Behind The Board: How We Feel Vocalist Chris Bianchi Discusses Working in the Studio

It’s been a quick ascent for the Cleveland, Ohio, duo How We Feel. Composed of singer Chris Bianchi (Forever in Terror) and drummer Brian Lamtam, they released their debut album Ready For War at the beginning of May. They recorded the album in their own space, Warehouse Studio in Kent, Ohio, before passing it on to Grammy-winning engineer Ted Jensen, who mastered it at Sterling Sound in New York. The record focuses on a story of truth and how we should never give up on our dreams. Through hard work and dedication, we can reach that point of triumph while overcoming obstacles along the way. It’s easily relatable, and Bianchi and Lamtam hope that listeners can find their own solace within each song.

A lot has happened for How We Feel in a short period of time. They only formed at the beginning of 2024. Longtime friends, Bianchi and Lamtam, finally decided to combine their shared interests and write music they were passionate about. They didn’t waste any time getting down to songwriting and composing. Ready For War has been their primary goal since almost the start. Making the album has been a truly rewarding experience for them. Starting out, they weren’t sure exactly how they were going to reach their end goal. But here they are, with an impressive debut, and songs driven by authenticity, energy, and purpose.

To discuss working in the studio, we are joined today by How We Feel singer Chris Bianchi for a Behind The Board interview. He discusses his recording preferences, challenges, creative obstacles, and more.

What’s the weirdest sound you’ve ever recorded and included in a track?

Chris Bianchi: “Doing a lot of home tracking for solo material, I’ve been creative with bringing extra things into the sonic blend. Once when I didn’t have a shaker and needed some ambience, I used some rice inside a toilet paper roll and taped the ends closed. It sounded awesome with some editing!”

Analog vs. Digital—pick a side and tell us why.

“When it comes to anything modern-day sound-wise, it should be digital in my opinion. The ability to bring a big picture to life often relies on the digital side of things in a lot of ways. On a more personal, and classic side of things, analog all day long when possible.”

Which recording myth annoys you the most?

“A myth that is annoying is that you need to work with top-dollar gear, equipment, producers, etc., to bring a project to life. It’s the complete opposite, really. If you have a bit of willpower and a few things to work with, you can make it happen.”

Which song was unexpectedly challenging to produce, and why?

“For myself, it was our song titled ‘Higher’ mainly because it has a part in the song that was pushing outside of my normal comfort zone. It brings in a fast-spitting sort of rap-type element to the mix. I love trying new things and not being stuck in a box, so it was fun to do. It just took some doing to get the comfort and confidence right that came through on the track.”

What do you do when you’re stuck creatively in the studio?

“Depending on how the day is going, we will take a smoke break. Talk about something else completely, refresh our minds, and then, if we feel it, go back at it. If not, call it and come back to it another time. I believe that being comfortable when tracking is a crucial element to capturing something you’ll be proud of that can live on forever.”

What’s your opinion on Auto-Tune and pitch correction software?

“A pretty simple one is to use it. There is nothing wrong with trying to sound your best. Everyone wants to hear something that sounds good – not like shit, right?”

What common mistakes do artists make when first recording?

“From recording for many years now in many styles of projects, people often worry too much about perfection in takes. Yes, it needs to be on and close, but those little imperfections are what really sometimes make a song special.”

If you could only use three microphones for the rest of your career, which would you choose?

“If I could only use three? I’d use the Sure SM57, 58, and Audio Technica AT2020.”

What’s your favourite plugin or software right now?

“A software right now that I’ve been using and really love is the ‘Howard Benson Vocal Plugin’ by Joey Sturgis Tones. It has a lot of amazing plug-and-play settings for many styles to instantly sound great!”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten about music production?

“That it is not always about perfection, but capturing the essence of the moment and realness in the take. Give each your best, but don’t overanalyze it.”

Ready For War Track Listing:

1. Make It Out Alive
2. Losing My Mind
3. Devil Inside
4. Dragging Me Under
5. Talk About Me
6. Fire
7. Looking For A Reason
8. Dangerous
9. Higher
10. Ready For War

How We Feel ‘Ready For War’ album artwork