Mark Ronson - Song Breakdown - Back to Black - Music Production - BBC Maestro

Listen to the original demo of Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, never heard before now, and see how ‪@markronson‬ developed it from a few chords and a drum workaround, to recording with The Dap-Kings to get that iconic sixties sound.
This clip is taken from ‪@markronson‬'s BBC Maestro online course, Music Production.
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[@RobertoCosenza]

Just imagine this : you play with a few plugins that a woman comes along and says “I want the whole album to sound like this” and it becomes one of the best albums of music history.

[@johnhouse3898]

His "Watch the Sound" on Apple TV is so good, watched all 6 episodes in a couple days.

[@laurar430]

You’re magical, Mark Ronson.

[@willchorhotsoi]

waow

[@Bleepurchin]

‘This sandbox’ - If ever there was an Americanism, that is it. 😂

[@jessicahainesmusic]

NYC? That's a long way to go for a bunch of plugins (and someone who doesn't know how to mic a piano). Don't we have them in the UK?

[@livemusicnyc6357]

[@6151jeppe]

Finally a breakdown where the producer isn't all about perfection and actually cares about the soul of the music

[@mrhaltonok]

He’s got that Rodgers/Edwards approach of taking little acoustic demos and elevating them to greatness

[@0000song0000]

I love how Mark admits he had very little idea about what he was doing on some areas (on familiarity with the genre, placing mics,playing drums), so he relied on the things he did know: playing keyboard, slicing samples and understanding his plugins. It's a great lesson on focussing on our strenghts, and find workarounds... no perfection, just your best effort and confidence to present it to other people who can add to it.

[@Awaitingonyouall]

Unrelated, but I love your pfp of Bowie!

[@TheSideProject]

Totally my friend! Major statement! ​@@Awaitingonyouall

[@Chris-th6wq]

The explanation of his developing as a producer and musician himself while trying to fulfill what he wanted to give Amy, based on the things she'd played to him and exposed him to is amazing.

[@sideast]

Word salad 😂

[@DefenestrateYourself]

@@sideast Nah, it’s a completely coherent sentence. Maybe work on your reading comprehension sweetie 😘

[@sideast]

@@DefenestrateYourself mmm Nah, it's complete semantic romantic bull crap 💩

[@markcollins1497]

@Sid East Nah, you’re overshooting, but you be you

[@sabinahoudkova1417]

so sad he didnt produce movie about amy

[@willemvdk4886]

It's what happens when two brilliant geniuses meet. Fireworks.

[@daveteves]

I wish Mark Ronson would share the demo he and Amy made for the James Bond movie back in 2007/8

[@memoriesmarmymind...5587]

It doesn't exist

[@Itsdustybunz]

@@memoriesmarmymind...5587does too

[@vintagecherries]

It's unfinished and he doesn't want people to copy it or copy the sound of it

[@muhamed20-wo1gu]

Ok enough talking 3:13

[@notknown6605]

I’m glad he hasn’t. Amy wouldn’t want him to.

[@tristanchase2887]

I expected to enjoy this video, but ultimately it was 10 million times more than I thought it would be. More detailed, more insightful, more practical, more honest & more entertaining and just thoroughly more real. Solid effort everybody who made this happen. 13 mins of my life you can gladly have, and will most likely get again 💯 👌🏼

[@denille3941]

Agreed, 100 times over

[@samxday]

Agree. 👍

[@CHRISTY-d1j]

Thank you Mark for taking us back in time. The two of you made history. People like me are still listening to her music every day.

[@masonsmythmusic]

2:51 mark is so good he can actually work on music using only his mind

[@compoundsound]

Hah! Never noticed that - nice spot!

[@VIRGIINBOY]

Starts at 2:26 actually

[@mrotaveria]

yeah, was distracting, what was that?

[@jeremybiggs8413]

@@mrotaveria they’ve superimposed something over to cover something up.

