How

M83 are the MASTERS of synth. In this episode, we listen to their song "Midnight City" with producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen, who reveals the recording process as well as the influence that Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor had on the track
Our channel is all about reacting to the original artwork of some amazing musicians. You should check out the original pieces of music below to get the full picture of the greatness we are reacting to. You can find them here:
‪@M83‬ - Midnight City
• M83 'Midnight City' Of...
The music recommended by the @PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS REACT crew in this episode is below:
‪@kendricklamar‬ - The Heart Part 5
• Kendrick Lamar - The H...
‪@IggyPopOfficial‬ - I’m Bored
• Iggy Pop - I'm Bored (...
Sand Circles - Motor City
• Motor City
-------------------------------------
Please leave us a comment below and tell us what you would like us to react to.
Before we film episodes we ask the Scary Pockets Discord and Patreon members for questions on certain episodes, you can find the communities here;
Discord:
www.scarypocke...
Patreon:
/ scarypockets
------------------------------
Follow me
Twitter bit.ly/2Z30VpL
Instagram / jackconte
TikTok / jackconte1
#NINEINCHNAILS #M83 #SYNTHS

[@justinguitarcia]

This is just the greatest channel of all time, every episode makes me incomprehensibly happy. I feel like I slept on this channel for wayyyy too long and now I can’t stop sharing with all my musician/production friends. Thanks for all the valuable insight

[@jessetimmmiller1870]

I had the pleasure of meeting Justin while working at Ralph's in Burbank in 1998. I was bagging his groceries and said, "You look like Beck's bassist." He said, "That's because I AM!" Dude was so kind and down to earth.

[@TheGreatKrystoff]

Those NIN stories were incredible I could listen to another hour of that. I'm going to have to go and find other stuff JMJ has been involved in and check it out

[@clockdockfree]

Imagine being in tour with Trent Reznor and Nigel Godrich. There literally isn't ONE bad sonic decision to be made.

[@Arenow]

This guy is a MFin' professional and that's why I come to Professional Musicians React. Also, saw him Live with NIN a lifetime ago and I'm very glad to know how awesome he is!

[@spokane_vapeman8711]

man, these talks with all these cats are deep. I've never gone down a rabbit hole on youtube like I am with this channel.

[@ZachHall]

Such valuable insight into some of the background of these huge artists like NIN - less music production, but still really great look at how the big dogs do it. Thanks for being open to chasing those rabbits!

[@DimiKaye]

Midnight City is such a fantastic song and it was on repeat many mornings as I was riding to work. Such a vibe. Also a staple in the synthwave community.

[@brazni]

Trent Reznor is such a figure, very interesting stories in this episode. I love the width of genres and artists you cover.

[@buhlir]

So so cool! Justin is such a cool guy man. Just to comment on the side chain thing. Tony Hoffer who mixed the song actually did side chain the main synth to the kick. I just watched it on Mix with The Masters. Using the Pro Tools 1176 em. and he also made it bright as crap, haha like Justin said, with the Waves API550B for anyone might be chasing that sound or curious.

[@mts0405]

Loving some of the new graphics (the amp setup, chords when jack started playing). It's super lowkey but really adds to the informational nature of the show.

[@DiabIe37]

Loved seeing Beck live and Justin was a big part in that. I remember when he was announced as the touring bassist for NIN for Lights in the Sky, I got so excited to see them even more.

[@remychadwick2467]

Midnight City is like drugs. I use it as a warm up when I teach kids drama, turns the lights off and blast it, I get a whole room of kids instantly bouncing everywhere I'd DIE to know how M83 created the sound of the guitar on Graveyard Girl! It's incredible and I can't work out how they did it!

[@imjoeimjoe]

God I love this guy, Beck, NIN AND produced M83, 3 of my favorites

[@zakblue]

I loved that M83 album. So many interesting sounds and I have great memories of cranking it at some house parties I hosted back at the time. Great interview.

[@bryanperez4505]

His work with Paramore is phenomenal as well.

[@scttcmpbll]

More JMJ content! Dude's a living legend

[@midiminion6580]

This has turned into my fav music related show in all of media. These are so entertaining!

[@aglees2b]

This is an incredible interview, and it's such a privilege to have these perspectives and experiences told.

[@random22026]

'Illegal amounts of fun...' Luvvit. 😀😂😎

[@avedic]

I never got super into M83....tho I certainly recognize Midnight City is a pretty stellar synth pop song. I fell more for Neon Indian....especially the album with that song Suns Irrupt. However....there was a solid year or two where I played M83's song "Wait" like a.....lot. That was a very emotional time in my life, full of both sadness and hope....and that song was _the_ soundtrack for me. It would send shivers up my spine like nothing else.

[@mal4m]

Love JMJ! Would've loved to hear about his work on Paramore's After Laughter album which is such a fun record that also plays on those 80's production techniques.

