Hi Friends, I recently did a 'Nail The Mix' episode here at Spitfire! I took the opportunity to interview Joey Sturgis, he's a talented Producer, Engineer and Mixer and he runs great online businesses such as Nail The Mix and Unstoppable Recording Machine, as well of course his range of plug ins! Please enjoy and a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Incredible interview Warren, thank you and thanks Joey, it's so amazing to hear your comments about growing the community and helping aspiring mixers hone their craft. Really inspirational, thanks again.
Oh man, I love the thought about not complaining about the way music used to be! Lots of new opportunities for marketing and branding that weren't there before.
i'd say different opportunities. spotify replaces flyers, word of mouth, or getting your band featured in a magazine for sure. and it does it way more efficiently and effectively. there's no arguing that. It is the best promotions platform the world has ever seen. but it promotes the band by giving away it's primary commodity! It doesn't replace album sales, or cover recording costs. that's something else entirely. and while i agree with JST about needing to move on and find out what does work, i don't like to say that things are the same. just his closing line that accepting that just making music isn't going to make any money is depressing, even though he meant it to be, and it is, uplifting. gotta find other ways, like selling instruments to players that won't make any money, or producing bands that won't make any money, or selling pedals to players that won't make any money. there is money to be made in music. just not by making music alone. I'm all about performing live, but the people doing well have their own guitar lines, pedal lines, amp models, endorsements, youtube channels, gear reviews, give lessons/instruction. music has become the philosophy degree- get one so you can teach philosophy students who won't be able to use their degree for anything profitable... aside from teaching more philosophy students. philosophy has zero value in modern culture, and music is going that way too. a sure sign when it's only monetarily viable as background music to a movie, game, or other visually based medium, or selling stuff to other musicians. I don't have the revenue numbers from various points of the music industry to verify this and run statistics on (or prediction models) unfortunately, or any insider knowledge. this is just what i gather from conversations, interviews and videos posted by current professionals in the industry. i do think it's important to stay positive, and to do what works. maybe there will be something even more valuable than the actual music that replaces it and revitalizes the industry. certainly scoring, jingles, and 'ominous tones' make some money. but maybe there won't be and it really will become like having a philosophy degree, or one of my exes that had a literature degree. yeesh! but if we gave up on it before it actually died all the way, and something revitalized it, wouldn't we feel stupid? (besides, i feel like anyone still in the game at this stage won't ever abandon it, they'll just make it work. and that's the attitude that is necessary).
On our recent 11 song traditional 10 recording days, 6 mixing days, 1 mastering day project we used heavily Trello. It is a great tool for project management but also easily with mobile apps solving problems like recall with analog gear. We had pictures on guitar pedal settings, console settings, etc. on song cards/lists to help returning into them if needed. There were even simple audio files like backing vocal tracks from demo's instantly available via Trello cards when needed. The whole band has access to all material this way.
Just began using Trello last month and have been using Slack since the beginning of the year, and yeah it's amazing. I've also been kicking a project management / database app for musicians since I'm able to do it, and know there's a need. Great video as always, Warren!
I can testify to the quality of Trello. When I was in my last band FTM we used it comprehensively as the band were spread out over Europe and I need to have constant contact. Being a solo artist and Producer now I don't use it but it really is worth trying out for anyone wanting to keep organised. Cheers.
Hi Warren, great interview, yes I remember when you only had your record collection to listen too, or the radio and every now and then a cool album film would come on telly ( like pink Floyd,s the wall) then came m tv and music channels on satellite , point being you can listen to what ever you want now, it was limited back then, however I can bet there was nothing like a dinner dance with all your locals gathered around listening to folk music being played live. thanks again Warren and Joey for this interview, very interesting. all the best, Darren Ross.
Warren, you gave some fantastic ideas on your NTM and enjoyed the crap out of it...I absolutely dig your hybrid approach!!!! Also, have learned a TON's worth from PLAP as well!!! Glad both of your were able to make this happen!
Good to see this interview. I use a few of Joey's plug ins: Transify, Sidewidener, Clip, and just starting to play around with Tominator. Transify especially is a KILLER plug for dialling in attack (or sustain) in the specific frequency zone you need it. Have not seen another plug quite like it.
