Butch Vig: From Smashing Pumpkins to Nirvana - Alternative Rock’s OG

Butch Vig is a highly respected musician, producer, and engineer, known for his innovative work in the alternative rock genre. He is perhaps best known for his work as the producer of Nirvana's breakthrough album, "Nevermind," which is widely considered one of the most influential albums of the 1990s. In addition to his work with Nirvana, Vig has also produced albums for a diverse range of artists, including Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, and Foo Fighters. With a career spanning several decades, Vig has established himself as one of the most talented and versatile producers in the industry, renowned for his ability to capture the raw energy and emotion of a recording while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the studio.
Video Time Stamps:
0:00 The first recording Butch ever did
6:58 First years in the recording studio
14:55 Smashing Pumpkins I
23:05 Drum talk
26:09 Smashing Pumpkins II
28:19 Smashing Pumpkins - I Am One
38:13 Smashing Pumpkins - Daydream
41:44 Kurt Cobain bootlegs himself
45:15 Starting on Nevermind
50:22 Recording Nevermind
56:50 Nirvana - Lithium
1:00:19 Nirvana - In Bloom
1:06:10 Kurt Cobain and The Beatles
1:11:06 Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit I
1:16:49 Nirvana - On A Plain
1:20:27 Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit II
1:24:39 Siamese Dream
1:27:53 Smashing Pumpkins - Cherub Rock
1:32:38 Garbage
1:42:57 Rock will come back to the forefront
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[@RickBeato]

If you guys want to see me do more travel content and interviews, please consider becoming a member of the Beato Club to enable me to do more of it. Check it out here: rickbeato.com/beatoclub

[@themushtube42]

Need a part 2! I want to hear him talk more about the discography of Garbage! Great interview Rick🙏

[@ciAMkia]

​@TheMushTube Oh yeah! What great idea! Who doesn't love Garbage! They're a super band! You are inspired MushTube!

[@andreaslandgren1681]

This was so great. First garbage record and 2.0 finishing it of was fun. Thank you!

[@neilmurphy7594]

The interviews you're cranking out lately are freaking awesome.

[@tommygoniu]

Mutt Lange interview would be very interesting. Think of all the acts he's produced.

[@AaronCouron]

I feel like Rick has really tapped into something with these long form interviews. Where else can you hear directly from LEGENDS like Butch Vig or Billy Corgan or Sting or Maynard James Keenan or Derek Trucks and hear their stories. Rick asks the questions we would ask and has a comfortable nature that seems to bring out the best stories. I have always enjoyed the Rick Beato content, but these interviews are special. Extremely unique and fascinating content that you cannot get anywhere else. Keep it up Rick!

[@Ericstrains]

Agreed. I also love how these interviews aren't dumbed down for general audiences. It's like two musicians talking shop together…which of course it is.

[@DesignRhythm]

He's definitely one of the very best around; never gets in the way and asks just the right amount of questions.

[@hegemonycricket2182]

Rick Rubin's podcast is pretty great too. Beato is def my favorite though.

[@googpix540]

Now we need political long firm interviews.

[@hegemonycricket2182]

@@googpix540 There are some channels out there for that. I agree we need more of it, because you can't hide for 3 hours. Long form is very revealing, and it allows plenty of time to unpack ideas.

[@jessestumpf190]

I love how Butch still talks about the Nirvana guys like they’re still kids just making good music, not as this band that’s gonna live forever. He has a real love for them

[@phillymopwater]

they are just people. Idol worship is shallow.

[@whatabouttheearth]

​@@phillymopwater But they'll forever have legend status now since Kurt fell into the black river like Layne.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

When you've known them before they were rock gods, you know them as just Billy and Kurt. You know who they are before they became what they are.

[@DS-nw4eq]

Because they were just kids… and they were just people. Kurt was 24ish at the time, highly opinionated and kind of difficult. Add in drug addiction affecting his attitude and it’s a cross between producing and babysitting.

[@chris.fitzgerald]

I love hearing Butch in interviews, this by far was one of his best sit downs, great job Rick. Butch belongs in the Rock Hall of Fame.

[@HeavyMetalOne64]

Absolutely he does.....probably more than once....I think the argument could be made for his band to be inducted

[@ontherunjg]

Butch is amazing and fun to listen to but Rick knows the amount of questions to ask.

[@cultserpent4501]

Rick you are literally creating history with your channel. In an era where music is made into cheap fast junk food content and noone cares about the magic of it, you interview legends and create HOPE and INSPIRATION. Thank you! Dont give in to robots and the industry people!

[@imovertheocean]

so true brother

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Would entirely agree with you, however, I have been looking into some of these AI music creation apps and I got to tell you, it's actually pretty damn good. Now, I don't think it's at the level that we're talking here, you cannot artificially make songs like the one's from Nirvana or the Pumpkins. But we're also just scratching the surface of AI created music. In 5 years, who knows if you could tell the difference between a song made by a human, or an app.

