tag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:/blogs/news-updatesNews & Updates2023-06-07T21:45:39+01:00Johnnyguitarfalsetag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/72228142023-06-07T21:45:39+01:002023-10-16T15:59:10+01:00Lost, Hope & Longing<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/523257/aa1ccd49bed0a57f3c3dcefb4d2cc03175177824/original/1b189ac0-4809-4544-8c76-781bbb2ab29a.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p><p> </p><p>It's about time I wrapped this one up… after much deliberation, I decided that the ‘Lost’ piano piece really did belong with the fuller ‘Hope & Longing’ recording as there are common roots.</p><p>Needed to spend some time tuning the limited vocals - I always thought I had to write fuller lyrics but actually, the sentiment at the time of writing needs to be left alone, preserved or risk losing its meaning and feeling </p><p>Then some re-mixing - trying to remember everything I learnt on the course.</p><p>The only question remaining - guitar solo or not ? certainly not happy with the temporary one I put down originally, so here's a version without whilst I work on a new solo. But if nothing good comes to light, I'll keep it like this…</p><p>Take a <a class="no-pjax" href="/track/3446736/lost-hope-longing-v11" data-link-type="track" data-link-label="Lost, Hope & Longing v11">listen here </a>and let me know if I really need that solo through the outro keyboard section</p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/72200012023-06-03T13:45:28+01:002023-06-03T13:45:28+01:00More gear photos…<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/523257/df9d8892998f8bcc8d2fc14d738e1a0538f2a45e/original/6c87db99-fcbc-4a2b-8e89-7deb619c2fb6.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p> </p><p>Ready for a 5th-fret power chord ?? - Taking some more aesthetically pleasing gear photos over the next few days, plus an update on some new gizmos in the collection… <a class="no-pjax" href="/gear-n-stuff" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Gear ‘n Stuff">view here</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/71745102023-03-19T17:15:14+00:002023-03-19T17:15:15+00:00Get Up - again!<p>I recently took an online course run by a professional producer - it covered all aspects of taking a tracks from its raw recording through compression, EQ, gain-staging, reverb, saturation, balancing, mastering and more! I was never quite happy with the final out put of my last track ‘Get Up’ so I though it would be to try out some of my newly acquired skills to see if I could improve it. I think I did - to my ears anyway. There’s a few extra production effects in there but its essentially the same recording - remixed and remastered. I’m sure I still have much to learn but happy with it anyway.</p><p>I’ve released it on Spotify which is interesting because they squash & squeeze your track - I’m not sure it’s as good. So the version here is the uncompressed version as I intended it to sound.</p><p>Follow this link for a listen (headphones recommended - nothing every sounds great on a phone speaker!)…</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="/track/3367287/get-up-again-2023-remix">/track/3367287/get-up-again-2023-remix</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/68579912022-01-03T17:46:44+00:002022-01-03T18:13:51+00:00It's Been A Long Time... Get Up!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/523257/b43d72d30038bf658a189cc92b05a6ca8e74db68/original/c7bef40d-a2d3-4e03-8911-facc7fc584ff.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>wow - that took a while! Here's a track I started on back in early 2020. It's been through various iterations - acoustic, heavy solos etc and I couldn't seem to get them all together. So over the last couple of months (delayed by a bout of covid) I started from scratch an re-recorded everything from scratch.</p>
<p>There are multiple takes/tracks on everything you hear:</p>
<p>12 vocals</p>
<p>3 drums</p>
<p>9 instruments (bass, piano, strings, cello!)</p>
<p>6 acoustic guitars</p>
<p>20 electric guitars</p>
<p> </p>
<p>No video yet - I figured I couldn't make you wait any longer. <a contents="Click here&nbsp;to listen to the track" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2938693/get-up">Click here to listen to the track</a>. Lyrics are included (I'm no Shakespeare though!)</p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/67447992021-09-13T19:48:53+01:002021-10-02T09:48:22+01:00Getting the band back together...<p>We have a new drummer!! - John (sure that won't get confusing 🙄)</p>
<p>So, with Bill on bass and Wayne on vocals that means Almost Famous IV is up & running!</p>
<p>I've just been playing around on some tracks for the new setlist and put this arrangement down on a well-known track by The Cure. Do you recognise it without bass and vocals??</p>
<p><a contents="Have a listen here - In Between Days" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2829979/in-between-days-the-cure">Have a listen here - In Between Days</a></p>
