Week 3: making and releasing 50+ songs in 1 year

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks for watching! If you wanna follow me on Spotify you can do that right here: hypeddit.com/nathanjameslarsen/songcollectionytprod As I edited this video I could not help but feel like "Wow, I was having a bad week and feel like I'm coming across REALLY negative" ... and I had this strong temptation to edit it to show a "better" version of myself. To try to show you that maybe I handled things better than I really did... but I chose to take the "harder" path of just trying to be honest. I honestly hated seeing how I responded to some things... I hated seeing how I was kind of frustrated a lot of the week. I hated seeing how I was getting dragged down by things. But... I also realized that what I was experiencing is very ... human. And I'm definitely NOT perfect. I'm a regular human... and some weeks kind of just really suck. This last week really felt so hard in a lot of ways, but ultimately... now, as I type this... I am thankful that I can be honest about my imperfections to show a real and honest week that kind of went poorly in a lot of ways. Because I know I'm not the only one who has bad days... or bad weeks. And I still did push through it and found ways to persevere. I hope that you can be encouraged by this episode and I also hope that the poor ways I responded to things don't come across as whining or complaining. I was just having some real emotions. That's all.

[@DNeil5]

No apologies needed! Your dealing with the same thing most of us deal with. Plus, your doing music videos. Pretty awesome man!!

[@majorwaveproductions]

Completely normal to have bad days or weeks, it's because of those times that there can be great days and weeks.

[@bulletmagnet5044]

When’s legends are not made coming out

[@Rayfooproductions]

Music is suppose to be fun .... don't let it burn you out

[@christopherjansen5135]

So glad you are sharing what normal cycles in life (family, health, motivation, etc.) look like. Nothing wrong with having moments where inspiration & motivation are elusive. You are sharing the ups & downs. We all cope. My day always starts (without fail) around 5am. I sit upstairs in my music suite and zone into prayer and thankful reflection - and this literally makes all the difference in the world. Life is so much easier.😊

[@curtisguyer3917]

I second this. Life throws curve balls at us every week. I know it’s not easy, but you’re an inspiration to all of us

[@justingambino2186]

in a world on youtube and online where every video shows how "effortless" music making is.. the value that this vlog brings is incredible. Showing that not everyday is a creative and "amazing" day that we try to force out or else you get the feeling as a creative that you are lazy or just bad. These days, weeks, months happen. Appreciate your commitment to this series this year.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Totally agree. We are living in a world where social media makes people think the creative job is not what it really is. Yes - bad days happen... heck, bad WEEKS happen. But ... incredible days and weeks happen too ... and it's a crazy balance of dealing with the really high highs and really low lows.

[@justingambino2186]

@@NathanJamesLarsen exactly man! Well I just hope you know how inspiring you are with this vlog series.. it has me questioning everything and opening my eyes to how much time I waste daily etc.

[@bonjuvi05]

I don't even notice time when I watch your episodes. Oh, that feeling of being stuck is so familiar. I get everything ready, everything set up to work on something and then BOOM. This thing happens, whatever it is. Total absence of creativity. Take a breather, oh yeah. But, what causes such dump, no clue. Thank you so much, I really like my 2024 Mondays with Nathan.

[@AlexDMast]

same tho

[@MsMay32]

love how you took a break from all the work to relax and have fun with the music! that is exactly what we should do when it feels like too much and/or we feel low/stuck/discomfort. the trouble with the sound is exactly what happens to me - I will get stuck, frustrated, try to get help, etc. and it takes so much time, UGH.

[@Jermaine4545]

Every now and then I run into a music artist/producer on KZbin whose filming the process of making music and or their life. I really appreciate these artists because it inspires me to do the same but the anxiety always take over and I never do it. I made a commitment to get started this year, so watching artists like you give me the courage. Thanks for sharing your perspective.💯👌

[@eliguitar6618]

Loving this series! I will be watching every single video in this series. Love your work man!❤

[@ahashtaghope]

Hi Nathan, I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry you had a rough week but your honesty about it has helped me so much. In the past, you've always looked like you're flying and super productive all the time, knowing exactly what you need to do and getting it done at super speed - and in all honesty I've, probably unwisely, compared myself to that and definitely been found wanting. To see that I'm not alone in my struggles and challenges is a big blessing. I hope you feel lots better soon, and that Ruby has a speedy recovery from her op

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

For sure - there are definitely those days I feel "invincible" LOL but there's that balance and yeaaaah those rough days and weeks inevitably are right around the corner waiting for me. My daughters surgery went well and she's doing great

[@MasterSongStudiosReal]

Honestly, it's encouraging to see that even an experienced and skilled as you still has days where nothing happens. I mean, I'm not happy to see you suffering, but I'm happy to see you struggle through, if you know what I mean. Good luck with everything!

