Back into the Vault
The day before yesterday we started work on demoing a new song "Start of Darkness". We recorded at the home studio of a producer named Scott Humphrey. I had heard of him before (Metallica, Rob Zombie, A Perfect Circle, etc.) but never met him.
I will try to describe his house, but believe me, words will fail. It's a very large black box nestled in the hills. After walking up the long driveway to the front step, Scott opened the door to his music laboratory ...more like a vault. Everything was black, or grey, concrete, steel, or leather. The walls were unfinished grey concrete with giant original paintings on the wall of really dark haunting imagery. His main workspace is very large, with enough room to sit on the couch and watch the recording "action" around the boards from quite a distance. On the walls were a collection of old monster movie posters and odd memorabilia and photos. On the way downstairs to the drum room were a series of framed stills from the movie "The Shining", for example. Every possible detail of the place was tricked out in an industrial/Tim Burton style. Loads of guitars, gear, and an entire wall of knobs and switches. I was completely blown away. It was a strange mix of dark, foreboding, and comfortable and utilitarian.
We set to work on tracking the song in one day. Stephen laid down the drums a few times, Chaney tracked the bass, and we broke for lunch. A really friendly guy named "Chef J" was cooking all afternoon in the kitchen, everytime I went in there he was grilling something or slicing up some fresh veggies, on his way to making the ultimate sandwiches- like walking on the set of the Food Network.
Dave got to work on the guitars (used a Strat, a Gretch, and Les Paul, I believe) and got most of the way through the tracks before we had to go. Tommy Lee showed up and needed to finish a song for his new album. He has been working with Scott for a while, and they are in the home stretch. We agreed to let them work and come back in a couple days (tonight) to finish a few guitar tracks, the vocals, and let him mix it up.
I had met Tommy a few times before really briefly, so this was the first time I got to talk with him. Really cool guy. He has a reality show coming out in June on NBC where he goes back to school, I hear it's hilarious.
All in all, I was just amazed to be inside this rock and roll world in the hills where Scott Humphrey does his magic. What a place. I will have to take some pictures this time.
We have been setting up the Panic Community all this week, thanks everyone for making it such a success.


Comments
Awesome Steve!!! ...have I mentioned I can't wait to hear what you've all been doing in the studio...;) The Panic Community seems to be going well...keep up the good work!!!
Posted by: Abby | January 14, 2005 02:49 AM
Steve,
Wow! Did you feel like a kid in the candy store for the first time or what? If you do take some photos, think they may get posted one day?
And THANK YOU! for creating space for the community. It is taking on a life of its own.
Cheers,
Mike C. (FLA)
Posted by: Mike C. | January 14, 2005 03:44 AM
Steve, on the amp hunt thing, (sorry if this is just a flat out stupid question0, but what about the old Fender twin tube amps? In a burst of extreme stupidity, I traded one in, like 25 years ago, to get a PA for my band, which never went anywhere. Yea, hindsight is painfully clear vision. Evidently, they're more valuable than gold now?
Posted by: Lyn | January 14, 2005 04:25 AM
Hey Steve, this isn't pertaining to your blog post but I thaught I'd use it to contact you since I couldn't seem to find a link or e-mail address to. I was a huge fan of your earlier band Skycycle and I was wondering if you could help me find a couple things since you're practically the man behind the curtain so to speak... I'm looking for lyrics and tablatures, namely to your early beauty "Radioactive", love that fucking song dude. i wanna learn to play it and maybe cover it one day (that is if you'd let me and i felt i could well enough). anyway i just thaught i'd ask you about that stuff since i can't seem to find anything Skycycle on google at all. If you're looking for a place to maybe put back up a Skycycle website I'd love to help you man, get in contact with me at the e-mail provided here or spaceageboy10@hotmail.com . Later man, keep on rocking. p.s. can't wait for a panic channel album!!!
Posted by: Justin Sluss | January 14, 2005 05:02 AM
Oh how I would have liked to have had a day like that.
Just how green have I turned? GREEEEEEEEEN.
Can't wait for the new noises!
Posted by: Nik | January 14, 2005 05:36 AM
Chef J rocks! I've worked on several photo shoots that he has catered. He won't tell you what is in his salad dressing or his marinade and they are so good.
Posted by: Eric | January 14, 2005 07:27 AM
Hey Steve,
What did you think of White Noise then? I saw the late night showing and loved it! I certainly wasnt going to stare at a blank TV long after watching it.
Horror movies dont normally catch me but I thought this was cool since I heard people actually do that white noise ghost tracking shit for real.
It'd be cool to hear what you think...
Rob
Posted by: Rob.K | January 14, 2005 09:02 AM
Steve you almost don’t need a picture. You already painted a vivid one.
Posted by: Wendybird | January 14, 2005 09:52 AM
Looking forward to the pictures. Sounds like an inspiring place.
Steve, do you guys have a producer that is helping you determine which songs to create and record for the album? Or are you guys creating and recording a bunch of songs that the ultimate producer will then help you to sort through later?
