I’ve just started producing in a studio setting with other artists for the first time ever and I feel the pressure to deliver a result. This video is just on time thank you !
I watched your produce 50 songs in year videos of you working on this and I wanted to say that I’m soo glad you let us see that process. It made a HUGE impact on how I produce. Your emotions made me remember those parts of producing and how fun they can be. I HATED doing vocals but I don’t have that issue anymore and your videos started that thinking pattern that the vocals CAN be fun. Watching you getting all excited was so pure to watch.
Aww love that! I am gonna keep posting more "start to finish" videos - just not every week - it's too much to try to film/edit/etc on top of actually releasing / marketing my music, too and everything else! BUUUUUt.. I already miss making that series so gonna keep doing maybe 1-2 of those per month since it's super fun and I think really helpful for ppl.
So lush! I just realized that THIS is the type of videos I'm actually watching your channel for and it's real unique across Utube. Kind of "next level" for music producers to understand how things should work Thank you so much Nathan and -you're asking if you should go ahead with it - you just have to) Can't wait for more of your videos like this one
This isn't usually the style of music I listen to, but your music, (and this song specifically), is insane. I love it. I really like these videos where you break down your songs.
Absolutely appreciate this video, I make sure to pay attention to every second of it. I also loved watching your making of video on this song! Really love the piano arpeggio you got in and the overall genre that you write in! I've been doing this for a measly 2 years now and am only now starting to be able to create longer songs so being able to see making ofs instead of tutorials helps me put into perspective how I could apply the process to my own workflow, thank you so much :)
I think I mentioned this before, but the vocal stacks, especially the emphasized high harmonies, remind me of something that Casey Crescenzo would do in The Dear Hunter’s music. This song definitely has that vibe. Great walkthrough. Learned a lot, and I love your take on song development! 💪🏻
Nathan...this is a great video! The song production is so, so, interesting; only matched by your excitement in sharing the story, and, frankly, showing off - but in a warm and endearing way. At nearly an hour it's quite a long video; but my interest never waned and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done sir!
gotta say i miss the weekly vlog but i would love for this to be a series Edit: I mentioned this when you first teased this song but I love how much this sounds like Tommee's production on Hope by NF
heck spent last two weeks on subtle vocal and synth sprinkles alone on my latest song - then cut most of it out before uploading - its so hard to throw stuff away sometimes.
Hey Nathan, do you maybe have tips about what to focus on when there are many different styles/genres or ideas in your head? I have many different ideas and inspirations in my head but honestly no idea what I should focus on. Things like cinematic elements in music, some emotional music, darker distorted elements, cinematic drums, but also some more happy and uplifting sounds too, organic sounds, big and powerful sounds, and even experimental and fast drum patterns - I love them all but it feels kind of overwhelming how to approach the actual production when you have to pick up what out of these things to actually produce and focus on.
Sounds to me your on the cusp of finding "your sound" I think in a lot of ways, this is how creativity happens. You have a lot of different ideas that don't seem to go together and part of the problem-solving aspect of creativity is figuring out how to put them together in a way that works. I don't know that I can give you a specific answer in a comment , but more try to encourage you that it seems to me like you're on the right track in terms of discovering what types of things make your music truly your own
@@NathanJamesLarsen Thank you, you're definitely right. Initially, it was kind of demotivating because I couldn't make up my mind, but I guess the best thing I can do is try to make as many songs as possible incorporating those elements and see what works and what doesn't - what to keep and what to scratch. Maybe that will actually help me to organize my mind and find the sounds I love the most. Have a nice day!
Yes and I release the songs under my Solo project. One of my songs I recently released was a top licensed song on Music Bed in July so that's an example but I also get brought in on writing sessions for specific briefs (specific things, commercials, or shows to write for)
A lot of places and it really depends on what kinds of drums you want.. here are just some: Epic trailer drums: Damage, KeepForest (almost any of their stuff), Action Hits, Evolve and the whole Evolve Series More "Live Drums": Circles is just my go to right now - I own all their packs Hip Hop and stuff: Arcade has good samples and then I use Battery 4 and have a ton of extension packs.
