LOVE these videos. Listening to your album Rhetorical Questions now... holy shit! This has everything I love in music... complex meters, deep psychological themes, cinematic sound quality... KILLER!
So glad you like the videos! And holy moly you're going into some DEEP CUTS. I spent 4 years making Rhetorical Questions and I finished it back in 2018 and then didn't do much with it. It's still one of my favorite works I've ever made. I really appreciate you listening, you're literally the first person to bring it up (I didn't promote it when I put it up on streaming).
@@songsbyspencer The album is truly inspired and exceptionally well done... I pulled it up with the intention of fast forwarding through it just to get a sense... but nope... just kept that spotify needle on the record so to speak and listened all the way through... it really captured my attention. If you ever decide to tour... I hope you'll let me audition for the band. I'll certainly buy a ticket anyway.
Got to agree with the obsession with perfection. I’ve recorded a few guitar riffs I thought sounded good, but then when I look at them in Reaper, nothings lined up to the grid. It “looks” horrible so I will fix it, but then it sounds horrible.
Im in this situation right now, i have been making music with no budget for a year now and i can tell you dedication and creativity is everything, i made sick drum grooves in bandlab for free on my computer's keyboard
That's what I like to hear! A true artist makes the most with what they have. When I was first starting out I had a super crappy 8 track recorder and I recorded like 100 songs on that thing.
Dude, I'm loving your channel and learning a ton from your videos. I like to second on the first point: "Invest wisely". I did that very poorly when I started and wasted a lot of time and money. Right now, I think I'm in a better place now.
As a gigging musician, I already had an HX Stomp, some guitars, a mixer and a mic. I paid £50 for headphones, £180 for a midi keyboard, and recorded about 6 songs using Cakewalk (free) in my partners kitchen. I used an octave-shifted guitar for bass, midi for everything else and stock plugins. I've invested more since then, but by that point I had a much better idea what I needed to spend my money on. #1 a real bass guitar. #2 Gulfoss or something similar - there are so many smart tools out there that make mixes better very quickly. #3 a better acoustic guitar - I was spending too long and getting too frustrated trying to record my £700 acoustic. I still use cheap headphones - you can get ones which are just as flat as anything expensive, they are just flimsier, so you have to look after them better
That's the way to do it! Starting with a cheaper setup builds so much character and a ton of skill. Over the past few years I've upgraded my gear a lot but it's been hard earned. It's mostly been for convenience more than anything else. A lot of people have GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) and they constantly buy new stuff thinking it'll magically make all the difference and it never does. A quality recording is 15% Gear, 85% Skill.
First of all, I'm now addicted to your channel. Secondly, I gotta say, as an acoustics nerd myself, all of your stuff sounds surprisingly good considering your acoustic treatment is simply foam and not panels, bass traps, etc. Any insights there (such as corrective EQ plugins to fit your headphones like the now defunct Sonarworks)? Or is it leaning into the theme that spans across the channel: Learning to embrace the imperfections and just roll with it?
So glad you're enjoying the content! My treatment is almost non existent and I honestly don't do any correcting in post production to compensate for room acoustics. I think it helps that my studio is carpeted, and that I'm using a Dynamic Mic. The RE20 Mic I use picks up VERY little room noise and reflections, so that coupled with the carpet and foam does the trick! That being said, I'm planning on stepping up the acoustic treatment in my studio in the next few months!
@@songsbyspencer hi! Thanks for responding :) of course you're right. it's all about what you need to get done and how well you know your software. I used to use Cubase, but they had some features I wanted reserved for the Pro version for 500+ Euro. So I tried reaper and the transition was pretty easy and it does what I need it to do. But yes, there is a lot of stuff in there and it can be confusing. Definitely not the easiest one for starting out! Also, I use Windows, so garageband isn't an option for me anyways haha
Yes or at least Logic. Well worth the investment. Tho I'm fine with reaper, but only because I already had a lot of vst's. But if I was starting out like he's saying....I'd go with Logic and skip a lot of the VSTs for a while.