[@apzzpa]

@@jeremybiggs8413 they are actually using team viewer to remote access the Mac. I guess they are recording the mac on a separate machine

[@rhodarivera3148]

I don't know why but I'm emotional listening to Amy's raw vocals here. It's like being allowed to enter a secret chamber of genius. I feel so sad because despite all her struggles, she really was such an unbelievable talent and for me, that was what really defined her. I hope you're truly resting in peace now, Amy. And thanks Mark and BBC for sharing this with us. ❤

[@jayde-mariesimpson4555]

it’s almost like a religious experience , i can see how heartbreaking it had to be for her to sing that every night when she said with every lyric she could remember how she felt , how he smelled etc

[@jonathanlandau-litewski7405]

His accent is bizarre, its a cross between American and Scottish.

[@kevingalea5061]

Scottish? You need a hearing aid mate lol

[@capanetube]

The way Amy Winehouse could sing just one note, one word while breathing endless life and meaning into it, makes me understand that she lived her life in another pace, hard to grasp for anyone, most probably also for herself. Accompanied by an awesome open minded and talented producer and his sensitivity to get the best out of her. THX Mark and THX Amy and to all that helped to let this star shine on us.

[@MikhnevichNatalya]

❤

[@AmyWinehouse.914]

Brilliant upload nice to hear stories of how it was at the raw stages and how things developed. I wish more would surface and these rehearsals released in their entirety along with what Salaam has too. Whole albums of rehearsals, alternate takes and demos would be great.

[@toslinked]

the chorus is even more billie holiday on the demo. this is amazing.

[@christinawatkinsyoutube]

you're so right! she was inspired by some of the best out there and we need more of it!

[@ResidentRob]

I love the line "There's nothing better than being wrong".

[@philippetersen64]

The most genuine individual. I’ve heard of Mark but I love how real he is.

[@TheLunarSurface]

At 8:50 you can see he still really misses Amy and it’s hard for him to listen to her.

[@jahana81]

Thought the same…

[@florriemccarthy2457]

Yeah, you can see him getting emotional having it all wash over him upon hearing the old take of her voice.

[@guillaumecarteret1642]

Plus he is in the same studio ! Deep !

[@juno6]

2:48 Amy is operating ProTools...

[@Camp6e11]

I never fully understood the universe that is mixing and mastering tracks until I heard the vocals and instruments on this demo.

[@nordstrandmusicinternation9518]

cos ya dumb bro

[@manny2092]

You can do it too! It's so much fun! Like Mark says...hours will fly be!🙂

[@notknown6605]

@@manny2092it is not fun.

[@raedewav]

Its fun when you know what youre doing.

[@PhilJohn1980]

@@raedewav and if you don't know what you're doing, it's frustrating, but fun at the same time to learn! As someone who's spent many many days in recording studios (and even more in my home studio back in the day) it's amazing how much you can learn just by playing around ... and this was before there were tutorials, or whole internet sites dedicated to how to mix and master!

[@cph2004]

I know that feeling when you get lost when making music, then the wife brings you right back out of it again.

[@howtobeatadrum]

Ha ha!

[@dizzysdiamonds]

In tears !!! But it's so true !!

[@cph2004]

@@dizzysdiamonds 😄 🤣

[@roddykennedy9476]

👍 😂

[@sophietandy8726]

hes one of the best producers in music history very talented

[@Thoracius]

Never before realized just how much this song is derivative of The Shangri-Las, especially Remember Walkin’ in the Sand. (It just reverses the order of the two sub-dominant chords (Gm and Bb) and slightly tweaks the phrasing of the melody.) Both great artists and songs though. Did a great job of making it sound fresh. Glad she brought it back, spurred a whole revival in the 60s soul sounds.

[@ankahbello1327]

This s guy is a musical genius. I can't believe how many great songs he produced.

[@krazywabbit]

Powerful moment when he's looking at the screen listening to her voice.

[@gypsy2007]

I love this. Very insightful. So cool. @10:54 that's a guitar being used to play a base line. So a better term would be "amy and her bass" track.

