“Do it b/c you want to do it. Not because of what you want as a result of doing it.” That sums it up right there. Centering one’s craft around the intrinsic motivations one feels about the art and interpersonal connection, rather than the various carrots that get dangled in front of us. If the craft is solid and rightly motivated, then the resources will come provided the business is also solid. 💯
I've always had a problem with the "Hustle Culture" approach some people have in music production. These career defining moments come as a result of quality and in this creative field I think you need to feel balanced to do good work. So I definitely agree with you George, finding a process you enjoy in a sustainable way is super important and was something revolutionary for my approach. Also adding general work life balance which for me at least is needed to enjoy music production.
Completely agree, George! Particularly the moment you mention social media & it's influence on young and seasoned producers/engineers thinking they need to do more, more, more... I really think it's also the responsibility of producers like yourself to be at the forefront of this and not over glamorise and JUST show off the highlight reel and be more open like this to show people that you just need to work at your craft, if you enjoy the process and the client/artist are happy then then great! Thanks for this
I think this is a really salient point with any career. When I was a teen I wanted to produce music for a living but I started out with trying to record for friends in bands... and I hated that it lost the enjoyment of it. Ever since then I chose a career in technology and I session with musicians and friends I've met along the way but keeping it to the spirit of doing it for the sake of doing it. Where that came in to play with my day-to-day job was I felt that same level of stress to drive perfection and achieve a result, because that's what I was told was needed by executives and other higher ups. Trying to bow to that makes anyone miserable. After I was out of work for several months due to an injury I returned with a fresh perspective where I told myself I couldn't deal with the stress and decided to just focus on the experiences that made me happy, which is working with both my coworkers and clients. The actual "work" flows naturally, I focus on driving the kinds of things *I* want out of it and that has made my life so much more enjoyable.
Thank you for your videos, they are really inspiring, i have followed your work with sleep token and Loathe, and really enjoy your hollistic approvach to procution and video making self interviews you make. Mixing is an ever evolving transition, to the point where mixes done 1 year ago, are not to be proud of, at least in my case, but the fact that there is people like yourself is really inspiring and thank you for always helping us underground mixers and engineers! cheers from Costa rica. Pd. i have subscribed for a long time now lol
One of the best vids you’ve done. Idk when the last time I had my mind blown - probably the last time I watched one of your URM vids. Hope to see much more content from ya. Missed these vids.
Thrilled to see you upload. I’m quite new to recording and production and my favorite part of the process is mixing. I kept reaching out to bands and artists I knew, desperate to mix their stuff. I never actually got to work with any bands until I started to offer to record them. They would ask me to also mix their work because we had just worked together on the whole process. Through that I found a new love of the recording process as well. I think what I’m trying to say is that I got more, better results, when I started thinking about how I could help the artist, and not how I could get more tracks to mix. (Being less selfish)
such an important message and as usually beautiful presentation. take care and thanks for doing these. my last mindblown moment was getting a few people in a room to play music together instead of doing it home alone with the computer for gear demos only. oh how I missed that and how different it feels.
Been feeling burnt out for 3 years now after making millions and earning what society would say is “successful” as a title. But everything just hits different after “making it” and burning out, I don’t get the same joy out of the present that I used to. Need to evolve to a more meaningful existence. It’s hard.
I have mind blowing moments all the time. constantly learning. I found watching your Mix Rescues on URM every episode I had a mind blowing experience. I hope you and URM can figure out a way to do more!
Amazing stuff, I feel like a lot of people are going one way or the other on this. Shifting to or from being hyper results driven. For me, and I think for you too, the big capitalist machine has chewed us all up and spat us out searching for some meaning and purpose in what we do that isn't solely based on the results. I'm glad you're finding yours while still making music. :)
Love these, hope they become more frequent. I'd say it's hard not to focus on the outcome of a project you're involved in as you work through it when you're trying to establish yourself in this industry, because all the time you're investing in that is time you're not spending doing something else that may or may not be more useful for you, and that might matter when you're not sure if you'll have enough money to pay rent, or when struggling with trying to advance into the next step of your career. But like you said, you really have no way of knowing how anything will pan out, so I guess it's best to try to ignore the FOMO and follow your gut.
