@@iximusic The bridge of "In Two" is a brilliant exercise in contrast. The filter drops out the low end, the song suddenly becomes so distant, and that little guitar pattern is deceptively simple, repeating until the song swells back in and then explodes back into the outro with the return of the drums. Amazing.
CORRECTIONS: "#6" is a "natural 6" - and I should be saying "flat 3" or "major flat 3" not "flat major 3". Sorry y'all, got into some weird habits with my notation. // I meant to say "power chord" instead of "barre chord". Power chord is (to my understanding) the root, 5th and octave, while a barre chord does have a 3rd. But correctcorrect me if I'm wrong!
I think the effect producing the F note value on his voice is a vocoder. Likely he’s playing a sustained F on a synth and his voice is modulating it over a 32 band (Or similar) EQ. Love your channel and you have my admiration and full support. Keep up the quality work.
Your channel is AWESOME. Trent and Atticus are geniuses and it's so cool to hear someone talk about the technical qualities of their music. 👍🏼👍🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Btw, the effect on his voice could be a ring modulator or simply a phase filter with the resonance all the way up and manually adjusted to a specific frequency that tonally equates to the sound of a specific note? I've done this with my music.
I love the part where he sings softly "I think I could lose myself in here" its like a light glass percussion and then what sounds like a a bell maybe a xylophone? Hmmm and just string plucking. He uses string plucking on other songs. Plus its interesting and stood out to me on this album on the song While I'm Still Here theres a little Spanish guitar in the breakdown.
I agree there's really nothing else like that bridge! Oooh I'm not sure I've heard the Spanish guitar in "While I'm Still Here"! That sounds really intriguing...thanks for the tip :)
@@iximusic and While I'm still here has that cool wobbly bass! And ticking and clicking percussive sounds. Its just all wonderful. I could talk to you for days about this fun stuff!!!
It almost reminded me of Mr. Self Destruct. Which is almost a thematic parallel where one is about diving further into addiction and the other is about trying to leave it.
You were linked last couple videos on the r/NIN I instantly binged everything and have been impatiently waiting for more. Keep this going, you rule buddy!
Just found this channel today, I've been a NIN fan since the cassette single of sin was released and gifted to me when I was a teenager...I've some binge watching of your channel coming for sure. Thank you for all this hard work.
8:33 I think it’s a vocoder and a tube filter. The vocoder seems like it’s only partially in the mix that’s why you can still make out the humanity in Trent’s voice. It actually makes a lot of sense in the context of the song too.
I love dissecting Trent's works on my own, and I always seem to find more and more layers with each listen. Your videos always highlight something I've missed! Thank you for all of these analysis videos.
Same here, just when I think I've heard it all...and it doesn't ever stop! Do you ever find that when you hear a song performed live you hear totally new things? For example, I went on and oonnnn in my video about "Just Like You Imagined" about how the first chord is very dissonant and yada yada and once I watched a live performance, it was obvious that they start with the minor triad and then change to the inverted major chord after 3 strums. Oops. And yet, I can still choose to hear it how I always have. It's funny how sometimes our expectations shape our perceptions. Anyway, glad you are hear! I mean, here!
@@iximusic I do this with guitarists all of the time. Their choice to play certain chords in unconventional ways can make the entire song come to life, or completely fall flat when played with standard chord shapes. It's incredibly rewarding when discovering those subtle secrets.
Let me just say, I absolutely love your videos and appreciate you making these detailed analyses of Nine Inch Nails songs! I can tell that you are not only knowledgeable from a pure theory perspective, but also a deep appreciation and attention to music. I am an aspiring musician and your videos are incredibly useful for understanding the theory aspects that Trent implements in his music. I would absolutely love if you were to do a video focusing on chord progressions, finding what works, and modal flavor. You rock! Keep up the dope work!
Thank you Zach, that's amazing feedback and you described me to a T. So glad you're getting something out of the videos. I do plan to make some purely theory videos like you mentioned, especially modes and chord function. I just have to sort some things out so I can make more videos throughout the week. I'm going to start teaching private lessons over Zoom, so if you ever want to try that, just let me know!
@@iximusic That's awesome to hear ixi! I would definitely be interested in private lessons and it would be really great to have you as an instructor! What is the best way to contact you for setting up zoom meetings?
to me, the NIN sound [when it comes to describing it] has been solidified thanks to this album: it's menacing, it's foreboding, but it also has it's light and hopeful moments and times where it's just Vibing though the menacing sound will still reside in many different variations also it has electronic 'cause signature sound
The final "why'd you have to make it so hard" sung in a low, almost defeated register after the previous falsetto versions of the chorus is just so... perfect.
I'm totally in love with this channel. Around 8:50 you talk about how it sounds like he's singing F even when he isn't. I'm not totally sure, but I would wager Trent put his vocal track through a band pass filter. This probably also gives it that lofi kinda sound too. For people who are interested in sound design: synths often run sounds through filters. Three common ones are low-pass filters (only let low frequencies through, which takes out all the high frequencies), high-pass (kinda does the opposite. Let's you hear only high frequencies, and no low frequencies), and band pass (which eliminates some highs and some lows). But you can set the cutoff points where these cuts happen. So if he sets the band to about 350Hz (just like tuning a piano's A4 note to 440Hz) no matter what sound goes through the filter, an F4's fundamental frequency would be emphasized. Just thought I'd throw my two cents in for some of the synthy sound design stuff. I really love learning about the theory behind the harmonies Trent uses! Keep up the great work! I can't wait to see a video on Heresy and Reptile :)
Do you think if he just boosted the 350 Hz range would that have the same effect? Or would he have to cut a lot on either end? It does sound pretty thin. Very cool, thank you!
@@iximusic I definitely think the 350 Hz range is emphasized. After listening to it again, maybe it's actually a resonant high pass filter that he tuned to an F? That would give it that thin quality, and would explain the boost around 350 Hz. It's hard to tell (for me anyway, maybe studio engineers can) if he EQ'd it like that in the box, or ran it through some hardware. Maybe a combo of both? Either way, it's a super cool effect!
@@iximusic I did! I like Massive Attack a lot as well, and I never drew that connection before you did, which probably explains why I like them both so much lol
I just discovered your channel by searching for NIN lyrics. 🙂 I really like that you seem to enjoy NIN as much as i do. It feels like no one in my environment is able to see or hear the genius of Trent and the depths of his compositions. Thank you for your great taste in music and your efforts to dig deeper into these artists minds! ❤️
I really like this channel because it's something I've always wanted, but didn't know I wanted it. I love each of these songs and have spent many hours with them, and yet I never thought of them this way. It's really wonderful. I'm not a linguist, but I think that you are right that, "Construction of the highest quality/The pieces of the plan", is iambic.
staying bass on same note (especially root) actually gives freedom about what you plays above it, since you got a reference point and are "grounded". many techno and goa music does that. i feel like with that direct reference we recognize those scale changes or whatever weird you may play faster, which means the listener is more "forgiving" about disharmonic content and unexpected changes.