[@weave_of_k]

I’m really into how this channel validates the music nerd in me. The way they break down a song is absolutely perfect. If you don’t feel like writing a new song after an episode you must be high.

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

I remember when I discovered m83 in 2006. I had gotten really into electronica music and was using imesh to discover new bands based on bands I liked. I heard before the dawn heals us and fell in love. When Saturdays=Youth came out it was on repeat for probably 2 months. Then when Hurry up came out I kinda stopped listening. I wasn't that big into it. Then Is tarted hearing Midnight City everywhere and I could only think "why does everyone like this over the previous album?" but years later I fully get it. That album is just as good as Before the Dawn Heals Us or S=Y. I have been sleeping on Kendrick Lamar. I just went and watched that video and WOW.

[@BugMateo]

I am NOT a musician. Terrific conversation. The song is amazing... thank you guys!

[@machinate]

I get the strong sense that you could do another couple hours with Justin. I'd love to uncover the Beck days, for sure.

[@troywilliams6849]

My favorite episode..I love everything about...nin,m83,the stories ❤❤

[@darthwhit]

This seemed to be a deeper dive than most of your interviews. I really enjoyed and appreciated it.

[@chriscella6047]

I’m really grateful for this series. Sometimes I’ll go through long periods of inspiration drought and this show always spurs me to make something.

[@khetaglagkuev6001]

Wow, this is probably the best KZbin recommendation ever

[@timmyjay4424]

I look forward to this every Wednesday morning ❤️

[@paulwisham5943]

Plus JMJ played with Medicine mid 90’s too. (On Her Highness/Album-tour) Loved that album as well

[@jasonremy1627]

My favorite time of my week, when the new PMR drops

[@bretticus4]

this might be my favorite episode yet - such great stories!

[@bassmunk]

Ya man, I love stuff like this! Nothing more interesting than a long interview of someone very experienced in a field you're interested in. He's so focused on doing the next thing and being busy that he doesn't have time to have an ego. Love it.

[@skylermann]

Can’t believe part 1 got taken down!! Love this still

[@espenm.andersen3434]

I'm not a musician, but your videos are captivating and entertaining to me anyhow. It's all good, from the appearent enthusiasm for songs and musicians to the most technical inquiries about production. :)

[@theScienceLabLive]

JMJ is incredible. Got me to start playing music in the 80s. I'll forever be grateful to him for encouraging me to learn music. Great interview!

[@EvanVincent.]

The nin section of this interview is one of the greatest interviews i've ever heard. So insightful and interesting.

[@amazingmono]

It was super interesting, thank you so much!

[@dalejones4322]

Extremely interesting. So many good questions and the insight of someone who has had so many unique musical happenings. Thanks for doing this interview

[@worldwarmiii]

JMJ is so patient with them talking over his answers to their questions.

[@donnaevans9894]

There is NO WAY this was 'boring' I always enjoy learning more about how songs are made and produced and ;this was a great episode!!

[@tim_odonovan]

Insightful, wonderfully inspiring stuff. Thank you guys and JMJ 🤟🤟🤟

[@PLively]

When I started mixing I was told "yeah, you should use side-chaining". So I tried it and, to me, it sounds awful. I'd rather play either side of the kick in the first place.

[@robbiearroyo2292]

Agreed. Sounds way more natural and ironically, pocketed.

[@jasonremy1627]

7:00 I've always loved that M83 song, but I've never been able to explain why... A a GenX grunge guy, it totally makes sense now!

[@ScottBaietti]

Buddy Strong is a keyboard player with a similar story regarding learning the tunes. It would be cool to see him on the show sometime. Right now he's playing with Dave Matthews Band, but he also toured with Usher for a long time.

[@BAwesomeDesign]

You know, I love that ridiculous T. Pain style "Musicians RE AAAACT" thing in the intro. Sounds like Jack half laughing half singing into that Ozone Vocalizer.

[@Miniclausen1995]

Any chance we will see David Ryan Harris on one of these episodes? I have loved listening to the tracks with him and the Scary Pockets 🙏

[@siscoismyhomey]

Yes F'n please!

[@courtmarr5714]

This was as great episode!

[@delephantz]

wow I love m83, st vincent, paramore... cool episode before the dawn heals us is one of my favorite albums

[@losdelbufalo81]

great musician great show

[@Eclare72]

I'd be very interested to hear about his work with Ladytron!

[@ernestoamstein5419]

This proyect is so well balanced in terms of the amount and the complexity of the information you guys deal with. Please do Yebba's Louie Bag.

[@DeadWaxShow]

loooove that song. - Ryan

[@manujams9793]

Fucking love this one and the Beck one!

