Apr 21, 2014 8 Questions with Carlos De La Garza/Music Friends Studio
I first crossed musical paths with Carlos De La Garza nearly two decades ago when he drummed for a punk band called FYP. Since then, he has been in a number of other musical groups–including a pick-up band that played my wedding, since we’ve become close–but evolved into a behind-the-scenes musician with his own backyard studio in Eagle Rock called Music Friends. There, and at other spots around Los Angeles, Carlos produces, engineers, and collaborates with artists including Paramore, M83, Twin Shadow, Young the Giant, and The Colourist.
How would you describe your job?
I’m kind of an all-around music guy. I produce, engineer, mix, perform, and write music. Recently I’ve expanded my duties into the artist development side, as well.
What does an average work day look like?
My average work day varies quite a bit but usually entails recording music at some point in the day. If it’s a writing session, I try to prepare a rough song idea or two prior to the artist arriving at my studio. Editing is a big part of music production these days, so some of that usually happens at the onset. For large recording dates at other studios, such as for larger orchestral string dates, at least a few hours of prep work is needed before downbeat. In general, I have to tailor my working hours around a typical musician’s working hours, which means late starts (11 a.m. at the earliest) and late nights (midnight at the latest). Luckily, I use my back house as a studio so the commute is pretty great.
What projects are you currently working on?
Currently I’m doing a few things: writing and producing a few songs for a new artist that signed with Island/Mercury called Poppy and also working with a band called Wilding. (The most recent release I produced is The Colourist’s self-titled debut LP.) Typically, I like to spend 4-5 days per song in the tracking phase. The first day of tracking is the designated drum tracking day, and the day that I usually spend working at a different studio so I can have the option of recording a large room sound for the drums. Typical studio destinations include NRG or Sunset Sound. Then I proceed to the overdub tracking phase for 3-4 days and finally the mix phase happens for an additional day with a few added recall sessions as necessary.
Was it hard to go from the performing side of the studio to the recording side?
The transition from performer to producer was natural for me. I remember working with a bunch of different producers and engineers in the studio during various recording sessions and being extremely inquisitive, probably to the point of annoyance, and wanting to understand the technical process further. I remember having a 4-track cassette as my first recording format and trying to make that crappy thing sound good. That was a real wood-shedding kind of experience!
Where do you find inspiration?
Finding inspiration is a big part of sparking creativity. I try to stay as current as possible with new releases of artists, and quite often word-of-mouth from any given artist in the studio will tip me off to great finds. Having days off to recharge and spend time with my family is especially great for getting perspective as well as inspiration. In my teen years I was really involved in skateboarding. I still get really inspired to jump on my board and ride every now and then, much to my wife’s chagrin.
Reading anything cool at the moment? Listening to anything cool?
At the moment I’m reading Morrissey’s autobiography. I also just started peeping at Mindy Kaling’s new book. As far as music goes I’m loving the new Colourist record, of course.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
My favorite post-work destinations are quick, easy getaways like a family trip to Santa Barbara, Disneyland, or the Arboretum. A trip to Mammoth ain’t half bad, either!
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to play drums a a very young age. I thought they were so badass! I remember convincing my mom to buy me a pair of drumsticks at a local music store, and then going around my neighborhood with the sticks tucked into my back pocket telling all my friends that I was a drummer. Such a poser! Though it was a bit of a foreshadowing of things to come. When ya know, ya know.
Above, check out a key track from The Colourist. And then find out more info about Music Friends Studio from Noise Management.
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