@@Producelikeapro could not agree more! The Michael Beinhorn are my favorites! Any chance we get a inside the song with him on a song of Korns Untouchable? Such an amazing album and since you worked with them as well for live recordings... :)
I've been binge-watching interviews with Michael Beinhorn lately and he is such a sage! I love his insights and perspectives. This was such an articulate truism: "Music that doesn't generate an emotional response (is) because it didn't come from an emotional response. If you're making music that's (...) been commoditized so much, you've made something that's also disposable."
Having seen Michael talk through Black Hole Sun and then reading his awesome book, I decided to take the plunge and get in touch. We’ve worked on a couple of tunes together and I’m preparing a heap of new stuff to bring to Michael for pre-production. I’m learning so much about my own material and writing process. One of the tunes was already completed and released. We are now doing POST-production on it to be rereleased as part of an EP. The new mix and edits will make a huge difference - I have an awesome local producer/engineer to interpret some of the more technical guidance. We are working remotely between Sydney and LA and it’s an absolute privilege to engage in this direct and affordable way. Thank you Warren for helping make this connection and containing to inspire our community.
That's amazing to hear David! That's so amazing to hear you and Michael are working together! I anticipate that many people have and will be doing the same!!
David I’d really like to get in touch to discuss the process you had with Michael. He offered an opportunity to people again at New Years so I messaged him immediately and I will be embarking on a similar journey as you! Warren. I life everything you do with PLAP. Not a member of the academy.... yet. Plans are afoot. Thank you for everything you do,
Michael, thank you for this. I respect your talent and dedication immensely and I really appreciate the humility and non contrived humbleness demonstrated in the video interview. Warren, I feel compelled to tell you that as far as “production” considerations for PLAP - this “Significance of Pre-Production with Michael Beinhorn” is (for me) an important video. For producers working with artists and groups it could be THE MOST important and relative interview in your plap catalogue. This message needs to be brought into focus more. Its SO basic and yet SO VERY LOST on a massive population of artists and even novice producers like me at times. I’m very guilty of the “fix it later” mentality. I’m dropping that notion starting today. I know it rarely works and is NEVER better than getting it right at the source. Nothing beats putting in the work at pre-production. Such a great interview. 👍👍
Thanks ever so much Matt! I really appreciate your great comment! Agreed, Michael has been involved in the creation of so many amazing sounding albums!
This hits on so many relevant themes for me. Critics were saying that the guitar solo was dead in the '80s. The kind of music that supposedly "went out with the Romans" was then headlining festivals in the '90s. This kind of nonsense is written by fashionistas in order to fill up column space. In music, if you follow the 'rules' you end up producing carbon-copies of the past; if you want to stand out, stick that swanee kazoo section in, or whatever - Brian Wilson was a master at this, his use of the bass harmonica is legendary. The note about music coming from an emotional response is really important. I'm doing absolute no budget production here, so I'm producing, mixing and mastering my own material. While it would undoubtedly improve things to be able to work with top professionals like Michael, it's a whole lot better than working with people who don't understand or care what I'm trying to achieve.
I am a huge Beinhorn fan - and this conversation topic was most excellent as expected. I am still in the small time producer/engineer roll, and the lack of pre production has been nightmarish to say the least. What I knew, but was driven home by Beinhonrs book, is that creativity does not flourish in a vacuum, yet with rock and hard rock , that seems to be the "way things are done". I know this isn't the case all around, but as mentioned in this video, budgetary constraints carve this landscape that we are in. I wish I had an answer or some great insight beyond what was discussed, but yea I could certainly listen to you two (Warren and Beinhorn) talk shop all day long - so much wisdom and insight.
My goodness! This PLAP could have and perhaps should be an entire day symposium! So many topics were touched on, in the guise of Pre-Production. I loved it! You should pick up where you left off and do an entire series. Thanks Warren!
Mike is totally right. I’d love for bands to take that approach instead of rushing around in the studio to get as much down as possible and go through numerous retracking and mix recalls. Seems nowadays, everyone’s expecting things to be fixed in the mix. I guess that’s the way it is unfortunately. Great interview! Cheers!
I really like Beinhorn because of his love for music, not popular music or music thats going to necessarily "Sell", but music! I don't get the feeling that Beinhorn wants to "Mold" music to fit whats popular, but make something unique!
Yet another great video, Warren! You and Michael hit another grand slam -- straight outta da park! Great insight, and spot-on reminders about [what should be, and maybe even recovering] the importance of the art and craft of music in culture. Rock on.
Wow, Beinhorn has some remarkable insights as to where music is today. His discussion of how much of the music today doesn't project a personal emotion, but instead, deflects personal emotion and fails to connect because of it was mind blowing to me. It gave me a very clear perspective of what's going on. Thanks Warren!
