Brian and Josh from the band Animal Collective talk about minidisk, analog joys, hurdy gurdy, and tinned fish. They discuss their experiences on a European tour with Elton John, their inspirations in working with tape and synthesizers, and the recording process of capturing live band energy. They also delve into their favorite and least favorite studio experiences, quirky interests like tinned fish and climbing, the importance of meals in music, and navigating the music industry.
Using two tremolos on the same sound source, but slightly out of sync, can create an out of phase tremolo effect.
The band Space-Men 3 effectively used tremolo and drones in their music with the Vox Repeat Percussion tremolo pedal.
Finding time for creativity can be challenging, but it's important to manage time effectively and maintain focus on artistic pursuits.
Having a secluded and peaceful space can enhance the creative process and lead to a productive time.
Analog recording allows for a tangible and immersive recording experience, capturing the live band energy and creating room for each instrument to shine.
Deep dives
Experimenting with Tremolos and Out of Phase Effects
The speaker shares the idea of using two tremolos on the same sound source, one on the left speaker and one on the right, but slightly out of sync. This creates an out of phase tremolo effect that can be very satisfying.
Exploring Drones and the Band Space-Men 3
The speaker discusses their recent interest in drones and highlights the band Space-Men 3 as a group that effectively used tremolo and drones in their music, particularly with a specific tremolo pedal made by Vox called the Vox Repeat Percussion.
The Joys and Challenges of Finishing an Album
The speaker shares their experience of finishing an album after a long break, discussing the challenges and the sense of satisfaction that comes with finally completing a project.
Finding Time for Creativity and Balancing Work and Family
The speaker reflects on the challenges of finding time for creativity while juggling work and family responsibilities, seeking advice on how to manage time effectively and maintain focus on artistic pursuits.
The Importance of Finding the Right Environment to Create Music
The podcast episode explores the band's experience of finding the perfect house in the countryside to write and record music. They highlight the significance of having a secluded and peaceful space where they can focus on their creative process. Despite the surrounding area's controversial history, the band was able to create a little camp where they could bond and collaborate, leading to a beautiful and productive time together.
The Power of Analog Recording and Pure Music Production
During their recording sessions at the bunker in New York, the band worked with producer Russ Elevato to capture a pure analog sound. They emphasize the importance of using analog equipment and techniques to create a tangible and immersive recording experience. The band highlights the sonic qualities and sensations that can only be achieved through analog recording, which allowed them to capture the live band energy and create a space where there was room for each instrument to shine.
Balancing Individual Opinions and Collective Vision
The band discusses their collaborative process and how they balance individual opinions and their collective vision. They emphasize the importance of democracy and respect within the band, where each member's ideas and input are valued. They aim to create a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns, ensuring that the final decisions honor the creative intentions and visions of each band member.
Synesthesia and the Power of Music
The podcast explores the concept of synesthesia and how music has the ability to evoke color, landscape, action, and drama. The discussion highlights how the combination of multiple senses, such as sound and visuals, can enhance the overall experience and emotional impact of music. The hosts share personal anecdotes of how specific songs and performances have moved them to tears and evoked profound emotions, emphasizing the power of music to create a synesthetic connection between different sensory perceptions.
Challenging the Conventional Music Industry
The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating the music industry and the traditional expectations of making music videos and promoting albums. The hosts share their experiences of breaking industry norms and defying expectations, such as releasing records every year and going on frequent tours. They discuss how these choices, while initially successful, have led to difficulties in gaining press coverage for their latest album. Despite the challenges, the hosts express their commitment to pursuing their artistic passions and devoting themselves to their true creative vision.