Posted by: Mike | January 14, 2005 10:33 AM
Sounds surreal, man!
I used to think I'd like to do "minimalist", but much as I lkie the idea, I like home comforts too much...
Have a day
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | January 14, 2005 01:29 PM
I know I am late but I just got here. I am really enjoying reading your site.
I had to write because *I* don't remember my dreams either. It drives me nuts. I get flashes too. I want to remember but can't. I think it is because I do not sleep long enough periods of time. Just a thought.
Okay, enough about me. I love the Panic Channel community and you guys being so in touch with your community. I can't wait to hear your stuff.
Thanks for having this place where we get to peek into your mind just a little bit.
Have a great night!
~ Susan
Posted by: Suz | January 16, 2005 05:47 PM
Pictures would be kickass! Though, you were already great with the detail. Maybe we should recommend him to be on "Cribs?!" Hah.
Posted by: Jenn | January 17, 2005 12:20 AM
Hi Steve and Riss,
Just wanted to say hi. Hope all is well.
Posted by: wendybird | January 20, 2005 05:33 PM
Steve- I am hoping when you to NAMM today, you get sponsored by Fender Custom Shop Guitars and Mesa Boogie Amps. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Brett
Posted by: Brett | January 21, 2005 11:17 AM
Thank God!!!! for the edit button on TPC Cmmunity LOL!
Posted by: Brett | January 21, 2005 03:13 PM
It's Friday and I can't even type anymore LOL!!!
Posted by: brett | January 21, 2005 03:14 PM
So Steve.....any ideas what we can expect to hear from you next Thursday with Camp Freddy???
Posted by: Abby | January 23, 2005 05:34 AM
heLLo,
Steve?? steve?? u still there? or u disapeared in a mac mini box packaged?? lol
Hope you're doin well.
FreAk*
Posted by: thefreak6767 | January 24, 2005 01:56 AM
"HELLO?"
(You should put a big comfortable couch over here for when it's quiet! And maybe a kettle, and a packet of chocolate biscuits, and a beaten up old acoustic to mess about on!)
Apologies for daft sense of humour
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | January 24, 2005 08:07 AM
Steve still alive? Mourning for Johnny Carson perhaps? Sucked into his ouija board by spirits?
Posted by: Mike | January 24, 2005 12:04 PM
**INTERMISSION**
(the crowd waits for Steve to make another GRAND entrance)
greetings to Riss and Steve, we miss you guys!
Posted by: mortisha8 | January 24, 2005 01:01 PM
And still awaiting for the grand entrance...
We miss you kid
Posted by: wendybird | January 24, 2005 07:28 PM
...The curtains are still closed... Is that Steve's nose I saw sticking out?
Posted by: Mike | January 24, 2005 08:22 PM
Right who's going to help me in with this couch? It's a bit heavy it smells a bit musty, but I had to bring it in from the garage...kettle's on, who wants a biscuit? Anyone?(plumping up sofa cushions)
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | January 25, 2005 02:04 AM
Here Sweetie...let me give you a hand with that heavy couch...
There we go...very cozy! Now, pass the tea, please :D
Posted by: Cori | January 25, 2005 08:34 AM
Pretty good biscuits.
Posted by: Mike | January 25, 2005 05:39 PM
I appear to have nodded off, and missed Steve's brief visit (can't get to the link). Oh well, guess I'll eat another biscuit...Mike, I'd like to say I baked them myself, but actually I just bought them from the corner shop :)
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | January 26, 2005 10:31 AM
I said yesterday or today that I was eternally confused. Can eternally be taken up a notch? A biscuit sounds yummy right now.
Posted by: Wendybird | January 26, 2005 05:11 PM
Are there hallucinogenics in those biscuits or did a whole topic disappear???
I'm still waiting for someone to pass the tea, please...
Posted by: Cori | January 26, 2005 06:28 PM
The bird drinks some hot tea while she thinks (sorry cori I don’t share much). It must be a mighty interesting vault, to keep Steve out for so long. Hmm I wonder what great gems lie there?
Posted by: Wendybird | January 26, 2005 09:01 PM
*in announcer voice*
Ladies and gentleman that "What is it?" trailer was a special treat for frequent visitors of steveisaacs.com. A confusing, deranged, darkly comic film by Crispin Glover, it follows a young man's struggles with many demons on many planes.
Look Crispin Glover up, maybe you'll find something you'll like.
For those joining us tomorrow night at the Camp Freddy tsunami benefit show, have lots of fun and be safe!
stay tuned for more from steveisaacs.com
Posted by: mortisha8 | January 26, 2005 10:06 PM
Sorry Cori, dozing there! How do you like your tea? I have Roibosh, or English Breakfast...milk? sugar?
I just checked the date on the biscuits...I think that may have been why you were hallucinating hon!
