How I Make Fiddle Music Videos (Behind the Scenes in 2020) | Katy Adelson

Here is a behind-the-scenes video that shows how I made my music videos in 2020! I often get comments asking how I make my music videos, or whether or not I have a crew helping me -- I currently make all of my videos by myself. I hope that I'll someday be able to get some help, but at this point, hiring help would be too expensive.
I had filmed many little clips as I created all of my videos this year hoping that I could release vlogs alongside the music videos. It ended up being way too much to edit while also trying to release music videos once a month, so I stored the vlog footage on a portable hard drive. I decided to try to stitch together clips from all of my music videos into a behind-the-scenes video. Hopefully this will help answer a few questions regarding the process I use to make videos.
The video references music videos by my video creation process rather than chronologically. First is filming the footage alongside a set tempo, and the second step is fine-tuning the audio tracks. Ideally, I'd have those steps reversed and only film once I have a solid track created, but I pretty much drop everything I'm working on and film if a weekend pops up with nice weather (especially in winter; it's surprisingly difficult to get nice "warmish" weather in the mountains on a weekend in the winter).
I gloss over a lot of the tiny details behind editing backing tracks and actual videos. If people like these kind of "behind the scenes" videos, I could make more videos about music/video creation. People seem have liked the little behind-the-scenes clips at the end of my music videos that I had started to add.
I think the biggest thing I struggle with is taking a thought I have in my head and accurately bringing it into the "real world." It's so easy to think of neat things, and so easy to imagine magical music, but so hard to dig them out of my head and bring them to life. I now think it's extremely important to "practice creating stuff," just like it's important to practice a sport, or an instrument. I'm still pretty far from bringing my ideas to life the way I imagine them, but I'm slowly getting better at it. Maybe someday....
It was kind of weird watching my energy level over time as I edited this video. I was so happy and excited at the beginning of the year, and pretty drained at the end. 2020 was rough. Hopefully 2021 will be better!
I apologize that my stomach was growling for the entire voice-over/discussion part. I was really hungry...
Thank you for watching, stay safe, and I hope you have a good rest of the week! =)
~ Katy
Music: Moonrise - by Reed Mathis: • Video
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A big "Thank you!" goes to my supporters on Patreon:
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Artist portfolio website:
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Hashtags:
#BehindTheScenes #Violin #Fiddle #KatyAdelson #Music
Software and equipment used:
Full list of all my basic violin equipment:
www.katyadelson...
Violin gear:
Violin: 1899 Ernst Kreusler “Copy of Antonius Stradivarius” violin from Germany
Bow: CodaBow Luma
Strings: Evah Pirazzi Violin Strings (with a ball E)
Rosin: Salchow Rosin
Shoulder Rest: Bonmusica Shoulder Rest
Software used (for Macintosh):
Logic Pro for attempted sound mixing
Final Cut Pro for video editing
PicMonkey.com for the ending cards
Plugins for sound effects (I have A LOT to learn in this department!):
East West plugins - Goliath Virtual Instrument, Stormdrum II
Best Service Forest Kingdom II by Eduardo Tarilonte (See: bestservice.de)
Camera:
Canon 70D + 18-135 mm kit lens
Sony RX100 V
DJI Spark
Microphone for audio recording:
Blue Woodpecker
Zoom H1 Handy Recorder

[@Iife_w_Zz]

I was hoping you would do a video like this and you did!

[@kenearlsnyder5552]

Katie...I always thought you had crew filming, recording, and mixing it all down to a finished product! I am amazed that you are a one woman production crew and musician! How did you ever learn to do all those things? Did you take classes, have instructors , read books, or just trial and error ? I am amazed !!!! Great job and thanks for sharing .

[@mojojojojojojojojojo5269]

Absolutely loved seeing this insight, would love more vlog type videos even if it’s on another channel. :)

[@davestelling]

Hi, Katy... You always cause me to smile & have a better day. Thank you...

