Artist Name: Grace Kerlin Title: Young Anyway Genre: Country/Rock Rating:
Equipment
iMac, Universal Audio Apollo x8 and x6, Adam A7X Monitors, Audio Technica ATH-R70X Headphones, Universal Audio Luna (Studer A800 + Neve Summing, ATR-102 Master Tape, Brainworx MasterDesk, XLN Audio Addictive Drums triggered by Yamaha E drums (Pultec Meq-5/DBX 160), UA Ox + Fender Blues Deluxe + American Strat (Pro-Q3, 1176N Rev E, Pultec EQP-1A, EMT 250), Pedal Steel (RealVerb-Pro, UA1176AE), Taylor 814CE acoustic tracked with Townshend Sphere (Pro-Q3, Maag EQ4, Ocean Way), Piano, Hammond, Fender Bass (Pro Q3, Pultec EQP-1A, UA1176AE, EL8 Distressor), Vocals Townshend Sphere (Pro Q3, 1176LN Rev E, Pultec EQP-1A, Vocal Rider, UA Capital Chambers).
Music
“Young Anyway” is a country song written and sung by Grace Kerlin. Michael Kerlin played guitar and produced, recorded, mixed and mastered the song in their home studio. The additional players were Mark Sacco on drums, Daniel Gallagher on bass and Hernan Gustavo Romero on keyboards.
Reviewed By Marty Peters
“Young Anyway” is a fantastic effort! Radio-friendly composition, ace performances, and skilled recording and mixing. This is one of those rare submissions that ticks all of the boxes!
While we seldom venture into compositional territory, on occasion, the obvious must be acknowledged. In our opinion, Grace’s song is every bit the equal of anything we are currently hearing on modern country radio. Why is this important, you say? Well, as we’ve declared many times over the years, a poorly written/arranged song though perfectly recorded, is still a poorly written and arranged song. On the flip side, no one would ever claim the original Robert Johnson or Jimmie Rodgers recordings to be the sonic equivalent of Steely Dan, and yet their influence has been monumental. While we all can’t be Jimmy Webb or Carole King, it sure doesn’t hurt!
Michael, Grace, and company have done a great job in their basement home studio on the recording. Beginning with the rhythm section, the XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2/ Yamaha DTX electric drum combo serves up some sweet pro-sounding tones. Mark’s skilled performance drives the track along with great energy. Daniel’s bass guitar performance is equally solid, with its classic ‘Michael Rhodes’ style Nashville feel. The guitars follow suit with everything placed tastefully in the mix, in service to the song. Both the pedal steel guitar and Grace’s vocal are the icing on the cake. The Townsend Labs Sphere Modeling microphone is an excellent match for Grace’s superb ‘Natalie Maines’ vibed vocals, and the pedal steel tone and performance are as good as any we’ve heard during our tenure at RECORDING. Wrap it all up in a pro-sounding mix and viola!
Suggestions
This one has it all in our view friends, it’s simply a testament to how far the home studio has come and the fantastic results that can be achieved at the hands of skilled, passionate musicians and recordists!
Summary
We hope “Young Anyway” takes you far!
Contact
Michael and Grace Kerlin, [email protected]