Genesis-related Squids stuff and Simon Collins

[Squids]

I figured I'd start a new thread on this for the Genesis fans on KVR or specifically in the SR forum. As some of you may know, the band uses IK software and Sonic Reality sounds which is a lot of fun for me because I grew up being a big fan of the band myself and I've had the chance to have some nice hang time with them, sat in on tour rehearsals, their surround sound mixing for upcoming SACDs at The Farm (their studio in Surrey England) and all sorts of other cool unusual things...

A couple sound and software related bits of info for fun are that I have plans later this year to do a sample session at The Farm with Nick Davis, Genesis' producer/engineer. So, that will be unique for a sample library since that studio doesn't even get booked out to the public. Talk about a rare opportunity. Another cool thing is that I sent some of Mike Rutherford's effect pedals to that he used in the 70's and 80's to Italy. I am going to see if I can get the engineers at IK to model them! Cool that it is his actual pedals... Colorsound Super Tonebender and things like that.

Okay, now for the fun MUSIC-RELATED news. El Squidsarino is co-producing some tracks on Simon Collins upcoming album. Simon is Phil's son who sings and plays drums as well as other instruments. He's extremely talented and a lot of fun to work with. We've been in the studio recording a few songs and one of them is a tribute to Genesis which he's never done before but has always wanted to and of course I am totally into that any day so... that one is almost done and it sounds really cool. He sounds like a cross between his dad and Peter Gabriel yet his own sound as well... he'd have actually been a good replacement when they needed a singer but I asked him about that and he really wants to do his own music... it would have been weird probably. But, this is fun doing a Genesis song with him... even though we're doing it with a twist and it isn't as spot-on Genesisy as we could make it. One interesting thing is that almost every sound in it is from SampleTank 2, Studiophonik and Sonik Synth 2 and the guitars are going through AmpliTube 2 and vocals through TrackS and CSR.

Alright, it gets better. Steve Hackett had expressed interest in playing on one of Simon's original songs so we're doing that too! So, the people who may be on this album so far include myself on keys and misc stuff, Simon singing and misc, Steve Hackett at least on one tune and also probably Nick D'Virgilio (who I used to play with and played The Lamb with Kevin Gilbert). Nick also played on Calling All Stations, the only Genesis album without Phil. So... this is semi Genesis related here and I thought some of you guys would want to hear the inside scoop. The good news is that the tracks will be released pretty darn soon! Maybe a couple of months or so. I'm excited about it.

More info on our myspace blog: www.myspace.com/sonicreality

[Beardedone]

This is great Squids, even for a Genesis-challenged person like me can see this. I am finding that I really dig Nick D'Virgilio's playing alot. The RAW stuff tweaked my interest. Better late than never eh? Who knows I might even become a Genesis fan one one day (I have begun to actually like Supertramp somewhat, so it's not inconceivable). The chance that Mike Rutherford's pedals may appear in an incarnation of AT2 someday is intriguing. I remember Mike Rutherford playing with Genesis was excellent and there are few sounds that I always wondered about. Anyway, best of luck with all these projects.

Cheers,
Gordon

Cool Myspace site!

[duncanparsons]

Excellent stuff Dave! Hope all goes well with it

Gordon - I never realised you didn't like Supertramp Some of their stuff is awesome: Crime of the Century is one of the most fantastic albums I know [also one of the cleanest productions, even 30+ years on]; and there are elements of all the albums from the 70's that are superb (to me at least; and the 1980 'Paris' album ranks as one of the best live albums made..). After the 70's there was something of a decline, however Brother Where You Bound has some good moments. I often use CotC and the first track of 'Breakfast in America' (Gone Hollywood) to test audio systems; the opening of Gone Hollywod is particularly good with the dynamics, the sax, the bass.. all good stuff for seeing if a speaker/amp combination is up to task

Anyway.. back on topic...

