Maynard James Keenan Vocal Analysis - Vicarious - Tool - Isolated VOX - Singing & Production Tips

[@ScottDincorn]

I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but damn I would have love to hear the belting at the end. Any reason why you didn't finish the song?

[@chrisliepe]

Ya know, I probably could have said something about it in the video... The ending (the version of isolated recordings I had) sounded SO full of artifacts, it was too difficult to discern what was actually there from a production point of view.

[@ScottDincorn]

@@chrisliepe No problem! It just caught me off guard, I was getting all giddy waiting for the end, haha. Thanks for all the great videos.

[@figueroa9425]

Ya I was excited to hear the ending

[@adelphis]

Yeah, same here, that’s the pinnacle of the song. We need an extended version, artifacts and all!

[@sithlordpc]

So at the beginning he’s doing that talking part to simulate a tv or radio news broadcast about the subject, cause it’s about us living vicariously through the bad news etc.

[@benmacdhui]

Cheers Chris! Maynard James Keenan is, without question, my favourite modern day vocalist. Layne Staley & Chris Cornell are next (RIP)

[@NeXusZT]

I have been waiting for this for what feels like a lifetime. Thanks so much for this Chris!

[@chrisliepe]

You're so welcome!

[@TheLittleMJPuppet]

Wow; didn’t know Maynard himself would create a KZbin channel and do this video himself!

[@chrisliepe]

Haha... It's just the baldness :)

[@Parrish_Muhoberac]

HAHAHA I already did. Check out my acoustic version so we can all put this same ending question to rest.

[@Sense_of_Insight]

Chris you have just been nailing it with your content lately this has been one of my favorite KZbin rabbit holes I've fallen down. So excited to see a breakdown on Maynard's vocals on this song especially!

[@chrisliepe]

Glad you're enjoying!!

[@sariabuladel7665]

This is pure gold. Thank you so much for the in-depth analysis. And Joe Barresi, the guy who mixed this, is a genius obviously.

[@acaroz6110]

certanly

[@MyNameAkhim]

I didn’t expect one for Maynard but I’m totally watching it! The breakdown of some of the production is super helpful too for us musicians who are trying to record stuff

[@chrisliepe]

Oh he's so good!

[@fightinandirish]

Definitely can't wait to try out some of this stuff myself!

[@V123cav]

This is so interesting to watch, never knew how much went into just one song, gives me a whole new outlook on music in general. Thanks for doing Maynard as well, I love TOOL more than anything.

[@Steampunkguitars]

So cool. I did not realize how many things were going on with these vocal recordings. Thank you for doing this.

[@chrisliepe]

My pleasure!

[@fuzzybits410]

Maynard. King of Whisper Screaming.

[@flataffect]

Awesome that you got these tracks! Maynards voice is so diverse as is and they really take it to the next level with their production

[@s.kanessuperbiatv6464]

I'm so grateful you've been doing production breakdowns in the last year. They help show off the singer's creativity, as well as pointing out that everyone's favorite singers don't sound fantastic by singing a single dry take into the song; there's a huge dimension brought in from harmonies, effects, panning and doubling to help make the sound more powerful or engaging. It takes so many singers forever to realize that there's nothing wrong with using effects; it's not cheating, your favorite singers use them, and if the average guitarist gets a pedalboard, how is this any different?

[@chrisliepe]

EXACTLY!! I love doing the production stuff... The best singers in the world had great production. Look at Michael Jackson!! some of the most produced vocals of all time... And some of the most amazing performances still!

[@liquidsolids9415]

Thanks! This was awesome. I love how you translate different vocal sounds directly into actual singing techniques. The analysis of the delay and reverb automation was also very instructive. Well done! See you for more!

[@LucasZeb]

I really don't know anything about singing, music theory, or music production, but this is still widely entertaining, plus tool.

[@cryoshakespeare4465]

Dude, this was awesome! Really interested to watch more of these, very informative and enjoyable

[@samchoate1719]

Chris I absolutely love this channel. I’m a guitar player, producer, singer, and more and juggling all these things can make one feel like a Jack of all trades. Well with you, I don’t have to feel like that at all! I’m on my way to having just as much skill and diversity in my voice as I’ve worked so hard to have on guitar. I just haven’t know how to cultivate it before finding your videos! I’ve only ever been taught the basics of singing and how to make it pretty. You teach character and emotion too. Thank you so much. This is so valuable.

