Leaving Eden's expecting

If you talk to any music producer, they'll tell you one of the most essential elements to concentrate on when recording a band is the drum sound. It can make or break a song, a record...as it can range from tight as a cardboard box to a sound as wide and fat as Phil Collins' snare.

Eric Gynan, singer and guitarist for Haverill, MA band Leaving Eden, says it was the prominent change that occurred on his band's upcoming release, Addiction (due out in weeks).

Recording on Gynan's four acre farm/recording studio (he is a producer himself), the band enlisted famed producer Carlos Lora, whose influence brought on many new elements, including a more defined drum sound.

“If you don't have a great drum sound on a record, it won't sound professional,” says Eric. “I was able to learn from this. What Carlos does is he uses what is called sound replacement, where you use the original drum, but brings in replacement sounds from another big time producer who gave him his drum sounds. As a matter of fact, it was used on Nickelback and Green Day's albums. Basically, the computer triggers ever single point and adds another whole drum kit. Originally, our drummer was bummed about it, but all in all, he is happy now. Carlos tightened us up.”

Leaving Eden – which also includes bassist Beau James, drummer Scott Destadio and singer Carol Gynan – already has five records under its belt, making a run of an album per years since its inception. Ranging from acoustic tunes to all out heavy hitters, led by strong male and female vocals, Leaving Eden falls into rock, pop and heavy metal categories. Considering the band boasts male and female leads, Eric says he considers Leaving Eden influential in using this type of lineup for the style. Prior to Leaving Eden, it was rare to see - only Lacuna Coil was doing it. “It became a movement,” says Eric, “and we like to feel we're part of it. If you're out there every week, you're creating trends – good, bad or indifferent.”

Right now, the band is focusing on putting the final touches on Addiction at Leaving Eden Studios, and is looking forward to an opening slot in Palm Beach with Mudvayne, presently at the top of the charts in many parts of the world. The concert promoter for the Mudvayne show is also in negotiations with Leaving Eden to schedule a 40 band concert, with Leaving Eden headlining. Stay tuned for details on that one.

Get more information on Leaving Eden, which plays Friday, Feb. 13, at Jillian's in Worcester at http://www.leavingeden.com/.