We’ve been checking in with some local artists, writers & critics to get their thoughts on what makes the Wellington Music scene unique, and to get their take on some of their favourite Wellington sounds. You can check out some older posts from critics Nick Bollinger, & Grant Smithies, Blue Smoke writer Chris Bourke, and musicians Samuel Flynn Scott & Alistair Fraser, but since it is New Zealand Music Month we thought we would check in with some more people over the course of May.
Whether offering an opinion on the uniqueness or elusive qualities that make up Wellington music, or just some of their favourite albums, the most important thing is the music itself, and we hope these posts lead you back to some favourite albums, or help you to discover something new.
Up today is a producer who needs no introduction. Lee Prebble’s Surgery was a recording hub & rehearsal space for Wellington bands for over a decade, and he had a hand in the creation of some iconic Wellington albums from the likes of The Black Seeds, The Phoenix Foundation, Trinity Roots, Family Cactus & more…
Lee was kind enough to take the time recently to answer a few questions about his new Surgery Studios setup…
There was a definite sound associated with albums recorded in the old Surgery. Do you think that was due to the acoustics of that particular building, the gear involved, your engineering techniques or a combination of various things?
A combination of all of those things. The building had a vibe that sometimes bought out the best in people, and sometimes the worst! Which I think helped give it a sense of creativity. It was pretty dingy so I guess it was better to get down to making music rather than spending too long looking at the walls. A great deal of learning and experimentation went on. Which I guess is where the gear comes in, everyone was always on the hunt for the “sound”, so we were often trying new/old bits of gear in new/old interesting ways.
Was there a particular moment that stands out on any album where you knew you had arrived at the ‘sound’ you were aiming at?
To be honest I don’t feel like I ever reached ‘the sound’. The thing I’ve learnt about the “sound” is that the “sound” is always moving, and just when you think you’ve reached it, the bloody thing has gone and done a sneaky move down a side street and you’ve gotta go have a coffee, re charge and then get back on the search. But I guess the Black Seeds album Into the Dojo kind of summarized the sound I was going for at the time, hifi but with a fuzzy/tapey vibe, lots of interesting effects and colours and a great representation of the songs. I guess I managed to corner the “sound” down a dead end street on that one, but then it managed to scale the fence and was off again.
How is the new recording space different in terms of how you are able to work?
Well it’s a lot more comfortable and user friendly. Because we built this place from scratch I was able to implement lots of ideas I’d always wished I could do during the 10 years or so at the last place. The control room is much bigger and there’s even natural light! Ahhhhhhhh : ) Plus it sounds heaps better.
Is there any piece of new gear that you are most excited about working with?
I updated my pro tools system last year which was a long time coming, which is really exciting but also really boring. I have a very business like relationship with my computer, we have a deep mutual respect for each other but I don’t think we’d ever go out drinking together. On a more actual interesting level, my brother has designed and is building a new phaser which I reckon is going to sound next level amazing. Can’t wait to try that out.
My favourite Wellington music releases:
The Phoenix Foundation – Fandango
Spartacus R – The View
Little Bushman – Pendulum
Little Bushman – ‘Mary’
Also check out this interview with Lee by Emma from Music 101 where she talks to him about the demolishing of the old Surgery and the nuts & bolts creation of a new recording studio.
Photo of Lee Prebble courtesy of Emma Smith, RNZ.
Audio used with permission of RNZ.