<p>I've sent it to the chaps so we can give it a proper airing next week in Tweeters - time to get your rock on !!<br> </p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/67177262021-08-15T18:27:32+01:002021-11-08T07:34:11+00:00Inspirations (1) - Lindsey Buckingham<p>Fleetwood Mac - can divide opinion in a room. I’ve met my fair share of haters but ever since hearing ‘Rumours’ as a young teenager - their music has captured my musical heart. Clearly Stevie Nicks appealed to the teenage boy in me (I had a massive poster of her in my bedroom!) but over time it was <a contents="Lyndsey Buckingham" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsey_Buckingham" target="_blank">Lyndsey Buckingham</a> that I came to appreciate more and more. A master songwriter and a more than accomplished guitarist who’s unique style I struggle to copy.</p>
<p>Here are a three of his masterpieces that resonate for me:</p>
<p><a contents="Bleed To Love Her" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/Z5BZzkWXcwc" target="_blank">Bleed To Love Her</a></p>
<p><a contents="Turn It On" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/wQH0mvyKEAc" target="_blank">Turn It On</a> </p>
<p>And if you can bear to watch one of the most emotional performances i have seen…</p>
<p><a contents="Say Goodbye" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/9-KJvR_JWs8" target="_blank">Say Goodbye</a></p>
<p>- just the fact that these two could coexist all these years and sing songs that are about each others heartbreak towards the other shows the definition of a soul mate if there's such a thing</p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/66938352021-07-21T08:28:07+01:002021-12-28T20:11:20+00:00New Guitar<p>Head over to the <a contents="Gear ‘n Stuff" data-link-label="Gear ‘n Stuff" data-link-type="page" href="/gear-n-stuff">Gear ‘n Stuff</a> page for some info on my latest purchase. Plus, <a contents="click here" data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision">click here</a> for a small demonstration on the Vision page.</p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/66868842021-07-13T23:18:16+01:002021-07-13T23:50:06+01:00Studio Practice<p>Back at Tweeters for the first time in 18 months! Just trying out the new guitar and learning a couple of new tracks. Very rough phone recordings, playing along with 'Chasing Cars' and 'All You Ever Wanted'</p>
<p><a contents="Videos&nbsp;here..." data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision">V</a><a contents="Check out &nbsp;the videos here" data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision">ideos</a><a contents="Videos&nbsp;here..." data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision"> here...</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/66623542021-06-17T19:22:13+01:002021-09-23T15:54:28+01:00Acoustic in the works<p>working on our acoustic setlist - here's an impromptu recording on my phone, taken in Bill's front room yesterday evening. Certainly not the finished article, but shows promise - I think ;)</p>
<p><a contents="Click here for a listen..." data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision">Click here for a listen...</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/66562942021-06-11T10:53:06+01:002021-11-20T12:06:13+00:00Bio Update<p>quick update on what's happening next in my little musical world.</p>
<p><a contents="read more here..." data-link-label="Bio" data-link-type="page" href="/bio">read more here...</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/66395672021-05-25T16:43:34+01:002021-08-10T07:54:32+01:00Back to the 80s<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/523257/7089554b2b47e9527b016bca1b264cbd63dd15a1/original/51ee69fc-a347-4ee4-8217-3fd5fc9c5f76-1-201-a.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>So, visitors to the site have asked for a little more 80's in their lives! For a guitarist, there is a huge range of choices - lot's of hair-metal out there (and I'll be covering some of that in the future too) - but the 80s also gave us one of the most influential guitarists of all time - Eddie Van Halen. </p>
<p>I had to find a track that was recognisable for mainstream fans and, crucially, a track that I could come slightly close to pulling off on a cover. For me 'Panama' was always a favourite and still gets the crown moving.</p>
<p>I was lucky enough to find a version of the original drums, bass and Dave Lee Roth vocals, with the guitar part extracted and ready for me to step into Eddie's shoes!</p>
<p>I'm going to try putting together a separate video covering how I got Eddie's famous 'brown sound' and various aspects of the track. Are you really prepared to see my bearded lock-down face talking at you ??</p>
<p>In the meantime - <a contents="here is my cover of Van Halen's 'Panama'" data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision">here is my cover of Van Halen's 'Panama'</a></p>
<p> </p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/66201172021-05-03T15:56:04+01:002021-05-03T15:56:04+01:00I Will Wait - The Motion Picture<p>Finally - it's here! A cover version of the track that put Mumford & Sons in the mainstream. All guitars (there's quite a few) - played by me. Main vocals by Wayne and I added in a few (heavily re-tuned!) backing vocals.</p>
