How to record a choir with one person

[@r.k.knight2164]

The internet can be cruel and I think this video was an excellent response to what happened. Your videos are always a pleasure to watch and I really enjoy your music. You are a treasure.

[@southernlady5085]

Superb video. I know nothing about production, so this was highly informative. Everything you share is excellent. I can’t believe anyone would take you to task for production values (correct term?) that are commonly used these days. You music is ALWAYS a delight to listen to. Well done!

[@khelectrical]

​@@southernlady50851:09 1:47

[@khelectrical]

​@@southernlady5085😅😅

[@khelectrical]

​@@southernlady5085in

[@life.with.sabine]

I am dying of laughter when you did the different tones by using characters. I just love the covers and originals you do each time.

[@mierardi88]

Why would anybody be mean to you? You're a delight! I can't believe some people

[@jckatz]

Because KZbin is a horrible place it's amazing that they have such wonderful people like Malinda creating beautiful art.

[@MrGreatplum]

@@jckatz - I think it was TikTok which is a den of iniquity at the best of times!

[@jckatz]

@@MrGreatplum that's why I didn't see it. I installed tiktok once and un-installed it 3 minutes later

[@MrGreatplum]

@@jckatz - yup, definitely not for me!

[@emaayan]

at least according to the comments she displayed, i wouldn't call those mean, most of them simply said they didn't undestand.

[@TheLeannansidhe]

This was super fun to watch! And it definitely wasn't you not explaining well enough in the video you showed at the beginning, a bunch of people just suck. Thanks for the awesome content!

[@cosmeticincantations7997]

Hell yeah! Now I can finally have a choir without the dread of actually contacting other organic lifeforms!

[@prayforukraineplease7605]

🤣🤣🤣

[@tamismile2]

😂

[@jtmotenz]

Bro my issue is that I have to contact other life forms and make them do all this stuff for a fake choir LOL I’m terrified

[@ChrisPreece]

Whenever people ask me one of my secrets I always say different locations. If you have the ability, drag the microphone into your bathroom and do a track or two in there, then maybe with you in the bathroom and the microphone outside the door. Do one inside a wardrobe (or similar space) with coats hanging up, then do one in your living room with the windows open (fun for all the neighbours!) it can make mixing a bit of a pain, but it really can add something to have a lot of different ambient noise and natural reverb in there, as long as it isn't completely out of control. I know the trend nowadays is for recording as dead a sound as possible and then adding digital reverb but remember that some of the greats did things like recording in big hallways or putting microphones at the bottom of a stairwell and the drum kit playing at the top, and those made for awesome records.

[@toffeefuchs]

and now I know why the upstairs neighbours in my last apartment would record parts of their music in the bathroom sometimes.... It always hella annoyed me because they often did it at night, but at least now I know why. :D

[@ecospider5]

I was coming to say the bathroom would be a good place. But you in the bathroom and the mic outside the bathroom that’s brilliant.

[@ecospider5]

Supposedly Frank Sinatra sang into one microphone which was recorded. And at the same time had that come out of a speaker in a room with only a microphone that was also recording. Giving a slight delay. Now the crazy part. He had the room painted multiple different ways to get the sound right.

[@odu_history_1972]

I started recording a year ago, so I'm still learning stuff. "Doing characters" is something I figured out on my own, but flamming and whisper tracks seem counterintuitive and I would never have come up with that on my own. I think both of those are what my recordings are missing and I'm definitely going to add that for future recordings.

[@SamirCCat]

Could you please help me explain what she means at 6:50 with "exporting it"? I make advanced music on the computer since 10-15 years back and I've already discovered flamming and duplicating and panning by myself, but what is exporting? I can't have 8-12 tracks of just the choir, my computer thinks it's too much to handle at once. Does exporting mean you join the regions into one? How? I use Garageband and have no one to ask due to mental illness and isolation.

[@outlanderfrog]

​@SamirCCat I know this is very late, but she bounced or exported all the choir tracks as a single file, then brought it back in and duplicated it.

[@SamirCCat]

@@outlanderfrog Could you please explain what that means in other words? As a non-native speaker I don't understand in this context what bounce or export means. I've even studied English at uni, but not music or computer terms. I have decided to record four voices in different tracks and different panning, then I mark the recordings and "join" (command-J) them into one track. I then duplicate the joined recording and put as two tracks with different panning to give more stereo-sound. Is this what she means? I have no one to ask...

[@eksboks148]

@@SamirCCat sorry you keep getting ghosted, I'm not necessarily confident in this but I think joining them would end in the exact same result. exporting is what you do when you are done with a song and say, go to upload it to youtube. the computer processes all the files and basically ends up joining all of the audio data into one single file, instead of the many it started with, so you do this with the multiple files you recorded to begin with, then take the one file the computer sort of "spit out" from "chewing it all up" (lol), put it back in your audio software two times so you have two of the exact same master file, and then pan them. Let me know if this helps, I'm not very good at explaining stuff but I would hate to see you left without a satisfying explanation, even after a year haha

[@ademers03]

In my opinion the whisper track is a GAME CHANGER!!!! I really didn't think about it, but it makes it feel so "real" and "full" ! Loved the video Malinda!!!

