'Dad Rock' and how we keep computers from ruining stuff
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Date: 2024-09-27
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Comments and reviews: 20
kastro8065
I wouldn't give up on that tascam! A cassette mix honestly captures that pure rock grit even more in my opinion. Not even a disagreement with the entire thesis of the video, just wanted to slightly counter what Adam said about heavy compression suiting different genres like electronic music and not rock at 12: 55. Stuff like shoegaze rock music wouldn't hit the same without the fat compression and guitar overdubs that soak your ears in a wall of sound. I personally believe the decline in rock music on the radio came from stale pop rock being pushed combined with the industry sinking it's fangs into electronic and hip hop genres, than say the technological advances with stuff like DAWs. The underground has never been in short supply of amazing rock music. At the end of the day it all comes down to the artists' taste and how they want their music to sound like. If you're looking for a recommendation, people already brought up King Gizzard, but I think someone that excels in the less is more dynamic is Mk. Gee! Very raw recordings (he records into the same tascam you have, minimally tracked guitar, but with a hint of Phil Collins pop and melody that combine to create something special.
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I wouldn't give up on that tascam! A cassette mix honestly captures that pure rock grit even more in my opinion. Not even a disagreement with the entire thesis of the video, just wanted to slightly counter what Adam said about heavy compression suiting different genres like electronic music and not rock at 12: 55. Stuff like shoegaze rock music wouldn't hit the same without the fat compression and guitar overdubs that soak your ears in a wall of sound. I personally believe the decline in rock music on the radio came from stale pop rock being pushed combined with the industry sinking it's fangs into electronic and hip hop genres, than say the technological advances with stuff like DAWs. The underground has never been in short supply of amazing rock music. At the end of the day it all comes down to the artists' taste and how they want their music to sound like. If you're looking for a recommendation, people already brought up King Gizzard, but I think someone that excels in the less is more dynamic is Mk. Gee! Very raw recordings (he records into the same tascam you have, minimally tracked guitar, but with a hint of Phil Collins pop and melody that combine to create something special.
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LosFloresLunares
Genuinely I can’t think of many people who have influenced and shaped my growth as a person as you which is so odd to say, like the way you present information, explain thinking about the world, and how you relate to it all just have always resonated with me very much since I was like 14. I feel like I’ve just learned to appreciate simplicity and the present moment from everything you talk about and just strive for imperfections, just enjoy what it takes to get there. Seeing you move through life and take on new stuff like this really just inspires me to keep going and be me which has made my life so much better in the past couple years transitioning into adulthood(21. Like recently I did just pick up a guitar and have been teaching myself to play cause of how much I love older rock music and Spanish flamenco. This video really hit for that just like you really changed the way I thought about cooking and food growing up. Just wanted to thank your for always making such thoughtful and informational content and I really can’t wait to see where you go in the future
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Genuinely I can’t think of many people who have influenced and shaped my growth as a person as you which is so odd to say, like the way you present information, explain thinking about the world, and how you relate to it all just have always resonated with me very much since I was like 14. I feel like I’ve just learned to appreciate simplicity and the present moment from everything you talk about and just strive for imperfections, just enjoy what it takes to get there. Seeing you move through life and take on new stuff like this really just inspires me to keep going and be me which has made my life so much better in the past couple years transitioning into adulthood(21. Like recently I did just pick up a guitar and have been teaching myself to play cause of how much I love older rock music and Spanish flamenco. This video really hit for that just like you really changed the way I thought about cooking and food growing up. Just wanted to thank your for always making such thoughtful and informational content and I really can’t wait to see where you go in the future
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sheep4483
If you really like bass, I think Mirage by HeMeets is a pretty good example of a good extremely bass-forward song, very simple in technique, but relatively melodically intricate (I'll admit that as primarily a guitar player I play it with a pick, although it's not super rock-y. It actually has no guitar, it has synths but the only actual instruments are bass and drums. I'm not sure you'd be too interested in something exactly like that, but maybe you'd have some fun if you ever feel interested in trying something that presents bass (and also drums) as more of a front feature over or at least more equal to the guitar. It does hold some similarities to some of what you've released already so maybe you could find a bit of artistic inspiration in it.
