May 25 Update - Grumpy, cynical, uncomfortable nerd talk.

[@Kyle_Noonan]

"if you always tell the truth about who you are, you never have to remember anything"

[@MajorDook1]

Why is this such a revelation for some people?😄

[@jimmypennell8831]

Profound 😊 truly

[@Spookdookin]

You also don’t have to remember anything if you just lie all the time and never face the consequences. I see it all the time. Oh, also gaslighting helps 😅

[@leemackay888]

​@@MajorDook1because most have masks and live a lie , in a world of lies .

[@Roddrummer]

Mate, if it's got your name on it, there's a 99.99% chance myself and many many others, are going to LOVE it.

[@jhoff80]

Dev: "Wanted to get a record out this year, otherwise I won't put a record out for three years." Me: "No way, Lightwork just came out like a few months---oh shit, 2022?!"

[@picciloson]

Same

[@lordberry9554]

I was absorbed by Devs words and enjoying my morning coffee staring away into the video getting lost in his rambles. So much so that when I refocused Dev blended into the couch with the colour of his shirt and beanie and it felt he wasn't there anymore and it was an all knowing couch of philosophy that was so welcoming. I love my Sunday mornings with Dev.

[@LoveNAbove]

*cOmPlEteLy get it* 😄 thanks for articulating the experience! Stay Free, ~Sea from Doylestown, Wisconsin

[@unmanifest6307]

You sure you didn’t have a spliff with that coffee brother

[@kalebthornsberry870]

You seem like a pretty fun-gi

[@GrizzyGoat]

Oh wow, yeah he certainly becomes the couch at one point doesn’t he 😂

[@philb6537]

I am so on edge waiting for the next video from you.yes I'm a stalker. 😂

[@necro5129]

Gonna sound strange but it's kind of comforting that Dev's ramblings about his work are so relatable to my own. I don't make music, I build software, but I think we all kind of share the same frustrations and annoyances. Nice knowing the people I admire have the same kind of experiences, because it makes excellence in my own work seem much more attainable.

[@PenguinDT]

That's very true. I do games and I've been sharing these talks with dev friends as they are relatable to pretty much anything that involves creating... well, anything really.

[@colincodes]

I was thinking the same thing! I've spent hundreds of dollars for people to build features for me, and in the end, I've been the best one to do it in the end. It's a sad, hard, expensive lesson to learn.

[@jimzillar1749]

Thinking of our interview, (Throat Culture Magazine) waaaay back in 2003: You're doing exactly what you said you'd wish to do. You're upright, breathing, you've found peace with others, you're on your island, (so to speak😏) and you're recording whatever the fuck you want to. Well done, Dev .. awesome.

[@Hyperlink1337]

that is one hell of a magazine name

[@jeffryan7439]

Devi, Man I love your music, but your single greatest accomplishment is how you got your shirt, you hat and your couch to match so perfectly, No other artist has ever done it

[@DPMAN206]

This is the best update yet. Hearing you go through a huge spectrum of emotions over an hour is exactly what I needed today. It’s really nice to hear someone you look up to openly talk about their insecurities and doubts about their process of making art. These vids are something I look forward to every Sunday, and honestly the longer you make these, the better they are. Thanks for using your time to make these every week

[@aprilrose-acoustic4433]

Particularly love his response at 25:58 about working with an engineer who said to him "you gotta ask yourself this question, 'will it affect record sales'"? Dev's response: "Let me answer your question like this....I don't give a FCK. How's that?!" Sassy Dev FTW. Mad respect always to my favorite musician

[@TheNewFlesh]

That ending 😂 In all seriousness: great vid. I want to say that people still love the records you think were mixed poorly, but I think your pursuit of "perfection" makes you the artist that you are🤘

[@GhostVanGhost]

I really appreciate you wearing an outfit that matches the couch. At a certain point I started to imagine the left and right cushion were your shoulders in some weird David Byrne suit. Honestly, Devin, I love your process and what you make. Thank you for the hard work. I can only speak as the listener, but it's always worth it in the end!

[@LimewaterMusic]

This series of videos made me go back and finish some songs into an album months back and it’s all finishing up now. It’s been pretty crazy to hear Devin describe all the weirdly specific feelings and emotions that come out during this process. We’re all one.

