Fly On The Wall with James Michael - Episode 1: "RISE"

[@carriemahoney3684]

Thanks James for showing us how you work in the studio. l know you and the band put 100% of yourself into the music. l can't wait for your next installment

[@rikimosh9071]

Thank you for the FB Live information about the production of the Latest release!!! LOVE IT!!!

[@scorge66]

Very cool. Cant wait to see more of these, and more new songs.

[@cherylgilson703]

Thank you so much for creating this video James. I've always wondered how you put all the pieces together to create the sound you're looking for, I find it very interesting. Looking forward to more videos and seeing you, Nikki & DJ in concert!

[@ianadomingos4906]

James is amazing to have the opportunity to see you show how the construction works in a music production. Thank you for that. The more I follow the work of Sixx AM more'm sure you are the genius behind it all. It may seem even more exaggerated because you are a perfectionist guy but this is how I see you. I'm looking forward to the next video. Even has a phenomenal producer in Brazil called Paulo Anhaia he makes videos and texts talking about Musical Production to lay, I think you will like to know his work. I remember and have told him that did not like Modern Vintage and he told me "Modern Vintage is wonderful, James kick ass in this record," it made me come back to follow the Sixx Am and listen to this album otherwise to fall in love with he . Anyway, I'm a fan of your work.

[@susanblake4800]

Really interesting. Fascinating. Your enthuiasm is infectious! Thank you. Xxx

[@GlammyGlamm]

Hi James. Thank you so much for this amazing ride, for this incredible insight into the making of your most recent albums through these video series. Can´t wait to find out more about this recording process. My very best regards. Mila from Spain.

[@debracraig8634]

LOVE THIS! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS SONG / VIDEO. BLESSINGS

[@nataliefarst4530]

That is amazing!!! God bless your talent and flawless insight!! And as far as being a control freak.....nothing wrong with that!! Those of us who are that.....we have a very high level of creativity that we want to keep close until it's perfected!!

[@SuperStrangSshadow]

Glad to see you active on your channel again. I have missed that esp the q and a videos.

[@tomnjer]

More than enjoyed it! Very informative. Looking forward to the next videos of the series.

[@motloboy]

Hello James. Who are your favorite current producers? Love your work with Papa Roach! You took them to a whole new level

[@andyboyd6818]

great idea ! as an adpiring producer its a rare chance to hear those parts solo'd . I've listened to "Rise" over and over and didnt realize that was you and Mellisa , I assumed you had a group of studio singers come in. I hope I can learn more extras to add to my music. thanks!

[@jackrichardson4417]

James, come to Moscow with Sixx AM. I'm looking forward to see you live!

[@miket9319]

Back about 30 years ago, I worked with bands using a 16 channel board. This will be a cool look into what I walked away from.

[@petey604]

That was cool! Look forward to more. Cheers!

[@TheDerekCarroll]

Hey, James, just wanted to say thanks for letting us have a glimpse into the creative recording process of Sixx: A.M. Its absolutely fascinating and I've learned so much already. Love the band although I only recently discovered about you guys. Haven't heard a track yet that I don't like. Looking forward to seeing more of these amazing insightful videos. Really appreciate you sharing them. Thanks man.

[@berlynblue8564]

Great video, looking forward to the series. I've been involved with live sound and have a basic understanding of studio recording and mixing. FUN, but intimidating.

[@mattriffmaster]

Sounds amazing James!

[@chaseborchard1704]

This is a great video and great series that I would greatly enjoy and appreciate. For someone who attended art college to learn how to be a music producer this is a great series to further educate myself on what I already know. It took me a good three weeks to mix one of my final projects in college because of trying to get the right guitar tone to go with the song, get the drums to sound just right and than stacking the different vocals to make it sound more harmonized. I think one of my hardest things to do still to this day is to mix everything together and make it the right volume making sure the drums don't over power the vocals, the bass doesn't over power the guitar, drums and vocals and making sure the vocals don't over power everything as a whole. And if I didn't lose my iLok for my Pro Tools while moving five months ago I would continuously work on that.

[@june-babyjane1]

This is a fab idea James. I love that your taking the time to explain the techniques to us. It's very insightful and I look forward to seeing the next instalment. Thank you again @babyjane1958

[@leslieshriver3738]

This is going to be a great series. Quite interesting and in layman's terms (thank you for that!). Looking forward to the next video.

[@briharrison5150]

Interesting video. James seems like such a nice guy, no ego.

[@mikehayes5206]

First class. Smart guy.

[@bobbyb7465]

Thanks for taking us in the studio, James! This is good stuff!!

[@georgemargaritopoulos7779]

James ..you rock man! What you 're doing is awesome for young aspiring producers out there.. Wish I had access to this kind of information when I was starting out. Still, very highly appreciated, keep rockin ;)

[@margaretthompson4886]

so glad you love what you do James, so cool to see the inside scoop...

