How Tame Impala's biggest song was recorded in just 15 minutes

[@sophiayryr]

"although from the outside it may seem like it takes months to finish a song, in reality it may just take that long to find the right moment" - that line is crazy

[@johnnymac6242]

Im no singer songwriter, but i do write songs when i get inspiration. Normally, my recording process is 4 to 5 hours until it's ready to mix.

[@nathanbutcher7720]

Yeah I feel the same way about AI music generation... waiting until it randomly produces a good hook.

[@jerbear97]

@@johnnymac6242 would you say they are any good?

[@UnkleBen]

it is always about capturing the songwriters' feelings in a moment, however elusive...

[@dannyblau3850]

As a songwriter this is put incredibly well. I literally had a song Idea i wrote about a minute of beginning of 2020 before lockdown. The computer died and I had somehow backed up all my music folders except that one idea. Knowing it was still on there, that computer literally sat in my doorway for a year and a half. One summer night I finally said screw it and tried to get the computer running. after like 2 attempts, I got it up, sure enough found the idea and backed it up. Same night I was able to write the rest of the song in probably 20-30 minutes.

[@zonashi8645]

It brings me joy knowing that it’s one of Kevin’s favorites. A lot of artist generally hate their most popular stuff.

[@seancircosta6286]

I think i remember reading an interview of his somewhere where he said he spent so long making “Let It Happen” and didnt even know what it really sounded like / if it was even good by the time it was ready to send off. One of the best songd of all time in my opinion

[@zonashi8645]

@@seancircosta6286 yeah his catalog is filled with sum of the greatest music I can’t lie. I used to avoid his music because of how his fans praised him but once I listened I understood.

[@ThatsOneNiceKitty]

I don’t know where I read it, but I heard he hates “Elephant”. I think about that every single time I hear it.

[@Eoin-b9h]

I saw him perform it live a while ago, he played it as the encore. You could tell he was a bit over playing it tbh, compared to all the other songs he played, but it wasn't bad at all.

[@robertbloom4424]

I've had a few bands record and release albums, have a few songs chart, embark on little tours, play festivals, etc and I suspected early on that the path of being in a touring band wasn't for me because these songs that gave me more life than anything in the whole world to write and record became little nightmares in the insane repetition. I envy the people who can watch the same movie or listen to the same track often and on repeat. Hearing a song thousands of times makes me hate it as repetition makes my skin crawl. Having to hear these wonderful little slices of my creative life so many times and so often was the hardest part. It's the main reason I quit music and only came back to it when I switched to being a composer and producer while refusing to play in a band or tour.

[@dontliebeatz]

I feel that so much when he said it has to be your favorite song ever for it to make an album

[@ChrisB-x1i]

One of your favorite songs ever if there's multiple songs on an album. You make it sound like an album is only one song.

[@jimjamjerry]

Love the bassline in this song sm, iconic

[@moonshine7374]

Recorded with a guitar, ironic

[@sirzebra]

​@@moonshine7374 who cares honestly, do you think some deep groovy motown basslines are not basslines because they're played on a moog ? It's filling the part destined to the lower register, if you want to be pedant. What's more remarkable is that there's no part that's not a guitar, but the drums.

[@disastermidi1990]

@@sirzebrait doesn’t matter but it is kinda ironic

[@sirzebra]

@@disastermidi1990 i mean octaving a guitar to play a bass part is extremely common in a studio environnement, it's not like it's a rare occurence that's why i didnt get his pov

[@lgigi3079]

@@sirzebra why is that? what is the advantage of that? i would guess because it is a little higher than the bass and you can hear it better through radio but idk

[@pocketgrim4942]

Currents floored me the first time i heard the album, every time i listen to any song from the album i can hear summer bonfire conversations i had with friends at the time, i can smell the classrooms in highschool where i listened incessantly.

[@alejandroaguilar132]

Such an iconic album. So juvenile and at the same time mature and deep in the production and lyrics. One for the ages. The kind of album You find in an old box years from now and Say NO FREAKING WAY

[@MOONARCH420]

I was triping on shroom when i discovered this song. quality was insane

[@mchank]

Where did you get the tripe?

