7 Questions with a Grammy Winner: how to make better home recordings

[@jamesstuart4037]

"It doesn't teach you composition." I've been trying to tell my teenage stepdaughter that after buying her a high end digital camera. She wonders how I get my shots with phone or disposable camera.

[@DrewJaynes]

On the "room tone" discussion: if you're recording in or within earshot of your kitchen, consider temporarily unplugging the refrigerator! Refrigerators can generate a lot of unwanted background noise. In journalism school, they taught us to put our keys in the fridge after unplugging it so we wouldn't forget to plug it back in when we were done recording audio.

[@wezznco]

Pretty funny, love all these old gems of advice. Reality is, any decent software provides background noise cancellation that is perfect for dealing with consistent background noise. The mattress suggestion was great - because it deads the reflecting noise. But continuous background noise is not really an issue these days. Thanks for sharing though

[@aiotld]

I'm not even a singer and I found this interview very entertaining and informative. You both provided such insights into how an artist can take on the tasks of DIY recording. I especially liked the tip about hamming out most of the learning at home and then go into a professional studio when you're almost complete. Thank you for this and keep up the good work.

[@04beni04]

Literally watched the video and then went in my closet to try the sound in there. That's kind of amazing. And since I'm not singing but rather prepping for a presentation at work, now I need to figure out how to convince everyone there we need to carpet the walls or something ... okay, so that's probably not in the cards! But you gave me some good thoughts about what to try with the microphone. Thanks.

[@bigdoghat3827]

Blue moving blankets work really well for absorbing room tone and have a natural sound. Put two of them in a V in front of you or 3 of them in a semi circle in front of you. I've seen people put grommets in them and hang them then remove when finished. I drape them off microphone stands with the boom sideways like a T and raise the stand high so they're above the back of the mic and use those big paper clamps you get in office depot to secure them to the boom. Leave a couple of feet between the back of the mic and the blanket or it sounds to closed. I lined a little closet entirely with carpet and it was too dead sounding. Vocals were really hard to mix because they didn't breathe at all and had no air. Consider choosing a moveable absorbing solution so you can tweak it to get it right

[@John_FMTV]

Always love your videos, even just listening to you talk, with Jacquire here as well, you both are so knowledgeable on what you talk about.

[@oakleyanderson4112]

i know I am kinda off topic but do anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online?

[@gavinjoel905]

@Oakley Anderson ehh I'd suggest flixportal. you can find it through google:D -gavin

[@oakleyanderson4112]

@Gavin Joel thank you, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) Appreciate it !!

[@gavinjoel905]

@Oakley Anderson You are welcome =)

[@soye.carmin]

I know this isn't relevant to the video but man you're glowing 😍😍 I feel like you just get more attractive with each video

[@nalanip]

I always thought Sam was handsome from the start. Kind of miss his long hair 😊

[@rockaura1717]

Blue&Green personally disagree

[@OkNoBigDeal]

No disrespect to Mr. King, I think his knowledge and work is amazing and has shaped modern music, but I think a series with Rick Beato would be awesome too. His video series "What makes this song great" would be dynamic with your analysis of music and he's got a great KZbin personality. I hate to steal someone's thunder with making the suggestion. This series is GREAT!!!

[@severage8790]

Very interesting insight when he mentioned the tendency for people to sing slightly sharp when their own voice is too loud in their headphones (Confusing the vocalists' pitch). I was frustrating myself just the other day as my harmonies sounded pitchy, and I overcompensated by doing the *opposite*, as in turning myself up, which didn't exactly help. That little bit resonated with me, and I'll definitely keep one phone off my ears in the future. As always, appreciate the quality content, Sam!

