Track-by-Track Break Down of "Fireflies" with Adam Young of Owl City
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- Опубликовано: 26 янв 2023
- Adam Young of Owl City breaks down the RIAA certified diamond single "Fireflies" and dissects his song track-by-track discussing the writing, production, and editing of this hit single.
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Adam breaking down Fireflies is an historic moment. It’s like Leonardo da Vinci coming back to life and explaining how he painted the Mona Lisa.
For real right?
A true masterpiece
F a c t s
I was kinda thinking the same thing haha
Fr man this masterpiece impacted my childhood so much 😂
super cool! iconic! thanks adam
Whaaat
Hey man why is no one commenting
Btw Im also a music producer and I like your videos Roomie, have a nice day bro
Yo! Roomie!
Yo yoomie
man those violins and cellos playing together had me tearing up...this song encapsulates my youth and I'm sure millions of others around the world will feel that too it really is the soundtrack of a generation. Fireflies will always be nothing short of an everlasting masterpiece, so thankyou Adam!
Had the same experience, great song and so wonderfull to have it's creator explain about the whole proces verry inspiring! Thank you Adam
The very same for me. I don't know why but I just got so emotional
remixx.......the song IS REVIVING!! LOOK ITS COMING OUT OF THE GRAVE AND IT LOOKS DIFFERENT!!! LIKE A ZOMBIE!
Yeah, it was soo beautiful. That one part could be a good piece of music all on its own, but it has so much more which makes it so much more of a masterpiece
did not realize just how massive and intricate this song's construction actually was. always seems so simple on the receiving end. iconic song from a legendary artist, thank you for this
Production is legitimately very textured
exactly! Also the fact that the end product doesn't feel cluttered at all in spite of so much going on
Intricate is probably not the right word but layered, that is it.
The fact that Adam Young produced and created a diamond single in his bed room is probably one of the most inspiring stories I've heard, Adam truly is and inspiration to all producers out there
And in his parents house no less
@@PeterBrunone idk
These days, anyone can produce music in their own bedroom. All they need is the talent and the necessary software.
@@cleverhardy5230 adam young in his days using only mac laptop and slow mbps internet speed.
@@protecttomato5180 True, back in those days that was way less common than it is now, and the technology was still pretty new at the time.
2:56 I never realized how much I needed an orchestral version of this song.
My new ringtone.
the laugh at 5:14 is my favorite part of the song. it's such a subtle detail but brings the whole thing together. and you're telling me it was completely unintentional? 😭 God works in mysterious ways for sure.
Whether you're an Owl City fan or not, this song is just HISTORIC. There's no way around that. It's amazing how much time, energy, work, and love he put into just this one song. And all this because of insomnia! It's such a great reminder of how even our infirmities and insecurities can become something beautiful if we let them.
If their a fan how would they get this
@@72702 ???
@@violahero4life how did they get the what looks to be original stems if they are a fan channel
"Historic"
🤦🏻♂ y'all mfs make me fuckin' tired
@@BasedHyperborean to be fair this was a pretty big song
I'd like to make myself believeeee, that this uplooooad, issss realllll
I can only hear it being said in your voice 😂
We need a PS remix of Fireflies! Would work so well with your style man!
We need a color bass remix of fireflies!
As a young producer, this is potentially the coolest thing I’ve seen in a long time. Owl City revealing some of his production? And he uses LOGIC? I’m loving this. I’ve had so many questions about how his music is made and it makes production a lot less intimidating, seeing how human Adam Young is - even with his magical music.
He also started out using FL Studio
Exactly my thoughts! Makes me feel confident about my limited Logic knowledge 😂
@@JesseScott2016 pretty sure he actually started on Reason, not FL
he also has a video on a random channel just called Adam Young of him showing how he layers his percussive samples that's really cool. it shows specifically how he did Shackleton from the Scores project
@@dakotastedman2211 no, I believe he said he started with FL on his blog a long time ago, but he definitely was using Reason by the time Owl City was created. Fireflies was done in Reason 4 I believe.