I have received this advice with an open mind. I need it, I too can be too calculated and strive for perfection in a way that kills the fun of the moment. Any releases coming up? Excited to hear what you have been working on! Also hoping to see you back on Nail The Mix in the near future.
What recently blew my mind is something I always kind of thought, but I never found a way to articulate, and its this: In heavy genres, perfect has always kinda bored me. Everything on the grid at all times no matter what... yawn bore snooze. SO I've always tried to figure out how to get a human feel without everything sounding sloppy. And what I realized is that you can grid the drums and then let good guitarists/bassists play with a more natural feel, OR you can grid the guitars and bass, and let the drums be the human part. And either one can lend itself very well to much more imperfect, but still great vocals.
Not exactly a big mind blown but i had a mini one. Recently found out I have an interest and love for drums, it was a full solid one and not like a fleeting curiosity like I usually had. Feeling that internal curiosity and interest after more than a decade not feeling it just blows my mind. In the sense of 'Oh so this is what it feels like to have a bit of that child-like innocence and curiosity'. Also made me wonder what life could be like if i find out sooner. But alas, here i am, about to start self-learning drums in the comfort of my own home. Cheers George! Love the cat footage.
A simple thing, but my latest mind blow was just fully comprehending the see-saw that is EQ. As in, if you crank the bottom end, it essentially makes everything sound like you've also cranked down the top end, etc. I understood it in theory, but actually *hearing* the change was like flicking a light switch in my brain. So looking forward to the solo stuff, trying to not be a dick in the meantime 😅
I would give my life to be able to work on music, but how can somebody pursue music when their skills are just not up to par yet so they can`t make a living out of it, just yet. Are you supposed to get a 9-5 job to support yourself and all the other time pursue your dreams until you can eventually quit your 9-5 and start supporting yourself with what you wanna do? That is a question which`s answer I`m having trouble coming to terms with daily
Hey hey, its the Rode NTG3... I think. #gifted btw. So bare that in mind! They (rode) have been very kind and supportive of the channel over the years.
the cultural move from music listening or playing it being a live experience to "something done online and alone" leaves us so much poorer. Some of us don't need to be online personalities. Fuck, social media is mostly lies and ghosts.
Not sure I would class this as mind blown but here We go, its not the tools its the skills that make things happen with sound. I see many ways to do a tasked and many products on offer from countless brands but truth is most people would be alot better with music if they stop constantly looking gor and buying new shxx. Stick with a selection of tools that get the job done and become a master of those few items instead being garbage at 100s.
“Do it b/c you want to do it. Not because of what you want as a result of doing it.” That sums it up right there. Centering one’s craft around the intrinsic motivations one feels about the art and interpersonal connection, rather than the various carrots that get dangled in front of us. If the craft is solid and rightly motivated, then the resources will come provided the business is also solid. 💯
I've always had a problem with the "Hustle Culture" approach some people have in music production. These career defining moments come as a result of quality and in this creative field I think you need to feel balanced to do good work.
So I definitely agree with you George, finding a process you enjoy in a sustainable way is super important and was something revolutionary for my approach. Also adding general work life balance which for me at least is needed to enjoy music production.
Completely agree, George! Particularly the moment you mention social media & it's influence on young and seasoned producers/engineers thinking they need to do more, more, more... I really think it's also the responsibility of producers like yourself to be at the forefront of this and not over glamorise and JUST show off the highlight reel and be more open like this to show people that you just need to work at your craft, if you enjoy the process and the client/artist are happy then then great!