My music mentor just showed me your page and I am absolutely in love! Thank you so much for taking the time to dissect all of this. I love that you mentioned Massive Attack. I remember the NIN song "Find My Way" off of Hesitation Marks being in almost the same key as Massive Attack's "Teardrop." Always thought it would make a cool remix to mash them up. Thought your brain might appreciate those 2 comparisons as well! Thanks again 🙂
Terrific analysis to a great song! Like you implied, he’s pulling this all together instinctively by “feel” - but it’s extremely interesting to understand the theory behind why we experience the music the way we do. Thank you!!
Hey thank you so much! I'm hoping to start making some basic theory videos soon that are fun and bite sized for folks that want to follow along a little better but yeah it's really not necessary! Music is the universal language.
Another great video, ixi :-) I love this song, in an album which has been otherwise difficult for me to really embrace (it's a lot less layered, textured, and biting than historic NIN, especially in context of the references it makes to "the downward spiral"). I had trouble with "WITH_TEETH" at first, too, but I now love it... while I'm still at a bit of a distance with "hesitation marks". I think it's just a matter of having set up expectations with the visual design. Trent revisited the look and ideas of "the downward spiral" (which is why the artwork is by Russel Mills again, and the font is back to ... er.. "DINEngschrift??), but not the sound. I would have enjoyed a revisit to the sound, as well, but I know (and knew) that he tries very hard to NOT repeat himself. There are GREAT songs on "hesitation marks", such as this one (and I can relate to the song personally, from the angle of wanting to escape this awful house I live in, in an awful town, surrounded by noise and... etc., etc., et cetera...). I'd love to hear analysis from you of the rest of the album, eventually (I know, you've got a million requests). I think my favorite song on this album (among my all-time favorites) is "in two". That song kicks ass. There's something about the pitch slides in the chorus that make it so much more ... that organized chaos I love about NIN.
26:24 - I think a fading (in) guitar ramping up is used in every NIN project. You hear it panning from one side or another then, you just can't wait for it to hit you
One person did not like this video? Seriously? ok...Your knowledge is impressive. I saw the Hesitation Marks tour at the ACC in Toronto in 2013-great show and the last time I saw them-hope they come back next year.
This song is so powerful to me. Just found your channel and I'm so glad to find someone really getting into the guts of this great music. Just wanted to say thanks. ^_^
Been really enjoying all the videos and your passion has reignited my love for NIN. While other YT videos explain the song by breaking it down by instruments, you take it further by explaining the emotions behind certain notes and melodies which is truly unique.
8:32 i think it could be a subtle use of Vocoders. With certain vocoding tools, you can route certain parts and frequencies through it. If he ran the high end of his voice through a vocoder, that would explain the lack of high end and the F drone. Also, that freates the effect of an "Inverted Pedal Tone." Listen to the Interstellar theme by Hans Zimmer for another example of this technique and the effect it achieves.
I’ve always enjoyed NIN, and when Pretty Hate Machine was new my friends and I tried to wear out the CD! Down In It with its epic 808 drop. Find the rattles in your home or car!! And the last part of Ringfinger! What a simple but brutal riff. Fast forward and while I enjoyed them over the years, most of it was take it or leave it, with Year Zero and With Teeth stepping up the game immensely. Everything between those a PHM doesn’t matter to me. So as far as I was concerned, NIN had hit its apex. Then, on the odd moment that the radio was playing in my car, which is RARE, Came Back Haunted came on. What. The. Hell. I immediately went to iTunes and pre-ordered it. Wow. And the two opening songs aren’t even the best stuff. Find My Way, All Time Low, Satellite, Various, and In Two just make all of his previous work seem like stepping stones to that peak. What an album. And the VEVO live Tension tour video is almost like another release of new stuff, as many of the songs are reworked and Pino Palladino brings to slinky groove deeper and heavier than thou. Particularly All Time Low and Various often make me cry with both the joy of identification and the pain self-sorrow. I am not alone. We are not alone. And there’s a guy who helped us realize we aren’t completely crazy. Yes, there are others who feel similar, vindication is mine!! It’s amazing how much goes in within, yet the world without may not have a clue. When we look back after death we see it all so clearly. The others, no matter how close, will soon forget it all, detail by detail, revealing the dirth of real estate in each human soul. Not sad. Just true. Have empathy for that fact, be careful what we expect, as water always finds its level, no gesture exists without it’s antithesis. Neither matter nor energy can be made or consumed, only changed in form.
Definitely teach music theory! I would so watch the crap out of that. I am loving your videos, but I'm lost through most of them because I don't know music theory. I can still appreciate what you're saying, even if I don't fully understand it. :)
I'm working on a few things to make that happen! But, in the meantime, I'm starting to teach private Zooms and also have a plan for Patrons to take "group" classes that are really interactive and practical, like breaking down a song we all love.
I love that "I think I could..." more and more intense part of this song so much... and you know it's going to burst... soon... 4... 3... 2... 1... (ta da ta da) AAAAA! :-D Btw, my wifi hotspot is named "HesitationMarks". :-) (side note: there is "audiophile mastered version", it wasn't huge dynamic range difference from original but on good equipment should sound even better) Wishing good natural light for all future videos, ixi! Edit: Also, While I'm Still Here can be looped forever (end/start match perfectly), until you decide it's time to enter the Black Noise... (the most beautiful and terrifying musical picture of death I'm aware of)
by the way ! this video made me really enjoy the song, it was not one that i would have a good feeling about... but after changing my perspective of listening through this video i could eventually enjoy it. so thanks !
I've always loved this song...Thank You, Ixi!!!! I understand it better now...slowly, but surely, I'm learning music theory from you.! I am thankful you decided to do this. I have been fascinated with N.IN, Trent Reznor, a very long time. 💜💜💜
When you're singing it, it sounds like a scotch snap but I guess it depends on where you put the long note. But Adam Neely did a great video on Scotch Snaps (Lombard rythm) one short note followed by an elongated dotted note.
Great song, great video, thanks! Very elaborate and I interesting. Do you mean power chords when talking about the guitar in the chorus? I think bar chords typically also have 3rds. The bass staying in F most of the time reminds me of the concept of pedal points in classical music. Keep up the good work. I’m especially looking forward to your downward spiral analysis (the becoming!) 😁
I was told barre and power chords were the same thing but a little Google search shows you're correct. I meant power chords. Thanks! And YES pedal points, I was trying to think of the term for that. I've noticed this technique with the bass in lots of popular genres, and even my own compositions, and I want to learn more about it. Gosh I'm glad you commented! I'm planning to focus on TDS in the spring and I'm really beyond excited!
@@iximusic Glad I could help you with that term 😁 One more thing I love about that song is the change of rhythm in the last chorus. I think the last chorus consists of two parts rhythmically, it gets more “straight” in the last part of the chorus with most of the off beat toms missing. I think you could explain that better 😅
Yessss this song is great. I love your channel :) I’d love to eventually hear your thoughts on The Greater Good from Year Zero (or anything from that album honestly haha). I never understood it at first, but a year later I realized how many layers there are! Can’t wait to see the rest of the downward spiral videos.
His songs mean a lot to me and I love how passionate you look while breaking down his songs, I don't understand anything about music, so most of the video sounds like rubbish to me. I'm loving your videos because I get to see the technical side of it.
I know it’s a huge ask, but any of the D side of Hesitation Marks would be great in a breakdown. I can’t get over how immense and intense While I’m Still Here/Black Noise is.
