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

UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPAN

31 May 202019:47

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 The Journey to Collaborative Music Production

This paragraph discusses the speaker's transition from freelancing in New York to being invited by Sakamoto to join a recording project. Initially, the speaker visited various recording studios, gaining insights into the creative processes and techniques used. Eventually, the speaker contributed to the mixing process, sharing their experience with the team. The narrative highlights the importance of new perspectives and ideas in music production, the use of technology in editing and muting sounds, and the collaborative effort in creating a unique sound. It also touches on the challenges of mixing and the satisfaction of seeing a project evolve from an idea to a finished album.

05:03

🔊 The Intricacies of Remixing and Sound Engineering

The speaker reflects on the demanding nature of remixing, drawing parallels to the work of famous artists like Madonna. They delve into the technical aspects of sound production, emphasizing the role of analog effects and the creative process of layering digital and analog elements. The speaker also shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of mastering, the use of various effects to enhance the music's dynamics, and the evolution of their techniques over time. The paragraph concludes with a nod to the fun and rewarding experience of experimenting with remixes and the joy of discovering new sounds.

10:06

🎧 Listener's Perspective on Technodon and Music Evolution

The paragraph explores the listener's initial impressions of Technodon, contrasting their expectations with the actual experience. It discusses the evolution of electronic music, particularly the influence of YMO and the emergence of new genres like techno and ambient. The listener appreciates the artistry and the incorporation of non-musical elements into the music creation process. The speaker also contemplates the complexity of mastering and the intricate process of editing and reworking the final product to achieve the desired sound quality.

15:09

📀 The Pursuit of Audio Excellence and Technological Advancements

This paragraph focuses on the speaker's quest for high-quality audio production, from the early days of digital technology to the present. It discusses the transition from manual labor-intensive processes to modern digital techniques, the impact of mastering on the final sound, and the challenges of remastering old recordings. The speaker also shares their thoughts on the importance of staying updated with technology while maintaining the essence of analog sound. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the artist's growth and the continuous exploration of new sounds and techniques.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Recording

Recording refers to the process of capturing audio signals and storing them for later use. In the video's context, it is a central activity where the participants discuss their experiences in the recording studio, highlighting the technical and creative aspects involved. For instance, the script mentions 'レコーディング' (recording) several times, indicating its importance in the music production process.

💡Mixing Engineer

A mixing engineer is a professional who balances and adjusts the volume levels, panning, and equalization of individual tracks in a song to create a balanced mix. The script refers to the role of a mixing engineer in the context of a person being sought for this role, indicating the importance of this position in the recording process.

💡Studio

A studio in this context is a facility for recording, mixing, and producing music. The script mentions 'スタジオ' (studio) in relation to the place where the recording and mixing took place, emphasizing the significance of the studio environment in shaping the final sound of the music.

💡Freelance

Freelance work involves individuals working independently rather than being employed by a company. In the script, the term is used to describe the work status of the person speaking, who has been working as a freelance professional in New York, indicating the flexible nature of their career in the music industry.

💡Track

In music production, a track refers to an individual element or recording of a particular instrument or sound within a song. The script discusses 'トラック' (track) in the context of layering multiple tracks to create a rich and complex sound, which is a fundamental part of the mixing process.

💡Loop

A loop is a repeated sequence of musical notes or sounds that can be used as a structural component in a song. The script mentions 'ループ' (loop) in the context of using repeated sounds or patterns in the music, which is a common technique in creating a sense of continuity and rhythm.

💡Mastering

Mastering is the final step in music production, where the mixed tracks are polished and optimized for playback on various audio systems. The script discusses 'マスタリング' (mastering) as a critical process that involves final adjustments to ensure the music sounds its best on all playback devices.

💡Analog

Analog refers to technology that uses continuous signals as opposed to digital technology, which uses discrete signals. The script talks about 'アナログ' (analog) in the context of using analog equipment and techniques in recording and mixing, which is often valued for its warm and organic sound quality.

💡Digital

Digital technology uses discrete binary digits to represent information. In the script, 'デジタル' (digital) is mentioned in contrast to analog, highlighting the shift towards digital tools in the music production process, which offers precision and flexibility.

💡Effect

An effect in music production is a modification of the sound that can be applied to individual tracks or the overall mix. The script discusses 'エフェクター' (effect) as a tool used to add depth and character to the sound, shaping the overall feel and atmosphere of the music.

💡Techno

Techno is a genre of electronic dance music characterized by repetitive beats, synthesized sounds, and a futuristic aesthetic. The script mentions 'テクノ' (techno) in the context of the type of music being produced, indicating the influence of this genre on the creative direction of the project.

Highlights

The journey of becoming involved with the recording process started with a chance encounter in New York.

The mixing engineer was searching for a home and was introduced to a new environment by someone named Daichi.

Recording took place at Skyline Studio in New York, which was rented out for several months for various opportunities.

The process involved visiting the studio multiple times and showcasing different projects to gain insights.

The importance of having a fresh perspective and new ideas in the recording and mixing process was emphasized.

The use of an analog console for mixing, which required an intuitive and hands-on approach, is highlighted.

The challenges of editing and muting sounds using computers versus the more tactile experience of analog consoles.

The role of effects and how they were used to add depth and character to the music, even with the advent of digital technology.

The creative process involved in making Technodon, including the blending of analog and digital techniques.

The impact of the album Technodon on listeners and how it pushed the boundaries of electronic music at the time.

The discussion of the remastered version of Technodon and the improvements in sound quality and range.

Reflections on the evolution of music production from the 80s to the present, and the incorporation of new technologies.

The comparison between the original and remastered versions of the album, noting the differences in texture and sound.

The personal experience of listening to Technodon for the first time and the surprise of its innovative approach.

The technical aspects of mastering the album, including the challenges and the creative decisions made during the process.

The artist's approach to updating their sound while still respecting the original intent and feel of the music.

The listener's journey through the album, highlighting favorite tracks and the overall impression left by Technodon.

The significance of the album in the context of the artist's discography and its place in the evolution of electronic music.