The Making of Orewa Heartbeat

                      

Orewa Heartbeat was recorded in several Thursday afternoon sessions during 2017 at Mike McCarthy’s Manuka Studios, north of Auckland, New Zealand. Mike is one of New Zealand’s foremost musicians, arrangers/producers, and his skill and enthusiasm are evident throughout the album.

In Mike’s words: “Robin’s songs always start with a simple lyric sheet and a basic outline of the chords. We put down a simple “skeleton track” – usually a piano or acoustic guitar – and then I send Robin into the studio to lay down a R.A.G (Rough-As-Guts) vocal guide. Then a rather mystical and very satisfying thing happens: the song starts to come to life, especially as we start layering other instruments – usually bass, brushed drums, Hammond organ and strings – whatever Robin is hearing in his head (the gift of the singer/songwriter!). When the band is completed Robin goes back into the studio and puts down the final vocal, usually with a few altered lyrics here and there. Job done. A great pleasure to be involved in this project.”