Recording with the Telefunken M 15 - direct to tape!
A great adventure took place in the time-honored MPS studio in January 2024. The Hamburg Spinners did not shy away from the long journey south and visited us for a few days in the Black Forest to record a 2-track analog recording for their upcoming album in the studio. Straight into the box without any detours. It was worth it! The sound engineer for the analog recording was Ray Rawand Baziany, for the parallel digital recording was Tim Heumesser responsible.
Telefunken M 15 in action. One of three 2-track Telefunken in the MPS studio. Photo: © Tim Heumesser 2024
From a purely human point of view, it was love at first sight right from the start; the four musicians and the MPS studio crew didn't mess around. It wasn't just work but also a vacation in the Black Forest, even for us. With the Spinners' straight-forward 60s instrumental sound, which incorporates retro elements but has an absolutely charming sound of its own, they enchanted us and the historic studio walls. We are very happy that the album was recorded here and hope that the old tradition of instrumental hits will be revived. Because there are catchy tunes with the Hamburg Spinners in abundance.
Everything under control. The captains in the control room: Ray Rawand Baziany and Tim Heumesser. Photo: ©Tøni Schifer/MPS-Studio 2024
A technical challenge, but no problem for the sound specialists Ray and Tim, who were completely relaxed and in charge of the direction. So without further ado the AKG reverberator and the Telefunken M15 Tape recorder controlled from the large mixing console. When the self-built mixing console from the early 1970s was switched on, the old spirit of the MPS studio founder Hans-Georg Brunner-Schwer (HGBS) from the bottle. When the tape is running again, watch HGBS, Rolf Donner and Willy Fruth and are delighted that the MPS studio is once again regularly recording and producing. In 2024, many productions will be made here, helping the MPS-Studio e.V. association to cover running costs and investments in the old analog technology of the listed studio.
Good guys behind the listed MPS bar from 1962. from left: Lucas, Dennis, Carsten and David. Photo: ©Jens Heid / Hamburg Spinners 2024
The whole album was recorded in three and a half days and we are looking forward to the album being available on vinyl. savvy become. Now the Hamburg Spinners a part of the more recent MPS Studio history.
THE HAMBURG SPINNERS
Dennis Rux live in the MPS studio, the man with the anvil chop on his guitar, photo©Markus Ruf 2024
With Dennis Rux guitar, an expert came into the studio who, with his own Yeah Yeah Yeah Studio who has been producing analog recordings in Hamburg for years and who, together with his colleagues, has conjured up a relaxed and decelerated atmosphere in the studio. He plays his straightforward guitar sounds with a razor-sharp beat. He also wins competitions and the hearts of the audience with his anvil chops. Dennis immediately fell in love with the MPS studio and we look forward to further adventures with him.
Carsten „Erobique“ Meyer (behind him his body guard) live in the MPS studio, he also entertains alone, but the Hamburg Spinners are his savvy gang. Photo ©Markus Ruf 2024
Carsten Meyer has worked under the stage name Erobique a very large fanbase. He has an incredible talent for enchanting people on the keyboard and, in addition to all his musical qualities, he is also an incredibly good illustrator. He also designs the album covers for the Hamburg Spinners. He also dresses up for work in the studio and wears white turtlenecks as a dedication to the Singers Unlimited, but also a green velvet suit with a scarf. He doesn't take a joke when it comes to footwear either. He has also made a name for himself with film music for the Crime scene cleaner played. His last work „No.2“ is a wonderfully relaxed album, both musically and visually, and is perfect for anyone who is feeling melancholy in these times: „No.2“ is a very good remedy.
The first bean coffee after the war: David Nesselhauf with an original SABA coffee cup in the MPS studio. Photo: © Jens Heid / Hamburg Spinners 2024
With David Nesselhauf on bass, an attentive person who is always interested in his counterpart completes this band. Born in Berlin and a radiologist, he is open to all facets of the most absurd music and plays in another interesting project: Tetra Urogallus. This is where the Germanic Black Sabbath the wind movements of Bert Kämpfert. Be sure to check it out!
Lucas Kochbek recording in the MPS studio. Photo: © Tim Heumesser 2024
Lucas Kochbek plays the drums for the Hamburg Spinners and while others front the ramp sow, you get the feeling that he is very comfortable with himself. behind the shooting gallery. If you look at his discography, you can see that the man has been involved in many projects and bands for a long time. Whether his own compositions or as a drummer for Thomas D or with Erobique, the beat goes on!
Hamburg Spinners bass drum. Designed by Carsten „Erobique“ Meyer. The skin is now part of the MPS studio! Photo: © Jens Heid / MPS-Studio 2024
FRIDAY EVENING STUDIO CONCERT
The grand finale was a magical studio concert on Friday evening, which was sold out in no time at all. The audience from near and far celebrated this event with great enthusiasm. After the concert, the DJs played Hank Strummer & Rudi Raschke a beautiful party set.
At 3 o'clock in the morning, however, master craftsman Carsten „Erobique“ Meyer came back at full speed and played the legendary Bösendorfer Grand Imperial for the remaining guests. By this point at the latest, it was clear that these days were legendary. Thank you. Can't it go on like this forever?
Behind the scenes: Carsten Meyer's horse leather cassettes, made in Münster. Photo © Markus Ruf 2024