Michael has masterfully explained the state of recording for bands right now, though it is so much “cheaper” to record these days, that doesn’t mean that pre-production is something that shouldn’t have just as big of a budget or effort as tracking your final takes. With the advent of crowdfunding, a lot of times the only way consumers will invest in you is if you look like you are going to become famous overnight with some big time engineer, which isn’t an issue, but a lot of times the band almost never talks about the pre-production that they either did or didn’t do. Lord knows that’s exactly what my band went through. I really appreciated this episode on so many levels. It’s comforting to know that so many engineers are still interested in making Rock n’ Roll records. God Bless.
Great video! I love Michael Beinhorn his love and passion for music just shines through. Pre production is so important and I use it in all my productions. Knowing what kind of sounds you want and how they relate to the subject matter of the song are very important also in my opinion. Thanks for this Warren! Cheers mate. :-)
Thanks ever so much Cris for your amazon g feedback as ever! You've been such a huge part of our community now for for such a long time my friend! I really appreciate your incredible and continued support my friend!
Michael and Warren, Thank you so much for this video. It insightfully covers topics relevant to the status of the music and recording industry. I want you both to know that the importance of this discussion has not gone unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. I would LOVE you to have an interview/tour with Eric Michael Lichter of Dirt Floor Productions. He, and his studio partner Steve Wytas, are running one of the premier facilities in the North East US. NPR called it the "Musical sanctuary of Connecticut." Don't quote me, but if I remember correctly Eric has been nominated for a Grammy and played guitar for Carly Simon and Carole King in past lives. He is a contributing writer for TapeOp magazine and the official historian/archivist for the famed Caribou Ranch residential recording studio. He is a devotee of the 70s to 80s golden age of recording and a treasure trove of knowledge. He is a sweetheart of a guy and I am very fortunate indeed to know him personally. If you do reach out to him, you are welcome to tell him I put you up to it, haha. An interview with Eric would be a huge addition to the community. Peace, Love & Ringo, - chaz
Thank you so much for another great video. I found a Mastering Engineer in Kim Rosen after viewing your video and now this......I could definitely use some song analysis and project overview. Love this channel!! Thx Warren.
That was totally brilliant! Michael is spot on in everything he said and it works in so many areas. For me in voice over preproduction/rehearsal is fundamental if you want a lasting career. Bravo Michael freaking genius!
@@Producelikeapro He is seriously a one off. I've watch most of your interviews with Michael and he never ceases to enlighten with pearls of wisdom without big noting himself. A rare beast.
Oh boy , Oh boy… That resonates so much with me, it’s ridiculous. The pre-production I place upon myself in all aspects, to me, is thee most important ingredient as a singer/songwriter. It’s what will make the music shine and breathe life in to it and make it sound cool. Thank you Warren, and thank Michael for bringing it up and giving it new life.
Warren, you've been on an absolute roll the last few weeks! So grateful for this content. Roger Manning, Butch Walker, and Michael Beinhorn... priceless. How about Mark Needham? He's a different kind of cat, for sure.
Oh my, this guy has some prophecy type of lines. Never heard of this man before, but it is like sitting on a park bench after a run and an unassuming guy next to you starts talking serious wisdom. Great guest again Warren...
Hi Warren, and Hi Michael! Great video as always! What I liked most, was Michael's comments about how an Artist should express their own identity (18:14 on)... Let that personal uniqueness shine! Not try to reinvent the wheel as it were, but rather take all of your experiences and influences to create something personal. Something different. Something that shows you "naked". Something REAL! If all Artists really took that to heart, we'd hear much more diversity in music. You guys get it! Viva la difference!
I'm a solo musician/producer with a limited hybrid set-up that veers mostly towards in the box. I don't currently work with anyone else on my sound so at first glance not much of your channel applies to me yet actually I have found tons of useful, and sometimes inspirational content on Produce Like A Pro so thanks Warren and crew, your site is brilliant and very helpful. Best wishes to you all.
I am at this stage with my next release so this is great timing. I plan to have the entire band watch this and we will drill into improving our pre-prod process next week. Many thanks.
Your discussion with the marvelous Mr. Beinhorn echoes and reinforces the stories I read recently in Geoff Emerick's excellent book about the Abbey Road (EMI) recording sessions with The Beatles, who's finely crafted songs generally went through significant pre-production followed by hard work in the studio; They would sometimes shelve recordings for weeks or months until solutions (typically relating to the arrangement) were found.
Great video as always! We've recently been doing our first pre-production sessions with an outside producer and are really feeling the benefits of having that objective voice in the room. Having self produced our previous releases without much pre-production I can see Michael's point about having blind spots in regards to your music. Spending that time with an outside producer has helped us to trim the fat a little bit (so to speak) and to alter the delivery slightly in performance. No major changes really but enough to really tighten the song up. And Warren, please keep getting Michael on. If I see him in the thumbnail, I will click the video!!
Thanks for the great video - I miss talking art with other artists and was greatly encouraged to hear two amazing artists pour out their hearts. Thanks - love all your videos and have learned and am learning a lot! God bless you!
