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**hanging out with audiophiles – hanging out with audiophiles**

My name is Jamie Lidell and I’m gonna delve into the heady magic of creating music in a modern studio, probe the depths of production, get tech crazy with mixing tricks, studio skills and equipment. I’ll be joined by fellow musicians, engineers and all-round audiophiles who kindly share their tips, stories and ingenious insight from the bizarre world of music production. I shall answer questions and seek knowledge from other music makers on a quest to discover how to make things sound RIGHT. I will also share some studio trickery on each episode as I explore some of my favourite innovations in music tech and my creations… outpourings from the weirdo brain! Welcome to a place for musicians, producers and listeners alike as we “cheers” our love of everything audio.

Latest Episodes:

HOWA EP 44 - TIM EXILE Apr 29, 2019

Show notes

Want to get into Endless?

Here’s the link to the HOWA jam http://bit.ly/HOWAjam

I met Tim Shaw aka Tim Exile in Berlin in the mid 2000s

We were 2 brits roasting in the furnace of creativity that was cooking in the East

It was a heady time. There were so many amazing performers around

Everyone from Peaches to Kevin Blechdom, Errorsmith to Neubauten

You could inhale the punk as a gas and it fueled a lot of invention at that time

Tech was on that more steady and tangible bubble up and we were all trying to see how to combine our strengths with that digital promise.

Around 2000 I had decided to drop out of music making to be a builder of machines.

I got completely taken by the promise of Max/Msp and indeed it allowed me a great freedom to combine my voice and my obsession with the machine in a new way

I was making a living looping and Tim caught wind of those early shows and it set him off on a journey to build an absolute BEAST of a looper

I had travelled the Max way, Tim took the Reaktor to the loop limit.

His flow machine was a joy to behold even in its infancy.

I remember hearing it and being completely blown away

Seem-less transitions and audio with no clicks!

All things my machine struggled with. Loops with various lengths all playing off against one another, FX that would cut and carve the shit into shreds only to have new layers swoop in to fill the void and uncover new counterpoints.

The Tempo could change. The Machine would time stretch and warp so beautifully. It was a marvel.

The ultimate looper.

It's still is the best I’ve ever used and for a long time it wasn’t available to the public.

That is until ENDLESS

I’m super proud of him for daring to explode this idea into the world as something more than an esoteric loop maker for just one user.

He’s had to quit his career as a musician essentially to focus on the company and now it’s happening.

Endless is beginning.

Exciting times and I’m very happy to have known the evolution of all this. I see how far it can go coz I know how far the looper has already taken me.

Wild rides to get this far and more to come. Please welcome the marvelous mind that is Tim Exile to the show to share his thoughts!

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MUSIC for 44 comes from - The Great Turtle

https://greatturtle.bandcamp.com

Michael Sayer sent me a lovely mail about this improved music and how it’s born of an obsession with music making.

How cool is this ? Music made at the Birds of Prey Conservation Area in Idaho.

Check it out

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Sponsorship for the show comes courtesy of the wondrous digital minds at Valhalla DSP!

I’m thrilled to be able to have them on board as I’m such a fan of all their stuff and the JSUT released the new DELAY plugin

The best $50 you’ll spend on a delay, lemme tell ya! Get out and get it!

Speaking of which, thanks to Devon Gilfillian

The song we wrote together called “Get out and Get it”is out now as a single for him on Capitol Records!

Badass!

Listen here

https://devongilfillian.lnk.to/ListenWE

I use snips of the original demo vocal in the nitty gritty to show off the wobbly world of dual Melodyne

Why not!

More wobbles in 2019!!!

Cheers

HOWA 43 - GREG WELLS (PART 2) Apr 22, 2019

Show notes

The sequel usually disappoints. Not this time.

Greg and I literally go into outer space and beyond the grave in this cosmic excursion. Earthly concerns addressed in good measure also.

An immense pleasure to chat in such great depth with this absolutely superb chap.

