Making a Soft Indie Song (Clairo, Men I Trust, Mac Demarco)

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⌚️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - Drums
01:18 - Guitar & Bass
08:20 - Synth
09:46 - Mixing
12:06 - Listening to the Track
14:29 - Outro

[@dylanladwa7232]

i knew i wasnt tripping when u said lets put it in stereo and it sounded the exact same and just as uncomfortable😭😭

[@TrevBarnes]

Yeah, I fixed the routing so next video it will be back to normal. So sorry about that 😵‍💫

[@aquieteveningmusic]

Hahaha yeah I thought the same

[@Whereisjaygoing]

Please don’t stop making these. So fun to watch and I always learn a lot

[@vivid2.]

Loved it, watching others and learning from them is fun😩✨️. Thanks for that mono mixing trick.

[@robbybrowne9592]

1. This was awesome 2. You make it look so easy.. I give up on 90s of projects bc it feels so complicated. Thanks for this

[@TrevBarnes]

1. Thank you, I appreciate it 2. It only looks easy because of one thing...relentless consistency in practice. I'm not sure of your experience in production, but I'd love to offer some advice to un-complicate this. I give up a fair amount of my project. Many of my projects end up going nowhere. That's part of the process. Here is a video I made about creative blocks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ3LY56Nep6pbLs Just try not to fall out of love with creating, when you feel yourself getting frustrated, the best thing you can do is walk away and come back to it later. And the most important thing to remember, your favorite creator was once in the same spot you are now.

[@mauooo23]

Dude, i totally feel you

[@mattykestis782]

Need an entire album of this please

[@TrevBarnes]

Maybe one day, still trying to figure out what to do with all of these songs from these videos

[@mattykestis782]

@@TrevBarnes Maybe put them on a streaming platform

[@zoejennings9200]

Loved this!

[@jamessimpson8821]

fav song so far

[@starcisismusic]

This sounds absolutely gorgeous Trev! You have absolutely nailed it! Such a beautiful example of sometimes less is more/enough. A very rightful comment about producing like mixing doesn’t exist! This was quite inspiring.

[@TrevBarnes]

Thank you so much!!

[@microwave986]

this is heat man, thank you.

[@leonfrommcdrive1837]

u’re waayyyy too underrated u literally just expanded my wisdom of creating music with this video i dont know how to describe it but i wanna buy a strat now

[@TrevBarnes]

That really means alot, thank you

[@ThomasParrish]

this was sick

[@omertahirkayakoy2253]

really nice video bro, thanks

[@lebutch5005]

I love those videos! More! Please!!!

[@whatever5922]

I learned so much thank you

[@jellyj8194]

This is amazing man thank you !!

[@TrevBarnes]

Glad you like it!

[@shadowethan2630]

Absolute brilliant work!! Been wanting help with tight, small but soft indie tracks🙌

[@TrevBarnes]

Thank you so much!

[@davisousa5951]

Watching for the second time cause your song is so good! Hope I can learn more things with your channel

[@TrevBarnes]

I hope so too!

[@CalmedByNature]

I went back and listened to the mono vs stereo section 3 times until I had convinced myself that there was a difference 😂. It just made the actual stereo section sound that much better 👍

[@TrevBarnes]

Lmfao, while I was editing I went back so many times before realizing the entire thing was in mono. Thankfully, I fixed my outputting settings in OBS and it should be fixed by next video!

[@iainthemusic]

what a fantastic video and song 🔥

[@someoneontheweb4303]

Fire!

[@HarryAdee]

I learned a lots. Thanks

[@santiroch1907]

trev barnes!!!! my friend! greetings from Argentina. thank u

[@aquieteveningmusic]

Trev this is dope! It's so cool seeing someone else's writing and mixing processes. And I always love seeing when people use so many stock plugins. This was the first vid of yours that I've seen and I can't wait to see what else you come up with.

[@TrevBarnes]

Thank you so much, appreciate you tuning in!