[@christopherecatalano]

Beautiful video, filled with insight from a great musician/producer/mind reflecting on a once in a lifetime kind of artist, taken away from music lovers and musicians inspired by her work way too soon. This song is a masterpiece, brimming with soul, and mojo and heartache. You cannot teach that kind of singing or that kind of artistry.

[@blinkymon]

I could say I watched the entire course, but that would be a lie. I *devoured* all 6.5 or so hours of it. Some extremely inspiring stuff in there, and I feel like it opened up quite a few creative doors for me as an amateur producer. Would very much recommend this entire course, Mark is such a great, humble guy and a very solid teacher too.

[@One2three4abc]

“Doesn’t it have to rhyme” “what are you talking about it’s a great lyrics” wow amazing

[@tutoriais5266]

Wtf

[@mikevitiello7022]

FWIW there is plenty of rhyme in there…said goodBYE, DIEd, thousand TIMEs; with WORDs, back to HER. because of amy’s loose style, nothing feels like it’s on a “grid” and those connections aren’t as obvious.

[@One2three4abc]

@@mikevitiello7022 oh yea I mean if nothing rhymed in a song it would obviously sound strange but sometimes a lyrics is so good it doesn't matter and that quote just touched on the brilliance of Amy and Mark recognizing that

[@hitmarkler]

I want to hear this version of the song with only Amy's vocals and that guitar track This video is a gem! Thanks KZbin for recommending it

[@joshthomas4165]

Really taught me the relationship a producer and artist can have. Keep an open mind and find some common ground in the process. His podcast series for The Fader Uncovered has some great interviews he conducted and he brings up Amy plenty. You can tell admiration he continues to have.

[@jastinartis]

So DOPE! I kept forgetting to add Mark to my producer list. He seems like a flyer humble and intune guy given the success. Dang how I limits Amy! 💯🙌🏿

[@officialnefew]

it really comes down to finding ways to make something work with what you have...that's amazing!

[@Javier23gol]

Anyone else noticed the computer at 2:37 doing everything by itself?

[@KnewTherapy]

The Executive producer did it

[@1gnore_me.]

loved his production on this album, the raw distorted sound gave it some incredible character. it's the kind of thing that takes some time to appreciate, but the more you listen to the album the more you realize what it adds to the music.

[@kristophermiller6160]

The Daptones are the real unsung heroes of the sound of this album. Look up Gabriel Roth!!!!

[@ridgebackdk]

and also people forget that salaam remi had a huge role in the album ..and its overlooked all the time ... dont think people understand how much influence salaam had on amy as a writer and musician ...

[@PrantoKoX]

Absolutely brilliant. 👍👍👍 In the era of the thousands of YT tutorials, courses, academies and reviews that in fact are just gear or plugin or store commercials pushing sales, and in the era of total inflation & misuse of the word "producer", this is a breath of fresh air. And a touching slice of history and talent(s). Thanks for this.

[@kehindea]

One does not invalidate the other. Why can’t you just accept people have DIFFERENT approaches to producing smh!

[@PrantoKoX]

@@kehindea I think you misunderstood the main focus of my comment (which was of total praise and satisfaction for this video!) and also misunderstood the side point about the total misuse of the word "producer" today. Nothing against the most varied, diverse and colourful or contemporary ways of producing, please do not make assumptions. But being capable to make some gear produce (in the sense of make) some sounds in one's bedroom and immediately calling oneself a "producer" is just self-glorification & grandstanding via fancy titles, as it's light years from being a true, actual and working music producer in the true & actual sense of the word, i.e. having the talent & knowledge to pick or discover songs and the best or most suitable sounds, arrangements and instruments for them, then making them come to life through the preproduction, recording and lastly mixing & mastering stage, and most importantly being able to put human beings, the songwriters & the performers, at ease and inspire them confidence, as to create, record and hopefully preserve for all to hear and for posterity to enjoy the best possible performances of their songs or parts. Which is what Mark Ronson stresses several times here, and what is so beautifully apparent from his words, attitude and records. Sorry if I was unclear... or if you recognized yourself in this other class of "producers" and therefore felt offended. Reality sometimes hurts, sugar coating is ultimately useless, and reading comments or listening to what is said in videos carefully sometimes can make a difference. Peace & best of luck.