[@nadafro3116]

The less we know the better

[@svhm6016]

Quality of the shroom or the music?

[@imjulesgabriel]

Hat off for you sir😊

[@tjdad13]

Tame Impala music was made for tripping, also M83!

[@mmo5366]

I bloody love this song. Speaks to something buried deep within, each and every time I hear it

[@d_ruggs]

Currents is one of the greatest album releases of my life time. That shits going to be listened to for as long as people have ears.

[@wreckedsun]

Thanks for this man. I haven't even started on releasing songs but I kinda relate to what Kevin is trying to say when it comes to creating music. I was so afraid to release a song and I don't think the world would give it a listen but honestly, no one really cares so why not just release it. I have some demos here and there that I made because I don't wanna forget the melody or the sound itself just like Kevin did with his most popular song. After watching this video, I realized all I need to do is release the songs no matter what and stop caring about what other people say.

[@KrzysztofGniewek]

Good luck my firend! When you get it on soundcloud or somewhere else, please send a link :)

[@bennettelsman7840]

do it! take the leap of faith!! send me the link

[@bartcheers]

Very glad I discovered your channel. Perfect Inspiration lunch break material 🙏

[@nootall]

Loved this. A nice lesson on patience there, it can be easy to want to force the moment and "the zone", but the tough thing is usually you have to wait an uncertain amount of time

[@timwatsonphotography]

Amazing that he did 1000 vocal takes in fifteen minutes.

[@The_Cadaver]

I grew up primarily on death metal and thrash, but that "bass" riff is one of the catchiest, simplest, coolest riffs ever written. Vocal melody slaps too.

[@shinytanzanite8980]

I learned the bassline within an hour of the song releasing in like 2015 or whatever it was, and all these years later I still play that same bassline as a warmup exercise. So good man

[@valle2601]

Currents was my one favorite album for soo long, still is one of my favorites

[@aenturamoocher]

i heavily relate to how Tame Impala makes his music

[@devonsudweeks4199]

same! - too bad my bank acc doesn’t tho- (no h8, i’m here 4 it) :~)

[@NikolasStone-d9y]

basically word for word from him is exactly how I make music, glad we're not alone. :)

[@silentvhs2835]

Same

[@aenturamoocher]

If i could, id invite all of yall to smoke a blunt with me and make music.

[@CivilServiceMusic]

Great video David - it really is a fabulous song isn't it? Such beauty in simplicity...

[@fratkaraca1567]

This is starting to become my fav channel.

[@Robstrap]

He recorded the bass riff in 15 minutes, not the entire song...

[@mixamelbourne]

Ns

[@jasonicnyc]

Bait title

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Master(click)baiter

[@MrOfTwine]

He said everything in the song up until the chorus was recorded in 15 minutes in the full interview including the gr-55

[@Andrewtm23]

its a masterclass in clickbait titles

[@harmlesscreationsofthegree1248]

From the first moment I heard this song it felt like a masterpiece to me. One of my all time favourites. Great vid sir!

[@SamMudd]

10/10 video mate. You've got yourself a sub! I'd love to see some more Tame videos from you

[@dmansor2]

I have to say I love almost every song on Tame impalas Currents album and the slow rush album. and The less i know the better is such a perfect gem. I hope he writes more music in the same style as currents and/or the slow rush. these albums are just magnificent and hold some kind of ethereal feel that is majorly untapped in the pop rock genre. He is leading something that will be remembered and appreciated for next hundred years and i hope he continues to flow his heart out before the ultimate writers block hits him, like every musician in history. he is in his prime and it's unfathomably unfortunate that he will never hear his music like we, the listeners, do. but this is the magic, he creates it, and we see the final product. amazing stuff, i really hope to see more of tame impala in the next years. It's almost hard for me to imagine the next album to be as good as these ones.

[@gjkoolen]

As a song writer, his way of producing is very recognizable for me. Nice to see it!

