Recording the Magic: Katrina Cain's Hill Country Session with Mercenary Magnetics
Recording the Magic: Katrina Cain's Hill Country Session with Mercenary Magnetics
There’s something extraordinary about merging music, nature, and community into a single creative endeavor. That’s precisely what happened when Katrina Cain and her band took over an Airbnb in the scenic Texas Hill Country with engineer Chris Bell for a week-long recording session with Mercenary Magnetics.
The serene backdrop of rolling hills and sprawling oaks provided the perfect atmosphere for capturing the essence of Katrina’s artistry. This wasn’t just another studio session; it was a retreat, a collaboration, and a sonic experiment rolled into one. Over the course of seven days, the house transformed into a fully operational recording studio, complete with 32 channels of RMP-D8 preamps and a curated collection of top-tier microphones, including Neumann U67s, Mojave mics, and Soyuz mics.
Setting the Scene
Upon arriving, the band settled into the Airbnb, transforming it into their home and creative haven for the week. Living under the same roof fostered a sense of camaraderie and focus that’s hard to replicate in a traditional studio setting. Meals were shared, ideas were bounced around, and every corner of the house echoed with music and laughter.
The setup was meticulous. The living room became the live room, where drums, amps, and vocals came alive. Bedrooms were repurposed into isolation booths for guitars and vocal overdubs. Each piece of gear was chosen with care to suit the natural acoustics of the space. The rich, warm tones of the Neumann U67s captured Katrina’s soulful voice beautifully, while the Mojave and Soyuz mics brought a unique texture to the instrumentation.
The Creative Process
Over the course of the week, the band recorded 11 songs, each one a testament to their collective artistry and the magic of the space. The challenge of adapting to a non-traditional recording environment was met with enthusiasm. Every room in the house contributed its own character, from the natural reverb of the high ceilings in the main room to the tight, focused sound of the makeshift vocal booth.
Recording in a residential setting offered unexpected benefits. The band could experiment freely without the time constraints or formalities of a studio. Late-night recording sessions turned into inspired performances, and the ability to step outside into the Hill Country air between takes brought a refreshing balance to the intense creative process.
Behind the Gear
The choice of equipment played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of this project. The RMP-D8’s pristine preamps ensured every nuance of the performance was captured with clarity. The Neumann U67s delivered timeless warmth, especially on vocals, while the Mojave and Soyuz mics added depth and color to the instruments. Each piece of gear was pushed to its full potential, working in harmony with the band’s talent and the house’s unique acoustics.
A Week to Remember
By the end of the week, the house had witnessed the creation of something truly special. Katrina Cain and her band not only recorded 11 songs but also solidified a deeper connection as artists. The sessions were as much about the journey as the destination, and the Texas Hill Country proved to be the perfect setting for this adventure.
We’re excited to share images from the session, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the process and the magic that unfolded during this unforgettable week. Stay tuned for more updates as Katrina Cain’s music, born in the heart of the Hill Country, makes its way into the world.
Here’s to the art of capturing creativity in its purest form — a week of music, collaboration, and inspiration with Katrina Cain and Mercenary Magnetics.
