Kickstart Studios

Modern analog and digital project studio where comfort and function go hand in hand.  Capable of full band live sessions as well as multi-tracking and sound on sound production.  Services include arrangement, production, recording, mixing, mastering and full CD project artwork and packaging.  Commercials, beats, voice overs, narration, singer songwriters, bands, solo performers, vintage recording restoration and digitization... if there is a sound you want to keep, whether to share with your family and friends or the entire world,  Kickstart Studios has the equipment, knowledge and experience to get you the sound you are looking for.

Joe Probst and Lisa Germano. Pre-production recording has begun.

Friday was session one for Joe Probst and Lisa Germano at Kickstart Studios as they began their scoring of a soundtrack for a documentary film. More information on the film will be released at a later date, but at this moment we would just like to say thank you to Joe and Lisa for placing their faith in us to see this project through for them.

To witness the raw, creative energy of these two collaborating is truly amazing.  It is moments like these that make us realize we are living our dreams.

Please take some time and visit their websites.  You will surely love the music!

Lisa Germano

http://www.lisagermano.com/

Joe Probst

http://www.joeprobst.com/

In full swing, we head into spring here at Kickstart Studios

Blessed beyond all recognition, we are experiencing the busiest period ever here.  Currently, ten truly inspired and wonderful projects are in the works. Let's run through them, shall we?

Mike & Michael Copenhaver project is nearing completion of the recording phase as we have but three more lead guitarists to record.  Dave Zane was in last week. Steve Foresman, Matt Webster and Joe Feingold, you are on deck. * A special note - Mikey Copenhaver has been in ICU for the last 6 days with complications from pneumonia and our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his wonderful family.  Please, everyone join us in prayer as we expect a speedy and full recovery so Mikey may join us in the studio to complete his CD. Mikey, you are the center of our music community around here and your love of music inspires us all! Get well soon, Brother!

Dave Hix - Dave's second full CD is nearing completion of the recording phase.  Paul Erdman has been called upon to flesh out the solo's and additional guitar work and we are several sessions into seeing that completed.  That is really all that remains prior to heading into the mix with it.  Dave remains driven and continues to write new material.  Many thanks Dave for your faith and continued support.  We appreciate you!

Sam Stewart's first solo CD is almost completely mixed and will be in mastering this week.  This is a fantastic collection of Sam's songwriting performed solo just for you.

Lamonte Heflick, long time friend, sensei and creator of the Pup Fiction book series will be dedicating time this summer to the release of his China Cat motion comic.  We look forward to working with Lamonte once again!

Joe Probst has just begun production of a soundtrack for a full length documentary here at Kickstart Studios.  He is collaborating on this project with a wonderfully talented, lifelong friend of his. More about this later, but we can definitely say it is absolutely humbling to be in the room with these two..  They both are so very  creative and talented and we consider it an honor to serve them. To witness the raw inspiration and passion they put forth on this project is an awesome experience and a joy to behold.

Mel Williams - Full length original CD project is on deck for mixing.  We expect this to be finished with mixing and mastering by the end of May.  Mel went all out on this project, calling on the talents and originality of many of the numerous (that's an understatement) top class musicians he has performed with over his career in entertaining.  Dan Allen, Bruce Drudge, Jenny Williams, Ken Foz, Andre Randles, John Brasseur Jr., Joe Feingold, oh dear.... so many we apologize if we left anyone out. 

Elkhart, Indiana,  Original Indie Band - HedFuz has submitted their mix to us for mastering.  This is one amazing piece of music.  Get your ears ready for this one! It is amazing and certainly showcases the huge talent and painstaking dedication of the HedFuz boys. Phil Jones, Nathan Miles, Jim Casella and Joe Bishop.  Solid!

Paul Erdman is currently on the schedule to record finishing vocals with us for his upcoming CD release.  Paul's dedication and devotion is rare and is evidenced by the way he contributes to so many other projects.  It will be a special treat for sure to get a listen to his new CD! We are always excited and grateful for the opportunity to get Paul in the studio.