[@d.scottjohnstone6813]

Great job Mr. Hartley! You DEFINITELY do your homework! Rock on!

[@nicolasguglielmone3975]

I am very happy that Conan O'brian's son has finally opened his KZbin channel and can separate his career from his father as a gentle music critic, good for you!

[@chimpana]

There's clickbait, and then there's a title that isn't actually true.

[@johnkinross9305]

That favorite song thing is really cool

[@in23nert]

Seems like most artists go through this and it's interesting to see behind the scenes of their process.

[@mattiemclean9882]

Just discovered this channel. Literally the 2nd video I've seen of yours. Subscribed, obviously!! Keep up the great work!

[@blastofo]

He does the job of 10 people. Songwriter, lead guitarist, rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, recording engineer, mixer, producer, vocalist, drummer. Its not only a lot of work, but you have to be extremely talented to create good complete songs solo, because every musician has strengths and weaknesses. Bandmates combine their strengths, but solo artists don't have that.

[@SenorTropiCat]

He is great, but actually many people do it. I also write, sing, record, produce, mix and master my own songs, like many others. So it's great, but not unique.

[@DonChodle]

@@SenorTropiCatyeah bro but you’re not famous like tame impala there’s a difference in being able to do something and being able to master it like this and I don’t even fw tame impala really

[@SenorTropiCat]

​@@DonChodle and? what does it matter if someone is famous or no? In today's musical landscape is almost random that who gets famous and who doesn't. And it doesn't change the fact that many, very good artists are doing that same, producing their music by themselves. Actually almost everyone does this, since the widespread availability of DAWs and home studios.

[@mfft627]

@@SenorTropiCat I don't think the commenter above you understands what you said lmaoo. I was thinking the same thing before I even read your comment, fame isn't equal to talent

[@robertbloom4424]

@@mfft627 Most of the Top 40 is terrible. Their fame is entirely luck. Some great geniuses never succeed. Vincent Van Gogh was a total failure in his lifetime. And he could really shred.

[@bemci1975]

perfectly put together, love this content. ❤

[@yebwulebdullah]

Love tame impala but this is definitely embelished. Recording the initial demo in 15 minutes, and using some of those original takes in the final mix, is not the same as recording the whole song and finishing it in 15 minutes

[@michaelciancetta6397]

as a songwriter producer I can confirm this ;)

[@yebwulebdullah]

@ likewise, coming from the same background

[@michaelciancetta6397]

@@yebwulebdullah awesome!! keep it up :)))

[@yenthari]

Literally I love Kevin as a person so much. He truly is such an inspiring artist to me and his creation comes from the right place and i hope ill get in there too in the right moment.

[@jwal1992]

It’s one of the, if not the, best use of counterpoint in modern rock history. You can play a simple “part” that fits the “style” of a song, but utilizing counterpoint around a part (drum loop, bass hook, melody, etc.) instantly makes the part more cohesive and more enjoyable to listen to. Humans are social creatures and parts of a song interacting reminds the listener of a “conversation” and triggers the social instinct. I’m surprised more people don’t use that philosophy in song writing

[@lucy7574]

can you please elaborate? I'm just curious because i never thought about it like this. I know about harmonic counterpoint, but how would counterpoint apply to drums?

[@jwal1992]

@@lucy7574 the drums would be more rhythmic counter point (filling in spaces, reverse rhythm, taking a piece of the cadence and expanding on it, etc.) although I have a friend who tuned his toms to E because the singer always sang in Am. E is the V of Am and builds the most tension. Generally he would use Tom fills to build tension, then go back to “disco kit” at the “release” of the tension. Hope it helps.

[@darkskinwhite]

you call this rock? that's actually what they consider him? this isn't rock music at all to me. I mean obviously it's pop regardless but I would put it into R&B before I'd call it rock. that's interesting.

[@jwal1992]

@@darkskinwhite I mean 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Fiascopia]

@@lucy7574 As a drummer I find I really play off the singer a lot, you have this loads in music, a flourish on the drums in the gap after a singer sings a line and often the part is playing off the rhythm of the singing or backing up the message or sometimes making a counterpoint to it.