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks for this awesome comment! I'm so glad you've felt freed and empowered by my work! Keep going man!

[@nikyt36]

I love the little wobble in Maynard’s voice too.

[@dwood1997]

I've never listened to this without the instrumental. Dudes got a killer voice and an insane talent, and that opening line just sent chills down my spine

[@shady1535]

Tool is my personal favorite band or music group of all time so this is neat

[@julianmirano5001]

What I’ve always loved is how different his voice sounds on the next track, Jambi. It just opens up.

[@cdm410]

Awesome video man! Hadn’t realize how much was going on.

[@kyleshanehorner6319]

You pulled a true Maynard there by not doing the ending (he doesn't sing it live). I would have loved to learn what he is doing there as a singer and how I can replicate it. Great video.

[@Monkeguitar]

I was really waiting for that, 🥲 still great video.

[@j.r.v.p_14]

I wish they released some more of Maynard isolated vocals. I k ow they only did this for guitar hero, but still, such an amazing singer. Plus, he still sounds GREAT for being 57

[@chrisliepe]

I agree... His voice continues to be amazing and youthful sounding!

[@ThePhunkyPharaoh]

This is amazing man. Singing analysis AND mixing analysis?! Easiest sub of my life!

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks so much for the sub!

[@mattrobertstpt]

This channel continues to blow my mind. Thank you so much Chris! Love from the UK ❤️

[@chrisliepe]

So glad you like :)

[@Lanura566]

One of the very first songs I ever heard by tool And my favorite song by them ever

[@jacklynland3109]

This is awesome because this is my favorite tool song of all time!

[@tomtommerson6320]

I appreciate this a lot more than the dozen vids of "Oh Wow" "Oh jeez"

[@increase9896]

tool fan here... stumbled upon this video and of course checked it out because, tool. holy shit man, you can sing ur ass off. subbed, hope for more tool!

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks for the sub!

[@mariusabel5787]

i love your way incorporating the advices into the voices that you make :)

[@justmakingthistoreply5085]

You should do the Salival Pushit Live. His voice was amazing in it

[@jamessuraciart]

Can you do one of these with Rosetta Stoned?

[@Spriterom]

I am a big fan of Chris and Tool. Thank you.

[@DE_Razor_Shaving]

Wow man! I was JUST looking for isolated vocals for TooL today, was looking for the song Ænema but found Vicarious instead, then you post your vid, awesome! 😁👍🏼

[@QuentinDamour]

Wow thank's Chris, love the analysis, gives me so many ideas production wise. Funny you cover this, I just used the effect of "Reflection" from lateralus album as an inspiration into my latest song that's coming out tomorrow !

[@vl292]

Wow! Did not realize there was so much stuff and ideas to steal from. This was enlightening video, thank you!!

[@mandalaygray6917]

Wow listening to this gave me goosebumps, I kind of wish there was a whole song of just Maynard that I could find somewhere

[@SheddysGaming]

Maynard is my favorite but here's a polite nudge for a pete murray deep dive. No pressure, can't wait to watch this when I get home ❤️😊

[@chrise13]

I saw this song performed live a few years ago in St. Paul, MN. During the peak of the song "Vicariously Iiiiiiiii.... 7:26" I got goosebumps on my soul, and legit had an out of body experience. I've seen A LOT of great shows. But that was a different level. Music Saves.

[@jamessuraciart]

He actually sang that part when you saw them? Lucky bastard. Normally he doesn't, he holds the mic out and expects the crowd to sing the part instead.

[@LordWarcrown]

I was at that show, missed most of it because of so much dope in the air I had to step out...

[@jamessuraciart]

@@LordWarcrown Dope? People were smoking meth at a Tool show? Damn. Usually concerts smell like weed. Never thought Tool had Tweaker fans....

[@MetalliBucket]

Can’t believe you got ahold of these Chris. Fuck yes! Love any analysis on MJK.

[@chrisliepe]

Wish they were a bit less full of artifacts... but ya pretty cool!

[@spirefactsyt5559]

I was truly expecting The Pot, not Vicarious, for a TOOL review. James Keenan is such a beast, man...