Kickstart Studios has also been enlisted by Bill McDonald and all the folks over at XERS Internet Radio to assist with their promo spots and advertisements.  Be sure to tune in when you can at www.xersradio.com

Jetta Cruz has informed us that her group has received their music and will begin rehearsing shortly for her much anticipated full length CD release.  This is going to be a fun and challenging project for us and we look forward to the diverse musical stylings and the opportunity to record this project "Live" here at Kickstart Studios. 

Words cannot describe the deep appreciation and respect we have for all the artists who choose Kickstart Studios to assist with their audio recording, mixing and mastering needs. We feel a great sense of responsibility toward all of you.  As we work through these projects and those which we hope we are entrusted with in the future, it is with heartfelt gratitude and sincere love that we toil.  May the grace of God be with us always, as we strive to offer our very best and may all glory be His alone.

We are truly humbled and grateful!

Love,

Mike DeHays

Das Macht - Records Drum Tracks at Kickstart Studios

It was a full weekend of Metal Drum recording last weekend as Das Macht rolled in to Kickstart Studios to record the drum tracks for their upcoming CD release.  Pete Potter, Nick White, Nick White Jr. and Steve O  came prepared and threw down a seriously diverse performance of heavy rock and metal Drums.  These guys are multi-insrumentalists with amazing talent and we here at Kickstart Studios cannot wait to hear their finished disk.  Best of luck to you Das Macht and thank you for your faith in Kickstart Studios to capture your drum tracks.  You are appreciated very much and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Kris Hammerstein back at Kickstart Studios

This time Kris was here to lay down his live drum parts for Mike and Michael Copenhaver's Full length CD project.  The session started promptly at 1pm and all the drums were setup, thawed out and mics were in place by 2pm. From there we rolled.  KJ performed 6 songs in his typical impeccable manner.  Copenhaver's will be digging these tracks.  Thank you KJ and also Mike and Michael for your continued faith in Kickstart Studios.  Great job KJ!

Mel Williams Vocal Session Complete

Is Croonery a word?

We recorded Mel Williams yesterday. That boy came in here sounding like death warmed over, coughing and wheezing and sniffling. My germaphobe defenses were just about to kick in when all of the sudden I hit record and he poured out some of the most amazing croonery! How he did it, I do not know but he sang the whole session like the pro that he is and by the time he left Kickstart Studios we had a completed vocal performance on his upcoming CD and magically Mel was healed. Proof that music is good for what ails you! Great job Mel!

The Mix - Fest continues... with "Shrimpboat Extravaganza"

Two more mixes for "Shrimpboat Extravaganza" were submitted moments ago.
 If we recall correctly, that makes eight out of the twelve they are anxiously awaiting.

Ears don't fail us now!

We are diggin' these tunes and groovin' all over the studio while we work.

Stay tuned for more!

Love

Mel Williams Project

Tuesday Evening saw Paul Erdman and Rob Hunter  at Kickstart Studios.  They were enlisted by Mel Williams to perform parts on his upcoming CD.  Rob laid down tracks on his old 12 string stereo Rick, Paul played on it as well and then proceeded to track some killer Strat and ever so tasty Slide guitar.  It was a great session and we are excited to be a part of all this.  Thank you to Mel Williams, Rob Hunter and Paul Erdman! 

Ps.  We didn't mention any of the hidden tracks that Rob laid down.  You'll have to spin the CD to hear those.! 

Shrimpboat Extravaganza - Mix Sessions

We are currently working on mixes for 12 songs from Shrimpboat Extravaganza.  Today's session saw us spending a half hour automating the Leslie speaker rotation speed on the organ part in one of the songs and balancing several other songs in mono, which is a common step for us in the mix process. 

We can't help but grin while we listen to the grooves these guys laid down.  The sheer wittiness of their lyrics, chord structures and face ripping lead guitars is sure to gather some followers of Shrimpboat Extravaganza.  There are tastes of Country, Roots Rock, Progressive and Grunge, blended with their Classic Rock sensibilities.  Be sure to hit them up on Facebook or at a live music venue near you.  You won't be disappointed!

Mike D.