I agree! I'm planning a Find My Way/While I'm Still Here/Black Noise video for someday! Could be a few months though; my priority is getting ready for a start to finish analysis of TDS. So stick with me! Thank you for tuning in :)
@@iximusic ha ha ha, that is a great reason to wait, and I'm more than happy to do so. I've only just be introduced to your channel, but I'm loving your NIN love :)
Yay. It's study day again! (immediately loads up Reason and looks up the Dorian scale) hah Immediate good catch with the drums/trip-hop, I recall the Thing Falling Apart album really pushing that style post Fragile. Yeah, also you're right on the kick etc, I believe it's very subtle 'hertas'. Good note on the drum fills and bass also, I believe there's a lot of gates being used with sample length, In the Redrum machine you can CV route the gate length through the Combinator to get those snaps and rattles, I often put the MiniMoog samples though it and use the Malestrom or Pulsar to control the gates, you get some rad percussive and electronic effects going. Same applies to the bass line, I'll often use an Analog Thor set to a very low sub frequency (79hz) and use the keyboard gate to open up the filter or shaper driver the the higher up the scale I go, Reason can struggle a bit and get a bit 'muddy' but you just have to EQ or Filter the sound to help clean it up. You're right in regards to the guitar, I've noticed Finck's heavy contribution is to bring in the mids when needed and his rhythm style is very much like a drum machine, he'll syncopate but throw in those 16ths in intervals to help move the track along and give it more swing. I think The Slip is a great example where he was allowed more freedom to open up and his guitar work does a lot of heavy lifting, especially when he adds in those 'bit-crusher' effects that really bring that NIN live sound. Very under-rated contributor to Trent's sound (perfect example of a Taurus/Scorpio partnership). Regarding when he uses 3's, 5's and 7's in his beats, I believe that you're right and it does stem from his prior substance use. A big problem if I recall from his talks about it was creative frustrations and trying to stay 'organic', you know yourself it can be hard to break out of patterns and just falling into repetitions of what works. So he uses this method to simulate that 'out of control' sensation but in a healthy manner. I believe David Bowie was fundamental in giving him the confidence to do this without alienating his fan base and all those other pressures. Regarding the transition into that 'live sound', the acoustic drums and opened up guitars etc, I believe that's another metaphor or 'reminder' that he can get the satisfaction or foundation to stay clean by just immersing himself in the 'live' sound. I think this relates back to the most recent EP collection which were very raw and designed to be as close to a live performance as possible. Finally I think the lack of a resolution is a trick he uses for himself, like this is a battle that he's going to have to live with for a long time so it's never going to be resolved at this point. But hey, what do I know. Oops, I wrote another essay. Sorry lol
You've got your barre and power chords mixed up. Barre chords do have the third and sometimes the seventh, and less often other extensions will sub one of these. Power chords are root, fifth, and sometimes octave.
I once read a review describing the vocal effect in the verses as sounding like he were singing through a cardboard tube. Now that you've mentioned that resonant harmonic in F, I'm wondering if what he did is EQed the high end with a downward curve, but putting spikes on the frequencies that correlate with the harmonics of F. I'm gonna have to test this out when I've got the chance!
hey ! to answer your question on "intended/non intended" it's probably subconsciously intended, Trent tries not to overanalyse his music too keep the music as honest as possible, and because he has nine years of classical music theory he basically speaks music... it's the most true for this album sources (2013) : ruclips.net/video/NWRst2jOhWs/видео.html from the Sound City documentary ruclips.net/video/EdKCVSBrV1I/видео.html from the Hesitation Marks bonus
Oooh I'll check out these videos! Yeah I agree with you there. When I'm writing music I'm not analyzing it. I might make intuitive choices based off my training and knowledge, but it's still my heart. I can analyze it afterward, but when it's pouring out, it just is what it is.
First time I listen to any song, I'm paying more attention to the vibe than the meaning of the words, and the first time I heard this, I thought the lyrics of the bridge were, "I think I could lose myself in you," and I thought it was this sort of mournful, romantic moment. Kinda made me sad when I realized the word is "here" and the song overall is about addiction. :P Like, I miss that romantic moment that never happened.
Joey, I'm the same way. And I know what you mean. For a long time I thought in "Every Day Is Exactly The Same" he was singing "I am still inside her". It never made sense to me, but "I am still inside here" doesn't have the same impact.
@@iximusic That's so funny! I have a completely different connection to "Every Day Is Exactly The Same", which allows for the lyric "I'm still inside here" to work really well. But again, probably not in line with what the song is actually about. It's funny how we can sometimes misunderstand better lyrics than what's actually in the song. So many examples of that throughout my life.
I've considered making an analysis of both While I'm Still Here and Find My Way, as I feel they are sister songs! But currently it's not a priority. We'll see!
@iximusic interesting you mention that I think those 2 were possibly the first 2 songs I loved on the album and that I thought they had a similar feel to them, however while im still here kept growing on me longer.
About the instrumentation in the bridge; I know Trent has a album credit for the dulcitone. I don't know if it's true or not, but think I read somewhere that there is a kolintong being played to accompany the dulcitone, which was likely an influence from his wife.
To me, the kick drum in this song is my favorite from the album. I've tried recreating it but when I do, I quickly realize "wait, I'm just trying to do that kick from Various Methods" :D I like the confusion at the beginning and how the beat comes in on the halfway point (or 3rd measure's fill) and the 1 gets reoriented with "LU" in "ha LU cinate." And the chorus instruments are so great and the outro is so cathartic with his voice and what he's saying. This was a sleeper on this album for me but I ended up loving it very much. I could speak it's praises all day.
Thank you for doing this. I have learned a lot so far from your channel. I have only "played" with flat III in Major scales. When doing these borrowings when working in a minor mode, are they still borrowed from the "parallel minor" like you would in a major? From what I can suss out on that bVI, it seems to replace the nasty lil dim with the sweet sweet Db from Aeoleon) . But then my assumption of what is going on breaks down with that bIII. In Dorian, They are both Ab (verifying, not explaining), except for that 11. Is it that 11 that makes the difference and why this is a bIII? (Warning: As you can probs tell, I have no education and am ignorant at best)
Ohhhhhhhh, snap wait. I think that 11 IS why you called it out specifically!!!! Is THIS that Major 3rd you have been talking about this whole time? If so I am so sorry, I really should have thought that through before trying to solicit free Music Theory Lessons. So I think my assumptions may be true about borrowing from the parallel minor (even in modes).
Modal harmony is a little different than functional harmony (major/minor scales) and I am admittedly also learning about their differences all the time! I'm applying functional harmony concepts to modal music, and more academic folks would probably say that's not allowed. But, I often do it anyway because I find that in many NIN songs, even though they're usually in a mode, the chords tend to function as they would in a major and minor scale. So I wanted to preface my comment with that. I'm not sure I'm following your question but I'm going to give it a shot! To ME, when a song has a strong natural 3 (major 3rd scale degree from the major scale) as most of Trent's music does, if he plays a ♭III chord, it functions like a borrowed chord from the parallel minor - again, in my experience. So you could say also that since this song has a natural 6 from the major scale, him playing the ♭VI sounds borrowed from the parallel minor. But he also loves writing in Mixolydian ♭6, so in a different song, the ♭VI would feel more native or "diatonic". Again, someone more academically inclined is going to read this comment some day and shoot me down! ;) But let me know if I was able to answer your question or not. When you say 11, could you be referring to the 2 chord (II)? Roman numerals definitely have limitations.
