Bruno Mars: Production Techniques

[@push8103]

You can tell this guy is really passionate as a producer and has mad experience.

[@alhambra792]

What a brilliant song arrangement. Most of the arrangements of his songs took into account a live show feel. A lot of dynamics in the song. Every second of the song teases the listeners emotion. You don't find an artist like Bruno often. Amazing lyricist, song producer, a vocal like no other, an amazing dancer, charismatic and powerful showmanship.

[@Unit27]

To me the genius of this song is in recognizing the potential of taking an old genre like 80's synth funk and attempting to bring it back full force with modern tools, top notch production techniques, and arrangement sensibilities. Thanks for the in depth analysis.

[@mumra100]

Unit27 The 80’s are back thanks to 24k Magic. Makes me want to dance instead of being violent.

[@garyallen3]

@@mumra100 Plkm see

[@FORCEGOD]

The vocal parts are just insane. HOW HE/They arranged it and made all the dope effects. It’s insane how everything goes together so well

[@amber1862]

Every musician eventually reaches the stage where they're humbled by the quality of most pop songs (or at least they should for the sake of growing as an artist). The EQ work and transient control in this track is just phenomenal.

[@RoyMaya]

I agree! Apart from being a great song (I'm biased of course) it is well mixed and mastered.

[@mattmarkus4868]

But the drums would sound SO much better if played by a human. Other than that impossible-to-understand decision I agree with you.

[@RoyMaya]

I think it's a matter of opinion. I think it sounds great; it's it's own sound. It's how the producers wanted to sculpt the song - nothing wrong with that. Heck, it won a grammy!

[@mattmarkus4868]

But we're talking about music designed to make people dance. No programmed beat can make people move better than a living breathing human drummer. I guess that's my opinion. But all the great live music is played with a band for a reason. The fact it won a grammy or was a hit carries no weight with me as far as that goes. I guess I could rephrase my comment to say "I can't believe people have such poor taste to choose programmed drums over a human when they have their choice of some of the best drummers in the world within 20 miles".

[@alyen589]

Matt Markus What exactly are you listening for to tell rather or not the drums were programmed?

[@mcclendonreport]

Bruno's real secret is that he hasn't forgotten the value of soul. He's not trying to be hip hop, or saccharine pop , rather, he reaches back to soul and funk in the flavor of Midnight Star, The Time, Zapp, Ohio Players, etc. Today's artists are afraid of that.

[@ncadden]

Amen

[@moonclayground]

YES!

[@cindymx02]

Bruno Mars is out of this world. His productions are always fun. This was interesting to watch. TY!

[@luife47]

Well you can hate on pop music all you want, but man the production quality is always outstanding, even in the Disney kids songs, I always find them so clean... thanks Rick, you should post more vids like this for us "bedroom producers".

[@misterknightowlandco]

I think the problem people have with modern pop is that it's the producer you never see who is the one with all the amazing talent, and not the person you see singing and dancing on stage. What I want to know is how can you play this live? Are his concerts not what we would call "live"?

[@upsych1042]

Mister Knight Owl Bruno Mars also produces all his songs.

[@misterknightowlandco]

He's one of the rare cats that do. Which is why he's good and one of the few pop stars I can listen to, although I will admit I liked it better when it was called Morris Day and the Time lol...

[@Fenujj]

No joke, i listened to 6 hours of kidz bop solely for the quality of how they reproduce songs. All the production and musicianship is so good

[@hornbytrainsets]

@@misterknightowlandco The singer is what brings songs to life. I LOVE tf out of pop music instrumentals (Into You by Ariana Grande is probs top pick) but the songs wouldn't translate well without a sung melody unless you were into instrumental music (that isn't classical, jazz, or of the "chill" genre)

[@kcjaymes]

Videos like this and the "What Makes This Song Great" series are quickly making you one of my favorite people to watch on youtube. Thank you, and please never stop

[@omaati]

Kasey Jaymes Sanchez SAME SAME SAME SAME SAME I

[@Jasonmakesvideo]

agreed!