[@lindaannforrester7413]

Hey Sam, I would like to thank you for reacting to disturbed singing the sound of silence. The 14th was my 39th birthday and can I say yours is by far thee best 🎤 teaching Chanel I've came across, as you know there are a ton. But everything you say and the way you describe everything helped me understand immediately things I've often not understood before. You yourself are a fantastic vocalist. The respect you have for people who get laughed at is excellent. I have sung all my life not to be good or become a professional, it's due to completely enjoying it as a hobby. I had a lesson back in 2015 and I was told I had a great range and on good days I can really contribute well to some high notes using my chest voice. If I get work soon I'd definitely be interested in paying for you to listen to me and teaching me. I immediately trusted you and your opinions mean so much. You are very good at what you do. I've entered into a lot of competitions in my past and I've won them all, not because I'm this amazing singer, it's because I enjoy what I'm doing and having fun doing it, so my technique shows I think and I have good dynamic when I perform. And of course there are days I stink lol! I really appreciate your channel Sam, more than you know. Don't stop what you're doing and if it was up to me you'd be on the books of something like X factor , voice or idol because you're very encouraging and honest and explain things in such great detail. Nice to meet you Sam Johnson, my name is Linda-Ann Forrester and I'm excited to see all of your work plus see what's to come. Keep up the good work my friend. 👍🏻😎🎤💁🏼

[@drewpeters3D]

@11:20 He named dropped one of my favorite bands, Moon Taxi. I started following them in 2012, and love the progress they've made. Really awesome video, Sam. It was extremely insightful! :)

[@astrodoc1]

Thank you for this godsend of a video. You are awesome Sam!!

[@artifedex]

Jacquire did a fantastic job with Parachute’s newest album! This is a really helpful little QnA 😊

[@RickyConnelley]

Very helpful video. Thanks man!

[@machin8593]

Some very good advice for beginners and advanced singers and producers as well! Your videos keep teaching me new things about music and singing, I'm very impressed. As for a suggestion for a review, I would love if you listened to Kimbra's live vocals. She's an artist who's so masterful with her instrument that her live versions sound like new songs. I think her live version of Plain Gold Ring (live at sing sing studio) is a good example of what she can do. ties very well into what you explore in this video about recording vocals

[@crosita1]

Working my way backwards through your content. So much good stuff!!

[@ambywamby3433]

This was great! You two are so interesting to listen to. Also, it took til this video to figure out that Sam reminds me of Rami Malek haha

[@LadyDragonborn]

Another really awesome video Sam! How amazing to have Jacquire share some of his knowledge. You do a great interview 😎. I learned a ton. Thank you both!

[@AceofHeartsFox]

I recently recorded some demo tracks at my friend’s home recording studio, and it sounded pretty darn good, quality wise, with them having access to better equipment and environments than me. However, it all comes back to what you were talking about before: it only sounded good after years of working with whatever I had available to practice practice practice! And I agree 100% with singing in the car! Anyways, thanks for all of your videos!

[@ashleyvega9859]

Great advice! Please do another video like this!!

[@RayDayPlays]

Fantastic as always! ♥ I so home recording for voice over auditions and stuff, so there's definitely some handy tips in here!!

[@emmanuelbecerra5437]

You should react to Alejandro Aranda. He is currently in American Idol and has made it to the finale. I want to know your thoughts to his voice.

[@samanthaweiss867]

I would love to know his thoughts on that! It seems like Alejandro sings falsetto way too often and doesn't have much range.

[@lavenderllamamusic]

13:05 FL Studio gang! we're out here making these hits and recording tracks in our bedrooms :D

[@kimmyball4961]

Fantastic interview. He was so comfortable and very knowledgeable. Just one thing bugged me a little.....no shade!!!! I love you Sam!!! In my opinion, I feel you should have just memorized the questions instead of slowly reading off the laptop. 😊

[@HAVgiraffe]

These episodes are so cool. Awesome info.

[@cryfest]

all this information has greatly enhanced my sound in the shower

[@FranMataPa]

I opened youtube, I saw a new video from you, I love you, so I read the title, then I am, like OMG, I clicked on it in a sec, just to realize he's not Bradley Cooper, haha, Bradley don't even have that look now, but I was fooled.

[@CuteVideoLover]

Not a singer but Love watching all your videos !!

[@stoneshack2000]

i really enjoyed that sam thank you

[@ELALEYSUSCANCIONES]

excellent video please make more like this thanks a lot greetings from bolivia

[@henrikkerokkaniversen6632]

It would have been super cool if you had a video of Eurovision Song Contest! 🥳

[@Justaspectator_]

Please react to Duncun Laurence, the Dutch winner of the eurovisio song festival.

