Guest Lecture: David Bendeth
By Jeff Jewell (APE Student)

Walking into the David Bendeth guest lecture was a tad intimidating, as his background would lead one to believe he is a very intense guy. It’s daunting to sit in front of a major player in the music industry, someone with his track record, someone who had the opportunity to assist on sessions with Bob Ezrin. However Mr. Bendeth quickly turned these thoughts around with his quick wit and funny stories.

In one of his stories, he talked about working as a young assistant engineer, and being in charge of turning a fan off before the record button was hit. Bendeth failed to do so…and the producer promptly threw an ash tray at his head, missing only by inches. Looking back on this story, one can only think, "Wow! That is so rock n' roll!"

The man does not seem like he would want anything to do with modern music. He comes across as an old school rock and roller. In 2002, he produced, engineered and mixed some Elvis Presley tapes, cleaning them up so as not to sound like a tape made in the nineteen fifties. However, in spite of his affinity for the king of rock and roll, Bendeth played examples of some more modern tracks he has or is currently working on. Most of these tracks had some heavily-distorted guitars, fast-paced drumming and blaring vocals; everything you would expect to hear from a heavy metal band!

He revealed that he has done some work with the band Underoath. This was surprising...and exciting, particularly since he had no problem cranking his heavier tunes at loud volumes in the Metalworks Institute Lecture Hall. Bendeth made it clear that he’s an advocate of cranking heavy music up loud, so the listener can truly feel it.

He also spoke about the production work he’s doing with the band Paramore, a band that’s not as heavy as Underoath, and with more pop sensibility. He played some Paramore demos that were recorded before he got involved with the band, and then compared them to the versions he produced. Of course, David Bendeth's versions of the songs were much better. The Bendeth versions of the songs were better arranged, with a great deal more sonic clarity. This clearly showcased his ability to take something mediocre and transform it into something stellar.
David Bendeth was an engaging and entertaining guest lecturer. It's great that Metalworks Institute provides opportunities such as this, to be able to listen to someone of his stature speak about his career, the type of career we are all working to achieve.