Once again, we get a deeper appreciation for how elite level producers like Beinhorn operate, where they make the band ‘sound more like themselves than they’ve ever sounded’. Before all the technical stuff, during the pre-production phase, you have to develop a vision for the recording. You probably can’t even verbalize it, but you will absolutely know whether you’re moving closer towards it or not. As part of this, you have to get a grasp of what the band’s strengths and weaknesses are, both individually and collectively, so that you know what it is that you want to nurture, amplify, and develop.
I warned I'm Anthony I have a small recording studio here in Phoenix worst I still got a Tascam 388 so I can still do analog and of course I'm fully digital as well. We have a 24 chnl 8 buss eurodesk and absolutely love every sound I get. I have a great live room and love recording drums for people. Because I was lucky enough to have my band be signed at a very young age "by a very indi label mind you" but with very very good support initially. They hooked us up with great gear! Like kids ata candy store. They took us to note works in glendale a very cool gent named Gary lowe I believe who owned the place I remember feeling very okward as he treated us kids all with such respect! I kept thinking he knows were just kids rite.?.? anyways unreal for a 17 year old ,guitars, amps ,drums ,PA a van and a trailer some spots on the local radio station, at that time 106.3 the edge in phx circa 92, We got to record our first "n only"😜 record at Don Salters salt mine studios!! So awesome we played together loud as hell through a PA and play back was other worldly! Really took us to another place and we got a decent first try CD. I guess my point to all this was thats wut I try n do for "bands" when they come through my place. If its just one guy solo project or catie perry wannabes we just do it dry. But if its a band... man, and they can actually play together I wanna give them that other world so along with some great live room jbl playback monitors we have quite a "sub" stantial PA we can run hidden in the corners of the live room. Would love to send y'all pics or hell invite ya on over.?.? Thanks for letting me ramble and reminis😁
Gosh this such an incredible discussion about the essence of what music and artistry is and a very well articulated discussion at that! Phenomenal thank you
Wonderful rock producers (such as Beinhorn) that you've interviewed in the past two years... during this unfortunate era of "no budget," what does it cost to hire them? Do they have a set fee? Do they have a fee and "earn points" on sales? How large a fee? What percentage of sales?
Some great points by Michael. Pre-production consulting is an awesome idea. I'll add that a musician or band that has their ideas all mapped out is the best starting point, and that song arrangement goes a long way before ever hitting any recording medium. What I like about song arrangement is to often make verses or choruses in the same song just a little bit different, through dynamics, instrumentation and things like that. Also, taking away things sometimes makes the other things sound bigger. Part of it is illusion. Maybe the decision to not have the bass guitar playing in the first verse makes the first chorus sound bigger, and then the bass part being played on the second verse makes it seem different and more interesting. Or maybe in the third verse, the guitars are not played, and in the third chorus, the bass part is being played an octave up or something like that. Those details make a lot of difference.
You’re interviews with Michael have been eye opening and inspiring... and challenging as an artist. I’ve got a bunch of songs demoed that I think are decent but don’t know what’s missing to make them better. Having an object ear to hear what’s missing is what I think I need at this point. But not sure how to proceed.
Gustavo. {Santa Severina/Crotone/Calabria/Italy} A complete group, that plays instruments and do other "handmade" soundstuff like that, and a song to produce: about 40 hard worked hours (and 150,00€). An hip hop release or a complete neo-melodic track, just singer, everything else in the box, again a song to produce: 10/15 at least 20 hours of mostly standalone work (and the same amount of bucks). It seems strange to deal with but...in big top everlast productions of the world it seems to me that doesn't work in a different way... You got it! What make our business bigger is in no way linked to the real meaning of what we do...as artists, producers finally, as music fools. That's I think the key for understanding why all the art is becoming day after day stuff.
I wonder what pre-production on Herbie's Rockit looked like, is it just Bill bringing some ideas cooking up or did Herbie have something on his own...? cool to think about
Hey dude me and my friend went to Steve Albini’s studio and recorded six songs to tape in 3 days We had not a lot of pre production at all because we didn’t have a verry good rehearsal space but we used the highest quality custom shop instruments and Friedman amps Two singles are out rn What you guys discussed about being able to look objectively at your music I understand it I really need an objective ear on our stuff
Man the state of affairs with music is depressing. And I dont see it getting better. It's all our own fault as much as the industry's fault. We accept garbage, we dont support bands, we steal music and we have the attention of a gnat. I'm 100% guilty and it depresses me.
Hi Michael, I'm always cautiously optimistic! There is a growing number of people who love playing instruments, make music and are seeking out classic amazing bands to listen to and emulate!
This was a great segment! I really enjoyed listening to this and it made me think a little bit about my own experiences. My band Va Va Voom is going into the studio around the holidays and I'm glad I got this perspective before those sessions.