[@Cellowerkstatt]

Wow awsome work, super 👍🏻

[@sandraandpaul]

People don't realize how much work is behind a few minutes video... Exactly! Congrats, really good work and playing. Keep it up :-)

[@MollyTea55]

I luv your honesty and generosity-so much snow! You Are SO adventurous- clever too-like everyone- I am smiling 😊💕-best tutorials on net...I follow every one- maybe a course with exclusive clips$

[@brucejoseph8367]

Considering you do it all on your own and the not really powerful enough computer you have Katie, you videos are remarkably good. It must be a great sense of achievement when all the hard work is done and you can put your videos out for us to enjoy. I look forward to your next tune with all the beautiful scenery you include. You inspire me to play my violin. Many thanks!

[@angeloyehuda335]

I realize it's pretty randomly asking but do anyone know of a good website to stream newly released series online?

[@Jack.333]

PS. I Love Bern in the background...7:37.. Talk to the mitten any haters. That was sooo funny...LOL

[@davidb0126a]

Wow, there's a LOT of work that goes into producing a video! I had no idea there was so much to it. You do a GREAT job, keep it up! 👍

[@hannahherndon8090]

We love your behind the scenes video! It’s impossible to say how much your music videos have blessed us in the past 6 months, since we first discovered them in August 2020. My 4 sisters, who have been playing fiddle for nearly three years; have been practicing your songs on their violins pretty much nonstop since then (it must account for the rise in data usage on our internet plan ;). It filled in the gap when our violin teacher got sick and had to stop teaching completely. I think they can play about 15 songs non stop, in time and tune with your tracks now. I and my mother are slooowly catching up, practicing the same songs on a D tin whistle. All your songs are on our playlist and when we aren’t playing along we’re listening. There’s so much joy in the tunes. Playing with you would be my sister’s dream :) (Also my mother really likes the jeans you wear in your Cold and Frosty morning video...she wants to know what brand they are?😄). ~Hannah from Idaho

[@pearlmcilroy8621]

You're so fortunate to live in such a lovely place, the scenery is beautiful.... So is your music. Thank you 🎶🎼👍

[@violahime4197]

You always have such beautiful backgrounds in your videos. You have such a cool process of filming! Hiking in the mountains is so fun!

[@marciah0312]

LOVED seeing Bernie sitting in the woods... SO hilarious! :) :) thanks for the laugh!

[@johnscott3714]

That's a lot of work you put in to the production of your videos Katy. Well done!

[@tps607]

Seems you have your playing, filming, editing and even jamming act together....and prepared for all possibilities. This is a most interesting posting, Katy...right down to the closet recording. (So many singers I know record in stairwells and bathrooms for the opposite reason) Thanks for sharing

[@ballisticus1]

In addition to being a wonderful violinist, you are a remarkable videographer. In a case of "the grass is always greener," I'm envious of the snow, cold, and mountains you get to explore and share--beats the heat and humidity of SE Louisiana

[@KatyAdelson]

Thank you!! I usually like the snow up until I have to scrape ice off my car and drive through it... then I’d much rather live in a sunny, warmer southern state. :)

[@edwardojr2838]

I've always wanted to see how Ms Katy does her work do well. Great video 🌹

[@kevinfarrellUK]

you are, quite simply, inspirational. thank you. ;o))

[@blinkie1523]

Katy thank you for choosing to share this enlightening wee video, truly very interesting and what's more you do a top job with every video you produce even if the equipment is getting dated so don't let it bother yourself at this time darling. You are so well prepared by the look of things so a huge thumbs up for you Katy. May 2021 be an even better year than the past for us al. Stay healthy and happy at this time thus keep smiling that ever so infectious smile you have darling. (Can't wait for the next Video either).

[@MaryDeanDotCom]

Thanks so much for this, and yes, we want more "behind the scenes." The incident with the early morning sprinklers reminded me of a friend who planned a major bike trip across the country. On the first night she slept in a park, and was awoken at dawn by sprinklers... got an ear infection and ended up in the hospital. NOT funny, but still your sprinkler scene made me laugh.

[@voenigs612]

Wow, that's really a lot of work! You are amazing !!!

[@dorathexplorer]

Booooootiful! First (I had to)

[@glynncox5813]

Impressive! And I thought converting LPs to CDs was a lot of work. Carry on.

