I wonder how this is going to work out for you - the WORST thing for me over the last 2 years was "finding a new workflow" when my gear changed, so I expect your "new simple life" to be quite horrible. I also think you'll discover that no matter how many cables you have, you're always missing the right one. But I guess you'll do another video "I hate my new studio" to let us know 😂
bro you're lucky, I had to move from a house I was renting for 16 years, i was told I could rent it forever but then something bizarre happened with the owner and I had to suddenly leave,. So now I'm living year to year on 12 month leases in expensive apartments I don't like, but cannot be choosy, as there is a very hardcore housing crisis where i am, and I'm spending 2/3 of my income just on rent. So if it goes up anymore or I'm forced to move again I will literally be made homeless and have to live in my car with my dog, my synths and my daughter. I'm 59 and have no house I own and no wealth or family to rely on. I'm desperate just to find somewhere to be able sleep take care of my daughter and dog and well my synths, its becoming harder and harder to just keep hold of them. Be grateful for what you have cause it can be taken away in an instant.
In the middle of the video where you talk about these work areas and how you set them up - this is so key. People don’t realize just how much things like this affect their output. Most of us work. You’re tired. But you are trying. You sit down to create. Resistance in the system makes it less likely you will make something. Having things set up in the right way actually produces more music. Objectively. I’ve rearranged my studio recently and seen what a dramatic change happened in the way I create. It’s something to keep at until it feels right for you. Good stuff. Good luck on the move!
this video offers more value than you know. it made my day. good luck in your new studio. i constantly battle between having GAS because i love technology and i love different musical instruments. at the end of the day, i always come back to the creative process. i want to make music, not be a collector. it can be easy to forget that.
The algorithm just showed me a video of a guy moving onto a boat to live - and talking about all the unused space he had in his house, and how a boat has all the space you need - with the problem solving of how to live in such little space. And now you are downsizing and being forced to problem solve your studio in so much less space... And I am still wanting to put a studio together in my house and start creating again... And I am old, and found that creating with a hardware sequencer was so much faster and immediate compared with putting a computer in the flow... but the possibilities with the computer are endless. So many things to think about. I'm glad you've shared these thoughts with us. Thanks!
I found creating with a sequencer so much faster as well. Computers bog me down too much but maybe I’m not as well versed with my chosen DAW than I should be even tho’ I’ve been using it for two decades.
"This isn't the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning" - someone wiser than me. I'm also really glad you're not leaving the channel - the title/thumbnail had me worried for a second. I really enjoy your content and your point of view on composition and creation. I think you're absolutely allowed to be sentimental when it comes to a space like that - I know I would be. And while you seem to already have a good view to the silver lining(s) of this move, one other thing I'll note is I'm often more creative when I'm constrained. Whether it's breaking a guitar string and being forced to play in a different way than I'm used to, using someone else's gear/setup, or having to store some of your favorite synths, being forced to step outside the norm has always helped me see new things, and also rethink and/or re-appreciate my old ways when I get back to them. Good luck with the move!
It's a moment many a serious musician faces in life, and I appreciate you taking the time to make a video about it and let it be real. I've struggled with understanding that getting where you wanna go means leaving where you are; but in the end you do get something great out of it (the thing you actually wanted anyway). I'm excited to see what comes next for you!
I totally get that feeling of disruption when you have to change things around. In the latest iteration of my studio I've tried really hard to NOT do that and it's really helped. All my synths are in the same place, with the same midi channels, feeding the same channels on my mixer. Now when I turn everything on it feels familiar rather than trying to remember what I changed last time. Now I'm much more satisfied with the sounds I'm making. Good luck with your move, looking forward to what you do with your new spaces - especially if you get to design a new one from scratch.
I just moved from a crammed junk room to a room with enough space to actually lay out without having to rearrange everything every time I want to use different gear. It's amazing. I feel like a huge mental fog has lifted. I also cut down a lot on gear. My setup isn't minimal but it's no longer choice paralysis overload. Feel the frustration! Absolutely agree with Cranston as a fellow chaotic creative.
My studio got packed down 7 years ago and I don’t know when it’ll be set up again. Relocating isn’t a big thing, I’ve done it several times before and my studio got better and better with every move. I love your channel, I value your conversation with us and I can’t wait to see your new studio. Please do videos on the whole process, I’m sure there are many here who can learn from you and I for one, would enjoy watching the process.
This is transition - we're with you on this - thank you for being honest to the artists who understand the emotion involved. Brian Cranston's words were excellent. Whew...at first I thought you were stopping - noooo! Enjoy the process friend, eyes on that backyard studio - enjoy planning out the look & fill up a folder with some reference photos of inspiration. That dream WILL happen.
I really feel for you. I hate moving, particulary with loads of computer and audio equipment which almost never seems to survive unscathed. I've recently just this year set up my studio and I don't plan on having to do it again! Once you have everything placed ergonomically and your workflow is as good as you can get it, having to do violence to that setup is really painful. Good luck with your move and here's to a positive change and good things in the New Year!
Good luck, and enjoy setting up your new space! I've had the same room for the last 15 or so years, but I've recreated it many times. I always hate the teardown, boxing if needed, etc. but setting up the new space from scratch is always a fun experience (at least once the basics are in place).
Hey man hang in and chin up and all this sorts of things. I just lost my job of ten years, no layoff, they did me dirty. Waiting on unemployment, trying to keep the roof up and lights on and standing in food bank lines all this sort of stuff. I have had to sell off most of my small collection of gear. If things get really out of hand my office room / music den will be rented to a college student. I came to this expecting a far darker mood/news. SO GRATEFUL YOU ARE GOING TO STILL HAVE A SPACE AND YOUR STUFF!
