Join Andrew Scheps, a renowned mix engineer, as he discusses his journey in the music industry. Explore topics like childhood sound fascination, music production evolution, financial challenges of touring, societal norms in the UK, and creating signature plugins for mixing.
Mixing for Adele's 21 arose from other projects, exemplifying the unpredictability of music industry opportunities.
Pub culture in the UK fosters intergenerational bonding, showcasing unique communal connections and traditions.
Advertising trends reflect a shift towards social purpose, aligning with societal values and addressing pressing issues.
Financial challenges in the music industry highlight the significance of audience engagement, luck, and serendipitous opportunities for success.
Deep dives
Involvement in the Record 21 by Adele
Mixing seven songs for the record 21 by Adele was an opportunity that arose while working on other projects for Rick Rubin. Adele had initially cut the entire record with a band in LA. The experience was approached as a scheduling gig to mix the tracks. Although some versions of the songs were later changed, leading to only four of the mixed songs making it to the final record.
Importance of Pub Culture
The cultural significance of pub culture in the UK was highlighted as a unique element that brings multiple generations together. Pub visits with families for a first legal drink at 18 create moments of bonding and communication among varying age groups. The insight into British society through pub life emphasizes the communal and intergenerational connections in a relaxed social environment.
Social Purpose in Advertising
The shift in advertising towards showcasing social purpose as seen on British TV adverts reflects a broader awareness of social issues and the need for brands to engage with meaningful causes. This trend may stem from an increased interconnectedness via social media and a growing emphasis on contributing positively to society. Advertisements with social messages aim to align with evolving societal values and address pressing issues.
Challenges in Making a Career in Music
The complexities of making a living as a musician were explored, highlighting the financial challenges and uncertainties faced in the industry. The discussion touched upon the reliance on luck or substantial PR investments to garner visibility and success. The significance of sticky audience engagement and the role of serendipitous opportunities, such as placements in video games, in boosting artist recognition and digital sales was underscored.
Multigenerational Communication Through Pub Visits
The tradition of visiting pubs in the UK for social gatherings and family outings was depicted as fostering multigenerational communication and bonding. The practice of sharing first legal drinks with parents at 18 symbolizes continuity and connection among family members. The pub culture creates a relaxed setting for intergenerational interactions, contributing to a sense of community and family unity.
Insight on Plugin Development for Waves
The guest discusses their collaboration with Waves to develop plugins, highlighting the process and goals behind creating three distinct plugins. The Neve 1073 emulation focused on capturing the character of the gear without specific quirks. Additionally, the guest shares insights into the creation of the parallel particles plugin to streamline parallel compression processes and the Sheps Omni channel for comprehensive mixing capabilities.
Mixing Process and Advice
The podcast delves into the guest's mixing process and offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers. They emphasize avoiding unnecessary routines and focusing on creatively reacting to what you hear in the mix. The guest warns against soloing tracks excessively and advocates for addressing problems as they arise rather than seeking them out, promoting a fluid and adaptive approach to mixing.
Today, I'm having a GAS with Andrew Scheps, one of the most respected and well-reputed mix engineers in the music industry.
Andrew has worked with a number of incredibly successful artists on chart-topping albums such as By the Way by Red Hot Chilli Peppers, 21 by Adele and Beyoncé by Beyoncé.
These days Andrew resides in the UK, where he enjoys a peaceful life in the English countryside.
Having a GAS™ is the podcast that talks to the great and the good of the creative industries, and in particular finds out what makes great music for film, for TV, for advertising; for dancing to, for cooking to, f*cking to, and more...
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GAS™ Music is a music production agency in Manchester, UK. We compose and produce original music, create awe inspiring sound design and have a fully integrated audio post-production studio. We also have a great record collection, and welcome any additions, recommendations or criticisms.