[@markknight6445]

@@PrantoKoX I could not agree more, an intelligent and polite reply on KZbin, whatever next ?

[@mv9787]

This is the first interview I hear of Mark. He seems an interesting, genuine guy. My mind started drifting towards a memory of jamming few chords and that came to life, a song and I loved the feeling of it. I played my nylon string on balcony and the echo there was beautiful. I felt like I was surfing on the wave of a feeling and got goosebumps. It lasted a few minutes and then it was gone. One of those moments when you compose a beautiful piece, but you never hear it again.

[@sophietandy8726]

I just wish amy winehouse was here

[@HUMDRUMM]

Andrew Garfield is taking his roll very seriously in this one

[@royn8032]

Amy came up with lyrics in one hour? For real?

[@deanbarnes1252]

She was a literal fucking genius. I'm surprised it took her that long tbh.

[@mankydave67]

Brilliant insight and I love how humble and modest Mark comes across. Not a big Amy Winehouse fan but Back to Black is spine chillingly beautiful.

[@Dtenmusic]

"Because there's nothing better than being wrong"

[@daystardaystardaystardayst1865]

I like this breakdown style, but he's breaking down the demo they made when they got idea, not how he recorded the song we all know. So he isnt really giving away any of his secrets and techniques. He will have used different plug ins, recordings, EQ, effects etc Wish it was the actual recording

[@nicolasrichards1163]

Man this is very emotional

[@karsdeelen2448]

Dude, his british accent is completely gone

[@ridgebackdk]

would love as a musician to sit for days talking to him about recording this album ... how she worked and where the ideas came from ... her writing is genius and i believe she had the soul of a poet ...

[@williampaivaoficial]

His ProTools working by itself is priceless!

[@cph2004]

I thought his computer was hacked 🤭

[@officialphyve]

I thought someone was working remotely

[@tonynog02]

Amy with the guitar is so grunge and more dark than the original version!

[@tinatrainer6003]

I could listen to Mark all day … genuine, and so expressive

[@evomatic]

Tremendous creative advice at the end. Don't hesitate to break a rule, just try it.

[@tww2002]

Excellent video. How magic is made.

[@Stewartchampion]

Wow...the raw version sounds better to me....more vintage....lovely stuff..

[@cd78]

The greatest things are often the most simple

[@jakobkoprivnik6372]

I am literally crying watching this. 2 amazing supertalents. Rip Amy

[@tubelator]

Thanks for sharing! Amy was a blessing!

[@didcomusic]

Beautiful interview of inspiration and creativity 😀

[@MikhnevichNatalya]

♥️♥️♥️Эми!люблю очень Эми!Марк спасибо,что были с Эми!она удивительная,великая, маленькая!🎶💎🎼♥️

[@urbienbryllejamellep.2318]

he misses his friend sweet amy.

[@caitlindudar1393]

He gave it a heartier sound…genius

[@Guitarmfig]

Mark Ronson is a modern genius

[@subcomandante1647]

What a nice person!

[@bgthtr6404]

In case Mark Ronson reads this, here goes: In my opinion, the song HURT is THE best song ever written and recorded in ANY genre. Thank you for your contributions to this beautiful song. It said everything I would have liked to tell my parents. I blamed them for my shortcomings instead of taking responsibility for them. They made sure I had everything I needed and a whole lot of what I wanted. I was a spoiled brat and took them for granted and never got the chance to tell them how sorry I was. So, I play the song to their spirits. Thanks again for this most beautiful song.

[@bgthtr6404]

@Day Yes, it is. She sang it but Linda Perry wrote it.