I love all the interviews you take the time to do, Warren. I agree so much with what is discussed about the state of music production these days as well as needing objectivity, but i have to disagree strongly with the statement: “Self-producing is a terrible mistake”. I get what he’s saying, though, and i think for many artists out there, self- producing IS a bad idea because some think that everything they do is worthy of production and recording. Many lack the need to be brutally honest with one’s self about their song-writing and arranging. Many don’t have the ability needed to arrange, nor the ability to say halfway through a project “this actually is crap” and scrap most or all of a song. But i wouldnt say self-producing is a terrible mistake, i would say think very carefully before taking that very important step. Am i the only one of that opinion here?
I have always said that I need someone like a Michael Beinhorn to help during the writing process. I don't feel like I ever get useful feedback from the band or friends. So what's an independent artist to do? Where do you find someone who has these skills? Someone you can trust?
Wow, his point about the budget decisions of bands dimminishing in fact the magic of songs or music in a greater sense by scrapping preproduction is so damn true. More and more people making music and in the same moment decreasing the value of their own music /songs by investing less and less time in songwriting and arranging.
Oops, my band is self produced.. but on the plus side we definitely do a lot of pre production. We're in the middle of recording an album now, maybe for the next one we'll have to reach out and get someone else involved for pre production, Michael is right, it just makes sense!
There's still some amazing guitar based music coming out, I'm sure the economic reality is grim, but the music can be great: Jinjer(metal) and The Aristocrats(shredding fusion?) are amazing check out some live shows on youtube from them!
Yes! I want to see that. I like Billy’s laid back style and workflow. Get into all the details of his mixing ideas and templates he sets up for short cuts. That would be awesome!
Ok this whole video was awesome, very thought provoking. But what I want to know is what was he talking about when he mentioned feeding kick through a sub in the live room?
Who would you like to hear from next? Let me know below!
Thomas Bergersen, Alan Meyerson, Keanu Reeves.
Steve Albini of course
Sylvia Massy, Terry Date, Mike Nielsen, Al Stone!
Carol Kaye the session legend . One of the greatest unsung heroes ever .
Butch Vig
Can’t tell you enough how much I love you and Beinhorn together. This needs to be a weekly show. Just you two talking music.
Thanks ever so much Brett! He's a wonderful talent, humble and I learn so much from our chats!
@@Producelikeapro could not agree more! The Michael Beinhorn are my favorites! Any chance we get a inside the song with him on a song of Korns Untouchable? Such an amazing album and since you worked with them as well for live recordings... :)
@@chrismonaut I'd love that too!
👍
Probably my favorite guest on PLAP. I always click right away when I see his name. He makes his points very eloquently and effectively.
Thanks ever so much my friend! Yes, he is one of my favourite guests as well!
I've been binge-watching interviews with Michael Beinhorn lately and he is such a sage! I love his insights and perspectives. This was such an articulate truism:
"Music that doesn't generate an emotional response (is) because it didn't come from an emotional response. If you're making music that's (...) been commoditized so much, you've made something that's also disposable."
Thanks ever so much! Happy New Year!
You too Warren!@@Producelikeapro
@@BryanCooperOfficialthanks ever so much
Having seen Michael talk through Black Hole Sun and then reading his awesome book, I decided to take the plunge and get in touch. We’ve worked on a couple of tunes together and I’m preparing a heap of new stuff to bring to Michael for pre-production. I’m learning so much about my own material and writing process. One of the tunes was already completed and released. We are now doing POST-production on it to be rereleased as part of an EP. The new mix and edits will make a huge difference - I have an awesome local producer/engineer to interpret some of the more technical guidance. We are working remotely between Sydney and LA and it’s an absolute privilege to engage in this direct and affordable way. Thank you Warren for helping make this connection and containing to inspire our community.
That's amazing to hear David! That's so amazing to hear you and Michael are working together! I anticipate that many people have and will be doing the same!!
@@Producelikeapro There will be no regrets! Unless you're not prepared to go to the sub-atomic level ;-]
David I’d really like to get in touch to discuss the process you had with Michael. He offered an opportunity to people again at New Years so I messaged him immediately and I will be embarking on a similar journey as you!
Warren. I life everything you do with PLAP. Not a member of the academy.... yet. Plans are afoot. Thank you for everything you do,
One of the best subjects, interviews and discussions I have ever seen on RUclips! Thank you Michael and Warren
Thank you ever so much!!
That was a fantastic discussion. Michael is so articulate and really knows his stuff. Thank you Warren and thank you Michael.
Michael, thank you for this. I respect your talent and dedication immensely and I really appreciate the humility and non contrived humbleness demonstrated in the video interview.
Warren, I feel compelled to tell you that as far as “production” considerations for PLAP - this “Significance of Pre-Production with Michael Beinhorn” is (for me) an important video. For producers working with artists and groups it could be THE MOST important and relative interview in your plap catalogue. This message needs to be brought into focus more. Its SO basic and yet SO VERY LOST on a massive population of artists and even novice producers like me at times. I’m very guilty of the “fix it later” mentality. I’m dropping that notion starting today. I know it rarely works and is NEVER better than getting it right at the source. Nothing beats putting in the work at pre-production.
