How He Made a Platinum Record with a Single Microphone
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With a single Shure SM57, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver wrote one of the biggest debut albums of all time. For Emma Forever went certified platinum in 4 countries, and Skinny Love become the breakout single of the Indie folk movement of the late 2000s. Here's how he did it, and how we can learn from it.
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Hey guys, I messed up on the Sufjan Stevens bit, my bad! Both in pronunciation and timeline, appreciate the feedback and will double check things like this next time.
Lol was about to say uhh, think you got a few things wrong there
That's okay man, thanks for taking the time to make this video. I always hated when people would correct me when pronouncing his name. Then, I heard Casimir Pulaski Day and decided to give him the respect of learning how to say it. I don't know if you've heard that one, but MY GOD that is one of the greatest songs of all time.
It's pronounced "subaru" stevens haha.
There is a resonator on Skinny Love, no? The resonator snows say you shouldn't strum a resonator, man are they wrong! Enjoyed and shared!
Exactly what I came to the comments to say, Sufjan started releasing music in 1999 and hit widespread popularity in 2003 with “Michigan”, whereas Vernon as Bon Iver didn’t release “For Emma…” until 2008, and that’s still three years past the release of Sufjan’s most popular release in “Illinois”. As a songwriter that was a teenager in the year 2000 myself, still enjoyed the video, though.
Goes to show how talent will always be the highlight of an artist. The equipment just amplifies talent.
Totally :)
absolutely, composition trumps everything that comes after.
Exactly, a good song will shine through regardless. In the past, I've spent thousands of dollars on studio time, session players, producers and mixing engineers (and in fairness I learned a lot through the process), but it was a song I self-produced and mixed myself (badly!) at home that took off like none of the others ever have. People just felt something when they heard it I guess.
Talent implies no work out into the skills these people have. A word of advice, the word "talent" is considered a huge insult by people who work their butts off to get good. I'd suggest to tell anyone who has worked on their skills, is to let them know you noticed how difficult it would be to get that good. You can use your own words, but for hardworking people, it's the opposite of your intentions. They'll probably tell you that they always have room for improvement as well. A true artist, craftsperson, musician, even skilled workers will always know that there's always room to get better. Your safest bet to compliment though, is to simply say you enjoy their work. They want their efforts recognized more than their results generally speaking.
💯
Gotta challenge the Sufjan Stevens part... Bon Iver has far more to thank Sufjan for than the other way round. I'm sure there's something to be said for fans of Sufjan finding him through the insane success of For Emma... But musically speaking, Sufjan was doing this stuff way earlier. Many of his early records (like Seven Swans, Michigan and Illinois) are hallmarks of the indie/folk genre and were also put together almost entirely by the man himself... Super DIY, super inspiring stuff. Love this video though, soooo well put together!
Yeah you’re totally right, that was a hiccup on my part sorry about that one :/ glad you liked the rest of the video though!
@@AudioHaze No need to apologise at all, I get how you meant it! I just can't help it, being a Sufjan obsessive haha! Definitely love to see more videos like this :)
@@AudioHaze I would also add that I firmly believe the tour Justin did with the old Bon Iver cast for the self titled album in 2011 (like his first austin city limits) was a spitting image of how Sufjan does his live shows. Its not to say noone besides Sufjan can have a live band with orchestration, but Sufjan made it a normalized thing in the early 2000s.
Casimir pulaski day and Re:stacks are 2 of my favorite songs ever
@@twmedia-film Both borderline perfect songs! I think (as well) Carrie And Lowell, as a record, is the only record I consider untouchable... I'll never forget hearing that for the first time.
No pro gear, no high-level instruments, no insane virtuosity... just heartbreak, pain, and life experience. That's what we hear, and that's all that matters. And you can't buy that with money.
That’s the best comment I’ve read for ages because it’s so true.. nothing is more important than the raw material and where it came from.. an amazing song can stop people in their tracks played on a cheap guitar in a busy street.
