Kevin Rustagi

Screenshot: This depicts the editing of my new song with the Texas band.  We get together when we're all on break from school and back in Houston.  All of this editing is done from one take.  (Splits etc. that are visible are mainly for volume and frequency band equalization changes.)  Interpreting the Graphic: Track 1: Bass Drum, Track 2: Snare Drum, Track 3: Cymbals/Overhead Drums, Track 4: Rhythm Guitar, Track 5: Lead Guitar

(download)
Music:  Recorded at my house, this is the beginning of a new original from my Texas group, The Füture (Mark Ellis: rhythm guitar, Rehan Mallick: lead guitar, Myself: drums).  To start off this 'Jam', or improvisational session, I switched instruments with one of the guitarists (he played drums) and I picked out the initial bass line. 

After playing with that setup (me on guitar) for 10 to 15 minutes, we switched back (me on drums and him on guitar now) and recorded this.  This was improvised for the most part and all shifts were made without verbal cues.

This is part of the magic of improvisational music.  At the 4:11 mark, for instance - we all just felt that we should go back to the softer part of the song.  We smiled to each other as we realized that we are all of one mind.

This song's emotional objective is to elicit the feeling of happiness that comes with knowledge, which indeed has somewhat bittersweet overtones.  The offbeat guitar and driving backbeat help to move the song forward.  Also, the mix between acoustic and electric guitar gives it a very rustic feel.

Recording: For 5 years now, I've been experimenting with home audio recording.  Initially, I knew absolutely nothing and my friends and I taught ourselves from the ground up.  I've now transitioned fully into what is known as multi-tracking, a method of recording each instrument as its own track.  Specifically, each microphone or input receives its own track.  This enables me to individually edit each piece as I like.  Because of this ability recordings come out sounding much cleaner and more polished. 

I am a strong believer in being able to produce one's own work and recording music (especially live music) has been a large challenge consistently.

Moreover, the object of recording and editing live music played on real instruments is not to create or augment the music but rather enable the listener to achieve the experience of listening to it at such a high quality that it feels like they are in the room with the musicians.

What I've done now to possess such control is to limit my variables using certain pieces of technology, namely decent microphones, fairly professional software, and a piece of hardware known as a firewire interface that has built-in mic pre-amplifiers and compressors to elevate and control the microphone's signal individually.

As with video editing, there is a wide variety of different software packages, each with its own fans.  I have been using a software package by MAGIX, known as Samplitude Pro (for PC).  Many recording studios use a package known as Pro-Tools that integrates with Apple computers.  

What I enjoy so much about using this software is that, despite all of the issues that can arise during recording, if you're able to conquer those challenges, you've got a great sounding recording that is infinitely editable at the end of the day.

I look forward to continuing to use these skills to bolster the club I've helped start, the MIT Live Music Connection.   I'll keep you posted as I continue to pursue my passions.

Enjoy the instrumental of this new tune from The Füture.  We'll be adding vocals soon, as time allows.