[@kjabsdfkjta]

this series is great, so authentic and real. Appreciate you sharing your process with us

[@ephtrackx]

Great story to illustrate that life is not a straight line, but a series of ups and downs. Stay strong and continue doing this inspiring great work.

[@DJPastaYaY]

Really nice to see the creative process at work, especially when creativity is running low. Sometimes there are moments like that 🙂

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Indeed there are - happens to everyone

[@shan5445]

Good to see you working your way through days where motivation is lacking but doing it anyway. It's easy to watch something on you tube get distracted and lose sense of time. You kept at it no matter how you feel.

[@zabegrace]

Nathan. Every single time you show clips of you working on Risen (?), I get tears - I cannot WAIT for you to drop that album! Ik that this docuseries is a huge commitment, but it's an incredible gift for us - thank you 🙏

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Awww man thanks so much - can't wait to put this out to the world. So much work to do still.

[@alfonsowest]

I'm diggin it brother. I'm watching and staying motivated. This really helps to show how real life circumstances are intertwined with making music. let's keeping rocking it brother!

[@alfonsowest]

Also my wife just subscribed. This shows her what I go through, brings understanding and appreciation.

[@patrickg9649]

That feeling of a lack of passion for playing or producing music I am all too familiar with. For me I just give up for days or weeks when that happens, you obviously can't though since it's your job. (lots of coffee and power through it for you) But I've been enjoying watching your process the last couple of weeks Nathan, and I hope this new content approach pays off for you. I keep seeing your monthly listeners on Spotify keep going up, so that's great and well deserved. Also the one hymn in this video, Crucified my Lord, brings back some good memories of Easter time in church 20+ years ago when I was a kid. I'm looking forward to your hymns album!

[@thebackpackengineer]

I really appreciate you sharing this part of the process. It's a reminder that not everyday will go as planned and we still need to show up regardless. That's what being a professional craftsperson is. Discipline over feelings (I learned that one from Tommy Zee). Thank you once again. You're an inspiration

[@DamianLuber]

Nathan even while you're sick you did great vocals man. 👍🔥

[@richiejackson9321]

Reality bites sometimes, and I’m glad that you shared it in this “bubble gum pop, everything is awesome” social media platform. Glad to hear things are going well with your kiddo. The way you built out that second verse reminded me of a vocal stack from The Dear Hunter. Not sure if you’re familiar with them, but Casey Crescenzo is a musical mastermind. Maybe start with the Migrant album if you’ve not heard. I really like their more recent album Antimai, but I digress. Going to be recording some vocals tomorrow night, so it was good to see your process. I’ve gotta do it by myself, so it’s fairly similar. Hoping and praying I don’t have mic issues 🙊 Looking forward to next week, and hope you get a bit more pep in your step. Take care, and I’m praying for a speedy recovery for you. 💪🏻

[@CamiloOchoa7]

Thanks so much for your inspiration brother, I have three girls at home excluding my wife and I totally understand the frustration sometimes longing for time to submerge my self with my music without neglecting the family….. it is really difficult thing to do…..

[@richardgharrod]

Really enjoying the series so far - keep up the good work!

[@joobastudio]

Thanks for sharing this beatiful journey again !

[@kapuchinator]

Cool, I wish you success with your goal. It's very motivating, I've taken your fire and passion and now I feel more confident in my path. Thank you man.

[@narukera8965]

This was working as a podcast. I didn't watch this, listening only. Best episode so far.

[@bobgross3183]

Keep up the good work and keep that perseverance going, Nathan be strong!!

[@DNeil5]

Beautiful piano playing! Like listening to you improvise..

[@DjRosG]

Thanks for sharing this personal part of your professional life. All your thoughts are things I go through alone too and it’s nice to see I’m not the only one sometimes. I followed you on Spotify and really dig your music! Thanks again

[@peterelfman]

I love how producing good music excites you. I think that should be normalized. Great stuff, and I hope you got better over the weekend! I wish your daughter a speedy recovery!

[@Statictothesoundmusic]

I have been loving this series so much. All of your projects sound phenomenal right now. Legends are not made is such a sick song. If I had one area of feedback on it though (which I know is not what you’re asking for 😂) it would be that in the chorus when you say Legends are not made… and then the next line says, “they’re MADE through desire”. It’s picky but maybe you could say, they’re built through desire or formed through desire. Formed may not sound as good since you say forged through the fire before that. Anyways, just a thought! I know it’s a pain to go back and re-record vocals but it just kept sticking out to me during the chorus that you say they aren’t made but then they are made. Either way, such a sick song. Can’t wait for next week’s video.

[@harshsuniltrivedi8284]

Damn! This is inspiring!!! Go on Nathan!