Same here, on both accounts: I like to rely on pretty defined and expected routines, it is enough saying that I am a perfectionist. I also review my tools every couple of years, and I'm working on "minimize" all the "distraction" options (instruments). Best of luck with the new space and future studio. Stay safe.
I think you've hit it on the head, the tactile synth idea is great but takes effort, which I have found to be a massive challenge in connectivity etc etc. wishing you the best on your move and your next chapter of great thoughts and music, Love ya mate Cheers
A studio build advice that has been gold for me: if you build with natural wood and rockwool, allowing no drywall and no OBS or laminated wood unless maybe for beams and other load bearing components and of course follow all guidelines regarding dimensions and glass and whatnot, you will end up with a room where bass buildup isn’t much of an issue. I had no issue at all with that until I later stupidly covered the walls with loam (or is it called adobe in English?) to try and better the humidity issue from living by a lake. Not I’m faced with either taking much of the somewhat expensive loam off the walls and throwing it away, or spending even more on a massive amount of bass traps. Natural, non-glue wood, whether it’s a log cabin or like I did with two 1 & 1/2 thick tongue and groove walls with six inches of pulp isolation between them and three inches of rock wool on the outside, the initial extra cost might be more than negated by little to no acoustic treatment
You can have an almost infinite amount of hardware, only for some Johnny Walker to do it better than you using his DAW alone. Do you remember Jean-Michel Jarre? He had so much hardware, you could probably shout in his attic and get bored while awaiting for your own echo. So, he had so much, that in order to avoid cables, he had to use a Theremin and laser harp. Yet Darude only had one synth and didn't even know how to use it properly, and what do you know.
I feel you man. It's been years that I started buiding my own space and with a really small budjet so eveything moves slowly, just thinking of saving for a proper desk, so I calculated that I could maybe acquire it on 7 months or so.. to get forward. It requires much discipline, but thats life! Just have to remember that waiting something new can teach you and be worth much more than you think...
Such a great decision for a hundred reasons. Your assimilation of so many complex systems in a short space of time is mind blowing. When you talk about distractions it makes that achievement even more impressive. In my former life, during the tech explosion that happened in the late 80s and early 90, when the facility of presets and people selling patches meant that the magnificence of FM, sampling, wavetable and almost everything since, got demoted from musical instrument to sound generated and nobody developed a real relationship with any of them as musicians would and the more sounds a box could make the less likely we would stick with one patch long enough for one to really learn to sing with it. So, for you to be making music with the Iridium for example and talking about it's limitless expressive potential and wanting to really get to grips with that among a whole group of other complex sound generators, not to mention modular, it is truly admirable that you had to dedication and discipline to focus in on the music that is the whole point and not, like me, playing trainsets. I really hope you can sustain your momentum when you start work on your Man cave studio because the planning ajd execution of that project will be super distracting. I know I couldn't . I probably never will have a dedicated space because my butterfly mind would not permit me to focus on that goal for long enough. Bon voyage. Can't wait for an update.
100% The only reason no one in my house deals with me is because I get up at 3 am to start work. Absolutely every thing has to be in order.Its a bit much, but its the only way I can possibly write for 4 to 12 hours a day. Its…….. a lot sometimes. Love the channel.
The real annoying part about dismantling and moving a studio (if you have even a moderate amount of hardware) is the ridiculous number of cables and power adapters etc. that you have to deal with!
When I'm building a studio, I want to have it in a similar way as you. I want to be able to put a synth in front of me and plug it in. And it should just work.
Best of luck with the move and the newest chapter of life. I'm so glad its not the end of the channel. I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
i understand OCD (I suspect I'm undiagnosed) so not to minimize its impact, but I'm excited for you. I think you'll still create great music and present your great insights as you always have done.
I was not able to unpack and rewire the studio for 7 months after we moved. Despite the new space is beatiful, I was literally scared about all potential failures (3 full patchbays), new drivers, installation, etc - I switched my laptop on top of that. It killed my creativity for a long time. Thanks God, it´s gone, but this kind of crisis is real. Take care!
I’ve been thinking about why you said about making a space conducive to creating quite a bit lately. It’s so easy to skimp on basics while dropping a ton on gear. Like you I have to take time out to make the space work better. Good luck with the move, looking forward to the next year with you going through all the courses. :)
I'm in a similar situation, moved to a smaller bedroom temporarily before getting my own space sorted next year. The stations idea can work in a new place too - drums/bass/guitar stations have had to get shoved into nooks in other rooms. Bigger keyboard synths, most guitars & amps have had to be stored. But since I moved, what I've settled on is keeping the desktop synths and effects pedals, to hand on shelves and in drawers. I only have enough space to work with one or two guitars, one bass, two small keyboards in this room, both small (Grandmother & Take 5), and can swop in and out one module, and 6-8 effects pedals for whatever project I want to work on. Amp heads only, with load boxes, no amp cabs. But that can work. Losing having a good mixing position for speakers is maybe the biggest compromise, plus no acoustic treatment. I'm hoping I can squeeze in my master keyboard against a wall, if I get one of those K&M three tier keyboards stands. That could free up desk space, moving the Take 5 onto that, to get the studio monitors in a useable enough spot for basic mix checking. John Cage was similar to how you describe yourself in his life too, extremely ordered. So he could let chaos reign in his art.
Sounds like Cranston was riffing on Flaubert, “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.” Good luck on your move, feeling good about the possibilities!
