I think after the 5th album, the First of October team should select the "greatest hits" from all of the albums and do fully produced versions and spend the entire day re-recording those songs.
It was really enjoyable to watch him alongside with the videos, he really radiates that positive energy in which one of the factors really carried the awesome recording
Dude watching Rob “The Man” Ruccia and Rob “first try” Scallon is so interesting. Would love to see an interview with Andrew “piano ballad” Huang as well.
Thank you for giving Rob Ruccia more time in the lime light! He's clearly a talented guy. I mean, can you imagine going through 'First of October' with any other engineer??
It'd be a neat, and logistically impossible thing to do, but just getting a random engineer/producer, some random musicians and just see what they can do in a day. People other than Rob and Andrew doing it. Just a bunch of different groups around the world all doing a 1st of october challenge.
That would be weird! Even this year, how Andrew says that he wasn't really into "Rob's mom", and now that Ruccia is more involved, a little observation made the song come back to life. This is now a 3-man band and it's great!
I love how Rob is like basically a third member of the band. Usually sound engineers don't take much part in the band's life aside from recording in studio. But with First of October the entire existence of the band is tied to a studio, so he's with them a 100% of the time basically
33:07 personally I think my favourite still is Don't Go. I remember Rob Scallon writing "don't go just because I do" and saying "not sure what it means yet" when in the context of the song it instantly meant "I've been emotionally unavailable in the past and I've let you down but please do not use it as an excuse for letting me down now" to me
Rob's "So... do you wanna make one more song?" With, like, three minutes left in the day was seriously one of the greatest moments in human history. lmfao
9:07 I absolutely dug this part where Rob talks about his nu metal band, From Zero and the Chicago nu metal scene. I knew every band he mentioned well and was hoping he'd mention a band I did some promotion for called No One.
Just felt like I needed to reinforce this: Sound guy Rob, we truly do adore you, and not just for First of October. Watching you work on all the field trip videos is always a joy, and the occasional insight or reaction to certain sounds is extremely valuable to us watchers for whom this stuff isn't necessarily obvious. Also you're literally always having a blast and that's just fuckin' fun to watch.
@@bw2937 I remember The Longest Johns' engineer mentioning the same thing. And it's more pronounced in a shanty band album, since those folk songs are traditionally sang by a group of people, not recorded. So he points out how the record would sound pointless if it were all "pristine" quality
@@nairocamilo Context would be important for recordings. For shanties, the meaning of pristine there wouldn't be the same as pristine in your usual radio pop song. Sometimes imperfection means perfection.
I recorded an album with Rob in my old band at Uptown recording studio. I loved working with him! I was a huge From Zero fan too so that was a plus. Much love
Holy shit Rob was in From Zero???! I think way back in the day my Uncle worked with someone who was friends with one of the guys in that band at UPS in the chicagoland area and got an album from them which was their EP! When I was a little ass kid he gave me One Nation Under and that was a huge reason i ended up getting into metal!! I still have that CD stashed away somewhere! Totally mind blown right now! Check Ya and Smack were like the anthems of my childhood lol. Damn I miss Chicago, thanks Rob S so much for so much content and so many memories.
They say you reflect in the company you keep and I never have seen that more in Rob scallon. Everyone involved in these projects are so different yet so humble and kind and genuine.
Rob is seriously a champion and a hero. He's almost as important as Rob and Andrew in First of October. I'm so glad he has started to help shape the sound of the songs. Love it!
i always felt that the more stripped down instrumentation on valerie was incredibly important to the character of it. it’s already so beautiful and i can’t really imagine what you would add to make it better
Rob, we really do adore you! I’m always excited when you’re on camera because I think you bring something fun to the whole thing. Look forward to seeing more in the future!
32:58 My favorite is First of October. I remember really getting the chills multiple times when I first heard it. There's just so much emotion packed into it.