[@JeremyPringsheim]

I was always confused by Devin's struggle with his mixing capabilities.. Alien is one of my absolute favourite metal mixes ever - how organic the core of it sounds but how it's balanced with that hyper-realness of the atmosphere and layers. Ki, Casualties, Terria, Synchestra, even Infinity with its digital harshness - I just fucking love how those albums sound and feel 🖤

[@FishKnight]

presumably hes looking at the mix (or whatever specific facet) as a discrete thing not meeting his expectations in a specific way while we naturally look at the result more holistically and get to take it for what it is hearing him in the past say ziltoid sounds bad was wild to me, it sounding like it does is what drew me in

[@sirwilliamkarl5591]

I just finished my prog rock master piece. I, at times, felt someone else should have mixed it but realized that nobody else could really do it but me. This vids just reenforced that idea.

[@jimmypennell8831]

Devins frustrations can be a metaphor for all of us that struggle with identity, establishment, life, creation, art, work and all the feelings we all feel at some time or another. Stress, procrastination, fatigue mental health. Everyone has to fight their way out of bed each morning and knock at something. Keep plugging away the work and the process will teach us how to do the work. No one is ever a failure if we just stick to our morals our self esteem and keep doing our best. Thanks Dev. Rock on😊

[@cooldad8102]

"A clown boat held together with paper clips" is an analogy that paints such a concise picture. Sometimes in my own endeavors, I feel like I'm "juggling sand and If i can keep it together, it'll work out." Thanks for the music and the inspiration

[@Luusika]

Matching these vibes at work, so I'm glad we got another update, yay.

[@foodforthegods]

I love when Devin is being the chillest guy and then goes "sorry for being loud" 😃 It's equal parts endearing and inspirational.

[@TheBazingaBoat]

And so very Canadian of him

[@LordDraikful]

Really interesting discussion about this part of music-making that most people see as a technical process, rather than a creative one. Ultimately the pressure of the studio and the money-making part, that pushes these engineers to focus on efficiency & reproducibility is intense; glad you're resisting that pressure.

[@CosmosJack]

When Brian May created the "stomp-stomp-clap" part of "We Will Rock You," he spaced out the repeated sound sample in prime number multiples to prevent any effects from interference (harmonics, echos, etc.) Somehow Dev's talk reminded me of that -- how hard it is to stack such a seemingly simple sound

[@stupud818]

Wasn't it the Fibonacci sequence? Oh yeah, that was tool

[@berend_dijk]

Loved hearing you talk as usual. The ending was very Sopranos-esque 😁

[@TheMedievalBard]

Thank you for this Devin, the entire course of the updates has been extremely inspiring, and this last one is a true icing on the cake. Everything you said about owning your vision and dismissing ''professional'' opinions telling you to you're doing it wrong rang incredibly true.

[@Art1stical]

I spend more time mixing than composing, performing and recording the music. "When it works it's because of a myriad invisible clips holding the clown boat together" is one of the best definitions of one of the most insane processes humans have for art I've heard. I mean, once it clicks it's close to an orgasm in how rewarding it is, but sheesh, it sure takes a while to get there.

[@Lepidoptera_AK]

I'm learning emotional theory when you ghost a chord while processing your thoughts. Fascinating watching a seasoned musicians unconscious motions, it comes so naturally it seems, so there must be a deep rooted connection there.

[@fishguru73]

No one does you better then you Devin. Someone else's vision for how the music should sound will rarely ever convey what it is that you envision. There's some truth to the old adage "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself." Love from Oklahoma and thanks for all of the great music.

[@christopherhowell5221]

"What's truly cool, is being yourself" fantastic statement Dev.

[@markydw2499]

Dev on a mini rant with pearls of wisdom too. Love it.

[@darthvaper6745]

Seen you twice. At Download Festival 2011 and the Mo club in Southhampton UK 2012. Big fan...Amazing live. I watched the Roundhouse & Royal Albery Hall gigs live on pay per view, running through my audiophile sound system with guests and cocktails. Also the lockdown shows were awesome. Thanks Devin

[@LoveNAbove]

What an awesome way to host a gathering! Seriously super cool. Yep- here/hear because- ~• Thanks Devin •~ And thank you @darthvaper6745 for sharing =•) Love and Unity from Doylestown, Wisconsin

[@Redribbo]

down my fucking load - devin

[@darthvaper6745]

@@LoveNAbove Thanks :)

[@resistthesystem6145]

I battle the same struggle, I barely made my recent deadline of 05/24/2024. The closer it got to finalizing the mix, the harder it was for me to find the energy to sit behind a computer screen… it’s like postpartum or something.

