HOWA EP42 - GREG WELLS (PART 1)
hanging out with audiophiles
How to Fire an Artist
"The artist is really in charge," he says. "At any point in time, the artist could fire the producer." He's wanted to be fired from a couple of records and always starts his session by saying 'Please fire me now'
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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