@@iximusic Oh no. I am sorry that is where my ignorance comes into play! by 11 I mean if I were to add an 11 to the Ab, something like Ab - C - Eb + C# (?). From what I can gather the difference between the III in Aeolean and the III in Dorain is that C#. But now I am realizing my folly in relating it to Major 3rd thing. When you are talking about that Major 3rd, I think you may be referring to the 3rd of the scale. hmmm. I think I am still lacking in my mental model, I am sorry. Let me watch it again and play closer attention to your hands. I am not asking the right questions.
@@iximusic Okay, I think I know my questions now. In Dorian would the bIII chord from minor be the same chord that resides in Dorian? What makes the difference, in this case, between bIII and III?
I can't believe my mind never registered "trip hop" for this song. I tend to listen to this entire album together (so hard not to!) so I guess I'm just well swept away by this point. :D
Yes I know exactly what you mean - I think it's because they are both reversed sounds but there is a thinness to them that feels similar. I should reverse the sample in Closer so I can listen to it "forwards" and see what I find...
@@iximusic something about this song reflects a lot of his old music. I feel like he did that on purpose, possibly to relate to his demons during his old work. Wouldn't doubt it. Trent has always done that
Easily this generations Beethoven or Chopin... Thanks for these breakdowns, it's only enhanced my love and enthusiasm for his music. Plus it reminds me of exactly how much of a novice I am when it comes to music knowledge and composition lol...
He's an amazing composer and I think that fact was a bit overshadowed by the heavy production until later in his career, and of course now that the's an accomplished film scorer. Well it's never too late to learn! I've got some lessons and tutorials up my sleeve :)
@@iximusic well lol, fair enough... I don't have a single reason to disagree with your point... (well no reasonable reason I should say lol), but yes I will browse through more of your channels when I get home. Thanks for the "nudge"... much appreciated. P.S. in the social network, their scoring of that made the music literally palpable... just intense and good.
@@iximusic Consider adding the live version (from And All That Could Have Been) into interpretation as a bonus. 🤙🏼 I appreciate the studio version, but damn, that biiiig riff in the live... 👌🏼😩😆
@@iximusic I don't even know if I can properly say that F is my favourite note. It's a weird thing to me to explain, for some reason... I recognise it in songs and I can say 'Aww I like that one.' but I mean, I love all music, especially NiN... and obviously it's even better when it's used in other notes to create a song. Maybe it's the only one I recognise properly so I'm drawn to it?
Honoring her father's legacy and paving her own way, this is the love child Trent Reznor and Tori Amos never got to have because of Courtney Love's meddling.
Yeah this was honestly the least favorite of all of the songs on that album, immediately. I was not looking for that sort of funk out of him. It just felt too pure funk rather than his style of dark creepy sort of electro-funk. At least it was more interesting overall than Satellite, IMHO. It also took me forever to even move past TDS, sooo. YMMV. I find that the more I listen to albums as they get a little older, the less they bother me. IDK why I get like this.
Oop, looks like you already watched this video ;) I can get that. We all have different stylistic preferences. PHM was a bit too 80s for my taste, for example! But I'm the same way, I feel more accepting of things and music as I get older.
The filtering on the vocals you're talking about around 9:00 is possibly a filter bank, where the resonance is pitched. Something like this, maybe: www.ohmforce.com/quad-frohmage Hah, they have Trent on their page for that filter... I don't know that he used that plugin in this specific case, though (that blurb is from quite some years ago).
Just found this channel today, I've been a NIN fan since the cassette single of sin was released and gifted to me when I was a teenager...I've some binge watching of your channel coming for sure. Thank you for all this hard work.
YES, this is my favorite song from Hesitation Marks!
It's so good. What do you think of "In Two"?
@@iximusic In Two is another really good one! Those two and All Time Low are absolute staples in all of my NIN playlists!
@@iximusic The bridge of "In Two" is a brilliant exercise in contrast. The filter drops out the low end, the song suddenly becomes so distant, and that little guitar pattern is deceptively simple, repeating until the song swells back in and then explodes back into the outro with the return of the drums. Amazing.
CORRECTIONS: "#6" is a "natural 6" - and I should be saying "flat 3" or "major flat 3" not "flat major 3". Sorry y'all, got into some weird habits with my notation. // I meant to say "power chord" instead of "barre chord". Power chord is (to my understanding) the root, 5th and octave, while a barre chord does have a 3rd. But correctcorrect me if I'm wrong!
I think the effect producing the F note value on his voice is a vocoder. Likely he’s playing a sustained F on a synth and his voice is modulating it over a 32 band (Or similar) EQ. Love your channel and you have my admiration and full support. Keep up the quality work.
Your channel is AWESOME. Trent and Atticus are geniuses and it's so cool to hear someone talk about the technical qualities of their music. 👍🏼👍🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Btw, the effect on his voice could be a ring modulator or simply a phase filter with the resonance all the way up and manually adjusted to a specific frequency that tonally equates to the sound of a specific note? I've done this with my music.
I love the part where he sings softly "I think I could lose myself in here" its like a light glass percussion and then what sounds like a a bell maybe a xylophone? Hmmm and just string plucking. He uses string plucking on other songs. Plus its interesting and stood out to me on this album on the song While I'm Still Here theres a little Spanish guitar in the breakdown.
I agree there's really nothing else like that bridge! Oooh I'm not sure I've heard the Spanish guitar in "While I'm Still Here"! That sounds really intriguing...thanks for the tip :)
@@iximusic and While I'm still here has that cool wobbly bass! And ticking and clicking percussive sounds. Its just all wonderful. I could talk to you for days about this fun stuff!!!
It almost reminded me of Mr. Self Destruct. Which is almost a thematic parallel where one is about diving further into addiction and the other is about trying to leave it.
You were linked last couple videos on the r/NIN I instantly binged everything and have been impatiently waiting for more. Keep this going, you rule buddy!
Hey thank you so much! I'm stoked to be making bingeworthy videos. Woo!
Just found this channel today, I've been a NIN fan since the cassette single of sin was released and gifted to me when I was a teenager...I've some binge watching of your channel coming for sure. Thank you for all this hard work.
8:33 I think it’s a vocoder and a tube filter. The vocoder seems like it’s only partially in the mix that’s why you can still make out the humanity in Trent’s voice. It actually makes a lot of sense in the context of the song too.
I love dissecting Trent's works on my own, and I always seem to find more and more layers with each listen. Your videos always highlight something I've missed!
Thank you for all of these analysis videos.
Same here, just when I think I've heard it all...and it doesn't ever stop! Do you ever find that when you hear a song performed live you hear totally new things? For example, I went on and oonnnn in my video about "Just Like You Imagined" about how the first chord is very dissonant and yada yada and once I watched a live performance, it was obvious that they start with the minor triad and then change to the inverted major chord after 3 strums. Oops. And yet, I can still choose to hear it how I always have. It's funny how sometimes our expectations shape our perceptions. Anyway, glad you are hear! I mean, here!