I wish artists would do track break downs like this more often, its so helpful for aspiring producers and songwriters
AJR does something similar to this, but with more videos
Not many artists produce their own instrumentals, Calvin Harris does videos like this sometimes.
is no one gonna mention how absolutely beautiful that string section sounds?
Yeah for sure, simply a master piece.
Just gorgeous!
it’s better than sex, it’s literally so good
@@slurpee4203ayy yoo 😂
@@prodap-ov4kn LOLLL
I love how every “mistake” he lists blends into one of the most beautiful and memorable songs of our generation. I think every part of it is beautiful and there’s no ugly or mistakes or mess. It’s a beautiful symphony of emotions being poured out. It got me through so many hard times and I remember every lyric and every note, no matter how long it’s been since I’ve heard it. Thank you, Adam, for giving us not only Fireflies but all the other songs that bring poetry and beauty into this messy reality we call life. It’s a lovely place, but I wouldn’t want to live here without Owl City ❤
In the words of Bob Ross: "We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents."
Beautifully written
It's honestly a good antidote to the perfectionism impulse to get a reminder like this once in a while
@@maddietourmaline46 giving me “trying to feel alive vibes” (by Porter Robinson)
The fact that he remembered every detail, and even the laugh that he put into the song which is barely noticeable throughout listening to the song itself, shows how much heart he’s poured into the making of the song, and how it’s 100% an original song
the “wrong” note doesn’t sound wrong at all!! the dissonance it creates helps the song a lot more than it hurts!
4:23 That piano line is so uplifting. It makes me feel like I'm flying, just like a firefly :)
You don't realize how much effort Adam puts into every song
I love the story he has behind this song it's so cool
hands down the most magical song ever made. Thank you for creating this master piece
That strings section with the Cellos is MWAH!
The string section is pretty much perfectly composed, but the difference it makes to record actual strings as opposed to using samples is unreal. Beautiful.
After so many years, never did I imagine you’d do a breakdown or a “behind the song” for Fireflies. I don’t listen to it much but I know how much it means to alot of people, including Adam himself. Amazing, amazing stuff!!
Been a fan since 2011 after listening to youtopia. Imo it's a good thing that he's underrated.
Got teary eyed especially from 5:19 onwards. It's so surreal! It's so amazing to hear the layers of the song. Thank you Adam for this! Thank you for making a comeback. All of us HootOwls are soooo happy!
This is the essense our real self!! Our soul ✨✨
Was about to comment the same thing... It's way too magical, like a dreamy adventure.. i need an hour version
I think you mean misty eyed. :)
@@GrahamFeatherston Farewell.
Don't you mean "misty eyed" haha
The piano and strings section are seriously magical. Gives so much life to the song.
I’ve been telling people about the hidden laugh for years and they never believe me. I’m so happy to know the story behind it now!
You should make more videos like these. They are awesome.
I always held that part so close to my heart
I grew up with this song. It was my childhood, and I only discovered it about a few months ago. I'm glad a video just came out explaining it, and I'm glad others noticed it.
Where?When?I still can't hear....
I do a thing where i listen to a song countless times and after alot of repeats i suddenly start to hear the ghost notes and all the other notes that were drowing in the musical marinade and i love those moments. Fireflies is one of those songs I've heard so many times that I keep hearing those hidden notes and it's beautiful. I've heard it so much that I myself started adding some notes that go along with the song, that's why i love it so much, it's become a somewhat personal song and seeing Adam break down everything in here, hearing all those notes rise from the marinade, idk, it just feels good. I appreciate the video,
Same, I Even only listen only the right or left on headphones to hear even more subtle stuff.
Omg same!!!🥰
The cello part is incredible. The whole thing is of course. One of my all time faves.
It’s astounding how each layer seems so simple by itself, yet paired with its companions, forms this heavenly, complex tune.
yeah imagine that, songs working like songs!
