Tarps Off Debut EP
Written and Performed by the band Tarps Off, this EP was recorded in the Spring of 2024 in Duderstadt Audio Studio A. The band typically performs live, so a variety of in-studio techniques were used to help capture this sound on the record. Most notably, vocals were fed through a Pendulum Audio tube pre-amp and an 1176 Compressor to keep consistency in level while allowing the singers to perform as dynamically as they do on stage, the band performed parts live together in the tracking room with paneling and room mics to help liven the sound of the room in the recording, and friends of the band were recorded singing along with a mid-side mic setup to simulate the energetic crowd involvement that there would be at a live show.
As for the mix, the goal was to keep the natural, live-sounding nature of the recordings that were captured while adding some subtle effects that reflected the style of the band’s sound in each song. For example, many slap delays were used on vocals throughout the record in order to create a sense of space in the song while also adding a retro vibe, most notably in the song “Psychic.“ Across the record as a whole, the UAD Studer A800 Tape Recorder plug-in was used to combine the classic sound of music recorded on tape with a more modern mix.
Performed by Tarps Off, Written by Brendan Downes, Delia Cassidy Bechmann, and Seta Ann Hagopian, Engineered by Alexa Kenny and Claire Niedermaier, Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Alexa Kenny
Main Theme from “I’ll Be Your Ahab“
Composed for the short film “I’ll Be Your Ahab,” the Main Theme is a culmination of melodies and ambience created for various characters and integral themes throughout the film. “I’ll Be Your Ahab“ follows the main character as he drives himself mad for his client, searching online for a poem that she can’t quite seem to remember. Along the way, however, the search begins to remind him of his past issues with his toxic ex-girlfriend that he just can’t seem to get over. The synthesized elements of the main theme are meant to reflect the electronic nature that moves the film’s plot forward, while the underlying vocal ambience keeps in grounded in humanity.
Film Written and Directed by Katie Stone
Main Theme and SFX for “Zombie Cakes“
Composed in 8-bit, the main theme for Zombie Cakes is a spooky, lighthearted, and energetic backing track – incredibly well suited for a pixel-art game that consists of fighting off zombies using various baked goods. The cutscene variation, also in 8-bit, serves as a simplified version of the Main Theme that is used to help move the plot forward without distracting the player.
The sound effects were created using various foley recordings (the sounds of lotion being squished, a pill bottle being opened, and various smacking of pillows are a few of the more out-there examples) and edited in post using lots of modulation phasing, distortion, etc…). The sound effects are audio recordings rather than 8-bit to give the game a bit more of a mixed-media, modern feel.
Game Created by Matthew Chandra, Brandon Zhu, Callie Hastie, Ahmad Kady, and Govind Suresh
Hope it’s fine
Written in 2022, the single features heavy electronic influences with various guitar parts written to complement one another throughout the song.
The vocals were recorded on an AT2035, the guitar was performed on a Fender Stratocaster (Player Series) through Direct Input on a Scarlett 2i2 interface, and the electronic drums were patched using VCV rack.
The song marks a new direction in production for Alexa, as the heavily electronic was a great lesson in producing non-acoustic music. From this point on, Alexa has begun working in the space between electronic and acoustic, and finding new ways to blend the two together in innovative ways. This song was a huge influence on Alexa’s upcoming work, which will be released for all to hear shortly.
Written, Recorded, Performed, Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Alexa Kenny
Umich Jazz Ensemble Recording
This piece was recorded in March of 2022 for an ensemble of University of Michigan Jazz Performance students.
Recorded in Audio Studio A in the Duderstadt Center, the group performed as a whole placed around the room, and was recorded using a combination of close-miking for each instrument as well as a variation of overheads and stereo-pairs to capture the sound of the room.
In terms of mixing, a very minimalistic approach was taken – some very slight compression and digital reverb was added to bring out the individual characteristics of each instrument, and some slight volume automation in addition to panning was used to give a realistic feel to the recording.
“Lester Left Town“ Composed by Wayne Shorter, Performed by Mercer (piano), Salvador (sax), Mitch (drums, bass), Mixed by Alexa Kenny
Alternative Rock recording session
This piece was recorded in April of 2022 for a band made up of Performing Arts Technology students.
Recorded in Audio Studio A in the Duderstadt Center, the group performed as a whole with drums, guitar, and synthesizer in the main tracking room, while vocals and additional pickups of certain instruments were recorded in the iso-booth.
Guitar and synthesizer were recorded Direct Input as well as close-miked on their individual amps, the drums were recorded using overheads and close-mics on each individual drum, and the room was recorded as a whole using a stereo-pair to capture the characteristics of the sound in the room.
Recorded by various University of Michigan Performing Arts Technology Students, Recorded by Alexa Kenny and Spencer Harris