[@chrisliepe]

Couldn't find a good isolated version of The Pot... otherwise, I totally would have

[@JeremyNeal]

Glad I found this channel . As a singer myself it’s very interesting stuff !

[@sshaxy860]

Bro you’re helping me discover voices I didn’t know I had

[@chrismitchell523]

The intro "pre-delay" is actually tape print-through as an effect, not a separate trick. Evil Joe talks about it specifically on a podcast relative to The Pot, but mentions they used it in other places on the record as well.

[@chrisliepe]

nice

[@xDavJonathanx]

Interesting but discouraging fun fact: In the 90's I had one of those insertable cd players for my car, only the wiring was all fucked up. And when it was acting up, It would only play certain tracks of a recording (in example, for the album 3 dolla bill yall, we would only hear the guitar and drums) so we tried this with Aenima and we we're shocked to hear when Maynard Screams "Goodbye" in Eulogy, It was actually spliced in with 2 different takes that faded into one another. In short, He couldn't do that long of a scream, even in the studio.

[@chrisliepe]

Haha... I find that Encouraging! Comping/splicing is real and neat that he was able to invoke that emotion and at the same time, he is actually a mere mortal and not simply a god. haha. Means I could do that too !!

[@matthoward598]

This is literally impossible.

[@xDavJonathanx]

@@matthoward598 even with the VERY little studio knowledge I have, I know for a fact it is not. That’s first level, 101 type stuff man. Come on.

[@xaza5625]

ANOTHER MAYNARD VIDEO LETS GOOOOO

[@Spladoinkal]

The "Why can't we just admit it?" part I've never isolated and never realized it arc'd like that! It gets buried in the drums and guitar.

[@withmygoodeyeclosed]

I think he uses a similar "whisper scream" in Puscifer's "Apocalyptical" although less aggressive, it's very cool.

[@LAlves91]

Hi Chris! These isolated vocals videos are PURE GOLD! It's helping me a lot with my home recordings (I do it for fun, but it's great to learn more professional skills on it!) I have a request: can you do a video with the isolated vocals of Duality by Slipknot? I'd love to hear your analysis on it! Thank you!

[@jamiegunn]

Very cool isolated vocal video, with so much more in production and singing quite beneficial.

[@lindakartz]

You are amazing!!) Thank you so much for your videos!!! Good luck 👍😉

[@DannySaiz]

Why do you not cover the last bit? His last 3 lines are literally the best part of this song. An amazing ending. I get it if you’re shy about hitting that range. I don’t think even Maynard has been able to do this live. But at least talk about it.

[@chrisliepe]

Follow the link in the end screen video :)

[@DannySaiz]

@@chrisliepe god bless you.

[@michaelpekk9581]

It’d be so cool if you did Chad Gray next from Mudvayne. The last couple videos you’ve done have been on my influencers. I enjoy everything you do Chris.

[@Tephomab]

I'm working on mixing a very Maynard-ish vocalist right now, and I was kinda stuck. This is super helpful! Thank you!

[@DaveGannon04201988]

Those verse 2 harmonies sound cool.. the melodies remind me of the guitar melody in the interlude/bridge later in the song

[@muhiminmartuzapulok8083]

I would love if you do something on Opeth's Mikael Åkerfeldt. I am not sure if you have checked him or not. He has got a unique way of sound and singing. Both on cleans and screams.

[@Contrapulator]

That would be sick. In the meantime, Eyal Levi's video on Heir Apparent's raw multi-tracks is pretty great. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5O3fIxuYtGgrdE

[@p.c.principal7324]

0 thumbs down, my favorite song, my favorite band, my favorite singer, my favorite singing KZbin. Feels like birthda

[@chrisliepe]

Love it! Thanks for watching and liking!!

[@giraldomedia]

Do more maynard videos please!

[@b4i4getjr]

Great detailed breakdown/explanation.

[@Paprikajlo]

"If I bring up the saturation like this, someone dies." 🤣

[@رزيئة]

Can you make a video about his angsty singing in Sober? I want to learn that. Thank you for your hard work and your deep dive into things, it's very informative and entertaining!

[@chrisliepe]

Great suggestion!

