God, it's good to see people actually care about what they're playing. Like a band. Not just a singer trying to nail something someone else wrote. These guys are professionals.
This band is such a perfect example of eclectic tastes coming together making something unique and interesting. Infinite props to these guys on originality alone.
Our latest documentary, ‘The Art of Repetition’, follows Warp Records trio Battles. We visit them at their New York rehearsal space, onstage at Immergut Festival and in Rhode Island for the recording of their new album “La Di Da Di”. Watch the film below, and read our interview with their guitarist, keyboard and Push player Ian Williams: ableton.com/blog/battles-art-of-repetition/
I miss being in a band. Started a band with by friends and coworkers that last 8 years and played a lot of shows and had a lot of fun. But the best part was having like a second family. Practice every Wednesday and played once or twice a month around town. I miss playing with those guys.
12:20 "I hear that you and your band have sold your guitars and bought turntables. I hear that you and your band have sold your turntables and bought guitars."
Recently discovered Helmet and specifically John. Such a monster behind the kit. It feels like the band is built around the drums, which is credit to his playing and personally love that he leads that’s bands sound imo.
God, it makes me so fucking sad knowing Dave left. Here he comes off as a super cheery and funny guy, and the parts he wrote for the band were always my favorite.
@@mistawinta No, I don't think so. Juice B Crypts came out really really good and there's actually a ton of tracks on that album that are highlights to me (like Sugarfoot or Last Supper on Shasta), but the live performance part of the band kinda dwindled down a bit. I'd figure that's maybe because they narrowed down just to a duo and they had little time to adapt to that between Dave leaving and touring for JBC.
@@BrunoOfCanada I think Juice B Crypts is fine, but I never come back to it, unlike all the other Battles albums, which I absolutely love. I really find all the magic has gone. But music is subjective; I understand that. And I concur about the live performance part. Battles as a trio was such a fantastic live show (unfortunately, I never got to see them as a 4 piece). I don't even have an interest in seeing them as a duo. And John is one of my all-time favorite drummers.
I discovered this music at a young age thanks to my older brother. Atlas literally used to scare the shit out of me, no other music ever made me feel like that. Amazing
Hell yeah, I used to listen to his Central Market album pretty often. It’s just so... weird. This song, J City is the closest thing off that whole record to a conventional song. The rest are like... insane orchestral noise avante garde shit. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good. But I don’t think most people would enjoy it. m.th-cam.com/video/JvtiwgiyisI/w-d-xo.html
He brought a lot to the band, but I seem to remember it being a mutual thing between he and the rest of the band when he left. I don't think he was fired, but........
What an interesting perspective on repetition. What an interesting perspective on repetition. What an interesting perspective on repetition. What an interesting perspective on repetition. What an interesting...well you get my goof at this point.
Also now that i've watched the whole thing, they sound like parents arguing over how to raise their child when they work on a song. No wonder their songs always end being so meticulously crafted.
Nails it at 13:20 - recording became so much more fun when I stopped going for the 18th take and just made music. If you want better takes... practice more away from the studio.
Everytime I listen to Battles I always wonder how they managed to create/write a lot of the songs, like how do you even begin to write the music they make? and watching this It's kinda refreshing to hear them talk about how most of the time they rely on just "parts that sound good together" and just start from them.
To quote George Carlin, "to many options is not healthy" You can destroy a good song by overthinking it and playing it a million different ways. Plus the digital world can kind of slow everything down to a slow crawl and i think you lose something with that. You gotta kind of just commit with instinct, get it down, and move on to the next song. That's why bands always have a live version that's a little or a lot different than the album version.
10:28 Dave's laugh would get me up in the morning every day his over-the-top corniness is so great reminds me of that other interview where he's like "...bye to the camera!!!" and then laughs his ass off for a minute
We have an EARLY review of the new Battles record "La Di Da Di" up on our channel right now! Check it out and let us know what you think: th-cam.com/video/TfXeXFg5kQs/w-d-xo.html
Ok, just stumbled on these guys......HOLY F####!!! This is my vision of 21st Century Music! Where we should be but...I guess we are here!!! I actually play and it so CategoricallyIndescribablyRythmicallyIntenseAcousticallySpiritually... Sorry, just carried away to find Battles amongst the sadly inane cultural glep called MUSIC :). Keep it up guys...this is superb.
