I am a Mix Engineer/Record Producer by trade. I commonly work with artists looking to achieve what you have done. The biggest issue they (we both) face in the process is the fear of doing things and then getting trapped in "should do"s - SO - I am delighted to see vids with the mindset of "getting it done" regardless. Doing it, feeling it, counts for more than tools or formal techniques. That is the DIY attitude that drove Punk/New Wave etc. And honestly music in general. Advice: Don't apologize. That is like having to apologize for your feelings, everything you say. Fans want leaders. Leaders with courage they (probably) lack. So if you felt it and said (sang) it, don't apologize. Listening to your "Seconds" EP on Spotifry: it works. It has charm. While some things could technically be better, as Jackson Browne said, this is a record of that time. Which very much feels like the purpose of the whole thing. With some repeated exposure, I can see people really wanting this in their lives. Woodwind parts are great. :-)
*this* … thankyou, yes! and can only agree, absolutely just own the way you made it. and in addition to post/punk and new wave etc. there’s so much good stuff out there done with little or no regard to “perfection” - “doing it” instead of “doing it correctly” : loads of “lo-fi” stuff, pj harveys 4-track demos, daniel johnston, early devandra banhard records, tina dico’s “notes”, etc. and a lovely EP, done with playful charm and with feeling and gorgeous intertwining melodies/harmonies, thank you - looking forward to hearing more / following what comes next.
You’ve inspired me ( a fellow artist) to stop stressing about having the right equipment and creating “the perfectly recorded track!” Because your music sounds great with a cheap mic and few Fx, and here I am stressing because I’m not sure I got my vocals reverbed, EQ’d, saturated and blah blah blah’ed perfectly😵💫😂 Lol thank you; I really needed this assurance that it can be simpler than I make it and sound friggin amazing ❤
Girrrllll why am I watching this saying the same thing. I literally have all the equipment I need, including a Shure SM7B…..then I realized my issue is that I’m just nervous. And I want it to be perfect! F that!!!! I’m about to make my EP. No more excuses!!!
Don't let the pursuit of Perfection prevent you from getting your music out there. A good or pretty good track that is clean, in tune and timing, with clear diction on your lyrics will do fine. My initial compositions of new songs, with the tools I have now, are often better than the various versions I do of them thereafter as acoustic with bouzouki and voice, but that doesn't stop me from releasing the acoustic versions just to get them out there.
Recording doesn't matter. A good song can sound like almost anything and people will listen to it. The songs most often voted as "the best ever" are all over the place in terms of recording.
take a lesson from 60's and 70's music - they didn't have all this modern digital computer audio software... If you listen, they often don't have perfect eq, perfect mix, etc. often also, the instruments are not in perfect rhythm, or there might even be a few notes missed, because back then recording was expensive and the artists didn't necessarily have the money to do a do-over. And yet, we consider those songs 'classics'...
I would even go as far to say that a bad recording can actually make a song even better. Liana Flores' music is very lo-fi and I love it specifically for that reason, it reminds me of old vinyl records from the 60s
@rykami14 id like to say this is wrong. A bad recording sounds bad. I think that may mislead some people. A non professional level recording may be a better term. Or unrefined.
@@f1rebreather123 at the end of the day bro, a bad recording doesn't actually exist, as all music is subjective. if a bedroom artist thinks their recording method sounds good, then regardless of public opinion, that is the recording method they should use.
@@HansMoleman-vr2bdactually, a bad recording does exist. a good recording is one that perfectly captures the artist's intentions and their emotion in performing the music. if the engineer captures this with frequency clashes, unwanted noises, poor levels, etc and none of this turns into a pleasant surprise, it will indeed be a bad recording, which may perhaps be corrected in the mixing phase.
Color coding the tracks (vocals = orange for example) helps you to visually hone in on a track (especially if the track count is high) and naming them appropriately (Lead Vocal, BV's etc) really helps to organize the songs and will really come into it's own if you ever need to send someone the stems.
100% MUST DO ADVICE!!! -especially if you need to find a specific track in the 'Audio Files" from an older session. Which leads me to just wanna add one thing to what you've already listed......."Name the track BEFORE you record any audio, or it will be saved in your library simply as 'Audio_01' regardless of naming it afterwards.Worse, it won't differentiate between sessions (songs), becoming a NIGHTMARE trying to locate a specific part in the future".....that may be entirely specific to each DAW tho.
YES OMG. I have ASD/ADHD/synaesthesia and it drives me crazy when my partner doesn't do this properly. I'm not sure if all DAWs do this, I use Reaper but: Make a blank track labelling each with like, vocal folder, bass folder etc and put things in the appropriate place, then minimise the contents of each folder - you can still see them they just take up a lot less real estate on screen, and you can minimise further if it's a group you're not working on just at that minute. It's just much easier for my brain to handle to get as much of it on screen at a time. I accept this may well be a 'me' thing though lol
@@chrisgatesmusic my partner and i do a LOT of 'saving as' for this reason and it's absolutely the rule if either one of us picks a project the other was doing, or one of our songs as a duo. A lesson learned very early on. Reaper does save backups fairly frequently but it's not something you should rely on. And always frequently save during the session in case it crashes. Another lesson learned very early on, but it still catches us out sometimes
Very true. Letting go is hard, but perfection is rarely worth its cost. There's only so much effort an artist project can hold, before becoming a thankless task, that you don't want to work on.
So, I'm 45, and I'm an artist/singer/songwriter and I always trying to make my songs perfect and I'm afraid to put them out, because of "what people say about them and me". But I will put my songs out! Fuck it! Thank You for this vid! Take care! Keep on creating!
Hey, you should put your songs out, don't worry about other people, do these other people also have music they themselves have created? I started writing and recording during lockdowns with zero knowledge of how to use the equipment. I was only able to noodle on a bass, that was it. Is my stuff perfect? Nowhere near, even I know that but the idea is there with me doing my best, i can say I've created something. I've released an album and an ep and I have a few tracks towards another release. Go for it.
I used to record all my songs on GarageBand when I was 16 with my IPad mini’s microphone. I had the most fun. I would record piano and vocals. If I had any more little melodic ideas I would just use my voice. And then at the age of 21-22 I somehow decided that those songs were not good, and I was so bad and I urgently needed to learn all those production skills. I dedicated my time trying to learn but also this mindset gave me the WORST writers block ever. I think it took me 7 years. I still wrote songs and last year made an EP. I am proud of the work but It didn’t feel the same when I wrote songs with GarageBand. Now I am thinking of going back to the old ways I did things :) simple and easy is the best way sometimes. A
Same with my writing. I feel like it's less self conscious and more fun when you're just doing it especially when younger. Now I'm 31 it takes me a while and I can get stuck in overanalysis
THIS. I started making music at 16 and recorded all my vocals on my MacBook built in mic. I just made stuff without thinking and didn’t care it was rough. Then I did a music degree, and ever since then I’ve been overthinking everything. 28yo now, and actively trying to get back to my 16yo naivety. Sigh.