[@Remenry]

You are getting better and better! You are my fav!

[@natalitrunova7271]

Sam the coolest teacher✌️

[@rachelluehr4238]

Do a podcast please!

[@anbar]

i like this video

[@raychandrey9316]

love your videos! always so informative :)

[@susansmith5724]

hey sam, i'm neither a singer nor a musician but nonetheless watch and thoroughly enjoy your videos. your knowledge is impressive and your basic human dignity shines through every time. may i make a suggestion for an analysis? (not sure if this is the correct platform to do so..) the eurovision song contest took place this past weekend, may 18. here in germany and all over europe this yearly contest garners a prime time slot. madonna performed as a special gues. i'd curious to hear your professional opinion. keep up the good work!

[@JaSamTea]

really interesting info! love listening to/watching your videos at work keep it up! also i would love to hear your opinion/reaction to donna missal's voice!

[@vanheirecu]

great video"! thanks.

[@whynotkeegan]

Could you do a reaction/breakdown of some of the past Eurovision winners and also my be a video focused on this years contestants

[@GypsyJRo]

Hey Sam! I love your videos and really appreciate your content. Have you ever done a video about how to recover the best from laryngitis? I suffered a horrible cold over the winter that took a toll on my voice. How do you recommend I exercise to repair it?

[@LeaFrydman]

Watch several of your videos and have enjoyed them... I have two questions: One - Can anyone become a good singer despite not having good vocal cords? Second: Why have you not reviewed famous past singer such as Elvis, Roy Oribson and Ray Charles... or even Frank Sinatra .... Is it due to copyright issues... love you hear your views on some these famous singers

[@anelfernandez406]

Thank You I've learned so much! Can you react to Fifth Harmony shook by their own vocals?! I want to hear you evaluate their voices.

[@lariclaassen6353]

You're a great inspiration and so lovely, I learn a lot from you. Maybe you could consider reacting to Tasche Burger "Lisa se Klavier" ...

[@tildachan8029]

Hi Sam. I have a few questions that I hoped you might be able to answer, since you are a professionelle. What do you have to study to be a vocal teacher? What are abilatys that you have to have before you start studying the voice? Do I have to be able to read notes? How do you find a job later on? Do I have to be able to play an instrument? I really hope that I am not bothering you with these questions. I have learnt a lot from you and I am eager to learn more. Voice teaching is something, which I'm actually interested in doing later on in my life. I am just fithteen and I still have time to decide what I want to do in life. My mother has been against my dream of becoming a vocal teacher. And eventhoug I love her very much, it's still discuroging. I love singing and I am willing to learn. It is a dream which I can make come true. I really hope that you read this and it would be lovely , if you could help me. Also, I'm sorry for my english I am German. I hope you understand everything. Love you.

[@MS-bc8gi]

Please react to the Eurovision Song contest winner of 2019!

[@alexaarroyo7206]

Love your videos..

[@Olcia27]

Hey Sam, could you react to Australia's Eurovision contestant this year? She reminds me of Vitas. She sang live during the first semi-final but she'll also sing in the finale.

[@quentinvance9902]

interesting stuff! Just by the way, Madonna just performed live at the Eurovision Song Contest. Would be interesting to hear what you have to say about her voice.

[@KellyChan_4]

Can u please react to the eurovison 2019 winner, duncan laurence - Arcade??

[@dorrolorro]

Hey Sam! Please react to some of the Eurovision songs! A few examples from the 2019 show, like Germany's song, Norway's and the winner the Netherlands. But also some from previous years like Euphoria by Loreen. Have a good day!

[@xaynalim2782]

Please react to Billie Eilis, just curious about what you would think of her singing!

[@HexusoftheSheep]

he has already.

[@A7x_Forever]

Please please PLEASE do something about Sabaton (Joakim Broden is the vocalist). I wonder how power metal works from an analytical standpoint.

