Exploring Washington State

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— Todd Phillips

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On this episode of Exploring Washington State, we delve into the world of music production and instrument building with our special guest Sam Albright. We explore the process of mastering records and how different formats require specific adjustments to sound their best. 

We explore the process of mastering records and how different formats require specific adjustments to sound their best. Sam shares his experience of having records mastered at John Golden Mastering and how it differed from today's digital process.

Sam also discuss his passion for building handmade mandolins and the challenges and joys that come with it.

We learn about his involvement with the Japanese girl punk band, Shonen Knife, and his experience recording with Van and Lee Conner of Screaming Trees.

Finally, we hear about his journey in building a recording studio and how the studio transitioned from analog to digital recording technology.

Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of music production and building handmade instruments.

Episode Summary: Mastering Records, Building Instruments, and Creating Good Music

- Mastering Records

- Excitement about test pressings 

- Analog and digital master similarities 

- Adjusting each format with optimization 

- Goal: making the record sound good at any level 

- Mastering techniques of the past differs from the present 

- Building Instruments

- 15 instruments made 

- Techniques of instrument making 

- Availability of high-quality instruments diminishes solo builders 

- Physical toll of instrument-making 

- Handmade instruments do not yield a high income 

- Recording and Playing Live 

- Creative moment with multiple people 

- Find the switch that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up 

- Building a studio to demo other business ventures 

- Van and Lee Conner (Screaming Trees)

- Met Van and Lee Conner through their parents' video store 

- Project was a group effort with the studio providing time and the band's parents contributed half the funding 

- Successful, intensive experience 

- Building a Recording Studio 

- Experiencing arson fires 

- New building designed with friend technical knowledge 

- Studio designed for big room to allow for musicians playing together 

- Digital transition over time

The Creative Process: "You're after that creative moment with multiple people. There's moments when the hairs on the back of your neck, they stand up and you just go, okay, that's it right there. That was it. And we're looking for that switch that you could turn on to make that happen. But there is no switch. It's a combination of many, many things."

— Sam Albright

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Get ready to take a trip back in time as we explore the rich history of Snohomish, a town that was almost destroyed in the 60s by city planners and architects who wanted to replace the old buildings with a mall similar to Northgate. In this episode, we speak to Taylor Russell, independent historian and creative enthusiast, who runs Snohomish Walks, a unique walking tour that takes you on a journey through the town's past.

We start the episode at Cady Park, the historic boat landing in Snohomish, where Taylor highlights the iconic buildings and themes of Snohomish history that make this town so special. From there, the tour takes a circuit of buildings and homes, winding through the streets of this quaint little town, and capturing the essence of the town's history.

We learn all about Pilchuck Julia, a historical icon in Snohomish who has been romanticized in the press and records of the time. Taylor discusses the challenges that Julia likely faced as she adapted to living in a white settlement and the changing economic system.

As we delve deeper into the town's history, we learn how Snohomish was a depressed community in the 60s, with logging, mining, and fishing industries in decline. Taylor reveals how the city planners and architects wanted to tear down the old buildings and replace them with a mall, similar to Northgate. The proposal almost came to fruition and even reached a city council vote, but the council voted against the plans due to lack of funds, saving the town's old buildings and preventing the construction of the mall.

Taylor writes, researches, and publishes history related to Snohomish and offers even more history on her Patreon page, where she posts exclusive content such as in-depth articles, behind-the-scenes photos, new products, and discount codes for Snohomish Walks.

The episode ends with Scott asking Taylor the famous question, "cake or pie?" The question is regarded as a silly and fun one, but it still agitates people and can lead to unexpected reactions.

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On this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast classical guitar duo Neil and Tamara Caulkins talk about their involvement in the Dry Falls project. They share their experience interpreting music both historic and modern and even recount a time they took someone out to a landscape and used it as inspiration for a captivating new piece of music.

The duo also talks about the different types of classical guitars they play and explain how a special type of bracing on the inside of guitars can allow the top to vibrate more freely.

Scott and the duo also explore how music can evoke a particular landscape and discuss a new musical evocation of Dry Falls commissioned by Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee.

Tune in as the Cawkins share their journey through studying and performing and the joys and challenges of caring for wooden instruments over the years.

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My guest Lou Maxon, mentioned his passion project of constructing a railroad car office in his backyard, allowing him to reconnect with his childhood love for trains. We had this conversation on the phone as we were scheduling the details to record an episode about his design career. This led to coordinating a time to visit Lou's latest creative project. Maxon Railroad.

This passion project not only serves as an inspiring workspace, but it also connects him to the rich history and excitement of railroads.

To achieve this vision, Lou faced various challenges, including learning about trains, rails, and working as a general contractor. However, showcasing persistence and dedication, he managed to build the railroad track he had always dreamt of. In the conversation,

Lou described in detail how he had always been captivated by trains since childhood. He shared his fascination for model railroads with his father and the impact of railroads on the town he lived in.

It's evident that Lou's passion for trains played a major role in fueling his creativity for constructing a railroad-inspired office, driving him to continuously be hands-on in the entire building process.

Designing the Studio: A Creative Space Inspired by Trains

Creative spaces often hold the power to inspire and spur innovation, offering an environment where individuals can focus and dive into their imaginative minds.

For Lou Maxon, a train-inspired creative studio provided the perfect space for his unique work requirements, allowing him to physically unplug, dream, and imagine various projects for both himself and his clients. This studio serves as a reminder of the importance of creating an ideal workspace that enhances productivity and fosters originality. During the podcast, Lou elaborated on the design of his studio, revealing that it was meticulously planned to resemble a caboose in both structure and function. He discussed the various elements, such as the custom-made steel frame, wheels, and a General Motors-inspired control panel, which contributes to the train-like experience. Lou's dedication and imagination were instrumental in turning his dream of an authentic train-styled workspace into a reality.

