Sick Drummer Magazine

Band Name: Antagonist
Drummer Name: Lond Garcia
Album Name: Exist
Release Date: 09/30/08
Studio Name: El Dorado, Mates
Engineer Name: Fred Archambault

 

Cymbals: Zildjian/Sabian

All Drums with Remo Ambassador Coated
14" Zildjian A New Beats
22" Zildjian A Ping Ride
18" Sabian Metal Crash
19" Sabian Metal Crash
20" Zildjian A Crash
18" Zildjian China Low

also used:

15" Zildjian A Rock Hats
21" Zildjian A Sweat Ride
20" Zildjian Mega Bell Ride
18" Zildjian K Thin Crash

 

Drums: DW Custom Maple

10"x8" Tom
12"x9" Tom
16"x16" Floor Tom
22"x18" Kick

 

Snare Drums: all Snare Drums with Remo Ambassador coated dot

14"x5" Pork Pie maple
14"x4.5" Zildjian Bell Brass
14"x6" "November Rain" Tama Rosewood

 

Pedals: Tama Iron Cobra Double Kick

 

Triggers / Microphones:

We used too many mics for me to remember, Shure SM57 on the snare and a Yamaha Sub Kick are a few I like to mention, I was too busy picking out cymbals and snares when we set up mics.

 

As for Triggers, we didn't use any triggers during tracking, but a small bit of sound replacement in post production was added to a number of drum tracks on the album, something I wasn't too excited about.

 

Studio Tips:

A few tips I would like to offer when preparing for a studio session: Practice makes perfect! Well, no one is perfect, but you will be much more prepared during tracking and your band members won't hate you for having to buy more studio time.
 
Along the same notes, I would like to add that if you do plan on recording a decent quality demo, I suggest that you record some type of preproduction recording! This can be done using a boom box, tape recorder, 4 Track, or even your computer. The whole point is to have an idea of how you want to record the song later. I do this for just about all our albums and it really helps me find where I should add feels, and also understanding timing and what not. It will for sure help out during tracking, and maybe even add a few things to spice it up.

One thing that I have used on just about every recording I've done in the last 6 years or so, is a kick pad of some type, just to add a little extra punch to the kick drum. Also, a few moon gels always help get rid of that extra ring, without messy duct tape or those annoying RemO's.

What I've learned is that click tracks are always the best way to go (90% of the time) So if you're a drummer, start practicing with a click! It will change your world.

 

Drummer Comments:

Recordings are moments in time... Try to remember not to get so caught up in the moment with fixing every little mistake. You'll learn to love those little mistakes in time, that why its important to practice and practice some more.

Make sure you get some good rest before your recording session, have a good meal, avoid orange juice and high acid drinks along with soda. Water is the best way to go. Also, eat a Banana before your session, potassium is very important for drummers.

Warming up and stretching is very important! Remember PE warm ups?? Well these are a few good ideas to start with. I always stretch my wrists and legs before every show and recording, find what works best for you and do it before every time you play drums.