@songsbyspencer I think it's the MOST user friendly daw actually lol. I've owned all of the major daws exept for Logic and I've always returned to Reaper, simply BECAUSE it felt the most intuitive. Then again...I hardly ever use it for midi, I use Maschine...so that changes things. It does kinda suck with midi. But Funny how that works. Guess that's why u need to just use what works for you.
I'll +1 the Reaper recommendation. Yes, there are a lot of options and menus - but there's still some logic ( :D ) behind everything. I remember trying FL Studio once - it felt like my Windows PC were transformed into a Commodore Amiga or something...
I am very keen on using your program to start my own home studio. I have a spare bedroom, and already I have a behringer audio interface, rhode NT-1A studio condenser microphone and a Ibanez acoustic guitar. I have also downloaded Reaper, due to reviews and some scant research. So I have all the gear, and no idea. I use Windows, not Macbook. I am an android user through and through. What I would like to know - would your bedroom studio program be suitable for me? I am not keen to change over to Mac / iphone. Thanks for letting me know
Hey, Ralph! My course online utilizes Logic Pro, but I would say most of the information makes sense in any DAW. It's worth noting that I'm also going to be rolling out a 1-on-1 program where I work with people directly. So if you'd like a more hands-on approach specifically catered to your situation and goals, I'll be offering that very soon!
I have to say, one thing I kinda disagree with - at least for me personally - is the "nothing is permanent" bit. I mean, I understand what you're saying and one shouldn't be afraid to try something different if something isn't working, but I tend to find that this approach leads to option paralysis. I'd go so far as to say that I preach the opposite to myself and other people I record for: Commit! There are a billion synth plugins to choose from and at some point you have to make a decision and move on. Same with amp-sims, drum samples, etc.. There is a very real risk of ending up turning knobs in plugins or VI's rather than actually recording music. My rule of thumb is, if you end up endlessly tweaking to make it sound right, it's probably the part, not the sound.
Very good point! Analysis paralysis is the absolute worst, and I've been there before. Most of the time when I record songs I'll try different tones and drum kits until I find one that fits the vibe, and then I do my best to move on. You could spend an entire lifetime trying to dial in the sound but most of the time those little tweaks really aren't going to make any significant difference.
I was doing some research on autotune and I came across your video. I watched your video where you recorded a song with the auto-tune but I was looking for a way to strip auto-tunes and identify how much real talent is out there. I don’t see anyone talking about how corrupted the music industry has become how anyone with money can do anything and how people with talent have been hurt.
I see it both ways. On one hand it makes creating music more accessible, which I think is a good thing. But it also can make musicians lazy. That being said technology can only “improve” things so much. For example, with Autotune, it really only corrects your pitch. But a great vocal performance requires so much more than that. There’s no plugin you can buy that gives a vocal performance emotion and personality. The singer either has it or they don’t. I’m confident in saying that someone with money and technology will never outshine someone with genuine talent.
I think it'll make it more accessible for people to get started, which is good. I'm not too worried about it replacing human artists, because I don't think anyone wants to listen to a song completely made by a machine (aside from the novelty). When it comes to consuming art I think the artist behind it is important, and is a huge part of the appeal. For myself, I could see using it to help generate ideas that I would then turn into my own. I'm very curious for what the future holds. I use ChatGPT quite a bit and it blows my mind every single time. I'd like to say that AI will never replace real humans making music, but I thought that about copywriting and boy was I mistaken.
You're awesome! Thank you for your superb informative videos! 🙏🎶
Thanks, that means a lot!
Really good videos. Thank you!
I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!
Glad to see another video from you Spencer. I truly enjoy each and every video.
All the best from Denmark.
Thank you very much!
LOVE these videos.
Listening to your album Rhetorical Questions now... holy shit! This has everything I love in music... complex meters, deep psychological themes, cinematic sound quality... KILLER!
So glad you like the videos! And holy moly you're going into some DEEP CUTS. I spent 4 years making Rhetorical Questions and I finished it back in 2018 and then didn't do much with it. It's still one of my favorite works I've ever made. I really appreciate you listening, you're literally the first person to bring it up (I didn't promote it when I put it up on streaming).
