So true. This album often gets lumped in with other records of the time, but it is head and shoulder above most all of them. It is one of the rare 90’s rock records that stands up to anything made in the 60’s or 70’s from a compositional or band performance standpoint. An incredible achievement.
@@totalpartykill999 Indeed, as Beinhorn himself details here. Lots of amazing albums were made under very tense and difficult conditions (The Beatles being one of the most obvious examples). Regardless, the record is amazing and will outlive any hard feelings or resentments.
Yes the Beatles had tensions during Let it Be and I'd say that the White Album was almost like solo pieces even Ringo sulked off somewhere and Lennon had to coax him out of his hotel room haha. Great music came as a result regardless.
When I listen to these interviews I sometimes wonder why with such a love for excellent music why I didn't end up forming a band but like a lot of people.. suppression won unfortunately.
I have seen Michael interviewed a few different times now by a few different people, but I have never seen him be this open and comfortable. You got him to offer more opinion, insight, and knowledge than any of the other interviewers I have seen so far. He has an incredible wealth of information, but you helped us see the genius and artistry behind his work.
Michael is an awkward dude, so I would imagine that is picked up by other interviewers adding unnecessary stress to an already stressful activity. Rick speaks his language, is a fantastic patient listener and asks technical questions that really tweak some folks and gets them excited about sharing with someone who truly understands their world. Rick has honed this to a fine art and removed pressure from weird awkward self conscious or even arrogant artists, like Sting, and gotten Golden information from them. Among the best interviewers of my lifetime. You can tell he studied the craft from greats like Dick Cavett who was a pro with no ego whatsoever.
I've never seen people in the music business open up to interviewers the way they open up to Rick. It's as if they realise here's a guy that asks the right questions and knows his stuff, whether it's a musician or another industry pro. It's also obvious that his motives are pure too and there's no hidden agenda.
Seriously, what a brilliant guy. Hard to believe he just kinda fell into producing, he sounds like he knows everything about sound, music, and technology. So great that we have someone like Rick to coax these insights out of him, he seemed so willing to explain all the details.
Dude your song ''Pretty Words' is so amazing, I listen to it all the time. Its my favorite video you've ever made, because it's an original piece from the heart. Dont be afraid to write more originals, you've got the special rocket sauce in ya 😉
He gets to the details we always hoped the so called music journalists were going to ask about. He's a fan first, then with his professors brain he puts people at ease which makes them open up. Wot a guy!
He s an amazing intweviewer. Sometines like in Andy Summersminterview, he just asks few questions and let the musician or producer speaks. And he enjoys so much
You're right. He's the best I've seen at what he does. Did y'all catch at 1:39:30 Rick brings it back around to his original question? He'd earlier asked about differences between then and now, which Michael seemed to regard as too broad a question. Rick then quickly asked another that was basically, tell us about then, then. Michael talks for a few good minutes about then. I for one had forgotten about how they got here. Now here, Rick is asking what about now? Aha! 😁 Just excellent. I paused this to write a comment, so now to finish this wonderful show.
Incredible interview. I remember hearing that Beinhorn had essentially forced Fruciante to add more distortion to his sound, but Chad joining the band--a harder hitter and driving the band in a way that they hadn't been driven before--really kind of forced them to play faster and harder. You can hear it all over Mother's Milk, and that's one of the reasons that album is my favorite by them. The other thing that Beinhorn did with bands, was to take them to the next level. The Chili Peppers were considered a liability by EMI due to the drug usage and general unreliability, Soul Asylum were perennially stuck as heirs to the Minneapolis school of Replacements/ Huskers rock, but even by the late 80's, both of those bands either lost their way or broke up and didn't know how to translate underground acclaim to wider audiences, and neither did the major labels. Soundgarden also were the last of the big four Seattle bands to not have their definitive album, as mentioned in this interview, but I feel that this is not mentioned enough. Badmotorfinger is an incredible album, but its heaviness and odd time signatures were not going to break them to a wider audience. What Beinhorn did with Superunknown was make it more accessible and keep the weird time signatures, but in a more palatable way. One of the things that I love about that album is that Chris was finally using his lower, natural speaking register. It can't be a coincidence......Beinhorn must have mentioned that all the high register screamy vocals were just to be used to make a point or as coloration, but not a place to stay for a whole song as Chris often did in the past. Beinhorn dialed back the metal, and as a result, other things (psychedelia, more songwriter/ song oriented things) came to the forefront. As Beinhorn mentions, the Beatles/ Cream thing comes through, but through Chris' filter and style. There is definitely a bluesier thing going on with some of the record. Instead of making Badmotorfinger part 2, Soundgarden made the next step in their career, and I've long felt that Chris' work in both singing and songwriting really came to the forefront, actually, on the Temple Of The Dog album, which I always wanted to hear more of. You hear far more of his lower singing register on that record, and "Say Hello 2 Heaven" just totally nails everything that it is supposed to do. Superunknown, for me (with Dirt being a very close second) wins the award from me for the best album of the four bands. It was as if they waited for the other bands to make their definitive statements, and then gave everything they had. And I'm a huge Nevermind fan. The three dimensionalism, experimentation and sonics are unparalleled on Superunknown. The production is my template of how a rock record should sound, and it is a dream team of Beinhorn, Brendan O Brien and Jason Corsaro (of the Power Station behind all those big 80's albums). I remember buying Superunknown on cassette in 1994, and being shocked that it was on CrO2 tape, which is a higher fidelity and more expensive tape. For the customer! A 70 minute CrO2 tape must have cost the label and therefore the band a massive amount of money. The downside for bands, of course, is that working with Beinhorn was often not their favorite thing. Michael mentioned this deterioration of the relationship between him and the Chili Peppers, and I also remember Chris Cornell, when asked why the band produced Down On The Upside themselves, was because they "got tired of telling the producer no". Beinhorn obviously challenged the bands that he works with, and for me, for the better. But I can understand that the artists feel that their creativity and personality is being stifled and changed by someone. For the listener, I feel that the best possible record is being made.
The dude is so chill. Same tone as if you asked "Did you feed the cat?" "I did" as "Did you produce Soundgaden's Superunknown "I did", like he had tp pause for a moment to think about it!
The origins of of the iconic "Aaaaahhh....this stuff is really fresh" sound clip is worth the watch alone. It pretty much defined early 80s hip hop!!! Starting at 14:00!! I had no idea.... These interviews are PRICELESS!!
First heard of the Zu Band in an interview of Brian Eno and saw the band perform at the Progressive Rock Manifestival in Los Angeles in 1979 with Daevid Allen and Gilli Smith of Gong and Yochko Seffer of Magma.
There are the two Material albums Temporary Music 1 & 2 followed by the eclectic in a more pop vane Material ONE DOWN which was produced by Material that Michael also did the cover painting for in 1982 and it predated the Herbie Hancock Rocket album so was wondering if that album had something to do with getting the attention to do the Herbie Hancock production?