<p>Backing instruments - drums, bass, piano etc are from an online website.</p>
<p>I do/did have a guest banjo player - Henry - lined up for that part but it's not available yet - so look out for a Director's Cut when that lands. </p>
<p>I kinda felt that after the amount of effort that went into recording and producing the music tracks, that it needed a video to go with it - hence a crash-course in Final Cut Pro and a few clothing changes for the video clips. I really need to learn to smile more on camera - I was enjoying myself honest! I reckon the black-shirt me is the most serious of the group and red-shirt me the happy one :)</p>
<p>Hope you enjoy it - <a contents="click here for the video" data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision">click here for the video</a></p>
<p>please let me know what you think in the comments section - it's anonymous so you don't have to worry if you want to tell me it's rubbish!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/523257/dfa73748912acc0554762a35f1dd99d1f5219a96/original/2dfbef5a-b3cf-4714-8db4-7b8ce4dff863-1-201-a.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Logic Pro</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/523257/524a4b36366b10a3fed4c0d76f6ff6a6ec453ccc/original/08ffc76f-624a-40da-bf9a-687f56c81ab7-1-201-a.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Final Cut Pro</strong></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/66050842021-04-15T21:05:07+01:002021-04-15T21:05:07+01:00A musician in lockdown<p>Bio update - what I've been up to over the last 12 months (musically ay least;)</p>
<p><a contents="click here for read..." data-link-label="Bio" data-link-type="page" href="/bio">click here to read...</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/65968412021-04-07T15:00:26+01:002021-10-02T13:05:02+01:00Basket Case - acoustic cover<p>I spent the day in Wayne's professional (?) recording studio the other day - mostly laying day the vocals for 'I Will Wait' (yes, it's coming soon!)</p>
<p>But as we had a bit of extra time, we threw down a couple of vocals takes for this Green Day track which would be a great addition for an acoustic set. I then re-recorded the guitar(s) and added a bit of backing vocals (yes, that's me you can hear ;)</p>
<p>It's simple but should go down with a pub crowd - now that the pubs are opening real soon!</p>
<p>Now I need to work on the bigger track - and chase down the banjo player!</p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/65792172021-03-19T18:15:20+00:002022-01-03T18:16:58+00:00I Will Wait - preview<p>Still a work in progress - waiting for the real banjo from Henry and vocals from Wayne. But I got all the guitars down (almost) - it's amazing the sound you can get with such a small guitar ;)</p>
<p> <a contents="Go here for a couple of preview clips..." data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision">Go here for a couple of preview clips...</a></p>
<p> </p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/65641262021-03-03T23:13:21+00:002021-07-02T01:30:26+01:00Get Up - version 3b<p>There's an earlier version of this idea, further down in the list, with the inevitable electric guitar solo, but this is back to acoustic guitars. Really just a scrapbook of samples - multiple guitars, including a recently borrowed 12-string and a couple of vocals - please excuse the awful singing and lack of lyrics - it really was just for testing!</p>
<p>I think, somehow, I need to merge the two versions to get the best from both of them.</p>
<p>Then write some lyrics.</p>
<p>Then learn to sing properly.</p>
<p>Learn to play piano.</p>
<p>Get it all recorded. I really need to give up my day job to get this all done!</p>
<p>well? - what do you think ? You can always leave a comment below - it's completely anonymous - so you can be as brutally honest as you like!</p>
<p><a contents="Click here for a listen" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2652180/get-up-v3b">Click here for a listen</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/65421082021-02-07T20:54:56+00:002021-02-07T20:54:56+00:00The Boys Are Back In Town<p>This is been on my ToDo list for years! And in my new home studio I get to play all the guitar parts</p>
<p>I found the original drum and bass backing tracks - so all it needed were the guitars - and lots of them - there's a prize for anyone who guesses how many guitar parts went into this!</p>
<p><a contents="Boys Are Back In Town" data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision">Boys Are Back In Town</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/65320872021-01-27T20:34:45+00:002021-01-27T20:34:45+00:00Acoustic Track<p>Just a quick recording of an old P!nk favourite - for a local vocalist to try out - would be great to collaborate with someone new - dreaming of a day when I can gig again!</p>