I was born in ‘71. My best friend and I wrote songs and recorded them in his bedroom when we were teenagers in the 80s. We didn’t even have a 4 track tape recorder at that point. We used multiple stereo/ tape systems with a mixer bouncing back and forth with a little Casio keyboard and a couple other things. Then we finally got a drum machine and a four track recorder. All of our most creative stuff was done back then. When we went beyond that, while it was more polished and we had gotten better as songwriters, it wasn’t necessarily better. Sometimes limitations bring out more creativity.
"It's not perfect," and neither are we musicians! But it *is* heartfelt. And that counts for much much more! Bravo on your courage to DIY and release it into the world. You make something, then you let it go and make something new. Keep on doing these videos. They will inspire many more to take up the banner and just record with what they have.
Didn't realize I share a similar dilemma from other people out there. This video is really refreshing and made me realize I should also document my journey as an independent artist. Thanks for sharing yours!
Girl i love your attitude about this whole thing. I love how you don't let the pressures that most artists/engineers face in this industry go through get to you. The whole concept of ''getting it done'' and ''having fun with it'' is great, I'm a sound engineer who has a degree in this field and let me tell you sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with getting projects done because I want it to be perfect. This is why its just so refreshing to see you. Thank you for sharing your story. Also, don't be sorry! You have to start somewhere you know and as your youtube channel grows you'll eventually be able to have access to all the things you didn't before. Keep on rocking it girl, sending love & blessings!!
Literally so inspiring because the music itself is more important than the delivery system and most of the time you are gatekeeping yourself by imagining there are other people with supposed standards that you have not reached. well done.
As someone who is at an intermediate level with producing and has been writing for a reallllly long time now-your stuff is really good, and you should be very proud of yourself! Honestly, because of the genre you're working in, if I hadn't seen the video, I would have never guessed it wasn't professionally done. I especially loved the interlude track. Kudos!
As someone who's felt very intimidated with learning to make music this video was a great watch. I have pretty nice equipment but motivation is hard to come across because of how overwhelming it can seem to think about everything that goes into it. Thanks for this :)
I'm in loooooove with the simplicity of your process, because it's just like mine lol. I got my guitar, my casio keys, my harmonica, my ribbon mic and thats it baby.
you’re not doing it wrong. The longer you actually produce you realize how little you actually have to do to make something sound good as long as you actually know how to take a good recording. These are great. In fact I’m surprised how good the vocal presets actually sound.
i’ve started writing my own album a few years ago but never finished it because I always felt like it wasn’t professional enough or something was missing. It’s so refreshing to see that music can be fantastic even when it’s made in a simple way. Thank you for sharing!
Take great care with that approach. While popular in YT vids, blankets in cupboards etc tend to create a very weird sound/feel that can only be made worse as you mix (esp if not skilled at mixing). It's far better to have a decent Dynamic mic and decent technique and have it feel natural. Live Rooms in classic studios deliberately have a lovely reverb space. Use what you have or it gets unsettling for the listener, ie they feel weirded out which is not great for having them hang around & coming back. :-)
@@BenedictRoffMarshbut it's possible, and that's all that needs to be known. popular example, Travis Scott has recorded huge songs all while recording under a blanket.
I know how you made an EP. Because talent will out, necessity is the mother of invention, and all artists need to express what they've got held in them. I hadn't even heard of you until today, but I'm subbed to see what's next.💛
you’re so warm, witty, adorable, switched on (no pun intended haha) and way too apologetic. give yourself your flowers, you are useful! loved this. we all resonate with imperfection - super inspiring. this was fun, part 2 please! xo
You are reminding many people that this is how ALL of us music makers start (unless you're from a rich family). We use what we've got and our talent carries the rest! ☺️ Congrats on your release! 🎉 Keep up the great work!
I came across this video and your channel and the video title was enough for me to actually watch and listen to what you're saying in it! I've been producing music since 2019 and I love every piece of it and you reminded me of the time when I started recording where I had no idea on how to EQ, compress or arrange a track in a DAW except for what I knew what to do on guitar and some basic demo idea. I'm going to listen to your EP and now I'm subscribed to your musical journey starting today! It's better done than perfect and no matter the amount of skills that one may have, what truly matters is the music!
we all start somewhere and I know nearly nothing as well, stereo widening is probably the most important tool. A recording trick: record two good takes of each instruments part, that way when you pan them dominantly left and dominantly right they like POP and sound great together, it actually sounds way better having different non identical takes panned oppositely rather than copy pasting the same track, the latter would just be stereo widening a single track.
Definitely keep making videos! The fact that your posting is better than 90% of new artists out there. I think a lot of us struggle because we go to learn production from TH-cam and get so much information about what’s right and wrong when really, there is no right or wrong! If it sounds good it sounds good. Thank you for the reminder that it’s okay to use simple equipment and not overthink every step of the process 🙏🏼
There's a lot of artists that use mics designed for recording on the go. You have a great style, and the "no money no skills" makes you do things the way YOU would rather than a professional studio. You did an awesome job 🙂.
As someone who is constantly fighting to make progress with not overthinking my music to death, your approach to creating your music is a breath of fresh air. I'm working on completing a project myself and I am overjoyed I found this video to remind that all that matters is the music and getting your idea and the message out there. Thank you for sharing!
Compared to everything else on TH-cam, this was so honest and calming. As someone who just started music prod, tutorials/advice are often overwhelming, but I found this really helpful. Thanks!!
Your vocals have a Christine McVie quality and your EP Seconds is an awesome collection of songs. Keep doing what you're doing, things are gonna happen that's pretty much guaranteed.
So refreshing to see this video! We've used the Zoom H1 on a bunch of projects, and that's really saying something, because at our full production studio we have some microphones worth over $5000!! The H1 has been used for lots of location recording on grand piano, acoustic guitar and vocal, drum overheads...pretty much anything...and it always surprises us how good it sounds for such a tiny little inexpensive mic! You just keep making great music and great songs and keep inspiring others to do the same all around the world!
This is wonderful to see. I record my own albums very simply at home and it’s the only way I can 1. make exactly what I want and 2. afford to keep going! Great work on the music and this video too. Looking forward to more.
I just came across this channel last night, & found myself listening to one original after another...you are an AMAZING writer & arranger!! Truly, not one 'choice' isn't perfectly placed & more so every part SAYS something. Not a singular instrument that's 'filler' & doesn't fulfill a role or evoke the perfect emotion. Vocal harmonies/stacking are staggering, & the use of the refrain on 'How Does Your Garden Grow'...hate to use the word "sophistication", but it's evident throughout all this work, yet masked wonderfully with the apparent 'simplicity'....the fact that you're not signed, I can't find a more fitting example with what's wrong with the record industry these days....this is all with UTMOST sincerity. SO glad this vid came up on my screen!!...THANK YOU for putting all this out there!!
I am a fellow independent musician, and this was the inspiration I needed today! ❤ Thank you for sharing this. Not knowing anything is clearly a beautiful thing because then you explore and play, and authenticity shines through since you aren't getting caught up in the influences of what "they" all say is right or wrong. It seems common to feel like we have to know what we are doing, but look at what happens when you are at peace with where you are and do the best you can with what you have. Bravo, Jas. I just added this EP to my Spotify and will be listening. Wishing you all the best on your musical journey.
