The HOFA XMAS MIX CONTEST once again offers you the exciting opportunity to mix or remix a fully produced song – and win great prizes as well.
This is the 18th time we’re hosting the HOFA XMAS MIX CONTEST. In this post, we’ll keep you updated on the production of this year’s contest song, “All Sorts of Things,” and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the recording sessions, show you the participating musicians, and tell you about the equipment we used. Starting December 1, all the tracks for the song will be available for download.
[AUG 19] Hammond organ & backing vocals with Tobi Reiss
Today we put our Hammond L100 from the ’60s to work. HOFA-College lecturer Tobi Reiss, who has worked with artists such as Chris Norman and Paul Young recorded some tracks with a real gospel feel for the HOFA XMAS song. Afterward, he added a few vocal tracks as well.
[AUG 15] Backing Vocals mit Sabine Sachse
Additional backing vocals were performed by Sabine Sachse. As with Dominik and Jennifer, Jochen used the Schoeps V4 U for her vocals.
[AUG 12] Backing vocals with Jennifer More
Singer Jennifer More visited Jochen at his home studio today to record the backing vocals. After the recording session, they moved right on to shooting the footage for the music video.
[AUG 11] Bass recording with Simon Erzinger
Now the bass part is tracked too: HOFA audio engineer Simon Erzinger did it today in Control Room B with Jochen Sachse.
[JUL 31] Drum recording with Marcel Millot
Want to check out the sound of a vintage Sonor drum set with a Ludwig snare?
The drums for this year’s HOFA Christmas song were recorded by HOFA-College lecturer Marcel Millot. Marcel has been a successful session musician for many years and plays in several bands.
The recording was done by song producer and HOFA CEO Jochen Sachse, along with senior audio engineer Jochen Weyer. We used our AKG C414s for the toms and overheads, and the well-proven Brüel & Kjær 4010s for the room. The snare was miked in the classic style with a Shure SM57.
[JUL 15] Vocal recording with Dominik Stegmüller
For the lead vocals, singer Dominik Stegmüller joined us in the studio. Dominik is known for his work on the TV show “Hast du Töne?” (Sat.1) or the live shows “Christmas Moments” and “SWR1 Pop & Poesie”, as well as many other productions.
Jochen and Fabian tracked his vocals with the Schoeps V4 U.
[JUL 1] Guitar recording with Jochen Sachse
As he does every year, HOFA CEO and founder Jochen Sachse is writing and producing the song for the traditional HOFA XMAS MIX CONTEST. The demo is finished, and it now serves as the basis for the recordings.
Jochen made the first move and recorded the guitar parts himself in his home studio.
[MAR 1] Getting ready for the 18th XMAS MIX CONTEST
This year, we’ll once again be running the HOFA XMAS MIX CONTEST, giving you the chance to mix or remix our contest song and win great prizes.
The first recording sessions for “All Sorts of Things” will take place soon – we’ll keep you posted …