<p><a contents="P!nk - Who Knew" data-link-label="Sound" data-link-type="page" href="/sound">P!nk - Who Knew</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/65231822021-01-17T12:09:49+00:002021-01-17T12:09:49+00:00Pedal Problems<p>New Year, new gear! - Santa brought me a new pedal - the Freqout! I'm dying to crank up the amp and give it a road test - but there's no room on the pedal board! - see more on the <a contents="Gear 'n&nbsp;Stuff page" data-link-label="Gear ‘n Stuff" data-link-type="page" href="/gear-n-stuff">Gear 'n Stuff page</a>...</p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/65097132020-12-29T20:32:56+00:002020-12-29T20:37:33+00:00Back Of My Hand - full song guitar cover<p>A full-length song video of me playing our cover of the Methadones cover of the original song by The Jaggs (1979)</p>
<p><a contents="video here.." data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision">video here..</a>.</p>
<p>and I’ve just realised that these videos have mirrored/flipped - I’m not actually a left handed player!</p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/65063022020-12-23T18:02:24+00:002020-12-23T18:02:24+00:00A little improvisation...<p>My first attempt at recording some video, and the guitar solo at the same time - trying not to screw up too much -the second half wasn't rehearsed - can you tell ?? ;)</p>
<p>It was good to get the Les Paul out again - this guitar is just made for rock! I love all my guitars and they all have their place but this one just sings!</p>
<p>Enjoy/cringe/laugh at the video <a contents="here..." data-link-label="Vision" data-link-type="page" href="/vision">here...</a></p>
<p> </p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/65036552020-12-19T22:15:31+00:002020-12-19T22:20:20+00:00Ghosts<p>3 styles of the same idea, just snippets that need gluing together , based on a haunting idea I had in the late 80s/90s. I then picked it up again in April 2018 and had to re-learn the riff, this time on piano. I then tried a version on the Roli Seaboard (I'll post detail on the gear page shortly). Still not finished though. I guess I'm still chasing those ghosts... what do you think, do I get to finish it?</p>
<p>Clips found here: <a contents="https://johnnyguitar.rocks/album/1768259/the-twenties" data-link-label="Basement Tapes" data-link-type="page" href="/basement-tapes">https://johnnyguitar.rocks/album/1768259/the-twenties</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/64895632020-12-01T22:30:39+00:002020-12-01T22:41:49+00:00The Writing Process<p>A little bit of process. A snippet of an idea that has been forming part of a bigger track - so here’s a view into how it’s evolution so far...</p>
<p>(<em>Note</em>: be sure to click the back button on your browser to return here after listening to each sample)</p>
<p>An idea that started off on the piano. Add a synth keyboard riff and then pull into GarageBand for some drum grooves... </p>
<p><a contents="Piano & Drums" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2550068/piano-drums">http://johnnyguitar.rocks/track/2550068/piano-drums </a></p>
<p>Then, I simply repeated the synth riff on the guitar to give it some bite. An came up with some kinda outro riff. Not sure where I’m going with that part yet... </p>
<p><a contents="Piano, Drums & Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2550889/piano-drums-guitars">http://johnnyguitar.rocks/track/2550889/piano-drums-guitars </a></p>
<p>The full monty treatment next - more guitars (always a good thing right?), acoustic & electric tracking the rhythm parts. Some vocals ! (Again just an idea, a few words and a melody) </p>
<p>Strings - it’s a full awm2+FM synth and the sounds are full and lush. </p>
<p>And just break off back into the outro riff with some unrehearsed electric solo on top, noodling some ideas. And I decided to fade out with some retro sounding synths - because the 80s were awesome!</p>
<p>The track has a name now ‘Hope and Longing’. I had to put it down for a while but I think it’s too good to go unfinished - what do you think so far? </p>
<p><a contents="Hope and Longing - first cuts" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/2551255/hope-longing-cuts">http://johnnyguitar.rocks/track/2551255/hope-longing-cuts</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/64781682020-11-15T15:15:15+00:002020-11-15T15:15:15+00:00Guitar Tracks added to Basement Tapes<p>3 tracks recorded in late 80s/early 90s with my first electric guitar featured on my Gear 'n' Stuff page</p>
<p><a contents="First Guitar" data-link-label="Gear ‘n Stuff" data-link-type="page" href="/gear-n-stuff">First Guitar</a></p>
<p><a contents="New Tracks" data-link-label="Basement Tapes" data-link-type="page" href="/basement-tapes">New Tracks</a></p>
<p> </p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/64753022020-11-11T23:00:24+00:002020-11-11T23:00:24+00:00New tracks on Basements Tapes<p>Now has different sections for the teenage and twenties years of recordings. Tracks will be added regularly</p>
<p><a contents="Basement Tapes" data-link-label="Basement Tapes" data-link-type="page" href="/basement-tapes">Basement Tapes</a></p>Johnnyguitartag:johnnyguitar.rocks,2005:Post/64752952020-11-11T22:59:08+00:002020-11-11T22:59:08+00:00Gear 'n Stuff<p>New page where I can share pictures of my guitars, pedals, amp etc and a bit of background how & why I came about them.</p>
<p><a contents="Gear 'n Stuff" data-link-label="Gear ‘n Stuff" data-link-type="page" href="/gear-n-stuff">Gear 'n Stuff</a></p>Johnnyguitar