Hey from Wales. Thankyou for the advice and the confidence booster. I want to release my first EP this year in 2025, it's taken me years to finally decide to go for it but I am finally ready I think :)
Thank you so much for this! I'm an aspiring singer/songwriter who also does my own production at this stage, and this was so incredibly inspiring to watch! Your genuine approach to producing high quality and authentic art without being impeded by perfectionism is so refreshing, I definitely need more of this attitude hahaha. Not sure if you take video requests, but a video about your songwriting process would be really interesting 😊
Think this is the third time I've come back to this video and I've gradually gotten closer to releasing but still not done it yet. I love how open and vulnerable you are in admitting that what you did might nit have been PERFECT but it was authentic which is arguably better
This was so inspiring to watch as an artist! “just do it” mentality and not hyper-fixating on perfection or the “right” materials. I would love to hear more about actually releasing the music!!
this video has helped me realise i dont need to overcomplicate and be a perfectionist about everything, only yourself can hear any ‘mistakes’ that most of the time other people dont even pick up on! or they find it adds to the comfort and uniqueness of the track! i think with AI taking everything creative and churning it out with no humanity, having this approach to music makes it more beautiful. basically, thank you! will be checking your music out!!!
This video really hit home for me. I recently released my song What a Feeling using just GarageBand and recording it on my 5-year-old Android smartphone and with no fancy mastering tools either. I completely relate to the challenges of creating music without a big budget, and it's inspiring to see others like you doing it and still reaching so many people. It’s not just about the equipment; it’s about pouring your emotions into your music and connecting with listeners. If anyone here has ever felt that passion in creating something with limited resources, you might find What a Feeling relatable too. Thanks for sharing this, and wishing everyone here the best in their own musical journeys!
So inspiring. I've been writing music and have been so self conscious about releasing my music because I don't know how to mix, I'm worried I don't sound great etc. But watching this made me realise that I'm my biggest hurdle; that I should just start, and as long as I endeavour to get better, one day I'll reach that level. Also, the comments under this video are also just as inspiring. From people sharing tips to some sharing their own stories, I really can't help but to feel like where I am and what I have is good enough.
You think you don’t know what you’re doing but honestly … you know way more than you think. I don’t even know how to layer or play an instrument. But I’ve got a good voice and a great presence as well as descent writing skills and I plan on leaning on my strengths rather than fixating on my weaknesses. There’s always room to grow DEFINITELY. Also … just listened to your ep and I thoroughly enjoy how raw it is. Even if you get more sophisticated I hope you still keep that charm. ❤️ thank you for this video and your vulnerability which is obviously touching so many aspiring artists ❤
I relate to this in such a strong way, instead I'm crazy and put out an entire album of literally the first electronic sounds I cooked up all poorly exported. I had a whole life-story typed out but it came off too self-promo, so just thank you for this video - best of luck and keep it up :)
On of my main things for vocals eq would always be to cut out a good junk of the low end, because your voice doesn't actually reach that far down and whatever is recorded there is just noise. So everything below 60db you can definitely get rid off, even more if you feel like it doesn't change the sound of your voice. It creates so much more space for everything else, and if a song sounds messy or muddy that often solves the issue! Apart from that though I love the approach of doing all this yourself and having the confidence, I think the best art is sometimes born out of just doing it ⭐
Just listened to your song "Second" it was so good! I let it loop for an hour without even realizing lol ^_^ Thanks for posting your perspective and experience. It's bound to inspire others!
So cool, I started using Audacity, I learned a lot on that which easily helped me move to Pro Tools. I have been taking a course on music production and it has helped me move my songs a lot further production wise. Way to go Jas! I will be following your journey. I love your sound. Chris in Canada
I’d love a pt 2! I’ve referred to this video several times as a “big sister” giving advice while I work on making my own music. Also my irl sister is named Jasmine so that’s iconic haha. Thank you!!
Great video! Inspirational. I've been doing my own thing for years and just learning as i go and basically making it up as i go too! you dont need labels and managers and all the expense. Just get it out there. Well done!
You are outstanding! You did it! With effort and determination you did it! I'm retired and when I'm asked what I do with myself, my answer is "I write songs that no one will hear". You're on the right track, pursuing your dreams. Keep it up, the world is watching. Again congratulations! 🤗
You are an inspiration, Jas! I went to music college but didn't study production. I was around amazing producers and so when I went to record my own stuff I was intimidated. You have shown me that I don't need to worry. To hell with all that, just record! Thanks!
This came up on my suggestions, i also record and make music in my bedroom, my mix and mastering isn't the best but it's got a lot better since i started, If you put time and work into it you can do anything, just listened to your spotify, it sounds old skool in a good way, brilliant voice very chilled. you should be proud. keep up the good work.
It’s great to see young musicians embracing simplicity without worrying about the ‘real’ musicians out there. You’ve achieved a lot with basic technique and I wish you well for the future. GarageBand is a powerful tool.
Hello what a breath of fresh air it is to listening to you. i have watched everything you have on YT and made a playlist of it all. Please keep on going i just love your vocal harmonies and everything of your songs and your funny faces. A fan from Canada🥰🤯👣
i’d love to hear the part two. promotion isn’t my forte either. artwork, though. is my favorite part about it. because sometimes it’s the art that inspires the music, and sometimes the music inspires the art. it’s usually the same effect for the listener everytime, as the cover goes with the project. but the order in which it was done, is unknown until you let it be! (if ever) cover art is all about first impressions. people love to judge a book by its cover, and some people will love an album just because of a cool picture/artwork!
Back when I did music more often, in a completely different genre to you, I was making music with Reaper - a DAW you can use for free indefinitely - and entirely using free plugins and free samples and it was fine. The fact you've got actual songwriting talent - which I never had - and something to say goes a lot further than overcomplicating the process with a load of gear or software! Thanks for a really interesting video. Good luck with more music and getting into Logic!
This is pure. I love this. THIS is what art is. To see you show your process and expose your music in the way you are is so inspiring. I just added you to my Apple Music favorites. Don't ever apologize for your art. Your audience will find you and being sincere and honest will keep your fanbase strong for your whole career.
Hi Jas ! Just stumbled upon your video and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve dabbled in making my own music and this is really inspiring. I think it’s funny that you were laughing at yourself as you spoke about making your recording sound dead so that you have more control over it because I totally get that ! Makes very much sense. Anyways keep doing what you’re doing ! Can’t wait to keep listening.
this video was so inspiring! i've always been afraid to record my full songs and put them out there because i've always thought that i should have the perfect equipment and producer skills to put out my music. this is really encouraging to know that i can do it without having to be perfect. and i can put out my music for myself instead of for others :) your ep is beautiful and i really enjoyed listening to it
Honestly, this is how you learn. I wouldn’t have thought to layer the vocals, and it sounds so good on your EP! I’m using that tip once I get to making a song for myself, my USB cord for my mic is broken, so it’ll be my phone for me 🤷♂️
Thank you so much for sharing this. Just stumbled across you, listened to the EP and it’s GORGEOUS. Your “just do it” attitude is really speaking to me in where I’m at after years of inaction so I just really want to thank you x
Thank you for sharing! Your voice is calming. And your singing is beautiful! I was feeling a bit kind of not so super. lol. But hearing your music Florence and now watching your video with your calm voice just made me better. Thank you for sharing. I'm a music composer. Keep up the great work!