Such a great interview. 👍👍
Thanks ever so much Matt! I really appreciate your great comment! Agreed, Michael has been involved in the creation of so many amazing sounding albums!
This hits on so many relevant themes for me. Critics were saying that the guitar solo was dead in the '80s. The kind of music that supposedly "went out with the Romans" was then headlining festivals in the '90s. This kind of nonsense is written by fashionistas in order to fill up column space. In music, if you follow the 'rules' you end up producing carbon-copies of the past; if you want to stand out, stick that swanee kazoo section in, or whatever - Brian Wilson was a master at this, his use of the bass harmonica is legendary. The note about music coming from an emotional response is really important.
I'm doing absolute no budget production here, so I'm producing, mixing and mastering my own material. While it would undoubtedly improve things to be able to work with top professionals like Michael, it's a whole lot better than working with people who don't understand or care what I'm trying to achieve.
Thanks Tim! Agreed! Great music will always get heard, regardless of whether it's hip for not! Just make great music my friend!
@@Producelikeapro Doing my best! :)
I love all your producer interviews but something about Mr. Beinhorn stands out. Love the series Warren
Thanks ever so much Greg! I wholeheartedly agree!
I could listen to that man talk 24/7!!!
AWESOME points of view!
Agreed 100%!!
I am a huge Beinhorn fan - and this conversation topic was most excellent as expected. I am still in the small time producer/engineer roll, and the lack of pre production has been nightmarish to say the least. What I knew, but was driven home by Beinhonrs book, is that creativity does not flourish in a vacuum, yet with rock and hard rock , that seems to be the "way things are done". I know this isn't the case all around, but as mentioned in this video, budgetary constraints carve this landscape that we are in.
I wish I had an answer or some great insight beyond what was discussed, but yea I could certainly listen to you two (Warren and Beinhorn) talk shop all day long - so much wisdom and insight.
Wow I’m floored!!! From production to music ethics and philosophy. I love it!!!
My goodness! This PLAP could have and perhaps should be an entire day symposium! So many topics were touched on, in the guise of Pre-Production. I loved it! You should pick up where you left off and do an entire series. Thanks Warren!
Mike is totally right. I’d love for bands to take that approach instead of rushing around in the studio to get as much down as possible and go through numerous retracking and mix recalls. Seems nowadays, everyone’s expecting things to be fixed in the mix. I guess that’s the way it is unfortunately. Great interview! Cheers!
Could listen to these gentlemen chat for hours.
Thanks ever so much Kyle!!
Hey Warren you should see if you can get those ‘80’s monsters on your program, like Bob Rock, Mike Fraser and Randy Staub!
Marvellous ideas Armando!!
@@ThemFuzzyMonsters yes!!
Bob Clearmountain! 😜
an intelligent and enlightening conversation by people who're passionate about music. thank you Warren!
Thanks ever so much Willem! Agree 100%!
I really like Beinhorn because of his love for music, not popular music or music thats going to necessarily "Sell", but music! I don't get the feeling that Beinhorn wants to "Mold" music to fit whats popular, but make something unique!
He really is a huge inspiration and reminder of what is great about music!
I watched this 10 times? So many insights from 2 experienced guys like both of you!
Wow!! Thanks ever so much
Yet another great video, Warren! You and Michael hit another grand slam -- straight outta da park! Great insight, and spot-on reminders about [what should be, and maybe even recovering] the importance of the art and craft of music in culture. Rock on.
When you guys discuss the state of rock music, it is utterly euphoric the amount of insight that confirms what I have never articulated.
“what would michael beinhorn do?” is something i ask myself often while making music. thank you both for taking the time!
Objective listening by others? That's your Academy Warren! Another Great video.
Thanks ever so much Chris! You Rock!
Let's go to Warren class 🎒🤓
Wow, Beinhorn has some remarkable insights as to where music is today. His discussion of how much of the music today doesn't project a personal emotion, but instead, deflects personal emotion and fails to connect because of it was mind blowing to me. It gave me a very clear perspective of what's going on. Thanks Warren!
Michael sure knows how to "fluently" put things into perspective... Another great PLAP video!!
Wow! Thanks ever so much Abe!!
Michael has masterfully explained the state of recording for bands right now, though it is so much “cheaper” to record these days, that doesn’t mean that pre-production is something that shouldn’t have just as big of a budget or effort as tracking your final takes. With the advent of crowdfunding, a lot of times the only way consumers will invest in you is if you look like you are going to become famous overnight with some big time engineer, which isn’t an issue, but a lot of times the band almost never talks about the pre-production that they either did or didn’t do. Lord knows that’s exactly what my band went through. I really appreciated this episode on so many levels. It’s comforting to know that so many engineers are still interested in making Rock n’ Roll records. God Bless.