Michael's got such beautiful energy, gonna enjoy this, thank you! And PLEASE get Billy Gibbons, he's not only one of the most remarkable musicians of all time, but also the most enthusiastic and eloquent storyteller imaginable.
YESSSS!!! I'm going through a new BG phase, who knew he was so cool and talented. I can't stop playing the YT live performance of 16 Tonnes with Jeff Beck. And ZZ Topp of course 😊😊😊❤❤❤
It's on my island list. In other words, if I was stuck on an island for the rest of my life, and could only listen to three albums, Superunknown is definitely on that list.
That was a moment in time. I think Vitalogy, though not my favorite PJ album for songs front to back, is my favorite for sound, and Brendan O'Brien produced that.
This episode is a perfect example of what I love about your videos. I clicked on it because I saw Korn and RHCP in the title, but I was drawn in and captivated by how you drew Michael in to a conversation with you. That caused me to become totally engrossed in the video and I was very entertained by Michael’s personality, his quirky impressions, and by the stories he has to tell. This is another A+ video Rick!! 🤘🏻👍🏻
Herbie Hancock is one of my absolute fav musicians bar none. Admittedly, I'm way more into the Headhunters era records, but I had ZERO idea that the same guy who produced Future Shock also did Mother's Milk and Superunknown (among others).
Same here, I had no idea these were produced but he same cat. Im a rock guy but I found the Herbie Hancock portion of this interview the most insightful…and fresh 😆
Black Hole Sun is one of the best Music Videos of all time, right up there with Right Now by Van Halen, Tourniquet by Marilyn Manson, and Tonight, Tonight by Smashing Pumpkins.
I think Superunknown is the most important album of the last 35 years... A true masterpiece. Immediately fell in love with the mood, the sound, the heaviness, and Chris voice... OMG !! Everything was perfect !!
Listening to how well constructed and developed the Black Hole Sun demo that Chris Cornell wrote and created and brought to the studio is mind blowing. Hes playing everything on it really well and hes captured all the key elements of the song. Its such an acomplished composition, so much more than most demos you'd hear from other well known bands and musicians . SG were a complete sum.of their parts, all brilliant musicians and songwriters. If you've not heard the original Black Hole Sun demo by Chris Cornell, search it up on TH-cam. Has to be heard.
@pepitacrowcosmos7232 maybe but then how good would some of his best work sound without the others? Matt, Ben & Kim brought a lot of stylistic signature influence to the table that gave the SG songs a lot of originality & vibrance. Superunknown is certainly not the same for a album listener without the works in particular of Ben.
@@pepitacrowcosmos7232 I disagree. I know Chris wrote THAT song, but they all contributed to the songwriting of the band. And more than anything, you’re severely underestimating what an absolutely incredible musician and artist Matt Cameron is. Better drummer than Dave Grohl or any other drummer of his generation other than possibly Jimmy Chamberlain.
These songs are so much fun to play live. I played in a 90’s band doing local club gigs and BHS just came out. Our vocalist woke us all up at 5 am screaming ‘have you heard this song about a black hole sun’? We were like dude go to bed. Well by the end of the month we were playing several songs from the LP. Great era in rock music. Great band. Great times!
I was lucky enough to have Michael do the pre-production and “remote production” on my band’s last record. I learned so much from him, it was an experience that I’ll never forget. He brought out the very best in us and I cannot thank him enough. Rick, thank you for asking all the right questions!
Rick, I’ve listened to every one of your interviews and they are an incredible gift. But this is one of my absolute favorites. There’s some deep sh!t in this one.. I never even knew this guy, and he’s so interesting and thoughtful. Thank you so much
He sacrifices for the rest of us to make these, going out of pocket and puts his money where his mouth is - something that most arent willing to do these days. A real gift.
Didnt know anything about Michael prior to this interview but I didn’t want it to end! So informative how you put your guests at ease and let them just talk, Rick. So refreshing.
I only knew him from all the records of the 90s that i love and i definitely bought records just because he produced them (like i did with Rick Rubin, Ross Robinson, Steve Albini, Brendan O'Brien, Bob Rock or Jerry Finn, the list of great producers is endless), so it's fantastic to finally hear him share his stories about making music.
This is an absolute pleasure to hear this interview with Mike. He's so insightful and interesting. He summed up the state of music presently better than anyone ive ever heard. Also ,what a fabulous producer and story teller. Thanks Rick and Mike.
I’m glad Michael pushed Soundgarden as hard as he did, and stayed true to his vision. He definitely played his part in one of the greatest records, and greatest sounding records of the last 30 years.
That was a great interview, thanks Rick and Michael. Nearly 30 years later Superunkown is still one of my favourite albums and still sounds incredible, so hearing those anecdotes was amazing. I'm glad you all drove each other crazy making that album because it will go down as one of the best albums of the 90's, if not the best.
I love that Michael isn’t afraid to talk about the falible side of the industry and artists. It makes this a very insightful interview and shows where a good producer’s head should be.
This was an amazing interview. I don't know how Rick continues to raise his own bar but this channel is becoming something that needs to be archived and shared for the ages once he's finished with it. I guess being on youtube it is those things but I'm thinking something even bigger.
In my honest opinion, of all the producers you have interviewed this was the best. And I will admit that the content plays a huge role in my opinion (me being born in '82 so I was a child of 90's music and huge Soundgarden fan)! But the stories and his detailed memory of events, along with his views, which he brilliantly described and made easy for the listener to relate, were all excellent! Of course your lead and questions throughout really drove the interview Rick. Brilliant man! AWESOME interview!
one of your finest interviews. I could watch over and over to catch all the wisdom and the gems. Superunknown has always been one of my favorited albums of all time and id argue Soundgarden's best overall record. that drum sound is unmatched. Chris Cornell was able to shine as a songwriter. I love Michaels commitment to his craft, even fighting with the band to achieve the best possible sound. it worked. superunkown is a triumph. I remember being 15 yrs with my discman listening to it on my bus ride to school and getting lost in that ocean of sound. not really understanding what I heard but absolutely worshipping it. I saw Chris on his last tour here at red rocks in colorado. it was them , the mars Volta and NIN headlining. what a fucking show! RIP Chris Cornell.
Unreal. This... is one of the best conversations I've heard on either channel. I learned a ton, and Michael is incredible at describing his experiences. Well done, both of you. Thank you!!🤘🎶💪🍻
Great interview! Loved how they took more time on Soundgarden. How can you not?! When I hear Chris back then he to me was like a George Jones or Gregg Allman ……..you ponder , “ how did he do it ?” Irreplaceable.
It's amazing that Micheal Beinhorn when paired with Soundgarden decided to work his ass off to get the perfect sounds, so that he could make the greatest Soundgarden album ever with them. Even if it drove everyone else crazy waiting for him to feel that the sounds were just perfect, because so much of what Michael does is related to feeling the vibration, energy and response of the sounds he is going to record. That anal search for mic placements and testing dozens of microphones exhausts me as a singer. But I'm so thankful that they made the album they did as it is one of my favorite albums of all time.