Wow, such an inspiring video. Perfect example of when the song and the performance are great, way less heavy lifting is required in production. You kept things simple and the result sounds beautiful.
As someone who is coming back around to music, never having fully taken the leap before, and currently with almost no budget at all or training, videos like this are so helpful and inspiring.
You don't know how happy I was when I saw you released Seconds because of how much a love Roadworks! I know zero about music recording but have always wanted to fiddle with garage band so I found this extremely interesting!!
I’m older and started out in the old days before tech. What I’ve learned is the song is key. A great song will sound fine done on inexpensive equipment if you have talent. All the expensive equipment in the world won’t make bad songs and bad performances sound great. I use Logic Audio now and it works for me. You are doing fine….good luck on your journey!
This is great Jas, very much reminded me of the first weeks of lockdown and not even knowing the terminology to Google a certain question I had. Honestly though, it’s possibly the most magical time. Obvs I wish you all the best in your journey of discovery and learning, but please try and hang onto the “just get it done and out” because it’s so easy to get lost in chasing perfection that 99.9% of your listeners won’t even notice. Anyway, off to listen to Seconds all the way through 👍
I got into recording music for the first time this year and I’m planning to release an EP soon. It was super intimidating world to get into it, but it’s been a lot of fun. One of the biggest things I learned is everyone will want to tell you how you do it. There’s a lot of people who will tell you the right and wrong. If your plan is to be a mega popstar, then there is a bit of a formula. But if you just make something you love, you can’t go wrong.
I'm currently in the process of recording an EP with my band, and sadly its beign a frustrating process, lots of stress due to expectations and self-impossed pressure. Its lovely and inspiring to see someone creating in such a freeing manner and happily. Thanks for sharing! This inspired me
take a lesson from 60's and 70's music - they didn't have all this modern digital computer audio software... If you listen, they often don't have perfect eq, perfect mix, etc. often also, the instruments are not in perfect rhythm, or there might even be a few notes missed, because back then recording was expensive and the artists didn't necessarily have the money to do a do-over. And yet, we consider those songs 'classics'...
this is actually so helpful to perfectionist musicians, i'm planning to release some music but i never recorded or produced anything before and it's STRESSING ME OUT! Hahahahaha but your music sounds so amazing, i love it! Thanks for the video, i would love a part two 😽
i made an album and an EP with (literally) no money or skills by myself too!!! the album took me 5 effin years to make because of many complications (my pc broke down) and also i had no money and had to borrow mics and an audio interface x_x the mixing SUCKS but hey i'm still proud of it i'm currently listening to your EP and i love how organic it sounds, so intimate and personal. feels like a warm blanket on a cold night. very immersive, great job!!
I wish I had your mentality when I was younger (35 now), all I ever wanted was to record my own album but I kept getting distracted and discouraged by my own fear and perfectionism and toxic shame. Heck I barely even practice any more and am rusty. Good on you for not letting life/your head get to you like that. You give me hope.
I love this!. One of my favorite music/recording adages: "If it sounds good, it is good." The point is to make something that sounds good to YOU! And that's the cool thing about art...that your art gets to be the thing that YOU want it to be. I am also trying to detach myself from the idea that there's a "correct" way out there to do everything (and esp in audio production), and figure out what works for my own process. Thanks for inspiring!
thank you so much for making this. it's what i've always wanted to do but i've talked myself out of it. i even had a song professionally produced last year and convinced myself that i had to go do that all again for 5 other songs (and i'm broke), even though they're super simple and heartfelt, just like yours. i went and listened to yours and it's gorgeous and perfect. i'm saving this video and excited to make my ep myself in 2025.
You’re very warm & charismatic. If you made a podcast, interviewing other local not so well known artists I would fuck with that. Just an idea. If not, I have just found your music and I love it, it’s like wearing a cardigan inside on a cold wet day - if that makes any sense at all.
This is so helpful. I’m going to start making and releasing music, but I’ve never produced before and have no clue where to start. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. Please make a part 2!
this timing is so sweet! i’ve listened to you since ur very beginning youtube days and im just starting to record my own work with no money or skills lol. very handy vid very dope
your songs are fire, just listened to em now, you truly deserve a professional studio but either way you are a real authentic artist with respect to the art
Yes! Fellow indie perfectionist musician here. Would love more documentation of your journey, especially a video part 2 on promotion/sharing the music logistics. I’m 43 and finally this year started working with a pro engineer/producer to help me move from decades of song files only I know about to things I can share with others. It’s cost me about $1k for my first song, and I am proud of what I’ve learned-but I’m disabled and living on a low, fixed income, so I cannot afford to create much else in this fashion. I’m going to have to simplify and do it “wrong” if I want a body of work and not a dang single.
It's great what you did, I guess the hardest part is actually starting. Like a writer who wants to write a book, pick up a pen and start writing. look forward to hearing more. Thanks for sharing. Love your Bowie top.
This was really fun and insightful! I've kinda been scared to tackle my own projects, because I often fear it might not be good enough. I try to remind myself that "somehow done" is better than "striving to be perfect, but not done". On that note, thank you for the reminder! And I'd really be interested in part 2; your experience with releasing/promoting etc.
"Fuck it, who cares? Let's just go for it!"
Correct.
@@iv3nomousi LOVE THIS!!
I am a Mix Engineer/Record Producer by trade. I commonly work with artists looking to achieve what you have done. The biggest issue they (we both) face in the process is the fear of doing things and then getting trapped in "should do"s - SO - I am delighted to see vids with the mindset of "getting it done" regardless. Doing it, feeling it, counts for more than tools or formal techniques. That is the DIY attitude that drove Punk/New Wave etc. And honestly music in general.
Advice: Don't apologize. That is like having to apologize for your feelings, everything you say. Fans want leaders. Leaders with courage they (probably) lack. So if you felt it and said (sang) it, don't apologize.
Listening to your "Seconds" EP on Spotifry: it works. It has charm. While some things could technically be better, as Jackson Browne said, this is a record of that time. Which very much feels like the purpose of the whole thing. With some repeated exposure, I can see people really wanting this in their lives. Woodwind parts are great.
:-)
Very insightful man.. thanks for this comment
you're a good person
*this* … thankyou, yes! and can only agree, absolutely just own the way you made it. and in addition to post/punk and new wave etc. there’s so much good stuff out there done with little or no regard to “perfection” - “doing it” instead of “doing it correctly” : loads of “lo-fi” stuff, pj harveys 4-track demos, daniel johnston, early devandra banhard records, tina dico’s “notes”, etc.
and a lovely EP, done with playful charm and with feeling and gorgeous intertwining melodies/harmonies, thank you - looking forward to hearing more / following what comes next.
sound advice.
great advice, this mindset is a great way to get out of the loop of perfectionism
You’ve inspired me ( a fellow artist) to stop stressing about having the right equipment and creating “the perfectly recorded track!” Because your music sounds great with a cheap mic and few Fx, and here I am stressing because I’m not sure I got my vocals reverbed, EQ’d, saturated and blah blah blah’ed perfectly😵💫😂 Lol thank you; I really needed this assurance that it can be simpler than I make it and sound friggin amazing ❤
@@carriesolomonmusic yay!!! loev this comment glad u liked the vid x
Girrrllll why am I watching this saying the same thing. I literally have all the equipment I need, including a Shure SM7B…..then I realized my issue is that I’m just nervous. And I want it to be perfect! F that!!!! I’m about to make my EP. No more excuses!!!
