Mixing Skinny Puppy with Ken ‘hiwatt’ Marshall

[@thehorriblebright]

Your unbridled enthusiasm makes this video delightful to watch.

[@TheAmazingSnarf]

isn't it great? man... just visiting this channel is enough to get me into the studio for hours and hours. straight inspiration.

[@TheAmazingSnarf]

Hiya, Ken. Thanks for another awesome masterclass- for that's what this series of videos really is. In the "Ain't it Dead Yet" concert video, we see Ogre manipulating an effects processor onstage- presumably a delay for his vocal (knobs !!). When my band wanted to set up this kind of effects control (ten years later, mind you!), we were told by the house sound guy that "It just isn't possible..." we nodded, smiled, agreed with their opinion, and then set up the vocal processor as we saw fit, and ran with it anyway. Happy memories !!

[@JAYMOAP]

Skinny puppy inspired some many bands and undermined the entire industrial music scene. True pioneers.

[@TheGamingHarbinger]

Finally KZbin’s algorithm blesses me with something I didn’t know I needed. 🤓🤓🤓🧐🧐🧐

[@Exitof99]

I only just found your channel by way of suggested videos, and I am so happy to be here for this. In the mid 90s, I was doing minitours with my industrial band 99¢ Special, which I started in 91 at college. In my early days, I was using a small Realistic 4-channel mixer, something that Sam Rosenthal mentioned he had also used too in early days. I tried things like recording to Hi-Fi VCRs for what was told to me improved audio, but my fixes mixes were straight to cassette on my college roommates boombox. After dropping out to focus on music, I put all my money in to buying equipment, food came second. I'd acquire a $300 Tascam Porta-One from a DJ I knew (who later hung out with Fred Giannelli), a Peavey 12-channel mixer, and my first real keyboard being the Roland JX-3P that a friend sold along with an ART Multiverb for $200. I had been a big fan of Skinny Puppy, and it was obvious to those that heard my music. Being DIY, simply because I couldn't afford proper production, I had to learn how to make great mixes. I did the best with my small studio, but always wanted everything to sound perfect. For years, I tried acquiring things to up my game, like an ADAT, CuBase VST 32 5 (2000). I never could get what I wanted out of DAWs, so I stuck to board mixes. I finally acquired an Apollo Twin X and a bevy of plugins as well as jumped to Pro Tools after using Audition and Reaper. I'm finally able to get the sound I always wanted, but it's now 30 years later. Regardless, I keep making music, but Ministry and Skinny Puppy really pushed me to experiment with mixing, as well as making music. I always felt that the mixing engineer was another member of the band. Every song that I've heard by SP has been analyzed thoroughly in terms of production, guessing how a sound or effect is created. I've certainly aped SP to an extent, but that is art, we are inspired by some and hope to inspire others. All the best.

[@rodintoronto]

Finally, someone is using the internet for the good of mankind! Any chance we will ever get to a peak behind the curtain on Warlock, Rodent, Addiction or First Aid? Really fascinating stuff - thank you for sharing!!!

[@time4anew1]

The beauty of youTube... you think you've seen every channel that interests you, then this pops out of nowhere. Awesome!

[@mrcharlez666]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing this. I Love Skinny Puppy.

[@TheWarrrenator]

@10:19 one of things I love about latter Skinny Puppy records are all those 8-bit, Nintendo-music synth samples. It’s so great how SP aren’t afraid to retread their history because the earliest periods of kids being socialized to be soldiers would have been back in the 80’s and 90’s and violent video games.

[@nicklamontia3431]

It's so awesome that not only are you providing us with some background from our shared history, and some tips for those of us making music, but you seem to be such a genuinely nice guy, still enthused about what you do and happy to share. It's refreshing to see your enthusiasm and your positive mood. Stay chipper!

[@haujobbperfect]

So glad this channel exists! Thank you Ken! Long time SP fan so I have been listening to your work for years. I learn so much every video.

