Lisa Bella Donna's hidden sonic sanctuary
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- Опубліковано 7 гру 2022
- Join us as we take a detailed tour of Lisa Bella Donna's legendary home studio, Appalachian Recordings, deep in the Appalachian mountains of the eastern United States. Lisa is a longtime friend of Jamie Stillman’s since before the inception of EarthQuaker Devices in the early 90s, when they would play punk house shows together. Lisa is a renowned recording artist, composer, sound designer, modular synthesist and educator.
In this incredible episode of Show Us Your Junk, Lisa talks about her early inspirations that led her to start playing music, and eventually using electronic synthesis to craft the unique voice that she envisioned. After hearing Black Sabbath's “Paranoid” and Wendy Carlos's “Switched on Bach” and “Sonic Seasons,” it became clear that music was her destiny. Her stories include recording and editing commercial jingles in the 80s, selling her car to put a down payment on an Arp 2600 synthesizer, and discovering the rich characteristics of recording to 8-track tape.
While this studio packs in a ton of rare gear, Lisa claims she doesn’t consider herself a collector. “My choices are very utilitarian; pretty much everything in here is here for a purpose, and it’s part of the big picture - the great stream of what my albums become,” she says. Some of her staple instruments include the ARP 2600, ARP Odyssey, ARP Omni, Mini Moog, and Fender Rhodes. EQD pedals she frequently uses include the Rainbow Machine, Arpanoid, and Grand Orbiter, but her favorite EQD pedal is the Avalanche Run. She loves it so much that she had a custom rack mount version built, which is patched directly to her main console. “It's one of my favorite reverbs still - one of my most used for sure.”
Lisa has an interesting perspective when it comes to connecting music to visual concepts in nature and her environment. “When I compose music, I see it just as much as I hear it. I look at my arrangements as landscapes or deep woods mountain paths with all the textures and colors of the elements that surround it,” she says. This all makes sense when you see the picturesque plot of land in which she chose to settle down to build her studio and raise her daughter.
Shot by Chris Tran, Jeff France, David Whited, Dannesh Moosa
Edited by David Whited
Additional footage shot by Tristan Whitney Weary
Music by Lisa Bella Donna, EYE, Deadsea
Music Provided by Lisa Bella Donna
"Turning Points"
"Twi Spirit, One Life"
"Kohoutek"
"Emerald's Run"
"Ascension"
"Pure Stereo Time Machine"
"Falling Leaves"
Special thanks to:
Moog Music Inc.
Waves Audio
Antonus Synthesizers
Hologram Electronics
Lower West Side Studio / Canada
Behind The Sky Records
SFI Records
Check out more of Lisa Bella Donna's work:
lisabelladonna.bandcamp.com/
lisabelladonna.com/
lisabellado...
www.earthquakerdevices.com/li...
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Lisa's awesome. This was so cool, especially the relationships between tape, eight tracks and digital.
Also, when she said she sold her car and hitched a ride to get the 2600 before Lenny Kravitz could take it, I felt that.
The 8 track thing kind of blew me away.
Favorite part for sure
Pretty sure Lisa was singing the tune of "are you gonna go my way" pointing at the 2600, the irony poor Lenny lol.
Felt it hard, i went through a whole scenario involving my car and some furniture and a serge system then the fact i have kids to feed and transport sucked me back down to the ground. I support such decisions in those without similar responsibilities wholeheartedly.
This is probably one of my favorite "Show Us Your Junk" videos. Lisa is such an interesting person and the way she creates her music was so cool to see.
My favorite for sure.
Really sick gear too! I come back to this all the time. Great vibes!
I realize this isn't Lisa's channel and she'll never see this. But I hope to one day tell her that The World She Wanted was truly transcendent and life changing for me. It really saved me during a difficult time.
She has her own channel on here, that she does use herself. I ran across her on a video about the great Sean Reinert.
Could watch this for hours. Great portrait of a great artist with so much musical vision and awareness for the depth of sounds. It's so good to see that there are filmmakers around who care! Huge respect for the editing of this, too! It just makes so much sense, something sadly missing on many other movies about artists!
It was an honor to spend time with Lisa and hear her story and learn about her philosophy and approach on music. 20/10 amazing and inspiring person!❤️ Thanks for watching!