Thanks for this
I think this is a really salient point with any career. When I was a teen I wanted to produce music for a living but I started out with trying to record for friends in bands... and I hated that it lost the enjoyment of it. Ever since then I chose a career in technology and I session with musicians and friends I've met along the way but keeping it to the spirit of doing it for the sake of doing it.
Where that came in to play with my day-to-day job was I felt that same level of stress to drive perfection and achieve a result, because that's what I was told was needed by executives and other higher ups. Trying to bow to that makes anyone miserable. After I was out of work for several months due to an injury I returned with a fresh perspective where I told myself I couldn't deal with the stress and decided to just focus on the experiences that made me happy, which is working with both my coworkers and clients. The actual "work" flows naturally, I focus on driving the kinds of things *I* want out of it and that has made my life so much more enjoyable.
Always a good day when you upload. Cheers mate!
Enjoyed this George. Making some changes myself. Appreciate it brotha.
Can we just file a petition to hear George more often 😭😭
Missed these videos. Great one :D
love these vids mate 🤘
Thank you for your videos, they are really inspiring, i have followed your work with sleep token and Loathe, and really enjoy your hollistic approvach to procution and video making self interviews you make.
Mixing is an ever evolving transition, to the point where mixes done 1 year ago, are not to be proud of, at least in my case, but the fact that there is people like yourself is really inspiring and thank you for always helping us underground mixers and engineers!
cheers from Costa rica.
Pd. i have subscribed for a long time now lol
One of the best vids you’ve done. Idk when the last time I had my mind blown - probably the last time I watched one of your URM vids. Hope to see much more content from ya. Missed these vids.
Thanks Ryan :) really appreciated dude.
Always great to hear your perspective on your journey. Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic msg and mindset George! I love your energy, subscribed 🎉
Thanks for subbing!
I love these vids sitting around the fire with papa George talking about life. They are definitely appreciated. ❤️(The cats were an added bonus)
I wish I could sub twice for the cats. Great video!
Thrilled to see you upload. I’m quite new to recording and production and my favorite part of the process is mixing. I kept reaching out to bands and artists I knew, desperate to mix their stuff. I never actually got to work with any bands until I started to offer to record them. They would ask me to also mix their work because we had just worked together on the whole process. Through that I found a new love of the recording process as well.
I think what I’m trying to say is that I got more, better results, when I started thinking about how I could help the artist, and not how I could get more tracks to mix. (Being less selfish)
The king is back 🙌🏻
Your videos are always so fucking helpful and informative. They really get me thinking in a positive way.
I'm just going to say this a different George than I seen in the last few videos. Glad to see the fire is back!
🙌🙌🙌
Electronic avantgarde music, Burial, Trentemøller etc. 🤯 mind blown
such an important message and as usually beautiful presentation. take care and thanks for doing these.
my last mindblown moment was getting a few people in a room to play music together instead of doing it home alone with the computer for gear demos only. oh how I missed that and how different it feels.
Mind blowing moments….It’s absolutely ok that I have a day job and I do my audio work when I can. Also stereo widening eq on the master buss.
Love this george!!
I want a deeeep unfiltered George Lever thoughts podcast
no you xx
Thank you George!
Take care George 💪
Been feeling burnt out for 3 years now after making millions and earning what society would say is “successful” as a title. But everything just hits different after “making it” and burning out, I don’t get the same joy out of the present that I used to. Need to evolve to a more meaningful existence. It’s hard.
subbed twice for the cats
Live within walking distance of this place...such a great studio
Great stuff dude, this is great for where I am at in my career right now
I have mind blowing moments all the time. constantly learning. I found watching your Mix Rescues on URM every episode I had a mind blowing experience. I hope you and URM can figure out a way to do more!
