This song has been recorded four times, and over three decades!
The first one, I recorded myself on an eight-track cassette recorder (after arranging everything on paper and a four track)
After a while we went to “Lydkjellern Studio” in Ålesund to record it again with Erik Valderhaug behind the desk (this time on ADAT digital tape, which was “all the rage” at the time).
After a couple of years, we brought the song with us to Duper Studio in Bergen commissioned by NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation), and Yngve Sætre as producer (when NRK heard the result, they thought the song was too heavy).
This release however, is based on a live recording.
Every song I produce are based on “live recordings” though, those that I do for other artists as well. But usually not with an audience, like with “Rising Sun”.
It usually starts with working on getting a really good live recording, where everything “feels right”, the tempo, energy, groove, vibe, dynamics etc. A blueprint for the “real” recording session.
When everything is layered and recorded with detail and attention to every single instrument, the original blueprint recording are often muted and not present in the final result at all.
Everything on this recording however was done in one take, even the vocals, (on vocals I usually record at least 3 takes for good measure). But I wanted the sound and setting to be as raw, realistic and unforgiving as possible.
Visual art by Jetter Green