Greg is one of the smartest and most talented guys in modern pop music today. Admittedly, I often feel like he is squandering his wide-ranging talents on commercial stuff but, then again, he has 5 kids to feed and I'm just glad one of the true talents around here is making some bread! As a rock, jazz and light classical guy myself, I actually get the strange, seemingly unrelated, obsession for pop and rock production. It's the other voodoo. If pop/rock has anything going for it yesterday and today, it's its production--and the chase for total sonic perfection (its hallmark) that drives us all mad as hatters...even without a decent chord thrown it. I know that Greg is exceedingly busy, so it was really special that he took time to do this interview for us. I always like to listen to Greg speak about music because he is so engaging, philosophical and well-rounded. I feel an immediate simpatico with him (like I do with Rick also) and have been following him for years for no other reason than because I like the way his mind percolates. He's a wise dude and it shows in the way he discusses a myriad of issues--and by his own musical prowess on so many instruments and styles. It's great to finally hear his own very creative music and you can get a real sense of the breadth and depth of his skill-set and artistry--finally without having to make guesses, based upon his commercial work. In all honesty, and with good humor, I want to be in a band with Rick and Greg (and who wouldn"t)--I'll sing! Let's make the 2018 version of Sgt. Peppers...oh wait...! I do think What a Fool Believes is brilliant too...the way it circles back to the verse is transformative! We'll keep it very left-of-center. If no one likes it, we'll know we did it right! ~Nelson
June Jump felt like expression in it's purest form. Also validated everything about his taste in music, what he said about pop music.. everything came through.. This is one of the best videos you have done on your channel ever..!! Great going Rick!!
Fake Pianist I have to agree. This is my favourite Sounding Off yet...altough they are all great, this one hit home. Thx guys! And June Jump...wow, love it Greg!
Greg produced a session that I played drums on back in the mid-80s in Toronto. I would guess that he was around 18 at the time. I didn't even know that he was a drummer back then! I ran into him a few years later and he recalled that session. Dude is crazy talented and that's why he has become so successful!
What a great interview, this was one of my favorites! And I absolutely loved Greg's June Jump composition...it sucked me in and for a few minutes I was a part of it. Thanks!
Nice to have production related interviews.. would also like more of your production tutorials too.. great job Rick.. will say more after completing the interview..
Indeed...just like they were talking about in the interview, things like how to use compression and _depth_ in the mix, etc. I'd love to learn more about that from here.
My favorite quote here: "The real test of a great musician in a studio, for me, it’s not whether they can play like a virtuoso, or play flashy complicated things, or play slowly, or whatever; to me, the thing is, can they, under the scrutiny of merciless microphones, can they make a song feel better?"
Trivia-the early 80s Steely Dan ‘snare drum sounds like a sneeze’ sound is Wendel, the drum machine built by Roger Nichols for the Gaucho album. The archetypical Wendel snare sound is upfront (and dry as a bone) on Hey Nineteen.
Great interview and I learned a lot on why they handled Grace VanderWaal the way they did. I could listen to Greg's June Jump all night and even imagined Norah Jones stepping in once in a while
I was a punk kid in LA at music school. I got a tip to audition for Silas Loder. Greg’s project on IRS records. I didn’t get the gig but got a call back at least. I still listen to the tunes. Advice was a great song. So was Vacuum I dare you to find the one! Thanks Greg.
Greg Wells is one my heroes .. Amazing musician.. amazing human being! :june Jump" is AMAZING!!! wish there was a way to download it/purchase the music.. Thank you!
Great video! Just one thought you can keep the camera just above the PC screen coz then the person you are interviewing feels like your looking at them. Cheers!
I love your utube channel! I try to get my music friends to at least watch 'Sounding off' Your guests are great as are your questions and interviewing style, great stuff. Are you familiar with Juan Cristobal Tapia de Veer another canadian composer? I am a fan his compositions are some of spookiest and strange, and very original, most for TV and film
Thanks for the great and valuable interview! Rick, I'm considering the graduate program at Ithaca- would you recommend it or have any insight into the program? I understand you're very busy - no worries if you cant reply- thought id give it a shot
Hey Rick, what's your go-to setup for listening to music? Emphasis on listening. On occasion I shut off lights, plug in my old trusty Sennheisers, close my eyes and let the tunes do their thing. Do you prefer FLAC files, records, CDs, earbuds, headphones, studio monitors? Thanks in advance!