[@moremichaelkeith3098]

The drums were actually played live in the studio. there's an interview that bruno did with 60 Minutes, where he demonstrated how the song was made.

[@rockrenegade]

I was gonna say, those hi hats sound pretty realistic for a drum machine heh

[@unvox]

It is a technique called replacement. They play the grooves live then replace the sounds in session.

[@seres-de-luz]

@@unvox most of the times they reenforce them

[@mrmagpiepromotions]

Was gonna say I thought he played drums on it, maybe replaced or reinforced with samples, or just heavily produced. The kick definitely has a sample attached. Either way I really love Bruno Mars' music. He writes GREAT pop songs, with a lot of musicality, great arrangements... and he has a great live band. I almost feel a bit like he's a bit of a modern day Prince or Michael Jackson.

[@sparklesbarbapapa5332]

This is more useful than any production classes I had at Berklee...

[@sparklesbarbapapa5332]

@@brianabraham4965 you can learn a lot of things at Berklee, but production classes are often not very practical, all depends on the professor.

[@brianabraham4965]

@@sparklesbarbapapa5332 Oh . Thanks for the Info.

[@PauperPeccator]

“Hi everyone, I’m Sick Beato!” Hope you get your voice back Much love

[@castromusic1824]

This is a great example of how simple pop music is but the production that goes into these songs are what make then as big as they are. It's not about making "good" music now it's about keeping the listener entertained with things they don't notice unless they look for them. Pop producers are the best producers out there.

[@jkreth]

One other change at the beginning of the second verse is that the snare also drops out (in addition to the kick), and we're left with just the claps on the off beat.

[@calamari3707]

Bruno mars has the talent to write crazy pop songs people love and the chops to do so much more if he decided to. So much respect.

[@noahslack9794]

Twitch really helps with learning pop/rab production. Kenny beats, DECAP, monte booker, Mike Dean, and Timbo are all very generous with the education aspect. Love your channel i can’t wait to learn from the Beato book as well !

[@Solcius123123]

My favourite album of late 2016-2017. So well produced, all of the songs sounds so fresh, new, modern with that old school flavor to them. And the vocals of Bruno... nothing to add...

[@Colosphonium]

i writte music for 40 musicians... recorded at abbey roads... and this open my eyes to the sonic quality of pop production.... eyes opening...

[@Avatar7x7]

It's not a backwards drums it's a scratched kick drum that Dj's have been doing since early hip hop ...Lot's of Keyboards and DAWs have samples of that sound.... What Bruno has done is marry a little bit of old school Funk, R&B mixed with contemporary hip hop and swag.. It's a form of genius to take so few elements and create a hit !

[@johnlime1469]

I always thought that the instrumental 24k sounded so simple and yet so intricate at the same time. I can really hear every part of the track

[@LVMusic7]

legendary production

[@idk-vq3uo]

Hey rick beato, big fan sir. I will really appreciate if you'll make more videos about Bruno Mars

[@ILaxative]

That “auto tune” melodyne/vocoder sound is actually a talkbox. Popularized by Roger Troutmans biggest songs like “Computer Love” and “More Bounce to the Ounce”. On Bruno Mars’ song, That’s Mr. Talkbox singing through a straw. The synth is coming through a speaker on the floor in the box and every note is played on the keyboard. Vocoder has a similar effect but is not designed the same. Vocoder is poly based and talkboxes sound better mono.

[@LukeFairSound]

Iam 7evin Yes! A talkbox has a speaker that plays the synth through the tube and into your mouth. This allows you to move your mouth and control the formants of the sound just like you use your mouth to make different vowel sounds. The sound comes from your mouth and is picked up by a microphone just like you are singing.

[@ILaxative]

Luke Fair right. I think he knew he just couldn’t say it here. I own several and love them to death

[@Reesespieceslvr19]

He does know. He answered this in another comment. Just as you said, he couldn’t mention it in the video.

[@Jonotheproducer]

Iam 7evin you beat me to this. I cringe when this gets mixed up. 💯

[@EthanFiske]

Correct bruno said himself that mr talkbox did it. Melodyne can do cool stuff but it’s not a talkbox

[@anonymous-hk6ge]

I love watching people break down songs into the original stems and talk about them, and you my friend have done a fantastic job at that 👍

[@vvigabdpa1991]

24K Magic is such a great song! Thanks for doing this Rick!

