| Wednesday, July 25, 2007
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Blog This! |
Willis Update July 25 2007
The drums appear to be done. I finished the last couple of re-do's last night with the help of our newest assistant engineer, Courtney Heard, who's 30th birthday just happens to be today :) A couple more takes of Erfty, and Boy, and yet another new version of Switches that I threw together at the last minute was pretty much all that was required. As far as covers go, the only one we managed to throw down was Disconnected. There was talk of doing Spin Me Round or Go Your Own Way, but as time was running out on drums, I had to focus on the originals. The drums are sounding awesome, good tones, great levels, and my playing is perhaps better than ever. I think we have a really good foundation laid for this record.
So I'm off to Mexico on Friday until after the August long weekend. Lets start looking at the calendar, and pick another weekend to start working on the guitars. And M3, start practicing. Like for real. Your bass is still in my garage you know? And I will be gone Friday morning if you want to come grab it....hint, hint, wink, nudge. It won't make much of an original line up reunion if you're not playing the bass on the record. See ya'll in a couple weeks.
Drummer JohnLabels: bass, drums. m3, recording, willis |
posted by John Simmonds
@ 12:20 PM
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| Monday, July 23, 2007
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It's Alive! It's Alive! |
Willis Update July 23 2007
Indeed, yesterday Rob and myself laid down the beginnings of 12 willis songs, with the help of our friend Brain G. We spent about 8 hours working on drums and guitar before packing it in for the day. It was long, hot, and exhausting, but worth it. The drums are sounding great, and the songs are tighter than ever before. It's like listening to them for the first time, with some of the changes we've made, and the quality of both the recording and the playing. I plan on going through everything we recorded yesterday within the next day or two, and fixing up any drums that need to be. Then, I'm off to Mexico until August 6th, after which we will be resuming the recording starting with Rob's guitars. I can't wait to start getting these guitars down and hear these songs take shape.
Happy 10th anniversary Willis!
Drummer JohnLabels: drums, guitars, recording, willis |
| posted by John Simmonds
@ 12:18 PM
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| Wednesday, July 18, 2007
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Willisness |
Willis update July 18 2007
hey gang. just a reminder about the willis jam tomorrow night (thursday) at say 7:30 again at my house of rock. i've also worked out a new version of switches we can try out.
also this sunday we will be starting the recording with drums and git at 10:00 am going until our ears are bleeding and eyes are poping out. i will stock the band fridge full of water, and maybe grab a pack of weiners and buns for quick easy chow. aside from that we will just need the gear you want to use, and be ready to rock.
m3, we only need you on the thursday, and brain only on the sunday, although you're both welcome either day. rob, you're in for the full pull with me. amy will be there in spirit.
drummer johnLabels: drums, rock, switches, willis |
| posted by John Simmonds
@ 11:28 AM
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| Monday, July 02, 2007
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Willis Reunion Update |
In honor of the 10th anniversary of Willis, we have began recording a new record. Well, not exactly new. We're re-recording most of the old catalogue and making some changes or "updating" some songs. We have already started laying down tracks, and they are sounding better than ever. We're working on a new version of "Jillian", as well as a possible acoustic version of "Switches", as well as a few minor adjustments here and there. It's very exciting to hear these songs again with a new perspective, and better recording technology than we had available to us a decade ago. We are aiming to have the majority of the drums, guitars, and bass done by the end of August, and will be looking forward to re-uniting with original Willis vocalist Amy Ferguson this fall to complete this reunion. Also performing on this record, original guitarist Rob Van Dyk, original bass player Mike Adair, and myself (Drummer John) on drums as well as guitar for added depth. This recording has been a long time in the planning. In fact, we have been kicking around the idea pretty much since we disbanded in 1999, and now are making this a reality with the help of Worn Records and 308 Productions. Check back often for studio updates, and photos from the making of this still to be named record.
John Simmonds
WillisLabels: 10th anniversary, recording, reunion, willis |
| posted by John Simmonds
@ 10:01 AM
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| Willis 3.0 |
| Willis, based out of Vancouver B.C., formed in 1997. This power-pop
punk explosion of quirky, energy charged songs are back and ready for more! |
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