Don't let the pursuit of Perfection prevent you from getting your music out there. A good or pretty good track that is clean, in tune and timing, with clear diction on your lyrics will do fine. My initial compositions of new songs, with the tools I have now, are often better than the various versions I do of them thereafter as acoustic with bouzouki and voice, but that doesn't stop me from releasing the acoustic versions just to get them out there.
Recording doesn't matter. A good song can sound like almost anything and people will listen to it. The songs most often voted as "the best ever" are all over the place in terms of recording.
take a lesson from 60's and 70's music - they didn't have all this modern digital computer audio software...
If you listen, they often don't have perfect eq, perfect mix, etc.
often also, the instruments are not in perfect rhythm, or there might even be a few notes missed, because back then recording was expensive and the artists didn't necessarily have the money to do a do-over. And yet, we consider those songs 'classics'...
If the song is good, the recording doesn't matter. Proof of this is absolutely everywhere.
Twin Fantasy (Mirror to Mirror) was recorded on a laptop mic. That still blows my mind to this day
I would even go as far to say that a bad recording can actually make a song even better. Liana Flores' music is very lo-fi and I love it specifically for that reason, it reminds me of old vinyl records from the 60s
@rykami14 id like to say this is wrong. A bad recording sounds bad. I think that may mislead some people. A non professional level recording may be a better term. Or unrefined.
@@f1rebreather123 at the end of the day bro, a bad recording doesn't actually exist, as all music is subjective. if a bedroom artist thinks their recording method sounds good, then regardless of public opinion, that is the recording method they should use.
@@HansMoleman-vr2bdactually, a bad recording does exist. a good recording is one that perfectly captures the artist's intentions and their emotion in performing the music. if the engineer captures this with frequency clashes, unwanted noises, poor levels, etc and none of this turns into a pleasant surprise, it will indeed be a bad recording, which may perhaps be corrected in the mixing phase.
Color coding the tracks (vocals = orange for example) helps you to visually hone in on a track (especially if the track count is high) and naming them appropriately (Lead Vocal, BV's etc) really helps to organize the songs and will really come into it's own if you ever need to send someone the stems.
100% MUST DO ADVICE!!! -especially if you need to find a specific track in the 'Audio Files" from an older session. Which leads me to just wanna add one thing to what you've already listed......."Name the track BEFORE you record any audio, or it will be saved in your library simply as 'Audio_01' regardless of naming it afterwards.Worse, it won't differentiate between sessions (songs), becoming a NIGHTMARE trying to locate a specific part in the future".....that may be entirely specific to each DAW tho.
YES OMG. I have ASD/ADHD/synaesthesia and it drives me crazy when my partner doesn't do this properly. I'm not sure if all DAWs do this, I use Reaper but: Make a blank track labelling each with like, vocal folder, bass folder etc and put things in the appropriate place, then minimise the contents of each folder - you can still see them they just take up a lot less real estate on screen, and you can minimise further if it's a group you're not working on just at that minute. It's just much easier for my brain to handle to get as much of it on screen at a time. I accept this may well be a 'me' thing though lol
@@chrisgatesmusic my partner and i do a LOT of 'saving as' for this reason and it's absolutely the rule if either one of us picks a project the other was doing, or one of our songs as a duo. A lesson learned very early on. Reaper does save backups fairly frequently but it's not something you should rely on. And always frequently save during the session in case it crashes. Another lesson learned very early on, but it still catches us out sometimes
Very true. Letting go is hard, but perfection is rarely worth its cost. There's only so much effort an artist project can hold, before becoming a thankless task, that you don't want to work on.
so true, needed to hear 🖤
So, I'm 45, and I'm an artist/singer/songwriter and I always trying to make my songs perfect and I'm afraid to put them out, because of "what people say about them and me". But I will put my songs out! Fuck it! Thank You for this vid! Take care! Keep on creating!
Do it mate. I'm 50 and I have an EP coming out in January. I've so enjoyed recording it and I'm proud. The doubts creep in though don't they?
That's right! Keep putting your music out there, no matter what. I'm doing it too.
You are refreshing with your lightness, point of view, and sweetness. Your songs and your voice are beautiful love, thank you for sharing this video
Hey, you should put your songs out, don't worry about other people, do these other people also have music they themselves have created? I started writing and recording during lockdowns with zero knowledge of how to use the equipment. I was only able to noodle on a bass, that was it. Is my stuff perfect? Nowhere near, even I know that but the idea is there with me doing my best, i can say I've created something. I've released an album and an ep and I have a few tracks towards another release. Go for it.
A song isn’t finished until it’s released.
I used to record all my songs on GarageBand when I was 16 with my IPad mini’s microphone. I had the most fun. I would record piano and vocals. If I had any more little melodic ideas I would just use my voice. And then at the age of 21-22 I somehow decided that those songs were not good, and I was so bad and I urgently needed to learn all those production skills. I dedicated my time trying to learn but also this mindset gave me the WORST writers block ever. I think it took me 7 years. I still wrote songs and last year made an EP. I am proud of the work but It didn’t feel the same when I wrote songs with GarageBand. Now I am thinking of going back to the old ways I did things :) simple and easy is the best way sometimes. A
Interesting.
Same with my writing. I feel like it's less self conscious and more fun when you're just doing it especially when younger. Now I'm 31 it takes me a while and I can get stuck in overanalysis
THIS. I started making music at 16 and recorded all my vocals on my MacBook built in mic. I just made stuff without thinking and didn’t care it was rough. Then I did a music degree, and ever since then I’ve been overthinking everything. 28yo now, and actively trying to get back to my 16yo naivety. Sigh.
@@rhimiles we need to get back to the magic of innocence and not caring
I was born in ‘71. My best friend and I wrote songs and recorded them in his bedroom when we were teenagers in the 80s. We didn’t even have a 4 track tape recorder at that point.
We used multiple stereo/ tape systems with a mixer bouncing back and forth with a little Casio keyboard and a couple other things.
Then we finally got a drum machine and a four track recorder. All of our most creative stuff was done back then. When we went beyond that, while it was more polished and we had gotten better as songwriters, it wasn’t necessarily better. Sometimes limitations bring out more creativity.
"It's not perfect," and neither are we musicians! But it *is* heartfelt. And that counts for much much more! Bravo on your courage to DIY and release it into the world. You make something, then you let it go and make something new. Keep on doing these videos. They will inspire many more to take up the banner and just record with what they have.
completely agree, let it go into the world for the audience to decide 🖤
Didn't realize I share a similar dilemma from other people out there. This video is really refreshing and made me realize I should also document my journey as an independent artist. Thanks for sharing yours!