Rob always being such a great sport in the videos has always made me so happy; and seeing him get more involved in FOO has been incredible. I would Love to see him track bass for something next year, but I know that's not as likely lol
I would gladly watch a regular Robcast where The Robs just talk about music for like an hour. EDIT: I totally forgot, hearing you guys coming up with Temporary re-ignited my love for hardcore and midwestern emo and stuff! I think it's just a sign of how incredibly talented y'all are that a song you came up with in like half an hour can spark such an insightful and philosophical conversation. Shoutout to Jake btw, I love when he sneaks into videos :3
Random fun fact: The song on the ProTools project behind the two Robs is most likely Granddad's Dinner Party, considering the drum dynamics and tom hits, which are manually edited in and not gated.
I'm just really glad that that first FOO session was miles from being the first Rob and Rob meeting... because that would have probably caused quite a different reaction to the bombshell drop! XD
I really love rob Ruccia. He's such a wonderful guy! So talented and kind. I really respect him and find it very cool that he answered the questions so honestly.
6:20 woah that's so interesting! I never realized Rob Ruccia also did all the recording of the in-between, "behind the scenes" audio in addition to the actual album audio! Thanks for doing this interview and answering my questions!
Really happy to see Rob get a few minutes of airtime. Clearly someone with the patience of saint. Really impressive to be managing the recording session AND the behind the scenes content at the same time. mad props.
Let’s gooo I love this guy and his work on the fly or in the background is about 50% of what I pay attention to in the videos, he’s always seemed like a super cool dude so glad we could get this video, they don’t get enough credit!
Thank you for this video. Really interesting to hear the ”behind the scenes”. As a fellow music producer and engineer, I can really understand the pressure he feels when things just needs to be working and people are expecting you to fix it. You guys are just the best!
I really wish Rob would've asked Rob which style of recording he prefers. The chaotic style of the first 2 albums or the more organized style of the 3rd album. With the 3rd album, each song was recorded within an allotted time and then the guys moved on to the next song. Also, as Rob mentions, the guys were separated on the 3rd album rather than in the same room like on the first 2 albums. While it's more organized that way, it does miss some of the flavor that the 1st and 2nd album have. In contrast, the first 2 albums were recorded in the same room and each song was constructed over the entire day. I really hope that they bounce back and forth from one style of chaos one year to the more organized style the next and on and on each year. Each has its bonuses. Thanks Rob & Rob. Cheers!
He's really the unofficial 3rd member. The songs are so in the moment and improv so the engineer that's there during recording is basically playing a part as well.
Hmmm... how strange... of course we love Rob!! Our engineer is definitely an irreplaceable member of this channel. It wouldn't be the same without him.
Thank you for doing this interview! While doing work for a high profile customer is always good for additional business it's really Robs personality and skills that seals the deal. I would love to work with a guy like this who is easy going, passionate and dedicated to improving even after 20 years in the business. And any musician worth their salt knows how important a good engineer/producer is because we have heard the recordings of band practice :)
Wooooo Rob (Ruccia) doesn't even realize but in our hearts he is a hero :D we all love him! Best side characters in a quest, if he'd be in Skyrim, i'll take him as my follower haha
This so much! Even if the songs were made in one day, it would be interesting to hear once in a year a revised version of the song, just like Don't Go with new vocals and instrument to announce 2nd First of October album. I was kinda bummed that we didn't get new version of previous albums song (and it seems like First of October definitely needed more instruments!) this year, but maybe next year then.
Im surprised that you say you would've wanted more time on Valerie, because, although it is very simple, it is honestly my favorite first of October song. Very great insights, thank you all so much for doing this interview
thank you for doing this interview! its fascinating getting other Rob's perspective, and much like how there' "a 5th member of the Beatles" after hearing how Rob worked with/around you guys during this, and his excitement/attachment, its fun to see how much passion he brings and what he adds to this unique art you and Andrew make once a year.
Rob has the number one trait a good engineer should have: he's positive. Grumpy sound guys bring down a project, but Rob really seems like he does his best to elevate everything he touches.