Great video! I love Michael Beinhorn his love and passion for music just shines through. Pre production is so important and I use it in all my productions. Knowing what kind of sounds you want and how they relate to the subject matter of the song are very important also in my opinion. Thanks for this Warren! Cheers mate. :-)
Thanks ever so much Cris for your amazon g feedback as ever! You've been such a huge part of our community now for for such a long time my friend! I really appreciate your incredible and continued support my friend!
This is saved to my short list of favorite videos on all of RUclips. Thank you for such a brilliant conversation
Warren I have been a heavy duty mechanic many years and it takes me all day to get my hair looking like that. Cheers buddy
What an amazing interview. I could listen to Michael talk for hours. Great job Warren on getting him to talk about all this.
Michael and Warren,
Thank you so much for this video. It insightfully covers topics relevant to the status of the music and recording industry. I want you both to know that the importance of this discussion has not gone unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.
I would LOVE you to have an interview/tour with Eric Michael Lichter of Dirt Floor Productions. He, and his studio partner Steve Wytas, are running one of the premier facilities in the North East US. NPR called it the "Musical sanctuary of Connecticut."
Don't quote me, but if I remember correctly Eric has been nominated for a Grammy and played guitar for Carly Simon and Carole King in past lives. He is a contributing writer for TapeOp magazine and the official historian/archivist for the famed Caribou Ranch residential recording studio.
He is a devotee of the 70s to 80s golden age of recording and a treasure trove of knowledge. He is a sweetheart of a guy and I am very fortunate indeed to know him personally. If you do reach out to him, you are welcome to tell him I put you up to it, haha.
An interview with Eric would be a huge addition to the community.
Peace, Love & Ringo,
- chaz
What a lovely bloke is Michael Beinhorn! Great conversation Warren!
Thank you so much for another great video. I found a Mastering Engineer in Kim Rosen after viewing your video and now this......I could definitely use some song analysis and project overview. Love this channel!! Thx Warren.
That's amazing to hear! Yes, Kim is a wonderful talent! So glad you got to use her! Definitely use Michael!
That was totally brilliant! Michael is spot on in everything he said and it works in so many areas. For me in voice over preproduction/rehearsal is fundamental if you want a lasting career. Bravo Michael freaking genius!
Thanks ever son much Andrew! Agreed, I always learn so much from Michael!
@@Producelikeapro He is seriously a one off. I've watch most of your interviews with Michael and he never ceases to enlighten with pearls of wisdom without big noting himself. A rare beast.
@@andrewpeters2775 agreed. It is always very enlightening speaking to him!
Some solid wisdom there - will try to implement it into my own productions. The song is king! - Thanks Warren and Michael
Awesome stuff Warren. Thanks for sharing your access to the big names
Thanks ever so much my friend!
Oh boy , Oh boy…
That resonates so much with me, it’s ridiculous.
The pre-production I place upon myself in all aspects, to me, is thee most important ingredient as a singer/songwriter.
It’s what will make the music shine and breathe life in to it and make it sound cool.
Thank you Warren, and thank Michael for bringing it up and giving it new life.
Warren, you've been on an absolute roll the last few weeks! So grateful for this content. Roger Manning, Butch Walker, and Michael Beinhorn... priceless. How about Mark Needham? He's a different kind of cat, for sure.
Oh my, this guy has some prophecy type of lines. Never heard of this man before, but it is like sitting on a park bench after a run and an unassuming guy next to you starts talking serious wisdom. Great guest again Warren...
Hi Warren, and Hi Michael! Great video as always! What I liked most, was Michael's comments about how an Artist should express their own identity (18:14 on)... Let that personal uniqueness shine! Not try to reinvent the wheel as it were, but rather take all of your experiences and influences to create something personal. Something different. Something that shows you "naked". Something REAL! If all Artists really took that to heart, we'd hear much more diversity in music. You guys get it! Viva la difference!
I'm a solo musician/producer with a limited hybrid set-up that veers mostly towards in the box. I don't currently work with anyone else on my sound so at first glance not much of your channel applies to me yet actually I have found tons of useful, and sometimes inspirational content on Produce Like A Pro so thanks Warren and crew, your site is brilliant and very helpful. Best wishes to you all.
I am at this stage with my next release so this is great timing. I plan to have the entire band watch this and we will drill into improving our pre-prod process next week. Many thanks.
Ozzmosis tracks and history with Michael Beinhorn, please!
Your discussion with the marvelous Mr. Beinhorn echoes and reinforces the stories I read recently in Geoff Emerick's excellent book about the Abbey Road (EMI) recording sessions with The Beatles, who's finely crafted songs generally went through significant pre-production followed by hard work in the studio; They would sometimes shelve recordings for weeks or months until solutions (typically relating to the arrangement) were found.
Very interesting conversation. Thank you very much.
Thanks ever so much!
Great video as always!