Lisa is - for me - the No.1 artist worldwide for electronic music in the moment.
Absolutely🙌
I'm just a dumb loud guitarist and this is far and away my favorite interview. What a wonderful soul.
Thanks for reminding me why UA-cam is so much better than Netflix, and also that it’s been awhile since I delved deep into my record collection!
She’s blow my mind with her passion of the craft & love for music
Right!? Us too! Legendary🔥
Lisa Belladonna kicks serious ass and still manages not to intimidate, but really inspire.
I like artists who actually know and use their equipment to create outstanding musical experiences. ❤
This is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen! She is a beast of a musician! Talented AF!!
She's so bright and so well-spoken. Very impressive video and one I've saved to share again and again.
I've learned much.
This video is nicely done and I hugely appreciate the work from all involved.
Thank you.
My family was publishing an entertainment magazine in Buffalo, in the early '70's. I was still in high school, and had the coolest job of anyone I knew, going to concerts for free and interviewing rock, jazz and blues musicians. I was teaching myself guitar at the time, so meeting folks like BB King, Martin Barre, Rick Derringer etc. was a real inspiration. Around this time, Bob Moog had just moved his operation to Buffalo, and would stop by our production office regularly, to hang out, he was all about promoting his synthesizers then, and was giving them away to acts that he thought might use them. I saw performances by Herbie Hancock and the Edgar Winter group where Moog equipment was used. One day my mom asked me if I wanted a Moog synthesizer. She said: "Bob is giving them away, he said that if you want one, he will bring one over". At the time, I wasn't even certain that I knew what a Moog synthesizer was! (mom named the specific model, can't recall which) Mom said: "It's some kind of keyboard". I replied: "Mom, you know I'm a guitar player, tell Bob I said "thanks anyway". To this day I could kick myself. Seventeen year old me was an idiot. Bob was a genius. I feel honored to have known him. R.I.P. Bob Moog.
She has such a great vibe.
Oh I’m so happy. I have had such a need for old school (analog) synth ambient music and because of this video discovered her work. I remember her from The Pedal Movie doc but hearing her music got me to look her up. Just amazing stuff.
Yep. Everything about this is top shelf, perhaps the most profound aspect is the awesomeness of this comments section.
Couldn't agree more. Quite heartwarming to see the majority of comments use the word "inspiring" 🥹❤️
Damn, I fucking love music. I have no idea what she's talking about - but I know exactly what she's talking about. I'm so thankful this is going on somewhere out there. I totally feel it. Best Earthquaker video ever.
Someone who is actually doing what they love. It's the thing we all dream about. What Lisa has there looks to be so much more fulfilling than what most people are trying for in a career.
This was an amazing near documentary on one of our current leaders of ambient synth music. Not rushed at all. Allowed Lisa to take her time. Fantastic job EQD!
Lisa is one of my favorite modern artists, she is always so interesting and her music is truly otherworldly. It's amazing how much she wants to share and help others learn about these types of things. I think she will be remembered amongst some of the greatest electronic music artists of all time.
Lisa gotta be one of those musicians that just is so inspiring to watch and hear constantly, mindblowing
“A sacred space”. I love that so much!
I studied electronic music composition in college on analog gear, but that studio is beyond anything I could handle or imagine. Such a damn cool studio!
This is the single most inspiring musical “documentary” sort of video I have ever seen. I’m literally walking in to my music room to make some sounds as I write this. Thank you EQD for posting this and thank you Lisa Bella Donna for your incredible contributions to the sounds of this world.
Probably the best compliment! ❤️
@@EarthQuakerDevices Likewise inspired to start writing again. Thanks heaps, kind sir!
wow! what an amazing woman is Lisa Bella Donna! Blown away by her energy and attitude and her gear is top notch eclectica. I would like to record at her studio for sure, thx for sharing this ❤
Actually listen to this on road in car. Such an incredible story and detailed journey of gear. Thank you.
This is the best 'show us your junk' I have ever seen. This lady is awesome
That Moog demo was something else man
i had to pause this. you had me at Wendy Carlos Sonic Seasonings and its astonishing (vimeo)
This video gave me serotonin
Thats what we want!
since Mothership I & II I've been following Lisa....to Lisa "well done you've manifested your hearts desire, long may you compose."
