song. I couldn't get enough of it so I learned to play every single part and recreated it while I was learning to make music on a multitrack recorder. Based on the sounds I'm hearing I think I was using a Carvin DC200, some old generic bass, a Boss DR660 drum machine, and I'm assuming I was using a Tascam 488 since that's the only 8-track I owned and I don't think I could have achieved this much clarity on a 4-track. Please excuse my stuffy nose and the police sirens in the background.links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
This is a short but very special episode of Fuzz Cast. I was rummaging around in the closet and found an old cassette tape of the so-called master recordings from the summer of 1991-ish. What you will hear is the first composition I ever wrote. I programmed it in an Ensoniq keyboard and overdubbed some guitar solos over the top of it. I also managed to go off on a tangent about using the VAX terminals at school to learn music recording and buy used gear on an early version of the Internet. There's also a small clip of some embarrassing cover of a Mr. Big song and my latest installment of Trumpet Time.links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
The past week we had the Blue Sky Talent Show at work on Thursday night. The couple weeks leading up to it I've been really busy preparing for the talent show, mostly playing trumpet but also organizing practice sessions at work.In this episode of Fuzz Cast I have a couple movie recommendations, Snowpiercer and Captain America : The Winter Soldier which both coincidentally star the same leading actor. Today's music track is a recent Fuzz Bucket (without Jamie). I called it To The Matrices. It features both Eric and me playing two instruments each, Eric on novax (bass and guitar) and me on trumpet and drums.To The Matrices on soundcloud:https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzduo-8-29-14-c-tothematricesOther links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
Dan digs into the archives to present a jam session which could be considered the birth of the idea that became Fuzz Bucket. One of the main ideas of Fuzz Bucket is not only the idea of each of us playing multiple instruments but also trying to play them simultaneously. In this jam session Jamie Williams decides to play guitar and bass simultaneously. The results were epic, to overuse and already dead word. Epic Musicians:Dan Shimmyo - drumsJamie Williams - bass / guitarSheldon Chow - guitarEric Maurer - guitar The track can be found on soundcloud here:https://soundcloud.com/search?q=fuzz.03.04.10g-epicOther links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
Host: Dan Shimmyo Dan talks about the latest Fuzz Bucket (or fuzz duo) jam session with Eric called Trump Stump on August 29, 2014 in Eric's basement studio. This jam features the trumpet in the intro and a small break in the middle. All the while you will be sonically assaulted by Eric's guitar and bass lines. Really great stuff. Please check it out! The trumpet solos and whatnot are going to have to substitute for the ever popular Trumpet Time segment.links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
Host: Dan Shimmyo In this episode I have a chat with Krzysztof Fus who works as a modeler at Blue Sky Studios and also writes jokes and perfoms a standup routine in comedy clubs. We talk about similarities between music and comedy and reaching goals early. There's also an installment of Trumpet Time where I play a bit of Home Sweet Home, the first musical piece I've learned to play on trumpet.links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
Host: Dan Shimmyo In this episode I tried something different and wanted to show how in the span of about an hour (edited down for the podcast) I was able to create a short piece of music from start to finish. It's pretty barebones with canned drums, a guitar track, bass track and lead guitar track. It gets the point across and can be used to sketch out musical ideas that can be fleshed out later. In today's installment of trumpet time I play a chromatic scale which is what I'm going to need to develop my improvisational style, similar to how I taught myself to play saxophone. links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
Host: Dan Shimmyo In this episode I talk about Robin Williams's depression which lead to his suicide. It is a dark subject but I think it's important to talk about it. I especially think it's important for people to know that there's a big difference between feeling depressed and suffering from clinical depression. If you don't know the difference please google it. I'm sure to bring it up again in the future. Perhaps I'll find a way to link mental health with creativity and musicianship... There's another Trumpet Time segment where I play the c-major scale a little faster and cleaner than last time. I think my next installment will be in the form of a simple melody. The musical portion of this podcast is a new Fuzz Bucket jam session I called Droopy Dog. It's another jam session based on a simple phrase played on the saxophone and then stretched out into a whole jam. At some point Eric Maurer plays a walking bass line and towards the end I think Jamie plays some rocking drums. Everyone was having fun.links:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
Host: Dan ShimmyoIn this episode I was inspired to record an episode because I was super pissed off about NYC traffic during my commute this evening. Mainly, I hate how some NYC drivers behave by putting everyone in danger in order to keep you out of their space on the highway. I also talk about producing jingles and music clips of music that has inspired me over the years using GarageBand software. I also include my first official Trumpet Time segment which was incredibly embarrasing and humiliating but in a hilarious way. It's the only way I'll ever get better! And finally, for your listening pleasure I've included a track called The Long Haul by my band Fuzz Bucket. We recorded it on July 10, 2014 at Astoria Soundworks on a 4-track recorder. Pretty sure I blogged about that late night session. It's a pretty cool groove that sounds like it was inspired by old Genesis but with psychadelic haunting sounds straight from another dimension.random links to stuff:soundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYCStill trying to sell these Progressive Art Metal CDs from 1995:http://danshimmyo.bandcamp.com/album/heavy-reign-rams-rock - use discount code fuzzcast for 95% off of the physical CD!