This is what music is about. Not just the process, but the memories and effort. I wish you nothing but success!
Girl i love your attitude about this whole thing. I love how you don't let the pressures that most artists/engineers face in this industry go through get to you. The whole concept of ''getting it done'' and ''having fun with it'' is great, I'm a sound engineer who has a degree in this field and let me tell you sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with getting projects done because I want it to be perfect. This is why its just so refreshing to see you. Thank you for sharing your story. Also, don't be sorry!
You have to start somewhere you know and as your youtube channel grows you'll eventually be able to have access to all the things you didn't before. Keep on rocking it girl, sending love & blessings!!
Literally so inspiring because the music itself is more important than the delivery system and most of the time you are gatekeeping yourself by imagining there are other people with supposed standards that you have not reached. well done.
As someone who is at an intermediate level with producing and has been writing for a reallllly long time now-your stuff is really good, and you should be very proud of yourself! Honestly, because of the genre you're working in, if I hadn't seen the video, I would have never guessed it wasn't professionally done. I especially loved the interlude track. Kudos!
As someone who's felt very intimidated with learning to make music this video was a great watch. I have pretty nice equipment but motivation is hard to come across because of how overwhelming it can seem to think about everything that goes into it. Thanks for this :)
I'm in loooooove with the simplicity of your process, because it's just like mine lol.
I got my guitar, my casio keys, my harmonica, my ribbon mic and thats it baby.
you’re not doing it wrong. The longer you actually produce you realize how little you actually have to do to make something sound good as long as you actually know how to take a good recording. These are great. In fact I’m surprised how good the vocal presets actually sound.
i’ve started writing my own album a few years ago but never finished it because I always felt like it wasn’t professional enough or something was missing. It’s so refreshing to see that music can be fantastic even when it’s made in a simple way. Thank you for sharing!
the pillow blanket under desk idea is genius
Take great care with that approach. While popular in YT vids, blankets in cupboards etc tend to create a very weird sound/feel that can only be made worse as you mix (esp if not skilled at mixing). It's far better to have a decent Dynamic mic and decent technique and have it feel natural. Live Rooms in classic studios deliberately have a lovely reverb space. Use what you have or it gets unsettling for the listener, ie they feel weirded out which is not great for having them hang around & coming back. :-)
@@BenedictRoffMarshbut it's possible, and that's all that needs to be known. popular example, Travis Scott has recorded huge songs all while recording under a blanket.
@@mocapcow2933 Anything is possible. Doing it, however...
As for Travis Scott as proof of anything, I fear you are on a very slippery slope there ;-)
I know how you made an EP.
Because talent will out, necessity is the mother of invention, and all artists need to express what they've got held in them.
I hadn't even heard of you until today, but I'm subbed to see what's next.💛
you’re so warm, witty, adorable, switched on (no pun intended haha) and way too apologetic. give yourself your flowers, you are useful! loved this. we all resonate with imperfection - super inspiring. this was fun, part 2 please! xo
You are reminding many people that this is how ALL of us music makers start (unless you're from a rich family). We use what we've got and our talent carries the rest! ☺️ Congrats on your release! 🎉 Keep up the great work!
I came across this video and your channel and the video title was enough for me to actually watch and listen to what you're saying in it!
I've been producing music since 2019 and I love every piece of it and you reminded me of the time when I started recording where I had no idea on how to EQ, compress or arrange a track in a DAW except for what I knew what to do on guitar and some basic demo idea.
I'm going to listen to your EP and now I'm subscribed to your musical journey starting today!
It's better done than perfect and no matter the amount of skills that one may have, what truly matters is the music!
we all start somewhere and I know nearly nothing as well, stereo widening is probably the most important tool. A recording trick: record two good takes of each instruments part, that way when you pan them dominantly left and dominantly right they like POP and sound great together, it actually sounds way better having different non identical takes panned oppositely rather than copy pasting the same track, the latter would just be stereo widening a single track.
My whole career was this lol. No money, label, nor help. Just a prayer and hands on learning. Salute. Blessings.
Definitely keep making videos! The fact that your posting is better than 90% of new artists out there. I think a lot of us struggle because we go to learn production from TH-cam and get so much information about what’s right and wrong when really, there is no right or wrong! If it sounds good it sounds good. Thank you for the reminder that it’s okay to
use simple equipment and not overthink every step of the process 🙏🏼
There's a lot of artists that use mics designed for recording on the go. You have a great style, and the "no money no skills" makes you do things the way YOU would rather than a professional studio. You did an awesome job 🙂.
As someone who is constantly fighting to make progress with not overthinking my music to death, your approach to creating your music is a breath of fresh air. I'm working on completing a project myself and I am overjoyed I found this video to remind that all that matters is the music and getting your idea and the message out there. Thank you for sharing!
Compared to everything else on TH-cam, this was so honest and calming. As someone who just started music prod, tutorials/advice are often overwhelming, but I found this really helpful. Thanks!!
the songs are great but its the spirit of this that is the most admirable, best of luck with the future recordings!
Your vocals have a Christine McVie quality and your EP Seconds is an awesome collection of songs. Keep doing what you're doing, things are gonna happen that's pretty much guaranteed.
So refreshing to see this video! We've used the Zoom H1 on a bunch of projects, and that's really saying something, because at our full production studio we have some microphones worth over $5000!! The H1 has been used for lots of location recording on grand piano, acoustic guitar and vocal, drum overheads...pretty much anything...and it always surprises us how good it sounds for such a tiny little inexpensive mic! You just keep making great music and great songs and keep inspiring others to do the same all around the world!
This is wonderful to see. I record my own albums very simply at home and it’s the only way I can 1. make exactly what I want and 2. afford to keep going! Great work on the music and this video too. Looking forward to more.
I just came across this channel last night, & found myself listening to one original after another...you are an AMAZING writer & arranger!! Truly, not one 'choice' isn't perfectly placed & more so every part SAYS something. Not a singular instrument that's 'filler' & doesn't fulfill a role or evoke the perfect emotion. Vocal harmonies/stacking are staggering, & the use of the refrain on 'How Does Your Garden Grow'...hate to use the word "sophistication", but it's evident throughout all this work, yet masked wonderfully with the apparent 'simplicity'....the fact that you're not signed, I can't find a more fitting example with what's wrong with the record industry these days....this is all with UTMOST sincerity. SO glad this vid came up on my screen!!...THANK YOU for putting all this out there!!
I am a fellow independent musician, and this was the inspiration I needed today! ❤ Thank you for sharing this. Not knowing anything is clearly a beautiful thing because then you explore and play, and authenticity shines through since you aren't getting caught up in the influences of what "they" all say is right or wrong. It seems common to feel like we have to know what we are doing, but look at what happens when you are at peace with where you are and do the best you can with what you have. Bravo, Jas. I just added this EP to my Spotify and will be listening. Wishing you all the best on your musical journey.