HOWA 43 - GREG WELLS (PART 2) Apr 22, 2019

Show notes

The sequel usually disappoints. Not this time.

Greg and I literally go into outer space and beyond the grave in this cosmic excursion. Earthly concerns addressed in good measure also.

An immense pleasure to chat in such great depth with this absolutely superb chap.

HOWA EP42 - GREG WELLS (PART 1) Apr 15, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to the first of a two part epic chat with the excellent Greg Wells!

Yes! Mr. G.W. is a ludicrously talented chap.

He’s produced and written with Adele, he’s responsible for the hugely successful The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, he’s a long time collaborator with the lesser known Katy Perry, I mean who’s ever heard of Ariana Grande ? Or Pink ? Pharrell Williams, Burt Bacharach, Elton John ...

Too MUCH and yet, this list is a mere micro dose of Greg’s funk menu.

It must feel amazing to able to express yourself on the drums, the piano and with the world of synths and also mixing and recording equipment. It’s not RIGHT to be good at it all and yet Greg has the skills to write, play, record, mix. I think it's safe to say, he has ALL the skills.

What's more, he has an unbelievable amount of knowledge and experience all in a generous and light hearted frame that is most fun to be around.

There are so many milestones along his timeline that would be pinnacles of achievement for most. It’s humbling just to think about.

For example, He spent time under the tutelage of famed composer Clare Fisher who Susan Rogers talks about on out pod chat. (EP12)

I used to have some strong positive emotional reactions to the arrangements he made for Prince. Very strong! I can only imagine what powers Greg absorbed being in his company.

A father of 5, Mr Wells is a master at putting one at ease.

I chatted with him for a good hour on our first encounter and it felt like I’d known him for years.

I think his genuine openness and nurturing fatherly spirit has a lot to do with his success.

I know he made me feel extremely welcome both times I chatted with him.

That initial chin wag was made without the tape rolling sadly but on my return to have a proper chat, we got into a lengthy discussion that lasted around 3 hours! This time recorded :)

We go way back to the start and get into some very emotional memories which I feel very greatful to Greg for sharing with me and hence with us all.

An open, wise, playful badass. I feel like this chat could have gone on another 3 hours!

Please enjoy part 1 with the incomparable Greg Wells:

Small note:

At one point I’m trying to recall the “Matt” that helped restoring Sam Phillips studios in Memphis.

His full name is Matt Sprang

Superb engineer with really good hair!

http://www.southerngrooves.com

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In the nitty I attempt to make a vocoder using only stock Ableton building blocks. What do ya need?

24 filters, 12 Max for Live Envelope followers and some tweaking :)

spoiler alert.

It works!

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Music for 42 comes from

https://nudityforbeginners.com

Check this link for some browser-based interactive music video promo fun. It incorporates a couple teaser videos he made for the tracks that he will be evolving in the future.

Let the evolution begin!

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Thanks to Leap Wing audio for today’s show sponsorship.

They make some really interesting plugins and only 3 currently which I’m a fan of. Not too much to confuse or dilute

Check them here!

https://www.leapwingaudio.com

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HOWA EP41- MATT SWEENEY Apr 01, 2019

Show notes

Hello 41 !

Hello to this now vintage chat with Matt Sweeney recorded June 14 2018.

I was first introduced to Matt trough my friend Pete Townsend.

Not THAT Pete but another Pete!

There’s a rather fantastic band by the name of Super Wolf and Pete plays drums, Matt’s on guitar and Will Oldham aka Bonnie Prince Billy is singing.

It’s hard to not be moved by that music and every element is crucial to the buzz.

Who’s that amazing guitarist you ask? Yep, it’s Matt Sweeney.

Let’s have a quick celebratory tour around some of this lads achievements!

He’s been in bands like Skunk, Chavez and Super Wolf

He’s played on records with Johnny Cash, Cat Power, Andrew W. K., Run the Jewels, Eagles of Death Metal and maybe more

He’s produced .. oh boy he’s produced!

