Dax Riggs - Velvet Songs for Golden Skulls (album)

[@lucasbroussard]

Actually, this version of "Dressed in Smoke" started out as a demo with me on drums and Dax singing . He was also playing acoustic guitar but there was no mic or line in from it (we were playing super soft). In fact, you can hear the sound of a young child right after the first line :) when we messed with harmony for "we spin and spin" . Dax made me a quick mix of the track before I left and so the lead vocal and drums were mixed together . When I got back to lafayette, I took the CD and played/recorded it into one track on my Tascam 688 (that's right ... An eight track cassette machine). I then added bass, guitar, piano, and all the synth parts for the outro I had . I made a mix for us to hear and the song was never used . Since I had no control over the drums and vocals separately, the first two verses could have used more vocal but that would have made the drums too loud . This was never officially mixed or mastered but I have to admit that it sounds really nice (in retrospect). Tomorrow We Jump was recorded at Dax's with Dax on vocal and prominent semi-distorted acoustic guitar, John Perry on bass/fuzz bass (fuzz pedal hand made by Shane Hebert), and me on drums . The core of this song was done completely live with no punch ins. There were, however, overdubs added to the intro and outro. I added a faint synth sound to the intro and synth bass to the outro along with backing vocals with Dax on one mic onto one track . I had also added this similar downward chord change to the outro of this song which was similar to my outro of Dressed In Smoke. When I had recorded the CD mix of Tomorrow We Jump onto my Tascam 688 for the overdubs, I noticed that somehow my count off for Tomorrow We Jump was in perfect time coming from Dressed In Smoke . It was just a happy accident. I thought "since the outros are similar, maybe these two should go together" since they accidentally connect anyway . So these two songs were actually mixed onto two tracks at the same time . No mastering or official mixing . The other version/arrangement of Dressed In Smoke was chosen over this one (maybe the title was changed to "Dressed Up In Smoke" as I see it titled here) and Tomorrow We Jump never got officially released. I can post more detailed info on the songs I recorded on or mixed . I just have to review the original master tapes to accurately state who played what and how it was recorded . Cheers ! :D Also, I have NO idea how these recordings got out as I did not post or share them and we (Dax and I) were the only ones who had copies . Must have been stolen somehow . I've got so many more songs recorded that are this quality or better ... Most never heard and never will be . . . songs that have never been heard, played, or issued in any format . They are still on 8 track cassette and are unmixed and not digitized. To this day I am still using tape .. 16 track 1"@ 15 ips and 8 track 1/4"@71/2 ips. I mix down onto a 2 track 1/4" @ 30 ips . Dax has also switched over to analog ... I guess it didn't die the way some expected it to . : )

[@JonnyBwai]

Man I envy you having access to all of those unknown / never to be heard tracks...I bet there are some real gems there. seems like a fucking waste to me. stolen or not, I'm glad this particular set of songs made it onto the interweb!

[@AndrewOB]

+Lucas Broussard Thanks Lucas, It's been a long time man, I remember our Digital/Analog "discussions" and best Beatle arguments till early in the morning very well. Hope you are doing awesome man, you are a great musician and I miss this era.

[@hardbathsalts3143]

Lucas Broussard dude....Dax says he doesn't care who shares what as long as people hear his music, so why not put that stuff out?

[@TodKopfstein]

share with those who care

[@GuardicGaiden]

Lucas Broussard, any chance you would be interested in helping me with a Dax Riggs Encyclopedia/Master List of recordings? Just some some questions about the lesser known and unreleased recordings such as this one? I've been working on this list for quite a while and also a Dax Riggs live recordings, demos and other rare stuff database. I'm not trying to pry into his personal life or anything, just his music career. If you're not interested or if you are, let me know and we'll go from there. I'm doing this purely as a fan and for the fans and future fans of his.

[@RogerPainter]

Drugs and love failed me, but Dax Riggs and his wonderful accompanying musicians is always something I can cherish.

[@primesspct2]

drugs and love fail everyone honey.

[@lynntrout5164]

Jhane Doe hell yeah

[@schninx]

This, my friend. I feel you

[@ducking_wow3964]

Schninx Schninx same.