Hey from Wales. Thankyou for the advice and the confidence booster. I want to release my first EP this year in 2025, it's taken me years to finally decide to go for it but I am finally ready I think :)
This was so insightful and authentically filmed, edited, and created. So inspired by you!!! Please keep making vids like these!! 😍
Thank you so much for this! I'm an aspiring singer/songwriter who also does my own production at this stage, and this was so incredibly inspiring to watch! Your genuine approach to producing high quality and authentic art without being impeded by perfectionism is so refreshing, I definitely need more of this attitude hahaha. Not sure if you take video requests, but a video about your songwriting process would be really interesting 😊
Think this is the third time I've come back to this video and I've gradually gotten closer to releasing but still not done it yet. I love how open and vulnerable you are in admitting that what you did might nit have been PERFECT but it was authentic which is arguably better
This was so inspiring to watch as an artist! “just do it” mentality and not hyper-fixating on perfection or the “right” materials. I would love to hear more about actually releasing the music!!
Yes, part 2 please!!
this video has helped me realise i dont need to overcomplicate and be a perfectionist about everything, only yourself can hear any ‘mistakes’ that most of the time other people dont even pick up on! or they find it adds to the comfort and uniqueness of the track! i think with AI taking everything creative and churning it out with no humanity, having this approach to music makes it more beautiful. basically, thank you! will be checking your music out!!!
This video really hit home for me. I recently released my song What a Feeling using just GarageBand and recording it on my 5-year-old Android smartphone and with no fancy mastering tools either. I completely relate to the challenges of creating music without a big budget, and it's inspiring to see others like you doing it and still reaching so many people. It’s not just about the equipment; it’s about pouring your emotions into your music and connecting with listeners. If anyone here has ever felt that passion in creating something with limited resources, you might find What a Feeling relatable too. Thanks for sharing this, and wishing everyone here the best in their own musical journeys!
So inspiring. I've been writing music and have been so self conscious about releasing my music because I don't know how to mix, I'm worried I don't sound great etc. But watching this made me realise that I'm my biggest hurdle; that I should just start, and as long as I endeavour to get better, one day I'll reach that level.
Also, the comments under this video are also just as inspiring. From people sharing tips to some sharing their own stories, I really can't help but to feel like where I am and what I have is good enough.
You think you don’t know what you’re doing but honestly … you know way more than you think. I don’t even know how to layer or play an instrument. But I’ve got a good voice and a great presence as well as descent writing skills and I plan on leaning on my strengths rather than fixating on my weaknesses.
There’s always room to grow DEFINITELY.
Also … just listened to your ep and I thoroughly enjoy how raw it is. Even if you get more sophisticated I hope you still keep that charm. ❤️ thank you for this video and your vulnerability which is obviously touching so many aspiring artists ❤
Your video made me more confident about making music and not overthinking everything. Thank you ! And your EP sounds really lovely
I relate to this in such a strong way, instead I'm crazy and put out an entire album of literally the first electronic sounds I cooked up all poorly exported.
I had a whole life-story typed out but it came off too self-promo, so just thank you for this video - best of luck and keep it up :)
dude, this is so refreshing. thank you for your openness and showing others that its possible to just make it happen :)
On of my main things for vocals eq would always be to cut out a good junk of the low end, because your voice doesn't actually reach that far down and whatever is recorded there is just noise. So everything below 60db you can definitely get rid off, even more if you feel like it doesn't change the sound of your voice. It creates so much more space for everything else, and if a song sounds messy or muddy that often solves the issue!
Apart from that though I love the approach of doing all this yourself and having the confidence, I think the best art is sometimes born out of just doing it
⭐
@@thefamousdaxx thanks for this! :)
Would honestly watch a whole series of this format. Just behind the scenes producing video diary
Just listened to your song "Second" it was so good! I let it loop for an hour without even realizing lol ^_^ Thanks for posting your perspective and experience. It's bound to inspire others!
So cool, I started using Audacity, I learned a lot on that which easily helped me move to Pro Tools. I have been taking a course on music production and it has helped me move my songs a lot further production wise. Way to go Jas! I will be following your journey. I love your sound. Chris in Canada
Literally thank you so much. You are a life saver. Thank you ❤
I’d love a pt 2! I’ve referred to this video several times as a “big sister” giving advice while I work on making my own music. Also my irl sister is named Jasmine so that’s iconic haha. Thank you!!
Great video! Inspirational. I've been doing my own thing for years and just learning as i go and basically making it up as i go too! you dont need labels and managers and all the expense. Just get it out there. Well done!
You are outstanding! You did it! With effort and determination you did it! I'm retired and when I'm asked what I do with myself, my answer is "I write songs that no one will hear". You're on the right track, pursuing your dreams. Keep it up, the world is watching. Again congratulations! 🤗
You are an inspiration, Jas! I went to music college but didn't study production. I was around amazing producers and so when I went to record my own stuff I was intimidated. You have shown me that I don't need to worry. To hell with all that, just record! Thanks!
This came up on my suggestions, i also record and make music in my bedroom, my mix and mastering isn't the best but it's got a lot better since i started, If you put time and work into it you can do anything, just listened to your spotify, it sounds old skool in a good way, brilliant voice very chilled. you should be proud. keep up the good work.
It’s great to see young musicians embracing simplicity without worrying about the ‘real’ musicians out there. You’ve achieved a lot with basic technique and I wish you well for the future. GarageBand is a powerful tool.
IVE LOVED YOUR MUSIC FOR SO LONG! ICONIC
Hello what a breath of fresh air it is to listening to you. i have watched everything you have on YT and made a playlist of it all. Please keep on going i just love your vocal harmonies and everything of your songs and your funny faces. A fan from Canada🥰🤯👣
i saw this video on my recommended and immediately recognized your name. roadworks!!! nobody else to call!!!
i’d love to hear the part two. promotion isn’t my forte either. artwork, though. is my favorite part about it. because sometimes it’s the art that inspires the music, and sometimes the music inspires the art.
it’s usually the same effect for the listener everytime, as the cover goes with the project. but the order in which it was done, is unknown until you let it be! (if ever)
cover art is all about first impressions. people love to judge a book by its cover, and some people will love an album just because of a cool picture/artwork!
i’ve built an ep inspired by what the cover would be and it even brought out the songs titles.
powerful stuff.
Back when I did music more often, in a completely different genre to you, I was making music with Reaper - a DAW you can use for free indefinitely - and entirely using free plugins and free samples and it was fine. The fact you've got actual songwriting talent - which I never had - and something to say goes a lot further than overcomplicating the process with a load of gear or software!
Thanks for a really interesting video. Good luck with more music and getting into Logic!
This is pure. I love this. THIS is what art is. To see you show your process and expose your music in the way you are is so inspiring. I just added you to my Apple Music favorites.
Don't ever apologize for your art. Your audience will find you and being sincere and honest will keep your fanbase strong for your whole career.
Hi Jas ! Just stumbled upon your video and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve dabbled in making my own music and this is really inspiring. I think it’s funny that you were laughing at yourself as you spoke about making your recording sound dead so that you have more control over it because I totally get that ! Makes very much sense. Anyways keep doing what you’re doing ! Can’t wait to keep listening.
i too love the dark lofi piano and don't really understand eq fully haha- it was nice seeing the track breakdown & vocal layering!