I remember the band I was playing bass in at the time of “Superunknown” in rehearsal waiting for the drummer to show up. When he finally did he told us, “Listen to this,” and played Black Hole Sun. It was so fresh, unique, and different that it was almost tough process on the first listen, from the cracking drums to the scorching guitar solo to Chris doubling his vocal track with a low whisper on the third chorus. Brilliant! Rest In Peace, CC. 🙏🏻
Thank you so much Michael and Rick. This was a very compelling interview. I was completely engrossed start to finish. I would absolutely love to see a part 2.
I have to admit I have never really listened to SG until now and have a whole new level appreciation of them. Please schedule 2 days of 10hrs each over Xmas with interviews like this so we can loxk the door and put the headphones on for entertainment and disappear in the void! Fantastic work and see if you can get him to come back!
I don't know if it's nostalgia or not, but that's what our band is trying to recapture, basically what Michael and Rick talks about at the end of this video. Writing and recording music that can transmit emotions and to take their audience on a trip and create their own story with our work as a soundtrack. It's what I used to love listening to groups like Yes, ELP and so many others! It's why we named our band Old School- The Band and named our debut album "Willoughby", a nod to returning to a more perfect world, a simpler time, when music took us on a journey. With a producer like Michael, you've got to trust beyond those moments of personal creative frustrations. Great interview as always, Rick!
Another 2 hours I can't tear myself away from. I'm a commercial visual artist and Michael nails what's happened in my industry when discussing whats changed in the music industry over the last 30 years.
I love listening to you guys talking about this art. It's like talking about any art and the process of exploration and the importance of pushing it beyond the comfortable and not letting what you come up with become so precious that you stop creating way too soon. And then you are careful about pushing it too far that you loose the sweet spot. The whole time trying to weigh a ton of input and factors to figure out when you trust yourself to say it's done.
Rick - your skills as an interviewer are really exemplary - you've really grown. Great questions.- great space for the responses. Less interruptions. Much better flow - structure and pace to really match the interviewee. Loving your work... Even More!
Excellent episode - Superunknown is to me the peak of that whole era and the best collection of recordings Soundgarden ever did. And that's high praise considering their repertoire.
Michael Beinhorn has a unique ability to find & layer new sounds into a beautiful spacial landscape. He actually creates a sound that appears to open a portal to a world in another dimension. Well done.
Michael is a super interesting, talented dude with some really interesting takes. Rick, you really dug into so much of what I’ve wanted to hear him talk about and as usual gave him the space to do so. Well done.
Phenomenal interview, thank you to both you and Michael! There are some old concert recordings of Soundgarden on youtube, audience recordings, not professional, where you can actually hear what Michael is talking about when talks about how loud Chris' vocals were. You can literally feel and hear (even more so in these rudimentary recordings than in the professional ones, because they recorded more of the room than off of the sound equipment itself) the walls and the ceilings of the venues trembling and shaking, like they are about to crumble. Sheer power!
This is a gem of an interview. Michael seems to be at a place in his life to look back and share, with a twinkle in his eye, his path in what was a crazy industry. A genuine, seemingly humble human, resourceful artist, and perhaps, a pioneer. ❤ . Thank you both🎉.
one of your best videos. I mix sound for film and I find it fascinating to hear how he used different gear to achieve the feel he was after. You music guys are a whole different level.
The intellect on him is ferocious thankfully he's so kind and brilliant 😊 and his genius was used for something he loved. Fun sense of humor too ...memory is borderline photographic. Just amazing interview I knew practically nothing they spoke of and Im no historian but Im usually nostalgic in these interviews this was all learning. Incredible only channel that can do this on TH-cam
Yes, I've noticed how Rick throws out these topics and then gets a bite and you see Rick stop himself and start listening. He also has that "trick" of just smiling and looking at the person until the person starts talking and becomes engaged.
Probably the best interview on this site to date. While he’s a really interesting interview subject, Beinhorn’s thoughts didn’t always move in predictable ways which had to make maintaining the flow of conversation a challenge at times. I thought Rick was pretty amazing at managing that and the result is amazingly watchable. Bravo! My only disappointment was that his time in Material was not really explored. Bill Laswell is such an interesting guy that I’d have loved to hear more Beinhorn’s experience in that partnership. Oh well, maybe in Part II
Rick, you somehow manage to get these guys to talk about the stuff we are really interested in ! I feel like I actually understand what was in Micheal's head when doing the Soundgarden record... the sonics of it. Great interview !
rick these interviews are getting better and better, fabulous questions, serious recording/mixing geek out, but then also 30k view context on the industry, budgets, business practices... the ending I didn't want it to end, like the Andy Summer's interview, Micael has blueprinted some amazing pieces of music, so influential, and your interview style and question depth makes my experience as a viewer, amazingly appreciative and most reverent.. I just wish Hendrix was still alive so you could interview him. thank you and blessings to you and your family over the holidays
I would do anything to work for Michael. I'd work for free, clean his house, food runs, clean bathrooms. To learn 1 percent of his studio knowledge. After this interview he has replace Rick Rubin on my bucket list. Greatest interview ever..... well done Rick.
One of the best interviews and producers ive seen or heard yet on you tube, great insights to how,when,why,and who made what happen in modern popular music,always wanted to know what snare drum he used on the superunknown recording, That's why Greg Keplinger snares are so expensive and sought after i see.Maybe simple and easy makes sense-8 lugs not 10 and a steel, or iron shell with no beads or extras.killer interview.
This worth billions of likes 😊 Thank you Michael for your honest contribution, and Rick for your job well done here. You're like David Attenborough of the world of music, showing us the many-many layers worth exploring, observing or just to know about. Keep on working, we're waiting for the next one ;-)
Wow ! One of the best interview. That guy is obviously a genius in his domain. He never interrupted Rick, always have intelligent response. A great producer who understand well that it's emotion who drive people... and money drives company. Thank's Rick !
Another indispensable interview! Material was one of my favorite groups at the time. I ran out and bought Future Shock. Michael influenced me to employ radio and shortwave in my own music.
Beinhorn's way of telling a story is so fantastic. Really great interview. You've gotta snag Steve Miller for a couple hours, Rick. He's got some stories...Texas, Chicago, San Francisco, NYC....
This has to be bar none the best interview ever! Magic! So relevant to a kid like me who grew up writing songs with a boom box in the early 80s turned on to music with nothing to mix no instrument except the ability to listen
@@donniev8181 absolutely! They can benefit from the good old recording process. It’s gonna clear up the unnecessary zillion tracks in a session that the mixing engineers have to deal with. Also if the players and the singers are not capable of doing a song from start to finish in couple takes, than this thing is not for them. So I think the quality will rise again. I was lucky enough to make records on tape and the whole thing was a magic. As a musician you gotta be at your best and stay focused at all times.