[@offroaders123]

Really relating to the struggle with this one, refreshing to be able to hear about how you've dealt with it, and how you work to overcome it! I think a lot of your lessons have helped me overcome obstacles in my own life, for things outside of music even! I think the "unapologetically being yourself" mantra is what I've been taking up when I'm out in the world, not being afraid to be myself just because other people think it's goofy, or something. So I think it's learning to combat my introvertedness, thank you Dev!

[@tgstk2]

we need those ambient patches of yours to noodle around with ourselves!

[@richarddeeble09]

The frustration described reminds me a lot of what academics go through writing and editing their work.

[@CrescentHorns666]

Imagine turning down Devin Townsend because you want more money lol, bro you're literally being invited into the kings court.

[@andrews4321]

I really hope that Devin is able to enjoy his music

[@c9chord]

I can't believe I'm just an ordinary guy

[@AdamTurnerDrumming]

Love the honest discussion. All I’ll say is: as a longtime admirer of your wall of sound production and mixing philosophy, I think most bands would kill to have what you would consider to be your “worst” mix.

[@carolynway850]

This is master class talk and insight. You're very inspiring to those who are feeling the same way.

[@frankdiceccoiii2881]

Dev you're fucking fantastic. I love these podcasts. It's amazing hearing an artist of your caliber going through the same anxieties I'm experiencing as a schmuck nobody. I'm proud to be your fan.

[@borna1231]

Hahaha, the ending was just perfect🤣. I can Imagine Dev going "You know what, I just fucking can´t man." and uploads it😂

[@Stephen_Eee]

As a grumpy cynical nerd who is often uncomfortable...I wanna see what the 'talk' part is 😮

[@AmrddH]

No worries about the grumpiness - it's absolutely a part of the process and relatable to hear from you

[@guitarslinger16]

dev, you are cool. you are one of my favorite people in the world. everything you do is amazing.

[@colincodes]

Thanks Dev. It sucks there's a lot of negative outcomes, but this is one of the best updates ever. Why? It's lots of doses of reality and lessons for the viewers to learn from. The reality of how other people set and miss expectations, the reality of other's greed, the reality of people who make promises and break them. The reality of how "If you're more worried about other people's opinions about your mix, you have more to worry about than your mix". That one hit me HARD thank you. This record will be that much more special since you've been so involved, and taking on more roles by yourself than usual. Your wording and positive non-blaming attitude is so well-developed. Lots of other people would have burned a bridge. Not like you should care what others on the internet think anyway ;)

[@Digitalxknife]

You are SO interesting to listen to. I don't work in music mixing but much of what you describe about PROCESS applies to my line of work and I can just totally RELATE. LOVE These updates.

[@musemuser777]

I agree with handling your own music but your DTP album Transcendence was handled by more and it came out great! Take care big D, can't wait for the new album... 🔥🎸🔥

[@donniedollarhidejr.2766]

This guy is like a music god for me. Saw him four times and he NEVER dissapoints. Untouchable.

[@TheMidnightBandit]

Devin, you really have reached deep into my soul. I've had experiences with psychedelics, mostly ketamine, that whilst listening to some of your music, have experienced profound connection. Mostly with myself, but also with the world around me, and connection to the infinite intelligent force that empathy is. You have already accomplished so much. Making things that give you joy, and the way you express yourself in a transparent way has actively moved me. I think that you're onto something with this vulnerable aspect of sharing your commitment to produce thought-provoking material. You helped me grow, and I'm sure that this is true for many. Stay true to yourself. You've delved so deeply, and like myself, have ripped out the foundations of previous programming, and have found pure reality. Reality is straight up and unforgiving, so at least you could do is forgive yourself. You matter, just like the rest of us.