[@23rdhourliveentertainment88]

I watched this after I graduated that’s insane number of tracks I took a eq and effects on a take and thought I had deleted it all after not liking it at all. I had only deleted the track section. I ended up recording there and it automatically added those eq and effects to that track. Then I just took that and changed it again and kept doing that on stacking. Less tracks to deal with color code then it changes the sound multiple ways in one track. Some good accidents I learned at school.

[@metalliquette]

Thanks a lot for these videos (that I'm actually watching backwards from episode 3 to 1). I'm really impressed on the number of vocal takes to get that result. Also wanted to thank you to take the time to read and answer each of us - I almost learned more reading the questions and answers than in the core video itself. I've loved the band and the production from the 1st album, and can't wait to get to the videos where you explain about your amazing drums dound and parts.

[@bethmeyer2861]

This is awesome.

[@terjetrollvik2683]

WOW! So cool of you to share this with us! About the songwriting process, how does it work with you guys? There are a 1000 ways to write a song. How do you do it? I get the impression that you are all quite busy? BTW: Can´t wait for the albums, and seeing you play Sweden Rock!!

[@jeanetteojerskog8814]

What a great idea! Always been curious about how you create/produce/mix such great music. Thank you 😎

[@korybrunson2387]

This is great James, thanks. -KB

[@mattbriel4264]

This is quite simply one of the most awesome youtube productions I've seen in forever. Very interesting and informative. Thank you for taking the time to throw together episode 1. The effort that went into mixing Rise was completely worth it in my opinion!

[@quidditysea]

That was really interesting, i love seeing how a song comes together, thank you for sharing, i look forward to each episode :)

[@mach.6846]

Mr. James Michael, this is freaking Awesome !!! I feel like I got schooled by you lol lol. I really feel like you just taught me something here even if I see only see pretty buttons :) I look forward to finally seeing you guys on tour, I just hope you guys make it to Phx., AZ ( We have Great Golf Course here, lol ) . I plan on a doing a meet & greet , my chance to finally say Thank You for everything that you do. I'm super stoked to see where this musical journey takes us fans as well as you ,, Oh P.S. My cat Angel says Hi to Rocco.... Thank you sir...#JamesGang #Hamilton4Real

[@LJOS21]

I LOVE TO SEE THIS DUDE! THX A LOT.

[@redwinggirl5581]

Love this! Was wondering about the behind the scenes studio stuff studio vlog. All of this absolutely intrigues me! (yes I still wanna push all the buttons😁)Thanks as for doing this for us James 😙💖 xo #SixxAM2016 😉

[@tammymjoiner9359]

Awesome!

[@Trevaha]

Love the Idea for the Video Series. Not many people understand the process of recording. Feel free to get a little "Nerdy" James Michael!!!

[@AgilDogsVideo]

How cool is that ! Thank you !!

[@richardvandermey2280]

Hey James, you guys are one of the most innovative bands out there and putting together this type of program for your fans just reinforces that statement. Was sooo bummed to see the "in the studio with you" being sold out. Talk about a fan dream! I have a question, when you guys are in the creative process, throwing around ideas at what point do you start hitting record and putting the song together?

[@jasonmare33]

James ,thanks for sharing your world......what DAW do you use ?

[@LuckyBreakReels13]

Awesome man. Nice lighting too:)

[@MARK-r6c3k]

Thanx cool stuff

[@lianek2984]

Well, that's interesting!

[@chriswilliamstunes1]

James, i would love to learn how you did all of that drum work from samples. would love to be able to sit with someone on that. I know there are programs like addictive drums, slate drums etc but Im guessing their are other way I admire your production skills alot

[@chriswilliamstunes1]

+chris williams I think you produced some old friends of mine Saliva years ago.

[@AxlKorsakov]

Hi James! Great idea of making these videos!! I'm really looking forward to learn from you how do you create/manage drums for 6AM. What soft/VST (or whatever you use) do you use/prefer? Do you use many of them mixed up? Thanks before hand and keep rocking. ps: I keep wondering how can you be such a complete guy, amazing engineer + outstanding songwriter and a killer singer! ...Cheers!

[@rhondaminor7552]

Love the concept for this video series. +JamesMicheal, how will #Rise be performed live? Will you have the tracks playing along with the band or will it just be more raw?

[@pearlj10]

Love the new song and can't wait for the rest of the albums. Thanks so much for putting up this type of video. One one the most frustrating parts of recording at home is trying to get that full and clear sound that well produced recordings like yours have. When you record lead vocals and guitar solos are there techniques that make those parts stand out? I hope to see that in your future videos.

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

Thank you for the question! I will address that subject in an upcoming video that focuses on the "mixing" process. It will cover what what my goals are when mixing and how to achieve them! Of course one of the main things that I strive for when mixing is achieving clarity, focus and separation and there are some very cool techniques and tricks that I will show you! Stay tuned David!

