Profiles (Album)

The official album artwork, commissioned by Abbey Stokes.

Profiles (released 21st September 1984) is the second studio album by electronic/classical crossover musical artist TGCO. With the standard issue comprising of eight tracks, the album (as a concept) is split into two distinctively different styles - modern classical, and contemporary electronic. Up to this date, Profiles remains TGCO’s most popular album, though their most streamed track, ‘Fables, Myths & Legends’, belongs to their 1980 debut album, ‘To Live A Moment Longer’.

The album marked a significant step forward in TGCO’s musical journey. Recorded between 11th September 1983 and 30th July 1984 at ELMER Studios (an acronym for “*Electronic Mastering, Editing and Recording*”, the album presented a unique set of challenges and artistic decisions that ultimately shaped its distinct character.

**Challenges facing TGCO**

As TGCO's second album, the pressure to impress their existing fanbase while also attracting new listeners was apparent from the outset. The band was not disappointed with the reception of their debut album, "To Live A Moment Longer," but they recognised the desire to please their growing audience with "Profiles." The recording process for "Profiles" was anticipated to take a year, akin to their debut album. However, it extended to two years due to frequent breaks taken by the band during studio sessions. This extended timeline allowed them more time for creativity, but it also resulted in a more relaxed approach to recording, which contrasted with the more hurried demeanour of their debut.

**Recording**

While recording "To Live A Moment Longer," TGCO faced challenges due to the antiquated recording equipment they had acquired from various sources. For "Profiles," however, they made strategic changes. The band considered using either a new digital or a traditional orchestral base for the album, which contributed to the overall pressure and decision-making process.

Unlike their debut album, where extensive retakes were required, "Profiles" benefited from an easier recording process, thanks to the inclusion of synthesisers and a scaled-down orchestra. These additions streamlined the recording experience and enriched the album's overall sound. The band spent ten months actively recording in the studio, dedicating the rest of their time to writing and other creative endeavours. The evolution of TGCO's sound prompted discussions about the appropriateness of their name. While the name "TGCO" humorously referred to The Great Canon Orchestra (an inside joke which lost its relevancy during the recording process of their second album), it no longer aligned with the sound presented in "Profiles." The album was recorded in a relatively small space with overdubbing, accommodating a maximum of 20 people at once, departing from the orchestral nature associated with their name. In order to retain a full, orchestral sound, each overdub was slightly varied in pitch and volume, creating a sense of a more realistic orchestral texture. The album was recorded onto 1/4” Tape on a Fostex A8 Reel-To-Reel Tape Recorder.

**Engineering and Production**

TGCO's transition to a cleaner sound in "Profiles" was facilitated by the expertise of part-time producer John Miller. Miller's guidance helped them refine their sound, making the album sound shallower, colder, and crisper compared to their debut. The improvement in recording equipment also contributed to the enhanced sonic quality.

The band invested significantly in professional equipment to achieve a more polished sound, even though much of it became obsolete by the end of the decade. This investment ultimately led to their regret of producing only three albums during the '80s. They closed their studio, Elmer Studio, in 1998, giving away most of the equipment while retaining cherished synthesisers and premium microphones.

The album artwork was commissioned by ACM sub-label, Abbey Stokes. It is distinctively minimalistic, and is rated by many fans as TGCO’s best album cover. The artwork depicts Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, with a red, black letter typeface reading, “Profiles”.

**Personal Perspectives**

Each band member had their preferences and opinions regarding specific tracks. The piccolo's sound in the track "Nights" was a point of contention for one member, while the title track, "Profiles," featuring a captivating piano performance, has held a special place in the hearts of many who worked on the album and the listeners who followed, capturing an emotional essence that resonates deeply.

**Reception**

The album was not released to a wide audience. The lack of publicity surrounding the album allowed for it to fade into obscurity after only a few weeks, though the few listeners who did buy the album at the time rated it positively. In the years that have since followed, the album has been particularly well regarded, especially among TGCO fans.