Household instruments

Gonna expand my blogwritings with some info about how I work with sound – in a broader sense. It’s about seeking the possibilities that are there, be open minded, and seek what possibilities that are inherent in the instruments, and whatever you might have at hand. Let the sounds inspire you to go down new creative roads. Let´s start in the deepest end in the perc dept. with the bassdrum.

USE DOOR AS BASSDRUM
I’ve had some success by sitting on the floor while holding a open wooden-door with my knees. Placing a mic on one side, and striking and hitting the other side. With your knees and your body, you adjust the sound by dampening the vibrations. The last time I did this, I used a regular SM57 mic close to the center of the door. Sounded very cool, bit "Tom Waits´ish". A bassdrum mic might be cooler for more bottom.

other household alternatives
With a mic up close, you can achieve a deep bassdrum sound by hitting a wall. Depending on the wall, and the sound, but find something not to hard- but not to soft either to use as a stick. Maybe just the palm of your hand is enough. A resonating big woodbox – preferably with a mic inside, can also produce some quite fabulous kicks. These can be stepped on, or just struck like a normal drum. A nearby solution can be to pull out a drawer, empty it, and turn it around on the floor.

washing-machine tub - you could try to make a drum out of the tub from a washing machine A trashy metallic sound! It will look kinda cool. And all the small drain holes will contribute to a special perc sound.