[@hiwattmarshall]

So awesome of you to say Psquare, thank you! These sessions are a total blast ;-) Cheers to you my friend! -hw

[@zanderxymox]

How far back do your archives of SP go?? I'd love to hear the thought process of mixing stuff from the Last Rights / Too Dark Park era!

[@CausaliDox]

Yup! Me too!

[@markg0410]

@Roy - Agreed. Not to disparage the more recent material, but I am all about the 'old days'.

[@EnervatedSociety]

A video on any song (preferably with vocals) on Last Rights or Too Dark Park would be epic. Two of my absolute favorite albums or all time, Last Rights being number one for me.

[@jumpingeezus5080]

Zander Xymox Do you own any of them? Pretty sure his name would be listed near Dave Ogilvie's.

[@wentzr]

Jumpin Geezus hmmm. Might want to go back and check then come back here to edit your comment :)

[@lordikcerob1168]

Great work for SP, The Tear Garden, Moev, Download ...Thank you for sharing knowledge. A great channel.

[@InvisibleASPS]

Wow. Maybe my favorite of your videos so far. Great info and a fun look back.

[@mptraven]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I know I'll be spending the evening in the studio. Literal inspiration. Thanks.

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you Michael Taylor, that just put a HUGE smile on my face my friend ;-)) Your comment is pure inspiration to keep sharing, I hope you're able to apply some of these ideas to your own productions!!! Cheers, -hw

[@stixvane]

When I bought Weapon and listened to it for the first time.... I truly felt like they got their old mojo back. Can't wait for more music....

[@jcoverpass]

Man, I grew up seeing your name on SkinPup album sleeves and now I’m in your studio with you observing your craft. The future is so much better than Ogre and Uncle Charlie made it out! Thanks for inviting us all in!

[@slowneutron6163]

You are one of my fav engineers of all time and you made Puppy sound amazing. Thank you.

[@dani3lsauce]

YES!!! it's been my favorite of this album and of many of the newer material that has come out in the last 15 years! so good!!

[@NOJUSTNOALWAYSNO]

I appreciate everything you've done here. Thank you.

[@AnthonyMetivierMMM]

Inspiring - many thanks for these deep dives into the archives!

[@joehoward2092]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@kevinmacwalters1274]

Glad to find the channel. Solid stuff, Ken. Thanks for sharing.

[@DanArmstrong_2]

such a super video ken. very cool - thanks.

[@Black_Agent_Seattle]

Wow, this is gold! We share a love of small localized edits to add a certain something special to the track. And the trick shifting multiple vocal tracks for a pseudo delay is genius! I never would have thought of that. Thank you for doing this!

[@salamandersm]

Great stories and insights into the process- thanks!

[@amusementshark]

Awesome! I could watch these all day.

[@hiwattmarshall]

That's so awesome of you to share amusementshark, THANK YOU ;-)) These sessions are so much fun, looking forward to sharing more my friend! Cheers to you! -hw

[@tonyduncan4416]

brilliant stuff yet again! i run a Facebook group dedicated to synthesizers/production/electronic music for recovering addicts/alcoholics and i always share your vids, all the guys love the tips and tricks you do! please keep doing what your doing very inspiring!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you tony duncan, what an awesome thing you're doing...THANK YOU!!!! cEvin and I have had too many discussions of the loved ones we've lost to addiction and it's aftermath. It's heartbreaking really. You're a hero Tony, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please send my special thank you to the group, and PLEASE be safe Tony, love from hiwatt ;-)

[@tonyduncan4416]

Ken Marshall thanks for the kind words I’m really just a guy that’s trying to give back the only way I know how.

[@nichttuntun3364]

tHAnK yOu sOoOoOo MuCH I enjoyed watching and listening so much and I took so many inspiration out of it. This videos also results into raising the appreciation for all that passionated work. Your video is a real inspirational eye-opener. Can't thank you enough.

[@scottmoricle4827]

appreciate your videos Ken!

