Robert DeLeo on Writing STP's "Plush"

Summary

The transcript offers an in-depth discussion of a hit song's creation, focusing on its sophisticated guitar riffs, unique bass lines, and intricate chord progressions. The musicians reflect on their influences, from ragtime and blues to Jimmy Page and classic pop, and explain how melody, inversion, and space contribute to the song's distinct sound. Insights into pre-production, recording techniques, and live tracking reveal the band's hands-on approach, their chemistry, and attention to musical nuance. Personal anecdotes about teaching, composing, and studio experiences highlight the dedication and artistry behind the music, providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the making of a memorable record.

Takeaways

• 🎸 The guitar riff on the song combines ragtime influences, chromatic lines, and rock distortion, inspired by Jimmy Page and blues traditions.
• 🎶 The chorus and walk-up riffs showcase intricate guitar work reminiscent of classic guitar-driven rock.
• 🎵 Bass lines feature inverted chords, descending lines, and unusual fills, emphasizing melodic interplay with the vocals.
• 📝 Songwriting was collaborative, with the lead singer contributing melodies influenced by choir and Carpenters-style vocal techniques.
• 💡 Some lyrics were co-written by other band members, highlighting a team effort in the song’s creation.
• 🎛️ Recording often involved live tracking in one room with both acoustic and drum parts, embracing natural bleed for authenticity.
• ⏱️ Click tracks were used selectively, with the producer ensuring tempos and overall feel were solid during pre-production.
• 📀 Early demos sometimes inspired riffs and ideas that were later refined for the final songs.
• 🎵 Influences spanned multiple genres including jazz, blues, country, rock, and 1940s standards like 'Nature Boy'.
• 🥁 Drumming was praised for its in-the-pocket feel, showing the importance of tasteful rhythm in shaping the song’s groove.
• 🎤 The band emphasized space and mood within the arrangement, making each instrument and vocal line more expressive.
• 📚 Personal anecdotes reveal experiences teaching music, reflecting on other drummers, and the excitement of recording their first album.

Q & A

What inspired the guitar riff in the song discussed in the transcript?

The guitar riff was inspired by ragtime and blues styles, with a chromatic lick added for uniqueness. The musician also drew influence from Jimmy Page's sophisticated and dissonant chord progressions.

How did the verse section of the song stand out musically?

The verse was unusual due to its bass-oriented movement, inverted chords, and descending lines that resolved into an E flat major 7 chord, creating a melodic and harmonic interest.

What role did Scott play in shaping the melody of the song?

Scott had a strong background in choir and was influenced by the Carpenters. He could make melodies sound smooth and melodic, and he would collaborate on melodies or provide his own for songs.

How did the bass lines contribute to the song's overall feel?

The bass lines were intricate with unusual fills, contributing to the song's mood and space. They were designed to support the melody while adding interest, drawing from songs the bassist admired from his youth.

Did the band use click tracks during recording sessions?

No, they did not use click tracks initially. Eric, the drummer, was excellent at laying back in the pocket, which helped maintain consistent tempo without a click.

What was Brendan's approach as a producer during pre-production?

Brendan focused on getting the feel and tempo of the songs together. He experimented with ideas like fretless bass but emphasized refining the field, creating rough mixes that closely represented the final sound.

How did the band record acoustic songs in the studio?

They recorded everything in one room, including acoustic instruments and vocals, rather than isolating them in separate booths. This sometimes caused bleed, but it contributed to the live feel of the recordings.

What influenced the choice of a particular bass fill in the song?

The bass fill was influenced by the song 'Nature Boy' from the 1940s and was chosen to create a mood change while leaving space in the arrangement.

Why was space and mood considered important in the arrangements?

Space and mood allowed instruments to breathe, emphasized key moments in the song, and made the compositions feel more dynamic and expressive, particularly in mid-tempo acoustic-to-rock songs.

How did the early studio experience influence the band's recording process?

Entering a professional studio for the first record was like a spiritual experience for the band, inspiring excitement and attention to detail. The use of rough mixes and big monitors ('flamethrowers') helped them hear the songs as they would ultimately sound.

How did prior teaching experience influence the guitarist's songwriting?

Teaching 50 students a week gave him insight into guitar techniques and what students found fun and engaging, which helped inform his own songwriting and the development of riffs and chord progressions.

What was notable about Eric's drumming style according to the transcript?

Eric's drumming was very musical and tasteful, laying back in the pocket in a way that enhanced the song's groove, similar to how Ringo Starr's style was appreciated over time compared to Neil Peart's technical drumming.