...another great interview from RB... I particularly enjoyed this one because I found M Beinhorn fascinating and the fact that i knew nothing about him helped... (on a side note, at times it felt like I was watching Billy Crudup play the part of a music producer... In other words, this guy is an interesting character.)
So cool to see you after all these years, Michael! You won't remember me at ALL, the last time I saw you was maybe '77, out front of the High School of Music and Art in Harlem, you were a junior and I was a freshman, we had mutual friends (Kyle Sims, Bari Harmon, Jon Tessler) who were all into Canterbury stuff, Gong, Soft Machine, VDGG/Hammill, Eno, etc. Maybe ran into you at PASS or Intermedia after that a couple times, but you were off to all this amazing, cool music world experience. I've followed your career, man you done good, buddy!!!!!!
Thank you again Rick for another stellar interview that can be viewed again and again for reference. I wish it was even longer which basically goes for all of your interviews. Thank You!
Great interview and guest! It must be said 1994 (seems like yesterday) was an amazing year from music and movies. Superunknown, Vitalogy, Purple, Dogman, The Crow, Interview with the Vampire, Forrest Gump and on and on. Bring me back and away from the crap on screens and radios today!
Huge interview Sir Beato, Michael Beinhorm is one of the best and most interesting and rarely interviewed producers when you simply think that he produced Rock It by herbie Hancock, revolutionizing Electro-Funk and Hip Hop , and producing Superunknown by Soundgarden. What a range! What beautiful ears and taste this guy has!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! (and yes, we are waiting for a part 2, talking about the music industry, and changes needed)
Incredible! Michael produced RHCP, Soundgarden, and Fuel records all of which had and still have a massive effect on me to this day. Always grateful to hear his thoughts and experiences. The world is a better place for his contributions to music.
I think this is my fav interview you have done yet; except for one dang thing! In the title you mention Korn but you didn't talk to him AT ALL about KORN. So, I'm a much bigger fan of literally every other musical act you guys touched on but I was really curious to hear how the experience of recording a band like Korn which was at the forefront of a generational shift in alternative music compared to all of these other acts that were groundbreaking, but ultimately much more traditionally musical. Korn always stood head and shoulders above the rest of Nu Metal in terms of musical ability and creativity (imho) and I have a feeling this guy was instrumental in that.
yuh I agree! Michale worked on Untouchables and it's such an interesting record which cost like 1M bucks to make and is one of the most expensive records ever produced. Also it was right at the time when illegal mp3 downloads started to take off... the record sort of bombed in comparison to their previous stuff... it still did well but not as well as their previous records. I really wanted him to in detail on this... I did a video on this album a few years ago so I did my research.
indeed I hope Beato posts more of this with some Korn stuff in there, word was back in 2002 it was contentious. Perhaps Beinhorn talked about it and then asked for it to not be posted? Dunno ... At the time, I felt Issues and FLT had stronger singles for sure, but that the direction they were going in was maybe healthy, in that Untouchables (even the title, eg, which I took to be a double entendre of "lost kids" AND "we're untouchable in Metal" or whatever) was meant to be their "Black Album" or their "Superunknown". Alas, it wasn't met that way, because the songs were decent but there was nothing close to Freak, Got The Life, Somebody Someone, Blind, etc etc.
Superunknown is a once in a lifetime example of serendipity. Right musicians with the right producer at the right time. Best record of the era IMO.
So true. This album often gets lumped in with other records of the time, but it is head and shoulder above most all of them. It is one of the rare 90’s rock records that stands up to anything made in the 60’s or 70’s from a compositional or band performance standpoint. An incredible achievement.
and all of Soundgarden hated his guts after the album was finished. it wasn't a happy recording session.
@@totalpartykill999 Indeed, as Beinhorn himself details here. Lots of amazing albums were made under very tense and difficult conditions (The Beatles being one of the most obvious examples). Regardless, the record is amazing and will outlive any hard feelings or resentments.
Yes the Beatles had tensions during Let it Be and I'd say that the White Album was almost like solo pieces even Ringo sulked off somewhere and Lennon had to coax him out of his hotel room haha. Great music came as a result regardless.
When I listen to these interviews I sometimes wonder why with such a love for excellent music why I didn't end up forming a band but like a lot of people.. suppression won unfortunately.
I have seen Michael interviewed a few different times now by a few different people, but I have never seen him be this open and comfortable. You got him to offer more opinion, insight, and knowledge than any of the other interviewers I have seen so far. He has an incredible wealth of information, but you helped us see the genius and artistry behind his work.
Because Rick knows listening is important
Michael is an awkward dude, so I would imagine that is picked up by other interviewers adding unnecessary stress to an already stressful activity.
Rick speaks his language, is a fantastic patient listener and asks technical questions that really tweak some folks and gets them excited about sharing with someone who truly understands their world.
Rick has honed this to a fine art and removed pressure from weird awkward self conscious or even arrogant artists, like Sting, and gotten Golden information from them.
Among the best interviewers of my lifetime. You can tell he studied the craft from greats like Dick Cavett who was a pro with no ego whatsoever.
I thought the interview Warren Huart did with Michael 4-5 years ago was great as well -- he was very forthcoming.
I've never seen people in the music business open up to interviewers the way they open up to Rick. It's as if they realise here's a guy that asks the right questions and knows his stuff, whether it's a musician or another industry pro. It's also obvious that his motives are pure too and there's no hidden agenda.
Thank you Rick!
What a great interview.
Seriously, what a brilliant guy. Hard to believe he just kinda fell into producing, he sounds like he knows everything about sound, music, and technology. So great that we have someone like Rick to coax these insights out of him, he seemed so willing to explain all the details.
Dude your song ''Pretty Words' is so amazing, I listen to it all the time. Its my favorite video you've ever made, because it's an original piece from the heart. Dont be afraid to write more originals, you've got the special rocket sauce in ya 😉
This demonship guy looks n sounds like you but isnt...
Did you teach this Demonship guy?
He gets to the details we always hoped the so called music journalists were going to ask about. He's a fan first, then with his professors brain he puts people at ease which makes them open up. Wot a guy!
The musical history that Michael Beinhorn just dropped on the world is remarkable. This guy needs to write a book with all of his stories.
he said it's in the works!
Rick Beato continues to set a new standard in interviews. A privilege to watch. Thank You.
He s an amazing intweviewer. Sometines like in Andy Summersminterview, he just asks few questions and let the musician or producer speaks. And he enjoys so much
He's intelligent, prepared and sincere and people like him. Rick is a very big gift to us all in this regard. Thank you Rick!
Agreed. Rick Beato is paving the way of a really awesome new style of internet content.
You're right. He's the best I've seen at what he does.