We've recently been doing our first pre-production sessions with an outside producer and are really feeling the benefits of having that objective voice in the room. Having self produced our previous releases without much pre-production I can see Michael's point about having blind spots in regards to your music. Spending that time with an outside producer has helped us to trim the fat a little bit (so to speak) and to alter the delivery slightly in performance. No major changes really but enough to really tighten the song up.
And Warren, please keep getting Michael on. If I see him in the thumbnail, I will click the video!!
Preach it Michael! 😃 Thanks y'all.
Thanks for the great video - I miss talking art with other artists and was greatly encouraged to hear two amazing artists pour out their hearts. Thanks - love all your videos and have learned and am learning a lot! God bless you!
Not enough like buttons could be pushed here.... ✌️ thank you
Aw shucks!! Thanks ever so much!!
Once again, we get a deeper appreciation for how elite level producers like Beinhorn operate, where they make the band ‘sound more like themselves than they’ve ever sounded’.
Before all the technical stuff, during the pre-production phase, you have to develop a vision for the recording. You probably can’t even verbalize it, but you will absolutely know whether you’re moving closer towards it or not.
As part of this, you have to get a grasp of what the band’s strengths and weaknesses are, both individually and collectively, so that you know what it is that you want to nurture, amplify, and develop.
Eyes & Ears were Hyper Focused on this one! Amazing content and helpful info! many thanks !
Yes! Michael rules!
I warned I'm Anthony I have a small recording studio here in Phoenix worst I still got a Tascam 388 so I can still do analog and of course I'm fully digital as well. We have a 24 chnl 8 buss eurodesk and absolutely love every sound I get. I have a great live room and love recording drums for people. Because I was lucky enough to have my band be signed at a very young age "by a very indi label mind you" but with very very good support initially. They hooked us up with great gear! Like kids ata candy store. They took us to note works in glendale a very cool gent named Gary lowe I believe who owned the place I remember feeling very okward as he treated us kids all with such respect! I kept thinking he knows were just kids rite.?.? anyways unreal for a 17 year old ,guitars, amps ,drums ,PA a van and a trailer some spots on the local radio station, at that time 106.3 the edge in phx circa 92, We got to record our first "n only"😜 record at Don Salters salt mine studios!! So awesome we played together loud as hell through a PA and play back was other worldly! Really took us to another place and we got a decent first try CD. I guess my point to all this was thats wut I try n do for "bands" when they come through my place. If its just one guy solo project or catie perry wannabes we just do it dry. But if its a band... man, and they can actually play together I wanna give them that other world so along with some great live room jbl playback monitors we have quite a "sub" stantial PA we can run hidden in the corners of the live room. Would love to send y'all pics or hell invite ya on over.?.? Thanks for letting me ramble and reminis😁
Gosh this such an incredible discussion about the essence of what music and artistry is and a very well articulated discussion at that! Phenomenal thank you
Such a great discussion!! Thanks ever so much.
Beinhorn a taskmaster like Foster...Material had some amazing producers in their midst. Bravo for the video sir.
Thanks ever so much
Wonderful rock producers (such as Beinhorn) that you've interviewed in the past two years... during this unfortunate era of "no budget," what does it cost to hire them? Do they have a set fee? Do they have a fee and "earn points" on sales? How large a fee? What percentage of sales?
What an awesome conversation! Thank you so very much
Some great points by Michael. Pre-production consulting is an awesome idea. I'll add that a musician or band that has their ideas all mapped out is the best starting point, and that song arrangement goes a long way before ever hitting any recording medium. What I like about song arrangement is to often make verses or choruses in the same song just a little bit different, through dynamics, instrumentation and things like that. Also, taking away things sometimes makes the other things sound bigger. Part of it is illusion. Maybe the decision to not have the bass guitar playing in the first verse makes the first chorus sound bigger, and then the bass part being played on the second verse makes it seem different and more interesting. Or maybe in the third verse, the guitars are not played, and in the third chorus, the bass part is being played an octave up or something like that. Those details make a lot of difference.
This could have easily been an hour long -- so interesting. Love it -- thanks again Warren.
Thank you for this content. You guys are truly amazing.
Excellent insight from a master of the craft of producing and the creative process
Absolutely! He’s the man
Awesome conversation. Thank you Michael and Warren.
Thanks ever so much Marc!!
Loving the new intro
You’re interviews with Michael have been eye opening and inspiring... and challenging as an artist. I’ve got a bunch of songs demoed that I think are decent but don’t know what’s missing to make them better. Having an object ear to hear what’s missing is what I think I need at this point. But not sure how to proceed.
Mr. Beinhorn, How about an audible version of your book for us road warriors?
Marvellous idea!
Gustavo. {Santa Severina/Crotone/Calabria/Italy}
A complete group, that plays instruments and do other "handmade" soundstuff like that, and a song to produce: about 40 hard worked hours (and 150,00€).
An hip hop release or a complete neo-melodic track, just singer, everything else in the box, again a song to produce: 10/15 at least 20 hours of mostly standalone work (and the same amount of bucks).