So true. Feels like the whole perfection complex drifts us away from being human.
Calm down
yeah, you get that for free
It’s something that can only be done in isolation without any judgment
6:20, I think pink Floyd's wish you were here intro is the best example of this, the vinyl scraping and distance you here when the first guitar comes in conveys such emotion, then the 2nd one enters and it adds the punch, having that gritty imperfect recording conveys such emotion, which for emma seems to expand on amazingly
You're totally right! That's an awesome example thanks for sharing man
It's such an interesting song for them too. They're my all time favorite band. That's because of their trippy weirdness. Yet, Wish You Were Here is my, and many other people's, favorite song they do. There's others that are right up there, but that's the one I will never get tired of. The weird part, is that it's borderline country/folky. Waaaayy out of their normal MO. Just shows how amazing that band was.
Gilmour said in an interview that the idea behind this was that somebody is listening to a song on the radio (the strummed chords at the beginning), grabs his guitar and joins the song for a jam (the solo) and from then on it builds to what the actual song is, very clever idea, they were pioneers with effects and using the studio to their advantage.
yr dead wrong, he's singing through a DIGITECH VOCALIST
That's what made "the band" so sucessful, imperfect vocals. They had a strategy with their vocal harmonies of "just hit what ever you can" and its made some of the most timeless classic rock master pieces.
The Band is still my favorite 60s/70s rock band. Like, sure, was Led Zeppelin a super group of incredible talent? Did The Beatles write some of the catchiest pop-songs ever? All yes, and they deserve the credit they get... but there's no vibe like The Band
This arrived at the right time - I really think that the rawness in indie/folk is what draws me to it so often. I remember asking a producer once about mixing and production and he said “there are no rules - just make it sound juicy. If it takes adding 10db of compression then do it, if it takes drowning something in reverb then do it” and it’s hard to undo the “rules” in my mind but when you do it just all feels more alive.
No rules people, experiment and have fun and aim for feel!
You did a really good job capturing the feel of that guitar recording, maybe not an exact match soundwise, obviously, but it has that same soul and imperfectness that sounds so honest and comforting
love everything about this. it’s easy to get caught up in technology and perfectionism. recording should be fun. adding vocal layers/harmonies and cheap gear fuels the creative process.
Really fantastic and inspiring analysis. These are the kinds of stories that you hear ("Justin Vernon recorded with just one SM57!"), but you gave it context and drew more out of it than I ever would have. Great video!
That means the world thank you! This took so many hours so I’m glad you liked it :)
Really awesome man. Thank you for the words of encouragement, and for diving into the artist and album with us!
Loved the technical bits, the story telling and the overall video. This just came up as a suggestion on TH-cam so I jumped in. Glad I did. Great job on this. Subscribed!
I think I found this album 12-13 years ago and have always considered it one of the best front to back albums that I've ever heard. So cool to hear that it was just a dude and a mic tracking ideas cause that is literally what I and I'm sure tons of other people do. Your conclusion on the end was cheesy af but felt like it was something I needed to hear. 10/10 video.
I’m so glad the algorithm featured you in my feed. I have always quested for a deep dive into how artists I love made the albums I love. Thank you for all your work on this! I’m a happy new subscriber!
Been working on my music for about a year now and I believe this year I will be ready to publish it. This video has really helped me understand that process and I’m very happy to have found it.
This is great man! So we’ll done and I really enjoyed it. I loved how up you used actual Justin Vernon footage along with your home footage to explain this story. Very well done!
awesome video. I think you especially nailed it when talking about how the perfect mix doesnt exist, and also how imperfect vocals are what make something impactful
This just popped up in my feed and I was struck with how well this was put together. Authenticity goes along way.
"Authenticity goes a long way" ❤️
you do a great job of giving very very useful information, telling a story, and inspiring. This particular episode spoke to me thank you!
This is my favourite album of all time, bangers from start to finish.Thanks for sharing the story and technical details behind this beautiful piece of artistry.