Did y'all catch at 1:39:30 Rick brings it back around to his original question? He'd earlier asked about differences between then and now, which Michael seemed to regard as too broad a question. Rick then quickly asked another that was basically, tell us about then, then. Michael talks for a few good minutes about then. I for one had forgotten about how they got here. Now here, Rick is asking what about now? Aha! 😁 Just excellent.
I paused this to write a comment, so now to finish this wonderful show.
@@freem0nt❤❤❤
As a drummer who played in a hip hop band this was astounding to know this dude made the “FRESH” scratch. 🤯
Every battle and cut records have the ahh and fresh on them
I could listen to these two for another couple of hours. Brilliant interview.
Love it!!!
Incredible interview. I remember hearing that Beinhorn had essentially forced Fruciante to add more distortion to his sound, but Chad joining the band--a harder hitter and driving the band in a way that they hadn't been driven before--really kind of forced them to play faster and harder. You can hear it all over Mother's Milk, and that's one of the reasons that album is my favorite by them. The other thing that Beinhorn did with bands, was to take them to the next level. The Chili Peppers were considered a liability by EMI due to the drug usage and general unreliability, Soul Asylum were perennially stuck as heirs to the Minneapolis school of Replacements/ Huskers rock, but even by the late 80's, both of those bands either lost their way or broke up and didn't know how to translate underground acclaim to wider audiences, and neither did the major labels.
Soundgarden also were the last of the big four Seattle bands to not have their definitive album, as mentioned in this interview, but I feel that this is not mentioned enough. Badmotorfinger is an incredible album, but its heaviness and odd time signatures were not going to break them to a wider audience. What Beinhorn did with Superunknown was make it more accessible and keep the weird time signatures, but in a more palatable way. One of the things that I love about that album is that Chris was finally using his lower, natural speaking register. It can't be a coincidence......Beinhorn must have mentioned that all the high register screamy vocals were just to be used to make a point or as coloration, but not a place to stay for a whole song as Chris often did in the past. Beinhorn dialed back the metal, and as a result, other things (psychedelia, more songwriter/ song oriented things) came to the forefront. As Beinhorn mentions, the Beatles/ Cream thing comes through, but through Chris' filter and style. There is definitely a bluesier thing going on with some of the record. Instead of making Badmotorfinger part 2, Soundgarden made the next step in their career, and I've long felt that Chris' work in both singing and songwriting really came to the forefront, actually, on the Temple Of The Dog album, which I always wanted to hear more of. You hear far more of his lower singing register on that record, and "Say Hello 2 Heaven" just totally nails everything that it is supposed to do.
Superunknown, for me (with Dirt being a very close second) wins the award from me for the best album of the four bands. It was as if they waited for the other bands to make their definitive statements, and then gave everything they had. And I'm a huge Nevermind fan. The three dimensionalism, experimentation and sonics are unparalleled on Superunknown. The production is my template of how a rock record should sound, and it is a dream team of Beinhorn, Brendan O Brien and Jason Corsaro (of the Power Station behind all those big 80's albums). I remember buying Superunknown on cassette in 1994, and being shocked that it was on CrO2 tape, which is a higher fidelity and more expensive tape. For the customer! A 70 minute CrO2 tape must have cost the label and therefore the band a massive amount of money.
The downside for bands, of course, is that working with Beinhorn was often not their favorite thing. Michael mentioned this deterioration of the relationship between him and the Chili Peppers, and I also remember Chris Cornell, when asked why the band produced Down On The Upside themselves, was because they "got tired of telling the producer no". Beinhorn obviously challenged the bands that he works with, and for me, for the better. But I can understand that the artists feel that their creativity and personality is being stifled and changed by someone. For the listener, I feel that the best possible record is being made.
Nicely said, lots to think about
Black Hole Sun makes all the discomforts palatable. I'll take it. 🎉
The dude is so chill. Same tone as if you asked "Did you feed the cat?" "I did" as "Did you produce Soundgaden's Superunknown "I did", like he had tp pause for a moment to think about it!
ADHD meds and/or masking for the win.
The origins of of the iconic "Aaaaahhh....this stuff is really fresh" sound clip is worth the watch alone. It pretty much defined early 80s hip hop!!! Starting at 14:00!! I had no idea....
These interviews are PRICELESS!!
This is a mindblowing interview, full of key historical information,,
Thanks Andy!
First heard of the Zu Band in an interview of Brian Eno and saw the band perform at the Progressive Rock Manifestival in Los Angeles in 1979 with Daevid Allen and Gilli Smith of Gong and Yochko Seffer of Magma.
There are the two Material albums Temporary Music 1 & 2 followed by the eclectic in a more pop vane Material ONE DOWN which was produced by Material that Michael also did the cover painting for in 1982 and it predated the Herbie Hancock Rocket album so was wondering if that album had something to do with getting the attention to do the Herbie Hancock production?
What makes Rick special is the depth of his familiarity with the technical aspects of production plus his awesome attitude.
You mean hes a producer interviewing a producer? Indeed indeed
yes, and he can sit back and let the artist speak!
Michael's got such beautiful energy, gonna enjoy this, thank you! And PLEASE get Billy Gibbons, he's not only one of the most remarkable musicians of all time, but also the most enthusiastic and eloquent storyteller imaginable.
YESSSS!!! I'm going through a new BG phase, who knew he was so cool and talented. I can't stop playing the YT live performance of 16 Tonnes with Jeff Beck. And ZZ Topp of course 😊😊😊❤❤❤
@@davids736 The second coolest individual ever, right behind Thelonious Monk.
Yes: Billy F. Gibbons
I’m not even a ZZ Top really (though I appreciate them), but that documentary of theirs was fantastic
@@ConnorFogartyVO And ZZ Top (during their golden age) was the second greatest band ever, right behind R.E.M.
This interview needs to go on for another 10 episodes
Yeah! The Beinhorn Box Set ❤
To this day, Soundgarden super unknown is one of the greatest sounding albums ever !
It's on my island list. In other words, if I was stuck on an island for the rest of my life, and could only listen to three albums, Superunknown is definitely on that list.
That was a moment in time. I think Vitalogy, though not my favorite PJ album for songs front to back, is my favorite for sound, and Brendan O'Brien produced that.
@@james_d_eaton Yeps, Superunknown, Zeppelin Physical Graffiti and David Bowie Hunky Dory
This episode is a perfect example of what I love about your videos. I clicked on it because I saw Korn and RHCP in the title, but I was drawn in and captivated by how you drew Michael in to a conversation with you. That caused me to become totally engrossed in the video and I was very entertained by Michael’s personality, his quirky impressions, and by the stories he has to tell. This is another A+ video Rick!! 🤘🏻👍🏻
The human element is still in existence. Resistance is NOT FUTIIL
Michael’s a fascinating guy, I could listen to him for hours… oh, I just did 😅 Definitely one of my favorite Beato interviews 🎙️ 🔥
I completely agree !
Check out his Produce Like a Pro interviews as well!