[@Northatlantic2012]

Katy, you're fantastic! I not only love your music but you have such a loveable personality.

[@zaps40]

Hello, Great Video and thank you so very much for Sharing it ,God Bless ,Keep up the Great Stuff!!!

[@Mrbillmacd]

Hi Katy thanks for the video, very interesting, you’re quite the perfectionist.

[@mauriceperret5111]

Bravo Katy , very interesting vidéo, beautiful pictures. Congratulations from France

[@ronaelf]

This was incredibly fascinating, helpful, inspiring, and entertaining. You do a wonderful job with the equipment you have.Often times limitations bring out our creativity. Thank you for all the hard work you do and the joy you bring during these isolated times.

[@sammdelyon8051]

Very interesting and instructive to see the other side of the videos and their difficulties. I can only find one qualifacatif: you are F A B U L O U S. I'm appreciative ! Thanks for sharing. Greetings from France, and take care of yourself.

[@KjellChristensen__KC-MUSIC]

Halo dear Katy my friend. Thanks for sharing. Wish you a wonderful day..Kjell

[@wayneandrews1738]

Katie, Using a pouch with clips to hold your phone is Genius! Using Air Pods is the "in" thing now. I think I know you, then you really surprise us with how much ingenuity you really have! Thanks for telling us how the videos are made! Try this on the Flute when playing notes to get sharps; uncover the hole slightly and the note should change pitch. This is what is known as "half hole" covering. I don't know if this works on the Penny Whistle. There is a technique known as "cross" hole, where you lift a finger between two covered holes to get a sharp note. This works well on bamboo flutes that are larger. Mine is tuned in C, about 21" long. A transverse flute will let you play at least 3 octaves, or more depending on your skill. I usually say "too cold for the hands and fingers, too cold for the Violin". Keep up the excellent work and stay safe and healthy!

[@melanzanablu2370]

You are more than amazing! Thank you so much for your great work! ☺️

[@jehanneboka3433]

Hi Katy, you are so brave to follow your dream!! When my soulmate had crossed over I could still sense his presence in my heart and even more so when i sang the songs I had written for him and played my beloved celtic harp. You touch my heart! I love how you dare to be vulnerable and - although you may be a perfectionist (are you?) - you are not afraid to reveal your imperfections. I love you for it!!! A big hug from Europe, you dear kindred spirit! I would love to be friends with you!!❣❣❣

[@scottferguson325]

Thank you so much for your wonderful music and video👏🎶👏🎻👏🎶 All the best 🙋🌈🍀💖

[@braided_punk]

You are wonderful! Enjoying your game. And your videos. (Forgive me my English if I confuse words. I'm from St. Petersburg, Russia. And I write this using an electronic dictionary)))))

[@paulmccrone-noaafederal2436]

Your "not-so-great' violin still sounds great - perhaps due to the excellence of the performer. It was great to see this! Thank you.

[@dboyfly]

Impressive! Thank you for explaining the details us mere mortals would not think of. 👍👍✌️

[@debbu3167]

Bravo to you!! Very interesting and obviously very labour intensive. I love your videos. Thank you. 👏👏👏 PS be careful of mountain lions.

[@donal8180]

Thanks for sharing your technical expertise. Viewers don't usually know how much work and knowledge is involved in capturing and editing videos. Love your music too.

[@michaeltaylor7407]

This is amazing Katy! Very interesting. I thought you had a whole film crew helping you!!

[@JBSpecialMusic]

Wow! I’m blown away! You’re awesome! I’d crown you standard bearer for DIY music video. Wishing you a most prosperous future, because your life is about to segue into something big!

[@pistolannie6500]

That was the filming of the video Greensleeves & yellow lace. I think people will have a new appreciation for your videos when they see how REALLY goes into it, AND that you do it ALL YOUR SELF !

[@alexsaboba]

Katy Adelson !!! I love your video, I love your music as much as I love you and I won’t give it to anyone!! My hugs and my kiss for you !!!

