Drum Tones

[soundmanlpte]

Hey JMJ,

I have a huge respect for your bass playing and producing. I've been watching interviews with you and I really love your philosophy about music in general.

Regarding drum tones. Obviously it depends on the record. But generally speaking, how do you approach drum tones? Do you try to commit to and keep tones right from the tracking process? Or do you focus on getting the right take, knowing that you can use samples to get exactly the right tones later on? Or is it a mix of both?

I particularly enjoy the tones on the Tegan & Sara record. Joey Waronker is so tight and tasteful, so I'm sure he makes it easy. To me it sounds like live drums mixed with some samples from drum machines. Or really effective use of gates.

I'd love to hear any thoughts you have on this.

Thanks!

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Thank you!

Here's my philosophy: The drum sound MUST be inspiring and kick-ass during the tracking phase when I'm first getting the sounds. I can never, ever, EVER wait and assume that sample replacement or anything else is going to save my ass later. It just doesn't work for me. It's got to be amazing right then, and be very close to my vision for the song....as much as possible. Because think of it this way: how can you come up with the ideal bass sound you want, or guitar, unless the drums are giving you the right context?

Thank you re: Tegan & Sara. On the tracks I produced, however, that's not Joey. That's Victor Indrizzo. Yes, I did mix in some samples on the kick and snare, but they aren't "drum samples" they are drum machines, as you are suggesting. And gates.

Cheers,
Justin

 

[soundmanlpte]

Hey Justin,

Thanks for replying to this. As a follow up question: What drum machines do you tend to prefer in general (to mix in with real drums), and which drum machines made it on the Tegan & Sara songs that you produced?

Also, what records are you listening to? What's inspiring you? (I'm currently listening to the Raveonettes record, which is badass)

Thanks!

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Drum machines: Linn LM-2, Sequential Drumtrax, TR-707, and some other ones that I shall keep a secret. Can't actually remember which specific ones were on Tegan & Sara when I wrapped up the songs.

Glad you enjoy the Raves record! I'm currently listening to Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel. My music rotation is nuts, and cycles through tons of eras, styles, whatever. But that's where I'm landing right now, and really enjoying.

 

[soundmanlpte]

Awesome! Peter Gabriel's "So" frequents my playlist often. And is a huge influence of my band.

I hate being that youtube guy. But for Peter Gabriel, it's worth it. This live video of "In Your Eyes" is worth watching, if you haven't already.

 

[KeithPoker]

JMJ, there was a benefit show a few weeks ago at Molly Malone's. The music was all Peter Gabriel and the band was great.. Lyle Workman, Tim Lefebvre, Blair Sinta, Danny Frankel, and Gary Oldman to name a few. Awesome!