@@iximusic I do this with guitarists all of the time. Their choice to play certain chords in unconventional ways can make the entire song come to life, or completely fall flat when played with standard chord shapes. It's incredibly rewarding when discovering those subtle secrets.
This is like if Year Zero and The Fragile had a baby (especially the bridge). Which is great, because The Fragile is my personal favorite.
I can hear it! 🙌
Let me just say, I absolutely love your videos and appreciate you making these detailed analyses of Nine Inch Nails songs! I can tell that you are not only knowledgeable from a pure theory perspective, but also a deep appreciation and attention to music. I am an aspiring musician and your videos are incredibly useful for understanding the theory aspects that Trent implements in his music. I would absolutely love if you were to do a video focusing on chord progressions, finding what works, and modal flavor. You rock! Keep up the dope work!
Thank you Zach, that's amazing feedback and you described me to a T. So glad you're getting something out of the videos. I do plan to make some purely theory videos like you mentioned, especially modes and chord function. I just have to sort some things out so I can make more videos throughout the week. I'm going to start teaching private lessons over Zoom, so if you ever want to try that, just let me know!
@@iximusic That's awesome to hear ixi! I would definitely be interested in private lessons and it would be really great to have you as an instructor! What is the best way to contact you for setting up zoom meetings?
to me, the NIN sound [when it comes to describing it] has been solidified thanks to this album:
it's menacing, it's foreboding, but it also has it's light and hopeful moments and times where it's just Vibing though the menacing sound will still reside in many different variations
also it has electronic 'cause signature sound
I love this channel so hard! It’s given me an appreciation of NIN that’s ...even deeper. See what I did there?
Ahaaa you know I love me some puns!
You knows it’s the truth and not a....terrible lie lol
Ixi what you did there!
Hope these replies were just like you imagined...
I do.. 😃 very punny
The final "why'd you have to make it so hard" sung in a low, almost defeated register after the previous falsetto versions of the chorus is just so... perfect.
Please do "And all that could have been." Please and thank you.
I'm totally in love with this channel. Around 8:50 you talk about how it sounds like he's singing F even when he isn't. I'm not totally sure, but I would wager Trent put his vocal track through a band pass filter. This probably also gives it that lofi kinda sound too.
For people who are interested in sound design: synths often run sounds through filters. Three common ones are low-pass filters (only let low frequencies through, which takes out all the high frequencies), high-pass (kinda does the opposite. Let's you hear only high frequencies, and no low frequencies), and band pass (which eliminates some highs and some lows). But you can set the cutoff points where these cuts happen. So if he sets the band to about 350Hz (just like tuning a piano's A4 note to 440Hz) no matter what sound goes through the filter, an F4's fundamental frequency would be emphasized.
Just thought I'd throw my two cents in for some of the synthy sound design stuff. I really love learning about the theory behind the harmonies Trent uses!
Keep up the great work! I can't wait to see a video on Heresy and Reptile :)
Do you think if he just boosted the 350 Hz range would that have the same effect? Or would he have to cut a lot on either end? It does sound pretty thin. Very cool, thank you!
@@iximusic I definitely think the 350 Hz range is emphasized. After listening to it again, maybe it's actually a resonant high pass filter that he tuned to an F? That would give it that thin quality, and would explain the boost around 350 Hz. It's hard to tell (for me anyway, maybe studio engineers can) if he EQ'd it like that in the box, or ran it through some hardware. Maybe a combo of both? Either way, it's a super cool effect!
This is one of my favorite songs of all time, this was so interesting to watch!
Such a good track, so underrated. I'm glad you got something out of the video!
@@iximusic I did! I like Massive Attack a lot as well, and I never drew that connection before you did, which probably explains why I like them both so much lol
im drunk
and right now i am awe of you
i respect your intelligence and sensitivity
Can’t get enough of this channel
I just discovered your channel by searching for NIN lyrics. 🙂 I really like that you seem to enjoy NIN as much as i do. It feels like no one in my environment is able to see or hear the genius of Trent and the depths of his compositions. Thank you for your great taste in music and your efforts to dig deeper into these artists minds! ❤️
I don't really know much if anything about music theory but somehow you still manage to make it interesting, I'm really enjoying your content
GREAT, I love hearing that! Something for everyone :) Thank you for tuning in - more to come!
I really like this channel because it's something I've always wanted, but didn't know I wanted it. I love each of these songs and have spent many hours with them, and yet I never thought of them this way. It's really wonderful.
I'm not a linguist, but I think that you are right that, "Construction of the highest quality/The pieces of the plan", is iambic.
Love your breakdowns! NIN is one of my favorite bands, and you really point out why. Thank you! :)
staying bass on same note (especially root) actually gives freedom about what you plays above it, since you got a reference point and are "grounded". many techno and goa music does that. i feel like with that direct reference we recognize those scale changes or whatever weird you may play faster, which means the listener is more "forgiving" about disharmonic content and unexpected changes.
You exemplify the curiosity, passion and intelligence of the greatest music teachers I've had.
best youtube channel to pop up for me in a long time! appreciate the work your doing
My music mentor just showed me your page and I am absolutely in love! Thank you so much for taking the time to dissect all of this. I love that you mentioned Massive Attack. I remember the NIN song "Find My Way" off of Hesitation Marks being in almost the same key as Massive Attack's "Teardrop." Always thought it would make a cool remix to mash them up. Thought your brain might appreciate those 2 comparisons as well! Thanks again 🙂
You're so into it. Been watching your videos. Great stuff
Good one ixi. One of my favorite tracks from Hesitation Marks. Loved everything from the swing, groove, melody, lyrics.
YES it's so good! Another groovy one I enjoy is All Time Low. I think that's possibly...the grooviest.
Terrific analysis to a great song! Like you implied, he’s pulling this all together instinctively by “feel” - but it’s extremely interesting to understand the theory behind why we experience the music the way we do. Thank you!!
Exactly!
I understand very little of what you say but I love your videos! You highlight lots of patterns in nine inch nails music I hadn’t noticed.
Hey thank you so much! I'm hoping to start making some basic theory videos soon that are fun and bite sized for folks that want to follow along a little better but yeah it's really not necessary! Music is the universal language.
@@iximusic I would definitely be interested in basic music theory.
Another great video, ixi :-) I love this song, in an album which has been otherwise difficult for me to really embrace (it's a lot less layered, textured, and biting than historic NIN, especially in context of the references it makes to "the downward spiral").
I had trouble with "WITH_TEETH" at first, too, but I now love it... while I'm still at a bit of a distance with "hesitation marks". I think it's just a matter of having set up expectations with the visual design. Trent revisited the look and ideas of "the downward spiral" (which is why the artwork is by Russel Mills again, and the font is back to ... er.. "DINEngschrift??), but not the sound. I would have enjoyed a revisit to the sound, as well, but I know (and knew) that he tries very hard to NOT repeat himself.