[@mjl1966y]

I've walked through hip-deep snow in Colorado to do winter mountain climbing. (Molas Pass area - other side of Ouray from you) and let me tell you, that is HARD work. To do it to place a camera? That's dedication. And yeah, when your legs get wet like that, they get numb real fast. Long pants, boots with lots of Vaseline (for waterproofing), many layers and lots of bacon. Standing around in jeans and playing the fiddle? That's dedication! Winter wind in the Rockies is no fun unless you're skiing and have a fire at the bottom of the hill. (Or an alcohol stove if your hiking in to climb something..)

[@1cleandude]

Great video Katie thanks for your time and expertise!! So after you shoot and play outdoors you go home and play it in closet for final video?? Thanks 🙏🏻

[@istvankovanecz8332]

Thank you for sharing this peek into the hard work behind your beautiful videos. You are a true renaissance lady... You play on many musical instruments, make amazing videos, and even know how to make elderberry jam :) Hats off!

[@garryb4072]

Katy Adelson goes into a closet with a violin and comes out with a wonderful music video. I stuff my double bass and myself into a closet and the neighbors try to nail the door shut! There must be something intrinsically unfair here, but it escapes me at the moment. By the way, I'm using the same style tripod as you and despite criticisms predicting its impending collapse, it's served me well for five years and currently supports a Canon 5DS-R equipped with a Canon 100-400mm. L lens.The only problems I've had from the legs telescoping have resulted from *me* forgetting to tighten them.

[@masterchief586]

I love it gal and you. So honest with your practicing. What is your dream laptop 💻 and microphone setup? Maybe I can help in a few months. No promises.

[@hristostoikov5057]

Hi Katy, all the videos that you give us are very beautiful and make our day. You're adorable. Thank you very much. Be fine.

[@TheWendable]

Oh my poor love we can hear your snuffly nose in the snow clip. As if playing the violin isn’t hard enough, I always presumed someone was with you to film you. What a trooper you are 🙏🏻 Beautiful, thank you xxx

[@King.DAVid.III2022]

When I do play out in the winter you gota stay by the fire, or slowly bring temperature of instruments down just as a cold cabin. They will pretty much stay in tune at least until you take them back into the warmth. I had to overcome this because I camp year round. Thanks for sharing your giftedness with us Princess 👍🌹🌹

[@emiline_of_avonlea]

Thanks for sharing your techniques. I'm a fiddler myself and I make my own tunes and videos as well. It's amazing how your techniques are similar to mine. Continue; I love to watch your videos and you are such a great inspiration.

[@BIGMOUTHLOUIS]

I love your music,you are a GREAT and a lovely player! this is a great video too..'Drone Lady'

[@annasnesar]

That was awesome! You are so funny. I recognise myself a lot of the times in failures , I want to learn to react to those same as you, lough at them. )))

[@marazara7094]

You're such a sweet and lovable person (sorry, english isn't my native language, so I hope this is not offensive to say). I love watching your videos, there's so much passion in them and of course a big, big talent to bring out music like that. I often practice irish whistle and guitar to the tunes you play. Keep up this awesome work! Kind regards from Switzerland

[@jonathanknight8251]

I’m curious. Do you just use the built-in microphones in your camera when you film outside?

[@ralfhoffmann2487]

very interesting video. Your vids always seem so effortless that it is good for fiolks to see just how much hard work you put into them. Great stuff!

[@derrik-bosse]

Loved your Okeefe's Slide video, I play it that way sometimes now.

[@normanfreund]

Nice video. As for your tripod failure, oops, I have been through many tripods over the last 40 years, so far the Monfroto has been the most reliable, not exactly light weight but sturdy, strong and reliable. It does not use clips to secure the legs. As for cold hands, can relate to that here in New Zealand when I fly model gliders in the winter time, can only last 15 minutes before landing and warming up my hands. Battling with insects I suppose would also be s challenge for you. For me any music recordings are done in my home studio using electronic gadgets.

[@mohawkrose5942]

Thanks for this soo interesting and wow. Lotta dedication. Good for you !!!!

[@vonhazzard]

Thank you for sharing your trade skills of recording. Your music and smiles are priceless.

[@dukepeterson]

Thanks for sharing and for all the work you put into sharing your wonderful music with us!

[@lutherthompson8314]

Thank you for the video. I play music, but not in the same class. I had wondered how you did many of those things. I look forward to more videos.