I’ve had to go through this a few times. Here’s a few things that might help you with your anxiety about the move. 1. You make the music. Your gear does not. 2. While not offering the tactile experience of hardware, software has really improved and in some cases have exceeded hardware quality and ability. Do some very precise analysis of hardware vs. software and see what you hardware you can do without. 3. A lot can fit into a small room. I’ve got 10 synths and 5 guitars in a tiny loft space. Rack gear and desktop modules will work wonders for maintaining capabilities in a reduced space. Yes, not everything has a desktop module or rack form, but there’s a ton of great stuff that does. Good luck.
Oh man, troubleshooting for hours only to learn that there was one faulty cable somewhere along the line sums up like 90% of my learning process so far.
Moving stinks, but things tend to be easier the second time. As you plan your new studio, with all the lessons learned over the years in that space, you’ll be able to make the new space just that much better. With the transition space, you’ll be able to appreciate the new space just that much more. While in the service I had to move all over the place for years. It was always hard (moving stinks), but looking back I’m grateful for all the places I got to see, and I have an appreciation for times that are unadventurous. Every time you go somewhere new, you gain a new perspective. This is almost always a good thing-even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. Good luck to you, sir! Looking forward to seeing you broadcast from new spaces.
Really enjoyed this video. I had to downsize/streamline my studio due to an intentional move to a smaller space to save money. It is the 5th iteration of my home studio. I will always remember the first space and what was made there, as well as the peak of GAS. I want to share some insights: #1. I know exactly what you are talking about regarding OCD, disruption of routine, and finding flow state. For many years I suspected OCD, but recently I have wondered if it is slight Asperger's spectrum based on the fact that all I want to do is focus on one particular esoteric corner of the world and nothing else. A symptom you may want to look into is "pathological demand avoidance", or PDA, which doesn't necessarily mean one successfully avoids demands, but that demands and interruptions have the ability to disproportionally throw one off, and that there is disproportionate reaction of high anxiety, frustration, or dysregulation that accompanies them. Anyway, the system that enabled having everything at the ready for me was a mixer. Started with Cubase (which I love), but eventually switched to Ableton Live (which I love more), and initially wanted a system that would work for live looping. All instruments go into the mixer, and in most cases are routed to a single stereo output, which goes to a single 1/2 stereo input of interface. 8 tracks within the DAW are pre-set to that same 1/2 input. This allows to record a track with a particular instrument, then simply arm the next track within DAW and immediately play a different instrument. If the instrument is not a mic and has low noise floor, can leave it unmuted on the mixer, otherwise just mute the previous instrument on the mixer, and unmute the next instrument and you are good to go. Some mics may hit a nice preamp prior to mixer, other instruments are using mixer pre's. Though initially made for live looping, and despite multiple preamp stages and even two A/D D/A conversions due to the digital mixer and interface, I found that the sound quality I was getting was excellent, and so use it as the general studio system now.
I am in the process of renovating my studio. My gear is all in storage besides a few pieces. I have a small temporary setup in my bedroom currently. This small setup is making me rethink all the gear in my studio. I am having more fun with an octatrack, a syntakt and one synth than I had with my entire studio. I am seriously considering buying some shelves for gear storage and continue in the newly renovated studio with minimal gear hooked up that can be changed out for other gear on the fly.
The end of an era! I would imagine this is already on your video idea list, but I'd be very curious about which pieces you decide to put in storage and which to bring into the spare bedroom and why--whatever the reasons are. I find it helpful when musicians talk about their gear in ways that don't just boil down to what the specs are, you know?
I bought much gear this year and I am not unhappy with what I bought, but I have to admit that it isn’t “solving” anything and isn’t helping with writing music, at the end of last year I had all the gear I needed to write music. Lets see if I can buy entirely nothing in 2025.
There appears to be a growing trend away from gear to more simple setups similar to what happened in the late 90s when people started to get rid of their hardware in favour of software synths and computers. The main thing is to be able to express yourself in the moment instead of having to find the right cable or whatever is in the way between you and your inspiration. What's next - laptop jams?! Interesting times
Man, I was really scarred. I thought with the title of this video you were going completely DAW and getting rid of all your synthesizers. I see that you have Waldorf Iridium desktop and Iridium Keys. I'm actually contemplating that myself. By far, the Iridium is my favorite synthesizer. The only thing it's seriously lacking is a good step sequencer.
I think separation of work and discovery is fundamental. Work should be based upon consolidated protocols: basically tools (like synths, devices) that have been tested and work well to serve your process. No work should depend on new devices that, at first, seem promising, but have a bunch of bottlenecks that need to be addressed. Thats the time for Discovery processes, that will pan out all the troubleshoots and hiccups that one might face during a work session, where you dont want to be interrupted by these hiccups. Good luck on your move and new studio!
Perhaps I’m rare but I don’t (currently) have GAS! I’m aware that the limitation on my music is ME not my hardware or software. I run Reaper on a 2006 Dell Pentium D PC, which does have limits, but not serious ones. A lot of virtual instruments do still run on it though I have to freeze tracks a lot to make progress. A lot of RUclips music producers do say in their videos that limitations or self-imposed constraints can be useful - including JNJ, whose advice I trust.
Don’t worry, many of us producers have had to downsize because of the past few years. I had a space like that till 2020. As for me, it’s forced me to have a mobile set up with a good set of m20x. And with this set up I’m actually putting out more music because it’s convenient
Hey Jameson, I am building a physical space that I am leasing starting early 2025, way up North , Yukon. You're welcome to jam or co create there, I am offering my space on a sliding scale $50 -$500 , to produce, co create, and yes will often be free to anyone starting, much like I have started alone 3 years ago. I gave up on this when I was 19/20, not now.