[@artao5]

As always, super informative and inspiring Ken. Thanks! :D

[@yorkie_pudd]

Thanks for this, I've been listening to Skinny Puppy forever and they are the reason that I love Industrial so much. They are a massive influence with my music and having the opportunity to see some of the process like this is amazing

[@craigzinga]

I’ll be singing SP karaoke at home, such great primal therapy. Saw the Showbox show in ‘09 where you did the sound. Unreal.

[@Advadva]

This is freaking awesome, thanks for sharing, Ken!

[@drakula420_]

Probably not the only one that was surprised when something considered from the archives was from '13... and that was 6 years ago now, god i feel old. Great video none the less!!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Haha, well said Drakula 420 ;-\ These days I sometimes feel like a year old project is already in the archives my friend lmao!!! You're right...what's gonna happen when I have to go back to the 'real archives' ;-) Thanks for sharing here Drakula, I appreciate it! Be safe, -hw

[@stonejudas]

I love these videos! Your passion for your work is an inspiration. Where you talk about delaying the three sections, I like how they are panned left and right, then when the bass line kicks in it pushes even further out to the left and right, really opening up.

[@rainbowrotcod]

Oh, this song is great, this video... SO SWEET!!!! Thanks a ton, Ken!!!! I love these vids!!!!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you korqatt, I appreciate you sharing here my friend ;-)) I agree, love the old school approach to Wornin' !!! I hope you're having a spectacular Monday, cheers to you! -hw

[@kshhhhhhk]

One of the best production videos I’ve watched this year. And an excellent tune too. Props

[@Scottn9t]

Such a great song. Thank you for making these videos!

[@WORSAW666]

This was my favorite video so far from you Ken, amazing!!!!!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Your comment is pure inspiration to keep sharing WORSAW666, I SO appreciate that my friend!!! Thank you for sharing here ;-) Cheers! -hw

[@javierfish]

Love your videos man!

[@tomroehl5126]

One of the things that has always fascinated me about music in this era was how bands pushed the limits of the current technology. I'd love to hear your thoughts about how you used and/or were limited by the technology of the day!

[@caseyhulteng4309]

My two favorite SP albums - Remission and Weapon!

[@EnervatedSociety]

This is a treat, thank you Ken!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you EnervatedSociety, I appreciate that my friend ;-) I hope you're having an awesome week! Cheers, -hw

[@TristanRudatVideo]

You have such an excellent attitude and vibe!!! Great videos, awesome techniques and stellar mixes! Thank you

[@Jabbawwonky]

Ken this really was incredible. Skinny Puppy means so much to me. Dude Ima send you super awesome Conan positivity wishes to the North!!!!! 🫵🙏🙏

[@VaporwaveRick]

Thank you for the consistent HIGH QUALITY content, Ken. And no ads? Wtf? Are you some kinda alien? Peace!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you Vaporwave Rick 2021, haha, you just made me laugh out loud ;-) So awesome of you to share here Vaporwave, I appreciate it! I'm sure one day we can find more creative ways to support the channel...I fear in some instances, ads might be out of my control (but I'm working on that too haha!). I hope you're having a fantastic Monday evening, cheers! -hw

[@calabiyou]

So beautiful! Thanks!

[@NITE_SHIFTING]

Another PUPPY vid! :) GAWDAMN! Love it. Would be cool (at some point) to hear your thoughts and insights on TOO DARK PARK!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you kevin vekni!!! YES, more SP production for sure ;-) I appreciate you posting here, cheers to you! -hw

[@Dievolve]

One of my favorite new songs from one of my all time favorite bands! thanks so much for sharing this behind the scenes look! I am working on a quarantine mix right now and this is a perfect song for socially isolating! Brap On! ∞Ω∞

[@Mark_13]

Awesome breakdown of elements, track by track. I love this kind of analysis in music, esp SP. I still hear SP songs today that I've listened to 20 years ago and hear something that I've not heard before.

[@mkultra7578]

Thank you for your insight and enthusiasm, its contagious!