There are GREAT songs on "hesitation marks", such as this one (and I can relate to the song personally, from the angle of wanting to escape this awful house I live in, in an awful town, surrounded by noise and... etc., etc., et cetera...). I'd love to hear analysis from you of the rest of the album, eventually (I know, you've got a million requests). I think my favorite song on this album (among my all-time favorites) is "in two". That song kicks ass. There's something about the pitch slides in the chorus that make it so much more ... that organized chaos I love about NIN.
tHE CONSEQUENCE IT's hELL tO pLAY lIVE OR IT NEED TO BE REARRANGED GREAT VIDEO!
26:24 - I think a fading (in) guitar ramping up is used in every NIN project. You hear it panning from one side or another then, you just can't wait for it to hit you
ahhh panning. So fully encompassing. Nice catch! And yeah the anticipation is so exciting right?
How awesome would it be if Trent watched these videos? Just sitting there like “Damn, I didn’t think of it like that.”☺️
One person did not like this video? Seriously? ok...Your knowledge is impressive. I saw the Hesitation Marks tour at the ACC in Toronto in 2013-great show and the last time I saw them-hope they come back next year.
The chorus of this song hits so hard for me, I love it so much.
This song is so powerful to me. Just found your channel and I'm so glad to find someone really getting into the guts of this great music. Just wanted to say thanks. ^_^
Been really enjoying all the videos and your passion has reignited my love for NIN. While other YT videos explain the song by breaking it down by instruments, you take it further by explaining the emotions behind certain notes and melodies which is truly unique.
8:32 i think it could be a subtle use of Vocoders. With certain vocoding tools, you can route certain parts and frequencies through it. If he ran the high end of his voice through a vocoder, that would explain the lack of high end and the F drone. Also, that freates the effect of an "Inverted Pedal Tone." Listen to the Interstellar theme by Hans Zimmer for another example of this technique and the effect it achieves.
I’ve always enjoyed NIN, and when Pretty Hate Machine was new my friends and I tried to wear out the CD! Down In It with its epic 808 drop. Find the rattles in your home or car!! And the last part of Ringfinger! What a simple but brutal riff. Fast forward and while I enjoyed them over the years, most of it was take it or leave it, with Year Zero and With Teeth stepping up the game immensely. Everything between those a PHM doesn’t matter to me. So as far as I was concerned, NIN had hit its apex. Then, on the odd moment that the radio was playing in my car, which is RARE, Came Back Haunted came on. What. The. Hell. I immediately went to iTunes and pre-ordered it. Wow. And the two opening songs aren’t even the best stuff. Find My Way, All Time Low, Satellite, Various, and In Two just make all of his previous work seem like stepping stones to that peak. What an album. And the VEVO live Tension tour video is almost like another release of new stuff, as many of the songs are reworked and Pino Palladino brings to slinky groove deeper and heavier than thou. Particularly All Time Low and Various often make me cry with both the joy of identification and the pain self-sorrow. I am not alone. We are not alone. And there’s a guy who helped us realize we aren’t completely crazy. Yes, there are others who feel similar, vindication is mine!! It’s amazing how much goes in within, yet the world without may not have a clue. When we look back after death we see it all so clearly. The others, no matter how close, will soon forget it all, detail by detail, revealing the dirth of real estate in each human soul. Not sad. Just true. Have empathy for that fact, be careful what we expect, as water always finds its level, no gesture exists without it’s antithesis. Neither matter nor energy can be made or consumed, only changed in form.
Definitely teach music theory! I would so watch the crap out of that.
I am loving your videos, but I'm lost through most of them because I don't know music theory. I can still appreciate what you're saying, even if I don't fully understand it. :)
I'm working on a few things to make that happen! But, in the meantime, I'm starting to teach private Zooms and also have a plan for Patrons to take "group" classes that are really interactive and practical, like breaking down a song we all love.
Wow! That was cool! Thank you for all the insight!
this is like in my top 3 NIN song
This is one of my favorite NIN songs right now
Isn't it amazing? Some seriously underrated gems on that album.
@@iximusic totally! I keep going to back to Hesitation Marks. I love the vibe
I love that "I think I could..." more and more intense part of this song so much... and you know it's going to burst... soon... 4... 3... 2... 1... (ta da ta da) AAAAA! :-D
Btw, my wifi hotspot is named "HesitationMarks". :-)
(side note: there is "audiophile mastered version", it wasn't huge dynamic range difference from original but on good equipment should sound even better)
Wishing good natural light for all future videos, ixi!
Edit: Also, While I'm Still Here can be looped forever (end/start match perfectly), until you decide it's time to enter the Black Noise... (the most beautiful and terrifying musical picture of death I'm aware of)
by the way ! this video made me really enjoy the song, it was not one that i would have a good feeling about... but after changing my perspective of listening through this video i could eventually enjoy it. so thanks !
That's rad! 🙌
I've always loved this song...Thank You, Ixi!!!! I understand it better now...slowly, but surely, I'm learning music theory from you.! I am thankful you decided to do this. I have been fascinated with N.IN, Trent Reznor, a very long time. 💜💜💜
When you're singing it, it sounds like a scotch snap but I guess it depends on where you put the long note. But Adam Neely did a great video on Scotch Snaps (Lombard rythm) one short note followed by an elongated dotted note.
Great song, great video, thanks! Very elaborate and I interesting.
Do you mean power chords when talking about the guitar in the chorus? I think bar chords typically also have 3rds.
The bass staying in F most of the time reminds me of the concept of pedal points in classical music.
Keep up the good work. I’m especially looking forward to your downward spiral analysis (the becoming!) 😁
I was told barre and power chords were the same thing but a little Google search shows you're correct. I meant power chords. Thanks!
And YES pedal points, I was trying to think of the term for that. I've noticed this technique with the bass in lots of popular genres, and even my own compositions, and I want to learn more about it. Gosh I'm glad you commented!
I'm planning to focus on TDS in the spring and I'm really beyond excited!
@@iximusic Glad I could help you with that term 😁 One more thing I love about that song is the change of rhythm in the last chorus. I think the last chorus consists of two parts rhythmically, it gets more “straight” in the last part of the chorus with most of the off beat toms missing. I think you could explain that better 😅
Hesitation Marks was the first NIN álbum I bought right at release and I LOVE IT to guts!
Heck yes! It's a great album. What are some of your favorites off it?
I think I could lose myself in here
Yessss this song is great. I love your channel :) I’d love to eventually hear your thoughts on The Greater Good from Year Zero (or anything from that album honestly haha). I never understood it at first, but a year later I realized how many layers there are! Can’t wait to see the rest of the downward spiral videos.
Definitely more Year Zero analyses coming at some point!
🎵 What I like about those chords! 🎵
His songs mean a lot to me and I love how passionate you look while breaking down his songs, I don't understand anything about music, so most of the video sounds like rubbish to me. I'm loving your videos because I get to see the technical side of it.
I know it’s a huge ask, but any of the D side of Hesitation Marks would be great in a breakdown. I can’t get over how immense and intense While I’m Still Here/Black Noise is.
