How Tame Impala Produces a Song | Artist Analysis S1E7

[@mikaelgballou]

His bass riff are incredibly satisfying when you listen his songs

[@MassiveFish-hp4pm]

you should listen to the doublejumps if you like tame impala

[@Axeman_444]

​@@MassiveFish-hp4pmbro is promoting his own band

[@dominickbadial5980]

tame impala is probably one of the greatest artists of this generation. He is definitely in my top 3 musicians and bands and it's like Jimi Hendrix Pink Floyd then Tame Impala. His music is so experimental and he evolves with the times each album sounds different but really good in its own way.

[@chasekrank]

bro it's just one guy

[@Rockaliser]

Steven Wilson was producing on his own in the 80s under porcupine tree and continues to do so in his solo career. Also changing his sound in each of his solo albums.

[@Jesse615]

I'm an "old" who grew up on Bowie, Zep, Clash and Joy Division, and I completely agree. Kevin P. is the real deal!

[@coldacre]

@@chasekrank "Hi, we're called Tame Impala" Kevin says every time he gets on stage. he is Kevin Parker. the band is called Tame Impala. there is no Tame without Jay, Dom, Nick, Julien & Cam.

[@nickhoxsie4076]

New person same old mistakes is one of the most incredible songs I've ever listened to, so happy to see it get some love

[@JakeWildMusic]

There's a great quote from David Bowie which I think holds a lot of weight, and relates to this a lot. “It’s terribly dangerous for an artist to fulfill other peoples’ expectations. They produce their worst work when they do that.” “If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth, and when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.”

[@theindiemusiclab]

That’s such a great quote! Love it

[@juliancp1599]

4:44 the changes are Cmin, Db maj (could add Abmaj or Ebmaj as passing tones to repeat as well). Listening to/playing jazz for the last decade has shown me that the changes need not be played directly to be actually there. It's all in the relation of the notes played at any given time, for example this song has heavy bass along with that synth playing arpeggiated/scale tones that help the listener determine what the quality of the chord is overall. I would say that this song has a clearly defined progression, you just gotta keep listening and it will reveal itself to you

[@theindiemusiclab]

That’s very good insight my friend!

[@grayk02]

Came here to say the same. The bass riff + the synth tones combine to give the chord progression - three notes in harmony make a chord..

[@kittervision]

You are absolutely right, the baselines are so mind-blowingly masterful, made me think he was primarily a bass player I was surprised to hear he was more of a drummer but man his drums also give me an out of body experience.

[@jensomat3000]

The Hofner bass plays a big part in this, it makes you approach Basslines different and more melodic.

[@cathyr1560]

Kevin is a genius. That's it.

[@toneycosmos]

Nuff said. Musical jesus

[@kittervision]

He's a fucking god.

[@Davidthe1ne]

He is a great musican, don't put him on a pedestal, he created this sound based on his influences

[@BrainerMorales]

The quality of your content is so crazy man! I’m a big Tame fan and work on some music myself so this video really caught my attention. Keep up the great work, the subscribers you currently have doesn’t reflect yet on the quality you’re putting but, I’m calling it, it’ll blow up soon! Best of luck!

[@theindiemusiclab]

Thank you!

[@JJ-xt2dq]

damn this background loop drives me craaazy...

[@blueavenue.4929]

Never stop with the content,this channel is going to be big someday. 🙌🏾

[@theindiemusiclab]

Hey I really appreciate the kind words. Thank you!

[@itsmanishaaa]

Wow you really broke down the way Kevin Parker produces music so well, and totally agree with you on how he breaks every convention with his experimental music. Been a huge Tame impala fan, and now a new subscriber of yours too, you've got great quality content, I hope more people find you!!

[@theindiemusiclab]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@parkerrieke5700]

Love the presentation. I'm an amateur musician and I record/produce my own stuff right now, so I plan on watching more from your channel. Kevin Parker is one of my favorite musicians, and I really appreciated the way that you were able to articulate some of the methods he brings to production. Thank you, subscribed! If I could make a suggestion, I would love to see you analyze the production/songwriting elements of Khruangbin or Crumb

[@theindiemusiclab]

Thanks so much! And thank you for your suggestions. I always take note of any potential video ideas suggested by my viewers. I appreciate it.

[@HannahGeller]

My god this video is so underrated! As an enormous tame Impala fan and music producer, I found this video so incredibly helpful

[@theindiemusiclab]

I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for the comment!

[@phillipbachtell7703]

Thank you for not putting the less i know the better in the bass section

[@betojmd]

great video! nice job noticing how he uses his bass tracks as if it was different chord progressions on his tracks.

[@theindiemusiclab]

Appreciate it. Thanks for watching!

[@arsphoenix1822]

The shoegaze, post-punk, dream pop, and darkwave fans watching this video are looking around in disbelief at the implication that Tame Impala had anything to do with pioneering heavy reverb.