I love this video! Bon Iver, especially the album talked about is a childhood album for me and I love the songs. My family was HUGE into the indie music scene when I was a kid and I love all early 2000's indie music. It was very interesting for me to just now learn how the songs on one of my favorite childhood albums came to fruition. Thanks for this video! Keep up the work I love it!
Intentionally or unintentionally, what I already love about this album I've never listened to is that, if I close my eyes, feels like I'm traveling to the very same place(location), and I have this dude, who's my bro, playing song to and with me. Perfect vacay vibes, and nothing less than what is most needed these days. Nothing in music can beat true human connection. Thanks for this video!!
REALLY loved watching this. I so appreciate you putting this video together!!
More of these, please. Really liked the way its edited.
You got it 💪🏻
Never listened to Bon Iver before but definitely going to check out the album. What an incredible story. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
This is such a great and inspiring video. Providing context for music production in certain albums is so important. thank you :)
Glad you liked it!!
Love the way you break down the production, great video bro
so good - thanks for sharing this message, and also highlighting the importance of creativity, which is unique to every human. Very well done, and this message needs to be seen by everyone!
Very inspiring, thank you for making this. I look forward to checking out more of your videos.
Wow! More videos like this please, haven't felt this inspired in ages
He really puts out his soul and it shows. To make music looks easy pure talent!
Amazing stuff my man! You nailed that guitar sound. Great content!
yep. really loved this album. and you captured the rawness of it well.
Wonderful analysis. I’ve been going away from all my fancy production tools in favor of a more bare bones, authentic sound. A good reminder that we resonate with this vulnerable and authentic sound.
I honestly love listening to you talk about stuff like this, it's really nice to listen to you, specially now that I'm sick and can only stay in bed, feels like I'm having a conversation with someone explaining history :D
Dude that's so nice!! Glad I could help out a little
Re: stacks is one of the best songs of all time in my opinion. It’s almost uncomfortable how raw and pretty it is.
Great video. This is the kind of quality I am in for. The kind of discussion more producers should hear and consider too. I have been implementing lofi techniques in my music and it has been life changing. Once you stop thinking what sounds "best" and start to focus on what serves the music instead, then it is a 180 degrees change. I am much happier now that my music sounds more unpolished than before, because now it sounds authentic and honest, more real.
brilliant video. refreshing to be reminded I don't need all this equipment and actually to forget the 'rules' and ignore the high fidelity expectation i've set up for myself. Thank you I will rewatch this every week until it really sinks in.
This is literally one of the favorite videos I’ve ever watched ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ as someone who fell in love with this album the moment that came out. As I am about to make my debut album after working on so many singles and remixes for nearly 20 years. It was uncut magazine album of the month and I bought the cd the day it came out and had an MSN messenger listening party with my friend we were both obsessed and discussed the album for years
I'm sure it was mastered by a pro and it's a great sounding record. The legend focuses on the old guitar and the cabin alot and that is cool. AND also remember we can really do ANYTHING with Pro Tools. Great video and good tips. We can really hear his brokenness on the record and that is what (IMHO) makes it a work of art. He was super lucky the right person heard it at the right time. (Pitchfork as i recall?)
Yeah, I think people often forget that these lo-fi recorded albums go to a professional mixer and mastering engineer before the public hears them.
Just came across this video thanks to the TH-cam algorithm, so thank you TH-cam! You bring up so many great points in this video, one of the most important being you just have to go ahead and make your music. Don't wait for the right equipment, don't wait for inspiration, don't wait for other people, just do it! If it's raw sounding then so be it. If there are so-called flaws in the recording, so what! Let the perfection be in the imperfection. You make the art that you make. Glen Fricker of the Spectre Sound Studios channel put it best; "If it sounds like it's about to come off the rails then it's good!" This video is so important in its messaging. Nicely done and please keep up the great work!
I really like the way you point out things. Thanks for an inspirational video!
Well done!!!! Thank you for this!! Very enjoyable analysis!
Thanks dude!!