[@jleisner1974]

not nearly enough eyes on this gem of a segment

[@avedic]

*Justin:* Auditioning and touring for NIN was hands down _the_ most terrifying and challenging thing I've ever done. *Ryan:* Why? 😂 Fair question I suppose, but if someone told me what Justin said there...my first reaction would be less _"why?"_ and more _"of course. my god. how did you not literally crumble into the ground never to be seen again?"_ If I had to play a song that Trent Reznor wrote...to Trent Reznor....I'm honestly not sure I'd be able to get my hands to work. That sounds terrifying lol...

[@ThatsMistaTwistToYou]

The second Justin mentions George Drakoulias (not sure how that's spelt) and the first thing I thought of was a Beastie Boys lyric where they shout him out :) (edit: B-Boy Bouillabaisse from Paul's Boutique)

[@AndyGalligan]

That was the first thing I thought of too! Now I finally understand the reference in that song

[@RosssRoyce]

Play the video. While playing, press repeatedly this timestamp 4:55 You will not be sorry.

[@jasongose2975]

Great discussion, thanks boys!

[@jetjaguar3000]

Ryan's scary bass rig stalking story is hilarious😅

[@justin_obrien]

JMJ is quickly becoming my hero.

[@Zeinzu2]

@28:40 ... This right here!! Thanks guys, I love you all.

[@negativezero3107]

JMJ with Beck is the best bass playing in history

[@NytronX]

Please do a Scary Pockets cover of a Nine Inch Nails song.

[@scottb379]

All gold dust music nuggets BUT where can we buy Justin's jumper!? ⚡

[@ljtinney]

Such a huge fan of JMJ's work.

[@CrossFitDelVal]

Great Wawa hoodie, Tim!!

[@edtsidas]

So Dead Wax/Wong Notes crossover when?

[@davidgambino7117]

Y’all have to get Mimi and Doc from Tower of Power. That would be a HIP show!

[@amoj2188]

555 by JEW is the one I appraise his work really

[@Mattythebassist_]

I was going to site this video in my college work on session musicians but when they started talking about the sex scenes from that film. I managed to site the other video with JMJ so it’s ok and most of this is about session work.

[@sebasdv]

Justin use the the term "Nails songs", for me that sounds like somebody says "Stones songs". love the show

[@RogerMartinez95]

This is gold.

[@faustobrusamolino6345]

Let JMJ speak!

[@caseyrycenga2864]

This is the comment I was looking for. Shut up for a second Ryan! Lol

[@dino_not_dyno]

I would’ve paid $20 for that interview

[@LeBluesDuRobot]

Why the 1st part about Beck's Midnight vultures has disappeared from the channel ?????????

[@aschen]

i wanna know what happened to rich fownes before justin came in

[@brandobin]

Idk if anyone has seen it but me lol but m83s soundtrack for Knife + Heart is fantastic

[@govs213]

What a sweater.

[@blashuvec]

to "nail" that 11:00

[@pick2568]

Congratulations guys on this being your most boring show of all time........NOT! I enjoyed it and it introduced me to a lot of things I haven't had the chance to get into and some familiar names and characters showed up in the stories along the way. keep up the great work.

[@CaryBrothersVideos]

Guys! Best channel on KZbin!

[@DeadWaxShow]

😘

[@lucapotlood6368]

If you guys manage to get cory henry on the show, that would be absolutely amazing!

[@lefoyerfilms]

Trent + Atticus on the show next? ;)

[@clickbate7972]

dude straight up lying that their isn't sidechain. in the mix with the masters series with the guy that actually mixed the song he opens up the actual session and shows the sidechain 💀

[@jmjbassplayer]

Yes, sidechain was added during mixing, but we didn't implement during our recorded version. My mistake.

[@myprivateyoutube1440]

All I could hear was MGMT.

[@MFKitten]

Some 80's music is OVERLY quantized though, because they just programmed it on a grid on those newfangled digital machines and stuff.

[@beauremus]

I enjoy the interviews but I miss the song analysis

[@GoodOlRoy]

Noob question. What is MDing?

[@DeadWaxShow]

Music Directing!

[@urbster1]

what is MDing?

[@DeadWaxShow]

Music Directing! Band leading basically

[@urbster1]

@@DeadWaxShow thank you!!

[@adamhayward111]

Not sure if JMJ is still a Scientologist, but I wonder what happened when, because Matt and Trey did a ep about Scientology that I can't imagine they were happy with.

[@jasonremy1627]

Wait, did Justin not sign Wall Simon?

[@julianuary]

I think he did in an episode 3 weeks ago, which isn't available now for some reason.

[@LAMEHERC1]

why do i feel like hes always an inch away from being a jerk

[@michaelnorris2522]

It can be interesting to learn why you don't like something, too. Ducking, compression... this is part of why a lot of music since 2010 sounds like crap to me. No offense to the people who make the music or those who like it. Just different tastes and the fact that I'm an old fart.

[@Davimre]

Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean features side chaining and it’s both old and rocks.