He’s lent a crucial touch to the making of the Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack.

(This is the then secret stuff we couldn’t talk about!)

In 2016, Sweeney toured with Iggy Pop and Josh Homme to support their album Post Pop Depression.

He’s been interview by the Epic Marc Maron (EP 637)

Matt is the creator of the fan bloody tactic Guitar moves

Here's a couple of classic episodes for ya:

Keith Richards!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceWWMfhAvD4

Blake Mills!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlskErEWuRI

Matt is a investor in the popular superiority burger:

To be found East 9th st Manhattan

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/30/nyregion/superiority-burger-a-vegetarian-ode-to-white-castle-in-the-east-village.html

What’s in the chat? Wellllll

We tackle fear and inaction and how to overcome it. Yep. We’ve solved it so take a listen :)

Don’t be afraid to ask “is there a budget”

Finding the budgets that are hiding in the music puzzle.

You’re Welcome!

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Thanks to Steve Lynch for the music for Ep 41

Check out his ocean inspired “Tides”

https://soundcloud.com/stellarsound/sets/steve-lynch-tides

twitter/stellarsteve

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Nitty Gritty wise I explore extraordinary noise. VELVET noise! as Maron might say WTF?

HOWA EP 40 - MACHINE DRUM Mar 18, 2019

Show notes

Episode 40 welcomes Travis Stewart aka Machine Drum to the pod!

Travis is a badass I've know for some time now and is someone I’m lucky to call a friend at this point. We made it to brunching status !

I’ve had him over to the house in Nashville and we jammed once which makes me think

We really need to do that again!

I’ve also sung on a JETS track U.N.I. which was a real rush.

Travis is one of those characters that gets the magic side of music.

He gets the fact that the presentation of ideas is important. To DREEEEAAAAMMMM

He gets that you don’t need much kit to make amazing shit (you can quote me on that)

He also gets that it’s good to share.

So enjoy our ramble back in time. Yes!

We get into some Machinedrum time travel. How did a kid from small town USA get to wander so free?

The man is prolific and talented having pushed quality sounds through labels of distinction such as:

Producing work for Theophilus London, Jesse Boykins III, Azealia Banks, and oh so many more!

YUP

He’s legit!!

This chat was from August 2018 so it’s been stewing somewhat and yet it’s as fresh as ever!

Great timing as JETS have a brilliant LP coming May 24 through Innovative Leisure

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The Nitty is all about the 808 and creating the Clave and Cowbell using modulars. wish me luck!

Here's the link to the Sound on Sound article I used to make them. Super useful and deep series of articles.

https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/synthesizing-cowbells-claves

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Music for today’s show comes again from LakeCube. I featured his stuff in EP 32 with Ann Mincieli also

https://lakecube.bandcamp.com/releases

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The show is sponsored by industrialectric

Makers of incredibly noisy boxes !

I witnessed one for the first time with Leo Ross, my guest on Ep 38. His brother Atticus also uses these with Nine Inch Nails.

I can see why. If you need a major sonic imprint these pedals are like no other :)

https://www.industrialectric.com

HOWA EP 39 - ALEXIS TAYLOR Mar 04, 2019

Show notes

I’m so fortunate to have one of my favourite UK musicians on the show, Mr Alexis Taylor.

A founding member of the now legendary Hot Chip, he’s been releasing music for good whee while now and by gosh it’s all superb. His clothing choices are also second to none. The man marches to the beat of his own drum machine.

I REALLY hope you’re not aware of Alexis thus far so you get to experience the joy of opening up his catalog as it were the first snow you’d ever seen on your lawn. The majesty!!!

Hello Alexis!

GIG ALERT

Alexis has got a seriously cool show coming up very soon in NYC March 15th and 16th

https://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/met-live-arts/alexis-taylor-19

Needless to say, this is a MUST for any New Yorkers. He’s playing together with the amazing Money Mark, my super talented friend Jonny Lam, Annie Hart and visual master Nick Relph at the Met! Bloody hell. EPIC!