[@casey8378]

He always is there in the times we need it..it's a darkness that can be filled with a click

[@stephopalopal]

Dax would come over & we would sit in the bath tub illuminated with candles, no water..but play guitar, record (good acoustics)..remember playing skulls on guitar..pieces of it..Dax is liked Skulls..so he & I both played song on guitar& sang..we did this alot or would pick Dax up& my mama would feed him& we would go comic book shopping, or go to bookstores& blast music in the guitar like Neil Diamond( that was mostly at his house with his dad ).we closed door & Dax would pull out vinyl& Neil Diamond..he loved..it was innocent& yet so much many do not know..but he would hop on my back ..give him back rides..dress up as Bowie..T.Rex..awwh..a dear friend& more..Dax loves to have peace & more people should respect & jump into the land of Dax, my beautiful one..forever loved..peace to all..yes, wrote too much on here..but, hey our trees outside the Carrollton house know all, by railroad tracks..Greetings from New Orleans Louisiana peace ☆♡☆OpaL

[@Dustinfightsdemons]

Is this really opal? Someone told me that it's a fake profile when you commented some shit just like this on southern man with Phil. If this is really opal "HI"if not thats super weird that you do this 😂🤣

[@stephopalopal]

@@Dustinfightsdemons nah..its not fake..if you press one yt channel..its my channel..yea Dax Riggs and Philip both long time friends etc..thanks for liking Southern Isolation..more coming out Fall/ Winter2022 and Spring 2023😘❤Have a good one 💀🤘

[@Dustinfightsdemons]

@@stephopalopal I wish you could do another song with Phil. That was one of the greatest slow songs ever written.. time is mine by Phil and iommi is the greatest metal song ever written 🤘

[@stephopalopal]

@@Dustinfightsdemons we have close to 46 songs S.I..Philip and I..we got 7 bands together..but yea..thank you, on Instagram dm me

[@Dustinfightsdemons]

@@stephopalopal I sent you a message unless I found a fan page. It's hard to tell these days

[@sytmatt]

been jamming dax for 17 years. dude is like a fine scotch, gets better and better as the years go on

[@primesspct2]

I cant help but sing loudly!!!

[@MikeeX-fi9mz]

Confirmed!!!

[@TwinkieHeart]

Dressed up in smoke makes me weep😢 I fucking love Dax, I'm so appreciative for such a creative being sharing with us

[@ThePowerman121]

His cover of Skulls by the Misfits is one of the best covers of all time.

[@littlelion58]

+ThePowerman121 My thoughts exactly :)

[@bobbiemcclanahan5559]

I said this when I shared it, but I'll say it again: if you don't take 30min out of your life to listen to this album, you're missing out on something wonderful. Thank you, thank you for posting it.

[@lucasbroussard]

Tomorrow We Jump was recorded at Dax's with Dax on vocal and prominent semi-distorted acoustic guitar, John Perry on bass/fuzz bass, and me on drums . The core of this song was done completely live with no punch ins. There were, however, overdubs added to the intro and outro. I added a faint synth sound to the intro and synth bass to the outro along with backing vocals with Dax on one mic onto one track . I had also added this similar downward chord change to the outro of this song which was similar to the outro of Dressed In Smoke. When I had recorded the CD mix of Tomorrow We Jump onto my Tascam 688 for those overdubs, I noticed that somehow my count off for Tomorrow We Jump was in perfect time coming from Dressed In Smoke . It was just a happy accident. I thought "since the outros are similar, maybe these two should go together" since they accidentally connect anyway . So these two songs were actually mixed onto two tracks at the same time . No mastering or official mixing . The other version/arrangement of Dressed In Smoke was chosen over this one (maybe the title was changed to "Dressed Up In Smoke" as I see it titled here) and Tomorrow We Jump never got officially released. I can post more detailed info on the songs I recorded on or mixed . I just have to review the original master tapes to accurately state who played what and how it was recorded . Cheers ! :D

[@christopherboyd7373]

I'm fryed that's some $hit bro

[@Noblesavage77]

Cheers

[@VoluptuousSuccubus]

I love it! If you ask me, anything "digitized" done to Dax's voice is just a damn shame. It's absolutely perfect the way it is.

[@dcmpls]

I have been a fan for 20 years. Keep going Dax.