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | January 27, 2005 01:24 AM
Ummm, my tea has something green floating on top, and it's brown tea. Those biscuits ARE hallucinagenic, so I'll just keep eating them and pretend I'm at the Key Club tonight. Damn, psycho at the bar just told me to put my cigarette out, again! There I am, right up under Dave again. What is this, Steve is giving me ANOTHER shout out? Oh man *thanks RP for those biscuits*, what's happening now? Billy wants me to sing the "Anarchy" rendition I left for him on TPC.com? Oh, ok, hope I can remember my own words. Wow, that was fun, and all for a great cause. Ok, onto the Rainbow.
*said in old annoucer voice from Romper Room* I see Billy, I see Steve, I see Dave, I see Courtney, I see Mr. Jones, I see Jerry*
Everyone have a great time. I'll be sulking at home. Have a good one for me Brett. Hopefully, I can make the next one, God willing.
Peace!
Posted by: Lyn | January 27, 2005 04:20 AM
Fuck the tea...pass some more of those biscuits!
Posted by: Cori | January 27, 2005 08:31 AM
Screw the tea and the biscuits! Clear the sofa...I'm gonna nap for a while.
See you at the Key Club tonight. Maybe see Steve, too.
Posted by: MIke | January 27, 2005 08:59 AM
Steve, I was just wondering, do you still listen to Tommy? I was raised on the album, as I was 5 when it came out, brothers were 15, they had the album (I still have it) and sang it constantly, over and over, until I was like 8 or so.
"What is happening in his head? Oooo, I was I knew, I wish I knew"
Posted by: Lyn | January 27, 2005 11:35 AM
looking forward to hearing you tonight Steve... hope to see you too!! =)
Posted by: SnoWhite | January 27, 2005 02:13 PM
Steve, well done. You sounded great. Very strong effort, although you seemed a bit nervous at first. Thanks to CF, Dave and everyone!
Posted by: Mike | January 28, 2005 02:58 AM
Hi Steve!! Waiting for another post!! you always have a great way of describing things, so how about doing a post about tonights show?? I thought it was one of the best energy shows I've been to, and you were great! (I especially like your part in "I want Candy" it made me smile...)
Sooooooooo how about that belt buckle!!! I WANT ONE!! lol c'mon spill!!! (you always have great "waist-wear" You were wearing my fave "evil" belt too!!)
Posted by: Abby | January 28, 2005 03:30 AM
Still napping on the sofa... Will be well-rested when I wake up.
Posted by: Mike | January 29, 2005 11:46 AM
hey Steve,
you rocked thursday night. your voice sounded awesome. i have to admit, i was looking forward to hearing The Who, but pleasantly surprised to hear something different. it doesn't matter what you sing, your voice is amazing. that band, the tender trio (is that what they were called?) - do you know them? i noticed, when i came over to say hi to you, that you were really into their set, and thought maybe you knew them. anyway, HI RISS! thanks for the hug, once again. you are always so sweet! it's refreshing!
see you guys at the next show...
Posted by: SnoWhite | January 30, 2005 12:15 AM
Move over Mike...make some room on the couch!!!
Posted by: Cori | January 31, 2005 08:50 AM
Steve, Dave says you guys are writing some new songs. Seems to be excited about them. How are things going from your perspective? Still fun and exciting?
Posted by: Mike | January 31, 2005 12:52 PM
We miss you Steve I think this is the longest you been away… Hopefully everything is ok. I think we got a little too spoiled getting frequent updates.
Posted by: Wendybird | January 31, 2005 05:09 PM
Steve,
Have you seen eith of these?
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/nutrigrainad.html
http://hektik.org/atlantagrape.mpg
Posted by: Eric | January 31, 2005 05:12 PM
Riss & Steve,
Thank you so much for the Birthday card, signed pics and everything else. I received it today in the mail, and all I can say is that I am speechless. That was very cool and very surprising! You have definitely made it a very memorable Birthday for me. So I am sending out a huge heart-felt "Thank You," to the both of you! Thanks again, and I am looking forward to the next show.
Sincerely,
Brett
Posted by: Brett | January 31, 2005 05:47 PM
YAY Brett! :)))
...the first recipient of official Panic Agency/fanclub stuff!
Posted by: mortisha8 | January 31, 2005 07:22 PM
Mike, wake up, Cori is dribbling all over your shoulder!
RP
x
Posted by: RecklessPrincess | February 1, 2005 03:13 AM
"Mike, wake up, Cori is dribbling all over your shoulder!"
I beg your pardon!!! :D
You're the one serving hallucinogenic biscuits and tea with God only knows what in it...it's certainly not my fault!!!
BTW...How can I get some of this official Panic Agency fanclub stuff???
Posted by: Cori | February 1, 2005 10:06 AM
Those last comments woke me up. No more dribbling, please.
Actually, Steve, I just listened to the other 13 Skycycle songs Freak6767 has on his site. I have to say that your older stuff is pretty darn good. Certainly, your voice was fine, but probably the music and intensity is what makes the big difference this time around -- i.e., the band itself.
Posted by: Mike | February 1, 2005 08:21 PM