Herbie Hancock is one of my absolute fav musicians bar none. Admittedly, I'm way more into the Headhunters era records, but I had ZERO idea that the same guy who produced Future Shock also did Mother's Milk and Superunknown (among others).
Same here, I had no idea these were produced but he same cat. Im a rock guy but I found the Herbie Hancock portion of this interview the most insightful…and fresh 😆
I love how they both started head bobbing when Black Hole Sun hit. I was right there with them
He should release a 'Bobbin Beato'...one of those nodding figurines for your car dashboard, I'd buy one!
Black Hole Sun is one of the best Music Videos of all time, right up there with Right Now by Van Halen, Tourniquet by Marilyn Manson, and Tonight, Tonight by Smashing Pumpkins.
@@LeadMe2TheBlissLove Gordon with the sweater
That’s because it’s the greatest song of all time.
I think Superunknown is the most important album of the last 35 years... A true masterpiece. Immediately fell in love with the mood, the sound, the heaviness, and Chris voice... OMG !! Everything was perfect !!
I hadn’t heard of this guy before. This is my favorite interview of all of them that Rick has done. Absolutely fascinating.
He’s actually a electro/rap pioneer.
I was familiar with the name, but had no knowledge really either. What a super-nice human he is.
I love that when Rick brought up Love Battery, Michael perked up. That's why people love to be interviewed by Rick.
Listening to how well constructed and developed the Black Hole Sun demo that Chris Cornell wrote and created and brought to the studio is mind blowing. Hes playing everything on it really well and hes captured all the key elements of the song. Its such an acomplished composition, so much more than most demos you'd hear from other well known bands and musicians . SG were a complete sum.of their parts, all brilliant musicians and songwriters. If you've not heard the original Black Hole Sun demo by Chris Cornell, search it up on TH-cam. Has to be heard.
Best song of that genre in that era, hands down IMO
Without Chris talent of songwriting (music & lyrics) and singing, the rest of sg wouldn't go anywhere.
@pepitacrowcosmos7232 maybe but then how good would some of his best work sound without the others? Matt, Ben & Kim brought a lot of stylistic signature influence to the table that gave the SG songs a lot of originality & vibrance. Superunknown is certainly not the same for a album listener without the works in particular of Ben.
@@pepitacrowcosmos7232 I disagree. I know Chris wrote THAT song, but they all contributed to the songwriting of the band. And more than anything, you’re severely underestimating what an absolutely incredible musician and artist Matt Cameron is. Better drummer than Dave Grohl or any other drummer of his generation other than possibly Jimmy Chamberlain.
These songs are so much fun to play live.
I played in a 90’s band doing local club gigs and BHS just came out. Our vocalist woke us all up at 5 am screaming ‘have you heard this song about a black hole sun’? We were like dude go to bed. Well by the end of the month we were playing several songs from the LP. Great era in rock music. Great band. Great times!
I was lucky enough to have Michael do the pre-production and “remote production” on my band’s last record. I learned so much from him, it was an experience that I’ll never forget. He brought out the very best in us and I cannot thank him enough. Rick, thank you for asking all the right questions!
Cool!
What is that album/band name?
What is the album
Tell us ❤
Rick, I’ve listened to every one of your interviews and they are an incredible gift. But this is one of my absolute favorites. There’s some deep sh!t in this one.. I never even knew this guy, and he’s so interesting and thoughtful. Thank you so much
Rick is "THE" History Channel for generations to come. So diverse and interesting.
Totally agree bud.
He sacrifices for the rest of us to make these, going out of pocket and puts his money where his mouth is - something that most arent willing to do these days. A real gift.
That is a great comment
Superb interview! Bienhorn fully understands what's happened to music and has articulated it perfectly here.
Didnt know anything about Michael prior to this interview but I didn’t want it to end! So informative how you put your guests at ease and let them just talk, Rick. So refreshing.
My thoughts exactly!
I only knew him from all the records of the 90s that i love and i definitely bought records just because he produced them (like i did with Rick Rubin, Ross Robinson, Steve Albini, Brendan O'Brien, Bob Rock or Jerry Finn, the list of great producers is endless), so it's fantastic to finally hear him share his stories about making music.
@@pfztHe made great records in the 80’s too. Electrofunk.
@@SPAZZOID100 no duh. they talk about it in the interview smh
Michael Beinhorn is exactly what I expected him to be: a mad genius who mixes the technical with the philosophical.
Michael produced two of my favorite records of all time: Soundgarden's Superunknown, and Ozzy's Ozzmosis 👏👏👏👏👏
What a treat. Just listening to Michael talk about Black Hole Sun was so inspiring and moving. Superunknown is of the best sounding albums, imo.
Agreed. Choked me up.
I agree with Michael B: IMO, one of the greatest rock songs ever.
This is an absolute pleasure to hear this interview with Mike. He's so insightful and interesting. He summed up the state of music presently better than anyone ive ever heard. Also ,what a fabulous producer and story teller. Thanks Rick and Mike.
I would love to work with him but suspect I'd end up in tears afterward.
I’m glad Michael pushed Soundgarden as hard as he did, and stayed true to his vision. He definitely played his part in one of the greatest records, and greatest sounding records of the last 30 years.
That was a great interview, thanks Rick and Michael. Nearly 30 years later Superunkown is still one of my favourite albums and still sounds incredible, so hearing those anecdotes was amazing. I'm glad you all drove each other crazy making that album because it will go down as one of the best albums of the 90's, if not the best.
Another amazing Beato interview . Michael is amazing and his laugh is terrific.
Fascinating interview and I truly deeply appreciate being able to see it. Keep it up Rick. You are killing the game.
I love that Michael isn’t afraid to talk about the falible side of the industry and artists. It makes this a very insightful interview and shows where a good producer’s head should be.
Rick is so good about just letting his guests talk. You can tell they love being there and letting the stories just flow.
This was an amazing interview. I don't know how Rick continues to raise his own bar but this channel is becoming something that needs to be archived and shared for the ages once he's finished with it. I guess being on youtube it is those things but I'm thinking something even bigger.
In my honest opinion, of all the producers you have interviewed this was the best. And I will admit that the content plays a huge role in my opinion (me being born in '82 so I was a child of 90's music and huge Soundgarden fan)! But the stories and his detailed memory of events, along with his views, which he brilliantly described and made easy for the listener to relate, were all excellent! Of course your lead and questions throughout really drove the interview Rick. Brilliant man! AWESOME interview!
one of your finest interviews. I could watch over and over to catch all the wisdom and the gems. Superunknown has always been one of my favorited albums of all time and id argue Soundgarden's best overall record. that drum sound is unmatched. Chris Cornell was able to shine as a songwriter. I love Michaels commitment to his craft, even fighting with the band to achieve the best possible sound. it worked. superunkown is a triumph. I remember being 15 yrs with my discman listening to it on my bus ride to school and getting lost in that ocean of sound. not really understanding what I heard but absolutely worshipping it. I saw Chris on his last tour here at red rocks in colorado. it was them , the mars Volta and NIN headlining. what a fucking show! RIP Chris Cornell.