Hey Warren , great interview as always! BTW Would you consider doing a video on applying compression and eq when tracking? The process etc.Your files look and sound great before the mixing even begins...just curious as to how important this process is.
This video is really interesting because of some things I have never thought of before. There are some really interesting ideas and approaches. One thing is really disturbing: Do my drums sound the way they should? I need to submit more mixes!
i have an idea, i recently got some drums recorded and the person who did them is from a studio that's been around since the 80's and iv'e got drums from him before, anyways their way off as far as sound and phase and what not, how bout you do a live session on fixing drums( possibly mine) lol that weren't recorded quite right and how they can be fixed?
Hey Warren, since you were talking about mixing different styles of music and especially drums, a video about how you mix e.g. a kick drum for difference styles, with different EQ and compression approaches, would be interesting. Say one pop, rock metal and country kick. And even more interesting (for me anyways;) would be a historical comparison: how instruments were mixed during different periods of time, for example the different sound ideals for drums in the seventies, eighties and today and how to achieve that. (I know it doesn’t tie necessarily to the decade, but more often to the technological advances during that time, but that’s the fascinating part: how technology influenced sound...)
Interesting! I just left the world of software to fully embrace music; much the same, I never saw myself in music either. The background knowledge has been hugely helpful though: allowed me to greatly improve (what I didn't know were) blossoming production skills. Also, Warren, when do we get to hear "Warren Huart and the 1176 Compressors" live? (That's... that's your group, isn't it?)
Kanban is a method of lean management for managing tasks that, among other things, uses a visual representation of work within a project as they move between various stages of completion. Some organizations use Trello for this, some use a physical board. While it is used predominately in the software industry it can be used anywhere and there are even adaptations for "Personal Kanban." A good explanation can be found at: kanbanize.com/kanban-resources/getting-started/what-is-kanban/
14:10 was the reason I left Nail The Mix - I found it really heavy on the Metal side of the house, and wasn't diverse enough. Perhaps I didn't give them enough time :)
This is awesome guys !! Thank you !! Warren, as a member of PLAP, do we get to learn and watch the hybrid Nail The Mix mix you did -- video on your page ?? Would be cool if members could!!
Hi Warren , great interview and I bought plugins of Joey too recently, have fun guys over there... With an open mind we can learn another mind from eachother...hahaha (Some scientists say we use a small part of our brain....but...NOT with the PLAPA!!!!! Totally high speed information processing ;) )
So people: Join the Produce Like A Pro Academy and forget the negative stuff in the world... Focus on positive things will give you positive results...And when you feel positive your whole life turns out more positive: the environment will mirror you that back, people will smile at you back....;) Passion,Love.....
Maybe it got lost in translation? Spotify, as a purely song based medium, not album orientated at all, so the emphasis is entirely on that. Led Zeppelin famously rarely released singles (with 'Whole Lotta Love as a notable exception in the US).
Hi Friends, I recently did a 'Nail The Mix' episode here at Spitfire! I took the opportunity to interview Joey Sturgis, he's a talented Producer, Engineer and Mixer and he runs great online businesses such as Nail The Mix and Unstoppable Recording Machine, as well of course his range of plug ins! Please enjoy and a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Incredible interview Warren, thank you and thanks Joey, it's so amazing to hear your comments about growing the community and helping aspiring mixers hone their craft. Really inspirational, thanks again.
Oh man, I love the thought about not complaining about the way music used to be! Lots of new opportunities for marketing and branding that weren't there before.
Yep! Exactly. Think positive!
i'd say different opportunities. spotify replaces flyers, word of mouth, or getting your band featured in a magazine for sure. and it does it way more efficiently and effectively. there's no arguing that. It is the best promotions platform the world has ever seen. but it promotes the band by giving away it's primary commodity! It doesn't replace album sales, or cover recording costs. that's something else entirely. and while i agree with JST about needing to move on and find out what does work, i don't like to say that things are the same. just his closing line that accepting that just making music isn't going to make any money is depressing, even though he meant it to be, and it is, uplifting. gotta find other ways, like selling instruments to players that won't make any money, or producing bands that won't make any money, or selling pedals to players that won't make any money. there is money to be made in music. just not by making music alone. I'm all about performing live, but the people doing well have their own guitar lines, pedal lines, amp models, endorsements, youtube channels, gear reviews, give lessons/instruction. music has become the philosophy degree- get one so you can teach philosophy students who won't be able to use their degree for anything profitable... aside from teaching more philosophy students. philosophy has zero value in modern culture, and music is going that way too. a sure sign when it's only monetarily viable as background music to a movie, game, or other visually based medium, or selling stuff to other musicians.