Damn - I didn't know bumping it up to 12 hours was Rob Ruccia's idea. Really glad to hear it, because yeah: creativity when you're exhausted and hungry is really hard.
I think hearing about the open ended nature of the first of October, reminds me of the Beatles because they’d just throw in overdubs and new musical ideas and experiment whenever they felt like it, and their audio engineers like George Martin and Geoff Emerick would figure out how to make their sounds work and cohere.
22:58 You guys should remix the 2 records, (go back and add tracks and remix it and stuff and edit stuff and fill in all those voids you said you hear)
I think after the 5th album, the First of October team should select the "greatest hits" from all of the albums and do fully produced versions and spend the entire day re-recording those songs.
Yes
We need to hear that orchestral anthem he talked about
Banger Idea
Yes
I'd love to see a one-off show one year instead of an album
It was really enjoyable to watch him alongside with the videos, he really radiates that positive energy in which one of the factors really carried the awesome recording
Also really gives off vibes of competence and professionalism. Seems wonderfully dependable
@@fraser4899100%
Dude watching Rob “The Man” Ruccia and Rob “first try” Scallon is so interesting. Would love to see an interview with Andrew “piano ballad” Huang as well.
Rob "first try... or three" Scallon
Thank you for giving Rob Ruccia more time in the lime light! He's clearly a talented guy. I mean, can you imagine going through 'First of October' with any other engineer??
It'd be a neat, and logistically impossible thing to do, but just getting a random engineer/producer, some random musicians and just see what they can do in a day. People other than Rob and Andrew doing it.
Just a bunch of different groups around the world all doing a 1st of october challenge.
That would be weird! Even this year, how Andrew says that he wasn't really into "Rob's mom", and now that Ruccia is more involved, a little observation made the song come back to life. This is now a 3-man band and it's great!
@@Alfred_-vp9ys thought the exact same thing... Just imagine, how angry he'd be at them not having anything written. I'd pay to see it.
I can imagine, but I don't want to, Rob works really well with Rob :)
@@Alfred_-vp9ys god no, glenn is insufferable
I love how Rob is like basically a third member of the band. Usually sound engineers don't take much part in the band's life aside from recording in studio. But with First of October the entire existence of the band is tied to a studio, so he's with them a 100% of the time basically
The most chill audio engineer ever
Most of audio engineers are actually chill.
I don't think you have a choice but to learn to be chill with situations like that :D
@@jozobozo5 Glenn Fricker being an exception. Imagine him dealing with Scallon
@@gregaaron89 fricker is mostly playing a character, look at how he speaks in non SMG related videos
They're all so chill tbh
33:07 personally I think my favourite still is Don't Go.
I remember Rob Scallon writing "don't go just because I do" and saying "not sure what it means yet" when in the context of the song it instantly meant "I've been emotionally unavailable in the past and I've let you down but please do not use it as an excuse for letting me down now" to me
Absolutely agree, such a beautiful tune
Rob's "So... do you wanna make one more song?" With, like, three minutes left in the day was seriously one of the greatest moments in human history. lmfao
Why can't I see my reply?
wtf is happening?
Attention to detail
Musical knowledge
Being transparent
Being friendly
Ears
As a live sound engineer for 13 years, this is 💯💯💯
9:07 I absolutely dug this part where Rob talks about his nu metal band, From Zero and the Chicago nu metal scene. I knew every band he mentioned well and was hoping he'd mention a band I did some promotion for called No One.
Great guys
Slick plug 👀
I didn't even know he was in From Zero until I saw this video. One Nation Under is a gem of an album 🔥
Just felt like I needed to reinforce this: Sound guy Rob, we truly do adore you, and not just for First of October. Watching you work on all the field trip videos is always a joy, and the occasional insight or reaction to certain sounds is extremely valuable to us watchers for whom this stuff isn't necessarily obvious.
Also you're literally always having a blast and that's just fuckin' fun to watch.