[@sharpvidtube]

@@valuedhumanoid6574 Musicians will use AI as part of the creative process. Can guarantee if the Beatles were starting out now, they would find a way to use it. They loved all the latest technology. Just hope Paul and Ringo don't use AI John and George now, that would sound horrible😂

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

@@billa7606 No one has accused him of asking stupid questions. Why would you state something so obvious just out of the blue? Makes no sense.

[@andreabruciati275]

Amen

[@Kris_jellybeard]

One of the producers that actually made a difference in music history.

[@kristopherguilbault5428]

Hey... I'm the other one... ;)

[@sirfizz6518]

Honestly quite a few have done so.

[@caprise-music6722]

It’s a longshot, but my dream is that he interviews Steve Albini

[@Kris_jellybeard]

@@caprise-music6722 Or Steve Lilywhite or Brian Eno...

[@matthiasfeit8739]

​@@caprise-music6722 that could be interesting. Given Steve's hands off approach it could also mean that Rick and Albini would not really connect.

[@matthewbuttner7960]

Butch said, “Let’s do this again.” Um, yes please. This was so good. Thank you, Rick. No one is doing interviews like this. I don’t play an instrument, let alone record music, but I loved listening to you two talk about recording equipment and instruments. This and the Billy Corgan interview are my favorites from this channel.

[@TheDamageinc81]

It's amazing what all goes on behind the scenes. Most people wouldn't have a clue about what it takes to make a recording. Of course the digital age has made things easier but the analog days of cut and splicing with tape is a whole different ball game. Personally, the analog tape production like the needle piercing the vinyl sounds more organic and that extra work seems to pay off.

[@Pauldjreadman]

We definitely need a “ Part 2”

[@patrick3926]

Loved every second. Butch is such a great interview, patient and loves geeking out

[@JoeSim8s]

+1 for the "Let's do this again". Rick's interviews are unique.

[@alexandercardoso8216]

Butch Vig is pure gold

[@randygomez9595]

"You can't record the same guitar multiple times with the same tones." Man, that is some of the best recording advice for working musicians I've ever heard.

[@PoboyMusic]

Lots of good knowledge here for home recording guys

[@Rand_al_Thor372]

Randy Rhoads would say otherwise.

[@randygomez9595]

@@Rand_al_Thor372 you sure about that?

[@Rand_al_Thor372]

@@randygomez9595 positive. He triple tracked all the solos: left, right and center.

[@randygomez9595]

@@Rand_al_Thor372 well, recording the same guitar part multiple times with the same tone to make that one part sound bigger and fuller is one thing. I think what Butch Vig is referring to here is recording different guitar parts with the same tone.

[@inkyGhosty]

This isn't really an interview, this is a masterclass for any aspiring young people wanting to get into the producing side of the industry and probably just as much as a goldmine for already experienced techs, engineers and producers. Incredible content.

[@omartechnologies]

Everyone has already said it, but I gotta double down. Rick, you are going to go down in history as one of the most important historians of rock music. These interviews are priceless. The questions you ask are so precise and beautiful and brings out so many amazing stories and detail. And of course who better than someone who understands and knows the legacy of all these brilliant instruments, tech, and musicology can be the one to make this happen. Thank you for being awesome and producing this amazing content. And Butch was fascinating to listen to.

[@canadude6401]

His interviews are really good....I especially like how he doesn't waste anytime with stupid typical drama questions. I know very little about music production, but I can really appreciate the process and it's so nice to hear all the details.

[@digitaldosage1979]

I have been a formally trained sound engineer for over 22 years, and I have never gleaned so much from an interview as I have with this one. THANK YOU! Vig is my HERO!🙏

[@kcdw0012]

this is definitely a longshot but i am 16 and want to be a music producer or sound engineer. i can play guitar and use DAW, what steps should i start taking to become a producer (schooling, knowledge, tips, etc.)

[@digitaldosage1979]

@@kcdw0012 I went to school for sound engineering, but what you need to do more than anything is just start getting your hands dirty. Do KZbin videos, volunteer at churches to run their sound (most provide free training), if there are recording studios around you, become an intern and work for free and get really good/quality training, start recording and mixing friends for free on your DAW, but most importantly... It's about who you know. 110%! You have to get involved in the business on a personal level, even if you were the best producer in the world, nobody's going to know it if you don't have people sending clients to you. It's about making friends and building your chops at the same time. Be easy to work with and don't have an attitude, even when circumstances might dictate otherwise. When it boils down to it, people want to work with cool people.😎 Lastly, be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if you don't know how to do something, learn it while in-process, but in order to be a producer, you need to learn all aspects of recording/mixing... At least in my opinion. With that said, there's been a bit of a mix-up in the language that we use nowadays for "producers". Producers used to be people that could get an album put together from start to finish, and are able to provide good creative input in order to make the best recording possible, while dealing the artists on a personal level. Nowadays, the term producer has been diminished to someone that just sits around making beats and providing artists with material that they can record to. Regardless of how you're using the word, you'll need to figure out what specifically you need to learn in order to accomplish your goal. Butch vig, as seen in this interview, is a tracking and mixing engineer first.... The producer stuff came later. He earned every bit of his success.