[@aquieteveningmusic]

@@TrevBarnes Hey, are the monitors you're using the Eris 3.5's?

[@TrevBarnes]

@@aquieteveningmusic they sure are! I’ve been using them for about 5 years now (different pairs because they do tend to get hissy over time). But I have loved them, they’re very neutral

[@aquieteveningmusic]

@@TrevBarnes Nice! That's what I use too and I've been super happy with them. I might upgrade to the 5 inch version at some point, but honestly the space I'm in right now is pretty small and I think bigger monitors will make it feel even more cramped.

[@TrevBarnes]

@@aquieteveningmusic that’s 100% why I still have mine. Bigger speakers offer a higher detailed frequency range that just gets super muddied in small rooms. I’m pretty happy with what I’m mixing on, will probably upgrade in the future by they work wonders right now

[@FIORITIvideo]

This guys is next level… just amazing!

[@TrevBarnes]

Nah, that’s YOU

[@RVRLNDMusic]

this sounds so good. might try to jam on these stems

[@TrevBarnes]

Please do!

[@mossnossmoss]

awesome sound, man. been starting to try producing my own songs but it's been TOUGH. learning a lot from your videos, good work !!

[@TrevBarnes]

Thank you so much, I appreciate hearing that. Best of luck on your production journey!

[@mauricio-poppe]

Great video, thank you!

[@TrevBarnes]

I appreciate it, thank you!

[@HellaBeatsOfficial]

11/10 I wish I knew people to jam with like you 🥺

[@HellaBeatsOfficial]

I wish I knew more people like you ** cause they’re rare 😂

[@mtchlrtoo]

maaan what a beautiful video

[@TrevBarnes]

🥹🥹🥹

[@aldenmohacsi839]

This is sweet! I miss making music with you, Trev.

[@TrevBarnes]

Miss making magic with you buddy! Hope to see you soon!

[@Danielsangoh]

Idk if you know this but you’re a beast

[@ghastlyshimmer]

Nice

[@jellyj8194]

Gotta do a room/desk setup tour sometime!

[@TrevBarnes]

It's 100% a plan once I finish the office!

[@vinicoc]

very nice video

[@vudaman2000]

Sounds a lot like Gus Dapperton. Good work!

[@Topichrist]

this is awesome, very inspirational. Also what software do you use?

[@TrevBarnes]

Thanks! I'm using Logic Pro X

[@buboy7406]

Loved watching this video and learning! The link to the stems doesn't seem to be working anymore -- let me know if there's a fix! :)

[@andrewjones_fitness]

great vid. would love if you did a Beach House style track, something in the style of the more recent records

[@DylanMSkaggs]

Man this is great! Wish I could double like a video. I just have one question. When you are making songs it looks like you always start with drums. Is this a standard or just something you do? It seems like a nice way to lay the foundation. Thanks!

[@TrevBarnes]

Thanks a ton! Theres not really a certain way that I start a production, it just so happens to be drums usually because I have a guitar pattern floating around in my head.

[@MiladMiladShahShah]

This was one of the cleanest tutorials I've seen so far; thank you for creating this excellent tutorial. I just wish you had explained more about the bass, because it seems that apart from the amp, pedal, and EQ, you have two sends in the project. Also, you didn't explain the tuning knobs on the bass guitar itself. I'm really trying hard to get this bass sound, but my issue is with how to mix this style of bass.

[@TrevBarnes]

Hey there! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm sorry if i didn't explain it, I don't script out these videos so theyre a little less of a tutorial and more of a session if that makes sense. But, here is how i got that bass sound: I clicked on a random Logic Pro X guitar preset called Live Room Stack. The only changes I made to the preset was the following amp settings; Gain at 10 o'clock, bass at 10 o'cklock, mids at 1 o'clock, and trebble at 10 o'clock. I positioned the microphone off-center to roll off the high end and rolled off the highs with a channel eq around 4440hz. The two sends on the channel are to two different space designers, those came loaded with the preset. I thought the preset sounded good for the most part and didn't really change much to be honest.