[@jillianbuckley5570]

THE "JERSEY MOM" SINGING MADE ME CRACK UP HAHAHA

[@conditionedby]

Despite not having any interest in recording vocals, or anything artistic except just hearing music, i enjoyed this video a lot! You have a nice flow of delivering information that makes the subject even more entertaining. Good job!

[@mikewiese]

I wish you dropped this video two weeks earlier... before I actually recorded a choir with myself and a friend. 🤣🤣🤣 I learned a bunch, though. I find everything related to recording/mixing fascinating and really appreciate the info. Thanks a lot, Malinda. ❤🤘

[@DorothyOzmaLover]

So amazing as always which is why Malinda is such a muse! It'd be a joy if Malinda did an arrangement of The Highwayman and Henry Martin since she'd bring her flare and style to them making both epic.

[@BonaparteBardithion]

Personally, I find The Highwayman a good one for trying different voices.

[@Krrrsten]

IM HERE AFTER THE SONG CAME OUT AND I LOVE IT EVEN MORE

[@JohnFL]

As a bass, I have actually done this about 150 times to create ''choirs of Johns.'' I would sing Christian hymns that already have added SATB harmony in the sheet music. I didn't spend a lot of time on each one, it was more for the personal enjoyment but this video really was right up my alley! Thanks for the tips Malinda!

[@kalmingkalimbaofficial]

She's literally an angel. Both her voice and her personality.. literally an angel ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheGreatJohnPlays]

Flamming is a basic technique in drumming, often taught alongside another technique with a wonderful name: the paradiddle!

[@rockinrileys5678]

I saw that video and thought it was funny. Just watching you lose it and them calling you out. Such a great friendship you have.

[@robertckulp]

Great video. When you brought up the claps and shifting them slightly, it reminded me of how Brian May and Queen recorded the "Stomp, Stomp, Clap" section of "We Will Rock You" - adjusting the timing of multiple recordings of just the four of them so that it sounded more like a thousand. Again, great job with this and all your work.

[@urbosasflurry4711]

I was INSTANTLY reminded of your Wellerman/Hello Fresh Song as I saw the Hello Fresh sponsor ad😅 Soon may the Hello Fresh come, to bring us fresh and tasty noms...

[@LeviMcClain]

As someone who's also felt the full wrath of random TikTok hate at one time or another, good call privating the video. Engaging with the hate will bring you down so much and is entirely undeserving of your attention. Also, the old man voice got me 😂

[@davechess8855]

Huge props for staying so positive (and enjoyable!) when the internet gets obnoxious!

[@findingair9353]

Omg!! I dont even know what kind of human would say anything mean about you. I feel like you didnt need to apologize to anyone! I loved your video and your new song! Keep being you and ignore the ugly stupid humans who dont know how to human. You're talent, voice, knowledge, creativity, art, and energy blow me away! You are awesome!

[@drkeithnewton]

I just found this video 1 year after posting. it's been tremendously helpful for my own production work. Hope you're rockin it! Thanx!

[@igormitin1989]

Thanks, this explanation is really nice and interesting! Also, the trick with pitching up and down for adding "fake-tenors" is brilliant) Being a tenor myself, I now feel not needed:) Can't sing anyway though

[@BonaparteBardithion]

As an alto, this could probably help with fake-soprano too. Gonna have to try it some time.

[@huginnn3002]

god this is so well explained, i'm really grateful people like Malinda exist

[@PhilippeArantesTina]

Thank you so much !!!! I'm actualy writing a song with my band that has choir ! The timing of this tutorial is just perfect !! Thank you very much !!

[@michaeltimile]

that's crazy how good it sounds

[@CreativeMindsAudio]

The characters wow! That's a great idea! i'll have to use that one! Also I'm an audio engineer and never thought of this haha.

[@Brittanysplittany]

Oh my gosh, I love Wild One!

[@IceNixie0102]

I cannot wait to hear this song in full.

[@onesandzeros2u]

The world could always use more Malindas, hope you get up to do some shows up in Canada. Stay awesome!

[@Cinnder]

Flamming has to be a term that the Jersey Mom character came up with!

[@punmasked]

I would legit never believe that was all one person if I didn't watch you do this. So cool!!!!

[@darkmoon_dawg]

What a very helpful, concise, distilled explanation of how to do a really powerful trick in vocal production.