A song that singlehandedly got me into music production, broken down piece-by-piece, YEARS LATER. Thank you, Adam. YOU ARE A BLESSING! :D
also quick question: Can you tell us what patch did you use for the "Atlantis" one? I kept looking for it in Reason but I can't find it XD
For a sec i read you name as David getta
PLEASE DO MORE OF THESE ADAM!! ESPECIALLY YOUR OLDER TRACKS FROM MAYBE IM DREAMING!
Love that all these 2000's/2010's artists are coming forward and breaking down their music "Classic Albums" style. Now that they're iconic, these songs deserve it.
I would seriously pay good money for more videos like this by Adam, giving in-depth behind-the-scenes explanations of how his songs are made. Be it a RUclips series with a Patreon, or some other model.
His songs have always had a special feeling for me that no other music can match. I work in digital visual art for a living, but digital audio art baffles me. I would love to gain the vocabulary to understand and express what I love about it, and maybe learn how to find more like it, or even eventually make my own audio art.
ETA: Technicolor Phase or Hello Seattle would be great to learn about, FWIW
Have you checked out the one sample, four producers series by andrew huang? If you love watching the breakdowns, you'd surely love that series, specially the video where Au5 creates a whole track out of just a fucking door sound. In another one, virtual riot turns a piano sample into a dubstep banger.
The Little Song That Could. It seems so simple, but all those amazing layers and, yes, your laugh, never taking yourself too seriously. Fireflies will always bring joy to those of us who love your music. Congratulations, Adam!! ❤❤🦉🏙❤❤
The Little Song That Could describes it so perfectly
Almost unreal to witness a modern masterpiece such as Fireflies finally be broke down, this song really did change the game in its dream-like quality. Dad introduced me to it as a kid, and I experienced every related piece of work. All Things Bright And Beautiful is one of my most memorable album experiences, bus rides were never the same.
I spent my entire teenage years listening to the entire Owl City discography. Hearing all the elements that make fireflies, I can almost identify which of them got incorporated his other songs. Watching this video, I just get so emotional. Because every time I listened to Owl City, I would immediately feel happier, no matter the circumstance. You really got me through such a tumultuous time in my life Adam. Thanks for everything.
Tooootaly, Thera are so many hits from him in this era, would love to hear more breakdown and story behind his songs
this song was my childhood! It's so fun to see all of the hidden layers all these years later.
Those first synth notes ring an entire musical generation! Thanks for the memories Adam! 👍
I'd LOVE to see more breakdowns, especially from Ocean Eyes songs because there are so many amazing details and hidden sounds!!
2:57 - the arrangement of those strings is what first pulled me in. There is some incredible composition and arrangement on Ocean Eyes, even if the masters don’t quite hold up on all the songs today.
As a musician myself, seeing how this song from my childhood was put together was incredibly inspiring. Thanks Adam.
If there is something I can say about Owl City it's that all of his music takes me out of this reality. Everything from Lucid Dream, to Take it all Away, to Thunderstuck, to Fireflies. It's so powerful and moving everytime even when he tries to have fun 💕 I love it all
When he's having fun, the love shows through.
Fireflies is my introduction to Adam's music. Sang it in front of an audience back in high school, playing the role of a famous diva in an end-of-the-year play 😂. I didn't expect to see commentary on it from him at all but this is a very pleasant surprise ✨❤️
Also I was practically obsessed with this song when I first listened to it, and boy did some of these sounds in this breakdown fly over my head... It's even more magical and beautiful than I thought! ❤️
Edit: That guitar to me is not ugly, but dirty and grunge in the best way! 😂
My daughter played that song for me. My 1st intro to adam
So much attention to detail and beauty hidden in this song. Truly a work of art in itself. You are a great artist to care so much for the smaller things that add up into one of the most iconic songs of my life. I've liked this track deeply since the first time I heard it.