"It's not perfect" - yea, and i love it. this is the best way
thank you for sharing your experience!! it’s so helpful to know we don’t all have it figured out but that shouldn’t stop us from releasing music :)
this video was so inspiring! i've always been afraid to record my full songs and put them out there because i've always thought that i should have the perfect equipment and producer skills to put out my music. this is really encouraging to know that i can do it without having to be perfect. and i can put out my music for myself instead of for others :) your ep is beautiful and i really enjoyed listening to it
Honestly, this is how you learn. I wouldn’t have thought to layer the vocals, and it sounds so good on your EP! I’m using that tip once I get to making a song for myself, my USB cord for my mic is broken, so it’ll be my phone for me 🤷♂️
Thank you so much for sharing this. Just stumbled across you, listened to the EP and it’s GORGEOUS. Your “just do it” attitude is really speaking to me in where I’m at after years of inaction so I just really want to thank you x
Thank you for sharing! Your voice is calming. And your singing is beautiful! I was feeling a bit kind of not so super. lol. But hearing your music Florence and now watching your video with your calm voice just made me better. Thank you for sharing. I'm a music composer. Keep up the great work!
Wow, such an inspiring video. Perfect example of when the song and the performance are great, way less heavy lifting is required in production. You kept things simple and the result sounds beautiful.
As someone who is coming back around to music, never having fully taken the leap before, and currently with almost no budget at all or training, videos like this are so helpful and inspiring.
You don't know how happy I was when I saw you released Seconds because of how much a love Roadworks!
I know zero about music recording but have always wanted to fiddle with garage band so I found this extremely interesting!!
I’m older and started out in the old days before tech. What I’ve learned is the song is key. A great song will sound fine done on inexpensive equipment if you have talent. All the expensive equipment in the world won’t make bad songs and bad performances sound great. I use Logic Audio now and it works for me. You are doing fine….good luck on your journey!
This is great Jas, very much reminded me of the first weeks of lockdown and not even knowing the terminology to Google a certain question I had. Honestly though, it’s possibly the most magical time. Obvs I wish you all the best in your journey of discovery and learning, but please try and hang onto the “just get it done and out” because it’s so easy to get lost in chasing perfection that 99.9% of your listeners won’t even notice. Anyway, off to listen to Seconds all the way through 👍
Congratulations for writing, recording and producing your EP! Well done and very musical.
I got into recording music for the first time this year and I’m planning to release an EP soon. It was super intimidating world to get into it, but it’s been a lot of fun.
One of the biggest things I learned is everyone will want to tell you how you do it. There’s a lot of people who will tell you the right and wrong.
If your plan is to be a mega popstar, then there is a bit of a formula.
But if you just make something you love, you can’t go wrong.
I'm currently in the process of recording an EP with my band, and sadly its beign a frustrating process, lots of stress due to expectations and self-impossed pressure. Its lovely and inspiring to see someone creating in such a freeing manner and happily. Thanks for sharing! This inspired me
Let it unfold. You can do it.
take a lesson from 60's and 70's music - they didn't have all this modern digital computer audio software...
If you listen, they often don't have perfect eq, perfect mix, etc.
often also, the instruments are not in perfect rhythm, or there might even be a few notes missed, because back then recording was expensive and the artists didn't necessarily have the money to do a do-over. And yet, we consider those songs 'classics'...
Yes to a Part Two please. Well documented, particularly appreciating your earnest, honest and open delivery of all aspects. 🎼🎼🎵🎵🎶🎶
Thank you 💛
this is actually so helpful to perfectionist musicians, i'm planning to release some music but i never recorded or produced anything before and it's STRESSING ME OUT! Hahahahaha but your music sounds so amazing, i love it! Thanks for the video, i would love a part two 😽
i made an album and an EP with (literally) no money or skills by myself too!!! the album took me 5 effin years to make because of many complications (my pc broke down) and also i had no money and had to borrow mics and an audio interface x_x the mixing SUCKS but hey i'm still proud of it
i'm currently listening to your EP and i love how organic it sounds, so intimate and personal. feels like a warm blanket on a cold night. very immersive, great job!!
Well done for keeping going! Finishing music is hard. You did it!
I wish I had your mentality when I was younger (35 now), all I ever wanted was to record my own album but I kept getting distracted and discouraged by my own fear and perfectionism and toxic shame. Heck I barely even practice any more and am rusty. Good on you for not letting life/your head get to you like that. You give me hope.
I love this!. One of my favorite music/recording adages: "If it sounds good, it is good." The point is to make something that sounds good to YOU! And that's the cool thing about art...that your art gets to be the thing that YOU want it to be. I am also trying to detach myself from the idea that there's a "correct" way out there to do everything (and esp in audio production), and figure out what works for my own process. Thanks for inspiring!
thank you for having the courage to make this video - hope this gives me the push I need to let my music go out into the world 🖤
thank you so much for making this. it's what i've always wanted to do but i've talked myself out of it. i even had a song professionally produced last year and convinced myself that i had to go do that all again for 5 other songs (and i'm broke), even though they're super simple and heartfelt, just like yours. i went and listened to yours and it's gorgeous and perfect. i'm saving this video and excited to make my ep myself in 2025.
this is super cool to watch! thanks for showing your process and being so honest about it!!
and i would be very much interested in a part 2
I'm about to start the production of my own EP, and you are more then inspiring! thank you for this.
Go for it, maybe post it up here once it's complete
Inspiring! I spent a load of money on two singles this year, but I'm definitely taking this approach for an EP release. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very warm & charismatic. If you made a podcast, interviewing other local not so well known artists I would fuck with that. Just an idea. If not, I have just found your music and I love it, it’s like wearing a cardigan inside on a cold wet day - if that makes any sense at all.
This is so helpful. I’m going to start making and releasing music, but I’ve never produced before and have no clue where to start. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. Please make a part 2!
Good video, it´s really interesting to hear about all the process and effort that you have to do in order to release an EP🤗
this timing is so sweet! i’ve listened to you since ur very beginning youtube days and im just starting to record my own work with no money or skills lol. very handy vid very dope
your songs are fire, just listened to em now, you truly deserve a professional studio but either way you are a real authentic artist with respect to the art
Yes! Fellow indie perfectionist musician here. Would love more documentation of your journey, especially a video part 2 on promotion/sharing the music logistics. I’m 43 and finally this year started working with a pro engineer/producer to help me move from decades of song files only I know about to things I can share with others. It’s cost me about $1k for my first song, and I am proud of what I’ve learned-but I’m disabled and living on a low, fixed income, so I cannot afford to create much else in this fashion. I’m going to have to simplify and do it “wrong” if I want a body of work and not a dang single.
It's great what you did, I guess the hardest part is actually starting. Like a writer who wants to write a book, pick up a pen and start writing. look forward to hearing more. Thanks for sharing. Love your Bowie top.
This was really fun and insightful! I've kinda been scared to tackle my own projects, because I often fear it might not be good enough. I try to remind myself that "somehow done" is better than "striving to be perfect, but not done". On that note, thank you for the reminder! And I'd really be interested in part 2; your experience with releasing/promoting etc.