[@CharlieShaw1]

Glad you’re a fan like us! Best artist alive

[@eXpas04]

Dude the first part of the vid is next level , thank you for this video bro

[@AzeAlter]

Man he is truly my favorite artist. Been on repeat for years

[@caseywilson7768]

I just discovered TI a few weeks ago....Holy shit

[@Jesse615]

Thank you! I thought I was the only person who doesn't really use reference mixes. I will reference a song to get a specific individual sound, but not a complete mix as a whole. For the same reason you mention -- I want to sound like me, and not everyone else!

[@theindiemusiclab]

I like the way you think!

[@MichaelTurner856]

Yeah I'm sure some of it must be useful but something about using a reference mix/track makes me feel like I'm stealing or copying when I want to just know how to get whatever sound I want. The feeling isn't really rational because I'm not stealing but I really just want to know how to do what I want without referencing another track.

[@steventhechameleon]

Love your analysis man! I think the break the rules thing is a great point. I do think though that the reference thing is a bit off. While Tame breaks so many rules and redefines itself, Kevin talks a lot about his influences and when you hear flaming lips alongside Lonerism, it seems very plausible that he used a reference for the drums. The key with references is getting help with the things that the reference can actually help with and not letting them control you

[@MichaelTurner856]

Yeah this makes sense

[@socialbacon7552]

the reverb vocals work because he builds an atmosphere that can accompany heavy reverb. It’s not just because he is breaking rules. Although it does always help bend and break rules, we also have to build instrumentation that appropriates it!!!!!

[@nolidcreations]

This is awesome 🙏🏿🎯💪🏾😊

[@faboolean7039]

That song very clearly has a chord progression, the bass and synth are playing the cord tones

[@bourne8636]

5:14

[@kittervision]

The only band that comes close to being as masterful as Kevin Parker is Radiohead. So that's all.

[@coldacre]

Thom Yorke writes far better music. Kevin is yet to write an album that's on the level of "Kid A"

[@_17wjd]

​@@coldacreBut Kevin makes pop better

[@martincorrea4031]

It’s the other way around but agree

[@noryssedelrosario5450]

Really liked this video , didn't realize how the music was so intricate! Wow!!!!!!!!!

[@theindiemusiclab]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching

[@brandongiorlando6284]

The Chord Progression is Cm to Db

[@kevinm97]

Hes an inspiration, im going for producing my own tracks

[@skyborax5159]

If I remember my music theory correctly New person same old mistakes takes a cue from Miles Davis and ditches major/minor functional harmony for modal harmony, the Phrygian mode specifically

[@SafeSpacewithSierra]

Love the concept of this channel! And obsessed with kevin parker. He's my favorite artist of all time

[@theindiemusiclab]

Thank you! I appreciate your comment.

[@coldacre]

the chord progression at 4:55 is C minor > C# major

[@kittervision]

Innerspeaker is to the bass as Lonerism is to drums. But I cant believe you didn't play "I's not meant to be" for a bass sample.

[@Monoq_band]

In my opinion, It is always the notes the harmony, the melody and the rhythm. And it will work with any texture and sound you’ll choose.

[@MichaelTurner856]

Hope so

[@DylanHughesPhotoVideo]

Its not that he doesn't use references... he just doesn't reference his contemporaries... he references stuff from the past.

[@darknexal]

This Video is such a gem and insanly inspiring

[@spooked3085]

im gonna break the rule of playing in time

[@lukeclark7907]

Love this breakdown, ain't no one like Tame Impala

[@coldacre]

ain't no band like Tame Impala. his name is Kevin Parker. Tame Impala is a collective of 5 people. Kevin writes and records the music (Jay & Dom played on some of the earlier material) and the band play the shows. "Hi we're called Tame Impala" is what Kevin says at every show.

[@Pedozzi]

bruh at 5:05 it's just Cmin to Dbmaj it's phrygian chord progression

[@vegetablepark157]

love this and couldn't agree more! could you do unknown mortal orchestra?

[@theindiemusiclab]

I will add that to my requests list and I’ll look into it. Thank you!

[@pradeeppandey1978]

Such brilliant content.. instant sub!

[@mebeasensei]

0:42 - am I hearing the Human League's "Fascination"? Woooowww!!!

[@paulbadoo9326]

It's no coincidence that his bass is McCartney's Hofner. His basslines are very McCartney-esque. Very melodic and upfront.

[@noryssedelrosario5450]

Very inspiring man!!!!

[@brunoherzmann]

Awesome content, thank you!