I agree! I'm planning a Find My Way/While I'm Still Here/Black Noise video for someday! Could be a few months though; my priority is getting ready for a start to finish analysis of TDS. So stick with me! Thank you for tuning in :)
@@iximusic ha ha ha, that is a great reason to wait, and I'm more than happy to do so. I've only just be introduced to your channel, but I'm loving your NIN love :)
ive got to let go
ive got to get straight
why'd you have to make it so hard?
let me get away
>3 😔🥺
I think I could lose myself in here
trent is just so god dam wholesome!! +1 for TRENT
Excellent analysis ;)
Fantastic interpretation! 🤝👏🏼😄 Such a good song❣️
Thank you!
Ugh yes, thank you for this, what a wonderful song
Yay. It's study day again! (immediately loads up Reason and looks up the Dorian scale) hah
Immediate good catch with the drums/trip-hop, I recall the Thing Falling Apart album really pushing that style post Fragile. Yeah, also you're right on the kick etc, I believe it's very subtle 'hertas'.
Good note on the drum fills and bass also, I believe there's a lot of gates being used with sample length, In the Redrum machine you can CV route the gate length through the Combinator to get those snaps and rattles, I often put the MiniMoog samples though it and use the Malestrom or Pulsar to control the gates, you get some rad percussive and electronic effects going.
Same applies to the bass line, I'll often use an Analog Thor set to a very low sub frequency (79hz) and use the keyboard gate to open up the filter or shaper driver the the higher up the scale I go, Reason can struggle a bit and get a bit 'muddy' but you just have to EQ or Filter the sound to help clean it up.
You're right in regards to the guitar, I've noticed Finck's heavy contribution is to bring in the mids when needed and his rhythm style is very much like a drum machine, he'll syncopate but throw in those 16ths in intervals to help move the track along and give it more swing. I think The Slip is a great example where he was allowed more freedom to open up and his guitar work does a lot of heavy lifting, especially when he adds in those 'bit-crusher' effects that really bring that NIN live sound. Very under-rated contributor to Trent's sound (perfect example of a Taurus/Scorpio partnership).
Regarding when he uses 3's, 5's and 7's in his beats, I believe that you're right and it does stem from his prior substance use. A big problem if I recall from his talks about it was creative frustrations and trying to stay 'organic', you know yourself it can be hard to break out of patterns and just falling into repetitions of what works. So he uses this method to simulate that 'out of control' sensation but in a healthy manner. I believe David Bowie was fundamental in giving him the confidence to do this without alienating his fan base and all those other pressures. Regarding the transition into that 'live sound', the acoustic drums and opened up guitars etc, I believe that's another metaphor or 'reminder' that he can get the satisfaction or foundation to stay clean by just immersing himself in the 'live' sound. I think this relates back to the most recent EP collection which were very raw and designed to be as close to a live performance as possible.
Finally I think the lack of a resolution is a trick he uses for himself, like this is a battle that he's going to have to live with for a long time so it's never going to be resolved at this point. But hey, what do I know.
Oops, I wrote another essay. Sorry lol
How was your Dorian adventure?
@@iximusic Terrible haha. Nah, I managed to pull together a piece and played it last night at the show. Went down pretty well.
The most famous Hi Hat on the off beat in the music history?
Closer.
Haha! Also somehow the most famous kick and snare too!
sooo epic and fantastic!!!!
wtf i love this channel lol time to binge
right on! Don't forget to take water breaks ;) 🙌
Is there a cover of the song alone? This is a good analysis of a great song from a great album! I love your take on it!
You've got your barre and power chords mixed up. Barre chords do have the third and sometimes the seventh, and less often other extensions will sub one of these. Power chords are root, fifth, and sometimes octave.
Thanks!
Definitely well described. The verses vocal effect sound lo-fi
Yeah must be a low pass filter or something. But also some distortion I think?
@@iximusic hmm yea. Could be. I was about to say chorus effect but I dont think sooooo. Hmmm
Such a great video! Of that album I think the track Running is a pretty interesting work of Reznor. :)
Running is so strange and I'd love to analyze it!
I once read a review describing the vocal effect in the verses as sounding like he were singing through a cardboard tube. Now that you've mentioned that resonant harmonic in F, I'm wondering if what he did is EQed the high end with a downward curve, but putting spikes on the frequencies that correlate with the harmonics of F. I'm gonna have to test this out when I've got the chance!
That's a really good description. Like the way a PVC pipe sounds when you hit it. Please report back with your findings 🙃
hey ! to answer your question on "intended/non intended" it's probably subconsciously intended, Trent tries not to overanalyse his music too keep the music as honest as possible, and because he has nine years of classical music theory he basically speaks music... it's the most true for this album
sources (2013) :
ruclips.net/video/NWRst2jOhWs/видео.html from the Sound City documentary
ruclips.net/video/EdKCVSBrV1I/видео.html from the Hesitation Marks bonus
Oooh I'll check out these videos!
Yeah I agree with you there. When I'm writing music I'm not analyzing it. I might make intuitive choices based off my training and knowledge, but it's still my heart. I can analyze it afterward, but when it's pouring out, it just is what it is.
You covered everything, and then you covered "Everything".
It’s really just a variation (or maybe it’s the other way around) of ‘Find My Way’ at least in the beginning.
Lots of amazing references within this album. Find My Way/While I'm Still Here
17:49 Ninth Inch Nails (....what i lack in wit i make up for in enthusiasm)
👏
First time I listen to any song, I'm paying more attention to the vibe than the meaning of the words, and the first time I heard this, I thought the lyrics of the bridge were, "I think I could lose myself in you," and I thought it was this sort of mournful, romantic moment. Kinda made me sad when I realized the word is "here" and the song overall is about addiction. :P Like, I miss that romantic moment that never happened.
Joey, I'm the same way. And I know what you mean. For a long time I thought in "Every Day Is Exactly The Same" he was singing "I am still inside her". It never made sense to me, but "I am still inside here" doesn't have the same impact.
@@iximusic That's so funny! I have a completely different connection to "Every Day Is Exactly The Same", which allows for the lyric "I'm still inside here" to work really well. But again, probably not in line with what the song is actually about. It's funny how we can sometimes misunderstand better lyrics than what's actually in the song. So many examples of that throughout my life.
This song is so good
It's very Mezzanine
This song and while im still here are my 2 faves from this album.. did you ever consider making an analysis of while I'm still here?
I've considered making an analysis of both While I'm Still Here and Find My Way, as I feel they are sister songs! But currently it's not a priority. We'll see!
@iximusic interesting you mention that I think those 2 were possibly the first 2 songs I loved on the album and that I thought they had a similar feel to them, however while im still here kept growing on me longer.
About the instrumentation in the bridge; I know Trent has a album credit for the dulcitone. I don't know if it's true or not, but think I read somewhere that there is a kolintong being played to accompany the dulcitone, which was likely an influence from his wife.
Ah, so cool.
To me, the kick drum in this song is my favorite from the album. I've tried recreating it but when I do, I quickly realize "wait, I'm just trying to do that kick from Various Methods" :D
I like the confusion at the beginning and how the beat comes in on the halfway point (or 3rd measure's fill) and the 1 gets reoriented with "LU" in "ha LU cinate."
And the chorus instruments are so great and the outro is so cathartic with his voice and what he's saying. This was a sleeper on this album for me but I ended up loving it very much. I could speak it's praises all day.