I think that you think too hard about making the song complex and what the listener is experiencing. I realize that to be a mainstream producer you have to work extra super hard to produce the crap out of it, but I just don't see how that's appealing. I like gritty, riff-heavy, and abrasive stuff that's not taking itself too seriously or trying to be flashy or nerdy. I guess that's just my cruddy opinion, but it seems like my taste varies wildly. I'm used to repeating and sludgy headbanging rhythms and grit. I probably don't have any chance at making it onto a reality TV show, but it definitely slaps. As you can tell, I'm modest AF. The most humble.
Which is truer, less is more or more is more? I notice that you have so many sections at work. Now, I'm wondering if this holds practical use. Hoping for a reply. Thanks
I use sends/busses I have a video on that you can search for using busses. Makes it much easier to automate and control + less strain on your computer than putting directly on a track
Fantastic informative content but my goodness you do talk fast. I need the same dose of whatever it is you're taking to keep up with you. I'm exhausted! Thank you.😵👍
I’m so sick of mixing videos on RUclips. “Try this eq move. Use this special distortion.” I want more of this. I want to learn to make better music. Not use more plugins.
Say it louder for the people in the back :) haha Appreciate it - I personally find talking about plugins boring to be honest... when I talk with my colleagues (some of them who are literally producing on the biggest records in the world) - we talk about MUSIC not just plugins. Sure - sometimes we nerd out on what we are using but most of the time we are obsessing over the actual music itself.
@ exactly. My friends just obsess over guitar tones and how to make some random ambient tone sound good when there’s ZERO context around it. I told one to go and try recreating his favorite song from scratch. Look for elements and try to get them as close as he can without obsessing too much over one thing and he won’t do it. I want to know what makes a song great. Not a mix. The best mix is one you never even think about.
@@NathanJamesLarsen Why is it necessary to specify alongside being a producer? Do sound engineers now need to specify if they are self engineering audio engineers that engineer their work themselves? Is this to indicate that nobody does ghost production for you?
Hi Nathan, I want to say that you are an amazing producer and unfortunately I won't see you anymore probably because I live in Palestine and I'm really hungry and unfortunately Hamas takes all the food for themselves. That's why I support Israel even though I'm from Palestine. And because Hamas started the attack on October 7, I will probably die...
I’ve just started producing in a studio setting with other artists for the first time ever and I feel the pressure to deliver a result. This video is just on time thank you !
Produce me plz
Yeah, it is a different game when you are being brought in to deliver an actual result. I don't know if the butterflies ever go away
I've been producing and mixing for 20+ years, and let me say this: these tips are essential. great tutorial.
I watched your produce 50 songs in year videos of you working on this and I wanted to say that I’m soo glad you let us see that process. It made a HUGE impact on how I produce. Your emotions made me remember those parts of producing and how fun they can be. I HATED doing vocals but I don’t have that issue anymore and your videos started that thinking pattern that the vocals CAN be fun. Watching you getting all excited was so pure to watch.
Aww love that! I am gonna keep posting more "start to finish" videos - just not every week - it's too much to try to film/edit/etc on top of actually releasing / marketing my music, too and everything else! BUUUUUt.. I already miss making that series so gonna keep doing maybe 1-2 of those per month since it's super fun and I think really helpful for ppl.
So lush! I just realized that THIS is the type of videos I'm actually watching your channel for and it's real unique across Utube. Kind of "next level" for music producers to understand how things should work Thank you so much Nathan and -you're asking if you should go ahead with it - you just have to) Can't wait for more of your videos like this one
This isn't usually the style of music I listen to, but your music, (and this song specifically), is insane. I love it. I really like these videos where you break down your songs.
Theme-motif, development, variation-variation, recapitulation, divergence, resolution, recapitulation, finale.
Yes make this a series!!
Excellent tips and great sounding mix, brother!