[@JimLovesGolf]

One of the wonderful things about Rick as an interviewer is how he injects his knowledge of the topic in his questions to spur very interesting and expansive responses without resorting to talking about his own substantial experience in the subject.

[@nomadicnotestv]

You know the interview went well and there is such great rapport between the two when Butch says "let's do this again". Yes, please!

[@JimRivers1179]

There’s many Rick interviews begging that part 2

[@davidcroft3346]

Butch said something like "we barely scratched the surface on some of this" and I was thinking, yeah you just got started on Siamese Dream before skipping off to talk about Garbage

[@Joesfosterdogs]

Gadd said the same...and rarely says that

[@lukephillips1521]

After nearly 2 hours! These producers must get used to long periods doing the same thing..😂

[@jimmienahas4156]

Butch is a humble dude and every year (except Covid year) comes back to Madison and does a benefit with local and international musicians for a benefit called Joey's Song. Dude gives back to the community that continues to RESPECT what this man does with music. 23:17 Miking drums. Rock on Butch Vig.

[@seltonk5136]

Apparently the other day one of those things that you can get on the couch with your family and friends

[@davebaka2595]

Interesting to think that maybe I may have passed by Butch when I was student there. I went through the humanities building just about every day. I also had a few philosophy classes there. It’s an unusual building. The top floors are suspended high above on big pillars.

[@davebaka2595]

Look at the bike to get some perspective of the size

[@VetBodGaming]

Please, please, please give us a second interview. Butch is an absolute legend and a hero to a lot of us in WI in the 90s.

[@samanthastudios618]

This!

[@christophcarle]

I love it that Butch is always able to name song titles, lyrics and fine details like take numbers. Absolutly great guy!

[@zinniebee]

That and his memory for the equipment specifics is astounding.

[@Adefesio94]

Song recorders are nerds! they remember!

[@bradleylovej]

@@Adefesio94 I'm a nerd but I don't remember things very well, haha. Too much acid in the aughts!

[@jwhite1016aol]

This was stellar. Butch is a national treasure.

[@davemarriott9332]

And the best part is his humility....He doesn't even know he's a national treasure...Well put

[@jorgealbertovalladares578]

@@davemarriott9332 It also didn't seem like Rick noticed Butch complementing Rick's work saying, "I am a fan..."

[@goodpainlive1]

icon

[@sasanbehnood-hr7hx]

Rick - this is the most comprehensive (and personal) interview I’ve ever seen with Butch. For all of us lovers of 90s rock, we’ve pieced together little snippets of his interviews here and there, but your interview beautifully fills in the background color and detail - in a way we’ve always hoped to know and see. Masterful interview, and Butch clearly connected with you. Thank you so much for this. Waiting for part 2 someday….

[@dago_enfuego4120]

Yeah, you nailed it. ✌

[@clinteastwood3156]

Huge respect for this guy, Butch created 90s rock sound with Gish and later Siamese Dream and Nevermind

[@sirfizz6518]

The musicians were at least as responsible for that if not moreso. What's clear is that he was the right guy to make it translate and click

[@robphegan90]

Don’t tell Billy Corgan this. 😅

[@joelab9222]

Sonic Youth - Dirty, too.

[@TheMattmatic]

@@robphegan90 "You stole my guitar sound, motherfucker!" ;)

[@OGGOAT23]

Killdozer Laughing Hyenas

[@robbygordon643]

I always enjoyed Inside the Actors Studio but bummed that there was never anything like it for music. Rick - you’re quickly becoming that guy. Someone who can intelligently talk to an artist about things related to the craft is rare. Glad you are doing these interviews!

[@colinwallace5286]

I love how the early interviews had the guests gradually getting comfortable and candid, and “engaged”, as they realized that Rick was asking great questions, not looking for the usual “gotcha” garbage. Now we see that your guests are looking forward to getting their own great interview, and it’s really entertaining and informative for all of us.

[@FallenStarFeatures]

Butch is not only a legendary producer and musician. His phenomenally detailed memory of recording and engineering tales from sessions held over two decades ago is endlessly mesmerizing. Not to mention, Rick's questions and commentary are so pertectly on point, I could listen to many more hours of just the two of them talking.

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

Butch Vig is a genuine genius! His work in Garbage is truly EPIC!

[@TRON0314]

Garbage 2.0 is a top 10 album for me.

[@austinhunt4260]

Garbage 1.0 is a top 10 for me. 2.0 is a top 100.

[@codyharris1211]

I saw them on that tour and that show is one my top favorites and Garbage is my all time favorite band. A perfect example of everything working together as it should. Not a day goes by that I don’t listen to them.