[@jsequine927]

Interesting to hear the back story, it’s definitely Kevin’s catchiest song and sounds like it encapsulates his discomfort from moving away from his psych rock influence to a more stripped back clean alt-rock style with progressively more disco funk influences

[@George2647g]

This was great! instant sub.

[@ProdByStMichael]

My favourite tame impala song hands down

[@sharpvidtube]

Like KP, my favourite changes all the time.

[@zonuphaon]

Some of the best advice I've ever heard on the subject of writing.

[@grantwalkersound]

He just casually has his control surface on the ground and is adjusting parameters with his toes... lol

[@kazwilson425]

Really enjoying this channel, David. Appreciate the way you tell a story. Subscribed.

[@rice_frying_shrimp]

I think this speaks to something that a lot of creatives but especially all kinds of writers, not just music, can relate to. When we say "it took me months to make this" sometimes it really does just mean stacking up months of experience, trial and error and finding the right moment where everything clicks and then you get it done in a single day's work. It's always hard to explain this to people who don't write so I've kind of just given up on it because it's an experience that's apparently hard to relate to when you haven't been there yourself.

[@fet0logy]

Such a peaceful and good video

[@stealthbastard8837]

Agree it's the most memorable and catchy bass lines since a long time

[@joezed1316]

Fascinating info. Thx!

[@umpoetahenrique]

im obssesed with everything on this video

[@drawcoder]

This is one instance where The More I Know The Better is better. Awesome info and video.

[@brendendanieley8114]

Really great video, definitely subbing

[@RecordTempoSure]

Amazing song!!

[@floydlay9189]

Thank you so much!,,David.

[@nicolaspalacios7083]

Great vid as usual!

[@aaronxoxo]

your work has his vibes in this

[@cqrter1906]

Hey really great vid man! Kevin is an absolute genius

[@andrewdavidson665]

I do like this track but of all Tame Impala it's Elephant that just I could listen to on repeat.

[@meghansullivan6812]

It's such a sexy cool chill song. Like it manages to really nail all three!

[@JudeBeaven]

incredible content sir.

[@NathanThomson]

Very cool look into Tame Impala! Thanks!

[@tobywilkes2677]

i like how much he loves his own music

[@Clicker3]

great content man

[@anderskock3848]

This might actually be the most iconic bassline in alternative pop music of the 2000s since the one on Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz. Both artists believed enough in their riff that they decided to make it the main hook that sets the tone of the song. It's quite unique when you think about it really, since the bassline rarely is the hook, it's usually almost always something loftier like the guitar or the keyboards. (and i know "The Less I Know" was a guitar riff (watched the vid), but like another user said it fills the role of the bass guitar on the sound frequency spectrum of that track) TL;DR: Feel Good inc. has a cool bassline too

[@kirHaz]

That bass line 🔥

[@paulbrighton3303]

Greg Calbi mastered his records at Sterling sound. He mastered my bands album in 1987! Crazy to think how longs he’s been doing this.

[@sighloklo-fichil-outmusic2450]

I like that he says that he listens to his own songs. Too many artists say that they don't and that makes no sense to me.

[@supernewuser]

this is probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite TI song mixed in with Lost in Yesterday and The Moment

[@musicetc2063]

inspiring, thanks

[@rhettohlerking2446]

When’s the next album for craps sake?

[@RALPHSNIGHTMARE]

He was so caught up in it fitting his view of a “tame” song but that songs represents what tame impala is for me 😂

[@magyaragyar]

love that song forever!

[@fernandoaguilera4418]

This is a great KZbin channel

[@survivorturnover]

sheer astronomical gem & yeah the less i know the better tho

[@NoNo-jh5yx]

"Le parfait est l'ennemi du bien."

