# data[].attributes.body
1.1: Recording Drums In The Studio

1.2: Mic List for drums from studio

1.3: Guitar Tone idea 1

1.4: Vocal Recording process

1.5: All The While (Live)

1.6: Wake Music Video

1.7: Social media content post 1

1.8: Guitar Tone idea 2

# data[].attributes.body
Our chosen inspiration comes from bands such as Interpol and Editors, as well as bands like The Smashing Pumpkins

This has ended up becoming a fusion of the best parts of indie-post punk in the 2000s and grunge in the 90s, which aesthetically are rather different

Interpol used to have very minimalistic features throughout their art work and photography, where as smashing pumpkins had very low contrasted, natural and faded imagery, reflecting on presumably camera qualities (which is now very sought after in 2015).

I have created a Pinterest board in order to convey our ideas in this field. DISCLAIMER: these are NOT my photos, but publicly uploaded images by other people

https://uk.pinterest.com/kaicargill/blanktalk/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.

# data[].attributes.body
2.1: other peoples roles on My project

2.2: Our chosen aesthetic and why.

2.3: SWOT

2.4: Content Idea 2

2.5: Marketing plan 1

2.6: Using Room mics to add Depth on drums

# data[].attributes.body
3.1: Managing my workload

3.2: Using stereo Width in mixing

3.3: Using side image when Equalising guitars

3.4: Wake Release

# data[].attributes.body
4.1: Why we recorded isolated takes of each instrument

4.2: EPK

4.3: Hypothetical budget plan: Band

4.4: Signal Chain for recording Guitar on "All The While - Acoustic version".

4.5: All The While Release

# data[].attributes.headline
8.2: Creating "organic" social media content

# data[].attributes.subject
8.2: Creating "organic" social media content

# data[].attributes.body
By organic social media content, I mean something innovative and "regulated", rather than pumping out random videos to please the algorithm.

My reasoning in favour of this is solely due to creative direction. In my opinion and experience, the general public enjoy something fresh and well thought out, rather than 20 second clips in the same format posted 3 times a day.

One of the techniques I have implemented while producing our band content is to put the song on my phone that we are going to be producing things for that day, walking around Norwich and if any scenery clicks in my head that I think would work great song, I will setup and start filming something.

I think drawing the psychological link between the song and its surroundings gives the Audience the best insight

Above is an example of short form content where we have used this

# data[].attributes.body
5.1: My portfolio Layout

5.2: Are livestreams a good form of marketing in 2025? (Research 1)

# data[].attributes.body
6.1: How to generate online traffic for my website (Research 2)

6.2: Business classification (Research 3)

6.3: Business classification (Research 4)

6.3: Creating the perfect environment to record vocals in any room (reference 4)

# data[].attributes.body
7.1 Band Website Final product

7.2: Production Website Final Project

7.3: Using the "sonic scale" to inform production decisions on 'All The While - Acoustic version'.

7.4: Recording clean guitar for atw acoustic

7.5: Shure SM57 frequency spectrum

7.6: Senhiser 609 frequency spectrum

7.7: Recording acoustic guitar ATW acoustic

# data[].attributes.body
8.2: BLANKTALK branding and next steps

8.1: Creating "organic" social media content

# data[].attributes.body
9.5 Gantt chart

9.6: SWOT

# data[].attributes.body
10.1: Our target audience (findings from project)

# data[].attributes.body
Drums were recorded by Thomas Joy in Cromer, North Norfolk, UK

# data[].attributes.body
All designs were made because of sonic choices. For Example, we used M201 on the snare because of its ability to capture around 250hz and how rounded the high end, it made sense in the mix to cut through the guitars.

Hats

Oktava MK012

Mixer

Ride

Oktava MK012

Mixer

Room Mono

Royer R10

Mixer

RT

Senn MD421

Mixer

FT

Senn MD421

Mixer

Kick E602

Senn E602

Interface

Snr Bot

Shure SM57

Interface

Overhead L

AKG C414b XLS (wide cardioid)

Interface

Overhead R

AKG C414b XLS (wide cardioid)

Interface

Room L

GAP R1

Interface

Room R

GAP R1

Interface

Kick B91

Shure Beta 91

DBX 160

SSL 661EQ

Snr Top

Beyer M201

Lindell 6X-500

Neve 1073 EQ

# data[].attributes.body
This Reference is for our rhythm guitar tone, which starts at 0:04 seconds in.

This guitar tone is very warm and wide in the stereo field, which is exactly what we will try and capture

# data[].attributes.body
Vocals are being recorded in my home studio with an Shure SM58, Going into my Universal Audio Volt 2 interface finally ending in my chosen DAW, Logic Pro

With no acoustic treatment in my home studio, I've been forced to get creative by using a towel hung over my wardrobe door. I then set up the microphone facing it with a pop filter.