Couldn't have said it better :)
He wasn't lying: he really seems to deeply care about the music that goes through him.
It's guys like Rob Ruccia that really inspire me to furfill my dream of becoming a studio engineer as well! So thanks for the inspiration!
I legit like this last record. Most music is so polished these days it rarely has that chaotic magic of something spontaneous
A lot of it isn't really though. Top modern producers would agree with you and value spontaneity and imperfection just as much.
@@bw2937 I remember The Longest Johns' engineer mentioning the same thing. And it's more pronounced in a shanty band album, since those folk songs are traditionally sang by a group of people, not recorded.
So he points out how the record would sound pointless if it were all "pristine" quality
@@nairocamilo Context would be important for recordings. For shanties, the meaning of pristine there wouldn't be the same as pristine in your usual radio pop song. Sometimes imperfection means perfection.
What a pleasant, thoughtful person. A perfect addition to the Scallon cast.
I recorded an album with Rob in my old band at Uptown recording studio. I loved working with him! I was a huge From Zero fan too so that was a plus. Much love
Holy shit Rob was in From Zero???! I think way back in the day my Uncle worked with someone who was friends with one of the guys in that band at UPS in the chicagoland area and got an album from them which was their EP! When I was a little ass kid he gave me One Nation Under and that was a huge reason i ended up getting into metal!! I still have that CD stashed away somewhere! Totally mind blown right now! Check Ya and Smack were like the anthems of my childhood lol. Damn I miss Chicago, thanks Rob S so much for so much content and so many memories.
One Nation Under is an absolute banger 🔥
Rob just seems like a really cool guy to hang out with. That goes for Rob too.
A great engineer is hard to find. He's a champion.
Instant like, Rob is an international treasure, such good vibes during the recording video's
I think Valerie is one of my favorite FoO songs. You said it’s unfinished, but I think the fact that it’s so stripped down works in its favor.
You just know when you see Rob R. in the background, the video is going to sound great.
It's nice to see that Rob is still doing his thing. Recorded at uptown years ago, and Rob doesn't even look like he's aged a day.
Man, Rob looks like such a cool person with chill vibes! And he does seem passionate about audio engineering. Loved the interview!
They say you reflect in the company you keep and I never have seen that more in Rob scallon. Everyone involved in these projects are so different yet so humble and kind and genuine.
I already had a ton of respect for Rob (Ruccia), but it has gone up even more from this interview.
Always wanted to hear Rob's side of the story, cheers for making this vid
I'd love to see an interview with Jake to see what it's like to film and edit a day like this too!
I absolutely love the fact that a full on conversation was about a song's lyrics which are made up by literally 10 words
Rob is seriously a champion and a hero. He's almost as important as Rob and Andrew in First of October. I'm so glad he has started to help shape the sound of the songs. Love it!
i always felt that the more stripped down instrumentation on valerie was incredibly important to the character of it. it’s already so beautiful and i can’t really imagine what you would add to make it better
Two of the best Robs we will ever know in not the history of music but RUclips too
Rob, we really do adore you! I’m always excited when you’re on camera because I think you bring something fun to the whole thing. Look forward to seeing more in the future!
32:58 My favorite is First of October. I remember really getting the chills multiple times when I first heard it. There's just so much emotion packed into it.
Rob always being such a great sport in the videos has always made me so happy; and seeing him get more involved in FOO has been incredible. I would Love to see him track bass for something next year, but I know that's not as likely lol
As a musician and recording engineer, this was amazing to listen to. Thanks Rob and Rob!!
This video felt way shorter than it actually was. Great questions and great answers.
Rob Ruccia is definitely my favorite in the whole Scallon cinematic universe
I love how 3 people made a solid 5 minute discussion about the lyrics of a song that have two different verses and nothing more (temporary)
Yes!! So good to learn more about the other Rob.
Rob is absolutely a highlight of the First of October videos, so great to see this interview and hear what he has to say!