[@thexspyder1]

If someone already mentioned it my bad but, the intro lead vocal and the harmonies are performed by Mr Talkbox (Byron Manard Chambers) it is not a vocoder or a "heavily tune vocal". That's what thought too when I heard it originally.

[@surfgoat1]

Rick! Agreed that this song sounds great. Production is awesome. Thank you for breaking it down man!

[@matthewlara2324]

The use of panning and arrangements creating tension is on next level for the pros

[@raymonddaz6981]

Those layers makes this song colorful. Thanks Rick!

[@Charlyfromthenuclearcity]

OMG those vocals. The effect sends and cuts are so tight, it's amazingly done.

[@NahreSol]

Amazing video, as always!

[@ZANNKImusic]

and you too

[@Capo98y]

Im more into electronic music but i love watching this kind of videos, i actually admire pop producers and i allways try to follow their tips, i specially love how they arrange.

[@RedzaMusic]

The intro isn't melodyne or a vocoder, it's a talkbox, I'm pretty sure.

[@RickBeato]

It is Mr. TalkBox (Byron Chambers) but I couldn’t say it in the video.

[@JoanForeroAudiovisual]

Just for our education... Why you can't say that type of information on a video? Or you just mean that you didn't notice that when you were recording it? Great video, by the way!

[@johns4946]

Redza yes it is

[@WHOWHENWHYY]

I think he couldn't say it because that is giving credit to Mr. Talkbox and i believe Bruno bought all royalities and owns Mr. Talkbox's intro. Something shady like that, idk

[@AndreaCipria]

It's not shady if everyone agrees

[@andyracksthecams]

His music made an impression on me a while back as in I noticed him and listened to him when he was being interviewed or songs on the radio. I like the raw uncomplicated but very ingenious and well produced sound he has even though I am not really a fan. If I were given tickets to his gig, I'd definitely go.

[@tryit742]

andyracksthecams YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY GO TO ONE OF HIS SHOWS IT'S WORTH IT I PROMISE

[@AlexBallMusic]

What a great vid. Everything has it's place and there's no unnecessary filler. And it sounds bigger for that exact reason. Thanks Rick!

[@AlexBallMusic]

RoyaltyProductionsDA Yes true, there's some errors. It's definitely a talk box and scratch effect as you say. I have both a talk box and melodyne, so you're definitely right about that. Think the main point is still true. There's very little in the mix. Which is probably why each sound can have a full range of frequencies and not be filtered or blended with layers, because they don't need to be. A few instruments that are powerful making a bigger sound than more instruments would. A lot of the sound is in the arrangement of course, and that's also simple. A huge part of a mix is the arrangement.

[@marklondon2008]

A bit harsh. I and I suspect others have learned loads from Rick's youtube channel. Remember this was a quick 10 minute vid and he gave props to the producers. He definitely knows what he's talking about.

[@augusto7681]

Mark C he could talk a lot in 10min. Some moments in the video he didn't know what to talk about or how to explain why something sound good. It was a weak video the one with link park music was better.

[@lastcall9998]

its

[@jcb.98]

It's not a sidecompression. It's a bend down. Sidechain compression doesn't change the pitch by default.

[@RaySmithWeb]

Love Bruno’s music. THANK YOU for videos like this!

[@elehuebauchman111]

Rick,Thanks for doing the analysis of Bruno Mars. I got turned on to him by my daughter. I was working out when I got a Txt from her. It said, Download this guy, this is your music. I downloaded “Uptown. Funk”. It sounded like they locked up tower of power and Morris day in the time in the studio and let them go crazy 24 K Magic had a strong Roger Troutman and Zapp, big synth groove. It’s a reminder that a big part Music is having FUN. And this music is big fun.

[@TheRobWay1]

Great video - thank you, Rick! Once every decade or so we get someone as great as Bruno Mars.