DSP

[nl3]

Hi Squids,
i'm triyng to follow all of your Genesis related since i knew about you partecipating at last october band's rehearsals.
I spent my 39 years life being a Genesis fan, so all of your moving will take part of it. Further more, i feel the band so near to me thru you, and while waiting for Rome's gig, i will enjoy to know what you will be able and authorized to say about Genesis' work in progress for Turn It On Again Tour and the very intriguing work with Simon Collins.
Waiting to hear from you soon.
Thanks and have a good time.
PGi

[jens]

however Brother Where You Bound has some good moments

it has one 'o.k.'-moment when Dave Gilmour guests - for me there's no Supertramp without Hodgson... (where's that puking-emoticon when you need it?)


looking forward to the new Simon Collins stuff - I always liked him (even though I find it enormously ridiculous how he's trying real hard to appear cool while failing miserably at it)

[Beardedone]

Excellent stuff Dave! Hope all goes well with it

Gordon - I never realised you didn't like Supertramp Some of their stuff is awesome: Crime of the Century is one of the most fantastic albums I know [also one of the cleanest productions, even 30+ years on]; and there are elements of all the albums from the 70's that are superb (to me at least; and the 1980 'Paris' album ranks as one of the best live albums made..). After the 70's there was something of a decline, however Brother Where You Bound has some good moments. I often use CotC and the first track of 'Breakfast in America' (Gone Hollywood) to test audio systems; the opening of Gone Hollywod is particularly good with the dynamics, the sax, the bass.. all good stuff for seeing if a speaker/amp combination is up to task

Yes I know. Supertramp is sonically wonderful. But for the vocal phrassing dives me nuts. I can't explain why. During the seventies I went from an Allman Bros fan to an exclusivly Jazz and Classical buff. The eighties destroyed my faith in commercial even further. Now that I have matured and mellowed somewhat I can discover what I refused to listen to and enjoy it like it was new. Case in point Tangerine Dream and Steely Dan being for example. Some Genesis, Peter Gabriel and Supertramp I have actually never listened to. That's why I say there's some hope I might like some of it.

[BosseJo]

Sounds great!!!

[Squids]

I am a big fan of Supertramp. I'm actually friends with the guy who replaced Roger Hodgson. His name is Mark Hart and I used to work with him and Crowded House. Same guy. But I agree that the real Supertramp was when Roger was in the band and I prefer everything up to Famous Last Words... although Brother has some great piano playing and nice recordings, bits etc.

Wow, that was surprisingly off topic! Haha.

Simon Collins IS cool Jens. Not sure what you meant there. But, anyway, he has his cult following thing and obviously in the wake of the enormous popularity of his pop it is tough to be considered 'successful'... I commend him though for doing his own thing and while he sounds a lot like his dad naturally and IS influenced by him (just like myself and many other musicians are), he's not taken the easy route. He could dive into the whole pop ballad thing and have an easier time but he likes to mix in his electronic influences and be creative, exploring new sonic territories and mixing of styles... I also love that he's into the classic Genesis of the 70's and 80's. Plus, he's really intelligent, friendly and has a great sense of humor. Those are things that I appreciate in someone I work with... in fact, it's very important because you are locked up in the studio for hours and if you can't laugh then it can get old and stagnant. I was proud when Simon told me that our time in the studio has been the most laughs he's had in a long time and possibly the first time he's laughed to tears (those are the best laughs).

Anyway, you're probably talking about the various images from photos and videos... you know, musicians try different things. It's hard to shake the comparison with his dad sometimes. Photographers and videographers also have different ideas and they don't always work in everyone's opinion... also when looking backwards you can see how things evolve, budget for that stuff changes, styles change and experience... I will probably be involved on the photos and videos for this album... so I will get to lend my 2 cents into the mix and see what happens from that... Of course taste is subjective and not everyone will like what I have in mind (such as a foxhead with a dress... just kidding).

[jens]

Simon Collins IS cool Jens. Not sure what you meant there.

clothing, gestures and stuff - a bit like those 'NewRock' boy-groups such as Crazy Town etc. (which themselves sort of mimick gangsta-rappers in a cute kind of way) who appeal mostly to 16-17 year old girls (as soon as they'turn 18 they're ashamed of it themselves ) - it just doesn't appear honest&natural to me...


...and this odd kind of ghetto-mannerism even affects (or should I say 'infects') his singing and that's really not so cool in my book.

[jens]

Anyway, you're probably talking about the various images from photos and videos... you know, musicians try different things. It's hard to shake the comparison with his dad sometimes. Photographers and videographers also have different ideas and they don't always work in everyone's opinion... also when looking backwards you can see how things evolve, budget for that stuff changes, styles change and experience... I will probably be involved on the photos and videos for this album... so I will get to lend my 2 cents into the mix and see what happens from that... Of course taste is subjective and not everyone will like what I have in mind (such as a foxhead with a dress... just kidding).

yes, I think we're on the same page here - Gabriel is still soooo cool - he ever was and ever will be be - he really does his own thing - and if you look at 35years old Genesis live-footage it's just stunning how cool&attractive without being trendy this guy still appears - I can show these videos to 25years (or thereabouts) old female friends of mine and they instantly start drooling...


