The city’s metal scene had more in store then just SuidAkrA last weekend. Lasse Lammert, a master German music producer, also lent his dynamic tone to this year's Wacken Open Air metal battle in Bangalore. Besides judging the national finals, Lasse went on to produce a single track for the winners - A once-in-a-lifetime privilege for every ambitious band.
The German producer and engineer’s LSD-Studios is in Lübeck, Germany and his productions are noted for their clarity with an analogue sense of warmth. Having worked with artistes across the globe, he is a sought-after recording professional. In the country for the first time, Lasse says he is excited to be here. “It’s awesome to see the culture and experience the food. I’m having a blast.”
On what he thinks of Indian music, Lasse says most of the music he’s heard so far is largely western influenced. “I was quite surprised to hear that there is a growing Indian metal scene. The heavy metal here is typically not Indian. It’s not the same but it’s not that different either. I’ve not yet heard a lot of genuine Indian music apart Bollywood. I would like to hear a band that incorporates Indian elements into their soundscape.”
Lasse feels the music scene in India is similar to that in Germany. “The only difference is that in Germany, if there is a gig in the next city, it’s barely an hour’s drive away. So it’s easier to organise a tour.” He adds: “So far in my experience, metal heads all over the world are really the same. No matter which country, acceptance is always there and I expect it to be the same here.”
On what he looks for when he judges metal contests, Lasse says he likes to come to the gig with an open mind. “I want to see bands performing and the crowds reacting. The band that really transports its attitude to the audience with songs that grab the crowd is what I’m looking for.”
Lasse says he always did a lot of live sound and recording as a teenager. “Then I studied physics. But did not want it as a profession. I taught acoustics at an American college opening a European branch in Germany. I began working in the studio of the college and then started my studio in 2007 called LSD (Lammert Sound Design).”
From freelance to being self-employed, Lasse describes his journey as a blast. “But it’s also stressful working seven days a week 12 to 16 hours a day. Only recently I started kicking back a little since I’m a father now. My kid was born six months ago so I stepped on the brake. A break is good for my music too. I’m learning to appreciate music once again. There was a point when I couldn’t listen to it anymore nor could I write any songs or play music with my band.”
Lasse plays with a band as a guitarist/songwriter. “It is difficult to make the transition. The band’s just a hobby but everyone expects me to get professional and make it huge. I never really had that ambition. I play the guitar and that helps in the studio as well with other musicians.”
Lasse encourages bands to “know your songs and practice your sets before hitting the studio. A common mistake bands make is entering the studio without knowing who plays what. That needs time and money to sort it out. With technology so advanced, you can easily work on home computers, record your demos and get your sets right.”
His message to sound engineers and recording professionals is to pay attention to detail. “You need to have an idea of what the final product should sound like and know how to get there. People skills are also very important to get the best out of the musician. Don’t get to the point where you start hating music; give yourself breaks.