I love pieces that have those "one-offs", you only hear it once. It could've gone on another several measures, or for the entire song, but what makes it so sweet... it just happens that one time. Want to hear it again? REPLAY! :)
I REALLY hope Adam writes a book about his life and journey. From 21 year old in his parents basement in Minnesota, to number one record and touring the world. And how his struggle with insomnia led to Owl City as a project and of course Fireflies. (and the many other cool things and lessons learned that transpired then and till now) I really think it’s an amazing, magical, story that people everywhere can connect with. Everyone knows fireflies, but so few know Adam’s story, and I think it’s a story that needs told in Adam’s unique style of storytelling. When he does, it’s been my dream to adapt it as a screenplay and work on a movie about his life. I’d call it, “Hello Seattle: The Story of Adam Young” or, for wider recognition and far more likely, “Fireflies: The Story of Owl City” I have so many ideas and concepts to translate his imagination to the screen, that have come to mind since I was a kid. I really hope he considers writing a book someday soon.
If this happens I'm buying it
It sounds like you're ready to write the book. Maybe there's someway you could do some rough drafts and pitch it to him or his team.
@@GorgonDrageil While I’d love to write the biography, it would be based on the limited information parsed from articles and interviews. To faithfully tell his story I’d need access to ask questions, to fill in the gaps with more information.
Dude! I got goosebumps reading your first name for a screenplay.
Tell me, what can we do to help you chase this?
I had no idea, though he just like owls, so much that Adam wish he was in a city full of owls. Now i twigg, Owl City is related to his Insomnia, what do see active at night? I was never that wise old owl, how fitting. Though it's all conjecture, I could be the class clown end up in Jester City.
I first heard fireflies in 2009 on the radio on my way to see the northern lights in KY. I was 14 at the time and fell in love with the song instantly. I got my Zune HD for Christmas that year also and purchased the digital copy of "Ocean Eyes" on the Zune Marketplace. This is my favorite album of all time to this day and i'm now 28 years old.
Adam talking about "a bad note" makes me giggle thinking about how the track was secretly jazz all along.
The cellos and violins gave me goosebumps, so good
Adam sharing his secret sauce recipe of making divine music has made my day!
This is so cool 🙂
Words can’t describe how timeless this song is, even after 14 years. The world has changed a lot since then
Man this is an iconic song, one of my all time favs, and I love the fact you wrote and produced it completely by yourself! I think in popmusic there isn't enough recognition towards artists that are actually really talented writers and producers, instead of just singers like so many other artists.
What’s crazy is that the intro countermelody is so iconic that that alone makes you immediately think of this song
I didn't realize how much this break down would mean to me
I’ll never forget buying the album in 2009 and hearing this for the first time. I’ve been with you since the beginning and am thankful for your music, Adam.
Agreed.
This whole break down just explained even more, why I love this song so much. All of the different elements, like the "ugly" guitar, the busy drums, the piano, the synths, the bass, ... all of these are just my favourite sounds to listen to in all of my favourite songs. And Fireflies just combines all of it.
Thank you for this break down. I now love the song even more. I got chills so many times listening to this.
I was an angry young man when this song came out and I hated it back then. I was metal only, no weak shit. But it got in my head and lived there for a while, little melodies popping up every so often. As I grew and learned and moved towards the man I am today, learning more about music and production, this song was always there, influencing me without me realizing, keeping me connected to who I was, helping me towards who I was to be.
This song is a masterpiece. The sound is massive, everything is so clean. And his story of the song itself playing a joke on everyone, as if it were a living, breathing little being (it may as well be) is just precious to me.
I have always carried this song within me and I always will. Its my generation's "Don't Stop Believing." Thank you for this video. Pulling back the curtain like this is the most intimate and vulnerable thing an artist can do aside from baring themselves so openly in their art and putting it out there.
Please dont say you are undeserving..The world is undiserving to you♥️♥️♥️💯 owl city forever
Magic cannot be planned, or scored, or even predicted. Even the "mistakes" in a track are part of the grand design. Now that I hear the "glitch" in the organ track I love your song even more. I've been using LOGIC since it was emagic, so it is inspiring to know you did all this on this platform. You are an amazing writer, producer, artist, and deserve more attention than even this. "There's No Such Thing As Luck". Thank you for your music, Kayte Bryon
He actually made this in Reason. The stems have been imported into Logic (which he now uses). It's less the tool and more what you do with it. You would be surprised what can actually come to your mind, when you're given less to work with. Adam made a lot of his sounds himself which is awesome.