[@dan.j.boydzkreationz]

The talking is a reference to Lost Keys, later on the album, similar to Dark Side of the Moon

[@Honster6]

I would love to see analyze like this to "fear inoculum" song. Its my favourite song in terms how Maynard sounds

[@NcedoWabantu]

Somewhat unrelated to the video, just wanted to say thank you for your work. I started screaming about a year ago using your technique and since then I've been able to develop different styles (like in Vicarious) all on my own. You're doing amazing work!

[@MetridiumMoose]

I’m liking this video before I even watch it because I know it’s going to be rad 🤙🏻

[@chrisliepe]

Oh it IS... Maynard is ALWAYS RAD

[@JuicySommelier]

Maynard still has it but he’s not angry and bitter about those things anymore so it’s hard to deliver the business truthfully and make you feel it. If he can’t take you there he’ll step back. Bad news is better than false hope.

[@cncshep]

As usual excellent video I love em I constantly learn new shit from u thank you again brother

[@jarltrippin]

Maynard is a solid contender for best live rock vocalist of the 90s. He's good now but the man was an absolute monster back then.

[@residuex]

Maynard still is one of the best live vocalists. However, he doesnt really sing as gritty as he used to. Just listen to Stinkfist. Also, out of the 4 Tool shows I have been to, he belted out the last "Vicariously I....." only once. He held the mic into the crowd instead. Pretty sure that part is super difficult to pull off live. And hey, he is almost 60 now. Lets just cut him some slack...LOL.

[@austinummel6367]

@@residuex That part you are talking about ... I witnessed live in Kansas City ... In 19' Maynard CAN definitely do it... Maybe not to his 90s fortà but, just because he doesn't do it doesn't mean he can't... Of course ...

[@kevinwoolrich1326]

He’s a better singer now than he was. Not sure why people think he was better 20 years ago just because he could yell and scream.

[@jarltrippin]

@@kevinwoolrich1326 Because his vocals, especially harsh vocals, are in a league of their own and he generally had more power in his voice back then. The fact that he could scream so well is a big part of what made his voice so dynamic and engaging. Besides, one of my all time favourite live vocal performances is the alternate version of Pushit, and not for its harsh vocals but its clean ones. I'm not too sure he could pull that song off now. His voice is beautiful now of course but it was just better back then. That's just what age and vocal abuse does to someone. Though I will admit I do actually prefer his modern live vocals on Ænema. He sounds even more fed up of the world and it's hilarious.

[@residuex]

@@austinummel6367 I witnessed that once as well. He can do it, I am guessing it depends on how fresh he is, Tour duration and fatigue.

[@Soljarag5]

Great video... I learned a lot!

[@chrisliepe]

Glad to hear it!

[@ja5304]

Awesome breakdown! Man I hope you do another one of these with a song from the new album.

[@ractorstudios]

Amazing how many mixing and tracking tips you can get from just this alone.

[@chrisliepe]

Right?!

[@LordofSyn]

That's partially why Maynard performs behind the other Tool members. He is one of the instruments but more importantly, he needs that space to get into the Pathos of the song.

[@rockandroy1761]

gracias por todo Chris!!!

[@robertsutter4690]

Another way to get that effect at the end is to automate the hold or freeze button that are on some delays. I think for instance Logic Pro has a freeze button on their tape delay.

[@anthonygiambusso2652]

This is maybe the fastest I’ve ever clicked play on a video

[@JesseSteel]

To sound like or close to Maynard I need an engineer to tweek my vocals, add echos, highs, lows, rasp, wide and squeeze, artifacts, reverse 🔄 variously throughout the track.. *take notes 📝

[@dprob1985]

That's why opiate and undertow are my fav albums of all time. Raw tool.

[@sciexp]

Thanks for sharing this, man. A lot of tricks...

[@chrisliepe]

You bet!

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Thanks Chris.

[@originalvonster]

Thanks for the production ear training

[@NikWicker]

Have you heard of a band called Tesseract? Would love to hear some insight on the vocals! The singer has an amazing voice! Thanks for this Maynard video as well!

[@chrisliepe]

Oh... Just you wait :)

[@ryukan250]

Dan Tompkins or Ashe? Both have some awesome contributions to Tesseract but i'd pick a song with Dan (Hexes, Seven Names)

[@NikWicker]

@@ryukan250 Phoenix live at Jagermeister Studios is amazing as well!