[@blakemaxfield4267]

​@@austinhunt4260 I loved that first album from Garbage. When I first heard Vow on 120 minutes I was like who the hell is this? There's nothing like hearing and discovering a new band for the first time.

[@Robx-gx8zy]

My favorite part of this interview is leading into the chorus of “On A Plain” Butch plays the air drum fill and Rick plays air bass. Love to see two legends acting like 14 year olds!!

[@edmunddonnelly3881]

Rick has, without a doubt, the most essential channel on KZbin for music fans. Such a treasure trove of interesting stuff.

[@loganm15]

Dang nothing has ever opened my eyes more to show the amount of work producers put into albums hats off to Butch for producing one of the greatest albums of all time

[@fenrisbutcher7343]

if u listen to early smells like teen spirit demo u will see the real impact Butch had on whole nevermind. ppl always say how navermind changed the music history, and Butch is the unspoken hero o that story

[@MohaskyGoldenleaf]

I was a staff engineer at the legendary Criteria Studios in Miami back in the 90’s and worked on some big projects that I won’t name drop here. Butch’s description of process, production, and gear is pretty much all the same stuff we used daily. This took me back! No plugins, no ProTools, real guys playing real instruments, nervously splicing 2” tape and punching in on keeper tracks…. Awesome memories.

[@TheDamageinc81]

Perfect 90° cuts with the razor blade. The bands' record is as only a good as how much tape you had and/or money with time. I must admit though you've intrigued me on your past work ... as your avatar implies ... would The Dude abide?

[@humanactivated1017]

Well that's how it was done at every studio .

[@goatofalltime19]

You have a point but personally, vst's are my dream come true. I can't afford tube amps, drum sets, and studio rent. This way I can enjoy myself covering my favorite tunes as an amateur.

[@thewal1ofsleep]

@@humanactivated1017 Did they say it wasn't?

[@humanactivated1017]

@@thewal1ofsleep ah obviously not . Are you drugged up ?

[@milesdowsett3532]

The impact of Butch's influence in the whole of music in the 90s cannot be overstated.

[@SebastianPerezG]

More Butch and less Trap music please !!!! less Bad Bunny and all that crap for god sake ..

[@nickkleiber8636]

Don’t discount Jack Endino tho, he had prolly a bigger influence

[@EZLN]

@@SebastianPerezG i’m sure you’ll find it, why put down what others like?

[@mkhdnimg]

Jesus holy mary hell, I sat through all of that and it was amazing. Ricks interviews reveal that all of his guests and probably everyone involved in making amazing records, are just normal, humble music nerds. Like the rest of us. This was one of the most grounded conversations and I loved every minute of it. Rick's the best.

[@Pigsandpies1984]

I love that Butch can’t help but air drum through some of those amazing songs. What a body of work. And he remembers so many details. Amazing.

[@onairsebcycling]

I was 13 when Nervermind came out. This band was my life. And in 91, you couldn't have any answers to the questions that you had. This is GOLD.

[@Rockesb888]

I was a few years younger and I remember playing Nevermind for the first time on my cousin’s CD player and it blew my mind.

[@sonicclang]

We're probably about the same age. I was also 13. Changed my life!

[@timwatson9156]

I was 13 also. I remember walking to the tennis court for gym class listening to my yellow Walkman when I first heard Nirvana and it blew my mind.

[@robertking2104]

I was 12. I remember watching best music videos of the year marathon. Smells Like Teen Spirit was #1. I hurt my neck in celebratory head banging

[@isatralala]

I was 12 yrs old starting high school... Back then you could rent tape cassette at th library and I had to use mom's stereo to record my copy tape... Will always remember her expressions when the album started playing... Confusion, surprise, interrogation, amused... I loved becoming a teen in the 90's!

[@TheNadaladaDOTnet]

Aside from the fact that Butch’s resume and contribution to music is undeniable….his energy, vibe and passion for the music he has been associated with is just so infectious. You can tell how much admiration he has for the artists.

[@taxationistheft2.0]

imagine doing siamese dream and nevermind. dude thats like winning the superbowl twice

[@TheNadaladaDOTnet]

@@taxationistheft2.0 100% true. Gish as well.

[@taxationistheft2.0]

@@TheNadaladaDOTnet facts

[@sub-jec-tiv]

These interviews are gold 🏆 Recorded at Smart a couple of times in the 80s before the big records happened, back when Tar Babies and Killdozer records were the big things on their wall. Butch and Steve Marker are beautiful dudes and it was pure love in that scruffy studio. What a joy to be there with them. Love those guyz they R total working class heroes 🙏

[@michtarragon4665]

I've loved everything Butch has done over the years. Gish and Siamese Dream are amazing records, as is Nevermind. I'm a huge Garbage fan as well. Thank you Butch!