[@KirkpatrickSounds]

Mixing is a fine art in many respects but its so incredibly easy to overproduce things these days. Many of the standout releases of the last couple years dont always have the most pristine mix in the world... but that's exactly what adds to the character of the release itself and helps it stand out. Good luck Dev, can't wait to hear the end result.

[@LunatiqueRob]

Thank you for this. It helps to know that we're not alone in our struggles, and that when we apply all the tips we have accumulated on mixing to our work and it just doesn't sound right, it's not that we suck, but that we can't just use universal formulas and expect them to work for every individual and unique need. Also, know that all your struggles have resulted in respect and admiration for your ability to craft some of the best prog and metal mixes. It's fucking hard to do what you do, with all the dense layers of instruments taking up so many frequency ranges, and it's too easy to just make it all sound like mush with no power and no impact and no beauty, but you somehow manage to pull it off.

This is my favourite "episode" this far. Dev is slightly going crazy sue to stress. But remember, it's always the darkest before the dawn.

[@genjitsu7448]

I had typed a reply just a minute ago and somehow my pc glitched and it ditched all of what I typed. So instead of trying to come up with the same thing I just want to say that I am super grateful for you, your music, your talks, your impact on music and life, you are without a doubt a 1 in a million when it comes to musical talent! I only found your music back in 2017 which was another in a series or rather a lifetime collection of "not good" years... the music really helped to keep me going, to stay motivated and inspired. One of the first things I found of yours was your playing in I think what was a Dunlop booth at NAAM or something like that, and you were singing songs that were just hitting me as "What the Fuk!!!" but that was it, I was fully a fan from that point on. Transcendence - I don't know where that album stands for you or for others but to me, wow, it is the port in the storm, a never ending storm and I come back to it over and over and it never gets old. Thank you for what you do and the way you do it! Cheers!!!

[@laurapresley5582]

Child birth is amazingly painful and hard, but the most beautiful experience when all is said and done. I'm sorry for all the frustrations and hardships you've been experiencing. We can only flow with it, learn from it, and come out stronger (I'll bitch throughout though 🤪.) You've got this. We believe in you and support you throughout.

[@PASHKULI]

Devin, you are doing great, man! Thank you for inspiring me into Music (Steve Vai and Joe Satriani as well but your presence is what hooked me up)

[@iggibeller4353]

I don’t know you and you don’t know me… much. I had a cigar while listening to your vulnerable and courageous ruminations, and I feel blessed. Thank you.

[@pinkenbajedi2119]

I still struggle with mixing and mastering because every time I make is different, I sometimes wish I was just doing a specific genre of music to make life easier but I would also get so bloody bored doing it that I prefer to struggle my way through each time and at least be inspired.

[@LicoriceLain]

I definitely relate to having difficulty committing to a final version, in order to move on to the next final version, ad infinitum. It is exhausting and demanding, but I am starting to find peace in accepting the final versions and not let woulda coulda shoulda weigh me down.

[@Jaimekalv]

I'm watching this as I am recording my debut album and the things you're talking about are truly ressonant with what I'm going through in the process of it all. I found a lot of comfort in knowing that it is something you can experience even still after doing it for so long that you've been going with your work! Thank you for making this video Dev! Onwards!

[@kikarias79]

Admiring your musical journey since 1994… Thank you for being you Devin. 🙌🏼🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

All the talk about mixing is very true and I fully agree with it. A hug and have a good start to the week ✨🖤✨

[@pinkenbajedi2119]

Your mixing is on another levels dude, I hope for anything approaching your level, no one is on the same page, just believe in yourself ❤

[@justinrodriguez2721]

Love u dev, keep the updates coming please

[@Sherpa_King]

While listening to this, I thought about what I learned about editing someone else's book. You aren't there to change the tone or themes or any of that stuff. You are there to fix grammar, point out inconsistencies, and make suggestions to a text, not rewrite it. As Devin talks about others trying to mix his music, it made me realize they weren't mixing FOR Devin, but for themselves. They were changing his vision rather than helping to refine it. Stick to your vision, Devin. I can't wait to see what you create.

[@henryobrien7135]

I personally love, and have always loved, the Devin "Me Show" and can't wait to hear this one

[@jaredmulconry]

I've had a frustrating work day today. Nothing creative, just doing the hard work today. Listening to this to end my work day has really helped. It's easy to forget that the frustrating parts of the process are also very important. Just like the fun, creative parts.