+TheToothGoose I will listen on all types of speakers. No headphones. I have never used them much for listening. I play vinyl, MP3, cassette, WAV, etc. in the studio it's all 24 bit.
great interview with great musical bonus ending - so agree about art, commerce and being a publicly traded company - five things in life i think should never be influenced by financial considerations: art, medicine, science, government and personal relationships - still waiting for that perfect world to happen
Such an amazing song he made. Comes to something when even the producers know they are making garbage, music industry is ruined now it is such a commodity and people care less about content of mmusic
The Canadian is interesting. He is one of the few people the gods have favored. The musical god has favored him and the god of commerce has favored him too. Rarely do you meet a confluence of divine influence. Many people are favored by the god of music, but not not all are favored by the god of commerce. And some of them become mad at the music god! They say, "I have given my life to you, have worshiped you, have sacrificed everything for you and I am left with this small pittance, these few pennies to scrap together!" They become bitter and swear at music, insult it to its face. Some find relief and comfort in drugs, alcohol and pleasure and these become the new gods that shelter them from their painful disappointment. Many musicians have a bitter tale to tell and carry a deep and pronounced resentment for the music god that seduced them, a god they have devoutly followed throughout their lives. The trick is to beat fortune and all the gods. To do that you must become a god...
On that topic of the simplicity of modern pop, I wonder how much of it is due to lack of interest from the musicians and how much is due to labels owned by multinational conglomerates not wanting to take risks. Gonna bet on the latter
It is criminal these sounding off videos do not get the views they deserve. If its TOOL "What Makes This song great" then it receives toooonnnns of views (obviously) bc it is "bite sized" and intentionally designed so it's easy to swallow (which is what makes Rick great). However, if more of his subs would dig in to less glitzy vids and really learn from these cats as well, everyone would be better for it. Great Interviews.
Jazz died? Jazz is taught and jazz and studied. Jazz pushes every musician to grow and think outside of that boring ass BOx. That is, those with balls to be challenged. In what possible world is it dead?
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
The song is phenomenal. The amount of respect I already had for Greg increased significantly after watching this video.
Greg is one of the smartest and most talented guys in modern pop music today. Admittedly, I often feel like he is squandering his wide-ranging talents on commercial stuff but, then again, he has 5 kids to feed and I'm just glad one of the true talents around here is making some bread! As a rock, jazz and light classical guy myself, I actually get the strange, seemingly unrelated, obsession for pop and rock production. It's the other voodoo. If pop/rock has anything going for it yesterday and today, it's its production--and the chase for total sonic perfection (its hallmark) that drives us all mad as hatters...even without a decent chord thrown it. I know that Greg is exceedingly busy, so it was really special that he took time to do this interview for us. I always like to listen to Greg speak about music because he is so engaging, philosophical and well-rounded. I feel an immediate simpatico with him (like I do with Rick also) and have been following him for years for no other reason than because I like the way his mind percolates. He's a wise dude and it shows in the way he discusses a myriad of issues--and by his own musical prowess on so many instruments and styles. It's great to finally hear his own very creative music and you can get a real sense of the breadth and depth of his skill-set and artistry--finally without having to make guesses, based upon his commercial work. In all honesty, and with good humor, I want to be in a band with Rick and Greg (and who wouldn"t)--I'll sing! Let's make the 2018 version of Sgt. Peppers...oh wait...! I do think What a Fool Believes is brilliant too...the way it circles back to the verse is transformative! We'll keep it very left-of-center. If no one likes it, we'll know we did it right! ~Nelson
June Jump felt like expression in it's purest form. Also validated everything about his taste in music, what he said about pop music.. everything came through.. This is one of the best videos you have done on your channel ever..!! Great going Rick!!
Fake Pianist I have to agree. This is my favourite Sounding Off yet...altough they are all great, this one hit home. Thx guys! And June Jump...wow, love it Greg!
"I'm not sure I've ever made a great record..." says Greg Wells. What an incredibly humble person. Amazing interview and insights.
Whoa!!! We need an album from Greg!