Thank you for doing this. I have learned a lot so far from your channel. I have only "played" with flat III in Major scales. When doing these borrowings when working in a minor mode, are they still borrowed from the "parallel minor" like you would in a major? From what I can suss out on that bVI, it seems to replace the nasty lil dim with the sweet sweet Db from Aeoleon) . But then my assumption of what is going on breaks down with that bIII. In Dorian, They are both Ab (verifying, not explaining), except for that 11. Is it that 11 that makes the difference and why this is a bIII?
(Warning: As you can probs tell, I have no education and am ignorant at best)
Ohhhhhhhh, snap wait. I think that 11 IS why you called it out specifically!!!! Is THIS that Major 3rd you have been talking about this whole time? If so I am so sorry, I really should have thought that through before trying to solicit free Music Theory Lessons. So I think my assumptions may be true about borrowing from the parallel minor (even in modes).
Modal harmony is a little different than functional harmony (major/minor scales) and I am admittedly also learning about their differences all the time! I'm applying functional harmony concepts to modal music, and more academic folks would probably say that's not allowed. But, I often do it anyway because I find that in many NIN songs, even though they're usually in a mode, the chords tend to function as they would in a major and minor scale. So I wanted to preface my comment with that.
I'm not sure I'm following your question but I'm going to give it a shot! To ME, when a song has a strong natural 3 (major 3rd scale degree from the major scale) as most of Trent's music does, if he plays a ♭III chord, it functions like a borrowed chord from the parallel minor - again, in my experience. So you could say also that since this song has a natural 6 from the major scale, him playing the ♭VI sounds borrowed from the parallel minor. But he also loves writing in Mixolydian ♭6, so in a different song, the ♭VI would feel more native or "diatonic". Again, someone more academically inclined is going to read this comment some day and shoot me down! ;) But let me know if I was able to answer your question or not.
When you say 11, could you be referring to the 2 chord (II)? Roman numerals definitely have limitations.
@@iximusic Oh no. I am sorry that is where my ignorance comes into play! by 11 I mean if I were to add an 11 to the Ab, something like Ab - C - Eb + C# (?). From what I can gather the difference between the III in Aeolean and the III in Dorain is that C#. But now I am realizing my folly in relating it to Major 3rd thing. When you are talking about that Major 3rd, I think you may be referring to the 3rd of the scale. hmmm. I think I am still lacking in my mental model, I am sorry. Let me watch it again and play closer attention to your hands. I am not asking the right questions.
@@iximusic Okay, I think I know my questions now. In Dorian would the bIII chord from minor be the same chord that resides in Dorian? What makes the difference, in this case, between bIII and III?
Just a wonderful track! Standout from this album imho
I can't believe my mind never registered "trip hop" for this song. I tend to listen to this entire album together (so hard not to!) so I guess I'm just well swept away by this point. :D
It didn't register for me either until I really thought about it. But it does kind of make sense!
woah! great selection 😃
You really know your 'Nails :)
My guess on the effect on the vocals is some kind of resonating reverb where you can dial in the resonant frequency, like tube or string reverb.
Right exactly, it sounds like a strong resonance! What's string reverb?
Thanks I love Nine Inch Nails, saludos 🇻🇪
Me too! Thank you for tuning in.
@9:45 the "spider webs" reminds of a sound played in closer.
Wonder if they're related?
Yes I know exactly what you mean - I think it's because they are both reversed sounds but there is a thinness to them that feels similar. I should reverse the sample in Closer so I can listen to it "forwards" and see what I find...
@@iximusic something about this song reflects a lot of his old music. I feel like he did that on purpose, possibly to relate to his demons during his old work. Wouldn't doubt it. Trent has always done that
If you're ever in the mood to expand on that I'd love to hear more! I appreciate how he references his other work across albums.
Easily this generations Beethoven or Chopin... Thanks for these breakdowns, it's only enhanced my love and enthusiasm for his music. Plus it reminds me of exactly how much of a novice I am when it comes to music knowledge and composition lol...
He's an amazing composer and I think that fact was a bit overshadowed by the heavy production until later in his career, and of course now that the's an accomplished film scorer.
Well it's never too late to learn! I've got some lessons and tutorials up my sleeve :)
@@iximusic well lol, fair enough... I don't have a single reason to disagree with your point... (well no reasonable reason I should say lol), but yes I will browse through more of your channels when I get home. Thanks for the "nudge"... much appreciated.
P.S. in the social network, their scoring of that made the music literally palpable... just intense and good.
🐐
Please Ix I need a mark has been made
Yes, thank you! I have that one planned for March.
@@iximusic Consider adding the live version (from And All That Could Have Been) into interpretation as a bonus. 🤙🏼 I appreciate the studio version, but damn, that biiiig riff in the live... 👌🏼😩😆
I think Trent loves F... it's also my favourite note.
Why is F your favorite? :)
@@iximusic I don't even know if I can properly say that F is my favourite note. It's a weird thing to me to explain, for some reason... I recognise it in songs and I can say 'Aww I like that one.' but I mean, I love all music, especially NiN... and obviously it's even better when it's used in other notes to create a song. Maybe it's the only one I recognise properly so I'm drawn to it?
Honoring her father's legacy and paving her own way, this is the love child Trent Reznor and Tori Amos never got to have because of Courtney Love's meddling.
Also, this channel is absolutely my new favorite. I just smile all throughout it saying of course of course of course yes!
😂 🙌
Well thanks for exchanging smiles with me! Love these comments 😁
The guitars on this always reminds me of dead souls... are they similar? Or is it in my head? Lol
Would the syncopated rhythm be an example of the Scotch Snap?
A lot like "with teeth" oh love to hear a breakdown of in this twilight?
At some point!
Reminds me of that Phantogram song slowed down a little.
Which one? I really like their album "Three."
I’m guessing you mean “Black Out Days”. Good call, never thought of the similarities before.
I dont think hes talking to the drugs, hes talking to himeslf_
Fair! :)
@@iximusic great job!
I'm totally blasting"varioumethods" now
I like the track Find My Way of HM, could analyse please? 😉🤟
I love that track! I will analyze it at some point, stay tuned!
@@iximusic since I found your channel, I'm always tuned. You rock, Ixi.
Yeah this was honestly the least favorite of all of the songs on that album, immediately. I was not looking for that sort of funk out of him. It just felt too pure funk rather than his style of dark creepy sort of electro-funk. At least it was more interesting overall than Satellite, IMHO. It also took me forever to even move past TDS, sooo. YMMV. I find that the more I listen to albums as they get a little older, the less they bother me. IDK why I get like this.
Oop, looks like you already watched this video ;) I can get that. We all have different stylistic preferences. PHM was a bit too 80s for my taste, for example! But I'm the same way, I feel more accepting of things and music as I get older.
F!
F yeah!
The filtering on the vocals you're talking about around 9:00 is possibly a filter bank, where the resonance is pitched. Something like this, maybe: www.ohmforce.com/quad-frohmage Hah, they have Trent on their page for that filter... I don't know that he used that plugin in this specific case, though (that blurb is from quite some years ago).
Just found this channel today, I've been a NIN fan since the cassette single of sin was released and gifted to me when I was a teenager...I've some binge watching of your channel coming for sure. Thank you for all this hard work.