I don't have the revenue numbers from various points of the music industry to verify this and run statistics on (or prediction models) unfortunately, or any insider knowledge. this is just what i gather from conversations, interviews and videos posted by current professionals in the industry. i do think it's important to stay positive, and to do what works. maybe there will be something even more valuable than the actual music that replaces it and revitalizes the industry. certainly scoring, jingles, and 'ominous tones' make some money. but maybe there won't be and it really will become like having a philosophy degree, or one of my exes that had a literature degree. yeesh! but if we gave up on it before it actually died all the way, and something revitalized it, wouldn't we feel stupid? (besides, i feel like anyone still in the game at this stage won't ever abandon it, they'll just make it work. and that's the attitude that is necessary).
I agree 100% Alex! Very well said!
On our recent 11 song traditional 10 recording days, 6 mixing days, 1 mastering day project we used heavily Trello. It is a great tool for project management but also easily with mobile apps solving problems like recall with analog gear. We had pictures on guitar pedal settings, console settings, etc. on song cards/lists to help returning into them if needed. There were even simple audio files like backing vocal tracks from demo's instantly available via Trello cards when needed. The whole band has access to all material this way.
Just began using Trello last month and have been using Slack since the beginning of the year, and yeah it's amazing.
I've also been kicking a project management / database app for musicians since I'm able to do it, and know there's a need.
Great video as always, Warren!
Joey is a great guy and produces tasteful sounding plugins! Thanks for this video Warren!
Thanks ever so much Bernd! Always great seeing your comments!!
I remember Joey when he was posting his first mixes on ultimatemetal forum, really cool guy always sharing info, presets and stuff.
Great stuff thanks for sharing Victor!! You Rock my friend!
my mix is done when my hart says ok I love it . we all will never love it BUT I DO .
and yes it's time to move on ahahahahahah
I hear you 100% Dan!
thank you warren
I love all the stuff that Joey has done for us with URM but I miss hearing his mixes!
I can testify to the quality of Trello. When I was in my last band FTM we used it comprehensively as the band were spread out over Europe and I need to have constant contact. Being a solo artist and Producer now I don't use it but it really is worth trying out for anyone wanting to keep organised. Cheers.
Thanks Joey, and Warren!
Thanks ever so much Audrey!
Hi Warren, great interview, yes I remember when you only had your record collection to listen too, or the radio and every now and then a cool album film would come on telly ( like pink Floyd,s the wall) then came m tv and music channels on satellite , point being you can listen to what ever you want now, it was limited back then, however I can bet there was nothing like a dinner dance with all your locals gathered around listening to folk music being played live. thanks again Warren and Joey for this interview, very interesting. all the best, Darren Ross.
Would you be able to do a good sounding record (and mix) with only very affordable mics like for example AKG C1000's?
Very awesome!
Thanks ever so much my friend!!
Warren, you gave some fantastic ideas on your NTM and enjoyed the crap out of it...I absolutely dig your hybrid approach!!!! Also, have learned a TON's worth from PLAP as well!!! Glad both of your were able to make this happen!
It was a great episode, agreed!
Thanks ever so much Ron C! You Rock my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed my Nail The Mix Episode! It was lot of fun to do!
Good to see this interview. I use a few of Joey's plug ins: Transify, Sidewidener, Clip, and just starting to play around with Tominator. Transify especially is a KILLER plug for dialling in attack (or sustain) in the specific frequency zone you need it. Have not seen another plug quite like it.
Excellent stuff T W! Thanks for your great comment my friend!!