[@MVSEVMblkleatherjckt]

I came here not realizing I have the same candle as you in the background… and that I break rules 😮

[@chill_bloby]

when poeple asked me what is your favourite ganre of music what to you like i never had an answer iif a song is good its good i dont really care for the ganre its a good song and i never had a favourite ganre untill i found Tame Impala its just that psychedelic rock just has that fealing like i could listen to him all day and not get bored of a single song

[@RodrigoMuleyro]

"New Person Same Old Mistakes" has indeed a basic chord progresion. It's based on the Frigian mode, the bass pretty much suggest it, just i to II progression, pretty common on modal music.

[@andrewking4885]

You mean Phrygian.

[@chuuweec.8080]

I don’t think is a conscious thing. He writes the song based on a grove/vibe.

[@thomashusson9288]

Said that before on another video but I love your content and your trainings to ! Keep it up !

[@jamespadgett8810]

King of DIY is definitely Mac Demarco. I do love and respect Tame Impala though

[@wesleyhorn3488]

Beautiful music

[@ghabarknemisis5047]

"four on the floor snare drum". LMFAOO.

[@brownmoney27]

You're wrong about a number of things in the video. But the sentiment is still correct

[@leonalexandre1451]

What’s the lecture you are talking about ? Can you link below thanks in advance

[@aerial5554]

❤️

[@starpetalsx]

Oh man i think watching this while high was not the best idea ever

[@CFox.7]

He smashed the acid remember

[@greenmanalishi6963]

Dope lemon next?

[@zetas2968]

The comment about how he changes chords and melodies from verse to chorus and how it’s so creative of him seems kind of out of place to me, I mean every serious artist does that unless you’re a freaking mumble trap guy or something, but as soon as we talk about music that requires putting some more work and thinking through in it , it’s just nothing special to do so. And kevin does so many things that make him stand out from other artist, so mentioning that common thing was kind of unnececery to me and frankly kind of insulting to kevin’s one of a kind work ethic and skills. Other than that it was a very cool video

Finally someone said it

[@LukeZeppelin]

if the rule is to "break the rules", then are we supposed to break that rule too? But if we do break that rule and follow the rules, then are we not following the rule to break the rules?

[@greenman9123]

Sometimes "I'm breaking the rules" is an excuse for simply not knowing. Tame impala is great but it definitely breeds this group of engineers making dumb moves under the guise of "I'm a rule breaker"

[@wtfisahandlebruh]

so basically, how to produce like tame impala = just fuck around i guess

[@garethde-witt6433]

What he does is not new

[@lucianocastillo694]

DNA lol😂

[@pepeteclados]

you talk about how music these days is all about loops but you also use it on your video. I find that a little bit contradictory.

[@steelesaldutti]

Way too much black in the background

[@officialWWM]

Never even heard of him 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@engmix]

I don’t understand this obsession with this idea of “breaking rules.” There are no rules…only technique and one’s personal sonic agenda. If you like clipping your audio, or distorting the piss out of it, or writing a song with 1 chord etc...then do it. No one is going to show up at your house and make you sit in the corner to reflect on it. This idea that there are “rules” in audio production on any level is a total fallacy. Yes, there are technical standards for things such as operating levels for TV and Film, but not rules. I think it’s cool that you’re vloging about music that inspires you. But if you think these are rules that are being broken, sorry to inform you that many of the things that you're hearing on Tame's records have been techniques used going all the way back to the early 60s. Again, only technique and personal perspective...not rules.

[@sugarmojito]

Or if you don't know the rules, they easily become irrelevant

[@mickeyricketts6987]

Dude tame impala is a band… have some respect for the members

[@theindiemusiclab]

On tour, yes. But from what I understand, in the studio is pretty much all Kevin Parker.

[@JohnnyBoy7894]

Might want to check ur facts buddy

[@coldacre]

@@theindiemusiclab watch the Making Of Innerspeaker - Jay & Dom are seen recording in the room with Kevin. Jay's a brilliant, creative artist as well: 9 albums with Pond & 5 solo albums under the name GUM.

[@THEESHITSHOW]

a bunch of content not knowing a thing about anything. waste of time bub

[@iamwe7035]

What t f is diy ? He didn’t invent any of it . His sound existed before he made it he copied a lot of this Sweden band called ? Anyone ?

[@michaelmalone7231]

You're comparing Kevin to ABBA? Oh. please!!!!!!!!!

[@iamwe7035]

@@michaelmalone7231 forget that. you just don't knoe better here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGnMm2WhZrqYh8U

[@iamwe7035]

@@michaelmalone7231 not even a thank you ????? lol

[@andrewmolina6302]

@@iamwe7035 never show your face around this area's again

[@jeffthepoet7]

Lose the swearing and I'll listen

[@scoobydoo7275]

Soft ass LOL

[@BoutYoungAnnaLee]

Of course, there is a chord progression in the song. Just because the bass lick is the loudest instrument in the mix does not mean it without chord changes. Do you understand music theory? Do you play an instrument? This is a very amateurish thing for you to have said.