It seems strange to deal with but...in big top everlast productions of the world it seems to me that doesn't work in a different way...
You got it!
What make our business bigger is in no way linked to the real meaning of what we do...as artists, producers finally, as music fools.
That's I think the key for understanding why all the art is becoming day after day stuff.
I wonder what pre-production on Herbie's Rockit looked like, is it just Bill bringing some ideas cooking up or did Herbie have something on his own...? cool to think about
Hey dude me and my friend went to Steve Albini’s studio and recorded six songs to tape in 3 days
We had not a lot of pre production at all because we didn’t have a verry good rehearsal space but we used the highest quality custom shop instruments and Friedman amps
Two singles are out rn
What you guys discussed about being able to look objectively at your music
I understand it
I really need an objective ear on our stuff
Black orchids
Translucent complexion
Great content as usual Warren, thank you!
I'm joining the previous posts: Michael is my favorite interview partner! Thank you guys, great discussion!
Hi Bernd Holder yanks ever so much my friend!
It's great fun to hear your interviews!
Man the state of affairs with music is depressing. And I dont see it getting better. It's all our own fault as much as the industry's fault. We accept garbage, we dont support bands, we steal music and we have the attention of a gnat. I'm 100% guilty and it depresses me.
Hi Michael, I'm always cautiously optimistic! There is a growing number of people who love playing instruments, make music and are seeking out classic amazing bands to listen to and emulate!
Yess soo trueW+M !/the fact all this is going on psychologically , but monitoring the drums loudly after a take also works for band morale..
Warren, could you consider an interview with Jon Oliva of Savatage and Trans Siberian Orchestra over the life and work of the late-great Paul O'Neill?
Trevor Horn, (I typed that in as you said it!) Stephen Street, Johnny Marr, Eno, John Leckie, Andy Partridge,Alan Parsons, for starters.
This was a great segment! I really enjoyed listening to this and it made me think a little bit about my own experiences. My band Va Va Voom is going into the studio around the holidays and I'm glad I got this perspective before those sessions.
Such a great video. Absolute gold nuggets from this guy!
This video is like a gold! Thank you a lot! ;-)
Preproduction plus mix is where you put you money point taken!
I love all the interviews you take the time to do, Warren. I agree so much with what is discussed about the state of music production these days as well as needing objectivity, but i have to disagree strongly with the statement: “Self-producing is a terrible mistake”.
I get what he’s saying, though, and i think for many artists out there, self- producing IS a bad idea because some think that everything they do is worthy of production and recording. Many lack the need to be brutally honest with one’s self about their song-writing and arranging. Many don’t have the ability needed to arrange, nor the ability to say halfway through a project “this actually is crap” and scrap most or all of a song.
But i wouldnt say self-producing is a terrible mistake, i would say think very carefully before taking that very important step. Am i the only one of that opinion here?
YOU KEEP HAVING THE ACE FREHLEY CD IN THE BACK -- come on, lets go! Get him on!
Rock has become like Classical Music..
Great stuff!!
Fantastic interview & insight!
Warren, I've always wondered, what two pieces of gear are above your 500 rack?
Thanks ever so much Jeff! Those are two Crown Mic Pres from Tape Machines!
I have always said that I need someone like a Michael Beinhorn to help during the writing process. I don't feel like I ever get useful feedback from the band or friends. So what's an independent artist to do? Where do you find someone who has these skills? Someone you can trust?
Wow, his point about the budget decisions of bands dimminishing in fact the magic of songs or music in a greater sense by scrapping preproduction is so damn true. More and more people making music and in the same moment decreasing the value of their own music /songs by investing less and less time in songwriting and arranging.
wow looking for the perfect beat, rockit meets soundgarden is what it needs
Thanx guys, another inspiring video :)
Oops, my band is self produced.. but on the plus side we definitely do a lot of pre production. We're in the middle of recording an album now, maybe for the next one we'll have to reach out and get someone else involved for pre production, Michael is right, it just makes sense!
Has this mystery record come into yet? I need to hear how it came out!! :)
Fantastic interview!!
There's still some amazing guitar based music coming out, I'm sure the economic reality is grim, but the music can be great: Jinjer(metal) and The Aristocrats(shredding fusion?) are amazing check out some live shows on youtube from them!
Hey Warren, could you make a video with Billy Decker? Keep doing amazing content!
Yes, that would be amazing!
Yes! I want to see that. I like Billy’s laid back style and workflow. Get into all the details of his mixing ideas and templates he sets up for short cuts. That would be awesome!
Ok this whole video was awesome, very thought provoking. But what I want to know is what was he talking about when he mentioned feeding kick through a sub in the live room?
Does anyone know who Michael and Warren were referring to - the artist they mentioned as having 40 songs before going into the studio....
The “Ritchie Cunningham” of the recording world. Great guy
" ..a sacred trust. " Nice.