In this increasingly digital world, many people may not recognize a cassette tape, let alone a vinyl record. Yet some bands, such as Mojoflo, are still keeping it old-school.
A Columbus-based group with a funky, Motown-esque sound, the band used analog recording for its latest single.
“We set the whole band up in one room. What you hear on the record is a live performance, captured by vintage microphones and recorded straight to analog tape,” said Tim Magree, the band’s keyboardist. “Nothing digital touched this music until the manufacturing process began.”
Mojoflo, which is a common visitor to Athens, will be releasing a 45 rpm vinyl single tonight at Skully’s Music Diner in Columbus.
Along with a personal preference for listening to vinyl records, Walter Kolhoff, one of the band’s trombonists, said the band decided to use analog recording — or recording straight to vinyl — to help capture an authentic soul sound.
“The end product is very organic and grooves in a way that often gets lost in translation when using (digital recording tools),” Kolhoff said.
Although the band is based in Columbus, it had to travel to Cleveland to record.
The band recorded both songs in a single recording room at Ante-Up Audio. In order to get the authentic, gritty sound the band was looking for, it used equipment and recording techniques from the ’60s and’70s.
The result is a 7-inch single called “Home to You/Dance.” Although the two songs will be available as digital downloads on major online music retailers such as iTunes, the vinyl is available for purchase on the band’s website, www.mojoflomusic.com. In addition, the record can be purchased at the band’s shows and at select music retailers.
The band will be making a trip to Athens on its spring tour, playing at Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery, 24 W. Union St., May 20.
Tonight, Mojoflo will take the stage with Athens favorite First Street Heat, Columbus-based The Floorwalkers and Funkdefy, an old-school disk jockey group.
“We’re always excited to play with Mojoflo,” said Jon Elliot of The Floorwalkers. “They are great friends of ours and some of the most talented musicians in the city of Columbus.”
Elliot also commended Mojoflo on taking the vinyl route.
“They are doing something that I believe everyone in this music community wishes they could do,” Elliot said. “That’s just the kind of band they are.”
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