[@Fenristation]

great video def subbing

[@doublelu22]

He's a legend. OMFG ... He didn't care for the rest of the songs in Current album after finished recording ?? Amazing ... I myself didn't delete and listen whole album and current is the best ever Kevin ever made😊

[@unathingomana4217]

so fire

[@vaportrails7943]

It is in fact very similar to “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” by Rod Stewart.

[@artonion420]

Haha you’re not wrong!

[@AndrewWhite-k8g]

So: it wasn't recorded in just 15 minutes. It was over 1000 vocal takes alone! Such a clickbait title. He recorded the demo bassline in 15 minutes....not at all the same thing.

[@leonardopech2374]

Would really like an extended version of disciples.

[@WHOSHOTSCOTT]

Dude your videos are so good. This channel is gonna blow up for sure

[@alisterfolson]

The video for the song is another video entirely

[@TwoWrights]

SUBSCRIBED. Bell on. Keep doing these. Great vid. Great channel.

[@davidhartley94]

Thank you!

[@TwoWrights]

@@davidhartley94Thank you. It’s great to see someone knowledgeable about music who also knows how to make a good video about specific moments in music history and production and isn’t in your face about. Also, you’ve given a spotlight to Aussie artists a few times, which is appreciated because we’re under appreciated musically on a global scale.

[@pensivepenguin3000]

It’s interesting that this might be his biggest track. I always thought that would have been “Elephant,” but then again, while that was huge on alternative rock radio, it may not have had the pop crossover appeal of a tune like this

[@MangoSlayer77]

Great video!

[@EuropesNinja]

Great video, new sub!

[@sadhill38again]

great video nbro

[@walkensauce]

how was it nearly a different song though?

[@lukeliles3859]

It was nearly Mark Ronson’s song

[@maboulofob]

It definitely is one of the most popular songs from the album, but definitely not in my top 10 of Kevin's best compositions.

[@ZaTheLean]

Same

[@patrickmanasco5905]

That’s wild I was just thinking to myself I need to play my guitar like a bass n then this

[@jas_bataille]

I thought I have seen in everything in 5 years as a FOH and 20 as a musician. But I had never seen someone triggering an automation section on a high-end digital console laying on the floor, with their barenaked foot, while playing guitar. How are you even gonna properly do that?! How. I guess it's just the intro "lightshow" but even turning it on alone is a feat I can't wrap my head around. I guess the combo of absolute chaos and precision transpire to his recordings!

[@alphacorin]

Scary , very similar to how I write , been writing for over 25 years and people say I sound like him but waiting for the moment is true but can be difficult when you have a dead line...

[@ITSM3JON]

nice video!

[@cthncthn7405]

I agree, best Tame Impala song ever

[@ElisaGomezMaldonado]

Esta es la razón por la que creo que algunos artistas cuando estan creando, se conectan con el campo cuantico y simplemente descargan información, creo que fue lo que le pasó al escribir esta canción.

[@dirtyharry6297]

Best music always recorded on the fly

[@PraveenaSarathchandra]

What a genius!

[@Somedei]

15 minutes recorded....months and months if not years in the making on his mind, again and again until he came up with the right idea for the track.

[@116Cryptic]

Ok, so I’m not weird for listening to my own music every once in a while

[@leecheneler6202]

does anyone know the make and model of the mixer / multitrack recorder he is using with his foot at 22 seconds into this video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqiVip6cpL6VqKs

[@Zyswest]

im also interested in this

[@davidhartley94]

looks like a digidesign procontrol

[@ILoveLLawlietxD]

Borderline (Original Version) >>>>>>>> istg he needs to reupload it i wont give up

[@MrHarthecat]

This is a very convenient and pleasant myth. Yes, 15 minutes in your studio in the bedroom is enough to formulate an idea. Four chords, bass, several drums and vocals, recorded on a headset and it seems that you have a hit. But all you have is a demo that requires high-quality arrangement, mastering, and this means a lot of work in the studio with professionals. This is the last stage where everything gets stuck.

[@G.GordonMidi]

More like “the less I obsess about the details, the better” am I right?

[@kintaro_f]

legend. 🤙