[@AndrewOB]

As a friend of Dax and live show taper from 2002-2005 I can shed some light on most of the tracks of this album and why the collection is named "VSFGS" (my most circulated and well-known show is the dax solo 5-18-2002 sidebar set (soundboard quality) around the dax, Lucas, Shane, nick, Wynn lineup era they were practicing in a space near Kaplan, la. Some of these sessions I sat in on and were recording entirely, that's where "break it off" and a few of the songs here originate from. With this lineup , a studio album was nearing completion but ultimately shelved and most of the material ended up on dead it's fat possum debut (we are night sky) with Tess Brunet on drums and backing vocals. So this can be considered the "demo" to WANS, and proceeds the "song mechanism" demo EP that dax sold at shows. The "How Long the Night Was" and "Heart in Hand" versions here were produced by Lucas Broussard and Shane Hebert (RIP). The others are just single track or rehersal demos with tne expection of spinning song which employs use of a drum machine, something dax had experimented with in the past but never produced a song featuring one. This version was produced for a radio station interview with a Lafayette college radio station that escapes my memory ATM. If anyone is intrested at a ful rehersal set recording around this same time, contact me.

[@AK-ek4ze]

Hey dude, thanks for the info. Do you still happen to have the rehearsal set recording?

[@GuardicGaiden]

I would be interested in any recordings that you have that are uncirculated or rare.

[@brad76]

I am very interested in a full rehearsal recording from that time or anything else you have that you recommend.

[@sickure]

Hey man, I'm very interested in that rehearsal recording.

[@lucasbroussard]

I honestly don't know how these songs got "out" as only Dax and I had copies (and maybe a few "trusted" friends). Anyway, there are still plenty of unmixed/non digitized songs that were never given out, released, or played live . I have over 100 8 track cassettes, personally . Also, I am still using tape . I still have my old Tascam 688 (cassette) but added a Tascam 388 in 2006 (8 track 1/4" tape @ 7 1/2 ips . Now I've moved to a Tascam MS-16 (16 track 1" tape @ 15 ips) with a Tascam M15B mixing console. This console is virtually nonexistent and the pair weighs 500 lbs + . I've also acquired a Tascam 22-2 for mixing to stereo (2 track 1/4" @ 30 ips) I still LOVE and use my 388 for songs that don't need 16 tracks and wouldn't hesitate using my 688 in a live situation . Dax made the analog move and LOVES his machine. Guess analog recordings didn't die as some may have thought ... Infinite resolution and non quantization lives on ! :-D

[@handlethis_ffs]

+Lucas Broussard It got to SkeletalCircus.com when that site was still around. I don't know who shared it with Chris back then. Btw, I saw DBE when you were in the band in Lafayette, LA in 2004. Bones opened for you guys. Such a good show.

[@hardbathsalts3143]

I've heard Dax say several times that he doesn't care who shares his music, he just wants it to be heard. Put the stuff you have out, please.

[@myname3074]

Would be so great to hear some new music from Dax ! I’ve always been a fan and inspired by the sweet angel voice . In the early 90’s acid bath played shows at all the local venues where I’m from. I even shared the stage with acid bath when our local bands got together. We asked them to play scream of the butterfly and they were amazed we even enjoyed that slower song . Keep rocking Dax wherever you are

[@vitamarie1944]

Makes me so happy that he may have tons of songs not shared yet.

[@badtexasbill5261]

This is something special

[@adamcollectoruk]

What an amazing album this collection would make properly recorded.

[@undaunted7786]

First seen him in Hattiesburg MS. Deadboy & The Elephant Men....Never will forget that show.

[@kelliwhite9794]

"Thing in a Jar"... YASSSS. Thanks for the upload!

[@littlelion58]

One of my favourites :)

[@tmantailor5653]

Best version of thing in a jar

[@trevorsmith7417]

I love finding this obscure shit he does. Been a fan since since the begining. Thanks for sharing!

[@christx4482]

The 28 minute marker rolls over as the Psilocybin rushes over me.... I am now one with my lawn chair parked in front of the camp fire, watching the digital smoke pour from my mouth... I aint got time to dieeee, tonight.

[@isaacfreeman7105]

I love Dax Riggs. One of my all time favorite

[@lisaphillips4595]

some of these versions of these songs r the best -i just cant listen to it enough

[@lucasbroussard]

Sorry about the 4 posts ... I didn't realize there was a character limit (or that it was so few characters). I tried to put all of the info in one post and it was a "no go" . If anyone is interested in seeing any of the equipment used or described you can follow me at Ravis Records on Facebook or RavisRecords on Instagram . You can also find me on Facebook or Instagram with photos of tours and our different travels. Cheers ! :D

[@jordanhartz6781]

That is amazing you worked with/know Dax personally! This album is my personal favorite, Dax's music has been a huge part of my life ever since I discovered him about 7 years ago. But I've never seen him live, you shoudl get him to come tour up near Michigan (or Chicago, or any state near by and I'd drive out to see him)! Wooo!

