On not taking no for an answer

I think that sometimes there can be a little too much of a macho-feeling approach to engineering. Like, if you know what exactly the right piece of gear is, and you know exactly how to set the knobs to get the perfect result, then your stuff will sound “pro.”

And that can be true! It’s not necessarily always how I personally do it though. Sometimes I will get a sound that has an emotional vibe that I really like, that might still needs a little help here and there with the dynamics, and then I’ll take it the rest of the way with (sometimes detailed) automation. There’s nothing wrong with doing things by hand.

Here’s the vocal master in the 80s kids song that I’m currently working on:

It’s not about being perfect at using music gear, it’s about being relentless in your pursuit of the narrative that’s in your head. You don’t have to take no for an answer when you’re working on your art.

All roads lead to Rome — jamie