Sorry if this appears a bit superflous to you but the image somehow is important to me - o.k., Pallas is about the ugliest band in the universe and I still love them but anyway....

[jens]

But I agree that the real Supertramp was when Roger was in the band and I prefer everything up to Famous Last Words... although Brother has some great piano playing and nice recordings, bits etc.

absolutely - BWYB might be very nice depending on your personal taste - but it's just not Supertramp to me as it doesn't have anything of those elements which attract me in Supertramp - Hodgson on the other hand is full of it - listen to this:



it's from 'open the door', his latest studio-recording (2000) and at least to me it's instantly classical Supertramp stuff of the highest quality (despite its short length) with its sweet & melancholic melodic-richness even though it's just vocals and acoustic-guitar in this version.

[Beardedone]

Gabriel is still soooo cool - he ever was and ever will be be - he really does his own thing - and if you look at 35years old Genesis live-footage it's just stunning how cool&attractive without being trendy this guy still appears

Could you guys recomend some Peter Gabriel that is not Genesis-ish? I would like to get what it is that some amny dig about him. So far what I have heard doesn't do it for me.

[mistertoast]

>>the only Genesis album without Phil.

Well, unless you count their "demo" stuff that was released with various names, "In the Beginning."

>>Could you guys recomend some Peter Gabriel that is not Genesis-ish?

Go for Peter Gabriel I (the one with Solsbury Hill). He's all over the map on that one, looking for his own new sound after leaving the Band. Or grab Security (the one with Shock The Monkey), which is fantastic.

So Squids, I've heard that while the Genesis (the 3-man version) really IS going to tour, they are NOT going to make an album. Any comment?

[Beardedone]

Thanks Mistertoast. "Security", The "Shock The Monkey" album I remember when it came out. I did not like it at all. Peter Gabriel I I don't know so I will check it out.

Cheers,
Gordon

[Squids]

Roger is more like Supertramp on his own... although he is highly unprolific. Also his "image" lacks Jens. But, anyway, it is a shame they just can't get back together at least for a tour... even keeping Mark on as a utility player. But... you never know. Great band. COTC and BIA are awesome.

Beard, try Gabriel 3 if you want to hear him be the most innovative... although it's out there and you may just not like his style which is an aquired taste... as is old Genesis really.

Jens, I think choreography that appeals to 17 year old hip hop kids can be quite unappealing to an older more mature crowd... it is at least to me. Although I can see why labels and directors go for that sort of thing. I prefer either more genuine "just be yourself" type stuff or some really intense or out there stuff when it comes to performance... of course Gabriel was that way... intense and out there. He wasn't ALWAYS "cool" though. Sometimes he looked a right fruit cake! Haha. I mean, it IS hard to look cool with a big flower around your head or wearing a dress or a silver suit with a reverse mohawk (ok that's sort of cool). But, he was at least not doing gangsta-rap hand moves... he was just copying Elton and Bowie and doing it his way... a bizarre approach to stage presence in rock.

Anyway, like I said, I don't think that's where we're at working on this project. I think it's very cool and genuine... and intnese and a little out there as well. Not as out there as I can imagine but definitely different than the stuff you hear on the radio. I'll play you guys a little snip of a few things so you can hear. Various versions of it go from it being a mix of progressive to electronic to straight rock... but it will probably lean more toward electronic in the end because he's really into that the most. I am more into rock personally but it is a nice balance.

As for the question about Genesis making an album... I am not in the position to say anything official about that but since I don't actually know I can only speculate. My guess is that they will work on some new music together at some point. Simon seemed to think so too and I don't know if he knows but he might. It's all in this video documentary he's doing on making his next album. We have the video rolling almost all the time and some funny moments have been captured... not the best ones always but some. There's also interviews and conversation including quite a few about his dad and Genesis... as well as us waiting by the phone for a call from Steve Hackett. Fun stuff!

I have the Hackett track now which was sent over a few days ago. He's really great! Still.