Host: Dan ShimmyoDan talks about taking his TM Custom Tenor Sax to KB Saxophone Services for some customization, building an LED lighting circuit that responds to sound and external audio inputs, playing trumpet and selling an old CD project for a Progressive Metal band called Heavy Reign.Heavy Reign CDs are available for purchase at:http://danshimmyo.bandcamp.com/album/heavy-reign-rams-rockuse discount code: fuzzcastfor a 95% discount off of the Heavy Reign CDsoundcloud.com/shimsterdanshimmyo.bandcamp.comtwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC
Host: Dan ShimmyoGuest: Jon TownleyJon Townley, a development artist at Blue Sky Studios, talks about finding inspiration from his co-workers, taking a ceramics class after a 30 year hiatus and getting serious about it. We explore similarities between his ceramics work and my recent obsession with playing saxophone. We both discuss what inspired our vibrato techniques. And much much more!soundcloud.com/shimstertwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYCFuzzCast iTunes Link:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4
Host: Dan ShimmyoDan does a quick demonstration of the Novax CH8 hybrid 8-string electric bass and guitar. The musical track this evening is called Crank which is performed by Eric Maurer on the Novax CH8 / percussion and Dan Shimmyo on Alto Saxophone.For more information about the Novax CH8 go to:http://www.novaxguitars.com/sales/ch8.htmlcrank is available for streaming on soundcloud here:https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzbkt52214ccranksoundcloud.com/shimster@danshimmyo on twitterwww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC FuzzCast iTunes Link:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4
Host: Dan ShimmyoGuest: Yachiyo ShimmyoDan describes a weekend recording session in the summer of 2000 that turned into a favorite instrumental piece that ended up on a compilation of guitarists named “Dan”. Dan interviews his mother who talks about singing, cooking tempura, and being mistaken for someone half her age.download extemporalis for free at:http://danshimmyo.bandcamp.comsoundcloud.com/shimster@danshimmyo on twitter FuzzCast iTunes Link:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4
Host: Dan Shimmyo Dan Shimmyo talks about a track called “PsySop” by Fuzz Bucket, recorded at Astoria Soundworks on July 10, 2014 on a 4-track recorder. Dan talks about the importance of a good vibrato and says his first s-word on a podcast.PsySop is available for streaming on soundcloud:https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzbkt-07-10-14-b-psysop“PsySop” credits:Dan Shimmyo: Soprano SaxophoneEric Maurer: Lead GuitarJamie Williams: Novax Ch7 / drumssoundcloud.com/shimstertwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYCFuzzCast iTunes Link:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4
Host: Dan ShimmyoDan Shimmyo talks about a track recorded on 5/22/14 called Sizzle Chest. It was a rare two-person jam with Eric Maurer on the Novax CH8 and Dan Shimmyo on drums. https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzbkt52214asizzlechestIntro music - Breakpoint by Fuzz Buckethttps://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzbkt-6-12-14-breakpointsoundcloud.com/shimstertwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYC FuzzCast iTunes Link:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4
Host: Dan Shimmyo Guest: Roy Shimmyo I talk to my brother, Roy, about his band Preach Freedom and Connect, jamming with members of Fuzz Bucket, and how he gets such a crisp bass sound. Roy also talks about many of his influences and recommends a plethora of music tracks. Intro music - "Zombie Town" (original take) by Fuzz BucketRoy is currently playing bass with Preach Freedom & ConnectLike them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/PreachFreedomAndConnectRoy recommends these tunes featuring his favorite influential bass players:Jaco Pastorius: “Donna Lee” ,“Portrait of Tracy”, and “Come On Come Over”Jerry Jemmott: “Memphis Soul Stew” by King Curtis"Family Man" Aston Barrett: “I Shot The Sheriff”, “Stir It Up” by Bob Marley and the WailersJohn Paul Jones : "The Lemon Song" by Led ZeppelinFlea : "Stone Cold Bush" or "Love Trilogy" by Red Hot Chili PeppersJohn Norwood Fisher : "Bonin' in the Boneyard" by FishboneLes Claypool : "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver" by Primus Music clips: 1)Rubberneck: Jam session with Roy Shimmyo on bass, Eric Maurer on drums, Dan Shimmyo on alto saxophone Available for streaming on soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/shimster/fzzbkt-9-13-13-e-rubberneck 2)Twambié Tujué (Tell Us That We May Know) by Preach Freedom & Connect soundcloud.com/shimstertwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYCFuzzCast iTunes Link:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4
Host: Dan ShimmyoListen to my first attempt to create a podcast. This is actually the first time I've ever sat in front of a mic and recorded myself talking to my computer. The intro music and music throughout the talky part is “Breakpoint” by Fuzz Bucket. The featured music track at the end is called “I Just Made This Up” by Fuzz Bucket.Fuzz Bucket is:Dan Shimmyo : Drums / alto saxophoneEric Maurer : Lead Guitar / Novax CH7Jamie Williams: Novax CH7 / drumssoundcloud.com/shimstertwitter.com/danshimmyowww.facebook.com/FuzzBucketNYCiTunes Link:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fuzz-cast/id897769608?mt=2&uo=4