[@hiwattmarshall]

So awesome of you to share M Kultra, THANK YOU ;-)) I hope you can apply some of these techniques to your own productions my friend! Cheers, -hw

[@danielclarke7036]

Amazing! Keep 'em coming please :)

[@pnuematikon]

I really can't Thank You enough for this/these videos(s)! It's so incredible to see the collaborative magic behind these tracks that I love. I love the diver artifact. I'm all about using things like that. If you ever start a pay site for mixing tutorials/techniques (maybe even some instructor led classes?), I would definitely sign up!.

[@TraumaHound]

Love the channel, Ken! You're brilliant and SP is one of my all time favs!🤘🤘

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you Strumming Pear Bear, so awesome of you to share ;-)) I'm a huge fan myself, all the way back! I appreciate you sharing here Strumming Pear Bear, I hope you have a stellar week my friend!!! Cheers, -hw

[@Trig242]

We're clearly gonna need a super cut of every time you're grooving at the console, and sipping your drink. 👍 Don't worry, I'm grooving along with you After the "diver" sound hits bottom I love how the bass line just eats it up with a hearty boom in the track.

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you Craig_M, haha you just made me laugh out loud ;-) Hard not to be grooving, right?!? So awesome you hear the boom! Cheers to you my friend, -hw

[@TheRealWinsletFan]

As always, fascinating insights. Bravo sir!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you TheRealWinsletFan, I appreciate you sharing here!!! Hope you're having a great Monday, cheers ;-) -hw

[@beauslim]

I'm not into music production, but I am an old SP fan. It is really interesting to get some insight into how that unique sound is made. Thanks for sharing.

[@OKFCPrez]

So cool, thanks for taking the time to go through this track. Do you remember the old www.mp3.com site in the late 90's where musicians and bands could could promote their music? Just about every industrial musician sited Skinny Puppy as their influence.

[@sabinsx]

holy crap, this was awesome!

[@skriptico]

so hard to find tuts using music i like... this one of the rare cases... subscribed INSTANTLY :)

[@iKnowFast]

Great video, shared with a friend in Finland who, we both agree has helped with what we’re doing for our music projects. Cheer mate.

[@strik979]

Wow this helps me out so much. Thanks for this . Like a master class.

[@SplotchTheCatThing]

Interesting what you bring up about Mark Walk using percussion melodically... I remember what first got me interested Skinny Puppy were a few tracks Ogre and Mark made for a game soundtrack back in the mid-nineties. The game's publisher promoted the heck out of having Ogre involved (for probably good reason XD ), but I seem to remember one of those tracks was largely made of "tuned percussion" kinda like those clicks. Now that makes me wonder if Mark had more involvement than the marketing led us to believe, at least on that song. Love a good mystery like that. Especially when it gets deeper!

[@erichusayn]

So crazy to finally put a face with a name I've read so many times. What an age we live in....

[@Pete_Logic]

ok.. I am OFFICIALLY in blissful learning nirvana! Thank you benevolent Sensei HiWatt!!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Haha, that's so AWESOME Pete_Logic, I LOVE IT!!! I hope you're able to apply some of these techniques to your own productions my friend ;-) Thank you for sharing here, I appreciate it big time! Cheers, -hw

[@neveser]

Ken delivers as always!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you neveser ;-)) I appreciate that my friend! I hope you're having a great Monday, cheers! -hw

[@jasonandros9395]

I don’t know how to do what you do, I admire it

[@johnirish_RMLfx]

Love this! Can’t get enough Skinny Puppy!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you John Irish, haha...that should be a breakfast cereal lmao! I definitely can't get enough SP ;-)) I appreciate you sharing here John, cheers to you! -hw

[@mst5g826]

Love the SP content, would also love some Dragon Experience or Download stuff.

[@ECHQ]

Really great! Could you please make a feature on those iconic floating choirs/pads which flew through all SP records since the very first albums till today?