Loved the interview and especially love that we were able to hear his track. Badash
Greg produced a session that I played drums on back in the mid-80s in Toronto. I would guess that he was around 18 at the time. I didn't even know that he was a drummer back then! I ran into him a few years later and he recalled that session. Dude is crazy talented and that's why he has become so successful!
June Jump just blew me away! What a talent!
So refreshing to hear honest interviews rather than the usual marketing circle-jerks! I'd buy Greg's solo album in a heartbeat!
What a great interview, this was one of my favorites! And I absolutely loved Greg's June Jump composition...it sucked me in and for a few minutes I was a part of it. Thanks!
great interview and fantastic tune! What a talent! Thanks for introducing us to this amazing musician Rick!
Terrific interview. Greg Wells has had a fascinating career by any standard.
Nice to have production related interviews.. would also like more of your production tutorials too.. great job Rick.. will say more after completing the interview..
Fake Pianist I would also love to see some more production tutorials!
yeah!!
Indeed...just like they were talking about in the interview, things like how to use compression and _depth_ in the mix, etc. I'd love to learn more about that from here.
Hope he puts out a solo album one day because that piece at the end was fresh
Great interview Rick. He's a real musician.
How did I miss this for this long?? Greg is brilliant, and this a great discussion. Thank you, Rick!
My favorite quote here: "The real test of a great musician in a studio, for me, it’s not whether they can play like a virtuoso, or play flashy complicated things, or play slowly, or whatever; to me, the thing is, can they, under the scrutiny of merciless microphones, can they make a song feel better?"
One of the best interviews I have ever seen, period.
Thanks Rick! This interview was inspiring and your inclusion of June Jump was a nice gift.
June Jump is unbelievable... I feel like the 1 take thing makes it have it's own kind magic that doesn't happen when things are too tought out.
Awww wish it was longer. So inspiring and a great story teller.
Absolutely Awesome! Thank you BOTH!
Thanks for sharing this with us Rick. And sharing Greg Wells' tune wow such a breath taking song. Such a good interview.
Unbelievable piece at the end of the video!
This is great. Great piece of music at the end of interview...
Insane interview. I got so much from it. His tune at the end was crazy good. He was so modest about it and it was phenomenal
Great interview! And damn, "June Jump" rules!
That was a supercool and nice song greg wells came up with! No wonder he gets to work with great people
Love this channel. You're awesome Rick.
HOLY MOTHER OF FUCK GREG WELLS THAT TRACK WAS INSANE
dig it! Thanks Rick, Greg. As for "June Jump" we all heard the same thing and nothing really needs to be said.
So many great moments in this.
I really wanna hear the rest of that album, if there is more!
Thanks Rick! Greg is one of my favourite producers.
This was a great interview. Thanks for this.
Trivia-the early 80s Steely Dan ‘snare drum sounds like a sneeze’ sound is Wendel, the drum machine built by Roger Nichols for the Gaucho album. The archetypical Wendel snare sound is upfront (and dry as a bone) on Hey Nineteen.
Great stuff. I found this really interesting. Thanks Rick
Love the way you edited in June Jump into the conversation, it shows your humor!!!
I didn't know what to do tonight, this is perfect !
Thanks Rick :)
Great interview and I learned a lot on why they handled Grace VanderWaal the way they did. I could listen to Greg's June Jump all night and even imagined Norah Jones stepping in once in a while
Fantastic video
Please do an interview with Tigran Hamasyan!!
thanks for the introductions to Toru Takemitsu. beautiful !! breathing musical air again.
Greg's tune is dope!
Great first question!
Good points there... This guy really knows where it's at....
Greg Wells is one of the most interesting, talented producers/musicians out there.
Great interview!
great interview!
I was a punk kid in LA at music school. I got a tip to audition for Silas Loder.
Greg’s project on IRS records. I didn’t get the gig but got a call back at least. I still listen to the tunes. Advice was a great song. So was Vacuum I dare you to find the one!
Thanks Greg.
This is my favorite youtube channel.
Greg Wells is one my heroes .. Amazing musician.. amazing human being! :june Jump" is AMAZING!!! wish there was a way to download it/purchase the music..
Thank you!
killer tune!
I'm loving this! Stuff that comes out of the drought places of our childhoods. :)
Thats inspiring, thank you!
Really great
Two successful producers that are both accomplished multi-instrumentalists is something I thought did not exist. I am glad I was wrong.