[@MiladMiladShahShah]

@@TrevBarnes thanks a lot

[@helixx2306]

Brooo I do wanna work w you I love this type of music and I def wanna get into the genre

[@AlexKashner]

Sorry if you’ve mentioned in the past but this is the first bit of content I’ve found of yours. What Mac are you using, specs wise and what plug ins have you used that you deem “high CPU” using? I’ve been making my demos on GarageBand iOS for nearly a decade and have been slowly gearing up and researching to make the jump to a Mac and Logic Pro. Also love to see you using Magic Switch! I use a lot of baby audio plugins on my phone for demos as well. Thanks !

[@TrevBarnes]

Sure thing! I'm using a 2023 Mac Mini with the M2 chip. It depends project to project, typically tape plugins run my CPU on the higher side. I typically don't use too many plugins, I try to get it as right at the source as possible. I highly recommend the switch to Mac and Logic, out of all the DAWs I've tried, I've found Logic to be the appealing to my aesthetics, workflow, and their selection of built in instruments/plugins is fantastic. Highly recommend, especially if you're familiar with Garageband, the switch is super seamless. Hope this helps!

[@sarahlibovmusic]

This is amazing! Do you have go-to guitar chord voicings for this genre?

[@TrevBarnes]

not really, just a lot of 7th chords. I don’t really have a theory, just whatever feels right

[@benjamin._.mcalister1698]

Hey man, great video and the track is such a vibe. If I made a song out of these stems is there anywhere I can send it to you? And would it be all good to post it?

[@TrevBarnes]

Hey there! You can email it to me at [e-mail]. Feel free to do whatever you want with it!

[@Ozus03]

Amazing beat! I'd like to know where I can get that "Virtual Mix" plug in you use at the end of the chain on your guitars. thank you!

[@TrevBarnes]

It’s slate digitals virtual mix rack. It’s my go to for nearly everything

[@truman4875]

This sounds like a Peach Pit song

[@kadinbartlett2763]

Can you make a video on making a song that sounds something like the bands M83 or Beach House? Love the content!

[@Guaicomusic]

Can you please share where you got the samples for this kit?

[@abchords1]

I loved it. What microphone for vocals are you using it? Shure Sm7b? Are you happy with it? Thanks

[@TrevBarnes]

thanks! it’s the Samson Q9U, surprisingly a good comparison to the SM7b for a third of the cost. I’ve been mostly happy with it

[@nishitsharma554]

Hey Trev! Loved the video. But the link of the stems you've provided in the description isn't working. Can you check if its an issue from your side plz?

[@EON_SEVEN]

hey the link to the free stems aren't there. was really wanting to get one of the guitar stems from right around 7:18 sounds really good ..

[@lukebaldwin3905]

Hey what are the chords you used for this track?? Love it

[@zaidendebnam2921]

Where u get those drums bro so soft 😋

[@TrevBarnes]

EZDrummer 3’s Tight Room Kit 👌

[@FreeWilly22]

Can I use the drum kit with my MacBook keyboard?

[@TheEyesThrone]

This is great, if it were mac demarco the rythm would be way more simple and buried underneath the lead guitar playing the chords in all its jangly glory, eg freaking out the neighbourhood, the rythm is barely noticeable unless youre listening for it

[@philipalmen5116]

Thank you for the stems, good vibe in the song! Got potential. Will try and work from the drum beat. Are the stems EQ:ed?

[@TrevBarnes]

Yes, they sure are

[@philipalmen5116]

@@TrevBarnes Thank you, sir! Hope you’ll upload one version with vocals as soon as your voice is back.

[@TrevBarnes]

I plan on it! I have a lot of ideas, just gotta get over this funk. For future reference as well, would you prefer stems without processing? Heavily debated that

[@philipalmen5116]

@@TrevBarnes Yeah, maybe offer both. I have very specific preferences when it comes to processing (favorite plug-ins, etc). For me it’s more important to know what you did with the stems than that they are “neutral” and/or “natural” if that makes sense. Appreciate that you ask!