[@unmanifest6307]

I bear the burden of a singular vision that no one else sees. Thankfully I’ve been alone for so long that I’ve already been on the journey of self sufficiency musically. From composition to mixing to singing everything, it becomes a really difficult thing at times but we always surpass every challene

[@mincentprice1041]

Dev is an icon to me - And to hear about his struggles at the end of production is important for those of us struggling producing music at our own levels. It's like being in love. It's the best feeing and the worst feeling at the same time Cheers!!

[@Pygmyer]

After 46:44 I'm wondering if Eloy Casagrande would have been on Powernerd.

[@erorr5719]

I've loved this insight into your workflow and practices. It serves as a good reminder of the human element in music creation. Can't wait for Powernerd, The Moth or Axolotl!

[@biorythmicshifter]

The Dillinger Escape Plan would call this option paralysis…

[@confusedscreaming9727]

Man i hope we get to hear what he was about to say one day 😛

[@mojoel1]

the updates that go along with the process is fantastic. Dev's music gives us a glimpse into who Devi is at the time of recording/writing. This is like a sneak peek of that. I think it adds depth.

[@esskaygee7616]

Devy, your ramblings transcend music. Listening to you, in both words and music, helps me dearly. Your philosophies aid me in making sense of the world and life, and to a degree, myself as well. Thank you Devy, for being yourself. I might've not been to the edge quite yet, but you've helped me from ever reaching that point. It's just nice, comforting, to hear my inner ramblings realized in an outer expression. Despite being unrelated to the exact subject that occupies me. Thank you. So much. And please, don't EVER, stop being you.

[@tertiaryobjective]

Taking a song out of the ether of an idea, going from what could be, to something engraved in stone is tough.

[@Chicken_Inspector_kun]

Your videos, talks, dialogues (dare I even say your ramblings too) are always hiding nuggets of good advice as well as wisdom that can only be obtained through living life. Thanks for keeping us updated with these, allowing me this insight and view into your world and process is such a privilege. Gets me excited for the upcoming albums. And you’ve motivated me to be confidant in my own amateurish recordings and producing. You’ve been such a massive inspiration to me, I cannot thank you enough for all you have done (unbeknownst to you). I can only wish I can someday become as skilled as you are (and yes Devin, you are a great mixer and producer!! Don’t let yourself think otherwise) Keep it up friend! I’m there with you for this whole ride.

[@zlader_official4185]

This was an extremely helpful perspective I've needed to hear on mixing/mastering. I thought it crazy that I continue to mix and master my own work for awhile and almost decided to put money on someone else. But...The mix is a part of composition still. Thus, I need to better understand my composition if I'm to proceed to be a better producer/mixer/mastering engineer.

[@justinchorley9233]

I'm amazed how much I can relate to every part of this, being near the end of a project myself. Such gold all the way through. Best of luck with finishing up. Thank you for sharing - this was just what I needed.

[@toddders1427]

This is your best video! You are showing us who you are a LOT more, you have good energy and your sense of humor shines even if you thought you were Grumpystiltskin. You are an awesome dude! Do what you do.

[@DeafbyDesign]

I love your productions and mixing. I've always wondered why you seem disappointed in your end product and sound when I have always been so profoundly influenced and inspired by it! You are a hero of mine, on so many levels. You are so much more than you know, but the greatest always are! Love from Nova Scotia!

[@goodmusemusic]

I feel similar at times, so it's refreshing to hear you discuss the creative process. It's both exciting and nerve wracking. Commitment is the key word/takeaway from your video.

[@AetherworksAudio]

I fucking love Dev. That is all.

[@keyboardcarrot]

I agree 100% Dev, but mixing for me has been an absolute brutal struggle,not only that,but i find it makes me hate the songs that I created and loved in the beginning.The big question for me is Ïs it a compromise of the vision to outsource mixing?". And frankly I havent answered that to myself fully.

[@doug6threescore6]

Goddamn it Devy I clicked on the video specifically to hear you ramble,I like to hear interesting people ramble ! I grew up in eastern KY I'm a 1978 model, there was only two things I had to play with when I grew up,and one was a bass/guitar...