Check out Don Caballero's "American Don". It's the band Ian Williams played in before forming Battles. You can clearly hear this style of music in that album. Unfortunately Don Cab is no longer playing but they have a ton of albums. If anything, listen to "Railroad Cancellation" by them.
Temporal Mix Productions From what I understand, It is actually because he injured his rotator cuff at one point in his life, making it uncomfortable to hit the crash at a normal height. Maybe he just got used to it after that?
it doesn't take so long for battles to put out a record that's a masterpiece. Tool will probably need twice as time. btw is the drummer wearing ajax shirt?
Guys great documentary, but I'm here listening to it with my volume on max, and the volume levels are so low. Considering its a doco about music, I think the audio could have been a bit better?
I love how Ian's approach to music seems to create an environment that pushes forward and inspires great drummers. Genius stuff.
God, it's good to see people actually care about what they're playing. Like a band. Not just a singer trying to nail something someone else wrote. These guys are professionals.
Shut up boomer
This band is such a perfect example of eclectic tastes coming together making something unique and interesting. Infinite props to these guys on originality alone.
Our latest documentary, ‘The Art of Repetition’, follows Warp Records trio Battles. We visit them at their New York rehearsal space, onstage at Immergut Festival and in Rhode Island for the recording of their new album “La Di Da Di”.
Watch the film below, and read our interview with their guitarist, keyboard and Push player Ian Williams: ableton.com/blog/battles-art-of-repetition/
***** your hotmail address's 20MB attachment limit probably wouldn't be able to handle all that raw footage...just staying ;)
***** I was waiting for an Ableton / Battles thingy. THANK YOU! This makes me so happy = )
***** me too please...
***** either that or a 10 part making of series. Please Battles, please!
muy buenos
I miss being in a band. Started a band with by friends and coworkers that last 8 years and played a lot of shows and had a lot of fun. But the best part was having like a second family. Practice every Wednesday and played once or twice a month around town. I miss playing with those guys.
Never too late to start again my friend. :)
NEVER.
12:20
"I hear that you and your band have sold your guitars and bought turntables.
I hear that you and your band have sold your turntables and bought guitars."
I hear everybody that you know is more relevant than everybody I know.
I heard you have a compilation of every good song ever done by anybody.
every great song by the beach boys
This video WAS a good time, all the time. Thanks, everyone!!
If you've never listened to Helmet from the 90's look em up. Jon is a monster behind the drum kit.
Recently discovered Helmet and specifically John. Such a monster behind the kit. It feels like the band is built around the drums, which is credit to his playing and personally love that he leads that’s bands sound imo.
Just watched this to get stoked on recording this week.
Worked like a charm.
God, it makes me so fucking sad knowing Dave left. Here he comes off as a super cheery and funny guy, and the parts he wrote for the band were always my favorite.
Totally
For sure. When they went from a 4 piece to a 3 piece I was disappointed, but it still kicked ass. But now that Dave's gone it's lost all its charm
@@mistawinta No, I don't think so. Juice B Crypts came out really really good and there's actually a ton of tracks on that album that are highlights to me (like Sugarfoot or Last Supper on Shasta), but the live performance part of the band kinda dwindled down a bit. I'd figure that's maybe because they narrowed down just to a duo and they had little time to adapt to that between Dave leaving and touring for JBC.
@@BrunoOfCanada I think Juice B Crypts is fine, but I never come back to it, unlike all the other Battles albums, which I absolutely love. I really find all the magic has gone. But music is subjective; I understand that. And I concur about the live performance part. Battles as a trio was such a fantastic live show (unfortunately, I never got to see them as a 4 piece). I don't even have an interest in seeing them as a duo. And John is one of my all-time favorite drummers.
I loved Ian’s work in Don Caballero. I can’t wait to hear him in a new setting!
I discovered this music at a young age thanks to my older brother. Atlas literally used to scare the shit out of me, no other music ever made me feel like that. Amazing
Great profile piece! Lot's of funny bits, and Battles represent all that's good about modern music. Great job ableton and the production company.
Wow the drummer brought that first loop to life!
Uprightest that's not just any drummer, that's stanier!