Unreal. This... is one of the best conversations I've heard on either channel. I learned a ton, and Michael is incredible at describing his experiences. Well done, both of you. Thank you!!🤘🎶💪🍻
I watch this like 20 minute at a time over 2 weeks, it was so pack full of gems. I think the best interview so far!
Great interview! Loved how they took more time on Soundgarden. How can you not?! When I hear Chris back then he to me was like a George Jones or Gregg Allman ……..you ponder , “ how did he do it ?” Irreplaceable.
It's amazing that Micheal Beinhorn when paired with Soundgarden decided to work his ass off to get the perfect sounds, so that he could make the greatest Soundgarden album ever with them. Even if it drove everyone else crazy waiting for him to feel that the sounds were just perfect, because so much of what Michael does is related to feeling the vibration, energy and response of the sounds he is going to record. That anal search for mic placements and testing dozens of microphones exhausts me as a singer. But I'm so thankful that they made the album they did as it is one of my favorite albums of all time.
I remember the band I was playing bass in at the time of “Superunknown” in rehearsal waiting for the drummer to show up.
When he finally did he told us, “Listen to this,” and played Black Hole Sun. It was so
fresh, unique, and different that it was almost tough process on the first listen, from the cracking drums to the scorching guitar solo to Chris doubling his vocal track with a low whisper on the third chorus. Brilliant! Rest In Peace, CC. 🙏🏻
The depth and pace of these interviews make you feel like you're right in there. Just amazing.
Such an important role in so many important 90s songs. Amazing.
Thank you so much Michael and Rick. This was a very compelling interview. I was completely engrossed start to finish. I would absolutely love to see a part 2.
I have to admit I have never really listened to SG until now and have a whole new level appreciation of them. Please schedule 2 days of 10hrs each over Xmas with interviews like this so we can loxk the door and put the headphones on for entertainment and disappear in the void! Fantastic work and see if you can get him to come back!
Superunknown is an album for life. Just so much to crawl inside of and enjoy in those 60-something minutes.
I don't know if it's nostalgia or not, but that's what our band is trying to recapture, basically what Michael and Rick talks about at the end of this video. Writing and recording music that can transmit emotions and to take their audience on a trip and create their own story with our work as a soundtrack. It's what I used to love listening to groups like Yes, ELP and so many others! It's why we named our band Old School- The Band and named our debut album "Willoughby", a nod to returning to a more perfect world, a simpler time, when music took us on a journey. With a producer like Michael, you've got to trust beyond those moments of personal creative frustrations. Great interview as always, Rick!
You had me from the unison head nods. This guy's a legend, thx RB!
Another 2 hours I can't tear myself away from. I'm a commercial visual artist and Michael nails what's happened in my industry when discussing whats changed in the music industry over the last 30 years.
I love listening to you guys talking about this art. It's like talking about any art and the process of exploration and the importance of pushing it beyond the comfortable and not letting what you come up with become so precious that you stop creating way too soon. And then you are careful about pushing it too far that you loose the sweet spot. The whole time trying to weigh a ton of input and factors to figure out when you trust yourself to say it's done.
Rick - your skills as an interviewer are really exemplary - you've really grown. Great questions.- great space for the responses. Less interruptions. Much better flow - structure and pace to really match the interviewee. Loving your work... Even More!
Excellent episode - Superunknown is to me the peak of that whole era and the best collection of recordings Soundgarden ever did. And that's high praise considering their repertoire.
Michael Beinhorn has a unique ability to find & layer new sounds into a beautiful spacial landscape. He actually creates a sound that appears to open a portal to a world in another dimension. Well done.
Michael is a super interesting, talented dude with some really interesting takes. Rick, you really dug into so much of what I’ve wanted to hear him talk about and as usual gave him the space to do so. Well done.
I'm so grateful for these stories and knowledge being shared. Thank you, Rick! 🎉🎉🎉
Phenomenal interview, thank you to both you and Michael! There are some old concert recordings of Soundgarden on youtube, audience recordings, not professional, where you can actually hear what Michael is talking about when talks about how loud Chris' vocals were. You can literally feel and hear (even more so in these rudimentary recordings than in the professional ones, because they recorded more of the room than off of the sound equipment itself) the walls and the ceilings of the venues trembling and shaking, like they are about to crumble. Sheer power!
The chills and yes tear in my eye I got when rick played Fell On Black Days. ❤
Amazing! Now you only have to interview Brendan ‘O’Brien !!!! Bravo
Absolutely!!!!!!!!! Hopefully Rick can get him for an interview
I’ve been praying for a Brendan interview for years! Hope it happens someday…
Yes yea ya!!!
This is a gem of an interview. Michael seems to be at a place in his life to look back and share, with a twinkle in his eye, his path in what was a crazy industry. A genuine, seemingly humble human, resourceful artist, and perhaps, a pioneer. ❤ . Thank you both🎉.
one of your best videos. I mix sound for film and I find it fascinating to hear how he used different gear to achieve the feel he was after. You music guys are a whole different level.
this is right up there with the Lukather interview
The intellect on him is ferocious thankfully he's so kind and brilliant 😊 and his genius was used for something he loved. Fun sense of humor too ...memory is borderline photographic. Just amazing interview I knew practically nothing they spoke of and Im no historian but Im usually nostalgic in these interviews this was all learning. Incredible only channel that can do this on TH-cam
I really loved this interview. So much music history in Beinhorn's career. Fascinating.
Brilliant interview yet again Rick. Michael is such a legend....dude is the Clark Kent and Superman of producing!
Rick is an excellent interviewer because he’s a great listener-well, of course he is! He built his entire career on LISTENING!!
Yes, I've noticed how Rick throws out these topics and then gets a bite and you see Rick stop himself and start listening. He also has that "trick" of just smiling and looking at the person until the person starts talking and becomes engaged.
This was an amazing interview. Love how Michael lives completely in the analog world. It’s like a lost art.
Probably the best interview on this site to date. While he’s a really interesting interview subject, Beinhorn’s thoughts didn’t always move in predictable ways which had to make maintaining the flow of conversation a challenge at times. I thought Rick was pretty amazing at managing that and the result is amazingly watchable. Bravo!
My only disappointment was that his time in Material was not really explored. Bill Laswell is such an interesting guy that I’d have loved to hear more Beinhorn’s experience in that partnership. Oh well, maybe in Part II
Rick, you somehow manage to get these guys to talk about the stuff we are really interested in ! I feel like I actually understand what was in Micheal's head when doing the Soundgarden record... the sonics of it. Great interview !
These interviews are making history!
Repeating History.
