Stephen Arnold Music » Stephen

Happy Labor Day!

Stephen — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:09:05 +0000

At Stephen Arnold Music, we love our work. But unfortunately the same can’t be said for everyone. With that in mind we asked our staff for their favorite songs about work.

Here are the top 5 with links to YouTube. Enjoy the long weekend.

And if you you have some work song suggestions post them below!

1. Working On The Chain Gang” – Sam Cooke

2. “Hard Day’s Night” – The Beatles

3. “Working Man” – Rush

4. “Blue Collar Man” – Styx

5. “Working on the Highway” – Bruce Springsteen

It’s All About The ‘Vibe’

Stephen — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:26:17 +0000

As this week’s article in the New York Times about the legacy of the famed Electric Ladyland recording studio notes, the success of a recording studio has more to do with the ‘vibe’ than technology, staff or good coffee.

Fortunately at Stephen Arnold Music we have all three — especially when it comes to vibes.

Some may not know this but Stephen Arnold Music is housed amidst five acres of beautiful suburban Dallas woodlands. One of the things we have lots of that you don’t find at a lot studios is windows. It’s one of the things that musicians love about recording here.

Nothing like nailing a solo while staring out at Mother Nature.

Enjoy the pics. And if you’re in the neighborhood come on by for some good vibes, and good coffee too.

“So Do I Need To Tell The Brass Players To Go Home?”

Stephen — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:48:48 +0000

Even the best of recording gear occasionally needs a tune up. After the LCD display on our DM2000 console bit the dust major surgery was required. Fortunately we have some of the best techs in the business. And in case you’re wondering, everything is back up and running.

Big Thang Happenin’

Stephen — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:21:40 +0000

Football is the biggest show in town in New Orleans – their team is #1 this year and there’s a tremendous amount of local pride that comes with that. The New Orleans Saints are having a banner year, closing the NFL regular season with a 13-3 record and a first-round bye.

The local affiliate WVUE FOX 8 News asked us to put a sonic stamp on the performance. There may be no city in the world with as many talented musicians and wide-ranging musical styles as New Orleans, so heading there to produce the track was a no-brainer. The spot features songwriter Greg Barnhill and New Orleans’ beloved local group Big Sam’s Funky Nation.

Listen to the full song here: Big Thang

Big Sam's Funky Nation

Big Brass in yo face...

Stephen and Big Sam

Big Sam

The Devaluation Of Music.

Stephen — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:06:05 +0000

Imagine walking into a Bentley dealership and saying, “Gee, I sure like that $375,000 Azure, but I only have $30,000 to spend. Do you think you could accept that?”

This an interesting excerpt from a book by Tom Petty’s publishing manager- Randall Wixen. (The Plain & Simple Guide To Music Publishing.) Wixen hits on how everyday, music is becoming “devalued” and how important it is for us (writers and publishers) to ”Stand Tall”

He also says:

In a film it might take minutes of dialogue or video to create a mood or tell a story while music can instantly convey a mood and communicate the directors vision. Imagine “Apocalypse Now” without “The End” by the Doors. When was the last time you saw a film with no musical score?
Likewise, some sports, figure skating for instance would not be possible without music. Imagine a college football game without a marching band. Restaurants and stores set ambiance by playing background music.

Yet- in the music industry, not a day goes by without someone who recognizes the value music brings to a project, but nonetheless belittles it’s value, complaining about the cost and pay a fee that is less than fair.” (Wixon p13)

Sound familiar? Ever had a client work you over on price? Here’s a clip that says it all (Thanks Bob Singleton):