@@songsbyspencer The album is truly inspired and exceptionally well done... I pulled it up with the intention of fast forwarding through it just to get a sense... but nope... just kept that spotify needle on the record so to speak and listened all the way through... it really captured my attention. If you ever decide to tour... I hope you'll let me audition for the band. I'll certainly buy a ticket anyway.
Got to agree with the obsession with perfection. I’ve recorded a few guitar riffs I thought sounded good, but then when I look at them in Reaper, nothings lined up to the grid. It “looks” horrible so I will fix it, but then it sounds horrible.
Imperfections are what makes it good a lot of the time!
Im in this situation right now, i have been making music with no budget for a year now and i can tell you dedication and creativity is everything, i made sick drum grooves in bandlab for free on my computer's keyboard
That's what I like to hear! A true artist makes the most with what they have. When I was first starting out I had a super crappy 8 track recorder and I recorded like 100 songs on that thing.
The value is just insane
Appreciate the support so much!
Dude, I'm loving your channel and learning a ton from your videos. I like to second on the first point: "Invest wisely". I did that very poorly when I started and wasted a lot of time and money. Right now, I think I'm in a better place now.
Great video, was superised you only have 30k followers. Great advice! You’ll grow for sho
I appreciate that!
Gracias Spencer, tus videos son excelentes!
Muy apreciado!
Really inspiring video. This makes it seem less intimidating. Thanks!
You can do it!
As a gigging musician, I already had an HX Stomp, some guitars, a mixer and a mic. I paid £50 for headphones, £180 for a midi keyboard, and recorded about 6 songs using Cakewalk (free) in my partners kitchen. I used an octave-shifted guitar for bass, midi for everything else and stock plugins. I've invested more since then, but by that point I had a much better idea what I needed to spend my money on. #1 a real bass guitar. #2 Gulfoss or something similar - there are so many smart tools out there that make mixes better very quickly. #3 a better acoustic guitar - I was spending too long and getting too frustrated trying to record my £700 acoustic.
I still use cheap headphones - you can get ones which are just as flat as anything expensive, they are just flimsier, so you have to look after them better
That's the way to do it! Starting with a cheaper setup builds so much character and a ton of skill. Over the past few years I've upgraded my gear a lot but it's been hard earned. It's mostly been for convenience more than anything else. A lot of people have GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) and they constantly buy new stuff thinking it'll magically make all the difference and it never does. A quality recording is 15% Gear, 85% Skill.
First of all, I'm now addicted to your channel. Secondly, I gotta say, as an acoustics nerd myself, all of your stuff sounds surprisingly good considering your acoustic treatment is simply foam and not panels, bass traps, etc. Any insights there (such as corrective EQ plugins to fit your headphones like the now defunct Sonarworks)? Or is it leaning into the theme that spans across the channel: Learning to embrace the imperfections and just roll with it?
So glad you're enjoying the content! My treatment is almost non existent and I honestly don't do any correcting in post production to compensate for room acoustics. I think it helps that my studio is carpeted, and that I'm using a Dynamic Mic. The RE20 Mic I use picks up VERY little room noise and reflections, so that coupled with the carpet and foam does the trick! That being said, I'm planning on stepping up the acoustic treatment in my studio in the next few months!
Great videos man! Where can I buy that desk in your video? Looks awesome!
Thanks! My desk is called "The Beat 2.0" made by the company Studio Desks.
Where can I listen to your music? Great tips btw :)
I appreciate that! My music is available on all the streaming platforms under the name "Spencer Austin". Look for my new album "I did it for me"
@@songsbyspencer Thanks!
@@TungFugl Also found great stuff from Spencer under "Legrow"
If I had garageband and 1000 bucks, first thing I'd do is get rid of garageband and download reaper lol
I've only used Reaper a handful of times and every time I do I'm so out of my element. Definitely not the most user friendly DAW IMO.
@@songsbyspencer hi! Thanks for responding :) of course you're right. it's all about what you need to get done and how well you know your software. I used to use Cubase, but they had some features I wanted reserved for the Pro version for 500+ Euro. So I tried reaper and the transition was pretty easy and it does what I need it to do. But yes, there is a lot of stuff in there and it can be confusing. Definitely not the easiest one for starting out!