Absolutely appreciate this video, I make sure to pay attention to every second of it. I also loved watching your making of video on this song! Really love the piano arpeggio you got in and the overall genre that you write in! I've been doing this for a measly 2 years now and am only now starting to be able to create longer songs so being able to see making ofs instead of tutorials helps me put into perspective how I could apply the process to my own workflow, thank you so much :)
Could never thank you enough for your truly valuable content! You’re authenticity is what sets you apart
8:47 wow. This is really helpful!
I think I mentioned this before, but the vocal stacks, especially the emphasized high harmonies, remind me of something that Casey Crescenzo would do in The Dear Hunter’s music. This song definitely has that vibe. Great walkthrough. Learned a lot, and I love your take on song development! 💪🏻
Nathan...this is a great video! The song production is so, so, interesting; only matched by your excitement in sharing the story, and, frankly, showing off - but in a warm and endearing way. At nearly an hour it's quite a long video; but my interest never waned and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done sir!
still here supporting... best production teacher
Thanks alot for your time and effort! Very interesting to watch and alot to learn from!
a great lecture from a professor of rock. awesome!
So in simple terms, proper song structure and sound selection make great music 🎉🎉
Great painting !Thanks for sharing.
do you have a video about fixing frequency masking in the arrangement? i really need such video
thank
Perfect video for me to come across as im quite new to producing and mixing still and really looking to take my production up a level. Thankyou.
You’re my hero Nathan
gotta say i miss the weekly vlog but i would love for this to be a series
Edit: I mentioned this when you first teased this song but I love how much this sounds like Tommee's production on Hope by NF
Thanks man!
Also - still gonna be making start to finish videos :) just not weekly
heck spent last two weeks on subtle vocal and synth sprinkles alone on my latest song - then cut most of it out before uploading - its so hard to throw stuff away sometimes.
Awesome and great content for me to learn. Thank you Sir.
Hey Nathan,
do you maybe have tips about what to focus on when there are many different styles/genres or ideas in your head?
I have many different ideas and inspirations in my head but honestly no idea what I should focus on. Things like cinematic elements in music, some emotional music, darker distorted elements, cinematic drums, but also some more happy and uplifting sounds too, organic sounds, big and powerful sounds, and even experimental and fast drum patterns - I love them all but it feels kind of overwhelming how to approach the actual production when you have to pick up what out of these things to actually produce and focus on.
Sounds to me your on the cusp of finding "your sound"
I think in a lot of ways, this is how creativity happens. You have a lot of different ideas that don't seem to go together and part of the problem-solving aspect of creativity is figuring out how to put them together in a way that works. I don't know that I can give you a specific answer in a comment , but more try to encourage you that it seems to me like you're on the right track in terms of discovering what types of things make your music truly your own
@@NathanJamesLarsen Thank you, you're definitely right. Initially, it was kind of demotivating because I couldn't make up my mind, but I guess the best thing I can do is try to make as many songs as possible incorporating those elements and see what works and what doesn't - what to keep and what to scratch. Maybe that will actually help me to organize my mind and find the sounds I love the most. Have a nice day!
Great tips!
Reminds me a little of “murders in the building” and I’m not sure why.
That metal version is bad ass
I wonder why sometimes there're fades and sometimes there're none.
I have fades on everything (pre and post)
Such a treasure trove of great ideas, wow man! Niceeee!! So what do you do with this now, are you pitching this to like sync spots ?
Yes and I release the songs under my
Solo project.
One of my songs I recently released was a top licensed song on Music Bed in July so that's an example but I also get brought in on writing sessions for specific briefs (specific things, commercials, or shows to write for)
@@NathanJamesLarsen Your harmonies here are massive, the sound is so, so good. I'm following you on Soundcloud and subscribed 🙂
Where do you get your sounds from especially the drums? Also thank you my man
Your vids are so useful
A lot of places and it really depends on what kinds of drums you want.. here are just some:
Epic trailer drums: Damage, KeepForest (almost any of their stuff), Action Hits, Evolve and the whole Evolve Series
More "Live Drums": Circles is just my go to right now - I own all their packs
Hip Hop and stuff: Arcade has good samples and then I use Battery 4 and have a ton of extension packs.
