Mellotronic
This project, recorded between February and July 2008, is in the final stages of production and is tentatively scheduled for release through INDISTR (MP3 downloads) and Kunaki (CD) on July 29, 2008.
The 3-song EP, with the full title Mellotronic: Far Out Sounds! (And Other Space-Age Hyperbole), features the usual Room 34 assortment of prog rock, space rock and electronica, and is a tribute to the legendary Mellotron keyboard instrument, developed in the 1950s and made popular by such bands as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Yes during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The total running time is just under 11 minutes.
Here are the tracks…
1. Mellotronic, Mk. II: Jazz Odyssey
Recorded May-July 2008 • Mastered July 16, 2008 • 4:44
Instrumentation: Keyboards, Mellotron*, drum programming, found speech manipulations
A downbeat electronica track, with heavy emphasis on the majestic orchestration of the Mellotron. The title refers to the fact that this arrangement of the track is a significant alteration from its original form, as well as Spinal Tap.
2. Interlude
Recorded July 2008 • Mastered July 16, 2008 • 1:29
Instrumentation: Mellotron*
I knew on a Mellotron-themed project, I needed to create one track entirely with the Mellotron. Here it is.
3. Lunar Landing
Recorded February-July 2008 • Mastered July 16, 2008 • 4:31
Instrumentation: Keyboards, Mellotron*, 5-string bass, electric guitar, drum programming, found speech manipulations
Begun immediately in the wake of my completion of this year’s RPM Challenge, this track is a tribute to the crew of Apollo 11. The final master version was produced on the 39th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 11, on July 16, 1969.
*Mellotron sounds throughout are actually the M-Tron software instrument.
Comments
kavin. said:
Love the mellotron instrument, sounds just like early 70’s Crimson (is that in Garageband?). Enjoyed Lunar Landing especially. Keep up the great work!
peace thru music
K
room34 said:
Yeah, it’s all GarageBand. But the Mellotron sounds are via a software instrument known as M-Tron. It’s meticulous samples of all of the individual tapes, of all of the available tape banks issued for the Mellotron over the years. Definitely worth the $80, and it integrates seamlessly into GarageBand!
paolo_maldini3 said:
Wow I honestly stumbled across this and I am completely stoked this music is the kind I have been looking for for a very long time its relaxed and makes your body move with it. Thanks for putting this online its awesome
room34 said:
Cool, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I’m currently working on a full CD that is going to be in the same downbeat electronica/breakbeat jazz style of “Mellotronic” so be sure to check back soon for more on that. (A rough early mix of one of the tracks is here.)