[@PentUpPentatonics]

Would love to hear you cover the global mixing rules of thumb you’ve learned over the years

[@stephenh.4476]

Just remember, whatever you're doing is better than bringing in shopping carts for 8 hours a day.

[@BrunoCoelho]

32:35 Devin talking about how the speakers specs and placement vs the room geometry and how the sound interacts with the back wall etc... made me wonder about this - Devin is creating the "perfect mix" under certain conditions defined by the environment where he's in BUT whoever will listen to the finished mix will hear it in a variety of different environments that will different from the "perfect environment" and in THAT environment the "perfect mix" won't work anymore... but still Devin cares because I guess he can't accept to create nothing short of his best attempt at perfection. Would love to hear him talking more in depth about this.

[@Soonopen1979]

I love you my brother. Keep pushing. Keep focusing on what you want to hear with your music. If your work on OU's latest album is any indication of your progress, I'm stoked to hear what you're doing with Power Nerd.

[@donovancox875]

The perfect visual for mixing Highly evolved compositions Would be to view a watch maker Constructing a beautiful time piece. We are doing that with our ears. Thank you for the words of perseverance brother!

[@bend5390]

So helpful, thank you! Can't wait to hear the music (and the mix)!

[@neilk4476]

It's growth bud. Sometimes frustrating but I know that I am so excited to hear the results. Thanks for sharing your struggles, it's nice to know that even someone so accomplished has those hard times too

[@richmay3929]

It is infinitely interesting that there is a composer, and the composer obeys the song. SO many levels of complexity! And the song must be obeyed or it loses its life force. And Devin is such a good listener that he tends to every nuance.

[@jackhartleyaudio]

I need to hear this so badly! Thank you for these videos!

[@Melodic_Hammond]

Take that AudioNinja725

[@Rego1974]

I also try to mix my band's shit, and never really get that sound i have in mind, so really appreciate someone like devin with such an insight on music and creation, shares his struggle with this topic. By the way, Almost again always seemed to me an imposible song to mix, balance between subtle ambient and aggression in that particular song is so important, from my point of view it was a great sonic and artistic achievement Dev :)

[@rylanscott410]

Sunday mornings are always smoother and more bearable when I have a Dev update to listen to. Thank you for offering us a peek into your world every week.

[@bariraci]

This series is genuinely amazing. Thank you for working so hard.

[@philipp_0815]

No please don't let the update end like this 😢

[@jeffreylong1478]

I’ve been studying the enneagram lately. If I had to put money on it, I’d say Dev is most likely an enneagram 4 with a wing 5. An iconoclastic artist who delves as deep into the subject that he’s interested as possible to create something unique. A vanguard scientist of the musical realm lol

[@LoveNAbove]

Spending time in the space you create/hold/ share Devin, is unbelievably grounding. Yet, there some profundity about it... Im not sure what that is. Well, it's yOu, i suppose. Thank you infinitely for... Being Here. For sharing so much, for being... Human.. with us. And thank you.. so mUCh for the music.. This may sound strange.. but sometimes when i think of when it comes time for me to leave my avatar.. one of few things that i have show up as *fear* is- a fear of not being able to hear the music of Earth that resonates so deeply with me.. that elevates my frequency so profoundly here. Devvy, your music is on a short list of specifics around this for me. Mad Gratitude for all you do, for being who you are as you are, and for being a **beautiful**, **strong** example of Human. Thank you for taking time to connect. Love~n~Hugs from Doylestown, Wisconsin

[@LuckySinghMusic]

Oh man Dev, I hope You read this. This update is 100% me. I’ve taken it upon myself to mix my record, with a day job I’ve been beating myself up over the 1st song for 3 weeks. It’s a dense mix but I have all the instruments sounding great but my heavy guitars fail me. Everything in the box on headphones but..... I’m not yet close enough to putting it on the shelf, I wish I could get a professional ear on my mix. And yeah.... whackamole on a day to day but on my head mate haha

[@BrunoCoelho]

Hearing Devin talking about how hard it is to mix his music to achieve his original vision of what his music should sound like, makes me wonder - WHO and HOW mixes his LIVE shows? Because doing a live mix must be incredibly more difficult than doing a studio mix because live, obviously, you only have 1 shot.