[@bradleylovej]

I remember playing Gran Tourismo 2 and hearing that Garbage track over and over again. I liked it, so I dug a little and was shocked that one of the band members had produced Nevermind!

[@marceror]

Rick is officially the go to contact if an artist wants to go deep on an interview. This was a great listen, and I am absolutely amazed at Butch's near perfect memory of these sessions.

[@Omertahun]

Honestly, the last time they did that deep dive QA was in the 70s

[@geoffmerrill164]

Your memory reference reminds me of listening to athletes who can, years later, describe in great detail the intricacies of a play or a game. A well-tuned mind can operate way beyond our conscious appreciation of it's capabilities.

[@popkorn256]

To be fair, in the last 30 years, people have probably been asking him every day about the Nevermind recording :)

[@marceror]

@@popkorn256 Probably true, but I don't think that explains why he seems to remember every piece of equipment he has owned or used since his very first recording session! :)

[@robertmuckle2985]

@@marceror As a 67 year old recording engineer, I too remember most every piece of gear I've used on most everything! If I can make a suitable comparison...for most 'guys', consider how much you remember about each and every car you've owned, and what you did in said cars! It comes down to the LOVE you have, and hence those memories will stay with you forever!

[@thecthonian4976]

Of all the interviews this one is a fast favorite. Butch is great, and such an amicable guy. I loved how they both air drum/ guitar with the songs Rick played. What a unique opportunity to talk to one of the best producers of alternative rock ever. Rick let him talk and Butch stayed on point. Very well done Rick! Love this one!

[@geoffmerrill164]

At 28:whatever, when Rick cues up I Am One, to see Butch instantaneously fall into the groove is so cool. Rick's there as well, as are I imagine thousands of us who watched this and found ourselves back at the first listening, and to some extent every listening since then. Music is magic.

[@josephwiacek8123]

This is like the Behind The Music to Behind the music. Mid-Forties now and these are all the bands that shaped my teenage years and experiences. Very nostalgic-Great job.

[@capoman1]

Concur. Same age. This may be better than a Nirvana interview cause Bruce isn't internal to the songs, he's recording them for release. He really explains well all the thoughts behind the sounds and choices.

[@gabedirmeyer692]

Watching this interview spoke to my soul. Butch is a living legend in my opinion. All he has done, then Garbage?! I had every Garbage cassette, and wore them out. Thank you Rick for giving us the back stories that our generation of music lovers want to know about.

[@bonus1638]

The synchronised head bobbing of these music lovers is epic. Also, given how many times Butch has already listened to these songs during production and since then, he still air drums and air guitars along with it like a proud dad. Supreme interview Rick and Butch.

[@orcafinn]

Its adorable, isn't it!

[@capoman1]

Good point. You know Butch wore these tracks out mixing them and he still has all the love for these songs. He really appreciates the process as much as a musician playing in the song.

[@Antireality]

Listening to Butch speak I get the feeling that being a walking encyclopedia of production knowledge accounts for about half of the success, and the fact that he comes across as someone you would be super comfortable talking to, bouncing ideas off of and working with is also a huge part of it.

[@thewalrus5878]

At times I literally got goosebumps of excitement with Rick’s technical knowledge AND how sincerely interested he is in Butch’s answers. Actually, I love how in every interview Rick is intensely focused and interested in his guest’s answers and story. Great questions. You can’t find these levels of interviews with such important figures anywhere else. Excellent job, Rick. Please keep it up!

[@ideologybot4592]

Butch's love for Jimmy's drumming hits me in the feels. I love this, every bit of it.

[@mayorofthenonsense]

One of the coolest things in this interview is where they talk about lining up the next Pumpkins record in the wake of the world changing Nevermind, and how much pressure Butch was under to deliver something equally successful. Normally, there would have been a lot of doubt about anyone being able to pull the same trick again, but in this case the result was an album that was as big, powerful, and successful as it was unique and defining in its own right. Siamese Dream might not have represented the same musical revolution that Nevermind did, but it came as close as anything ever could and was without a doubt one of the most iconic albums of the 90’s.

[@NBAHOTTAKEZ]

No way!! We gotta get Dave Grohl now

[@blazaar3099]

YES!

[@caprise-music6722]

Heck yes!

[@Masterlessmusic]

I'm up for that. I'd imagine he'd be up for it as well given the free time.

[@alexsmith-rs6zq]

@@Masterlessmusic well the foos are starting up again so I don’t think he’s going to be as available

[@Masterlessmusic]

​@@alexsmith-rs6zq yeah true, but hopefully down the line sometime Rick can make it happen.

[@thefounding5879]

This is the juice right here!!!! These interviews open up music for me on a whole different level. I was in my early twenties when these bands rose up and in my forties I decided I wanted to learn how to play music and not just listen to it and these interviews open up an existence I never knew existed. OUTSTANDING!!!!! Rick.........another homerun buddy!!!!!

[@ciAMkia]

This JUICE, as you called it, is definitely worth the squeeze here! I love this stuff!