[@Guirckler]

Really enjoyed a lot this video, Regards! from Mexico

[@robertcgage]

Why are you wearing a mask in a car by yourself? I would like to ask you if you've done any researcher on mask and effectiveness of use.

[@joylester1867]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Thank you for posting.

[@JimmySlaughter]

I know that closet recording feeling! I do voice-overs for my vlogs the same way.

[@user-md6ut2mv4m]

i appreciate all the detail you put in your videos, Don't let that spoil your magic.

[@PunkCuSith]

Apart from the your playing, I really love your dresses

[@emjeezmusic7603]

8:29 This the cutes part while your tuning your violin hahahah

[@wolfhounddog391]

Inspiring to see the work you do stunningly beautiful

[@carlosbosque7395]

👌👌👌❤️❤️❤️🎼🎼🎼

[@garycowger9579]

I can see Your very good with the camera at editing the videos it was funny to see Bernie in the background lol

[@adorian5860]

I always like to listen to your music, it always make me happy especially the sceneries in the background when you play your music. I wish you the very best of wishes to give the world happiness with your music. and I like the two artwork pictures that you have. did you draw them or you just bought them. oh and by the way I loved that you had Bernie on there too

[@yareps]

I loved this video! You always put a smile on my face. And your dedication is inspiring.

[@yareps]

P.S. Have you done any videos about your sewing?

[@bodean5163]

Interesting, a lot more work than I realized....

[@mondayguys]

Totally enjoyed your video Katy! Keep up your good work.

[@jeffreyhill7990]

It's so beautiful out there, thank you for doing all you do

[@miveh]

I really admire you, you are a beautiful person!

[@scifirank]

Love that Bernie snuck in to your video.....

[@marcotrevisan7137]

You are always so inspiring!!!!

[@ThomasMusings]

You really suffer for your art! It's great.

[@ashstarkm1392]

Wonderful talent u have😀😀

[@carlitos5336]

Really interesting video!!

[@mauricioalcala4074]

are you canadia or american?

[@miriambartley6622]

Thankyou Katy. You do an awesome job. Thanks for your cheery uplifting music. Could you tell us more about your musical background?

[@miriambartley6622]

Oops, i looked for more of your videos and saw your video on your education. Love it!

[@rebeccamouse9294]

I want to know why you do not appear to age!

[@kamiberlima5085]

A new subscriber, I'm inspired :)

[@freedumbfree2055]

I love you and your video's!

[@sportjunk70]

The things we do for our art.

[@johnward7818]

Much love 2U Katy

[@danielzarwell9318]

I love you. Thank you.

[@lucianodavid7807]

I love your videos

[@aaronbono4688]

Interesting comment about the camera stand clips. I have never experienced that issue but I don't use mine much - I'll have to watch out for that.

[@KatyAdelson]

I’ve gone through several tripods that failed at the clips… 🙁 The screw-like tripod eventually had a few plastic pieces break off while I was filming last weekend, and it fell apart when I tried to move it to another spot…but I bought another one like it since it seemed to hold up a lot better. 🙂

[@danrao1]

I love you !!! 💓💗❤💖💕

[@fatheroblivion45]

Fascinating video. I really enjoyed this. I love recording outside but I only have a basic compact digital camera I use to record video so I remove the audio from it as a .wav file and then mix / add a little reverb as required. Obviously this also adds rev etc. to any background noise but needs must. Great to see how others do their recordings :)

[@user-hw4nr7ue9h]

Very impressive!

[@yeoldfart8762]

I know how much work goes into recording the music and doing the simple vids I do for our music. Yours are way, way beyond what I do. You may already know this so forgive me. When recording the I/O Buffer size should be at 64. When mixing if I don't set it to 1024 My Logic stops with that overload message beyond use. At 1024 I very seldom get the message. Click on Logic Pro, preferences, audio, I/O Buffer size. Change it and then do Apply. If you need to do more recording turn off most effects. Especially Bus sends. return buffer to 64. You do great work. Love Your little recording booth. I just got my first ribbon mic. Love it.

[@lukemorrison2818]

Very impressive!