Also, after listening to your soundcloud album, I feel like it's actually quite genuine to indie/punk, which surprised me a bit. Not bad at all.
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If you really like bass, I think Mirage by HeMeets is a pretty good example of a good extremely bass-forward song, very simple in technique, but relatively melodically intricate (I'll admit that as primarily a guitar player I play it with a pick, although it's not super rock-y. It actually has no guitar, it has synths but the only actual instruments are bass and drums. I'm not sure you'd be too interested in something exactly like that, but maybe you'd have some fun if you ever feel interested in trying something that presents bass (and also drums) as more of a front feature over or at least more equal to the guitar. It does hold some similarities to some of what you've released already so maybe you could find a bit of artistic inspiration in it.
Also, after listening to your soundcloud album, I feel like it's actually quite genuine to indie/punk, which surprised me a bit. Not bad at all.
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josepadilla-dv3ld
Might not be your niche/field of interest but I was curious if you had an answer for why as a hiphop fan I dislike most lyrics I find it hard to describe but in other genres it frequently feels like the artist uses the wrong number of syllables, or the melodic/rythmic structure of the lyric grates against the instrumentals rather than supplementing it. I wonder if you understand what this is and if you think its worth exploring. Loving these nerdy deep dive videos btw!
For example I know that you feel me, cause I know you got empathy sounded wrong at first due to the syllables, when I re-listened to it it sounded better/potential for a good element because I heard it as I know that you feel me, cause I know you got em- pathy (so intentionally letting the end of one line spill into the next.
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Might not be your niche/field of interest but I was curious if you had an answer for why as a hiphop fan I dislike most lyrics I find it hard to describe but in other genres it frequently feels like the artist uses the wrong number of syllables, or the melodic/rythmic structure of the lyric grates against the instrumentals rather than supplementing it. I wonder if you understand what this is and if you think its worth exploring. Loving these nerdy deep dive videos btw!
For example I know that you feel me, cause I know you got empathy sounded wrong at first due to the syllables, when I re-listened to it it sounded better/potential for a good element because I heard it as I know that you feel me, cause I know you got em- pathy (so intentionally letting the end of one line spill into the next.
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AlneCraft
9: 17 The little bit that sounds good but cannot be reproduced really reminds me of Prince and his When Doves Cry, with its intro guitar riff.
When you look at the chords and you try to reproduce that sound you will notice that it does not quite sound the same.
This is because allegedly Prince recorded that riff first, and THEN wrote the chords for it. Which is not uncommon, but interestingly enough, that specific riff is very difficult to write down in musical notation for one reason or another (I wouldn't know, I'm not a music guy)
It's these little moments of inprov that can make both the greats and the normies feel on the same page. Sometimes you just do something you never expected to be able to do, and you can never reproduce it again.
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9: 17 The little bit that sounds good but cannot be reproduced really reminds me of Prince and his When Doves Cry, with its intro guitar riff.
When you look at the chords and you try to reproduce that sound you will notice that it does not quite sound the same.
This is because allegedly Prince recorded that riff first, and THEN wrote the chords for it. Which is not uncommon, but interestingly enough, that specific riff is very difficult to write down in musical notation for one reason or another (I wouldn't know, I'm not a music guy)
It's these little moments of inprov that can make both the greats and the normies feel on the same page. Sometimes you just do something you never expected to be able to do, and you can never reproduce it again.