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Ditto here

[@BlacksburgEV]

Please interview Butch again! I could listen to Butch for fucking days....he has the best stories and is just a regular guy. It's like listening to one of your friends talk and Rick has the same qualities. I can not get enough of these interviews. Butch in particular you covered so much ground with and it feels like he's going deep but then you hear him say you barely touched upon what you wanted?! My God damn, I would listen to 5 3 hour interviews with this guy. Please keep doing what you are doing as this is history....that deserves to be remembered. He is a Rockstar in his own right, ai love garbage and always have. I'm glad he got to do the otherside of the coin and I don't think a lot of other producers do. It probably explains a huge chunk of his success.

[@hkmoving]

We need a show on/with Jimmy Chamberlain...just a monster of a drummer. He deserves more attention. And Rick, this is a phenomenal interview.

[@remyboyzz399]

This has gotta be Rick’s best interview yet! I’m a novice at production but it’s easy to tell that this interview has something to teach producers at every level.

[@DesignRhythm]

Yep. I'm just a dumb drummer, and even I was fascinated with all the thought that goes into the type of mics, eq, etc. The story of him slicing the tape parallel to only remove half the tracks was next level insanity; I've never heard of someone doing that before.

[@30152708]

Seeing Butch air drum to Jimmy and Dave's iconic drum hooks is absolutely priceless.

[@shellacbigblack]

Goosebumps when they play each tune. Just wow. Having the man who orchestrated this stuff is way different than just hearing this stuff on your own, popping it on. So cool that he's doing this.

[@TheMerlynPost]

0:00 The first recording Butch ever did 6:58 First years in the recording studio 14:55 Smashing Pumpkins I 23:05 Drum talk 26:09 Smashing Pumpkins II 28:19 Smashing Pumpkins - I Am One 38:13 Smashing Pumpkins - Daydream 41:44 Kurt Cobain bootlegs himself 45:15 Starting on Nevermind 50:22 Recording Nevermind 56:50 Nirvana - Lithium 1:00:19 Nirvana - In Bloom 1:06:10 Kurt Cobain and The Beatles 1:11:06 Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit I 1:16:49 Nirvana - On A Plain 1:20:27 Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit II 1:24:39 Siamese Dream 1:27:53 Smashing Pumpkins - Cherub Rock 1:32:38 Garbage 1:42:57 Rock will come back to the forefront

[@ljdobles8104]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@dynamicphotography_]

Thank you.

[@enterscanman]

King 👑

[@michaeldalton8374]

I liked seeing this. Then I tried to decide where I wanted to go. Then I just decided to listen to it all. 😆👍

[@franciscorevuelta491]

​@@michaeldalton8374haha exactly

[@dynamicphotography_]

These interviews are not only amazing, but they must be preserved. These are going to become historical for the next generations to gain knowledge. And that is why Rick's effort must be applauded. He is literally carrying the torch. Protect Rick Beato at all costs.

[@johnwelsh2769]

You know, all of these people have been interviewed before. There are countless books and magazines where these guys have talked about their profession. "Behind the Glass" is a great one. "All You need is Ears". Mix Magazine interviewed top pros for years, as did Sound on Sound and Recording magazines.

[@scottscottsdale7868]

Yes. Yea. Yes.

[@bigred9023]

But next generations wont care. Its all about MP3 files, etc... these days. No one cares about analog these days.

[@ehenyor]

​@@johnwelsh2769 how accessible are they, though? I could not find "Behind the Glass" available online.

[@martinaddison4880]

I have piles and boxes of those magazines, and those books. I prefer to listen to these interviews.These are INFINITELY better for me because I learn their personality, feel their passion, hear them laugh!

[@stopbunsen]

This is the stuff that we want as music fans. The behind-the-scenes stories. The equipment they use. We love the minutiae of making music and suck it up like a sponge. I often recall the most detailed stuff about my favourite records and bands, because if you love music you love music and want to learn. An interview like this might be edited by other youtube streamers but I love that the detail is left in. Thank you so much, Rick! It seems like you know what you would want in a music KZbin channel and that's what you serve us. It's just beautiful and your heart, it shows. You care. Bravo!

[@DesiranKehendak]

No matter how high the level of fame or the legendary status of the guests, Rick simply brings the musicians out of them and somehow the 'celebrity' side resides. I think that is the greatest achievement of this channel.

[@leomonster1973]

Because Rick is a musician interviewing musicians for a channel watched by musicians… wonderful

[@DesiranKehendak]

@@leomonster1973 precisely!

[@Tyrannosaurine]

Agreed. But to be fair, Butch Vig is a super down to Earth dude. If you had posted this on the Billy Corgan interview though….

[@DesiranKehendak]

@@Tyrannosaurine that is a fair observation, indeed. I guess it's been accumulated and I just found the realization here : )

[@luvpants2012]

He sat down and said "Rick I am a big fan of your channel". How cool was that.