David Grant All glory to the Stanier!
Uprightest Love the Punk / Electronic crossover vibes
First loop of the video at :44
***** First loop of the video at :44
A fascinating look into the creative process behind one of the best bands working today.
Plus, their sneaker game is on point.
John "Ya didn't think I could reach that cymbal did ya?" Stanier
lmaooooooo
Ty Braxton is doing cool stuff but he should have stayed in Battles.
Hell yeah, I used to listen to his Central Market album pretty often. It’s just so... weird.
This song, J City is the closest thing off that whole record to a conventional song. The rest are like... insane orchestral noise avante garde shit. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good. But I don’t think most people would enjoy it. m.th-cam.com/video/JvtiwgiyisI/w-d-xo.html
He brought a lot to the band, but I seem to remember it being a mutual thing between he and the rest of the band when he left. I don't think he was fired, but........
It is Battles. You know. Every album somebody falls.
@@Kisuke323 Dave :'(
Yep
kings . I saw you ,ian, with don caballero . in 1999, at montreuil france .... that was great !! big up !. benito carlos
That first loop was amazing, and it got so much cooler when the drummer came in. I didn't want it to end
What a wonderful short film about your process and passion. Thank you so much for making and sharing it this.
What an interesting perspective on repetition. What an interesting perspective on repetition. What an interesting perspective on repetition. What an interesting perspective on repetition. What an interesting...well you get my goof at this point.
One of the most influential bands in my world . So so glad they're still together !!!😍
this is exactly what i wanted to know about this band. such a good video and idea for other bands to do
I thought I was stoked on La Di Da Di before, can't wait to hear it now!
"boa te da nah, thats the part where like" just the most technical terms i've ever heard when composing music. love you guys!
Also now that i've watched the whole thing, they sound like parents arguing over how to raise their child when they work on a song. No wonder their songs always end being so meticulously crafted.
Wish I'll have a chance to visit Battles concert at some point in my lifetime.
Seeing the hassle of making a record for them, I can understand now why Dave left.
Very Dope documentary! Definitely inspired!!
"but, like, who wants to listen to a record that's just ok?"
I cannot wait to hear what they've come up with. Going to see them in October for the first time.
Before video: "I don't know if I have the money to afford the pre-order."
2 seconds into hearing new music: "God damn it, where's my wallet?"
Stanier is a machine...
Yeah the dude knows what he's doing. Really great and inspiring drummer.
He's one of the cleanest drummers I ever got the pleasure of seeing live.
so goddamn clean.
Awesome documentary on Battles! You have an amazing production crew and editor.
That yellow Tama Artstar is beautiful, I’m in love 😍
Very cool. Thanks for making this.
Stanier is wearin a custom Ajax Amsterdam shirt with his name on it. How fkn cool is that?????
+Ocd Server Did you see that the other one, Inter Milan, says JS ?!!!
Nails it at 13:20 - recording became so much more fun when I stopped going for the 18th take and just made music. If you want better takes... practice more away from the studio.
Just saw them open for Primus...and there was only TWO of them!
Everytime I listen to Battles I always wonder how they managed to create/write a lot of the songs, like how do you even begin to write the music they make? and watching this It's kinda refreshing to hear them talk about how most of the time they rely on just "parts that sound good together" and just start from them.
To quote George Carlin, "to many options is not healthy" You can destroy a good song by overthinking it and playing it a million different ways. Plus the digital world can kind of slow everything down to a slow crawl and i think you lose something with that. You gotta kind of just commit with instinct, get it down, and move on to the next song. That's why bands always have a live version that's a little or a lot different than the album version.
10:28 Dave's laugh would get me up in the morning every day
his over-the-top corniness is so great
reminds me of that other interview where he's like "...bye to the camera!!!" and then laughs his ass off for a minute
Dave Konopka making his best Joker laugh impression. 10:30
I think i would probably go insane if i worked on a project at that sort of level for that length of time :P
aljowen Gloss Drop was a pretty weird situation overall, I assume they didn't take so long this time
very well made documentary, great camera work and interview !
We have an EARLY review of the new Battles record "La Di Da Di" up on our channel right now! Check it out and let us know what you think: th-cam.com/video/TfXeXFg5kQs/w-d-xo.html
Great!!! Love the vibe of the Music Building!
