YMO『TECHNODON』リイシュー記念オンライン対談 Chapter-I

Summary

The video script discusses the journey of a freelance music producer in New York who was approached by a renowned artist to work on a project. The producer shares experiences from recording sessions, mixing techniques, and the challenges of working with analog consoles and digital editing. He also talks about the creative process, the importance of effects in shaping the sound, and the evolution of music production from the 80s to the present, reflecting on the unique qualities of analog and digital technologies in creating music.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The interviewee discusses their experience as a freelance in New York and how they were approached by Sakamoto to work as a mixing engineer.
• 🏭 They mention working in a New York studio called 'Skyline', which was booked for several months for various recording opportunities.
• 🔊 The process of recording involved multiple visits and showcased different projects to the interviewee, highlighting the studio's versatility.
• 🎼 The interviewee talks about their involvement in the recording and mixing process, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the work.
• 👥 There was a need for a fresh perspective in the recording process, which led to the interviewee's involvement and the use of their unique approach to music production.
• 🔧 The discussion touches on the technical aspects of mixing, including the use of analog consoles and the intuitive nature of the work at the time.
• 💽 The interviewee reflects on the challenges of mastering, especially with the limitations of technology at the time, and the manual labor involved in the process.
• 🎹 The importance of effects and outboard gear in shaping the sound is highlighted, with the interviewee sharing their thoughts on the irreplaceable nature of certain analog effects.
• 🎧 The listener's experience is considered, with the interviewee noting how the final product might differ significantly from the initial recordings due to the mastering process.
• 🔄 The interviewee shares anecdotes about specific tracks and the creative process, including the use of unconventional techniques and the challenges faced.
• 🎶 The conversation concludes with thoughts on the evolution of music production and the interviewee's personal journey, reflecting on the transition from analog to digital and the impact on their work.

Q & A

How did the interviewee get involved in the recording project?

The interviewee was working as a freelancer in New York when he was approached by Sakamoto, who was looking for a mixing engineer. After being introduced by Sakamoto, the interviewee joined the project at the Skyline studio in New York.

What was the duration of the studio rental for the project?

The studio was rented for about two to three months for the project.

How many times did the interviewee visit the studio during the recording?

The interviewee visited the studio around four times during the recording process.

What was the role of the interviewee in the recording sessions?

The interviewee participated in the recording and mixing sessions, showcasing his work and ideas to the team.

What was the significance of the Light Track studio in the project?

The Light Track studio was significant as it was where the mixing took place, and it was a place the interviewee was very familiar with.

What challenges did the team face during the mixing process?

The team faced challenges such as the need for a fresh perspective on the music, managing various ideas from different members, and the technical demands of mixing with analog consoles.

How did the interviewee's background in house music influence the project?

The interviewee's background in house music, particularly his experience with the Chicago style of layering and muting sounds, influenced the approach to mixing and editing in the project.

What was the role of effects in the mixing process?

Effects played a crucial role in adding depth and character to the sound, with the interviewee mentioning the use of reverb and other analog effects to shape the music.

How did the team approach mastering the album?

The team approached mastering with a desire to refine and perfect the sound, even considering further adjustments during the mastering process to ensure the best possible result.

What was the interviewee's impression of the final product?

The interviewee found the final product to be impressive, noting the complexity and the successful integration of various ideas and techniques.

How did the interviewee's experience in the project influence his future work?

The experience in the project deepened the interviewee's understanding of mixing and mastering, and it influenced his approach to using both analog and digital tools in his future work.