Enjoy this episode as we learn all about the process. For more information visit our episode page for this episode on Explore Washington State.

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Lou Maxon, a Seattle-area designer with a passion for risk-taking and unique creative approaches, has been transforming brands throughout his career. From humble beginnings as a self-taught skater and hockey enthusiast, Lou forged a path in the design world that led him to work with major brands like Lexus. With an ability to immerse himself in a world that was entirely new to him, Lou's experiences at Wayne Gretzky's hockey camp and his work as a writer and editor for Lexus' magazine only fueled his creative fire, making him an expert in thinking outside the box.

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For Craig Romano, exploring the trails of Washington State wasn't just a passion - it was his way of inspiring others to discover the great outdoors. Little did he know his guidebooks would take readers on a journey that not only revealed the beauty of nature, but also uncovered stories of historical and ecological importance. What new wonders will Craig uncover on his next exploration?

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Discover the Alien World Underwater with Scuba Jess

When Scuba Jess moves to Seattle and discovers a passion for the mysterious underwater world, she sets out to explore it, facing danger and unexpected challenges along the way in her quest to become a 'trekkie' of the sea.

I feel like scuba diving was the passion that I was missing in my life or my purpose. - Scuba Jess

My special guest is Scuba Jess

Meet Scuba Jess, an avid underwater photographer with a passion for exploring the marine life in Washington State. Born in New York and raised in Utah, Jess moved to Bellevue, Washington in 2008, where she discovered her love for scuba diving. Since then, she has accumulated over 1300 dives, exploring her favorite dive locations and capturing stunning photographs of the local sea creatures. A self-proclaimed Trekkie and coffee enthusiast, Jess has turned her underwater adventures into a lifestyle, sharing her knowledge and love for diving with fellow enthusiasts.

This is Scuba Jess's story:

Scuba Jess, was living in Utah, made the journey to Bellevue, Washington in pursuit of adventure and a newfound passion – scuba diving. Born Jessica Alexanderson, she quickly adopted the moniker "Scuba Jess" as her enthusiasm for diving grew. Her love for nature, the ocean, and underwater photography blossomed as she immersed herself in the vibrant marine life of the Pacific Northwest. Scuba Jess's first dive in cold water opened a whole new world for her, and she began to see herself as an underwater explorer, embarking on countless adventures with her fellow divers. Over the years, she has developed a deep appreciation for the local marine critters, such as the Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker and hermit crabs. Scuba Jess's dedication to capturing the beauty of underwater life has not only made her a part of a tight-knit diving community but also an advocate for marine conservation.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Dive into captivating scuba diving experiences in Puget Sound and Vancouver Island. Recognize the vital role of ocean conservation, pollution reduction, and cleanup dives in preserving marine ecosystems. Grasp essential scuba equipment, safety measures, and useful diving tips for novice adventurers. Uncover the enchanting world of underwater photography, marine life, and top dive locations on the planet. Explore Scuba Jess's personal interests, hobbies, and how Star Trek shaped her passion for the underwater realm.

Scuba Diving in Puget Sound Good scuba diving in Puget Sound requires proper planning due to its strong currents and the presence of ferry lanes. By staying aware of these challenges, divers can experience an incredible underwater world filled with fascinating marine life. However, divers must remain cautious and follow safety guidelines to avoid dangerous situations. Scuba Jess emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the currents and ferry lanes when diving in Puget Sound. During the podcast, she describes her experiences overcoming these difficulties to access breathtaking dive sites. She notes that divers who manage to navigate these hazards can witness an amazing underwater environment teeming with life.

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Bradley Lockhart is a designer, musician, and professor from Washington State. He is the designer of the official Bellingham Flag, owner of Lariat Creative, and championing the state of Washington to update their state flag.

Bradley Lockhart has always had a love for adventure, from his childhood days of playing in the forts and tree houses of rural Whatcom County to his teenage years of skateboarding and playing in punk rock bands. He was determined to make something creative out of his love for art and music.

After learning about graphic design, Bradley started making posters for his band, eventually leading him to a job at a Bible software company in Bellingham.

When the Downtown Bellingham Partnership asked for help designing a flag for the city, Bradley jumped at the opportunity, using his knowledge of the city's history and of the art scene to create something special. His flag was adopted by the city in 2017 and has grown in popularity ever since.

You will learn:

1. How did a rural Whatcom County kid go from sleeping on the shores of the Nooksack River to designing a city flag that is now one of the most popular in the country? 

2. What is Vexelography/Vexalology and how does it affect a flag's design and its use in the public domain? 

3. How did an animator at a Bible software company turn a flag-designing contest into an unexpected career opportunity?

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Nancy Pearl is an American librarian, best-selling author, literary critic, and the former executive of the Washington Center for the Book at Seattle Public Library. She is known for her work promoting reading and libraries, and is the inspiration behind the popular "Librarian Action Figure".

You will learn:

1. How Nancy Pearl, a retired librarian, used her childhood library to pursue a career in librarianship and how she has gone on to make an impact on the profession. 

2. The story of how Nancy Pearl became the model for the first librarian action figure. 

3. The benefits of listening to audiobooks and how they can enhance the reading experience.

Nancy was a wonderful guest and if you are a fan of books you cannot miss this episode. Great stories of a life filled with reading and storytelling.

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