The idea behind this being that the microphones polar pattern is cardioid, meaning it will pick up from the front, there for without the towel, picking up reflecting frequencies from the wood. The towel is used to help absorb frequencies around it.

# data[].attributes.body
This was footage taken from our last show (shot by) with the mastered audio edited over

We wanted to match the energy that was portrayed in the song "Wake" coming across as dark and scary

When looking at the insights, This was posted on Monday at 6pm. This is because historically, this is when other posts on the same days have achieved higher numbers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BLANKTALK on Instagram: "13/06 

📸: @enzos.jpegs 

#shoegaze #dreampop #postpunk #indie #indierock #music #postrock #rock #alternative #indiepop #vinyl #indiemusic #alternativerock #newmusic #punk #psychedelic #goth #darkwave #vinylcollection #newwave #metal #livemusic #shoegazemusic #s #ambient #grunge #shoegazer #blackgaze #guitar #vinylcommunity"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
22 likes, 0 comments - blanktalkband on May 26, 2025: "13/06 

📸: @enzos.jpegs 

#shoegaze #dreampop #postpunk #indie #indierock #music #postrock #rock #alternative #indiepop #vinyl #indiemusic #alternativerock #newmusic #punk #psychedelic #goth #darkwave #vinylcollection #newwave #metal #livemusic #shoegazemusic #s #ambient #grunge #shoegazer #blackgaze #guitar #vinylcommunity". 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BLANKTALK (@blanktalkband)

# data[].attributes.body
Luke Errington: co-writer/Drums for Wake and All The While

James Jennings: co-writer/Drums for Wake and All The While

Danny Gallagher: co-writer/Drums for Wake and All The While

Thomas Joy: Drum Engineer and Mastering Engineer for Wake and All The While

Enzo Li-Rocchi: Photographer/videographer for specific pieces of content

# data[].attributes.body
Strength: One strength of my project is that I have had lots of opportunity and experience in what I am creating, as well as it being my own (bands) work. This is helpful as it allowed me to play a big part I pre production ideas.

Weakness: The weakness of my project could be workload. I have set my sights on a lot of creation which could be troublesome if time isn't managed appropriately.

Opportunity: My opportunity comes from doing multi creative work. Multiple skills sets allows me Ito create more services which is a sign of potential longevity post University.

Threats: One major threat is over saturation, and the way to overcome this, is to have a niche. However, I am not sure what mine could be yet, I will be brainstorming towards this,

# data[].attributes.body
This piece of short form continent went up on Instagram, Youtube shorts and Tik Tok for our song "Wake". This seemed like a natural to tease lyrics while showing some stylistic visuals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BLANKTALK on Instagram: "PULL ME OUT THE GROUND - 13/06 

#shoegaze #dreampop #postpunk #indie #indierock #music #postrock #rock #alternative #indiepop #vinyl #indiemusic #alternativerock #newmusic #punk #psychedelic #goth #darkwave #vinylcollection #newwave #metal #livemusic #shoegazemusic #s #ambient #grunge #shoegazer #blackgaze #guitar #vinylcommunity"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
26 likes, 0 comments - blanktalkband on May 26, 2025: "PULL ME OUT THE GROUND - 13/06 

#shoegaze #dreampop #postpunk #indie #indierock #music #postrock #rock #alternative #indiepop #vinyl #indiemusic #alternativerock #newmusic #punk #psychedelic #goth #darkwave #vinylcollection #newwave #metal #livemusic #shoegazemusic #s #ambient #grunge #shoegazer #blackgaze #guitar #vinylcommunity". 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BLANKTALK (@blanktalkband)

# data[].attributes.body
when designing a social media schedule, we wanted to make sure we had a good balance of quality and quantity.

Green: Admin / Red: All socials/ Blue: Facebook and Instagram

The findings from this first week of promo was that we posted too much in too little time. Posts where going un-noticed and not performing as well as others before, despite being posted in peak times (known using insights on all socials)

# data[].attributes.body
I have set out targets per week on what I should be achieving to keep on time with my workload

I opted for this over using a more traditional gantt chart for the whole reason that the my time and workload at the moment is so vague and up in the air with other commitments

The way this has worked so far has meant that I am filling in my writing work around free times in evenings and because of my work flow style, this id ideal as I work the hardest at night.