[@ReadyMindsetGo]

I love how natural, down-to-earth and simply human this interview felt, and frankly, any interview I've seen Rick do feels this way. Despite talking to people who have affected so many lives with everything they've done. Great job Rick, thank you so much for everything you do on your channel!

[@i-am-alxdz]

Thank you very much for interviewing Butch Vig. This conversation was incredible 👍

[@michaelluong6484]

Personally speaking, this is the most enjoyable interview you've ever done Rick. Gish, Nevermind, and Siamese Dream are 3 of my most listened to albums ever (I'm just about 40). I've always thought Garbage is a pretty great band. To get this insider view, and to see just how deliberate and down-to-earth Butch freakin' Vig is, has me smiling from ear to ear. I was just captivated by this interview from start to finish. Thank you both.

[@noelhutz]

This is a masterclass. Thank you Rick for your immeasurable contribution to music and its history!

[@AndrewEvenstar]

agreed !

[@NDemanuele1]

Wow, I'm glad Rick is getting the recognition he deserves with these Superstar interviews!

[@jmazoso]

It’s amazing how many of these guys and gals are fans

[@markeggins890]

Very interesting, and kudos to Rick for not interrupting a lot but letting his guest speak.

[@oxrjbizzle1984y]

thank you so much for these interviews Rick, it means so much to us. you can see why bands love Butch, he's so intelligent, so articulate, so sharp, so laid back.....must be the perfect producer!

[@michaelamappala5238]

I like what Butch Vig said at the end when he admitted that he was a pop geek and loved listening to the Carpenters. In my opinion, to really love music, one would have to be open to all kinds.

[@robnation2475]

Yeah... and Rick Beato did a Carpenters video 5 months ago that I just watched this past weekend! Then I read tonight on Wikipedia where Butch described "You Look So Fine" citing its "Carpenters doing Sonic Youth quality".

[@brianwood7237]

This was better than any interview I've ever heard between two producers of music can't wait for part 2 thank you Rick for all your efforts there is nobody out there like you

[@michaelmarcuola1684]

Rick Beato's lessons videos and interviews should definitely be in the Library of Congress! 🙏💎

[@stephengiese7549]

I love dearly to hear how he got started! Great memory and plenty of humour. Another legend who had music in his life from an early age. Thank you Rick for doing this. Keep it up😀

[@1985SteveB]

What makes Rick great is that people like me, who know hardly anything about music production or engineering, can be completely engrossed in listening to the recording processes. Rick, you're a complete legend. These albums I've listened to thousands of times. Hearing about them being made is completely amazing.

[@HaraldSletterod]

Wow that is a great compliment. Engineers can often get very technical and nerdy.

[@jasonhutty]

Right! Now idea what you're talking about, but it's fascinating.

[@williamfischer7285]

Every time I think Rick Beato can’t get any better, something like this comes along. Truly amazing to see these long form interviews

[@GuitarExpress]

I enjoyed every single minute of this interview. What a gem!

[@floydburney6060]

.... This is excellent. One of the best interviews on recording/producing/engineering I've ever seen. Butch Vig is one of those guys who just knows the recording process in totality & can explain it in words anyone can understand. And he has great ears. One of the greats in the business for sure.

[@TheSteevo123]

It's literally no exaggeration to say that the records this man produced changed my life. Amazing interview Rick, please do a part 2 as Butch suggested!

[@awesomezdude12]

Wether Rick knows it or not he has left his mark in music and on future generations with his content and this interviews. Thank you, Rick.

[@CurranKevin]

What a gift. Butch's work *and* Rick's interview. Thank you.

[@iriefire6609]

This was a great interview! One of my favourite so far on the show. I was low key hoping Rick would have asked Butch Vig about " the theft" of Billy Corgans guitar sound on the Nevermind record claim, from Corgan's interview. It would be interesting to hear the other side of that story.

[@willcorg1979]

Every interview with Butch Vig is pure GOLD!

[@markevans390]

Let's not wait too long to get Butch back. This was one of the best interviews I have seen in a long time, anywhere.

[@ALTERNATIVEMIXTAPES]

Hands down one of my favorite producers of all time. His records sound amazing.

[@nicknorod6607]

Rick has consistently blown me away with his interviews and song breakdowns. As a former audio engineer and musician I eat this stuff up like Tupelo Honey. It is by far the best thing on KZbin!

[@johndrew8]

Through the history of man, pre current media outlets, one of the main/most important person in the tribe was the story teller. This was how the history and sustaining of the tribes traditions survived. Rick is our guy! As always, JD

[@degm88]

I’ve been waiting for this interview for a while! Awesome to finally have Butch along.

[@mattstopa9436]

This is an epic interview.

[@piteusx8440]

A music critic once called Garbage, "Shirley Manson with a bunch of plumbers." LOL. Obviously, he was making fun of their look and not their music. Butch Is a legend. He doesn't get the credit he deserves.