I'm going to have to watch this video A LOT just to listen to June Jump.
Hey Greg. I have known your parents for years!! Congrats on the Emmy! Steve Thordarson.
Awesome interview! Any possibility of getting Uri Caine in for an interview?
love this!!!
Superb.
Fascinating Rick, how bout an interview with Steve Albini, i love the pure "live like" sound he produces
Great video! Just one thought you can keep the camera just above the PC screen coz then the person you are interviewing feels like your looking at them. Cheers!
Awesome dude!
I love your utube channel! I try to get my music friends to at least watch 'Sounding off' Your guests are great as are your questions and interviewing style, great stuff. Are you familiar with Juan Cristobal Tapia de Veer another canadian composer? I am a fan his compositions are some of spookiest and strange, and very original, most for TV and film
Thanks for the great and valuable interview! Rick, I'm considering the graduate program at Ithaca- would you recommend it or have any insight into the program? I understand you're very busy - no worries if you cant reply- thought id give it a shot
Hey Rick, what's your go-to setup for listening to music? Emphasis on listening. On occasion I shut off lights, plug in my old trusty Sennheisers, close my eyes and let the tunes do their thing. Do you prefer FLAC files, records, CDs, earbuds, headphones, studio monitors? Thanks in advance!
+TheToothGoose I will listen on all types of speakers. No headphones. I have never used them much for listening. I play vinyl, MP3, cassette, WAV, etc. in the studio it's all 24 bit.
Thanks Rick!
We gotta get this guy working with Plini/Owane what a masterpiece could be made
great interview with great musical bonus ending - so agree about art, commerce and being a publicly traded company - five things in life i think should never be influenced by financial considerations: art, medicine, science, government and personal relationships - still waiting for that perfect world to happen
Such an amazing song he made. Comes to something when even the producers know they are making garbage, music industry is ruined now it is such a commodity and people care less about content of mmusic
His songs have appeared on 85 million albums...? Im a bit confused as to what that means. 85 million units..?
+MrHestichs Albums. Adele 21 is about 20 million worldwide alone.
Ah okay! I just got initally confused, but ofcourse it refers to units sold. That is just as impressive as potentially producing 85 million records.
June Jump is amazing
The tune at the end was amazing. I thought he said he isn't very good on guitar! Well, he lied!
Cheers :D
"June Jump" is so sick.
Taking it to the streets
June Jump is WICKED!!!!!!
The Canadian is interesting. He is one of the few people the gods have favored. The musical god has favored him and the god of commerce has favored him too. Rarely do you meet a confluence of divine influence. Many people are favored by the god of music, but not not all are favored by the god of commerce. And some of them become mad at the music god! They say, "I have given my life to you, have worshiped you, have sacrificed everything for you and I am left with this small pittance, these few pennies to scrap together!" They become bitter and swear at music, insult it to its face. Some find relief and comfort in drugs, alcohol and pleasure and these become the new gods that shelter them from their painful disappointment. Many musicians have a bitter tale to tell and carry a deep and pronounced resentment for the music god that seduced them, a god they have devoutly followed throughout their lives. The trick is to beat fortune and all the gods. To do that you must become a god...
true words
Here's the piece M.Wells talks about in the beginning :
ruclips.net/video/FHZ_ln25fxc/видео.html
Thank you!
On that topic of the simplicity of modern pop, I wonder how much of it is due to lack of interest from the musicians and how much is due to labels owned by multinational conglomerates not wanting to take risks. Gonna bet on the latter
Do you like the new Foo Fighters record Rick? I'd love to hear your opinion on it.
It is criminal these sounding off videos do not get the views they deserve. If its TOOL "What Makes This song great" then it receives toooonnnns of views (obviously) bc it is "bite sized" and intentionally designed so it's easy to swallow (which is what makes Rick great). However, if more of his subs would dig in to less glitzy vids and really learn from these cats as well, everyone would be better for it. Great Interviews.
Great stuff Rick. Grey well as might put out an album of that material! Jazz is alive and well so stop spreading the propaganda Rick :D
Jazz died?
Jazz is taught and jazz and studied. Jazz pushes every musician to grow and think outside of that boring ass BOx. That is, those with balls to be challenged.
In what possible world is it dead?