[@fernandog.aguirre2791]

Just loving it! Amazing how to understand better and greatly appreciate the production of a great hit. I admire this guy! Thank you very much for the educational experience!

[@darendarendaren]

I swear you make the best videos about music production. I hope for more pop/hip hop/funk stuff in the future!

[@sgt_loeram1933]

I’ve heard that before that during production they use electronic drums, then have a real drummer learn the song for live shows. Btw his older brother plays the live drums for him.

[@Holistic-songwriting]

Great video and interesting to hear the isolated tracks! Although the intro is actually played on a talk box (performed by Mr Talk Box). Would you mind sharing where you got the tracks? Have been a big fan of yours and the channel!

[@Sonyfan2006]

Exactly my question. How did u get separated tracks ahhhhhh!!!!!!

[@Mlopescamacho]

me too!

[@freeat_last7375]

ricks num 1 quest...he never reveals this info but a lot of guesses! lol

[@robchitsonzojr.9056]

I love your videos too... Holistic Songwriting

[@victormalet7066]

he buys it it think

[@nicholassismil3823]

Honestly, I hope you do A LOT more pop track reviews like this. I love them!

[@Riffs4U]

This was SUPER INTERESTING RICK!! The video felt short to be honest. I'd love to see you breaking down these high end production music more!

[@RickBeato]

If I play too much of the song it gets taken down. Sorry!

[@Riffs4U]

Rick Beato No, what I meant is the actual video length. Your break down. Just couldn't get enough of it ☺

[@RickBeato]

Oh sorry! Haha!

[@Riffs4U]

Rick Beato 😊

[@Reggaeton_Karaoke]

Rick you blew my mind that you can actually get Max stems - and I found them! What a gold mine to understand how intricate the production and arrangement really is. Understand that there may be copyright issues but think there is some really good lessons to be learnt here if you would be so kind as to expand on them. One thing that struck me from the Max stems (and I got all the ariana tracks) was the rhythm section. Specifically how much attention to detail there is on creating rhythm through everything but the instruments. Two things jump out (1) Use of distortion/saturation/lofi (on everything) but more specifically as a way to either accent rhythmic elements with more high frequency content or as a way to extend tails of hits too accentuate the groove (2) related, but the use of reverb tails in a rhythmic way to reinforce the groove. This reverb point is actually true of all instruments. The other thing that struck me as you alluded to way the amount of un-heard sounds that play a key role mainly in reinforcing groove. Anyway would be great to hear more on these points as I see them as the icing that takes your production from a 9 to an 11! Thanks and great vids!

[@azure_mae]

the audio engineer did so well

[@AvidAnnihilator]

Hello Rick, I would like to let you know that the vocals in the beginning of 24k Magic is a talkbox likely used with a moog styled synth. His production pays homage to the stylings of Zapp and Roger who frequently made funk music using the Talkbox as their instrument. That also inspired many songs in the westcoast hip-hop scene and many songs of the G-Funk era. Just thought I should point that out since that sound is very unique to it. Yes you can replicate it with a sawtooth based vocoder but its not the same. As always love your videos and keep up the good work.

[@borochov]

Totally synth with a Talkbox pedal - not a vocoder

[@Jeoisah777]

It's Byron Chambers. Mr. Talkbox

[@clementlebouc9746]

People don't know much about the talkbox, they always think its vocoder, but it's sounds diffrent

[@jtracy0283]

LOVE Zapp and Roger, I don't why I didn't notice the similarity immediately. My little girls go around singing "More Bounce to the Ounce!"

[@hwd71]

This song is soooo ❤80's.❤ ❤Love it.❤

[@jtracy0283]

Oh man, I love it, super funky! I never really paid any attention to Bruno Mars until I saw him and Mark Ronson perform Uptown Funk on SNL. Just blew me away! You should do a video on the Janelle Monae song "Make Me Feel." It's a clear homage to Prince, and has some pretty cool production elements that would be fun to explore

[@TintoRoss]

It is incredible how a lot of different sounds complete the final vibes. This Masterpiece must have more than 50 different sounds-

[@LaLaGrunge]

His previous hit in 2014, "Uptown Funk", sounds reminiscent of a post-disco tune produced in 1980/1981. Moreover, "24K Magic" sounds produced in 1983 minus being saturated in reverb and AMS digital delay.