[@bgthtr6404]

@Day yes, that's right. Linda Perry's dad left her and her mom when Linda was young. She resented him for that. One night at her concert with 4 non blondes, her dad walked up to her and said he was proud of her. She snubbed him and walked off. He died soon after that and she never got a chance to forgive him so that's the origins of the song Hurt. Yes, the song Beautiful is also one of the best songs she wrote.

[@JesseJuup]

I thought enough time had passed that I could get through this without dropping tears, but no. Awesome work!

[@Cottontowngal]

Gold dust. Not just from the point of view of being a fan of Amy's extraordinary talent (and Mark's) but I'm on a songwriting course and production is a challenge for me at the moment. Thank you for sharing.

[@Jade-jk8vb]

Thank you thank you thank you for this vidéo ... Amy miss us every day 🙏❤️

[@mattmoss6121]

I'm a 50 year old singer/songwriter.. This is awesome! Thank you for sharing this! 🙏♥️

[@bmarshh2270]

I love Amy 😔

[@ThinkerThunker]

So get ideas recorded, break rules and throw on a little spring reverb

[@DJNAVENDU]

8:45 best version of these lyrics. the released version is just meh in front of her live and raw recordings

[@djGreenALERT]

Losing Amy so young has been such a huge loss for Pop Music.

[@pauldablue]

- despite being annoyed at the advert for this popping up 6 times a day I'll admit that was quite interesting.

[@amywinehouselegacy]

Amazing. Thank you Mark

[@GoodxJ]

I want those tiny studio monitors for my laptop on the go! 👍🏼 what brand and model are those ?

[@ASAPFos]

So inspiring.

[@wbm3085]

I've worked with various people, they've called me a genius it's a nice feeling and pretty spot on! Thank you please

[@AmeyahOfficialTV]

2:28 Hold on - Is Amys Ghost scrolling through the ProTuulz project?

[@ethierguillaume]

Amy’s ghost is playing with the ProTool session in Mark’s back 😦

[@caitlindudar1393]

It’s so beautiful how he admires her

[@QuickSticks8771]

He loves the space Looks like they jammed him in the broom closet !!

[@MegaAwesomeguys]

Produced one of the greatest rnb tracks of all time and doesn't even takes much credit.

[@Anja-LeonaLouise]

Back to black was such a great song , god miss Amy Winehouse . Did u hear Angelina Jordan i wonder ? Her voice is amazing too 🙌 and i think she diserves a great original too 😊 ❤️

[@haze86]

Spectacularly ignorant comment section lol

[@caitlindudar1393]

Such an absolutely beautiful work of art❤

[@DrumNBassMC]

I would loooove to have that pro tools project Mark Ronson is a genius!

[@ojvic7297]

God....I miss amy🥺

[@CatWAVE-qq1gs]

12:14min - Thinking outside the box is my main priority. Fuck money!

[@OfficialKepler62Experiment]

Great man to learn from on your musical journey!!😊 The closer you are to the art the better the outcome.

[@nlmk]

Your computer was operating by itself 02:26 LOL

[@massenergyspacetime]

What kind of accent is this? Awesome video what a gem

[@tifdemun]

this is so inspiring! thank you!

[@whorunstheworldcurlscurls6137]

This Guy is a genius I'd love to work with Him

[@roda9540]

He mentioned Daniel Merryweather. He was amazin

[@adamjmorgan9922]

It seems to me like you’re the expert Mark

[@otis-d2v]

awesome but funny to see him trying to play what clearly, only, the Dapkings could have done and obviously did. Still, fantastic writing and producing work Mark Ronson absolutely fantastic. What a mind, like many greats, born too late should have been born in the 50's. and it takes a lot for a professional Player & Producer to admit he didn't;t know what was what until he met certain people. Nothing but top respect for Mark Ronson. But absolutely no plug in in the world compares even slightly to the real deal, having real players in the same room at the same time making real music. No Plastic auto tune or auto correct needed. Real Music

[@youtubechannel-ez4wx]

thank you for sharing those video, so i know the story behind Back To Black song, one of my fave song by Amy Winehouse