Today’s Nitty is a levels game.

I ask the potentially expensive question “does a DI/mic pre combo make eurorack belt harder?”

Find out!

Music for this episode comes courtesy of Rory Simmons

https://www.rorysimmons.com

https://rorysimmons.bandcamp.com

soundcloud.com/rory_simmons

He’s a superb player and has already worked with a massively talent bunch of people like Jamie Cullum, The 1975, Bonobo, Mount Kimbie, Bat for lashes and many more! SWEET

Sponsors of todays show are the wonderous https://www.spitfireaudio.com

Makers of some of the finest sample libraries in the known universe. Just unreal and yet so so real!!

How you doing?

HOWA EP 39 - ALEXIS TAYLOR Mar 04, 2019

Show notes

HOWA EP 38 - LEOPOLD ROSS Feb 17, 2019

Show notes

Greetings from the adobe! Yeah we made it (finally) to Santa Fe :)

The sky looks more impressive here. It’s really a breathtaking place.

Anyway .. I digress. What’s in the Show???

My guest today is the wonderful Leo Ross.

A lovely chap I met at a BBQ in LA hosted by Si Bonobo and his girlfriend last year.

Leo’s a mellow badass.

A sonic raven.

One of those low key players that’s really found a great way to carve out a rich musical life as a composer, sound designer, guitarist and dreamer.

He’s worked with loads of ace folk including the incredible Grace Jones, Bad Religion, Korn and also a lot with his super talented brother, Atticus Ross.

He picked up a BMI film music award for his work on “Book of Eli”

I was fascinated to hear about his path from the late 90s to now. We chatted in December 2018 hence talk of the “minimal tree”

Verrrry happy to have the raven on the pod.

Music for EP38 comes from my old friend Dana wachs.

We worked together way back in the mid 2000s and since then she’s mixed live sound for Cat Power, Jon Hopkins and a huge list of amazing folks.

Now she’s making her own music as "Vorhees" !

Check it in the show and support her here :

https://vorhees.bandcamp.com/album/tracks-for-movementhe

Today’s nitty is a hefty nod to something I came across recently whilst watching an interview with Emile Haynie.

Check this vid to get you closer to the show in question (in order to watch the ACTUAL thing you need to be a member of mix with the masters.. money well spent I’d say!)

It’s all about the OCTAVE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d6xZCkfycE

Thanks to Malekko Heavy Industry for their sponsorship! They make awesome pedals and particularly potent eurorack gear.

I heard about them thanks to Boys Noize and now I’m fully ensnared in their modular web of potential :)

Thanks guys. Welcome to 38

HOWA 37 -JUSTIN MELDAL-JOHNSEN Feb 04, 2019

Show notes

Hello JMJ!

Bass player badass who’s thumbed the metal for beck, NIN, Air and so many more

Producer of paramore, M83 and so many more.

The man wears many hats. Although the only one I’ve SEEN him in is a dodgers cap!

JMJ was kind enough to host me at his rather splendid home studio in Glendale LA.

Chock full o drool worthy wobblers of the various golden eras he’s amassed the sonic arsenal to tackle almost any production task

I’ve had the pleasure of recording music with justin when beck invited me to a session some time ago and I was blown away by his playing. He’s one of the most incredible bass cats out there. Combining THAT talent with a deep sense of how to get THOSE tones positions him as a perfect producer and he’s done bloody well in that role. Big hat stacks!

We chat about the wonderful gear he’s collected and why he is drawn to it. The chase of the buzz (big topic). The path to avoid burn out. A little arm chair philosophy on the nature of sound and MORE! Ha.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome JMJ to the show

In yee olde nitty I delve into the pocket as it were to pull out the ever present power that it the phone!

Yep. I’ll be using the phone as a speaker and mic in relatively lavish ways. What if we thought of the phone as a studio microphone?

What if the humble speaker onboard was treated like an amp ?

Yes. Yes

Hello 37