[@SalvvOrtiz]

It's a great service to put subtitles in Spanish, even if it's Argentinian Spanish. Muchas gracias Rick!

[@meesterJos]

Al Pacino's cousin deconstructing 24 Karat Magic! I love this!

[@minoritydamagemusik]

Definitely one can appreciate this! 👌🏼

[@federz666]

That intro “vocoder” part is actually a talk box. A synth with the audio fed into a tube that goes into the mouth.

[@ronrobins3513]

WOW FUNK DAY.... I don't know about everyone else you checks out your KZbin channel, but I would really like to see you cover more music like this. This song in particular during last summer was blaring from every car at the intersection, hahaha .It's undeniable.

[@KmelBeatz]

This track is so funky..especially that key bass and that guitar

[@danivicen]

You are killing it with your latest vids, I love how you explain stuff and the fact you have the original stems of tracks to talk about them, thanks man what an awesome job you are doing here!

[@danivicen]

Why you think so?

[@junkdnareviews2515]

Love how you try and say how simple everything is when it actually sounds really full and progressive

[@JustTutupa]

THANK YOU for these break-downs! Actually hearing each track separated is amazing, great explanation too.

[@coreybell4285]

It’s a talkbox

[@Nathanaelsun22]

So Happy you did this song!!!! Me LOve da Funk

[@epiczeven6378]

Thank you Rick for this series, so much value!

[@Guitargate]

Amazing Rick

[@onixtheone]

That’s the thing about Bruno and a lot of pop artists they play to make people move and groove and feel something not just show musical gymnastics

[@ggh_-ts6pn]

Onix Junes Do you mean Bruno's and other pop artist producers? Its not the artists, its the producers

[@kbg12ila]

@@ggh_-ts6pn Well Bruno is a producer.

[@ggh_-ts6pn]

@@kbg12ila lots of pop musician co-produce their songs and their involvement range can be so minimal they just want their name on it. Well Bruno is probably better than most pop musician so his involvement can be up to 30%. But pop singers like Beyonce, claim that they produce, write, compose, their songs while probably she only involved in 1% of those.

[@kbg12ila]

@@ggh_-ts6pn Beyonce definitely doesn't write songs. She may add in a word or two but that's about it lol. I didn't know until just recently but Bruno is part of a production group that produced and wrote music years before he even appeared on a song as a singer. Plus you can find pop artists who write their own music. For example Jessie J and Carly Rae Jepsen and with them you know it's mostly their work, because their signature writing style becomes clear.

[@weirdbro6597]

@@ggh_-ts6pn30%? there ain't no production if the song isn't written bud.

[@LucasRomanoMusic]

Thank you again Rick. This is the best KZbin channel ever.

[@kikon88]

This is a real Masterclass production lesson 🌈🙏🏻💥 Thank you so much

[@rishabhpradhan9440]

What a breakdown ... 💯💯 And all the advices you gave at the end loved it 🔥❤️

[@whawha9016]

How did the guy get hold of the original tracks?

[@ufkrec]

This song is like Zapp & Roger pure 80s funk

[@CRASS2047]

That song has 1.4 BILLION VIEWS on KZbin. Unbelievable!

[@instyle63]

Thank you Rick...this video was awesome!!!

[@333musicllc7]

We just started our label a year ago and you kinda have to be like a mad scientist in the studio. Don't be afraid to try things. Create your own techniques. Sometimes less is more! Keep dreaming!

[@OTTERMANN2]

I believe Bruno recorded pretty much the whole thing himself

[@trashbag1598]

for all the bedroom producers out there me included know that you should strive to perfect your skill like pop producers because they are the best in the craft

[@Recospok]

Please Make More Vid like this with Pop Music 🙏🏾

[@Sohancecom]

Great video! Great production! When everything has been though through there is enough space for every element. No tracks fighting in the same frequency ranges.

[@bobbyberetta4206]

Can you do some New Jack Swing production in the future? Thank you in advance, I appreciate it.