Hey Warren , great interview as always! BTW Would you consider doing a video on applying compression and eq when tracking? The process etc.Your files look and sound great before the mixing even begins...just curious as to how important this process is.
Joey lives in my neck of the woods, Michigan.
Nice Neil!!
A new PLAP video, therefore I'm marvelously well.
what a great name for an indie band PLAP!
Nicely done!
Thanks ever so much Peter!
Haha yes do it Kineticartist!!
@Produce Like A Pro lol Warren nah Ill leave it for the indie guys Im already producing and writing for the Groove Scoundrels
This video is really interesting because of some things I have never thought of before. There are some really interesting ideas and approaches.
One thing is really disturbing: Do my drums sound the way they should? I need to submit more mixes!
Thanks ever so much Jürgen! I really appreciate your kind words and amazing support my friend!!
Two STELLAR Acadamies...so much to learn these dayz:)
i have an idea, i recently got some drums recorded and the person who did them is from a studio that's been around since the 80's and iv'e got drums from him before, anyways their way off as far as sound and phase and what not, how bout you do a live session on fixing drums( possibly mine) lol that weren't recorded quite right and how they can be fixed?
Very great!! I’m guessing Joey Sturgis is a Mark Tremonti fan?
Hey Warren, since you were talking about mixing different styles of music and especially drums, a video about how you mix e.g. a kick drum for difference styles, with different EQ and compression approaches, would be interesting. Say one pop, rock metal and country kick.
And even more interesting (for me anyways;) would be a historical comparison: how instruments were mixed during different periods of time, for example the different sound ideals for drums in the seventies, eighties and today and how to achieve that.
(I know it doesn’t tie necessarily to the decade, but more often to the technological advances during that time, but that’s the fascinating part: how technology influenced sound...)
my man is back!
Yes, indeed!!
Interesting! I just left the world of software to fully embrace music; much the same, I never saw myself in music either. The background knowledge has been hugely helpful though: allowed me to greatly improve (what I didn't know were) blossoming production skills.
Also, Warren, when do we get to hear "Warren Huart and the 1176 Compressors" live? (That's... that's your group, isn't it?)
Haha yes!! The Eleven Seventy Sixers!! haha
Joey uses Trello, does he use a Kanban style approach to projects too?
Kanban is a method of lean management for managing tasks that, among other things, uses a visual representation of work within a project as they move between various stages of completion. Some organizations use Trello for this, some use a physical board. While it is used predominately in the software industry it can be used anywhere and there are even adaptations for "Personal Kanban." A good explanation can be found at: kanbanize.com/kanban-resources/getting-started/what-is-kanban/
14:10 was the reason I left Nail The Mix - I found it really heavy on the Metal side of the house, and wasn't diverse enough. Perhaps I didn't give them enough time :)
This is awesome guys !! Thank you !! Warren, as a member of PLAP, do we get to learn and watch the hybrid Nail The Mix mix you did -- video on your page ?? Would be cool if members could!!
Hi Art, interesting idea! I will have to see if they'd be interested in doing that!
Really enjoyed that
Thanks for watching :D
Thanks ever so much Musa!!
Hi Warren , great interview and I bought plugins of Joey too recently, have fun guys over there... With an open mind we can learn another mind from eachother...hahaha (Some scientists say we use a small part of our brain....but...NOT with the PLAPA!!!!! Totally high speed information processing ;) )
So people: Join the Produce Like A Pro Academy and forget the negative stuff in the world... Focus on positive things will give you positive results...And when you feel positive your whole life turns out more positive: the environment will mirror you that back, people will smile at you back....;) Passion,Love.....
wish this was one of those 2 hour talks
Yes, Cubase. :-)
It's our favorite - if you couldn't tell ;)
Many people love Cubase!!
Yes, I can Jpey! Ha
Joey is boss.
aaaaaaaaaawesome!
Thanks ever so much Eric!!
Ahum? Hasn't it always been about the song (and its performance)? Are you guys still rambling on yet with shorter hair? :D
Maybe it got lost in translation? Spotify, as a purely song based medium, not album orientated at all, so the emphasis is entirely on that. Led Zeppelin famously rarely released singles (with 'Whole Lotta Love as a notable exception in the US).