By Damo (217.39.221.172) on Monday, October 21, 2002 - 09:34 pm:

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all your handy advice and tips.
Just to let you know, I finally got to visit to Detroit two weeks ago and I had fun.

So many people from L.A. to New York to London were questioning why on earth I would want to produce a band there!?! "It's horrible!", they cried. As a result, my expectations were so low...I was astonished at how 'regular' it was! It didn't faze me in the slightest.

It's funny, I kept looking for this thread soon after I posted the first message back in August. Well, I couldn't find it again until now! Needless to say, I sorted out a studio by way of net surfing. Pac-3 sounded like an option at one point. But, it was too small and too expensive. Richard sounded like a lovely guy...(full of stories too)...But, he was charging $130 an hour! That's almost as much as Abbey Road Studios, here in London!

I opted for The White Room - found by accident on the net. Thank God, I didn't read the Kid Rock or Bob Seger client list before hand! LOL The studio turned out to be just right for what I wanted...plenty of space....good-enuff acoustics...dead rooms etc. It was quite battered and 'lived-in' look-wise. But, I got the recording done without any real hitches. *Note: It pays to bring your own recording equipment and microphones!

It was only a 4-5 day visit, so there was no little or no time to 'sight see'. I stayed at the Marriott Renaissance Center Hotel (not far from the Studio). The hotel was clean, tidy, comfortable and noise-free. Although, it did look like it may have been used as a set in "Logan's Run"! Very 70's!!

I went to a few drinking holes and eateries...none I can remember names of. On Saturday night I popped over to the Ford Field to catch up with Mick & Keith who were playing a gig that evening (with No Doubt supporting) - Not bad. Later on, I dropped by the Lager House to check out a couple of bands...Detroit's Garage-Rock scene has a pulse beyond The White Stripes! Shock!

Anyway, the experience was good and I'll be happy to come back anytime. Actually, it looks like I'll be coming back in November/December!

Best wishes,
D

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 02:26 am:

I am currently in touch with Gwen Owens, preparing a bio piece on her. She tells me that her interest in recording was sparked on a school trip to the Continental Records studio whilst in Jnr High. At least that is as she remembers the name of the place / set-up. Was there a Continental Records office around 1960-ish and if so, what was the address ??? CHEERS.

By David Meikle (213.122.184.45) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 03:42 am:

Knew you would have a great time Damo!

Next trip will be even better.

John
Go to the Studio tour by clicking on the "Welcome" button at top left of this screen.

Click into the database within that webisode.

Continental was based across the road from Correc-tone when the latter was located on 12th street.

The '67 riots were triggered only yards from both buildings, but by then the owners had moved on.

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.32.130) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 05:31 am:

Damo - glad you had a good time. It must have been a thrill. I have stayed in that hotel. I met a great taxi driver, 'Lucky' from Chicago, there. He took us everywhere for a song. There was no work so, he figured a deal and we agreed. The strangest question he asked me was 'why do you want to go the Motown studio?'. He thought we would go in for ten minutes and come out!! No way.

By Damo (217.39.221.172) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 08:07 am:

One driver refused to take me to the Motown Studio, as last time he had his hub-caps stolen in less than 5 mins! Yeah, it's true...most locals want to know why on earth you'd want to go to Motown - funny. It costs around $80 (Ouch!) by taxi to get there and back from the hotel.

I was amazed to learn that the city is losing it's population as each year goes by. Once 2.5 million...Now, less than a million. Even then, you'd never know it...The city is practically a ghost town - even during a weekday. It's a shame the cab fares are pricey considering how far apart everything is.

I would've loved to snuck into the American Idol audtions on Monday. Just to hear what young Detroit talent there is out there!

Maybe next time, I'll get to plug myself into the system and discover some new talent??!

By Lynn Bruce (64.53.143.164) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 08:55 am:

Damo,I worked my day job at Northwest airlines.I traveled all over the world,and when I would say I was from Detroit, people would look at me a little differently,as in "you poor thing".I could have transfered to SanFrancisco,Phoenix,Miami,or any city in America we fly in to, but I chose to stay here because if you know Detroit, you can always find something good happining.It's a cool city thats just a little down on its luck now. I expect once the economy takes off again you'll see a booming downtown, as it's already starting to happen.
Good Luck on your producing!!
Slainte Va Lynn

By Lowell (165.121.215.226) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 10:07 am:

Damo, I am happy you had a good time in the D. One of the nice things we have going is folks expectations are so low that they sometimes get knocked over when they find out how cool it really is.

Also, if it cost $80 to get from RenCen on the river to Motown and back, get the cabbie's number and I will get the driver indicted for fraud. You could have rented a car for the day for less. [Total distance cannot be more than 7 miles for those not familiar.] If you have a little extra time you can easily take city bus there as the route Woodward & Grand Blvd. have frequent busses. Cost = about $3.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 10:58 am:

Damo:
I was in Detroit last month & had a good time as well. As for your visit to the Hitsville Museum, I agree with Lowell (hopefully you kept the receipt from the driver). I found the city buses to be quite reliable and many of them run uptown to West Grand ($1.50 each way). As for the city itself, Detroiters are doing their best to pull the city back together and rebuild. It's just gonna take time. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip.
Regards,
KevGo

By Carl Dixon (62.31.32.130) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 12:18 pm:

Highway robbery! We were charged about $30 for the days taxi by 'Lucky'. That included dropping us off at that fantastic museum with the street downstairs in the basement and picking us up a few hours later to take us to the Motown Museum. Looks like we had a great deal. Damo, did the taxi driver have a mask and cape on? Was his name Dick?