Thanks for this interview. 7 minutes in and had to pause to check out Lisa's work. So glad I did, and really surprised I'd not come across it before.
Same here
Tangerine Dream The Sorcerer, never gets old , so many years but always good
Omg!! So cool. Who doesn’t love Lisa Bella Donna. A modern day synth genius.
The best!
"we could be here all day" so good, thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
What an articulate human being . I’m around the same age as her and when she spoke of her aunt, and being introduced to music as a child in the 70’s , it brought a lil tear to my eye
Une femme incroyable, passionnée par la musique, par son métier, par les appareils, la technique, le son, les artistes et musiciens, avec elle, on ne peut pas s'ennuyer les longues soirées d'hiver, elle a tellement de choses à raconter et en plus sa musique est une ouverture sur d'autres mondes !
Absolutely 💯% Bitchin!
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Definitely would love to meet this musician/producer.
Blessings Eternally
Lisa Bella Donna is an absolute living legend! Love this video.
Thanks for posting this amazing insight into the life and music of this great artist. And thanks ti Lisa Bella Donna for opening up her life to us. What a lovely place to live and work!
ENO said back in the early Seventies.
Use Studio as a instrument.
When you can do that within Sacred Space.
Creativity Shall Bloom and Flow.
Lisa your an inspiration .
I've always found Electronic Music
Was that Pulse I gravitated to many years ago.
Like yourself .
All those Wires Knbs and Switches
Are there for a Reason.
Like Building Blocks.
It's a Journey.
I say Carry on your Journey 😊
Party foul!!! All treasures, no junk! So clean and mindful. My celebrity crush 😘
What a wonderful way to get introduced to a marvelous artist. Been watching and listening to Lisa on many videos. Now getting a chance to get some background. I traded in my Fender Rhodes back in 1992. Finally found a replacement a few months ago and am rebuilding it.
Allan Holdsworth is such a legend! such a great episode! Lisa is so inspirational!
Yes! Thanks for watching !!🤘
She's so interesting!! And what a set up!! Lol looks nuts! I wouldn't know where to begin.
ESPECIALLY loved being taken through highlights in her music collection 🙌🙌
I have no words!... Amazing lady and studio!... What a feeling in everything!
Lisa Bella Donna is a treasure. She is an incredible artist. Thank-you for sharing this incredible interview.
She really IS a badass. Sort of an extension of Bob Moog in some ways. She’s a great representative for the instrument and moog as a whole, as she can continue to spread the word to future generations showing that the analog synthesizer was and will always be a force to be reckoned with. Moog sees this in her, so it only makes sense that they endorse her.
This is an absolute gift. It was definitely a pleasure meeting Lisa Bella Donna at Synthplex in 2019 where we were in the same hall. The passion, creation, and love for the art of being connected to the Universe is a rare gem. From start to finish this experience is complete Magic. Thank you for this gift that will continue to enlighten indefinitely.
Thoroughly enjoyed every last second of that. Such a beautiful human being. Her love of formats for their sound comes across so well and is a passion of mine for sure. Great doc. Thank you.
Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching!
She is phenomenal, could have watched hours of her
I've been waiting for a lisa bella donna episode since I first found this channel
It was a much needed episode for sure! Thanks for watching :)
Wow! She's bad ass. Thanks for the introduction.
This is a new level for Show us your “junk”. The bar has been set high for the next one. 👏
Award winning documentary. Loved Lisa Bella Donnas' ARP 2600 discussions + comments and reflections on 8 Track tapes and creating special sonic environments. Bravo!
Thanks so much!
Wish I could meet and learn from a gifted synth artist like Lisa. This would be a dream come true. Great Video, thanks for making and sharing it EarthQuaker!
Wow. I’ve long admired Lisa, but this shows what a huge commitment she’s made to her art. She’d be a wonderful person to have a coffee, chat and make music with.
Saved for later viewing. This is much appreciated. EQD, thank you.
definitely the best episode.....amazing...this person taught me so many great stuf!
So wonderful ! ...... and again, so wonderful !...
She is so unique, in a good way. Would love to visit, it would be an experience.
