The Evolution of a Song: Collaboration, Adaptation, and Exploration

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TN:105 Fred Again..

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The Evolution of a Song: Collaboration, Adaptation, and Exploration

The process of creating a song can involve collaboration, experimentation, and decision-making. The artist values different versions and embraces various approaches. They enjoy both the slow and fast creative processes. They also appreciate creating complex sounds from simple beginnings.

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In this episode, John reunites with Fred Gibson, a.k.a. Fred Again.., at his house, to talk about how he wrote, recorded and produced the album ‘Actual Life 3 (January

1 - September 9 2022)’.

Reflecting on what’s been a very busy 18 months, Fred discusses how the success of the Actual Life series has had an impact on how and why he writes music. From the tricks he uses to keep his writing process fast and fun, to the moments his creativity was lost and the advice that came from Brian Eno to focus it.

As well as sharing demos written with The 1975 and sampling songs by his brother, Fred gets hands on with his explanations of the plugins and process he uses, treating us to live beat builds, piano demonstrations and examples of compression demonstrated through table drumming.

Listen to find out what Fred’s reaction to switching DAWs was, why you should put off any technical aspects of a track until the end, and why some people may call the harmonic modulations in his music ‘the work of the devil’.

Tracks discussed: Delilah (pull me out of this), Berwyn (all that I got is you), Kelly (end of a nightmare)

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Listen to ‘Actual Life 3 (January

1 - September 9 2022)’.