That laugh at 5:13 was so unexpected. Thank you for crating this masterpiece Adam! We have all cherished it and will continue to do so!
Adam, I don't know if you're reading this, but I just want you to know that this video made my week, if not my whole year.
I've been trying to slowly get into electronic music production, been recovering from a breakup, just a lot going on in my life and in my head and your music, especially around this era of your music, got me through several weeks and this video just feels like a gift from God 😂 honestly it does.
I love your music, but I also love you as a person. I was just on a long walk by myself at night and I decided I wanted to listen to your voice, so I searched up Adam Young interviews, and stumbled across this. It was incredible to listen to because I've heard fireflies hundreds of times, and hearing you break it down in ways that I, as an aspiring producer, understood, was just so fascinating but also so relaxing at the same time. Hearing you talk just makes me feel like I'm going to be okay
Thank you dude.
Every sound I hear from fireflies is the calm and relaxation I get from you, your song is like the picture I need when I feel down
This song sends me straight back to middle school. Thank you for sharing how it was made. It's even more special now :)
What special treat is this?? CONGRATS ON 10 MILLION!! I hope this is just the first song we see analyzed like this 😍😍
that part with the strings and the cello isolated is the most incredibly beautiful thing I have heard ever. Music theory to mixdown. Got mans tearing up
One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite artists. Your music is filled with hope!
I used to listen to it 100 times a day when I was 16. Thank you owl city.
I listen to it everyday the lyrics are really inspiring
Every single one of these tracks give me goosebumps and wow that cello... really making me tear up as i sip my coffee at 430 in the afternoon. Owl City was and is my childhood and the only thing i alw come back to all the time. Thank you Adam for making such beautiful music. I'm so so so glad you're back :")
I'm glad I'm not the only one who was so emotionally moved by that cello :') It's gorgeous!
Whoah I have only just come across this breakdown. Thanks Adam for going through the process of construction. Such an iconic track - oh and don't worry about the dissonant note on the organ we all still love the track and if you hadn't mentioned it we'd be no wiser 😄 So many layers for such a deceptively simple track in - playback in any case, I really love the pads. I always enjoy all your music - keep it up Sir and thanks. Very special memories for me.😎
This an absolutely treasure of a video, about an absolute treasure of a song. Thank you so much for uploading!
Congratulations on RIAA Diamonds for Fireflies!
The song will always become my comfort home music wherever my music taste change or wander
The way you are still so humbled & full of warmth throughout all these years is awe inspiring Adam, incredible respect & admiration.
I remember first hearing this on the radio a long time ago and loved it the second I heard it. I love hearing these break downs of songs.
Old but GOLD !!!!!! I remember my teenage years 😢
I love that while there's so many layers, even when you break it down like this, it has this dreamy recognizable sound to all of it.
It's fascinating to hear your thought process with some roughness and emotion. Fireflies, Ocean Eyes, your entire catalogue makes me appreciate the wonder of life and the beauty of art.
The strings section was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard
The strings are just full and beautiful! 😢
Even though I've never written anything myself, this was absolutely fascinating to learn more about. Thank you for sharing!
What an absolute legend! Looking forward to what’s ahead Adam! Congrats on your diamond award!
Owl City has always had some of the most complex drum productions, so getting to see a bit of a breakdown is so inspiring!
Fireflies is my all-time favorite song, and looking at this video makes me appreciate the song even more. It's so beautiful 💛
I first heard this song in 2009 on the school bus in 7th grade and was in awe the entire time. Thankfully the DJ said the artist's name, and after school that day I went on RUclips to find more and have been hooked ever since!
Yess Lynz!
I just can not thank Adam enough for sharing this "behind the scene". This song mean so much for me as it really is part of a crucial moment of my life, and being able to understand what it is happening through the entire track is MAGIC. Thank you so much, looking forward to hearing your new songs. Long life Owl City and it's citizens!