Needed to see this and saw it at a very synchronous timing. Great video. Thanks.
Thanks for this content. Many times we forget what the really important things are. I like your videos. Keep it up!
This was an amazing story and the story I needed to hear and watch at this very moment and current state in time. Thank you for making this video.
This kind of information and observation is so liberating and encouraging. Words matter and you chose the right ones, thank you!
That’s incredibly nice thank you so much 😭
Loving this new content man. Keep it coming!
Thanks man!! I definitely will, its super fun to make :)
Great video dude! Really appreciate it. Keep up the good work.
what an inspiration, love your channel brother.
Had a feeling it was going to be this album before I clicked the video. The best way I can describe this album is genuine. Great analysis!!
Thanks man! Glad you liked it :)
Great video dude, got a new sub :) Bon Iver will also forever have a special place in my heart
Thank you, brother!!! Fantastic video and message🔥🔥🔥!
Love this type of video man! Keep up the great work.
Thanks dude glad you enjoyed!
Thanks for making this video! It was very inspiring
Hey man! I stumbled on this video in a pretty upset state because I’ve written a bunch of songs (7 not that many) that I’m really proud of that came from a dark place in my life. I home now on a medical leave of absence from some of the craziness in my life and wanted to make something out of them what I wrote… that being said, I started to try and record and produce the stuff in my room with one mic, my guitar, and my vocals, but I’ve been in a rut just trying to figure out how to do all of this stuff… now I haven’t put what you said into practice yet, but after watching this I feel a renewed sense of confidence. Thank you so much and I hopefully will get to share this stuff soon:) wish me luck
good luck, how did it go
I like this video, and I really like your channel. Keep it up man!
Dude I’m a huge fan!! Thanks man it really means a ton
Insanely good video my man 👏🏼 Wonderful analysis of the album, great storytelling and stellar editing & production
Thanks dude! It was a ton of work so that means a lot :)
Great vid. Thanks for all the digging yo did mate. The gear also is a bit more than the basics you mentioned. At 3:04 looks like an LA2A comp or something (super nice gear,) not to mention the tape machine. He had the right gear in my opinion. Good choices on the stuff that makes 1 mic sparkle.
found this video at just the right moment. Thank you. Exactly what I needed
this is such a cool channel for home recording artists. thank you!
love your stuff dude!! this was great.
Holy hell thank you, I'm honored!
Love this. I have never gotten to know Bon Iver's music that well. I did work on a pretty significant project with one of the other artists you mention in the video. It was certainly, as you characterize in this video, a process that had a pretty clear intent but took twists and turns based on what was happening and how to take things that were challenges and turn them into something beautiful and personal. It was a live performance - but maybe we made a recording of it....I will have to look it up lol
Anyway - good stuff as always. I love what you do
Thanks as always my friend! Which artist did you work with??
@@AudioHaze I did a project called "BQE" with Sufijan at the next wave festival - it could have been more then ten years ago at this point. It was a month long in preparation and a really amazing showcase of his atristry, musicianship, and creativity.
Very inspirational video, appreciate the upload !
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed
I really love this direction for the channel. Super interesting and unique.
Thanks dude!! Means a lot from you!
Just discovered your channel! Thanks so much, and well done to the YT algorithm. This advice couldn't have come at a more perfect time.
Glad you enjoyed! More to come like this for sure :)
Great vid. Just like to echo the Sufjan Steven comments and the fact that he preceded Justin's work and would also give a shout out to Iron and Wine, particular the Creek Drank the Cradle which has a very similar vibe. But all in all I absolute adore the album and have seen Bon Iver live twice and was blown away on both occasions.
Some of Sufjan's best work pre-dates this album by a few years, and IMO there's a lot more of it.
I love the message your putting out in this video. You are a cool dude!
This is such a great video, thank you for posting
This goes back to the way I had to work when I started recording. I just had a reel to reel with sound on sound. It makes you work differently. Now I have Logic Pro and lots of gear. It’s lovely to have….but I use what I learned when I had less.
love this album. good video my friend!
great video man, randomly popped up on my TH-cam, but i enjoyed watching the whole thing.