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Homer-OJ-Simpson
Great argument about the Type of music dominant at a given time is influenced heavily by the dominant listening context of that time. I can say that as I listen to older music, my opinions of songs have changed as I’ve listened far more frequently with earbuds / headphones than through a speaker. One of the biggest changes for me is how much more I appreciate GREAT vocalist / singing. I’ve become a much bigger fan of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli because you can really pickup and feel the vibrato and other great elements of their singing that don’t pop as much on a speaker
And I think hip hop with strong bass became popular in the late 90’s and after in part due to people listening more and more frequently with headphones
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Great argument about the Type of music dominant at a given time is influenced heavily by the dominant listening context of that time. I can say that as I listen to older music, my opinions of songs have changed as I’ve listened far more frequently with earbuds / headphones than through a speaker. One of the biggest changes for me is how much more I appreciate GREAT vocalist / singing. I’ve become a much bigger fan of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli because you can really pickup and feel the vibrato and other great elements of their singing that don’t pop as much on a speaker
And I think hip hop with strong bass became popular in the late 90’s and after in part due to people listening more and more frequently with headphones
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Hyssar
Hey Adam, I don't know if you'll see this, but it might help you in a way: you know that quintessially 80s band The Human League They're named that way because DESPITE all their drums and synths being played by sequencers, they would go back and add tiny variations, tiny mistakes to their tracks: a note a bit earlier, a bit softer, a bit late, etc etc. because those impertible variations give it such warmth and emotion. It makes it HUMAN. Hence the name. So stick to your approach! Keep using full takes for each instrument instead of stitching the best parts of multiple takes together. It just makes it sound more emotional, it will make your music truly reach the heart of the listener. Good luck!
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Hey Adam, I don't know if you'll see this, but it might help you in a way: you know that quintessially 80s band The Human League They're named that way because DESPITE all their drums and synths being played by sequencers, they would go back and add tiny variations, tiny mistakes to their tracks: a note a bit earlier, a bit softer, a bit late, etc etc. because those impertible variations give it such warmth and emotion. It makes it HUMAN. Hence the name. So stick to your approach! Keep using full takes for each instrument instead of stitching the best parts of multiple takes together. It just makes it sound more emotional, it will make your music truly reach the heart of the listener. Good luck!
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lanceperfect
Wow, Dad Rock was amazing! Good job, Gus b-_-d \m/ I wish I were knowledgeable enough to give a proper critique, but I've a mediocre ear and beat at best. Nonetheless, I will say it ran the emotional gamut. I appreciated the range, with clever highs and clearly focused lows. Thank you for the album, and thank you for your thoughtful commentary on the state of music and rock. It was a joy learning about as always.
PS I'm sorry it was a tumultuous year for you, Adam. I hope expressing the struggle musically has aided in your recovery.
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Wow, Dad Rock was amazing! Good job, Gus b-_-d \m/ I wish I were knowledgeable enough to give a proper critique, but I've a mediocre ear and beat at best. Nonetheless, I will say it ran the emotional gamut. I appreciated the range, with clever highs and clearly focused lows. Thank you for the album, and thank you for your thoughtful commentary on the state of music and rock. It was a joy learning about as always.
PS I'm sorry it was a tumultuous year for you, Adam. I hope expressing the struggle musically has aided in your recovery.