5:48-7:48 I actually appreciate this part so much... I'm too scared to share my songs because I'm afraid of doing something wrong that I wouldn't be able to correct anymore once it's been released out into the world. But this part shows me that a song doesn't need to be perfect-that a song can still be amazing even with a wrong note. Thank you for this Adam. Maybe I'll be confident enough to release my songs sometime...
I mean, that's a part of our life too. A mistake. We can't live with no mistake. There's always any mistake. Did you release it? I want to hear, if you may. 🥰
That wrong note Adam Evolved and Given birth to a Whole new Genre which is the Kawaii Future Bass you'll hear it more often... Thank You Adam For this Wonderful God Given Song
My son and I love this song. To learn more about its detail and structure makes it even more wonderful. Thank you for your positive and thoughtful energy😊
All I ever pray for Adam is to give more of such songs. 🙏
Musician, singer, and songwriter here. This is just one of those songs that comes along and sticks in people's heads. Very simple melody, but really a very complex and vast array of sounds and rhythms mixed in. Musical genius reaching to levels of sound selection, sound tweaking, and sound tone creation. Most listeners don't really understand all the science that goes in to these musical creations, and really don't have to know, to enjoy and appreciate the end product. I have a family member that suffers from insomnia. May be some other underlying issues to check on that may be causing that. Silver lining: You certainly put your time during lack of sleep to good use. Thanks for sharing your gift with the world. For those that much is given, much is expected...
Yeah, even though I make music myself, I had no idea about the amount of complexity in this song. I just knew it sounded good. Super interesting to have the track tear down though!
@@lundsweden really? i was surprised how simple it was. not that that's a bad thing of course
@@lmaolol7702if you want to be very surprised by simple music I’ve been making house tracks with barely anything being used. Gonna post another one today, inside of the iOS garage band to show the different bounced stems I used to make it
i learned a lotta things from it, this song always makes me think wish i could go back to the time
This video breathed new life into an already timeless classic. I love listening for the individual pieces of the song now. Everything just works so cohesively.
I'm never not floored by Adam's pure love of music - and the way he manages to make songs that just sound like they're loved is possibly the weirdest compliment I've ever given but the truest. I will forever have Ocean Eyes as one of my favorite albums ever!
As someone who self produces metal music in my bedroom, there was so much to learn from Adam reviewing his stems. I am blown away by the immense attention to layering, and classical arrangement techniques he used on the chorus rhythms. I am in awe. Any songwriter needs to take notes on the details Adam uses within 'Fireflies'
😮 …this just made the internet way cooler ✨🎶🤘🏼
There is SO MUCH emotion in the strings. Absolutely unreal.
Thank you for the break down Adam. Firefllies is such an incredible song. The sounds, tones, and production is incredible I hope you are doing well
This song has helped me through so much (as many owl city songs have) and to hear all the layers singlehandedly has me mesmerized! It's absolutely magical!! Adam is the absolute GOAT!!! Thankyou so much for your music and congratulations on that diamond certificate!! Well well deserved!!! Thankyou so much for being a big part of my life!!!
My sister was obsessed with this song (as was every girl in class) and admittedly so was I. Is kinda cool hearing the stems broken down, hearing each one hits me with a wave of nostalgia
this song will never die. Amazing to see the process
"Fireflies" was introduced to me by my older sibling years and years ago and it's always been a nostalgia trip back to childhood. Since then, I've studied music extensively and this breakdown has opened my ears to even more sounds hidden within the song - like when I was younger, I can hear the music like its new all over again. History has treated this masterpiece well, it is a true classic of the 2000s era.
This definitely gave me a newfound love and appreciation for this song. Especially love the little laugh and the hidden bad note. Absolute iconic
Great track, I remember hearing it on the radio everywhere around 2010 (still hear it quite a lot!). Loved the song the first time I heard it, still love it!
Bro this song always makes me hella emotional and i can't quite place why. Amazing breakdown from such an inspiring artist