@@NathanJamesLarsen thank you’re so amazing and a real inspiration. God bless
I think that you think too hard about making the song complex and what the listener is experiencing. I realize that to be a mainstream producer you have to work extra super hard to produce the crap out of it, but I just don't see how that's appealing. I like gritty, riff-heavy, and abrasive stuff that's not taking itself too seriously or trying to be flashy or nerdy. I guess that's just my cruddy opinion, but it seems like my taste varies wildly. I'm used to repeating and sludgy headbanging rhythms and grit. I probably don't have any chance at making it onto a reality TV show, but it definitely slaps. As you can tell, I'm modest AF. The most humble.
Where can I buy the NI tshirt that you’re wearing? Looks cool
I actually don't know lol - they sent it to me.
Which is truer, less is more or more is more? I notice that you have so many sections at work. Now, I'm wondering if this holds practical use. Hoping for a reply. Thanks
Respect from Russia. You are the best
I like the vacuum cleaner sound >:-)
Nathan, how do you put the efects (like reverb or delay) on the tracks? 🙏🏻
I use sends/busses I have a video on that you can search for using busses. Makes it much easier to automate and control + less strain on your computer than putting directly on a track
@@NathanJamesLarsen I use this technic since i’ve seen your video. But never appear in the tracks my effects 😞
Thanks Bro! De Chile 🇨🇱
Imagine Dragons X Nathan collab when?
@@trinitygallaghermusic I'd be down
16:12
Do you have ancestors from Scandinavia? I mean, because of your last name Larsen, which means "son of Lars". I'm from Norway. Keep up the good work!
Yes my great grandfather is from Denmark ❤️
Fantastic informative content but my goodness you do talk fast. I need the same dose of whatever it is you're taking to keep up with you. I'm exhausted! Thank you.😵👍
I’m so sick of mixing videos on RUclips. “Try this eq move. Use this special distortion.” I want more of this. I want to learn to make better music. Not use more plugins.
Say it louder for the people in the back :) haha
Appreciate it - I personally find talking about plugins boring to be honest... when I talk with my colleagues (some of them who are literally producing on the biggest records in the world) - we talk about MUSIC not just plugins. Sure - sometimes we nerd out on what we are using but most of the time we are obsessing over the actual music itself.
@ exactly. My friends just obsess over guitar tones and how to make some random ambient tone sound good when there’s ZERO context around it. I told one to go and try recreating his favorite song from scratch. Look for elements and try to get them as close as he can without obsessing too much over one thing and he won’t do it. I want to know what makes a song great. Not a mix. The best mix is one you never even think about.
Wow 🐐
what is a self producing artist?
@@sgtfoo an artist who doesn't hire a producer and handles production themselves. Pretty self explanatory.
@@NathanJamesLarsen
Why is it necessary to specify alongside being a producer? Do sound engineers now need to specify if they are self engineering audio engineers that engineer their work themselves?
Is this to indicate that nobody does ghost production for you?
Do you put all of your "like" Instruments in a bus together?
Typically yes but that doesnt necessarily mean I actually do any bus processing - dont feel like I always need to ... drums yes for sure tho
Hi, Nathan. If you have a minute, please check the email, a question about the PA4life,
Big ty.
Hey which email did you send - if the Team email then Brandi runs that... if you wanna hit me up directly Nathan@NathanJamesLarsen.com
@@NathanJamesLarsen hey, yes, yours. PA question was the topic 😊🎉
Hi Nathan, I want to say that you are an amazing producer and unfortunately I won't see you anymore probably because I live in Palestine and I'm really hungry and unfortunately Hamas takes all the food for themselves. That's why I support Israel even though I'm from Palestine. And because Hamas started the attack on October 7, I will probably die...
The main issue with your music is that it feels predictable. The melody, harmony, arrangement, and even the style all lean towards the obvious.