Amazing stuff, I feel like a lot of people are going one way or the other on this. Shifting to or from being hyper results driven. For me, and I think for you too, the big capitalist machine has chewed us all up and spat us out searching for some meaning and purpose in what we do that isn't solely based on the results. I'm glad you're finding yours while still making music. :)
You’re a lovely chap ❤
no you x
Came for George, stayed for cats
Great video George 🙏
Love these, hope they become more frequent. I'd say it's hard not to focus on the outcome of a project you're involved in as you work through it when you're trying to establish yourself in this industry, because all the time you're investing in that is time you're not spending doing something else that may or may not be more useful for you, and that might matter when you're not sure if you'll have enough money to pay rent, or when struggling with trying to advance into the next step of your career. But like you said, you really have no way of knowing how anything will pan out, so I guess it's best to try to ignore the FOMO and follow your gut.
I have received this advice with an open mind. I need it, I too can be too calculated and strive for perfection in a way that kills the fun of the moment.
Any releases coming up? Excited to hear what you have been working on! Also hoping to see you back on Nail The Mix in the near future.
These lessons go far beyond music.
What recently blew my mind is something I always kind of thought, but I never found a way to articulate, and its this: In heavy genres, perfect has always kinda bored me. Everything on the grid at all times no matter what... yawn bore snooze. SO I've always tried to figure out how to get a human feel without everything sounding sloppy. And what I realized is that you can grid the drums and then let good guitarists/bassists play with a more natural feel, OR you can grid the guitars and bass, and let the drums be the human part. And either one can lend itself very well to much more imperfect, but still great vocals.
Not exactly a big mind blown but i had a mini one. Recently found out I have an interest and love for drums, it was a full solid one and not like a fleeting curiosity like I usually had. Feeling that internal curiosity and interest after more than a decade not feeling it just blows my mind. In the sense of 'Oh so this is what it feels like to have a bit of that child-like innocence and curiosity'. Also made me wonder what life could be like if i find out sooner. But alas, here i am, about to start self-learning drums in the comfort of my own home. Cheers George! Love the cat footage.
Big love ❤
he back 😮💨
I’m gonna roll and watch this while breaking edge for the fifth time of the week
Great video, lovely! We're going to watch you ascend. Wink wink
great video! love!
Came here for the cats, wasn't disapointed
Cats! ❤
"Do it because you want to do it" and also show more cats!
The cat did in fact worked
A simple thing, but my latest mind blow was just fully comprehending the see-saw that is EQ. As in, if you crank the bottom end, it essentially makes everything sound like you've also cranked down the top end, etc. I understood it in theory, but actually *hearing* the change was like flicking a light switch in my brain.
So looking forward to the solo stuff, trying to not be a dick in the meantime 😅
my dream would be to do an album with you
you had me at more cats
I would give my life to be able to work on music, but how can somebody pursue music when their skills are just not up to par yet so they can`t make a living out of it, just yet. Are you supposed to get a 9-5 job to support yourself and all the other time pursue your dreams until you can eventually quit your 9-5 and start supporting yourself with what you wanna do? That is a question which`s answer I`m having trouble coming to terms with daily
this might be exactly what i need to buss
Man what is your microphone on this video? Your voice sounds so good
Hey hey, its the Rode NTG3... I think. #gifted btw. So bare that in mind! They (rode) have been very kind and supportive of the channel over the years.
the cultural move from music listening or playing it being a live experience to "something done online and alone" leaves us so much poorer.
Some of us don't need to be online personalities. Fuck, social media is mostly lies and ghosts.
10% Tech 90% Human interactions and yes you sometimes need to be a Psych!!!
Not sure I would class this as mind blown but here We go, its not the tools its the skills that make things happen with sound. I see many ways to do a tasked and many products on offer from countless brands but truth is most people would be alot better with music if they stop constantly looking gor and buying new shxx. Stick with a selection of tools that get the job done and become a master of those few items instead being garbage at 100s.
Love your outlook on things, glad you're back! Don't be a dick. Eat your vegetables.
George
handshake or gtfo
🤍🤍🤍
verbal diarrhea
sad story bruh, you should delete your channel and redifine your approach of making good content on youtube
Good content! It's been way too long