Don't mean to pry ~ and don't know if you addressed this on a different video.... But I am curious as to Why you are moving the studio, and where you are moving it to... I have heard nightmare stories of rental spaces (Homes and commercial) that were converted into a functioning studio, but - when the owner/landlord decides to sell, re-rent, terminate lease, etc... The studio is then gone, and one must start again... I am in a position where as I NEED a space (I had a school band room for 2 decades, - retired from teaching - then had a retail store for 1 decade - sold that biz/building)... Now everything I own (a LOT), is in 2 storage units for over a year - while I decide what to do/where to go)... My decision is to Build my own studio - from the ground up - in my backyard - about a 650 sq.ft. 'pro level' recording studio... which has become a significant investment!... But it is All Mine!... That is my story, and I am sticking to it! All the Best with your move... will certainly be following... Would Love to see the move in & set up process step by step - if you were planning to document that... BTW ~ Love your channel!... As a retired "Old Fart" - attempting to become musically "successful" at this late age, you are one of my inspirations and motivations... Thanks!!
with you. re: disruption - always have a list of different types of jobs. Then, when a piece of equipment is out of action, you already have other things you can work on. This is probably easier when you aren't relying heavily on synths. I can just do some experimenting on acoustic guitar if I can't use any electronics.
1st world problems. People are ending up on the streets or living in their cars these days. Sentiment is a luxury. You have more options than many. Plenty of people address the downside of hardware. It’s worth it to hardware users. It isn’t to plugin users.
After many studios moved in .. um .. it’s kind of over 50 years of that now. Wow. Anyway. You’re going to end up with spare cables looking at them going “how is this possible?”
Look into a mini-split for cooling/heating if you haven't already. Quieter, more efficient, and much less expensive than an HVAC. That's the direction I'm leaning currently.
Jameson your a very nice man ,, but what I am seeing happen is people that used to be in bands and tour and put on live shows ,,, they are becoming a no multi tracking studio like in the days past ,, they arte not going on tour ,, they are staying home and playing music and Live streaming ,,,there music ,,,as a solo band in a box or even more a one man band not a DJ , but real playing music drums Loopers and keyboards and guitars ,, and singing ,,,its the future of music people will not need no one but them self and play alone doing everything them self and I have heard some very very talented one man bands on youtube that never leave there creative space and its live no stop and over dub but Live ,,,and its working people are loving it ,,,
Good luck with the move. Though the thumbnail is just clickbait, I'm sure you understand that if you'd said "I'm moving" instead of "I'm leaving" it would come across differently (albeit accurately). I encourage you to exercise dignity.
Hardware is pure luxury. I love hardware, you love hardware, we all love hardware... but let’s be honest: we could do everything "in the box" with just a laptop and a controller. With so many incredible plugins available today, it’s getting harder to justify buying new hardware synths. Sure, hardware makes things more fun, but as you said, it also makes everything more complicated-and expensive. Loading a plugin takes two seconds. No cables, no hassle, and you can apply the same FX to ten channels at once. Plus, you can buy ten VSTs, and your wife will never even know. I love the idea of creating anything I want with just my MacBook and a controller, wherever I am. It frees my music from relying on specific hardware and puts creativity and ideas first. But let’s face it: we all have GAS. Case in point-I bought a Polybrute 12 last week... Good luck with the move and the new space! Can't wait for the "I built a studio in my backyard" video!
The most important concepts I use every day to write my own music for free➡bit.ly/FREEcompositionguide
I wonder how this is going to work out for you - the WORST thing for me over the last 2 years was "finding a new workflow" when my gear changed, so I expect your "new simple life" to be quite horrible. I also think you'll discover that no matter how many cables you have, you're always missing the right one. But I guess you'll do another video "I hate my new studio" to let us know 😂
bro you're lucky, I had to move from a house I was renting for 16 years, i was told I could rent it forever but then something bizarre happened with the owner and I had to suddenly leave,. So now I'm living year to year on 12 month leases in expensive apartments I don't like, but cannot be choosy, as there is a very hardcore housing crisis where i am, and I'm spending 2/3 of my income just on rent. So if it goes up anymore or I'm forced to move again I will literally be made homeless and have to live in my car with my dog, my synths and my daughter. I'm 59 and have no house I own and no wealth or family to rely on. I'm desperate just to find somewhere to be able sleep take care of my daughter and dog and well my synths, its becoming harder and harder to just keep hold of them. Be grateful for what you have cause it can be taken away in an instant.
I am very sorry for the struggle you're going through. May you find a stable, safe, and affordable place to live soon.
Sounds like UK to me.
@@anreoil Australia actually..
@@fiddlestickzmuzik France indeed
In the middle of the video where you talk about these work areas and how you set them up - this is so key. People don’t realize just how much things like this affect their output. Most of us work. You’re tired. But you are trying. You sit down to create. Resistance in the system makes it less likely you will make something. Having things set up in the right way actually produces more music. Objectively. I’ve rearranged my studio recently and seen what a dramatic change happened in the way I create. It’s something to keep at until it feels right for you. Good stuff. Good luck on the move!
this video offers more value than you know. it made my day. good luck in your new studio.
i constantly battle between having GAS because i love technology and i love different musical instruments. at the end of the day, i always come back to the creative process. i want to make music, not be a collector. it can be easy to forget that.
Thank you, and yes, completely agree.
You're a legend! It's always bitter-sweet leaving a well loved creative space behind, but I'm excited for what you have cooking up in the future!
Enjoyed this one. Good luck moving to your new space, and getting the smaller room set up the way you need it.