[@nick_guitarist]

Hi, James, can i buy somewhere official backing tracks or multitracks of Sixx A.M. songs ?

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi James, love the idea of the series ! I'm interested to know whether virtual guitar/bass amp simulations have taken over in a studio environment or are you still micing up real amps and cabinets ?

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

Thanks for the question! When I'm recording Sixx:A.M. I still use real amps. My "go to" amp for DJ's guitars is the Bogner Shiva. My main reason for using real amps instead of simulation is because I prefer the way that real amps move the air and it's easier to shape the sound when I'm mixing. That said, amp simulation and amp "profiling" has improved dramatically in recent years and I have made records using just simulation as well and been very happy with the results. Some people prefer amp simulation because of its ease of use and how recall-able it is. I still prefer a great amp mic'd up with a Shure 57 and a Royer ribbon mic!

[@Brandon2940]

Hi James, in the latest episode you mentioned that "Can't Stop" was the first chanting song you've done, I was listening to the whole "Modern Vintage" album earlier and now I am wondering, wasn't "High On The Music" a chanting song as well?

[@ken1davies2]

Great Video, It's nice to get some insight from a pro. I am curious, though when tracking that many vocal tracks, is it just a matter of finding what you are looking for (or looking to hear ) or is there some specific method to it all. I get layered harmonies, even double tracking etc.. But if you have 10 tracks of the same vocal, same pitch, same voice layered, Is there a point where additional tracks just stop making any difference?(10 rocks, 11 detracts?) Is it a matter of panning them through the stereo field? Looking forward to future videos!

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

Great question! I have a video coming that deals with exactly that question...but to answer it very briefly here: I try to make sure that each take has a unique character. So for instance, I will sing one very raspy, then another very "airy", then another very loud, and another very soft. If each track has a different character, it really gets much wider and doesn't get that "phasey" sound when you stack several of the same exact tone. Keep an eye out for the video that deals with this...its for a song called "Can't Stop".

[@kennethweaver8835]

Hi James, very much enjoyed the album. I'm curious, is it possible to use effects to get that layered sound in lieu of laying down 30 tracks? BTW its been a long time since I have listen to a complete album front to back. Love the fact that every track is dynamic in it's own way.

[@nigeltre8335]

Absolutely fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing. Can't wait for your next video. One quick question if I may. Your vocal range is really impressive. Did you have singing lessons when you were younger or are you a natural, also what is the top range for you chest voice? Many thanks in advance.

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

+Nigel Tre Hi Nigel! Thank you for your kind words! Yes I did take singing lessons as a young teenager. My uncle was an opera singer and he was my first voice teacher. When I reached my late teens, I stopped studying voice (i wish i hadn't stopped) and it wasn't until Sixx:A.M. started touring that I decided I really needed to train vocally again. As you can imagine, touring can be very tough on the voice and it's important to keep it in good shape!

[@chrisdelacerda4719]

James, I'm really enjoying this little series you are doing! What mics and techniques are you utilizing when miking guitar cabs for Sixx A.M.'s stuff? Really enjoy your stuff!!

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

I use a Shure 57 and Royer 122 (which is the tube version of the 121). I use Bogner Shiva amp through 4x10 cab for every one of DJ's guitar tracks. Shure 57 slightly off axis. Royer 122 a little more off axis. Thanks for the question!

[@chrisdelacerda4719]

+James Michael Thank you James!

[@boobsweat9281]

Hey James, i'm loving the new songs can't wait for the album. I have a question, what kind of mic did you use to record the vocals? And do you think the Shure 57 is good for recording vox?

[@spencer6SIXX]

I love the fact that you're doing these videos. I'm currently working at a studio in New Jersey with having my own set up at home working my way up. What would you say were some of the biggest hurdles when you first started?

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

Great question! I think the biggest hurdle when I first started was learning to really trust my instincts and have confidence that I was capable of being competitive.

[@spencer6SIXX]

James Michael Cool. Thanks for replying. Keep up the amazing work. Can't wait to here more off the record.

[@mjbxxv]

Hey James, Thanks for these production videos! Do you still use pro tools or have you moved over to Logic? Also, are you guys running those kempers in the background? Many thanks! mick

[@redwinggirl5581]

Ok here's Something that I'm really curious about, I think I have a general idea but What is the difference between Mixing and Mastering? What do they involve?

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

That's a really good question. The two are actually very different. Mixing is the process of balancing all of the elements of a production. For example, determining the relative volume between Bass and Drums, between Guitar and Vocals, and how all of the instruments blend together. If the guitars are too loud it can make the drums sound very small, or if the vocal is too loud it can make the guitars sound weak. Those are very general examples but it gives you an idea of what is being addressed in "mixing" a song. "Mastering" is the process of adjusting the over all eq and tone of the entire mix. So in very general terms, it would he like adjusting the treble or bass on your stereo. You're not effecting individual instruments but rather, effecting the entire mix. I will be doing turorial videos on "mixing" soon. Hopefully this sheds a little light on it in the meantime!