It genuinely makes me happy anytime I get to see Rob in one of your videos.
As a regular viewer I just wanted to say that I really appreciate Rob.
Ruccias take on it being easier to visualize guitar editing by getting it clean and re editing later literally changed my life recording guitar
I have never been more excited for an interview!
As an audio engineer... Mr. Ruccia has the patience of a saint. Also clearly very skilled and talented.
What an awesome interview. Also love the metalhead-turned-engineer backstory, seems like a surprisingly common path!
I would gladly watch a regular Robcast where The Robs just talk about music for like an hour.
EDIT: I totally forgot, hearing you guys coming up with Temporary re-ignited my love for hardcore and midwestern emo and stuff! I think it's just a sign of how incredibly talented y'all are that a song you came up with in like half an hour can spark such an insightful and philosophical conversation. Shoutout to Jake btw, I love when he sneaks into videos :3
Random fun fact: The song on the ProTools project behind the two Robs is most likely Granddad's Dinner Party, considering the drum dynamics and tom hits, which are manually edited in and not gated.
LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I'm just really glad that that first FOO session was miles from being the first Rob and Rob meeting... because that would have probably caused quite a different reaction to the bombshell drop! XD
This was such a great chat to hear! I would to see more videos featuring Rob talking audio stuff on this channel.
That interpretation of Temporary is so fuckin cool. Completely changed the way I listen to the song
I really love rob Ruccia. He's such a wonderful guy! So talented and kind. I really respect him and find it very cool that he answered the questions so honestly.
this guy is my spirit animal. I could sit with him all day and talk music production. Such a wealth of knowledge. Excellent interview.
I'm so glad you did this interview! Honestly I feel like it could have gone on the main channel but I'm glad I get to watch it here, at least!
6:20 woah that's so interesting! I never realized Rob Ruccia also did all the recording of the in-between, "behind the scenes" audio in addition to the actual album audio!
Thanks for doing this interview and answering my questions!
I was smiling through this whole video, such a cool group of people!
Really happy to see Rob get a few minutes of airtime. Clearly someone with the patience of saint. Really impressive to be managing the recording session AND the behind the scenes content at the same time. mad props.
Cheers Rob and Rob! Thanks for the awesome answers.
I remember someone commented on another video featuring him that he is our favorite "recurring character."
Rob seems like such a nice person to work with, he wants only the best of what's possible and that's really inspiring
I so glad to finally see Rob's side of things, because he adds something to these albums. Keep up the great work team!
I can't believe I missed a whole album. I gotta go listen to it, wtf time flies
Let’s gooo I love this guy and his work on the fly or in the background is about 50% of what I pay attention to in the videos, he’s always seemed like a super cool dude so glad we could get this video, they don’t get enough credit!
Thank you for this video. Really interesting to hear the ”behind the scenes”. As a fellow music producer and engineer, I can really understand the pressure he feels when things just needs to be working and people are expecting you to fix it. You guys are just the best!
This is hands down one of the best videos I've ever watched on RUclips. Could've listened you two for hours.
I really wish Rob would've asked Rob which style of recording he prefers. The chaotic style of the first 2 albums or the more organized style of the 3rd album.
With the 3rd album, each song was recorded within an allotted time and then the guys moved on to the next song. Also, as Rob mentions, the guys were separated on the 3rd album rather than in the same room like on the first 2 albums. While it's more organized that way, it does miss some of the flavor that the 1st and 2nd album have. In contrast, the first 2 albums were recorded in the same room and each song was constructed over the entire day. I really hope that they bounce back and forth from one style of chaos one year to the more organized style the next and on and on each year. Each has its bonuses. Thanks Rob & Rob. Cheers!
That was awesome to finally hear his side. What an absolutely professional and sweet guy.