[@seantrottier2466]

Ken, I love your channel. It always delivers some very useful tips, and some cool insight into the minds of some of my favourite artists, and just as importantly (if not more importantly for my purposes), your experiences and massive contribution to electronic music over the years. Have you ever considered doing a Produce Like A Pro type of service? I'm sure there are some rivethead musicians/producers like me who would be all to happy to pay to get some deeper insight into your methods, and potentially to get your input/suggestions on our own works. I understand in this type of music experimentation is key, and finding your own voice is critical, but sometimes (for me, every time) your tips and techniques inspire me to go down roads I've never travelled sonically, and that's where the magic happens. Anyways, cheers from Northern Ontario, and thanks for yet another incredibly inspiring video.

[@ulusulu]

Great! Great great thank you excellent awesome

[@albertocabezas282]

Thank you very much Ken for showing us how you made this song a real killer. SP is a band I just adore.

[@hiwattmarshall]

Me too Alberto Cabezas, I mean it!!! Love the guys like family ;-)) It's a privilege to collaborate with such talented people! Ogre, cEvin, Mark and others, so much experience to draw from, incredible!!! Cheers to you my friend, be safe ;-) -hw

[@chrishelga961]

ken! love these videos! i have a topic to suggest: mixing workflow from start to finish........you mention in other videos that you add a basic rhythm first and then get the lead vocals in there early on, im curious how much your editing these sections(rhythm, vox) before adding other sections (lead, fx etc) and just general chronology on some of these projects!!! thank you!!

[@disparityband]

It's crazy how I somehow expect someone in my car to pick up on all of these awesome production details and also expect people at work in a busy and loud kitchen to also pick up these details just because I simply have faith that listening to any modern music requires your brain to pick up on this since it's really the entire basis of what makes music interesting to listen to IMO. I know there's something wrong with me because I live in a fantasy where no one I know really is picking up on this stuff but I still feel like they have....

[@Ritual_Gaze]

Have you ever done anything for The Legendary Pink Dots? They're my favorite.

[@EskildTrulsen]

Fantastic! Thanks again

[@RandyM5]

Skinny Puppy, my first love.

[@SakariKaripuro]

The vocal is impressive, as always. Album has never been my favourite, and I haven't listened to it a lot; have to check it again, now that i have some ideas on those production tricks to look for!

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you Sakari Karipuro, that's so awesome to be inspired to maybe go check it out again...SO AWESOME!! I hear you my friend, there are phases I go in and out of with projects like SP, where I have no interest in going back to any given album, until one day, BOOM, I listen to it three times haha. Know what I mean?!? I really appreciate you sharing here Sakari, thanks again! -hw

[@mattderosier9771]

Excellent video.

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you Matt Derosier, I hope you can apply an idea or two to your own music my friend! I appreciate you sharing here big time, cheers!!! -hw

[@Rotten13mgOxy]

Jim Van Bebber mentioned that he gave one of you guys the pro shot footage of the too dark park tour and the last rights one. Wondering if you guys can come to an agreement and release it for the fans. A lot of us never got to see any of that. And I'm sure it would make lots of money if put out on dvd and backed by crowd funding. I know I would dish out the cash. Please consider

[@jvl4442]

Awesome vid, please post more

[@hiwattmarshall]

Positively JvL, thank you for sharing here my friend ;-) These sessions are a total blast!!! Cheers, -hw

[@nathanexplosion743]

Damn they need to put out a new album already

[@MrHumaniac]

Please do more SP!

[@uplinkstudio]

Great video! Any chance you are gonna cover The Dragon Experience in a future video?

[@hiwattmarshall]

Absolutely Doug Bjornholm, and thank you for asking!!! That project was very fun, can't wait to share TDE ;-)) I was mentioning earlier that I'll have to dig deep for what will most likely be DVDR or CDR archives lmao! I appreciate you sharing here Doug, thanks again ;-) -hw

[@theweilfamily]

@@hiwattmarshall Extended episode? Bring in a "guest" for it maybe?!!

[@calabiyou]

I was listening to ilisit just last night.