[@dsimpsonbeck]

This is great. I wonder if the spoken track of "killed by the husband" etc is actually Danny Carey. It sounds more like his voice than MJK's spoken voice.

[@Mattskito529]

I think for the talky delay part in the back for the lyrics "Killed by the husband, drowned by the ocean, shot by his own son" it sounds to me like a tv news anchor reporting on these stories. Maybe that's what he was going for! Could be wrong. Thanks for this Chris! Do Jambi next!!

[@austinummel6367]

That's what I thought!!!! As a kid, which I grew up with this, but I heard those talking parts and I ALWAYS thought I was alone. Interesting!!!!

[@austinummel6367]

This honestly seems to be the " Logical" thing ... I suppose logical anyway ...

[@kevinwoolrich1326]

Yes, that’s clearly what it’s supposed to be.

[@behulls]

Amazing work man! It's like you're reading my mind with every artist that you're touching on. I'm a huge Maynard fan. How exactly do you go about isolating the vocals like this???

[@veRGe02]

More Tool and System of a Down! This was great.

[@chrisliepe]

oh ya, more system of a down... I agree!

[@austinburdick5861]

You should do one on eulogy or pushit 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@Rambosa19]

MJK is one of my favorite singers along with Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Corey Taylor

[@clear_gray_sky539]

Tool 💜

[@pullthereins]

Awesome analyzation.

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks!

[@franciscodanconia3551]

This is exciting. Gotta get home from work before I watch, so 30ish more minutes. I can pretend to be patient for 30 minutes. I pretended to be patient from the release of 10,000 Days until Fear Inoculum, so 30 minutes should be possible.

[@chrisliepe]

haha... You can do it (or at least pretend to)

[@franciscodanconia3551]

@@chrisliepe as with Fear Inoculum, it was worth the wait.

[@nicklane6473]

That reverb reverse thing you speak of is ghostly. Believe it was used for ghost voices in 13 ghosts or some shit like that. I feel like I hear a similar reverb reverse thing on snare drum track for Def Leppard's photograph. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong. I have never messed with this kind of stuff. Pretty cool content,here,sir.👍

[@Rambosa19]

The "Why can't we just admit it" part kinda has a Micheal Jackson vibe

[@robertolepe1816]

Greetings. My name is Roberto Lepe. I noticed we have similar last names. Crazy!

[@jesseg.3371]

So interesting man i love it

[@seanbusch9074]

So cool,man. You said there's so much hi end that comes from his vocals because of that rasp he uses (false cords) so, is that because using your false cords helps bring out more head resonance ? I only ask because i feel more head resonance when i use even a slight amount of it. Also, Do a Gilmour one one day ! I'm telling you he is such an underrated singer because he is the best guitarist but he sings all the solos he plays on guitar while playing guitar and is sooo musical in his singing and melodies. Anyway , thanks for all to do!

[@philippebedroom4665]

Awesome

[@stevenmontano5154]

I recommend an analysis on The Thin Line by Queensryche. Lot of subtle stuff there.

[@longjohnsonshagwell3377]

"I own the tv, cos tragedy thrills me" LMAO

[@longjohnsonshagwell3377]

@Akshay De i know?

[@jeremyrutledge8378]

His delivery makes it sound like he's saying "I own the TV". Easy mistake to make.

[@jezplaisance]

Bi curiously I live while the whole world dies.

[@longjohnsonshagwell3377]

@@jezplaisance the best

[@Tigerprincess-q4e]

Ive loved tool ever since I was in high school but I have no idea why they scare me at the same time as much as I love them very very mystifying band thanks for covering!

[@Iirandomizexx]

This is incredible Chris as was the my own summer one. So much I never knew about 2 of my favourite songs vocally. Are you purchasing the isolated tracks from somewhere or have you just got some impeccably good izotope RX 8 rebalance type plugin?

[@chrisliepe]

This one was from Guitar Hero, AND RX8, but the RX8 did a lousy job... hence the artifacts... and all the ambience in the track doesn't make it easy. That's why I didn't do the end. It just didn't translate well.

[@craigiscanadian]

Sweet, I've wanted to know how that reverse reverb sound is done. Thank you!