[@PerfectionHunter]

Can you make a reaction video to Eurovision Song Contest Semi Finals? It feels like 90% of the singers are not ready for what they are doing.

[@CallMeThorn]

Hey Sam! Are there any helpful singing apps that help with technique or that can help teach singing that you'd recommend?

[@StavoR94]

Can you please make a reaction to Alliance - Na Zare? The voice of a vocalist is stunning and progresses from low to very high throughout the song

[@jacquie6218]

I’ve watched a lot of your videos and love your approach. I’d like to see your reaction to Jeff Buckley’s vocals

[@LassePetersen97]

Hey Sam. Can you do a reaction to Adam Lambert - Feel Something (Live Session) ?

[@alexandrachuprina5963]

Dear Sam! Could you please react to live performance of Duffy - Rain on your parade? She’s got great voice and always sounds so confident, wish she will come back soon with new records

[@ntalia9876]

I'd like to hear your opinion on Diana Ankudinova singing🙂👌

[@brooklynnbutterfield1951]

I think you should react to Nothing More, they are an underrated rock band..it might be different from the usual reactions but it would be so cool! Same with Marina!!

[@BlogWhatTheFruitcake]

Random bit of info, there's a free version of ProTools, google "Pro Tools First" and it'll pop up. I'm an editor who uses Avid, and if it's anything like Media Composer | First, it's basically a full version of the software with a few limitations, like, maybe not as many tracks or fewer effects etc. but there's no time limit to trial it, no watermarking etc. it's just slightly nerfed, so at least you get a good feel for the software without having to pay :)

[@Leestevensmusic]

Would you say it's better to go for power, or to sing softly... or both as and when needed? Also, what I've found is my audio distorts easy through headphones, and speakers. I think this is due to using cheap equipment, but I don't know if that's true... Would you say it's my equipment, or do I need to learn how to edit my music, because at the moment I don't add any effects or anything to my music. Like if I move away from the device playing my audio, or listen through headphones, or speakers at higher volume it immediately distorts, and, or it sounds much worse than it actually is, and it doesn't seem to do this with most other peoples music that I listen to, and I don't know why this is...Please help.

[@severage8790]

Feel out the dynamic of the song - many songs aren't meant to have over-the-top singing until the climaxes, particularly in Pop music. Naturally that changes based on genre, but based on your question I would assume you should sing softly (Or just not belt/try so hard) more often. Pay attention to your recorded audio - if it peaks/clips (The waveform hitting the limit and flattening out), it's going to sound terrible. Cheaper mics, especially USB, have a tendency to peak easily. Turn the input volume down on the mic and/or on the software you're using until your waveform stays well within its boundaries, otherwise it'll be fine until you raise your voice and then it'll distort. Don't worry if it's not as loud when you sing quietly, as long as it is accurately picking up your voice you can then compress and normalize the audio with simple plugin use to get a more consistent, and louder, sound.

[@chai-nu7wh]

Very informative thank you! I have one request, it might mot get you as many views but please react and analyze Jeff Buckley's Mojo Pin from live in Chicago, he was the reason I got into singing.

[@chikush3717]

He look like Jaromír Jágr (Czech ice hockey player).. I thought that you star play hockey 😂

[@towakun6678]

This video makes my soul hurt... my car broke a few weeks ago and it used to be my main practice "room". Now I 'm left with my "office room" that neither has curtains nor a carpet. Not the most pleasant experience for my ears. By the way, that whole mic discussion reminds me of the "What brush are you using?" debate among artists, haha. Tools don't really matter that much in the end.

[@Naddynaddl]

Could you react to "Baba Yetu" sung by the Stellenbosch University Choir? I discovered it yesterday and have watched that video like 50 times by now it's so good

[@whosbrian898]

react to Chen (EXO) and (onestar)- Im HanByul's "May We Bye." aaaaahhh❤❤

[@biancacedeno4748]

I just subscribed and wanted to see you react to yebba. I want to hear ur analysis of her voice.

[@leegoyan8274]

Can u react to park hyo shin goodbye it’s dope

[@K8319M]

the good stuff is saved for after 1st round of playoffs

[@jamesstuart4037]

Like everything in music? Like everything in everything.

