API Has Arrived at Tapeworks!

We recently introduced a piece of the legendary API sound to the Tapeworks studio, acquiring a 6-slot API lunch box with two full channel strips comprised of 6 brand-spankin'-new modules.  The new strips consist of BAE 312A Mic Pre/DIs, API 550A Discrete 3-Band Equalizers, and API 527 Compressor/Limiters that give us an added dimension of portability and 2-channel tracking through complete channel strips, outside of (or in addition to) our Status Console and SSL strip.  

For the non-"audio geeks" out there, you'll just have to come in and try them out to see what has us beaming about our new gear!


We can't wait to try out our new toys! Who wants to go first? 

Dreaming in LEGO

Whomever called these the "Dogs days of summer" clearly never spent a July observing the folks here at Tapeworks!
We have been swooshing, zapping, revving and soaring our way through several projects for LEGO over the last couple of weeks.

A couple of weeks ago, Chief Engineer Bill Ahearn put together the sound design for a couple of 2-minute LEGO animation videos involving the characters and sub-plots of the new Disney animated feature, Cars 2.  Featuring the voice of Larry the Cable Guy (reprising his role as Mater from the first Cars), these videos are to be featured in both web advertising for LEGO/Cars products as well as potentially on a future DVD release of the 2nd Cars installment.

Other recent projects have seen us sound-designing and composing scores for a promotional LEGO/Batman video, and sound designing a very special new project that will combine 30-second spots for LEGO's Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, Alien Conquest, and Star Wars sets into a 2-minute, action-packed mini-saga.

While we've certainly had no shortage of work from our friends at LEGO, we are also delighted to be recording Alyssa Milano this evening -- Alyssa will be speaking her voiceover parts in a California studio, and via ISDN we will be recording her here at Tapeworks.  The voiceover is part of a new series of promotions for her Touch clothing line, and just further proof that really, if you want to rub shoulders with Hollywood, all you need is a good ISDN box.

Unholster That SM-7 - its a Shootout!

It's been a while since we brought everyone up to speed, but rest assured - the excitement scarcely stops at Tapeworks.  Tomorrow (June 7), we will be hosting the inimitable Gary Craig for an old-fashioned, no-holds-barred microphone shootout.  


Gary Craig has become a fixture in the CT radio scene as co-host of the morning program, "Craig & Company" on Hartford's 96.5-TIC FM.  He has also established himself as a voice/acting talent in multiple Hollywood films, as well as numerous appearances on well-known TV shows.  Mr. Craig will be testing out 3-4 of our studio microphones to see which one captures his voice most ideally.  


Stay tuned for the results, and possibly even a contest to see if you all can tell the difference between our different microphones as accurately - or even more so - than we can!

Up to our ears in ideas... and jobs!

It's been a long while between updates here, but certainly not for lack of activity.  The jobs have been pouring in and there's plenty to report about the last 1 1/2 months at Tapeworks, now that we have a chance to take a breath - albeit, a short one!

May the Fourth Be With You P.2
Chief Engineer Bill Ahearn was hard at work on producing some viral video magic for the second straight year: Star Wars, Lego, Tapeworks, and "the kid with the incredible Lego collection" joined forces earlier this month to sound-design and score the follow-up to last year's monster viral hit, "The Fastest and Funniest LEGO Star Wars story ever told".  Once again, we enlisted the guitar-shredding prowess of our friend Jimi Bell, and if you thought the first video was metal-tastic, you'll love the newest video, which you can watch here.  Thanks to Bill's son, Zack Ahearn, for lending his voice to the project!



Stony Brook Invades Hartford
On the weekend of April 10/11, Tapeworks was home to a couple of marathon recording sessions with the Stony Brook Vocalists, who were recording their debut album with engineer Chris Lennie.  Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious and we got some great results from their work.  Check out their website for details on album availability and release updates, as well as audio and video clips of the group's live performances in the meantime.



It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Golf Season....
Last week, famed Sportscaster and ESPN anchorman Chris Berman was in our studio recording promos for the upcoming 2011 PGA Travelers Championship.  The event will take place at the TPC Highlands golf course in Cromwell, CT during the week June 20-26, and feature a bevy of renowned PGA pros, including Vijay Singh, Padraig Harrington, John Daly, Hunter Mahan, and 2010 winner Bubba Watson.  We were honored to have Mr. Berman's "Boomer"-ing baritone filling our halls once again!


Whew!  We've already had a full-season's worth of excitement, and Spring is only half-over.  Can't wait to see what the next month will bring...

Just The Beginning..

My name is Haylee and I am the newest addition to the Tapeworks crew. I started working at the studio on Monday, March 21st. I wanted to work here because I have a passion for music and the entertainment world. I've wanted to be involved in this industry ever since I was a little girl. Naturally, when I had the opportunity to work at Tapeworks I jumped at the chance.

Things got off to a quick start when I was introduced to Ernie Sabella, the voice of Pumbaa, of the Lion King, who was a big part of my early childhood. Looking back, I must have watched the VHS tape a thousand times! I couldn't believe my ears as I listened to him going through a voice over session.

Also, in my first couple of days, the legendary actor Brian Dennehy stopped by our studio to do some session work. It was very exciting to be in the company of a respected Hollywood star.

I always knew that the Tapeworks had a great reputation, but I was so impressed when Jeanine Basinger, a noted film critic, graced our studio to do a live national NPR broadcast following the death of Elizabeth Taylor.

The thing I like most about Tapeworks is that every day is a new adventure. Given Doug's thirty plus years of experience, you never know what or who to expect next.

Renowned Film Scholar LIVE from Tapeworks

It was our pleasure this morning to host renowned film historian, Jeanine Basinger, as she took part in an NPR broadcast discussing the legacy of the late Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor, and void left by her recent passing. The show was a round-table interview featuring Ms. Basinger, and Chief Film Critic for the NY Times A. O. Scott. It was produced for the WBUR-Boston radio program On Point with Tom Ashbrook.

Lemmon Days at Tapeworks

The past couple of weeks, we have had the chance to work on a couple of projects with Connecticut's own, Chris Lemmon. He and his wife, Gina Raymond Lemmon, own Stone Manor Productions, and are working on two separate, yet connected projects: A documentary entitled, "Day By Day", in association with John Rosas Productions, and a piano album that Cathy Barlow is helping to produce.

The documentary, "Day By Day", based on the book written by Christine Frisbee, is about children living with a sick brother or sister and the impact it has on their lives. Chris, who will also serve as host, wrote both the script and soundtrack for the film.

The second project is an album of all original music, written and performed by Chris Lemmon. The classically trained pianist gained international acclaim during a performance with Shirley MacLaine of Gershwin's, "I've Got A Crush On You" at the 1988 AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Jack Lemmon. The album is a musical account of Chris' journey to adulthood and reliving the memories of his past through his music. The album will share the title of Chris' written tribute to his father, "A Twist Of Lemmon", and will contain 11 original pieces - including the title soundtrack for the documentary, "Day By Day."

We've had a lot of fun working with them - and the treats they always bring!