The best video about music production
when i saw them in Cambridge, 2015 or so, the guys were putting in such an effort i thought i was gonna witness someone die on stage
excellent docu!!! thanks for posting!!!
The greatest band of the modern era INTENDO recorded in that same studio.
soooooo excited, this band changed my views on music
man that is the only way I could be happy so happy in a band, surrounded by just cinics, no joke. Cannot cope with any other type of person
Ok, just stumbled on these guys......HOLY F####!!! This is my vision of 21st Century Music! Where we should be but...I guess we are here!!! I actually play and it so CategoricallyIndescribablyRythmicallyIntenseAcousticallySpiritually... Sorry, just carried away to find Battles amongst the sadly inane cultural glep called MUSIC :). Keep it up guys...this is superb.
There’s more you just gotta look my guy
Oddly, Holy Fuck is a band. They also use weird sounds. :-)
Check out Don Caballero's "American Don". It's the band Ian Williams played in before forming Battles. You can clearly hear this style of music in that album. Unfortunately Don Cab is no longer playing but they have a ton of albums. If anything, listen to "Railroad Cancellation" by them.
still love your music!!
Fantastic doc!!!
Some interesting ideas and thoughts - thanks for sharing!
"Who wants to listen to an 'OK' album?" soup's on!
Man, I miss Dave
Who would thumb this down?? Well done mini doc.
Bring on 'La Di Da Di'. Bring it on I say.
Awesome! PS I been to that park in NYC at 3:17 !
well done you guys! great doc!
So cool! I love this idea
i appreciate the video editor. much congruent.
why is his crash cymbal so high :')
+Matthew Cassinelli so he does not over use it, he said
+Matthew Cassinelli also keeps it farther away from other mics
+Matthew Cassinelli - Plus it looks kool 8)
+Matthew Cassinelli perhap's avoid too much mic bleeding
+Ableton Makes perfect sense, exactly what I had hoped to hear
Can somebody tell me what kind of stand Ian is using for his Push? I'm looking for something exactly like that
DoglessEndeavor I wish I’ve been looking too!
Fascinating stuff!
what a great video. what a great band
What a drum sound and a drummer.
Awesome ! Love battles
That was awesome!!
Great! Respect from Moscow, Russia.
Very interesting music.
Thanks for this cool report. :-)
First song is called "Tyne Wear"
Nice Spinal Tap reference in the end.
Man I hope to see them live in the Midwest someday.
loved this!
Excellent!
When you think about it every country has coffee.... Every country has music.
Amazing !
I can’t wait…!
need more artists talking about the creative and album process
What was that first song?
Tyne wear!
I'd pay for an uncut version
As a drummer, I really want to lower the crash cymbal for that guy. Just... why?
Temporal Mix Productions I may be wrong. But I think I remember an interview where he placed it that high to make himself not overusing.
Temporal Mix Productions From what I understand, It is actually because he injured his rotator cuff at one point in his life, making it uncomfortable to hit the crash at a normal height. Maybe he just got used to it after that?
Jake Tweito That is correct
Temporal Mix Productions
He's forgotten more about drums that you will ever know... I think he's doing just fine with his setup
When did I give advice to anyone?
this is so rad
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
Stanier is GOD ...
I need a new battles record. I have worn out their old ones. I love this band.
not gonna lie, not surprised they are a duo now :O
I wonder how they'd cope during a power out.
Corporal Cal I was making a joke based on all the electricity they need.
***** probably the same way any other band does.
Dtn Mew
It may not have been funny but it was just a joke. Just accept it for what it was.
just giving you a hard time man
Dtn Mew
Fair enough
very nice
Great doc. But what is Dave doing these days?
it doesn't take so long for battles to put out a record that's a masterpiece. Tool will probably need twice as time. btw is the drummer wearing ajax shirt?
i love gloss drop!!!!!
Batlles are awesome I love them!!!!!!!
awesome!
Nice Vid thank you.
8:35 - my favorite part
Guys great documentary, but I'm here listening to it with my volume on max, and the volume levels are so low. Considering its a doco about music, I think the audio could have been a bit better?
That's true!
Corporal Cal Yes, I think I will, the Audio seems to be better now too!