Tad Dreis

This post is for the geeks. I recently put together a new, Linux-based home recording setup, and have been exploring the ins and outs of recording audio using open-source tools. The screenshot here shows a session in Ardour, the DAW program that’s basically the Pro-Tools or Cubase of the Linux world. They also have a build for Mac. For my operating system, I’m using UbuntuStudio, a variety of the popular Ubuntu distribution of Linux.

Ardour records at 24 bits, has unlimited tracks and buses restricted only by what your computer can handle, has some MIDI functionality, and is freely available for download. Users are encouraged to donate to the developers in order to keep the project going.

It did take some research to get it all set up – they say you either spend time or money, and that’s definitely true with open-source software – but since I’ve gotten everything up and running, I’m finding that I can already make basic recordings.

The interface is graphical, and while knowing how to go behind the scenes to change settings is essential in the long-run for any computer audio situation, it doesn’t seem to be necessary in order to record a performance, do overdubs, and edit and mix the resulting tracks. When I can’t figure out how to do something, I consult the community-written manual or search through the Ardour user forums.

It’s been pretty cool so far. I’m just messing around right now, but I’ll post some of my experiments as they start sounding good.

Last weekend, a group of eight of my music students and I took over the Open Eye Cafe in Carrboro for a couple of hours. Everybody played one or two songs on their own, and then we all got onstage at the end to play Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” Most of the students hadn’t performed in public before. Here’s a video of the big group playing together. Congrats to everybody, and thanks to the Open Eye for hosting us!

Tonight I’m at Nosh in Durham, North Carolina. I’m not saying that at 6:30 EST I’m going to webcast this show, and that the sound or video is improved (they both are). I’m also not saying that the pizza and sandwiches are delicious at Nosh. You know that.

What I’m saying is, where else can you go and play board games while I try out my new foot shaker and sing songs to you? Where else?

Well, in your living room, but house concerts are another story. Also at your college, where “Tad Dreis and Chutes and Ladders” would be a BRILLIANT idea for an activity which we should discuss further.

But tonight, where is that going to happen? At Nosh, in Durham, from 6:30-8:30 pm. Directions are at my Shows page, just click on the little globe icon. And here’s the potential webcast link.

Last night I made some amazing broccoli with peanut sauce from a recipe in Molly Katzen’s Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without. Here’s my summary:

Broccoli:
- boil water, then reduce to simmer
- throw broccoli in for 2-3 minutes
- remove from hot water, rinse to cool

Peanut Sauce:
- mix peanut butter, honey, and a bit of hot water
- when it’s smooth, add dash of cider vinegar
- mix and add cayenne pepper, crushed garlic, salt

For the full “Tad’s Saturday night” experience, dip tender crisp broccoli in the peanut mix and watch a Star Trek movie.

Last night I played at a sandwich shop in Durham that has music on Thursdays. I’ve played there a number of times. It’s pretty chill, sometimes a little too chill, as in, folks are eating dinner and no one wants to be the only one to clap. But it’s still a nice little place and I get paid a little and get a free quesadilla. So last night I used their wireless to stream this show live on my Ustream channel.

I’ve been trying to do that more, any place I play that has Internet. The video’s a little pixelated, the audio is a little warbly. I’m still figuring it all out, but how cool is it that I can broadcast easily and be seen live anywhere in the world? And then archive my entire 2-hour show for future (blurry) viewings, for free? Enjoy the show, ye interested parties, here’s the link.