[@imfullofspiders]

Jordan Hartz He comes through Chicago once a year at least, usually. Unfortunately, there isn't usually much notice(I think I only got one day to prepare this last time). The most consistent up-to-date tour info I've come across is on 'Dax Riggs Official Page' on FaceBook. They add last-minute dates as they come up.

[@jordanhartz6781]

mantistoboggen Yeah, I actually ended up finally seeing him just over a month ago. He came to Chicago and I sped all the way from my final exam up in Michigan just in time for the show haha. It was amazing seeing him live and it ended too soon - can't wait to see him next time! I wanted to ask him if he knew about this album but there were too many others talking to him.

[@vanessastarchild2650]

Oh how I love this man and his mouth

[@justinlloyd2446]

I wish I had this on cd honestly. Great job

[@shermanberryman9037]

I am so glad i found this gem. Will always be in my collection.

[@SpookyApparition]

Yes, me too! I've loved Dax forever and haven't heard any of these versions. I love this version of Dressed Up in Smoke especially.

[@christopherboyd7373]

It's why we do what we do for people like you

[@xPedals]

Truly Velvet Songs.

[@sorrywerelate7879]

Damn good upload. Thank you

[@lisaphillips4595]

I love the version of spinning song, any different version of a Dax song is a treat to me. Thanks for putting this up - I'll listen to it often

[@lucasbroussard]

Anyway, this version/arrangement of "Dressed In Smoke" was not chosen and it was recorded a different way and maybe the name was changed to "Dressed Up In Smoke" (as I see it's listed here) . Tomorrow We Jump was never officially recorded or released (as far as I know) . I can provide info and dissect the songs that I played/recorded . I'll just have to go back to the original 8 track analog tapes to make sure my memory is accurate (as far as who is playing what) . ... it may take a little while ... haha

[@kevinsmith3372]

When all his songs from acid bath, agents of oblivion, and solo stuff all relate to shit I been through I fuckin love it you are the shit thanks bro

[@ZdraveskaSnezana]

I love this guy more than anything in this world ❤

[@FearEscape]

Thank you sir for uploading this masterpiece! I get to see Dax at least twice a year he comes to my hometown.

[@guidoviking4410]

Dude. Just beautiful! Long live Dax!

[@ladycakes77]

Dax, just radiates sexy. His voice could cure sin from a soul. His vibrato makes me weak in the knees. If I ever go to jail for anything, it will be for jumping this mans bones.

[@knottyhempster]

Half an hour is not nearly enough. :)

[@ANTZ81578]

agreed

[@marmelaki]

Awesome post - it made my night...

[@ZehWolf]

I'm from Connecticut...grew up in the hood the hard way...love fuckin Dax...the dude is madness..I fnin love it!

[@nAmE7056]

Thank you for this

[@L33NSPL33N]

This is one album I'd want on da vine all. Knah m33n cuzcakes?

[@alicechains9238]

Dax Riggs & Tessie Brunette =100%

[@isaacfreeman7105]

This album kept me from killing myself. Thanks Dacks

[@pphizzle42]

Saw him live at the Double Door in Chicago a few years back. Mr. Riggs is simply amazing...

[@laraludwinski8378]

Thank you for this!!!

[@primesspct2]

never stops with the goosebumps.....

[@Giah1000]

nevermind the scenery its only bleeding.. cant stop listening.. what a intresting song

[@psychicchili3335]

Thank you for this 🤟👁🔥🔥🔥🙏💜💜💜

[@L33NSPL33N]

Thanks brother. I highly appreciate this. I've only known about the dax-man for two years now and I keep discovering new/old shit that just blows my mind like a whore if my mind was like a dick or something.

[@charlesmoore7823]

A lot of Dax's best songs were from this era. Filling Empty Holes, Sigh Of Wolves two notable unreleased songs that aren't included. In Death I'm Only Hiding too.

[@wraithoftheirish]

Did he know how unique and good he as.Always o humble.