Good luck on the move. I hope to see more videos from you soon. Your videos and your guide has helped with how I think about music. I appreciate you.
Thank you, that means a lot!
The algorithm just showed me a video of a guy moving onto a boat to live - and talking about all the unused space he had in his house, and how a boat has all the space you need - with the problem solving of how to live in such little space.
And now you are downsizing and being forced to problem solve your studio in so much less space...
And I am still wanting to put a studio together in my house and start creating again...
And I am old, and found that creating with a hardware sequencer was so much faster and immediate compared with putting a computer in the flow... but the possibilities with the computer are endless.
So many things to think about. I'm glad you've shared these thoughts with us. Thanks!
I found creating with a sequencer so much faster as well. Computers bog me down too much but maybe I’m not as well versed with my chosen DAW than I should be even tho’ I’ve been using it for two decades.
"This isn't the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning" - someone wiser than me.
I'm also really glad you're not leaving the channel - the title/thumbnail had me worried for a second. I really enjoy your content and your point of view on composition and creation. I think you're absolutely allowed to be sentimental when it comes to a space like that - I know I would be. And while you seem to already have a good view to the silver lining(s) of this move, one other thing I'll note is I'm often more creative when I'm constrained. Whether it's breaking a guitar string and being forced to play in a different way than I'm used to, using someone else's gear/setup, or having to store some of your favorite synths, being forced to step outside the norm has always helped me see new things, and also rethink and/or re-appreciate my old ways when I get back to them.
Good luck with the move!
It's a moment many a serious musician faces in life, and I appreciate you taking the time to make a video about it and let it be real. I've struggled with understanding that getting where you wanna go means leaving where you are; but in the end you do get something great out of it (the thing you actually wanted anyway). I'm excited to see what comes next for you!
I totally get that feeling of disruption when you have to change things around. In the latest iteration of my studio I've tried really hard to NOT do that and it's really helped. All my synths are in the same place, with the same midi channels, feeding the same channels on my mixer. Now when I turn everything on it feels familiar rather than trying to remember what I changed last time. Now I'm much more satisfied with the sounds I'm making. Good luck with your move, looking forward to what you do with your new spaces - especially if you get to design a new one from scratch.
I just moved from a crammed junk room to a room with enough space to actually lay out without having to rearrange everything every time I want to use different gear. It's amazing. I feel like a huge mental fog has lifted. I also cut down a lot on gear. My setup isn't minimal but it's no longer choice paralysis overload. Feel the frustration! Absolutely agree with Cranston as a fellow chaotic creative.
My studio got packed down 7 years ago and I don’t know when it’ll be set up again. Relocating isn’t a big thing, I’ve done it several times before and my studio got better and better with every move. I love your channel, I value your conversation with us and I can’t wait to see your new studio. Please do videos on the whole process, I’m sure there are many here who can learn from you and I for one, would enjoy watching the process.
This is transition - we're with you on this - thank you for being honest to the artists who understand the emotion involved. Brian Cranston's words were excellent. Whew...at first I thought you were stopping - noooo! Enjoy the process friend, eyes on that backyard studio - enjoy planning out the look & fill up a folder with some reference photos of inspiration. That dream WILL happen.
It always looked like a really good space to work in. Looking forward to seeing the next one!
I really feel for you. I hate moving, particulary with loads of computer and audio equipment which almost never seems to survive unscathed. I've recently just this year set up my studio and I don't plan on having to do it again! Once you have everything placed ergonomically and your workflow is as good as you can get it, having to do violence to that setup is really painful.
Good luck with your move and here's to a positive change and good things in the New Year!
Turn the page! Good luck with moving dude. You're an inspiration.
Good luck with the move! I hope it opens new oppertutiend for you.
Good luck, and enjoy setting up your new space! I've had the same room for the last 15 or so years, but I've recreated it many times. I always hate the teardown, boxing if needed, etc. but setting up the new space from scratch is always a fun experience (at least once the basics are in place).
Hey man hang in and chin up and all this sorts of things. I just lost my job of ten years, no layoff, they did me dirty. Waiting on unemployment, trying to keep the roof up and lights on and standing in food bank lines all this sort of stuff. I have had to sell off most of my small collection of gear. If things get really out of hand my office room / music den will be rented to a college student.
I came to this expecting a far darker mood/news. SO GRATEFUL YOU ARE GOING TO STILL HAVE A SPACE AND YOUR STUFF!
Ah man that sucks. I hope things pick up soon!
@ of course - life be like this all good!
Same here, on both accounts: I like to rely on pretty defined and expected routines, it is enough saying that I am a perfectionist. I also review my tools every couple of years, and I'm working on "minimize" all the "distraction" options (instruments).
Best of luck with the new space and future studio. Stay safe.
I think you've hit it on the head, the tactile synth idea is great but takes effort, which I have found to be a massive challenge in connectivity etc etc. wishing you the best on your move and your next chapter of great thoughts and music, Love ya mate Cheers
You should probably sell the iridium for a few weeks and buy it back later.
They're called pawn shops
10/10 lore-filled comment
Good luck with your move! I think you are correct, the move and eventually a new studio will lead to growth.
A studio build advice that has been gold for me: if you build with natural wood and rockwool, allowing no drywall and no OBS or laminated wood unless maybe for beams and other load bearing components and of course follow all guidelines regarding dimensions and glass and whatnot, you will end up with a room where bass buildup isn’t much of an issue. I had no issue at all with that until I later stupidly covered the walls with loam (or is it called adobe in English?) to try and better the humidity issue from living by a lake.