Also, I use Windows, so garageband isn't an option for me anyways haha
Yes or at least Logic. Well worth the investment. Tho I'm fine with reaper, but only because I already had a lot of vst's. But if I was starting out like he's saying....I'd go with Logic and skip a lot of the VSTs for a while.
@songsbyspencer I think it's the MOST user friendly daw actually lol. I've owned all of the major daws exept for Logic and I've always returned to Reaper, simply BECAUSE it felt the most intuitive. Then again...I hardly ever use it for midi, I use Maschine...so that changes things. It does kinda suck with midi.
But Funny how that works. Guess that's why u need to just use what works for you.
I'll +1 the Reaper recommendation. Yes, there are a lot of options and menus - but there's still some logic ( :D ) behind everything. I remember trying FL Studio once - it felt like my Windows PC were transformed into a Commodore Amiga or something...
I am very keen on using your program to start my own home studio. I have a spare bedroom, and already I have a behringer audio interface, rhode NT-1A studio condenser microphone and a Ibanez acoustic guitar. I have also downloaded Reaper, due to reviews and some scant research. So I have all the gear, and no idea. I use Windows, not Macbook. I am an android user through and through.
What I would like to know - would your bedroom studio program be suitable for me? I am not keen to change over to Mac / iphone.
Thanks for letting me know
Hey, Ralph!
My course online utilizes Logic Pro, but I would say most of the information makes sense in any DAW. It's worth noting that I'm also going to be rolling out a 1-on-1 program where I work with people directly. So if you'd like a more hands-on approach specifically catered to your situation and goals, I'll be offering that very soon!
@songsbyspencer thanks for letting me know
Another banger of a video
I appreciate that!
Another great video : DD BTW, are any of your albums available somewhere???
Yep! On all the steaming platforms. My artist name is Spencer Austin, and I just put out an album called “I did it for me”.
@@songsbyspencer I love it! Great songs 🤘
I have to say, one thing I kinda disagree with - at least for me personally - is the "nothing is permanent" bit. I mean, I understand what you're saying and one shouldn't be afraid to try something different if something isn't working, but I tend to find that this approach leads to option paralysis. I'd go so far as to say that I preach the opposite to myself and other people I record for: Commit! There are a billion synth plugins to choose from and at some point you have to make a decision and move on. Same with amp-sims, drum samples, etc.. There is a very real risk of ending up turning knobs in plugins or VI's rather than actually recording music. My rule of thumb is, if you end up endlessly tweaking to make it sound right, it's probably the part, not the sound.
Very good point! Analysis paralysis is the absolute worst, and I've been there before. Most of the time when I record songs I'll try different tones and drum kits until I find one that fits the vibe, and then I do my best to move on. You could spend an entire lifetime trying to dial in the sound but most of the time those little tweaks really aren't going to make any significant difference.
I agree! I use this rule to not end up with something completely different from the original and messed up.
1:36 The album covers we were able to create before AI 😆
I was doing some research on autotune and I came across your video. I watched your video where you recorded a song with the auto-tune but I was looking for a way to strip auto-tunes and identify how much real talent is out there. I don’t see anyone talking about how corrupted the music industry has become how anyone with money can do anything and how people with talent have been hurt.
I see it both ways. On one hand it makes creating music more accessible, which I think is a good thing. But it also can make musicians lazy. That being said technology can only “improve” things so much. For example, with Autotune, it really only corrects your pitch. But a great vocal performance requires so much more than that. There’s no plugin you can buy that gives a vocal performance emotion and personality. The singer either has it or they don’t.
I’m confident in saying that someone with money and technology will never outshine someone with genuine talent.
MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?
I had a MacBook Air. Obviously a MacBook Pro is ideal.
How do you think AI will impact music production?
I think it'll make it more accessible for people to get started, which is good. I'm not too worried about it replacing human artists, because I don't think anyone wants to listen to a song completely made by a machine (aside from the novelty). When it comes to consuming art I think the artist behind it is important, and is a huge part of the appeal. For myself, I could see using it to help generate ideas that I would then turn into my own.
I'm very curious for what the future holds. I use ChatGPT quite a bit and it blows my mind every single time. I'd like to say that AI will never replace real humans making music, but I thought that about copywriting and boy was I mistaken.