[@TrevBarnes]

@@philipalmen5116 for sure!

[@baneryan6730]

How do you get the drum kit sounds?

[@TrevBarnes]

Using EZDrummer 3's Tight Room Kit mainly. Not too much processing on it as well, but mainly gentle compression on the bus

[@jacuzzi4060]

What music platform thing are you making the songs on?

[@TrevBarnes]

Logic Pro X

[@MarioSabeLoQueHace]

What sample pack did you use on the drums ?

[@TrevBarnes]

It’s EZ Drummer 3’s right room kit

[@dimaosipkin]

I can`t find tight room

[@MrMeff123]

What DAW are you usinggggg pleaseeee

[@TrevBarnes]

Logic Pro 11

[@diehanvanderwesthuizen]

Yo man repost the stems please. Absolute fire

[@insomnia3333]

Sorry for my bad spelling, English is not my mother language. My question is, what is the scale you work on for the guitar??? Pentatonic or melodic????

[@TrevBarnes]

You're english is just fine and i don't see anything misspelled :) Nearly everything I do is in pentatonic, I'm stuck in that box

[@yanngenoux5169]

drumkit ????? it sound like perfectly

[@TrevBarnes]

Thanks! EZ Drummer 3's Tight Room kit does wonders

[@philipalmen5116]

What key is this in btw? Not fully capable of hearing it by ear.

[@adameusmusic]

Eb minor

[@AnderSmithMusic-nq3tq]

chords?

[@thedude4594]

When soft is too soft

[@richaudios]

any tips to learn logic?

[@TrevBarnes]

My biggest tip is to have patience and get familiar with every aspect of it. It takes time, and if you’re new to it you’re probably wanting to rush in and create, but taking time to learn your DAW will help creativity flow more smoothly

[@MXXKRXX]

cute

[@AlexCrookshanks]

Where them stems, homie? lol ... maybe I'm too late on watching. holla! thanks.

[@TrevBarnes]

Hey there! I updated my website and must not have migrated that page! I'll get it back up and running, but for now here is the Google drive link: drive.google.com/file/d/1MvBCzjS0oOzXZjeYLUFcimSvxI88Q-FF/view?usp=sharing

[@brandoncashdan9640]

kenny beats doppleganger

[@TrevBarnes]

Lmfao

[@Samuelisakson]

if ur plan is to just make the same kind of songs then it defeats the idea of it being indie

[@TrevBarnes]

You're right, I'm going to delete it now

[@Samuelisakson]

@@TrevBarnes no, ur ok👌

[@VanBaylen]

I feel like as a society, we’ve lost so much “feel” for music and instead are so much more concerned with making music that sounds like that others. Even if it’s unconscious. I know the sole purpose of this video was to demonstrate the songwriting process of some of the said artists, but damn it lacked so much soul. It didn’t have any story. Any feel. The entire time you played every instrument with no soul. No intention but just to make it sound polished. This is what’s wrong with music nowadays. There is nothing special about it. It’s all the same sound. The same formula. It traps us all into this box of listening and taste.

[@TrevBarnes]

I can't help but to disagree, only on the fact of what you believe my intention of this video was. I wanted to make something I enjoyed making, without a specific formula in mind. It may sound polished, that's genuinely just what the project ended up sounding like. Not everybody resonates at the same frequency as you, what you "feel" is not what I "feel". If you feel that there is no soul and that there is nothing special about it, I won't argue with you, because that is how this makes you feel. And I won't tell you that you're wrong. But, I will set my intention straight, it was to enjoy creating something from nothing. And that to me takes soul.

[@hldfgjsjbd]

For chorus try free one from Tal-u-no devs. It’s majestic

[@TrevBarnes]

I do love the TAL, it used to be my go-to. No particular reason why I stopped using it, but that is on the top of my list for recommended choruses