# data[].attributes.body
Stereo width is something that I have worked hard to achieve since I started producing

One technique I found is mixing in mono. This allowed me to focus my Time on making sure frequencies really fit in the mix well, before then panning and create some really well placed mixes

My guitars are all double or triple tracked in the mixes, as well as the Toms and Overheads, all panned hard left and right.

# data[].attributes.headline
4.1: Why we recorded isolated takes of each instrument 

# data[].attributes.subject
4.1: Why we recorded isolated takes of each instrument 

# data[].attributes.body
We decided to record isolated takes due to many factors, however the main one being financial reasoning.

To just record drums in a professional studio cost us £30 an hour (4 hours work).

To record bass, guitar and vocals could've added the hours up to 16 hours work (providing everything took 4 hours each), which would've ended up costing us £480.

As a sound Engineer with a home studio , it was only valid to record drums away from as a necessity due to not having the right equipment.

However guitars, bass and vocals where heavily fine tuned as I have the equipment to create the perfect elements.

# data[].attributes.headline
2.6: Using Room mics to add Depth on drums 

# data[].attributes.subject
2.6: Using Room mics to add Depth on drums 

# data[].attributes.body
Above is a version of the drums in All The While with and without the room microphones (1st half without, 2nd with)

The room mics make the entire drum sound really polished and aggressive

The room mics have been processed with heavy compression, reverb and EQ as well as saturation

# data[].attributes.body
My portfolio is going to come in 2 pieces:

1) A show reel of music to advertise on my website and social media. This will be music mixed by myself to show off my production work

2) A creative CV with my current and up to date production experience will be uploaded to my LinkedIn for a look into my work at a more professional and formal level

# data[].attributes.body
For the Lead in All the while, we wanted something really drenched in fx, while still able to be articulated in the mix

This meant looking for something mid heavy to fit in our mix, almost as if looking at a tonal spectrum like a jigsaw

This also meant picking an amp type with more pronounced mids, this ended up being a Marshall JCM800 amp VST by a company called STL tones

# data[].attributes.headline
5.2: Are livestreams a good form of marketing in 2025? (Reference 1)

# data[].attributes.subject
5.2: Are livestreams a good form of marketing in 2025? (Reference 1)

# data[].attributes.body
One of the main advantages of live streaming is "real time engagement" which allows you to get instant feedback and a personal touch of marketing

It is also a cost effective production form of marketing as you only need a smartphone to reach people.

I believe this could be effective for our third song as it allows us to reach our small audience with all marketing news.

# data[].attributes.headline
3.3: Using side image when Equalising guitars 

# data[].attributes.subject
3.3: Using side image when Equalising guitars 

# data[].attributes.body
In my Guitars, there was a lot of low end mud and clutter around 170-250Hz.

This became more apparent when panned hard left and right

Side EQ became the best tool as it allowed me to EQ The side channels (ie right left) without affecting the middle (mono), resulting a huge clear up.

# data[].attributes.body
at the time of writing this, Wake has been out for 11 days.

Stream Numbers for Spotify are sitting currently at 185 streams, which is a lot lower than past songs.

When looking at what caused this, I believe it is partly due to so much concentrated and similar content being uploaded in one time, diluting the effects of the release details its self.

For All The While, I will try and create more vastly arranged visual content as well as trying targeted ads and make it more widely available utilising all social media platforms.

# data[].attributes.body
Below is the rest of my EPK so far in a google drive folder:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wA8BcwSdFlG4IEemiFIBLsvp1zAnaC0c?usp=share_link

# data[].attributes.headline
6.1: How to generate online traffic for my website (Reference 2)

# data[].attributes.subject
6.1: How to generate online traffic for my website (Reference 2)

# data[].attributes.body
Search Engine Optimisation is a great way to generate online traffic. It allows you to optimise your website in the most effective way to be found on search engines, higher than other websites.

Using the target Key words in your industry within your website is the best way to get your SEO score higher

Long tail words are key words that are broader versions of your original keywords. if key word is over used by lots of different websites, a long tail version means you could be more likely to be found

Using links on a website not only keeps people on the site longer, but also give your content some extra marketing.

# data[].attributes.headline
6.2: Business classification (Reference 3)

# data[].attributes.subject
6.2: Business classification (Reference 3)

# data[].attributes.body
Hypothetically, this business for my production would be registered as a sole trader company. This is because I as the individual owner control all off it.