By StingBeeLee (155.139.68.10) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 02:12 pm:

I agree with Lowell, as it is less than 6 miles from the Renaissance Center to Hitsville USA. You can walk from the Renaissance Center west to Woodward, take the Woodward bus north to West Grand Boulevard, and take the bus on West Grand Boulevard west to Hitsville USA, which will be on the south side of the street. It shouldn't take no longer than a half-hour to a hour, depending on how the buses are running. Don't be afraid to walk around downtown, as it is probably the safest area in Detroit; as in any big city, you just have to keep your wits about you. The cab driver who charged you $80.00 cheated you out of your money.

By Clay (66.73.185.230) on Friday, October 25, 2002 - 12:40 am:

Damo,
I'm sorry you got ripped with the cabbie,because if you had known to used my studio(Love'N'Comfort Recording) located in Northwest Detroit near 7-Mile and Livernois. You would 'nt have had any problems and I probably would have called a friend of mind who owns a Limo company and you may have been able to hire him for your entire stay for what you paid.LOL Anyway, if you plan to come back give me a holla and maybe I can make things a little more enjoyable for recording and pleasure. David, has been to my place and can fill you in a bit. Peace

By Damo (217.39.193.114) on Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 07:23 pm:

Thank you, all of you, for your comments and advice.

I have the receipt and driver name (somewhere). In fact, the car was arranged by the Conceirge at the Ren Cen Hotel. Just to clarify...I didn't actually make it to the Motown Museum. I went to the Somerset Collection Mall from the Hotel (I think it was 30 miles - round trip) - that's what cost $80. No offense, but, it was so boring...I've seen better in lots of places around the world. Chinese Restaurant was nice - if a little pricey. Do you guys have a decent Vietnamese place? I got hooked on that stuff in Philly

I may be making another trip to Detroit over the coming weeks (Nov 2002). I think I'll use The White Room studio again (if I can get a better deal on the price) as it's the right size. Not too bothered about the equipment as I'll be bringing my own (apart from the desk!). I'm only recording in Detroit : Mixing in the UK.

I need to get a little more wise to the Entertainment scene. I want to visit the best R&B/Hip Hop, Techno/House, & Soul night spots. Maybe, I was unlucky, but there were a distinct lack of beautiful girls/women when I was out there last! Well...When I've been listening to music all day/night...I gotta have another interest! LOL

By Damo (217.39.201.160) on Tuesday, November 19, 2002 - 10:33 pm:

Dear Soulpeople

I am returning to Detroit next week for an 8 day production trip. I will be busy in the studio for most of the time. However, I plan to visit and hit a few night spots!

Any ideas where I oughta go...
Food wise? Blues/Soul-wise?

Also, I am looking for a great drummer to act as tutor for the drummer in this band I am producing. I need someone who is perhaps a veteran...someone with experience. Anybody you know who can help?

All advice appreciated

By Clay (66.73.177.175) on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 09:31 am:

Hi Damo,
If you're looking for a drummer with experience I suggest you contact me and I'll hook you up with
Spyder Webb(Ken Rice) who played a lot of sessions for Motown and still plays with just about every top musican in the Motor city. He's currently working and at the top of his game. Ask around first,if you like and if you're interested give me a shout.

Also,you mentioned working in the white room while you're here. You might want to stop by my studio and see if you find something to your delights. For starts I have a TRIDENT 80B console that's warm as a momma's oven. If you carry along the rest of your toys with you, my place just may work for ya. Peace

By Ed Wolfrum (165.247.228.73) on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 09:46 am:

Hello Damo,

I can suggest 3 good drummers as tutors for your friend. One named Mark Logsdon, he is a veteran studio guy with films, music, jingles and what have you and he teaches part time. The other is George McGregor, he played on numerous Golden World and Motown sessions and has tutored a bit. He used to tutor Andrew Smith when he was a startup. He is retired but I would think he would be happy to take on a student for a while. And last but not least is Charlie Banister. He was Andrew Smith's teacher. I saw him at Johnny Griffith's memorial last week and he looked great. I do not know if he is still teaching.

If you want, give me a call when you hit town as I'll pass along more information on each of them and you can make a choice. (248)544-1793 They are all great people. There are probably numerous others that guys on the forum can give you as well. Clay may have some suggestions. I'll probaby see him today and I'll bounce it off od him. Good Luck with your session.

Pax,
Ed Wolfrum

By Ed Wolfrum (165.247.228.73) on Wednesday, November 20, 2002 - 09:32 pm:

Hello Damo,

I can also recommend Clay's room. Acoustically, its about as close as you can get to Motown Studio A without being there. It's about the same size too.

Additionally, he has a wonderful Trident 80B series console with extra de-coupling caps on the summing buss amps to tighten up the bottom end. (A minor problem is early 80Bs) It is one of the best sounding analog consoles for R & B mixing I have ever heard...at ANY PRICE.

Ed Wolfrum

By Damo (217.34.49.126) on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 08:44 pm:

Hi Ed, Clay and all!

Thank you so much for taking time out to advise me Much appreciated.

Well, I think I've got it all covered.
This time I'm staying at The Antheneum Suite Hotel - Which *LOOKS* nice on their website ;)
Couldn't get a room last time, as The Rolling Stones (& their fans) were in town.

I should be in Detroit from Monday night (Nov 25th) thru 'til Dec 14th - twice in one year..who'd a' thought it?!
So, I will try and get in touch whilst I'm there. I only have a number for Ed (thanks)...
Clay seemed heavy on the advertising of his studio ;) But, failed to leave his contact details!!

Is anything special happening on Thanksgiving Eve?

Damo