[@degm88]

@@piteusx8440 Agree, both as a musician and as a producer. Friggin’ genius.

[@mikecurtis11]

First I thought 'one hour and 45 minutes! when will I have time?' But once I started listening, I couldn't stop. Not a single dull moment. I'm glad they talked about the power of the space in Dave Grohl's drum beat and Shirley Manson's quiet vocal. That contrasting quiet accentuates the power.

[@shakyblues2099]

Nothing short of fantastic. Great interview. As someone who grew up in the nineties listening to these artists and now at middle age, has started to record bands... this is priceless, insightful, educational and nostalgic. One of the best things I've ever watched on KZbin. Thank you.

[@horvathandrew]

I have to say, watching Butch air drum to Jimmy Chamberlain, like I have a million and a half times, made my week. Great interview. Thank you, Rick and Butch!

[@MKRumble91]

I loved loved loved every second of this interview. What a legend Butch is, and thank you Rick for bringing us an amazing history lesson. Being 20 in 1990 I was at the right age to appreciate the massive change this music brought about after suffering years of the Stock, Aitken and Waterman sound, and the hair bands that had become pretty stale. Butch was so pivotal to that change. To hear him tell his story is a real privilege.

[@nigelroddy9125]

It must be so enjoyable for butch to be interviewed by someone so knowledgeable!!

[@SpressoHead]

I can listen to Butch talk all day about his adventures! I was 26 and working multiple large oil & gas projects around The mid to upper northwest when the whole grunge thing came in. I really got hooked into the whole new sound of the day - it was just so heavy and dry, and realistic after the glam days. Then, I heard this song in ‘95, as I was coming off Diamond head into Honolulu in my new Jeep. Turns out it was Vow by Garbage. That began my love affair with their sound. It’s just crazy how much Butch has done for music, and so much of it I loved and still listen to now. Rock on, Butch!

[@ponzo1967]

I remember hearing cherub rock for the first time driving in my car and couldn't believe the sonic quality of it. I love Garbage and of course the first time hearing Teen Spirit in my brother's car is something I'll never forget. Butch is a true talent.

[@lippi2171]

Rick I mean how awesome is it that in 5 years you got to the point where Butch Vig calls himself a fan of your channel in your interview with him

[@hectormoreno6908]

As a Madison resident very proud of what he has accomplished also big of Grunge era and Garbage.

[@hectormoreno6908]

Fan.

[@BiLLz66614]

I've always really liked butch. He crafted a lot of the sound I grew up listening to. and played a big part in it. Dude really loved what he did. and its awesome.

[@mickypoo]

I didn't realise that Butch's studio was still basically held together with duct tape & hand-me-downs, right up to Nevermind. Assumed he was already this industry titan with state-of-the-art equipment etc. Great stories & insights - what a legend (with a legend of an interviewer).

[@capoman1]

That's the coolest part of the story to me. Butch was a humble and down to earth dude with a diy attitude and a broke mentality, choosing cheap gear.... To find out he was the Rick Rubin of these bands.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

There's a video out about the making of Nevermind and when Butch talked about how he recorded Something In The Way, that's when I knew he was one of the Masters. That is one of the most haunting, mellow, laidback tracks of all time. Very Pink Floyd-ish. An amazing producer.

[@Usag1Yoj1mbo]

It's a credit to the talent and musicianship of Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins that 30 odd years later two music legends are still talking about their songs and breaking them down. Thank you for your hard work, the respect you show your guests and the contribution you make to fans of rock music Rick, it's very much appreciated.

[@aquaticborealis4877]

The precision you need to do that kind of production is crazy.

[@stansbruv3169]

I love this man’s sound. Butch Vig is a super powered producer!

[@Zeta9966]

I wish we could have had more of a deep dive into Siamese Dream. I feel like that album is the pinnacle of creativity for the both of them

[@christinberg]

Rick is doing more for music appreciation than ANYONE! Thank you Rick.

[@unclefreddy2009]

Butch Vig is incredible. Great producer, engineer, and thoughtful. The music shows…

[@ddthor]

I loved this. Coming from Madison, we are so proud of Butch and how he put the city on the rock n roll map. Love how he made himself into a great producer.

[@michellowe8627]

I was glad you guys talked about Garbage. My youngest daughter was probably in middle school and turned me on to them so that took me back. My oldest turned me on to the Pumpkins; we caught a Machina concert at George Mason in Northern Virginia. And I think I turned the kids on to Nirvana. If it had been vinyl I would have worn Nevermind smooth. Hearing Butch’s Pumpkins & Nirvana stories was AMAZING! Thank you, Mister Beato!

[@parkercushingable]

Butch is incredibly thoughtful and down to earth. Absolutely knows his stuff but gosh what a friendly dude!

[@mattreichenberg309]

The fact that Rick names The Point is everything to me. Lived and worked right there way way back in the day. It’s now a shoe and vintage store.