The final results are here:
Congratulations, Utopia in Space!
With a staggering 1583 votes, they were certain to win. They now can look forward to two studio days with Thomas Fessler. We wish a lot of fun!
Here the detailed results:
About the contest:
For our 35th anniversary we have a unique gift for you: We are giving away 1x two days studio time* at the 571 Studios in Zürich!
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
You’ll have the opportunity to work with award-winning producer Thomas Fessler in a professional studio environment. Songwriting session, arrangement, tips from the pro, a look behind the scenes or even record your song. Whatever your plans are, Thomas Fessler will be at your side for two days.
Whether solo artist or band, we look forward to your submission!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
1
Send us a video or audio from your performance in your rehearsal room, live-concert, living-room or wherever you feel most inspired to contest@gitarrentotal.ch
Closing date 01.04.2023
2
From all entries, five will be selected for the next round
3
Collect votes from your fans! The entry with the most votes wins!
Public voting until 30.04.2023
Owner and producer
571 Studios
Thomas Fessler
Since when do you work as a producer?
Since 1996. That’s when I joined the producer team for the first Sina album. The album was an instant top seller.
How did you come to this extraordinary profession?
I started playing drums when I was seven, soon after I started singing and writing songs on my ukulele, then I learned guitar and was on the road as a sideman with various bands, so suddenly I had jobs as a studio guitarist. In addition, I was always interested in audio technology; for example, at an early age I had a 4-track tape recorder with overdub functions. The path to becoming a producer actually happened quite naturally.
What is your usual working day like at 571 Studios?
I usually start at 8.30am and prepare sessions, work a bit on the recorded tracks, or think about how we could take a song further. At 10 o’clock the artists show up and we start to work together. Much of the work is trial and error. We simply try out what comes to mind and see how it fits into the song. Recording vocals is probably the most challenging. Besides the right choice of microphone and the recording chain, however, full concentration and empathy are required. Every word, every phrasing, every melody line, every emotion counts.
You work with interesting artists like Joya Marleen or Hecht. What has been your most memorable recording session so far?
Actually, there are no boring sessions. Each is exciting and creative. We always try a lot of things and try to get the maximum out of the songs.
Of course, working with international stars is always very impressive as well. Their focus is strongly on emotion and spontaneity. Perfection is not that important. Most of the time it’s one or two takes, then we move on. Recently, we had a session with 20 top shots from the USA. They all wanted to record together. My assistant and I were really challenged. But it all worked out and they were more than happy. Creating a good atmosphere is absolutely the most important thing.
What do you see as the highlight of your career so far?
World famous artists like Lenny Kravitz, Eminem, Joss Stone, Sido, David Paich, Nathan East, Steve Gadd, and many more (the reference list is long) who have visited our studio are an enrichment. I was able to learn a lot from them. Also by working with top engineers (including Chris Lord-Alge, Ren Swan, Michael Ilbert, Oli Bösch and Sir Jay and others) I was able to improve my skills through their feedbacks. The most beautiful thing is to work with artists whose career I was allowed to build (like Joya Marleen, Hecht, Nickless, Sina, Plüsch, 77 Bombay Street, Adrian Stern, Michael von der Heide, etc.) Be it songwriting, arrangements, musical concept or the selection of the songs. When it leads to success it is a highlight.
Which guitars are indispensable for you in any recording session?
Tele, ES-335, Martin und Guild Acoustic, Precision Bass.
What do you offer the winners of our contest?
I am at your side with individual support. Whatever the winners need, whether it’s input on songwriting, producing, further development of the sound and arrangements, or a great sounding demo of a finished song.
What connection do you have to Gitarren Total?
In 1988 I founded the store together with Reto Fürst and Carlo Milan. A lot has happened since then and we are still in constant contact as I am still a partner.
*One day studio time is from 10:00 to 19:00 including one hour lunch break. The winners have the possibility to discuss in advance during one hour with Thomas Fessler how they want to use the time in the studio, so that Thomas can prepare optimally for the job. No cash disbursement and/or an replacement of the prizes is possible recourse to the courts is not permitted