Not I’m faced with either taking much of the somewhat expensive loam off the walls and throwing it away, or spending even more on a massive amount of bass traps.
Natural, non-glue wood, whether it’s a log cabin or like I did with two 1 & 1/2 thick tongue and groove walls with six inches of pulp isolation between them and three inches of rock wool on the outside, the initial extra cost might be more than negated by little to no acoustic treatment
Saying goodbye to a familiar space is tough. Hang in there. New memories are on the horizon.
Best of luck on your moves. Looking forward to seeing your interim and future spaces.
You can have an almost infinite amount of hardware, only for some Johnny Walker to do it better than you using his DAW alone. Do you remember Jean-Michel Jarre? He had so much hardware, you could probably shout in his attic and get bored while awaiting for your own echo. So, he had so much, that in order to avoid cables, he had to use a Theremin and laser harp. Yet Darude only had one synth and didn't even know how to use it properly, and what do you know.
I feel you man. It's been years that I started buiding my own space and with a really small budjet so eveything moves slowly, just thinking of saving for a proper desk, so I calculated that I could maybe acquire it on 7 months or so.. to get forward. It requires much discipline, but thats life! Just have to remember that waiting something new can teach you and be worth much more than you think...
Such a great decision for a hundred reasons.
Your assimilation of so many complex systems in a short space of time is mind blowing. When you talk about distractions it makes that achievement even more impressive.
In my former life, during the tech explosion that happened in the late 80s and early 90, when the facility of presets and people selling patches meant that the magnificence of FM, sampling, wavetable and almost everything since, got demoted from musical instrument to sound generated and nobody developed a real relationship with any of them as musicians would and the more sounds a box could make the less likely we would stick with one patch long enough for one to really learn to sing with it. So, for you to be making music with the Iridium for example and talking about it's limitless expressive potential and wanting to really get to grips with that among a whole group of other complex sound generators, not to mention modular, it is truly admirable that you had to dedication and discipline to focus in on the music that is the whole point and not, like me, playing trainsets.
I really hope you can sustain your momentum when you start work on your Man cave studio because the planning ajd execution of that project will be super distracting. I know I couldn't . I probably never will have a dedicated space because my butterfly mind would not permit me to focus on that goal for long enough. Bon voyage. Can't wait for an update.
I'm currently in that "I want to make songs, but I don't know how to use the software" cycle and it's driving me nuts.
Wow! This could have been a positive, uplifting video. You made it so depressing... Smh 🫤
100% The only reason no one in my house deals with me is because I get up at 3 am to start work. Absolutely every thing has to be in order.Its a bit much, but its the only way I can possibly write for 4 to 12 hours a day. Its…….. a lot sometimes. Love the channel.
Without hardship there's no resolve. Without resolve there's no drive. Without drive there is no result.
The real annoying part about dismantling and moving a studio (if you have even a moderate amount of hardware) is the ridiculous number of cables and power adapters etc. that you have to deal with!
I'm really enjoying the direction your channel is taking. Look forward to seeing more
Thank you!
Best of luck with the move, and I hope your smaller space will be inspiring until you have your bigger studio.
When I'm building a studio, I want to have it in a similar way as you. I want to be able to put a synth in front of me and plug it in. And it should just work.
I felt so connected with your words. Facing almost the same aspects of “journey”. Love it. Thanks.
Best of luck to you!
Excited for your next chapter ! Thanks for sharing.
I always appreciate your articulate communication in your videos, and sharing your perspective.
Thank you so much!
Best of luck with the move and the newest chapter of life. I'm so glad its not the end of the channel. I wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Thank you, and likewise!
That’s exciting! This is good news man. hope moving goes as smoothly as it can lol
'Attachment is the root of all suffering' 😇
If there are room for the shorts, it’ll be ok. Safe moving.
i understand OCD (I suspect I'm undiagnosed) so not to minimize its impact, but I'm excited for you. I think you'll still create great music and present your great insights as you always have done.
change can always be a new source of inspiration. Enjoy your new journey.
Bigger better things in the future 🤘🏼 look forward to it
I was not able to unpack and rewire the studio for 7 months after we moved. Despite the new space is beatiful, I was literally scared about all potential failures (3 full patchbays), new drivers, installation, etc - I switched my laptop on top of that. It killed my creativity for a long time. Thanks God, it´s gone, but this kind of crisis is real. Take care!
Ah man, I completely get it. No fun, but necessary sometimes. Glad you got it back up and running.
I’ve been thinking about why you said about making a space conducive to creating quite a bit lately. It’s so easy to skimp on basics while dropping a ton on gear. Like you I have to take time out to make the space work better.
Good luck with the move, looking forward to the next year with you going through all the courses. :)
I'm in a similar situation, moved to a smaller bedroom temporarily before getting my own space sorted next year. The stations idea can work in a new place too - drums/bass/guitar stations have had to get shoved into nooks in other rooms. Bigger keyboard synths, most guitars & amps have had to be stored. But since I moved, what I've settled on is keeping the desktop synths and effects pedals, to hand on shelves and in drawers. I only have enough space to work with one or two guitars, one bass, two small keyboards in this room, both small (Grandmother & Take 5), and can swop in and out one module, and 6-8 effects pedals for whatever project I want to work on. Amp heads only, with load boxes, no amp cabs. But that can work. Losing having a good mixing position for speakers is maybe the biggest compromise, plus no acoustic treatment. I'm hoping I can squeeze in my master keyboard against a wall, if I get one of those K&M three tier keyboards stands. That could free up desk space, moving the Take 5 onto that, to get the studio monitors in a useable enough spot for basic mix checking. John Cage was similar to how you describe yourself in his life too, extremely ordered. So he could let chaos reign in his art.
