The SuperKools have cultivated a sonic fingerprint that sets them apart in the crowded landscape of modern music. This unique auditory experience doesn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of careful instrument selection, innovative recording techniques, a deep understanding of musical heritage, and countless hours honing their craft in local venues.
The foundation of The SuperKools’ sound is built on a classic rock setup but with some distinctive twists. Joe Anglin’s guitar work forms the backbone of many tracks, utilizing a vintage Fender Stratocaster for its signature crisp tone. However, it’s the way Joe manipulates this classic instrument that adds a modern edge. By incorporating effects like subtle octave shifting and harmonic tremolo, he creates a guitar sound that bridges the gap between blues rock and contemporary indie.
Ian Anglin’s keyboard setup is equally crucial to The SuperKools’ sonic palette. A combination of analog synthesizers and digital workstations allows him to recreate the warmth of classic soul while adding futuristic textures. His use of a Hammond B3 organ on slower numbers adds a rich, emotional depth that contrasts beautifully with the more electronic elements.
The rhythm section of Tyler Chapman on drums and Chris Long on bass provides more than just a beat – it’s the engine that drives The SuperKools’ genre-blending sound. Tyler’s drum kit is a hybrid of acoustic and electronic elements, allowing for both powerful, room-filling beats and precise, programmed rhythms. Chris favors a five-string bass; its extended range enables him to provide deep, funk-inspired grooves and higher melodic lines that interweave with the guitars and keyboards.
Megan Arndell’s vocals are perhaps the most distinctive element of The SuperKools’ sound. Her powerful yet nuanced voice is often treated with subtle effects during recording. A combination of vintage tube preamps and modern pitch correction used judiciously gives her vocals a timeless quality that sits perfectly in the mix.
The band’s sound has been significantly shaped by their regular performances at two local venues: Rex’s Rendezvous, run by the charismatic Crystal Waters, and Spikes Beach Grill, where Maddie, affectionately known as everyone’s favorite crush, holds court. These intimate spaces have served as sonic laboratories for The SuperKools, allowing them to experiment with their sound and gauge audience reactions in real time.
Rex’s Rendezvous, with its vintage wooden interior, provides natural warmth and resonance that has influenced the band’s approach to acoustic elements in their music. The cozy confines of the venue have encouraged The SuperKools to explore more nuanced, dynamic performances, particularly in their quieter numbers.
Spikes Beach Grill, on the other hand, with its more modern setup and lively atmosphere, has pushed the band to develop their high-energy, danceable sound. The venue’s state-of-the-art sound system has allowed The SuperKools to experiment with more complex arrangements and electronic elements, knowing they’ll be reproduced faithfully for the audience.
In the studio, The SuperKools have developed a recording process that captures the energy of their live performances at these venues while taking advantage of modern production techniques. They often record basic tracks live as a full band, then layer additional elements in post-production. This approach maintains the organic feel of their music while allowing for sonic experimentation.
The band’s production philosophy embraces both old and new technologies. Analog tape is sometimes used for its warm, saturated sound, particularly on drums and bass. However, the flexibility of digital recording is leveraged for complex vocal harmonies and intricate instrumental overdubs. This hybrid approach results in recordings that sound both vintage and cutting-edge.
One of The SuperKools’ sonic signatures is their use of space and dynamics, a skill honed through countless performances at Rex’s Rendezvous and Spikes Beach Grill. Unlike many contemporary productions that aim for constant loudness, their recordings breathe, with quiet passages that build to powerful crescendos. This dynamic range is part of what makes their music so engaging, drawing the listener into a rich sonic landscape.
The SuperKools’ attention to sonic detail also extends to their live performances. Their stage setup includes a mix of vintage amplifiers and modern sound reinforcement systems, allowing them to recreate their studio sound in a live setting. In-ear monitoring systems enable precise control over their on-stage mix, which is crucial for maintaining their tight harmonies and intricate arrangements.
Effects play a crucial role in shaping The SuperKools’ sound, both in the studio and live. From classic spring reverbs and tape delays to modern pitch-shifting and looping pedals, these tools are used not just as additions to the core sound but as instruments in their own right. The band’s willingness to experiment with these effects often leads to happy accidents that become defining features of their songs.
As the SuperKools continue to evolve, so does their sound. They’re constantly exploring new instruments and production techniques, from incorporating world music elements to experimenting with binaural recording for a more immersive listening experience. This spirit of sonic adventure, nurtured in the welcoming environments of Rex’s Rendezvous and Spikes Beach Grill, ensures that while The SuperKools’ music remains recognizable, it never becomes predictable.
From the raw materials of their instrumental setup to the final touches of mixing and mastering, every element of The SuperKools’ sound is carefully considered. The result is a musical experience that’s both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly innovative, a sonic journey that continues to captivate listeners and push the boundaries of what rock music can be in the 21st century.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