[@SanderEvers]

This is really creative, educative and fun to watch. Thanks :)

[@KeithOlson]

You're right! The whisper tracks *are* SO SUBLTE!!! :grin:

[@2001madeincgy]

Whisper track is like a bass on music production it makes your vocal full and bright and gives color!!!! :))) nice voice!!!

[@hellos3487]

You're a talented, intelligent, funny, down to earth lady with a beautiful voice! Always be true to yourself! No matter what anyone thinks! I appreciate your site.

[@lolzguyl]

I'm wearing that very shirt as I type! The perfect memory from the show in NYC!

[@llswarts]

I ve always been fascinated by folks doing their own recordings, this sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing! :) Now I can add this to some of my own stuff

[@northstarhiker]

Absolutely impressive. Great techniques, and masterfully explained. Those giving you grief on your original whisper track video were to lazy to look into the purpose of it first. Well done as always.

[@MrKevinp0]

I can't understand how anyone could ever be mean or insulting, especially to someone as sweet and kind as you are. Please don't ever let the haters bring you down. You, Malinda, are indeed a treasure!! Thank you!!

[@colinwiltshire4503]

This was such a fun and instructive video. As an older guy, I can relate to the ‘old man’ vocal, but what a fun project to make 1 voice sound like 1,000. Greetings from Canada🇨🇦

[@CamdenBoyd]

Man it's amazing what one person can do

[@RisenShine22]

wow, it's the whisper tracks that give me goosebumps!

[@jonathanansleymusic4992]

This video was made for me!! I’m recording a song and making myself a choir AS WE SPEAK! Thanks!!! 😁

[@AdamLindgrenComposer]

She pulled that ENTIRE VIDEO off in 20 mins folks. Work smarter not harder!

[@ashleycox432]

This was great and a really nice subtle application of the whisper track. Thanks for sharing.

[@FloydRinehart]

Love the personality in the video. “Did I just decide to release a song of mine……? Yeh!!!”

[@FloydRinehart]

Wow! A scam channel that started less than two weeks ago by spoofing a legitimate content creator, randomly highlighting a comment I made four months ago to the aforementioned legitimate content creator, and is asking me to respond privately on another platform to get free giveaways? What luck!

[@ProdigalGeek]

I'm so glad the KZbin algorithm led me to your channel! It's absolutely incredible and this video in particular was so enlightening and educational. Thank you Malinda

[@kickinghorse2405]

Yea! Genius, kind, empowered . . . Love it!

[@sorachandler7169]

I can't wait tillthe whole song comes out next year ia m so excited for it.

[@markbenson488]

You're so very talented, I wish I could sing like that! Your personality, sense of humor, and sass, also cracks me up lol. It makes the videos more fun :).

[@libertyshepherd8610]

Hey! My sister is a massive fan of your music and it's inspired her a lot. Would you do a cover of 'Deliver Us.' From the Prince of Egypt film. She would absolutely love that! Keep singing, I love your music! 😄😄😄

[@jaredini]

I recorded some takes on the 15 floor concrete staircase in my block of flats. I also got two friends to sing even though they said they'd feel stupid, but told them that it doesn't have to be perfect. It worked well.

[@JT-rf4qd]

I think you’re amazing. I imagine anyone throwing negativity your way has a fraction of your talent and charisma. They can fall to the wayside as you continue to shine and be successful.

[@casual-owl]

I just listened through a bunch of your recent folk music. I loved it so much!! Irish history and art is so inspiring to me, and I'm so happy that your using your talents to celebrate it!

[@gember1382]

Wow!! That sounds sooo good!

[@jo_g.germany]

Both of my parents sang in a choir, my mother still does at 84+. I never aspired to that or to singing, but I am a very active music consumer, mostly what I call neo-pagan, medieval folk, melodious metal music, and cinematic stuff. But I never really had a full grasp of the creative efforts required to develop outstanding music. Especially due to the pandemic, I discovered vocal coaches (The Charismatic Voice thankfully early on), reactors like Tank the Tech and Chase Carneson, and musicians like you. I have developed an entirely new appreciation of music and of musicians. Thanks for videos like this one, and thanks for the music! 🤘🏻 from Germany! (Edited for typos)

[@tssas2813]

I know nothing about making music or really music itself beyond the music I like but you made this very interesting. You’re an excellent communicator beyond being a very talented musician… great job!

[@caminopreacher5958]

You are one of the most enthusiastic and optimistic artists I've ever seen. Please keep that same fire stoked as you continue on your journey. And thank you for bringing all of us along!😁🍻

[@raven_libra]

That is a great tip for us sopranos! It sounds better with the whisper track in it.

[@potkettle]

What a wonderful gift to anyone doing recording. A perfect little 10 minute masterclass.

[@richardlibby2407]

Love the harmonies!! More harmony pieces, please!!