Beautiful. All the best for your new beginnings.
Sounds like Cranston was riffing on Flaubert, “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.”
Good luck on your move, feeling good about the possibilities!
I’ve had to go through this a few times. Here’s a few things that might help you with your anxiety about the move.
1. You make the music. Your gear does not.
2. While not offering the tactile experience of hardware, software has really improved and in some cases have exceeded hardware quality and ability. Do some very precise analysis of hardware vs. software and see what you hardware you can do without.
3. A lot can fit into a small room. I’ve got 10 synths and 5 guitars in a tiny loft space. Rack gear and desktop modules will work wonders for maintaining capabilities in a reduced space. Yes, not everything has a desktop module or rack form, but there’s a ton of great stuff that does.
Good luck.
Oh man, troubleshooting for hours only to learn that there was one faulty cable somewhere along the line sums up like 90% of my learning process so far.
You had me at "pretty grumpy". Resonate!
Goodbye old place. Hello new space!
Looking very very forward to the process of building the new studio and of course to the new studio itself.
Will be a long and winding road I'm sure!
I know exactly how you feel :) I was going through the same half a year and I love my new space
Congrats! That's awesome
Moving stinks, but things tend to be easier the second time. As you plan your new studio, with all the lessons learned over the years in that space, you’ll be able to make the new space just that much better. With the transition space, you’ll be able to appreciate the new space just that much more.
While in the service I had to move all over the place for years. It was always hard (moving stinks), but looking back I’m grateful for all the places I got to see, and I have an appreciation for times that are unadventurous.
Every time you go somewhere new, you gain a new perspective. This is almost always a good thing-even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
Good luck to you, sir! Looking forward to seeing you broadcast from new spaces.
Exit stage left. Loved that ending.
Really enjoyed this video. I had to downsize/streamline my studio due to an intentional move to a smaller space to save money. It is the 5th iteration of my home studio. I will always remember the first space and what was made there, as well as the peak of GAS. I want to share some insights: #1. I know exactly what you are talking about regarding OCD, disruption of routine, and finding flow state. For many years I suspected OCD, but recently I have wondered if it is slight Asperger's spectrum based on the fact that all I want to do is focus on one particular esoteric corner of the world and nothing else. A symptom you may want to look into is "pathological demand avoidance", or PDA, which doesn't necessarily mean one successfully avoids demands, but that demands and interruptions have the ability to disproportionally throw one off, and that there is disproportionate reaction of high anxiety, frustration, or dysregulation that accompanies them. Anyway, the system that enabled having everything at the ready for me was a mixer. Started with Cubase (which I love), but eventually switched to Ableton Live (which I love more), and initially wanted a system that would work for live looping. All instruments go into the mixer, and in most cases are routed to a single stereo output, which goes to a single 1/2 stereo input of interface. 8 tracks within the DAW are pre-set to that same 1/2 input. This allows to record a track with a particular instrument, then simply arm the next track within DAW and immediately play a different instrument. If the instrument is not a mic and has low noise floor, can leave it unmuted on the mixer, otherwise just mute the previous instrument on the mixer, and unmute the next instrument and you are good to go. Some mics may hit a nice preamp prior to mixer, other instruments are using mixer pre's. Though initially made for live looping, and despite multiple preamp stages and even two A/D D/A conversions due to the digital mixer and interface, I found that the sound quality I was getting was excellent, and so use it as the general studio system now.
Space is so important
I am in the process of renovating my studio. My gear is all in storage besides a few pieces. I have a small temporary setup in my bedroom currently. This small setup is making me rethink all the gear in my studio. I am having more fun with an octatrack, a syntakt and one synth than I had with my entire studio. I am seriously considering buying some shelves for gear storage and continue in the newly renovated studio with minimal gear hooked up that can be changed out for other gear on the fly.
Enjoy new space building
I can relate, I hope your move is smooth.
Who knows, the change of space might change the way you compose. We will see 🙂
The end of an era! I would imagine this is already on your video idea list, but I'd be very curious about which pieces you decide to put in storage and which to bring into the spare bedroom and why--whatever the reasons are. I find it helpful when musicians talk about their gear in ways that don't just boil down to what the specs are, you know?
Might have something along those lines in the works...
@ Excellent!
I bought much gear this year and I am not unhappy with what I bought, but I have to admit that it isn’t “solving” anything and isn’t helping with writing music, at the end of last year I had all the gear I needed to write music. Lets see if I can buy entirely nothing in 2025.
Enjoyed watching your journey. All the best for your future!! See you on the other side.
There appears to be a growing trend away from gear to more simple setups similar to what happened in the late 90s when people started to get rid of their hardware in favour of software synths and computers. The main thing is to be able to express yourself in the moment instead of having to find the right cable or whatever is in the way between you and your inspiration. What's next - laptop jams?! Interesting times
Nothing wrong with being sentimental. I wish you the best in your new space!
Thank you!
Man, I was really scarred. I thought with the title of this video you were going completely DAW and getting rid of all your synthesizers.
I see that you have Waldorf Iridium desktop and Iridium Keys. I'm actually contemplating that myself. By far, the Iridium is my favorite synthesizer. The only thing it's seriously lacking is a good step sequencer.
Haha not yet! I actually sold the desktop version, so I just upgraded to the keyboard version for the poly aftertouch. Both are great synths though.
Both congratulations and condolences (moving is... well). I look forward to what the future brings!