[@alexlokanin3312]

good breakdown of the song and your process tho

[@briansparks7114]

When I first heard this song I thought I was playing an old track from a Nintendo game

[@hiwattmarshall]

Love pure tones Brian Sparks!!! I did some work in the video game business, and heard stories of how few bytes they had to work with...game audio has come a long way right?!? I do love some of those old game sounds though ;-)) Thanks for sharing here, cheers! -hw

[@Ashadowtotheworld]

Please show some of the process that goes into developing the demos into the final mix. Would love to hear how that evolution goes and the thought process behind it. Also not sure what the deal is with the copyright and what not but any chance these stems can be made available? Even if its a paid thing?

[@judasskymning4039]

My hero ❤

[@jubelbrosseau7966]

I almost didn't click like, because you had 666 likes on this video, but I was just too appreciative of the glimpse into the track so now you have 667. ;)

[@Stevil935]

You should try to convince these guys to release the stems for their songs. I'd love to remix this song.

[@TheAmazingSnarf]

that's the holy grail you're thinking of there. Remember Remix DysTemper? that record had some kind of contest involved where the contestant had access to individual files, I believe. what a luxury it must be to have isolated synth /drum / vox tracks from any of Goettel / Key / Ogre / Valcic / Walk / Western's 40 years of collective work. I can only hope that the contest is revisited someday.

[@Stevil935]

@@TheAmazingSnarf agreed. the guys should release stems for all of their collective work. I'm sure there are tons of people that would love it.

[@Maschinestorm]

Ey that Alesis board really that great? I haven't heard much puppy lately, admittedly. Aside from 'Illicit' was a cool track.

[@hiwattmarshall]

Thank you Maschinestorm, I appreciate you sharing here ;-) Absolutely nothing special about that board, other than it fits my setup like a glove! It's quite shallow in depth, and very functional. Super basic controller, and the feel of the keys would make a pianist cringe, but for my skill level, it's perfect ;-) Have you had some good experiences with controllers?!? Would love for you to share...I'm ALWAYS down to improving my setup!!! Thank again and cheers! -hw

[@Maschinestorm]

Ken Marshall Well, since you mentioned it and all. Everyone has a preference, some dig the big studiologic stuff. Some M-Audio Axiom/Keystation. Some use a JD-800. The Roli seems fun, not sure practical though still worth a look. Akai makes a semi-popular board. My KeyLab49 was a very solid feeling chassis yet keys felt lack luster, also the usb jack broke on mine. I was considering a Blofeld but kinda pricey. Big fan of the Novation REmote SL series and the XY controller. I’m on my 2nd CME UF controller (legacy) love the cyber / Industrial design and keybed. Lots switched to the new Prophet for the Omnisphere integration update. E-mu’s Xboard was decent kit. Might be a cool video idea. Cheers.

[@johnvdb5015]

The drums remind me of maniac shuffle from the dragon experience, but heavier.

[@pierrealexandre1704]

Drums sound like 'smothered hope'

[@graysonwilson-cacciapalle7989]

I thought I read Snarky Puppy, and thought the electronic intro was an interesting direction to take for them, but I realized my mistake when the vocals came in lol

[@joegrisso]

Interesting that you wear a ground strap pretty much every time you're at your desk. Is the room that highly charged?

[@TheAmazingSnarf]

winter provides for low moisture, high-static environment from outside to inside. I bet there's a nice rubber mat at his door, and under his entire work surface, as well.

[@joegrisso]

@@TheAmazingSnarf I can definitely relate with that - down in the greater Seattle area we have similar weather, but I've never really bothered with a grounding strap outside of the engineering lab. Cool idea, though!

[@russell_szabados]

Hey Ken, thanks for this insight into one of my favorite SP tracks. Btw, what kind of diffusers are those on the back wall behind your mix position? Edit: I just watched your "Treating Room Acoustics" video and found the answer. Thanks!

[@kaboozle]

Another awesome video! And I like how you don’t take all the credit but keep emphasizing the collaborative effort that goes into these tracks. Kudos!!!