@producelikeapro already has done a cabtastic round 1 and 2.
rick these interviews are getting better and better, fabulous questions, serious recording/mixing geek out, but then also 30k view context on the industry, budgets, business practices... the ending I didn't want it to end, like the Andy Summer's interview, Micael has blueprinted some amazing pieces of music, so influential, and your interview style and question depth makes my experience as a viewer, amazingly appreciative and most reverent.. I just wish Hendrix was still alive so you could interview him. thank you and blessings to you and your family over the holidays
I would do anything to work for Michael. I'd work for free, clean his house, food runs, clean bathrooms. To learn 1 percent of his studio knowledge. After this interview he has replace Rick Rubin on my bucket list. Greatest interview ever..... well done Rick.
One of the best interviews and producers ive seen or heard yet on you tube, great insights to how,when,why,and who made what happen in modern popular music,always wanted to know what snare drum he used on the superunknown recording, That's why Greg Keplinger snares are so expensive and sought after i see.Maybe simple and easy makes sense-8 lugs not 10 and a steel, or iron shell with no beads or extras.killer interview.
This was great. I'd love to see Rick talk to more legendary producers. Brendan O Brien next perhaps?
Yes!
Nigel Godrich?
This worth billions of likes 😊 Thank you Michael for your honest contribution, and Rick for your job well done here. You're like David Attenborough of the world of music, showing us the many-many layers worth exploring, observing or just to know about. Keep on working, we're waiting for the next one ;-)
Hot damn- this is an absolutely killer interview. One of the best interviews with a music producer I’ve ever heard. 🙌💖🎶
Wow ! One of the best interview. That guy is obviously a genius in his domain. He never interrupted Rick, always have intelligent response. A great producer who understand well that it's emotion who drive people... and money drives company. Thank's Rick !
One of the most compelling interviews ever. Thank you both!
Another indispensable interview! Material was one of my favorite groups at the time. I ran out and bought Future Shock. Michael influenced me to employ radio and shortwave in my own music.
Truly captivating from beginning to end. My favourite Beinhorn interview so far! Great job, Rick!
Terrific interview with Michael Beinhorn, full of valuable information and great stories.
Rick - I always learn a lot from your interviews about music and business. Thanks again to you and Michael!
Great interview. Michael's commentary about the current state of the music business was incredibly well stated. Hoping for a part two down the road.
Beinhorn's way of telling a story is so fantastic. Really great interview. You've gotta snag Steve Miller for a couple hours, Rick. He's got some stories...Texas, Chicago, San Francisco, NYC....
Philadelphia, Atlanta, LA…..
Great comment. Just what I was thinking.
This has to be bar none the best interview ever! Magic! So relevant to a kid like me who grew up writing songs with a boom box in the early 80s turned on to music with nothing to mix no instrument except the ability to listen
I love this guy! Michael is amazing. I guess we will never again experience great music as back in the tape days.
Seems like the music industry would realize how important tape was and bring it back, there's enough room for both tape and digital to exist.
@@donniev8181 absolutely! They can benefit from the good old recording process. It’s gonna clear up the unnecessary zillion tracks in a session that the mixing engineers have to deal with. Also if the players and the singers are not capable of doing a song from start to finish in couple takes, than this thing is not for them. So I think the quality will rise again. I was lucky enough to make records on tape and the whole thing was a magic. As a musician you gotta be at your best and stay focused at all times.
...another great interview from RB... I particularly enjoyed this one because I found M Beinhorn fascinating and the fact that i knew nothing about him helped... (on a side note, at times it felt like I was watching Billy Crudup play the part of a music producer... In other words, this guy is an interesting character.)
So cool to see you after all these years, Michael! You won't remember me at ALL, the last time I saw you was maybe '77, out front of the High School of Music and Art in Harlem, you were a junior and I was a freshman, we had mutual friends (Kyle Sims, Bari Harmon, Jon Tessler) who were all into Canterbury stuff, Gong, Soft Machine, VDGG/Hammill, Eno, etc. Maybe ran into you at PASS or Intermedia after that a couple times, but you were off to all this amazing, cool music world experience. I've followed your career, man you done good, buddy!!!!!!
Thank you again Rick for another stellar interview that can be viewed again and again for reference. I wish it was even longer which basically goes for all of your interviews. Thank You!
Great interview and guest! It must be said 1994 (seems like yesterday) was an amazing year from music and movies. Superunknown, Vitalogy, Purple, Dogman, The Crow, Interview with the Vampire, Forrest Gump and on and on. Bring me back and away from the crap on screens and radios today!
Wait, 30 years ago wasn’t just yesterday? Well, for some of us.
Huge interview Sir Beato, Michael Beinhorm is one of the best and most interesting and rarely interviewed producers when you simply think that he produced Rock It by herbie Hancock, revolutionizing Electro-Funk and Hip Hop , and producing Superunknown by Soundgarden. What a range! What beautiful ears and taste this guy has!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! (and yes, we are waiting for a part 2, talking about the music industry, and changes needed)
I enjoyed this interview so much! What a blessing to have access to such brilliant insights it literally felt like 20mins. More power to you both!
Incredible! Michael produced RHCP, Soundgarden, and Fuel records all of which had and still have a massive effect on me to this day. Always grateful to hear his thoughts and experiences. The world is a better place for his contributions to music.
So he produced all drums on herbie hancock's rock it !! Amazing.
Thank you Rick Beato!!! What a insightful interview YOU ROCK!!!
I think this is my fav interview you have done yet; except for one dang thing! In the title you mention Korn but you didn't talk to him AT ALL about KORN. So, I'm a much bigger fan of literally every other musical act you guys touched on but I was really curious to hear how the experience of recording a band like Korn which was at the forefront of a generational shift in alternative music compared to all of these other acts that were groundbreaking, but ultimately much more traditionally musical. Korn always stood head and shoulders above the rest of Nu Metal in terms of musical ability and creativity (imho) and I have a feeling this guy was instrumental in that.
yuh I agree! Michale worked on Untouchables and it's such an interesting record which cost like 1M bucks to make and is one of the most expensive records ever produced. Also it was right at the time when illegal mp3 downloads started to take off... the record sort of bombed in comparison to their previous stuff... it still did well but not as well as their previous records. I really wanted him to in detail on this... I did a video on this album a few years ago so I did my research.
indeed I hope Beato posts more of this with some Korn stuff in there, word was back in 2002 it was contentious. Perhaps Beinhorn talked about it and then asked for it to not be posted? Dunno ... At the time, I felt Issues and FLT had stronger singles for sure, but that the direction they were going in was maybe healthy, in that Untouchables (even the title, eg, which I took to be a double entendre of "lost kids" AND "we're untouchable in Metal" or whatever) was meant to be their "Black Album" or their "Superunknown". Alas, it wasn't met that way, because the songs were decent but there was nothing close to Freak, Got The Life, Somebody Someone, Blind, etc etc.
Thank you so much for giving us an inside view on Michael working with Chris and Soundgarden on Superunknown. Keeping the memory of Chris alive!