Every Time i think about my dream synth room...i think about Lisa Room...
Very cosy...calm...and so beautiful.
Lisa is my new hero!
Love seeing where Lisa makes her music
It's insane how many mother 32's she has. Love her music and her energy so dearly
A beautiful chapter indeed.. fantastic.
Always great to see/hear from Lisa.
Amazing that she gets 8-tracks and has more than I do. I may have more LPs and cassettes, but she has a whole lot that I don't. Her synth collection is huge, and she can go in every day and make sounds that no one in history has heard before. I wrote a high school term paper on electronic music, and at UNC-Chapel Hill, I saw a live performance by Gershon Kingsley. I had listened to Walter Carlos's "Switched On Bach" previously, so it was fantastic to see Moogs used live on stage. I have a cassette tape of the concert.
thank you so much Lisa for letting us see a bit of your new space and where you craft your gorgeous music , absolutely adore your music
When she casually whipped out her hand fan XD
I'm so jealous of her studio (and of her skills, obviously)
48 minutes of fantasticness...Just great. I love your passion and your mind must be an amazing place to find oneself.
Glad you enjoyed it!
❤️🎛🌀⚡️ - so cool. ❤LBD !
What an incredible artist and spirit!
inspiring, thank you, peace and love from Scotland
I rewatch this to get inspired. Lisa is one of the greatest.
Legendary!
So inspiring - thank you Lisa for letting us into your world
Wow.... 🙏
Wish I could spent some time there with her as a (tour) gide and music teacher. There’s no junk in there, only great stuff and treasures. And than there’s all of here knowledge, talent and taste!
Being the oldest child in my family, I used to dream about an older and wiser sister when I was younger, who could show me the ropes.
Well, I guess I’ve found her in a way... 😄.
Nice modular Synth. Greetings from Germany
Great vid. I was nodding in agreement the whole piece. When Lisa mentioned Terje Rypdal I was like yep I could not agree more.
Just wonderful. Had to pause in the middle and get off my ass to create something. She has so much inspiring energy. Superb vid.
What a sweet studio
A wonderful warm episode about the artist. I was touched that Lisa does not part with her old equipment, which has become part of her family. The cozy atmosphere is impressive - just want to make a cup of coffee or tea) I have never heard the sound of 8-track tapes, because they were not used in Russia.
Lisa is so talented truly has a one of a kind perspective..I'm addicted to learning more about these amazing instruments and her process. Thanks Earthquaker for another great video!
This was fascinating
That was a journey I didn't realize I needed to take...those ones are always the best
😊
Lisa is great. Not only does she make really exploratory music, she is super approachable and generous with her time.
It's incredible. I would like to wish Lisa happiness and creative inspiration and say thank you for showing us your world.
Lisa is extremely intelligent. Just the knowledge she has is remarkable about everything within the recording of synths and methods.
As a guitar player It's so refrashing to witness other disciplines. Thank you for introducing Lisa She is amazing. One of my favorite episodes.
Awesome!
Wow... Lisa is such a cool person and incredible musician. What an amazing interview. Honestly a dream studio tour, and it exceeded my expectations. Such amazing space she has created.
What an inspiration. I absolutely love listening to her tell these stories and talking about the gear that goes with them.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Miles Davis and Jerry Reed are two of my favorite artists ever to live. Thank you Lisa Bella Donna!
What a great episode. Lisa is great, and I was shocked to see Holdsworth and some of the metal bands I loved as a kid.
What a life...what a journey. Amazing studio and work/relaxation spaces. Beautiful homestead. I've never seen a music collection so vast.
Pretty legendary !
Very interesting tour once again! Much love for the 3180 here as well, I love this thing.
She's my favorite for years and years. It's delightful to witness her success!!
Lisa Bella Donna is the boss! This has got to be the cleanest, most coherent, and inspiring synth studio I've seen in these type of videos.
This episode transcends all of the other episodes. Lisa is an incredible musician, engineer, and most importantly for this video.. host. You all helped to let us right into her story and her living room. Thank you so much for this.
So stoked for this one!! Lisa is a legend! Appreciate y’all! ❤
Appreciate you back!
Loved this video. Lisa's passion is infectious!
Couldn't agree more!