[@gefginn3699]

Great response. Great character shown here by you. Much love, care and blessings to you my dear. 💚

[@Dude_Guyman]

I laughed all the way through this at the silliness of it, but it is actually very cool, and useful info.

[@bw6138]

Malinda, you are freaking adorable! I like how you nerd out on music.

[@Gallagor]

"Try it all out yourself!" Oh hell no. But i love listening to people who actually put in the effort to learn to sing, like you, who makes incredible music.

[@AngieNTheComettes]

I also recorded a bunch of vocals for my cover of "Beautiful Creatures" along with the help of my vocal coach. After mix and mastering it sounds like a choir

[@bobsternvogel5550]

I'll have to listen for these tricks next time I hear a "choir" on what appears to be a one-person performance. Looking forward to hearing the song you previewed in its final version, and I agree with your decision to give the "Jersey mom" special prominence.

[@BonaparteBardithion]

Recommend listening to some Enya, another one person choir. She uses a ton of reverb, many layers of vocal (hundreds in some tracks) and carries her voice different for the low notes.

[@bc6399]

Oh! I’ve always wondered how on Earth you did all those voices in all your videos. I love your clone choir.

[@Beatsbasteln]

you should make more production tutorials like this. i just saw this seems to be kind of the exception on your channel but you're great at this

[@knightofni735]

Watching this for the second time since yesterday, just because it's so weirdly satisfying to gradually hear all of the tracks coming together and creating more and more layers for the final sound. Really cool to watch! Also now I can't wait for the song to be released, those two lines already sound great :D Excited for the full thing!

[@parksantiago3511]

Thank you SO FREAKING MUCH. I can't wait to record some choirs I like

[@FrankBell]

Jersey Mom. Holy moly hell... I LOVE Everything about this video.

[@Chiyo18]

I stumbled across this video randomly, but this seems to be just what I was looking for 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to put this together!

[@kevinblack7766]

You are so talented. I wish I had even just a small amount of your talent.

[@MK-kn5ol]

I CANT WAIT FOR THE SONG!! As soon as any of your songs come out I try to sing them in as many different styles as possible and its really fun :)

[@pribre]

Just how incredible are you !!!

[@lefthandedspanner]

a particularly wild example of this is Tim Buckley's "Starsailor" the entire song consists of him singing (sometimes yodelling) at different speeds and tones, layered into a sort of choir - it's extremely trippy also if you want to create a truly unearthly effect, combine these techniques with microtonal variations a good (live) example of this is paragraph 7 of Cornelius Cardew's "The Great Learning"

[@krystalmogensen6674]

This is probably one of my favorite videos I have ever seen from you. Not only is the content super fun, I think, you explain it well. I am so excited to hear this new song! I'm in love with those lyrics.

[@christopherblevins1968]

That was very cool! I really like the "how-to" of things like this.

[@MatthewDudek]

That is incredible sounding! I had no idea that could be done and it sounds great! Thanks for the lesson!

[@SarahAliceDouglas]

Love seeing how other people create their one person productions! Definitely giving me some extra ideas, but also I do some of the same things myself :)

[@DotsAndLinesMusic]

As a mostly a capella singer who's still figuring things out, this was really interesting and helpful! Thanks for explaining and showing what all the steps sounded like. I want to try out a bunch of these ideas now.

[@AwSamWeston]

Just found your video about this on TikTok and I am TOTALLY saving this for later!

[@laragazzaviola80]

Okay but I'm already in love with the song? 😍

[@anouklopatka7613]

You're a so great teacher, thank you for making music so interesting! I'm impressed!

[@_mariacarolina]

Just watched this video and I have to say that you are so gentle, funny and talented!! AND you explain things perfectly. Thank you for teaching us

[@patrickgray3745]

I have a shanty for you! Roll the Old Chariot!!! You are amazing and keep up the great work!

[@himbo_noa]

This video had me learning, laughing, WHEEZING, and then just in awe. This was beautiful. ❤❤❤ i also feel a massive urge to fight everyone who was a jerk on that TikTok

[@nolanscope4581]

Wow! Incredibly easy to follow. Thanks so much!

[@garrysmout6095]

Thank you so much for such a delightfully presented, well explained ‘how to’.

[@petermazur2520]

This was so fun to watch. I tried it immediately and the result surprised me :) Thanks for the tips

[@Brando56894]

As someone that knows nothing about this, that was awesome to watch and listen to, your voice so beautiful 😍

[@themananswer-lg2wt]

This can be both time consuming and very creative at the same time. I'm sure if you have a complicated piece it could take about 8 hours or more.

[@VIJID1]

I have never laughed this much in a very serious video. A masterpiece just like your voice.

[@rev.rachel]

This is deeply fascinating, thank you so much for doing this!!

[@simonabunker]

We definitely need to hear more Jersey Mom!

[@craigsalvatore3401]

Very cool. You're lots of fun to watch. Thank you for a fun video.