However the band is not solely mine, so a business partnership would be the best option there to make sure every contributor is covered.

# data[].attributes.headline
6.3: Creating the perfect environment to record vocals in any room (reference 4)

# data[].attributes.subject
6.3: Creating the perfect environment to record vocals in any room (reference 4)

# data[].attributes.body
Picking the Room is important and trying to find a balance between using somewhere that is dead sounding with a fair splash of room noise is also important. This why I have picked my home studio in my bedroom. The furniture and duvet for the deadness mixed with the reflections from my mirror and windows is ideal.

I have also positioned the microphone away form the walls to allow minimal reflections, resulting in minimal low end mud.

I am using a dynamic microphone (Shure Sm58) in order to get one directional recording (due to its cardioid polar pattern) as this will eliminate a lot of the relocations in theory.

# data[].attributes.headline
4.4: Signal Chain for recording Guitar on "All The While - Acoustic version".

# data[].attributes.subject
4.4: Signal Chain for recording Guitar on "All The While - Acoustic version".

# data[].attributes.body
Computer: Mac mini 2018

Audio interface: UA Volt 2

Mic: Sm57

EQ plugin: F6 (Waves)

Comp Plugin: 1176 (UA)

# data[].attributes.headline
7.3: Using the "sonic scale" to inform production decisions on 'All The While - Acoustic version'.

# data[].attributes.subject
7.3: Using the "sonic scale" to inform production decisions on 'All The While - Acoustic version'.

# data[].attributes.body
High end: I wanted the the vocal to sit in the high end mostly as there were not many elements. This meant I could spend time planning on a really full sound by balancing them across the sonic scale. in order to this, one thing I tried and really liked is beating proximity effect. What I recorded was my SM58, stood back from it by about 20cm with the gain slightly higher than normal. This allowed some of the room noise too which added to the "vibe" of how stripped back it was.

Middle frequencies: I used the acoustic guitar to sit in the middle frequencies due to the room sound that came with it. I ended up over equalising when approaching the mix, so instead leaned into the middle frequencies, which allowed the acoustics to cut through the guitar.

Low end: The low end came from the 2 panned electric guitars and reverb guitars. This allowed for the width in the track to fill the mix, giving the track a sound of doom and darkness.

# data[].attributes.headline
10.1: Our target audience (findings from project)

# data[].attributes.subject
10.1: Our target audience (findings from project)

# data[].attributes.body
All results have been taken from our Instagram page for BLANKTALK as our example as this is where we pushed the most marketing over the last 90 days for:

Age range

Gender

Location

Busiest day

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why You Should Incorporate Live Streaming in 2025 | ONE18

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Live streaming is a powerful tool that enhances engagement, broadens reach, and drives conversions, giving brands a competitive advantage in digital marketing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
39 Ways to Increase Traffic to Your Website - WordStream

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
More website traffic means more customers! Here are 39 ways to drive traffic to your website for free—with content, SEO, social, and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Do you as a band decide to make a good career out of music or does your hobby quickly get out of hand and invoices need to be sent? This goes faster then you think, because fee statements and invoices are mainly there to settle the costs of musicians without too much fuss. As soon as you start generating income as a DJ, band or solo artist, it is better to start your own business with the right and fitting legal structure.
"With a legal form, you have to deal with clients, fellow musicians and the tax authorities."

The legal form determines, among other things, the financial liability for debts of your company and the tax obligations. It is not only useful to have some knowledge of legal forms if you want to start your own company, but also if you are going to work for or with other companies. With a legal form, you will also have to deal with your (future) clients, your fellow musicians, the tax authorities and any lenders. You then know very well who is the right person to take decisions and who is responsible if something goes wrong. An (occasional)band can also operate in this construction. Think of changing jazz formations. The lead musician then sends a 'main invoice' to the client and the other musicians send an invoice to the lead musician for their work. A duo can also work with two invoices to the customer. We have listed the three most important legal forms for you:

Sole Trader

Are you an independent musician? In that case you register yourself as a sole trader. This means you are running a business completely on your own. It is really easy to start a business as a sole trader, but there is also one big risk. As a sole trader you are as an individual 100 percent liable for the business when it comes to things like debts and agreements, so be careful with your investments and decision making.