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kochimoon4831
This feels like an alternate Rick Beato take on modern music, tainted with 2004 music forum wisdom, and I say that with genuine affection. However, I truly believe we’ve evolved beyond debates like compression versus dynamics, analog versus digital, and so on. Nowadays, everything is aestheticized; there’s no right or wrong as long as it’s intentional, even when it comes to over-compression. In this new landscape, the question isn’t what sounds good, but rather what kind of sound do you want to emulate
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This feels like an alternate Rick Beato take on modern music, tainted with 2004 music forum wisdom, and I say that with genuine affection. However, I truly believe we’ve evolved beyond debates like compression versus dynamics, analog versus digital, and so on. Nowadays, everything is aestheticized; there’s no right or wrong as long as it’s intentional, even when it comes to over-compression. In this new landscape, the question isn’t what sounds good, but rather what kind of sound do you want to emulate
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caseystevens462
Musician here. Honestly, I like the doubled guitar better. I think bass is always necessary even if it’s just root notes. For me the music comes first and the vocals (which are an instrument) are no more important than anything else. Tool is a perfect example. Robert plant thought the vocals on Aenima were too quiet. But it’s all about the balance. I’d rather be able to hear great guitar/bass tones and the vocals. Not just treat them as background to the vocals. But that’s just me. Keep it up
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Musician here. Honestly, I like the doubled guitar better. I think bass is always necessary even if it’s just root notes. For me the music comes first and the vocals (which are an instrument) are no more important than anything else. Tool is a perfect example. Robert plant thought the vocals on Aenima were too quiet. But it’s all about the balance. I’d rather be able to hear great guitar/bass tones and the vocals. Not just treat them as background to the vocals. But that’s just me. Keep it up
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bsheaves
I think rock music is actually starting to pick up a bit of a renaissance. With modern in ear drivers (which have unbelievable audio quality, my air pods pro 2’s sound fantastic) really good bass from small speakers is starting to really be the norm now. You really can’t solve the playing music from your phone’s speaker issues because annoying physics get the in the way but, good audio that you take anything with you I think will start to bring back more and more rock groups as time goes on
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I think rock music is actually starting to pick up a bit of a renaissance. With modern in ear drivers (which have unbelievable audio quality, my air pods pro 2’s sound fantastic) really good bass from small speakers is starting to really be the norm now. You really can’t solve the playing music from your phone’s speaker issues because annoying physics get the in the way but, good audio that you take anything with you I think will start to bring back more and more rock groups as time goes on
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kadper
I love Dad Rock, but im not old. I've noticed there har been a rift between the rockers now adays. There are the people, mostly teen-rockers, who like rock but like the more pop or indie rock, like Artic Monkeys, and Oasis. And then we have a smaller amount of teens(including me) and old dads who like the rock n' roll type music, such as vanhalen, aerosmith or steppenwolf. The indie rock isn't bad but i wonder we're the Rock n' Rollers have gone.
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I love Dad Rock, but im not old. I've noticed there har been a rift between the rockers now adays. There are the people, mostly teen-rockers, who like rock but like the more pop or indie rock, like Artic Monkeys, and Oasis. And then we have a smaller amount of teens(including me) and old dads who like the rock n' roll type music, such as vanhalen, aerosmith or steppenwolf. The indie rock isn't bad but i wonder we're the Rock n' Rollers have gone.
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aragusea
There is a problem for what Adam is trying to do. Y T is compressing the sound using 128kbit AAC audio. IF you can get the 152kbit opus you should get something closer to what Adam was trying to do. Opus is better algorithm and it is less compressed. I am not sure I could hear the different as I am 73 and my hearing is not what it was. Might not be any worse than Adam's though as I have been careful not to blow out my ears.
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There is a problem for what Adam is trying to do. Y T is compressing the sound using 128kbit AAC audio. IF you can get the 152kbit opus you should get something closer to what Adam was trying to do. Opus is better algorithm and it is less compressed. I am not sure I could hear the different as I am 73 and my hearing is not what it was. Might not be any worse than Adam's though as I have been careful not to blow out my ears.
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fenirob
This was an interesting video. Thanks. I enjoyed the mix with two guitars since it was just the same part doubled. (One rhythm guitar sounded fine as well. Eddie was always throwing in the lead/fills during the whole song, and he also had that awesome chorus crunch. And Michael Anthony's bass was always lower in the mix than I wanted, still. Rush often doubled rhythm guitar and there was plenty of room for Geddy in the mix.
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This was an interesting video. Thanks. I enjoyed the mix with two guitars since it was just the same part doubled. (One rhythm guitar sounded fine as well. Eddie was always throwing in the lead/fills during the whole song, and he also had that awesome chorus crunch. And Michael Anthony's bass was always lower in the mix than I wanted, still. Rush often doubled rhythm guitar and there was plenty of room for Geddy in the mix.