[@jazzy230]

Please react to May We Bye duet by Chen (from EXO) and Onestar-I guarantee you won't regret it

[@lazaldi9640]

Amazing video once again dude, I would recommend you to listen the live presentations of Ben Platt, a really interesting singer (:

[@korinomiko]

can you please react to ayaka hirahara's song jupiter? There are a lot of live versions to react to and she is a really really good singer to analyse! keep up the good work!

[@BrianR.]

Please do a reaction to Lara Fabian Je Suis Malade (Live version). It would be very interesting to get your take on her vocal style and performance.

[@cindylin5442]

You should react to zhou shen and guo qin duet for the song Big Fish. Zhou shen is known to have one of the most beautiful voices in China.

[@yasemindk1335]

Could you review older jazz singers, like Ella Fitzgerald, dinah Washington and Billie holiday. ALSO react to amy Winehouse vocals please !

[@九天-c4l]

Please react to One star ft. Chen "may we bye"🙏

[@vigilante5606]

Always like your work. Btw can you analyze recent birthday *boy* Eric burdon (the animals), Tom Chaplin (Keane) covers queen and madlad Marc Martel. Thanks

[@rolisea7682]

I really love your analysis of vocals💓💓💓 Would you please react to blackpinm kill this love live at coachella🤗🤗🤗😍😍😍😭😭😭😇😇😇😇😇

[@theovuitton]

I know it's not relevant to the video but... Could you make a video reacting and analizing 2 of the best voices in the world?: Rachelle Ferrell and Mónica Naranjo.

[@Coquettelectricmilk]

Can you react to produce 48 best vocals/high notes 🤗

[@sroyal7594]

Would love to watch a vocal analysis of Sia!

[@בארארם]

Can you pls react to katy perry soperbowl performance?🙏🙏

[@jimwhitte7376]

Listen to Aurora please!!❤

[@maiyoseob]

Please react to May We Bye by Chen and Onestar.. they have amazing vocals 💕

[@pcd2.0]

React to Avi Kaplan - Change on the Rise PLEEEAAASEEEEEE!! 😙☺️

[@tashaisgood2950]

Please react to Fake Monk by Hua Chenyu, he is a chinese singer and his performance is absolutely amazing, brought me to tears. He is really an artist

[@byunberrie3211]

Hey Sam! I really respect your knowledge about music and knowing you I think you'd love to hear: Billie Eilish - Bellyache cover by "Vemily". Please watch her, she's a greek singer and has an amazing voice! Thanks

[@soaribb32]

I just recorded my first song, standing still. Very far when belting and very close when whispering.

[@mwa8696]

Could you please react to Chen of Exo and Onestar singing May We Bye? They are both amazing signers. They recently released a video where you can listen to only the vocals by only using your right earphone. I wonder if you will notice anything in particular whilst doing so.

[@loveclara449]

Please do react to shes gone or other by Deden Gonzales dude.. Because you're the best vocal coach i meet ini youtube.. I want to know why he is singing with sit down and.. woah.. his voice is so mindblowing..you know singing with sit down is so hard dude.. Thanks before.. FYI he is from Indonesia and Indonesian people is so fast viewing KZbin..and overproud as well.. Please do that bro..

[@meganmastriona781]

Hi new subscriber here! COUD YOU please analyze a florence and the machine vocals..she is thr best ive heard in a long time!

[@Hatsume12]

¿Could you react to Laura Pausini?

[@tapassarkar634]

Hello Sam! Can you please react to FTISLAND, especially their lives? - Thank you.

[@בארארם]

Can you pls react to 'Try' by P!NK from 2012 AMA's??🙏🙏🙏🙏 I promise you its diffrent from anything you've saw before!!

[@בארארם]

Can ypu pls react to 'Everybody hurts' by pink and kelly c from the 2017 AMA's??🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@cyrask]

I always learn things from your videos, thank you! ❤ can you please react to Westlife???

[@tortie4484]

I would love for you to react to avi kapland’s new song. Change on the rise!! Please, and I love you channel!!