Do you want to see how we have recorded Talisman ?
This was a great amazing awesome experience!
Why record the drums at John’s, and the piano and vocals at my place?
That wasn’t the original plan.
We tried several studios, searching for the right sound — especially for the udu and the drums. We wanted something vibrant, alive… but nothing truly convinced us.
Honestly?
We were disappointed. Frustrated.
After months of going in circles, John looked at me and said:
“We’re going to record at home.”
He had invested in great microphones — an RE20 and an AKG C314 — convinced that the sound we were searching for might not be somewhere else… but right here, at his place and mine (we’re actually neighbors!).
I was in.
But I didn’t yet realize what a challenge it would be.
The Magic Cabin ✨
I ordered two wardrobe tension poles — those vertical rods that stand between the floor and the ceiling without drilling holes.
Then we hung patchwork blankets sewn by my mother to absorb the sound.
I swear, it felt magical inside: the piano, the microphones, my Mac, the audio interface, and a small lamp glowing softly.
It became my cave. My den.
I often retreated there — sometimes just to lie on the rugs, think, or take a nap
Recording Talisman 🎹
I recorded all the piano parts for the album Talisman in that tiny booth.
I was a little anxious at first, unsure whether I was capable of such an exercise.
But once I sat at the piano, headphones on, opening Logic Pro X on my Mac, I became completely focused. The magic took over, and all my doubts faded away.
I would redo each piece once or twice, trying not to edit the recordings. At the end, I listened carefully, chose the best takes, and sent them to John.
The Vocals 🎤
For the vocals, we rearranged the cabin. John positioned the microphones differently. I pinned the lyrics onto one of the patchwork blankets.
Headphones resting halfway on one ear.
And I recorded.
In that little cabin made of fabric and love, Talisman came to life.