[@f.lashby8298]

Bo88y Beretta This is basically New Jack Swing. According to Teddy Riley of course. lol

[@Chezame]

wow this video is so full of gold 😱🔥

[@princeamoakwa4057]

This video shows what a masterpiece this song "24k Magic" track is 🎉🔥🙌🏾 From vocals to beats. What's the Max Martin track though?

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

Ikr? Oh, and the Max Martin track is called "Into You." It's by Ariana Grande.

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

i love great songs.....how ever they are made

[@AllanEvansOfficial]

rick this is an absolute Gem thank you for sharing these not easily obtainable tracks

[@soydavidvidal]

That's Mr. Talkbox on the intro. No vocoder or melodyne

[@RickBeato]

I can’t say that or the title in the description.

[@soydavidvidal]

haha okay, I understand. A lot of times people has mistaken Mr. Talkbox intro with autotune/melodyne... great analysis btw! I love your channel

[@VAUGHANPHOENIX]

I just wanted to see if anyone said it before me. That Talkbox is the truth!

[@PsytranceGOUGAS]

Bass line is pure fire!

[@Holobrine]

Where do you get the individual tracks?

[@ryanf3951]

i feel so smart after watching this. this channel sure put me into creative mode, thanks a lot! subscribing!!

[@kripakov]

Question: I have an Beatles anthology and it has studio outtakes that lead up to the final tracks in various stages of development. In several songs a que track is revealed, sometime just a simple sustained chord root tone and or Goerge Martin counting off bar numbers that lead up a section change. Do you have any videos that deal with studio techniques that shed light on how to lay out a click track or arrangement track . I struggle with putting form to my recordings so they end up being just extended jam. I seem to need a framework that guides my playing because I suck at counting bars while I playing. Can you help?

[@gianlucagallo765]

Great deconstruction! Thanks a lot!

[@strazza555]

are these the real stems?? how'd ya get those?

[@nevious1982]

"If i tell you i have to kill you" kind of information

[@tonizamboni7362]

it's almost like rick's been in the business for a long time and might know some people

[@Level10Productions]

The fact alone that he gets them on such a recent album release is amazing. He either has great connects or he is a better theif than I.

[@SSS-xf7zi]

you are the best song breakdowner. I don't know if there is such a word as song breakdowner 😂. Thanks for the video. God bless you

[@DanielHorta]

how does Rick get those separated stems??? WTF

[@seres-de-luz]

Torents?

[@felipenascimento1964]

master piece

[@FreshClinicTV]

OMG! Where did you get the multitracks for this song?

[@clifftonl-vuitton2770]

They leaked. You can find the stems on google

[@Zack_Darce]

Clifford LeDuc Vaillancourt wow

[@christiannilsen2835]

@@clifftonl-vuitton2770 Nothing teaches production technique better than multi-tracks! Know any other great song to check out multi track?

[@midiman5045]

When I first hear this song I was like holy crap so funky Bruno Mars. I knew it was a simple track but just enough to keep it sounding full and fresh. Thanks for the in depth review of it.

[@philliplanos]

Literally a king of education on production. Thanks, Rick!

[@boriss.861]

Rick where do you get all the masters from. Love the Vlogs. Are we to think you have some great producer friends in your Little Black Book! lol

[@blobmusica]

there was a remix competition for this one

[@hubadonga]

Yes Rick where and how do you get the tracks?

[@inTsLewis]

Best material on KZbin. Salute to Rick.

[@planagencia4828]

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR STEMS RICK_? CAN YOU SHARE :) LOVE

[@bassplayer10]

Plan Agencia don’t know where rick gets his, but thanks to guitar hero and .oog or .moog which contain a compressed multi-track. There is a lot out there.

[@planagencia4828]

@@bassplayer10 cool grat advice bro. keep on groovin

[@augustocorica9158]

Please keep theese productioproduction coming, loved it!!!!

[@bassrocks27]

Help... What was the Max Martin song played in the video?

[@OwensDrumming]

bassrocks27 Into You - Ariana Grande

[@benzization]

Thanks Rick, please do more of this.