Greatest Quotes

[brandondrury]

For a powerful musical concept to really hit home, it sometimes takes a special way of wording it. I'm calling this thread "Greatest Quotes" as I hope to highlight when a person sums up a point perfectly.

In regard to Recording School Graduates from a studio owner perspective:

The problem is, they don't have those skills.....that would provide any value-added to the workflow. I've tried it and it's tough to keep a session going when the intern keeps asking "what're doing now...what're doing now?...what can I do to help? what can I do to help?"

On the subject of "artsy"/busy music, Garageband said:

Reminds me of one of my favorite music jokes.

Q. Why do they call it "free jazz"?
A. Because nobody would pay to listen to it.

For me "art" should be a byproduct, not the intended primary result. I just don't think music works that way. It's supposed to primarily be for the listener's benefit and enjoyment, not the musician's. Also, you can throw "jam bands" in that category. Like the arty stuff, it strengthens a bands artistic muscles but who really wants to hear that crap? Kinda like inviting your girlfriend over to your house to watch you lift weights. She'll be bored in less than five minutes. It's another story if you focus your toned body on her pleasure.

On the subject of mic preamps Paul999 said:

If a pre meets the requirement of keeping a sound focused and not mushy with blurred edges then it has done it's job. The color is a bonus.

On the subject of editing Nymphadora said:

I get no pleasure from digitally trying to correct what extra rehearsal time could have done.

On the subject of mastering:

I pay the ME [mastering engineer] for an independent listen with an objective perspective. The ME will hear something that the AE [audio engineer] didn't quite catch because the AE is so deep in the weeds that all the AE sees is SNAKE SHIT!

On the subject of burning cds of mixes and taking them out to the car

Having been through the burn-car-curse-repeat process myself, I agree that it is very inefficient, time-consuming and a waste of plastic.

On the subject of growing as an audio engineer:

Two years ago when I had my first sm7, I thought it was the mic that sucked, not me. Now I'm amazed what I can do with it.

On the subject of electric guitar pedals:

I strive for no pedals at all, makes you work harder.
My chain: Amp - Guitar - Idiot

In regard to compression:

the concept of the compressor is nothing stays on the ground and nothing touches ceilin

In regard to maximizing creativity:

Originally posted by Pounamu
No boundaries if your not looking for accolades

On the subject of drum micing:

i dont want to ask the questions everyone asks.. where to place mics, etc..
i have arms legs and ears and can figure out what sounds good all by myself!!

On the subject of the Mac / PC issue:

Get a Mac if you want to, but don't be led to believe that its the answer to becoming a recording engineer. Or anything for that matter.

On the subject of Songwriting / Writer's Block:

You can continue to wait for a lightning bolt of inspiration to drop out of the sky or you can take command by writing, writing and writing until you plow through to the other side of that wall of resistance.

On the subject of acoustic guitars / instruments:

But the thing is that it doesn't matter the cost of it - only matters that it has its own unique voice and the only real question is whether that voice ends up being flattering to your song, recording space, and signal chain. Seems like a good idea to me.

On the subject of practicing an instrument:

Hello!
Every professional musician I have ever spoken about practice always talk about using the metronome. So don't be an ass and think that you don't have to. (Trust me, we are all asses!)

On the subject of demanding extreme "sound quality" out of state of the art equipment

..it isn't all about state-of-the-art. It's about delivery of a message.

On the subject of the high end recording gear

Hey, I am not a Luddite, and I wouldn't trade my Pro Tools rig for a cassette 4track, but frankly the amount of fun I have had recording music has never been a function of the gear involved, but the people I have worked with, the relationships I have forged, and the sheer joy of creating art. A great song is a great song even if recorded with a tin can and string! Don't worry about having that megabuck preamp or that Neumann mic, begin where you are, and have fun!

On the subject of singing

A pro spends so much time playing their instrument that it becomes an intuitive tool of personal expression. A pro (typically) loves playing their instrument so much that they constantly strive to not only improve their existing skills but explore new methods of expression.
- Sparqee

On the subject of high end gear upgrades

Better pieces of gear have definitely improved the quality of my work, but only after I learnt how to get the most out of what I already had.

On the subject of musical intensity vs engineering

emotion cuts through everything.don't you find that, when you write something on edge its so much from the heart, the technique happens easily.

On the subject of electric guitar recording

Setting up guitar tones is a lot more like playing with boobs than calculating wave resonance. You simply mess around until something excites you. The end. Push, pull, twist, and bite to find tones that interest you. If no tones interest you find a new amp, pedal, or girl.

[Twangler]

Thank you, Brandon!

I feel honored to be included in your new "Greatest Quotes" section. What a great idea ...creating this spot I mean!

Twangler

[Vulconizer]

Cool idea here, Brandon.

[MetalDave]

I like this one! I hope to see more greatest quotes as long as it is not overdone.

[brandondrury]

When I see something awesome and I actually remember that I started this "Greatest Quotes" thread, I add it. I think most of it is my mood.

Brandon

[Vulconizer]

I got one for you...

Confucius say " Man with hand in pocket feel cocky all day ".

[mad scientific]

thanks!!! haha great thread..

[Chazamatazz]

picasso was good at it too. It's called ECONOMY OF LINE.

[scooterlow]

After serious consideration of the matter I find it a necessity to ask this question.
I know were all put on this planet for a purpose , Some days are good and somedays are bad. Just think it over: if its not too late could you please...PLEASE make it a CHEEZE burger!

[Vulconizer]

haha aww damn. This thing still won't let me just put "haha" and be done with it.

[bradzoot]

I got one for you...

Confucius say " Man with hand in pocket feel cocky all day ".

HaHa!
"But man with hands in both pockets, not feel too cocky"
Better when spoken obviously.

I'm sure there is a quote that vulc did that needs to be up here.
I'm off to find it.
Just hope I can figure how to get it up on this thread.

[scooterlow]

I think all quotes have to be thought worthy by the Brando before they get the honor of being placed here.

[bradzoot]

I think all quotes have to be thought worthy by the Brando before they get the honor of being placed here.

Ok. I'll stick to the rules from now on, i promise.

[scooterlow]

Ok. I'll stick to the rules from now on, i promise.

Now wheres the fun in that?

[brandondrury]

I think all quotes have to be thought worthy by the Brando before they get the honor of being placed here.

So far that's how I've done it. It's entire subject to the weather, duration of time since my last sinful encounter, and the type of alcohol I drank the night before.

It would be pretty cool to make this more of an "everybody thing".

Brandon