[@redwinggirl5581]

+James Michael It does a lot actually, Thank you. I read up on both but just got a general idea. I'm intrigued by everything that goes into making an album, it's way more then we fans realize. Thanks again James, I'll keep my eyes open for more videos. 😊 Have a great night! xo

[@VioletMidnightProductions]

So you sang all the harmonies, and the machine didn't do it? Wow, what patience to take a day and a half for one part. Nice voice.

[@hisakosixx]

Wow James !! Thank you to make it . Your explain is very easy ( helpful) to understand what you do , for me VIt's very good school I'm looking forward to next class ♪ヽ(´▽｀)/ Thanks again !!

[@mama2haileybug835]

Wow! I though it was all of you guys doing the intro together. So my question is, when you are playing live, will there be a track playing the intro or will it be Melissa, Amber and yourself doing it? Super excited. I am fortunate enough to be seeing you guys at the "Welcome to Rockville" concert in Florida on the 30th of April. Can't wait for the journey you are about to take us on. 🌺🤘🏻🤘🏻🌺

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

Great question! When we perform live, EVERYONE will be singing! Amber and Melissa are incredible and will be featured a lot! -James

[@mama2haileybug835]

+James Michael perfect! Thank you for responding. Looking forward to more of the "fly on the walls" 🌺🤘🏻🤘🏻🌺

[@june-babyjane1]

How long does it actually take to produce one song? What do each of the buttons stand for? (I call them buttons as I don't know if there is a technical term for them lol) .

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

Depending on how complex the arrangement of the song is, it can go as quickly as a couple of days, or in the case of a song like RISE, it took a couple of weeks to get the entire arrangement right and get it mixed. I'll do a video about how it was mixed soon. I think you'll find it interesting! Thanks for the question!

[@june-babyjane1]

+James Michael Thank you James Looking forward to these videos now.

[@shorerocks]

+Baby Jane As an independant band, producing in the a DAW has changed everything. From the first musical idea to the finished 'product' it is a long journey that can take days, weeks or months. As you do not have to pay for studio time anymore (apart from the drums maybe), taking your time is no issue. Which means one tends to take too much time, recording too many alternative takes and never :-) finishing a record. So it is up to you, your creativity, your technical recording abilities, as well as your band mates. Exciting times!

[@gotcrush]

Cool! Thanks for Sharing James! For Drums are you using samples blended with the real drums? I use Slate Trigger for some things, but it really just depends on the mix and what I'm working with. Also I thought The Scorpions "Humanity" was such an underrated album...were you involved the mix/production process also?

[@herssonhinestroza4385]

Hi James, at any time of the recording process you record 2 instruments at the time, guitar/bass or bass/drums? greetings!

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

Yes absolutely. Depending on the arrangement of the song, I will make the determination as to whether it should be tracked together in more of a "live" performance or if it should be built up with individual tracks and overdubs. Usually it's a combination of both. Thanks!!

[@nataliefarst5438]

Who works in the studio when you are recording your individual parts? Is it just one other person at the boards or several people?

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

+Natalie Farst Just me! I engineer all of the sessions, so I'm the one at the board...I like to keep it very intimate when we are recording...that helps to get the performances as uninhibited as possible, so when I track Nikki's bass parts, it's just he and I. When I track DJ's guitar parts, it's just he and I. And when I track my vocal parts, it's just me! I'm a bit of a control freak! :)

[@fizzball221]

my dumbass thought it was filters💀 But seriously, that's really impressive and cool

[@DogScraps]

Hey, James. I'm curious to know how many guitar/bass tracks you use for one song. Clearly each song requires different amounts, but for Rise: how many guitars are we really hearing? How many amps blending together, if any? Such a mean guitar tone, I want to know what's going on with it.

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

Fantastic question! That'll make a great next video! Will shoot it and post it soon! But yes...there are a LOT of guitar tracks involved in creating the sound. Some really cool tricks and techniques that I think you'll find very interesting! Stay tuned!

[@DogScraps]

+James Michael awesome! I'm actually in school for audio engineering/production in Chicago, so seeing this kind of stuff you post is extra cool for me. Thanks so much, man.

[@JamesMichaelOfficial]

+Jeffery Paslawski awesome buddy! I'm also planning on doing some much more in-depth technical tutorials on recording and mixing. I think you'll dig them! Stay tuned!

[@DogScraps]

+James Michael I know I will. I'll see you in Chicago this upcoming tour(:

[@isidrosena6713]

hi james my name is isidro sena