Business Partnership

Are you starting a business with several people? For example, as a DJ duo, jazz formation or band. Then it is smart to go for a Business Partnership. When setting up a Business Partnership, no minimum capital is required and all entrepreneurs contribute something in the form of money, goods or labour. With this form, you are fully responsible and liable for any debts. If, for example, a partner incurs a significant debt, the other partners will also be held personally liable. Unless otherwise agreed in the aforementioned agreements.

So before you start the Business Partnership, make good arrangements with your partners and draw up a (written) contract. This way you know what happens if, for example, someone wants to leave the band or if debts arise within the band. Are you going for a Business Partnership? Don't forget to sign-up at the Companies House!

Limited Company (Ltd.)

Is your musical career going very well? Then consider setting up a Limited Company (Ltd.). An Ltd can be established alone or with several people. When starting an Ltd there is a bit more work that goes into filling in required documents and setting up a company plan. The benefit of an Ltd is that you as an individual are not responsible for the companies debts, since the company is its separate legal entity. When the company goes bankrupt your private belongings won't be in danger. Besides this an Ltd also has benefits considering taxes and expenses, which will especially matter when the profits and costs of your company grow.

"The Business Partnership is an easy form to set up and usually best suited for smaller bands or duos"

Choice for a legal form

So which business form should you choose considering the pros and cons? A Business Partnership and an Ltd are both forms that you can choose when your band is becoming more serious and makes revenue with music. The Business Partnership is an easy structure to set up and usually best suited for smaller bands because everyone has the same rights, liability and contributions. Problems can also occur here, when bands don't make proper agreements with each other and leave the band earlier than agreed. It is always advised to draw up a contract to avoid any misunderstandings. If you are a solo artist, becoming a sole trader is the only logical business option. After all you are only working for yourself and it would be too ambitious to start an Ltd straight off the bat.

Want to know more? The Companies House has all the information you need on their website.

Related blogs on Gigstarter:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What legal business structures can you choose as musician?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Before you, as a musician, decide to make a successful career in music, it is wise to start setting up your own business. Have you outgrown the phase of fee statements? Read this blog for more information which legal form suits you best.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Record Vocals At Home & Get a Great Sound

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Recording vocals at home is a great way to save on studio time. Find out how to get a professional sound without leaving the house!

# data[].attributes.body
Studio: The next steps for the band includes heavily recording more music in order to continue our moment of release every 3 months (roughly). The google drive link above is for access to our demos.

Brand design: With the autumn coming up, we have talked about capitalising on the cold weather and the themes it brings, ie darkness, browns and oranges. This to me describes a minor tonality or suggestion for lyrics, which is where the ideas are as we speak

# data[].attributes.headline
7.4: Recording clean guitar for atw acoustic

# data[].attributes.subject
7.4: Recording clean guitar for atw acoustic

# data[].attributes.body
For the guitar on the acoustic version of ATW, I have recorded it using a Shure SM57 and Senheiser E609

The 57 is on axis but to the edge of the dust cap. The reason for this being the 57s ability to capture more low end, which can be found on further out from the middle of the speaker (frequency spectrum below).

The 609 is on axis, but unlike the 57, is on the middle of the speaker which is capturing the high end.

When blended, it gives a really full sound because of the mixing of the 2 different frequency spectrums

# data[].attributes.body
http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/shure/sm57

# data[].attributes.body
https://soniccircus.com/?attachment_id=15538

# data[].attributes.headline
7.7: Recording acoustic guitar ATW acoustic

# data[].attributes.subject
7.7: Recording acoustic guitar ATW acoustic

# data[].attributes.body
After trying multiple angles, I decided to use an sm57 pointed at the 12th fret around 5cm away.

This was a great balance compared to the 57 pointed at the low body or sound hole as it picked up string noise and room noise, giving the guitar sound some "life".

# data[].attributes.body
Strength: My strength in my career is objectively my multi-creative approach. Meaning I can effectively manage multiple different kinds of workloads and services. This becomes not only a sales approach, but also an effective skillset of managing workload.

Weakness: My opinion is that my weakness is giving up my creative control. This is not a good weakness when working with clients to create music. This is something I am working on to put my ego aside and do what's right for the song and not for me.

Opportunity: my opportunity comes from having so many different tools and skills as services that i can help on moist aspects of a creative project. This could be sold as a package and is something I am looking into. The package is producing a song start to finish, with all marketing and digital image created.

Threat: My threat comes from over saturation in such a small area. I live in rural south Norfolk so the opportunity per musician is quite small, which means to overcome this, I need to create my own opportunity with innovative practices like the package above