Just 2 minutes in so far and your words reminds me of the movie Once. I suggested it to friends and they laughed so early in the story at the cinematography and how amateurish it looked but it actually made the movie better (or easier to relate to). Now, I haven't listen to the album but I will.
This was a great watch. Thank u!
Love these types of videos!
Loved this video. Well done my friend
Great video! It's inspiring to those of us without much gear.
I have access to a respectable collection of Neumann mics, but all my best recordings were done with a Rode NTG4+ shotgun mic I bought for my mirrorless camera, and a Shure Beta 57A which made me feel informal about performing and caught some genuine sparks.
“Cheesy af” but greatly appreciated dude. I discovered Bon Iver a couple months ago and felt his story resonated with me. I gave “For Emma Forever ago” a listen and I was totally amazed. This video was also awesome.
New subscriber✊🏾
Absolutely loving this content, man. :)
Thanks dude!!
I’ve been binging your videos for hours THANK YOU!! You saved me from spending $700+ on a mic and the set up! I bought the sm57 tonight plus the set up and only spent $160😭🤯
Excellent video and exactly what I needed to see. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
I needed to hear this! Thank you! Hits the microphone on the head!
Wonderful advice and video! Thanks for telling that story - new to me, but I have heard “Skinny Love” 😅
@AudioHaze -…”WTF was dat!” True New Yorker you are when that car horn interrupted your recording. I’m a New Yorker so I get it! Love it! But more love your videos. These specific videos always grabs my attention and I like how you break stuff down regarding the artists you do the video pic on. Great stuff! Always look forward to your points of view and knowledge. Thank you for sharing. Definitely appreciated. 🙏🏾🤘🏾🎸
Great insight. Shout out to you from Fiji!
Dear friend, your analysis and presentation of this artist is beautiful and soulfully done. You have inspired me to seek out this artist. Also, I’m subscribing to your channel. You rock my friend! Thank you! 🎶✌️
I don’t really listen to this type of music but love the story. Dope video! Subbed!!!
While I tend to prefer as much clarity and separation as possible in my music, there is definitely something to be said for that raw honest approach. I can love everything from Steely Dans Gaucho to this album, and everything in between just as much. Shure, there is a threshold for what it takes to make a good recording, but is not as out of reach as one might think. This album proves that. Music is a form of communication. If you can give me new information that makes me hear things differently and truly speaks to me, I'm interested!
I love your studio cat! learning a lot from this video too. the mic placement stuff is awesome! thanks for creating @audiohaze
This is inspiring. Early Guided by Voices is inspiring in this way too
Very cool video. I'm not a fan of Bon Iver, but it's amazing to see what went into the production and your analysis of how it can be used as a tool.
Just discovered this channel because of this video, I was looking for new music and boom!, this went on suggestions,
And just before hitting play, I listened the whole album of this Bon Iver artist, WTF!
I often listen to stoner metal and stuff like that, but when the song skinny love played, it trapped me.
Nice review and thanks for the approach of the production.
LOVE this story. As someone just starting out in going after a music career, someone who is coming from nothing, this gives me hope. Though I don't intend to be famous like Bon Iver or anything, if I can create an impact with my music online, even just to a niche amount of people, and make a living off of it, my dream will have come true.
What a cool story, this makes me love Bon Iver's work even more!
Just an excellent video, whatever you have in hand, make it work for you and your creativity, that's it, don't overthink it, just express it.
Bon Iver is perhaps my favorite artist! (Artist? Vocalist? Musician? Soloist? Falsettoist?) Great docuvid Ricky! 👍🏼
Hell yeah that's awesome! Glad I nailed your fav artist for the first music production highlight :)
Great content and presentation.
Subscribed!
Thanks dude! Glad you enjoyed :)
This is a story of how originality and actually knowing your craft pays off.