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danrichards2250
I went to a 20 year high school reunion at the homecoming football game in 2016 and was shocked at what I saw. There were 30 people in the marching band but 100 in chorus. It was reversed when I was the marching band in the 1990s.
I thought about the dramatic change and the only thing I could come up with was the rise of shows like Glee and American Idol. Chorus and singing had become the cool thing!
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I went to a 20 year high school reunion at the homecoming football game in 2016 and was shocked at what I saw. There were 30 people in the marching band but 100 in chorus. It was reversed when I was the marching band in the 1990s.
I thought about the dramatic change and the only thing I could come up with was the rise of shows like Glee and American Idol. Chorus and singing had become the cool thing!
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opensourceq
i understand what you’re saying about phone and laptop speakers but i have to say that unlike most parts of smartphones, speakers have actually gotten way better in recent years compared to old models. i just listened to the stooges i wanna be your dog on my iphone 13 mini and it really sounded pretty good holding it in my lap. sure it would sound better on headphones, but i could tell what the bass was doing
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i understand what you’re saying about phone and laptop speakers but i have to say that unlike most parts of smartphones, speakers have actually gotten way better in recent years compared to old models. i just listened to the stooges i wanna be your dog on my iphone 13 mini and it really sounded pretty good holding it in my lap. sure it would sound better on headphones, but i could tell what the bass was doing
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Jeff-ye6so
honestly I really love imperfect vocals so don't worry if yours aren't spot on, though it sounded really clean to me. I think another reason rock is less popular nowadays is attention span with regard to song length. many newer songs are very short, some around just 2 minutes, whereas back in the day you had some that went for 7-9 minutes with guitar solos that could last for a couple minutes in there!
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honestly I really love imperfect vocals so don't worry if yours aren't spot on, though it sounded really clean to me. I think another reason rock is less popular nowadays is attention span with regard to song length. many newer songs are very short, some around just 2 minutes, whereas back in the day you had some that went for 7-9 minutes with guitar solos that could last for a couple minutes in there!
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Timeward76
I like your idea about listening context. I only listen to music really when Im in the car, where the speakers have room to boom, or on my computer, where the bigger headset has room to boom. I only listen to videos or podcasts while out and about with my tiny headphones, and I wonder if the reason I dont listen to music on my phone is because it doesnt sound as good.
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I like your idea about listening context. I only listen to music really when Im in the car, where the speakers have room to boom, or on my computer, where the bigger headset has room to boom. I only listen to videos or podcasts while out and about with my tiny headphones, and I wonder if the reason I dont listen to music on my phone is because it doesnt sound as good.
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julianbassk
Also, it's not distorted at all, but check out Mk. Gee and his guitar playing. Really interesting, layered, shifting between all kinds of textures. Often soft but with spiky bursts. But yeah, I get your issues about computer production. Though for live spontaneous rock, I do prefer live tracking. Put up some flyers around town and get you a band
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Also, it's not distorted at all, but check out Mk. Gee and his guitar playing. Really interesting, layered, shifting between all kinds of textures. Often soft but with spiky bursts. But yeah, I get your issues about computer production. Though for live spontaneous rock, I do prefer live tracking. Put up some flyers around town and get you a band
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d35p3rado
Don't know how much you're reading comments currently, but I'm glad that after all your new music is a young person's game you've decided to let the music out. I've been around the whole time, miss the podcast, had my own prescribed-Zoloft incident in the same time, and there's a vicarious joy for your courage to express your music.
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Don't know how much you're reading comments currently, but I'm glad that after all your new music is a young person's game you've decided to let the music out. I've been around the whole time, miss the podcast, had my own prescribed-Zoloft incident in the same time, and there's a vicarious joy for your courage to express your music.
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