This is the video I always wanted but never knew I needed! Both of you Robs are enormous inspirations for me, thank you :)
This year was a great album! I'm stoked to hear Rob Ruccia's side of the story, he's a great guy, and super professional
He's really the unofficial 3rd member. The songs are so in the moment and improv so the engineer that's there during recording is basically playing a part as well.
Awesome video I would love to see if Rob would be open some general beginners question about becoming and being an audio engineer.
Hmmm... how strange... of course we love Rob!! Our engineer is definitely an irreplaceable member of this channel. It wouldn't be the same without him.
I give props to the engineer cooling his temper after finding out nothing was planned!!
Awesome interview! Really enjoyed watching it, and I'm glad you guys have helped Rob get even more business from other creators.
This is deffinetely main channel material
Thank you for doing this interview! While doing work for a high profile customer is always good for additional business it's really Robs personality and skills that seals the deal. I would love to work with a guy like this who is easy going, passionate and dedicated to improving even after 20 years in the business. And any musician worth their salt knows how important a good engineer/producer is because we have heard the recordings of band practice :)
Wooooo Rob (Ruccia) doesn't even realize but in our hearts he is a hero :D we all love him!
Best side characters in a quest, if he'd be in Skyrim, i'll take him as my follower haha
i hope Ruccia realizes that he is a huge part of first of october, honestly just as much of a part as rob and andrew
Good stuff, to both Robs! I love all of your behind the scenes content. Awesome studio setup.
Absolutely loved this! So cool to hear this different perspective on things that go down when you record.
Hey, Rob (either of you) -- could we have that version of "First of October" that you're talking about @ 22:52, please?
This so much! Even if the songs were made in one day, it would be interesting to hear once in a year a revised version of the song, just like Don't Go with new vocals and instrument to announce 2nd First of October album. I was kinda bummed that we didn't get new version of previous albums song (and it seems like First of October definitely needed more instruments!) this year, but maybe next year then.
As a producer/engineer, I’d kill for some more “First of October” type groups in my studio!
Im surprised that you say you would've wanted more time on Valerie, because, although it is very simple, it is honestly my favorite first of October song. Very great insights, thank you all so much for doing this interview
thank you for doing this interview! its fascinating getting other Rob's perspective, and much like how there' "a 5th member of the Beatles" after hearing how Rob worked with/around you guys during this, and his excitement/attachment, its fun to see how much passion he brings and what he adds to this unique art you and Andrew make once a year.
"Hey rob it's rick riffson. Internet has questions for you"
Rob has the number one trait a good engineer should have: he's positive. Grumpy sound guys bring down a project, but Rob really seems like he does his best to elevate everything he touches.
Such an awesome engineer, just like Andrew and Rob Scallon. You guys all rock.
I love Rob and Rob.
Rob rocks! It's always great to hear from the guys in the background.
i love valerie they way it is, i really like it as a little acoustic indie thing
Same, I find myself humming it to myself sometimes
Damn - I didn't know bumping it up to 12 hours was Rob Ruccia's idea. Really glad to hear it, because yeah: creativity when you're exhausted and hungry is really hard.
Also "Temporary" is amazing and I love how long y'all talked about it.
My only complaint is no Greg this year, but, you smashed it out of the park! All of you are so talented!
The Greg trilogy has ended.
omg, this guy was in a band called From Zero for One Nation Under album. he was so cool playing bass and forming great rhythm section with drummer.
Thanks, robs!
I think hearing about the open ended nature of the first of October, reminds me of the Beatles because they’d just throw in overdubs and new musical ideas and experiment whenever they felt like it, and their audio engineers like George Martin and Geoff Emerick would figure out how to make their sounds work and cohere.
Next year they should stream some of the first of October process. The possibility of inspiration for them through that chat would be cool
Also my favorite song has to be… roller…. bladin all my life
Rob Ruccia is as important to First of October as George Martin was to The Beatles.
Both engineers/producers made the bands sound incredible.
22:58 You guys should remix the 2 records, (go back and add tracks and remix it and stuff and edit stuff and fill in all those voids you said you hear)