Fred Armisen, an actor, comedian, musician, and producer, will be celebrating the release of his new album, ‘100 Sound Effects,’ with a live performance and album signing event at Amoeba Hollywood on October 1st at 5 PM.
The event is free and open to all ages, but those wishing to attend the signing session following the performance must purchase a copy of the album. This can be done in-store at Amoeba Hollywood starting September 26th.
Album purchasers will receive a ticket allowing one person to attend the signing, with a limit of one copy per person. It’s also essential to note that only albums bought at Amoeba will be eligible for the signing; no outside items will be accepted. As space is limited, fans are encouraged to secure their album ahead of time.
‘100 Sound Effects,’ which is slated for release on September 26 via Drag City, represents a unique collection that goes beyond typical musical offerings.
Armisen has designed this album to serve multiple purposes: it can act as a sound effects library for creative projects, provide an industrial tool for entertainers, or simply be enjoyed for its deep listening experiences. It features a wide variety of sounds, ranging from everyday noises like doors shutting and glass breaking to more abstract scenarios that can stimulate the imagination.
One particularly intriguing track, ‘Campfire Breakfast Conversation,’ showcases how such sounds can be integrated into film or theatrical works. Armisen explains how these sounds might enhance the ambiance of an outdoor setting: ‘They could be used in a movie or a show as a distant sound. Like: ‘Listen, I think I hear campers down that way!’ Those can also be played on outdoor speakers, if you want to make your backyard sound like a popular camping area.’
Notably, the majority of the album was crafted in professional recording studios. However, for certain ambient sounds, Armisen ventured outdoors to use a portable digital recorder to capture the essence of various natural and urban environments. He reflects on the challenges of producing sound effects, sharing a humorous anecdote about recording glass breaking: ‘I forgot that I’d actually have to break and clean up glass. There’s this place in Van Nuys where you pay to go in and smash glass. It’s all very safe, and you have to wear goggles and a jumpsuit. What a great idea for a business. I want to go back and curate a smash room.’
Additionally, some tracks aim to replicate common yet underrepresented experiences, such as the sound of a ‘Music Venue Employee Kicking Everyone Out While Throwing Away Bottles,’ a scenario many have encountered.
Armisen also created sounds that honor his personal favorites, leading to the inclusion of tracks like ‘Small Theater Booing.’ The collaborative spirit of the album is bolstered by contributions from notable figures in the industry, including Bill Hader, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Amber Coffman, Tim Heidecker, Riki Lindhome, and Alice Carbone Tench, illustrating the fun and creativity that infused the project.
With ‘100 Sound Effects,’ Armisen presents an album that breaks the mold of traditional sound recordings. It holds the potential to serve a dual purpose as both a practical library of sounds for creators and a stimulating listening experience for audiences.
In a personal note about the album’s creation, Armisen recalls his inspiration drawn from haunted house sound effects albums. He originally intended to record the project at Steve Albini’s studio in Chicago, Electrical Audio. However, as the concept evolved and the timeline remained uncertain, he decided to work from Los Angeles.
In reaching out to Albini for assistance, he was introduced to Dave Grohl, who recommended engineer Darrell Thorp. Together, they worked at Studio 606 and later at Sunset Sound, where the collaboration proved inventive and enjoyable. Remembering Albini, Armisen dedicates the album to his memory, saying, ‘I miss him every day.’
Fans of Fred Armisen and sound effects alike will want to mark their calendars for this special event and the release of ‘100 Sound Effects,’ an album like no other that delights with its charm and creative approach to sound design.
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