In The Studio Focus: Ariane Campbell

In what studio did you record your most recent release? Damien Gerard Studio

What made you choose it in the first place? Damien Gerard has a history of recording great Australian rock music, so that lured me in!

When anyone with a computer can record something of studio quality, what made you still go into a studio? The studio has a vibe, an energy. It gives me a space to be loud, to focus without distraction, and be surrounded by great people, all there with one purpose: to record music.

Was there any piece of equipment or instrument in particular that the studio had that you enjoyed using? We plugged a Gibson 335 into a little purple box the studio had called the sub machine. It made the guitar growl like heavy industrial bass. Sexy. I immediately fell in love with it!

Who was working with you on the recording (producer, engineer) and what did they bring to the table? Russell Pilling was my sound engineer on this. Great to work with. He supported all my ideas and made them happen with calm, grace, skill, and a wicked sense of humour. Unreal. Thanks, Russ.

Did you record pretty much live to tape or did you use some studio trickery? Pretty much live! One of my favourite sessions was when Victor Rounds and I were recording bass and acoustic guitar respectively while Ben Isackson was tracking drums. Recorded top to tail and chose one take!

Do you aim for perfection in the studio or more feeling or vibe when deciding to use a take? Perfection doesn't exist, so I don't chase it. I'm drawn to the beauty and intrigue of imperfection anyway and I believe great music is all about feel. Good vibes and great feel! Can't beat it!

Do you prefer analogue or digital? Both have merit. That's why Russell's a great engineer. He understands both. I can't help but love the imperfections that analogue picks up, but then I love digital for being able to cut them out!

Did you run into any musos while you were recording? Did you swap stories/talk collabs or anything like that? There were a few amazing musicians running around in there for sure. All being brilliant and doing their thing. I can't give any secrets away from inside those sessions, but I can say I'm inspired!