[@chica22enri]

DAX please come in Europe as soon as possible...

[@baileyclark5673]

I think He just sticks to the south now a days. I don't think anyone knows what he's upto until he comes along like a ghost and is suddenly "in town". He's a timeless gift from the great beyond.

[@420belcher]

smooth as f***n eggs

[@Mr13ADD]

well these versions haven't been released. some of these can be found on "We sing of only blood or love" and others on"We are the night sky" the spinning song is on "Say Goodnight to the world".

[@SuGrrr666]

Well said!

[@luthermcnulty2337]

this guy is good

[@hilan3094]

this is great!!!!!

[@lizardabyss7035]

Just cried to this 10/10

[@rukusrasputin4290]

This is missing Blood Music with that sick solo!

[@whoyou2728]

This is so beutiful!

[@pos6666666]

You should share it with the fans. We are worthy! Hah!

[@alexholt6208]

Thank you

[@ducking_wow3964]

Why am I belting this album out at the top of my lungs at 1:00am?? Oh yeah, it’s my soul expressing itself.

[@ducking_wow3964]

3yrs later and it’s still night time which darkens each day. Twinkle Bright.

[@lieutenantdan2217]

Dax is the man

[@Mr13ADD]

Where did you get these? These haven't been released officially ever and the original Velvet Songs for Golden Skulls was a live bootleg that circulated the web.the only songs here that are on it are Thing in a jar, Heart in my hand & Tomorrow we jump.

[@Randall-hj7zf]

Woah, I seriously wonder how much unreleased Dax Riggs material is out there after finding this.

[@melvingrier6357]

Fucking great

[@yaryar77]

thanx!! sound fine,brother! Is this somthin' that I missed (album wise),or did you put these all together yourself? Good stuff,if so! ;)~

[@trishgriffin2324]

two people wil suffer for all eternity for there disgrace on Dax >:( shame on you music haters

[@bethwagner245]

I saw him live only once 😭 but gd he is beautiful. Awkward thing 🖤

[@caramulloy2246]

lol never thought i could HATE u daxxxxxx errrrr GGGGGGGGrrrrrrrr :*

[@allisgoodguy]

google youtube to mp3 converter, there's a bunch of them, all you do is copy paste the url and download, enjoy.

[@GodzillaJake19]

He came in town about a week ago but im not 18.=(

[@VoluptuousSuccubus]

I had that problem when I was 13 and he was in Acid Bath. That was 20 years ago, so I'm sure he will still be doing shows in a few years. Sucks to have to wait though :P

[@justinbruinsma3955]

Damn I listened to this album so much but I remember the second song always being my favorite and now this isn't the same second song? Was a track removed???

[@andrewstapley486]

thanks

[@caramulloy2246]

lol and u too ben ...... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh grrrrr

[@christopherboyd7373]

She is so preseptive

[@vprst2192]

This isn't Velvet Songs For Golden Skulls. Where's fly on the eye, soul of a beer can, stop I'm already dead, filling empty holes, black crayon?

[@bethwagner245]

Is this buyable?

[@littlelion58]

It's not, it's all unreleased material. But you can go give some money to the Dax man over here in return for some merch/actually released music www.daxriggs.com/collections/all/cds

[@AKgunplay]

..Just, wow...Dax is amazing. Shame Rotten Records got a hold of him, they really are rotten.

[@RogerPainter]

Why is it irl, i never meet guys that are into dax riggs??? Girls into Dax Riggs music need love too!!!!!! I'm cute af, but i refuse to date any guy unless he's into Dax Riggs. I'm tired of settling for assholes with no taste! This is bullshit! what's wrong with people!!

[@RaymondRich]

Never settle. Life is too short for profound regrets.

[@RogerPainter]

ok then.

[@Alldeadwalkagin]

There are plenty of us out there. Try asking about acid bath? Lol.

[@RogerPainter]

yeah, i have tried asking about Acid Bath too, but you see I live in this little town called Los Angeles and i have to transport people with good taste here from other states and it is just such a hassle.

[@caramulloy2246]

i hate u all for knowing :P

[@Giah1000]

XD

[@Obsidiancrack]

I dont really like this version of Spinnig Song.. .

[@peterlyon5511]

me neither tbh, this was the only version I had heard until a few years ago and I didn't really get it

[@hiyabuddy69]

In Lack'ech