Haha that pretty much sums up my feelings on it
I think separation of work and discovery is fundamental. Work should be based upon consolidated protocols: basically tools (like synths, devices) that have been tested and work well to serve your process. No work should depend on new devices that, at first, seem promising, but have a bunch of bottlenecks that need to be addressed. Thats the time for Discovery processes, that will pan out all the troubleshoots and hiccups that one might face during a work session, where you dont want to be interrupted by these hiccups.
Good luck on your move and new studio!
Perhaps I’m rare but I don’t (currently) have GAS! I’m aware that the limitation on my music is ME not my hardware or software. I run Reaper on a 2006 Dell Pentium D PC, which does have limits, but not serious ones. A lot of virtual instruments do still run on it though I have to freeze tracks a lot to make progress. A lot of RUclips music producers do say in their videos that limitations or self-imposed constraints can be useful - including JNJ, whose advice I trust.
Don’t worry, many of us producers have had to downsize because of the past few years. I had a space like that till 2020. As for me, it’s forced me to have a mobile set up with a good set of m20x. And with this set up I’m actually putting out more music because it’s convenient
Hey Jameson, I am building a physical space that I am leasing starting early 2025, way up North , Yukon. You're welcome to jam or co create there, I am offering my space on a sliding scale $50 -$500 , to produce, co create, and yes will often be free to anyone starting, much like I have started alone 3 years ago. I gave up on this when I was 19/20, not now.
I actually here for your fashion sense
best of luck to you!
Every journey starts with one step.
Fingers crossed 🤞🏻
New awesome music comes, I'm pretty sure.
Thank you Patty!
Don’t forget to take that big box of harmony with you🎶
Oh dang almost left it
Thank you!
Don't mean to pry ~ and don't know if you addressed this on a different video.... But I am curious as to Why you are moving the studio, and where you are moving it to... I have heard nightmare stories of rental spaces (Homes and commercial) that were converted into a functioning studio, but - when the owner/landlord decides to sell, re-rent, terminate lease, etc... The studio is then gone, and one must start again... I am in a position where as I NEED a space (I had a school band room for 2 decades, - retired from teaching - then had a retail store for 1 decade - sold that biz/building)... Now everything I own (a LOT), is in 2 storage units for over a year - while I decide what to do/where to go)... My decision is to Build my own studio - from the ground up - in my backyard - about a 650 sq.ft. 'pro level' recording studio... which has become a significant investment!... But it is All Mine!... That is my story, and I am sticking to it! All the Best with your move... will certainly be following... Would Love to see the move in & set up process step by step - if you were planning to document that... BTW ~ Love your channel!... As a retired "Old Fart" - attempting to become musically "successful" at this late age, you are one of my inspirations and motivations... Thanks!!
Thank you for sharing!
Just because of that title I will never click on any video of you on purpose
Good luck and godspeed
Thank you!
with you. re: disruption - always have a list of different types of jobs. Then, when a piece of equipment is out of action, you already have other things you can work on. This is probably easier when you aren't relying heavily on synths. I can just do some experimenting on acoustic guitar if I can't use any electronics.
Congratulations good sir
Thank you sir
we will follow you everywhere friend.
1st world problems. People are ending up on the streets or living in their cars these days. Sentiment is a luxury. You have more options than many.
Plenty of people address the downside of hardware. It’s worth it to hardware users. It isn’t to plugin users.
After many studios moved in .. um .. it’s kind of over 50 years of that now. Wow. Anyway.
You’re going to end up with spare cables looking at them going “how is this possible?”
❤
I live in a small, older home and am thinking about an auxiliary building with its own HVAC system for a studio.
Look into a mini-split for cooling/heating if you haven't already. Quieter, more efficient, and much less expensive than an HVAC. That's the direction I'm leaning currently.
I bet his wife liked that attic studio more that he did...
Hey Nathan, hope you’re going well!
Btw. drama is harp girls job (😂 Hi Emily).
Jameson your a very nice man ,, but what I am seeing happen is people that used to be in bands and tour and put on live shows ,,, they are becoming a no multi tracking studio like in the days past ,, they arte not going on tour ,, they are staying home and playing music and Live streaming ,,,there music ,,,as a solo band in a box or even more a one man band not a DJ , but real playing music drums Loopers and keyboards and guitars ,, and singing ,,,its the future of music people will not need no one but them self and play alone doing everything them self and I have heard some very very talented one man bands on youtube that never leave there creative space and its live no stop and over dub but Live ,,,and its working people are loving it ,,,
I, i, i, i, i, i, i……
Whocares? Its an ordinary life
*checks name of channel* Just sharing the work I do and the process of making it. Never claimed it was extraordinary.
Good luck with the move. Though the thumbnail is just clickbait, I'm sure you understand that if you'd said "I'm moving" instead of "I'm leaving" it would come across differently (albeit accurately). I encourage you to exercise dignity.
I am the same at routine
you remind me of spawn wave
Hardware is pure luxury. I love hardware, you love hardware, we all love hardware... but let’s be honest: we could do everything "in the box" with just a laptop and a controller. With so many incredible plugins available today, it’s getting harder to justify buying new hardware synths. Sure, hardware makes things more fun, but as you said, it also makes everything more complicated-and expensive. Loading a plugin takes two seconds. No cables, no hassle, and you can apply the same FX to ten channels at once. Plus, you can buy ten VSTs, and your wife will never even know.
I love the idea of creating anything I want with just my MacBook and a controller, wherever I am. It frees my music from relying on specific hardware and puts creativity and ideas first. But let’s face it: we all have GAS. Case in point-I bought a Polybrute 12 last week...
Good luck with the move and the new space! Can't wait for the "I built a studio in my backyard" video!