[@DNeil5]

Wishing the sugery will go well. Thanks for sharing so much and being so suportive to all us producers and producer wannabees....I know, spelling....Keep it going...

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks ❤️ surgery went great and she's doing wonderfully

[@kevinsmoore1172]

Last week was very stressful, what with your daughters surgery and, as a fellow Lincolnite the weather was horrific…don’t beat yourself up…The new song idea should be the love of your family and how you survive weeks like that through them.

[@trumpetbart215]

I’ve learned so much from your videos, and this new series is just so enjoyable and inspiring - your honest sharing is really helpful and only brings us deeper into the process. Thanks for making me look forward to Mondays 😂 PS - hope all is well with the kiddo.

[@ThreeDeeMusicStudios]

Nathan... am really enjoying this... I can't imagine the time commitment for a year... you go dude. Do you by chance talk out loud to yourself without the camera on or do you have to remind yourself to let us in? It that a chore? I'm liking "Legends"!!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

I actually have to work pretty hard to make sure im talking when i work. Normally it's like dead quiet when i work and im not talking - just get in the zone. So that has taken effort.

[@galvanizingtechniques1111]

Man i can relate to that flustation when those obstacles come they can be very agitating hang in there. Hey Nathan is there a gate on your microphone to keep the noise and feeback from affecting your vocal performance, i noticed you record without any booth.

[@stevescooking]

Nathan, I’ll be getting a Mac Studio this week. Question is….how do I transfer all my sample libraries and plugins from external ssd’s to the new computer? I have a iMac m1 Many thanks Steve

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Every sound library has its own way of doing it - best thing is just google how to relocate the libraries for each brand. It's not hard. Just need to reinstall the plugins and then redirect them to your exrernal SSD

[@stevescooking]

@@NathanJamesLarsen Thank you

[@MombaFam]

Hi, Nathan James Larsen love your video

[@godzfurycinematic]

Yeah Nathan... It's ok. What I do is don't get too high and too low emotionally. Great move on handling the toilet leak when you did this way you maintain productivity. I place productivity as high as creativity. Regardless of my creativity, I am always productive.

[@musiclore]

Love the Hymns project so far, and fascinating videos!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks a bunch! That album comes out March 29 - so keep an eye out - I'll obviously share about it more as it gets closer.

[@ChrisCrusier]

Legends are not made sounds amazing. So excited can’t wait to hear it in its entirety. In the meantime I’m just repeating this video lol

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Love that!! I can't wait to finish it this week!

[@rmp3yt]

i have a suggestion, what if you show texts or bucket list for the week and like check them if it's done. i know this will be an additional work. this is just an idea, you might read this or not, do this or wont.

[@stevescooking]

Great video as always buddy. Everything happens for a reason, sometimes for the better…example….mic change. Get well and push on 👍🏻

[@AliaWayfer]

Hey I really like this video. Did you mix the song before the vocals? I’m trying to get the steps down

[@AlexDMast]

so pumped for the Hymns project!!!!! whens it coming out?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Thanks a bunch! It comes out on March 29th!

[@deyvidpetromusic]

You reminded of Eeyore all the way through that session haha. Seriously you see the weight on your shoulders though. It does affect your mood and your ability to create, even when things sound good it just doesn't feel or sound great. Give it a few days your perspective will change. I have many days like that.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yup I definitely hated watching myself in this episode. But ... it's real. This week is already off to a better start

[@deyvidpetromusic]

@@NathanJamesLarsen looking forward to it. It is a great insight, shows you are human you know...

[@isaacdynys6518]

watching Nathan get up early and be productive while I'm laying in bed watching this video

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

lol!

[@davidvasquez6909]

so love these vid's. That session with the violinist, Would live to see exactly how you did that. Was that you recording him on like a zoom call?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yeah, so the sessions are via Zoom. I reecorded it on my own - so what you see is my screen recording not the actual zoom recording if that makes sense.

[@kingaibu2075]

Impressive vocal boutin’ 🤘🏽

[@sourcefor]

This stuff is great, How did you get the Audio into your session from the Viola? Thanks!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

I have to route the audio a kind of weird way to make it work... a bit hard to explain in a comment. Basically create a Multi-Output and use an audio drive (I use iShowU Instant's driver) which then basically turns the computer output into a "virtual mic"... sorry it's not the easiest thing in the world to figure out and hard to articulate in a comment.

[@NikadaNK]

Love this series so much

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

❤️❤️🤟🤟

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Overanalyzing our emotions and every move we make is exactly what writers block looks like. This is a exactly what we`re seeing here. Stop judging your ideas, stop evaluating your emotions. Just work and eventually things resolve.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yup dont disagree at all. doesn't make it "easier" to walk through in the moment though

[@heartshinemusic]

On Monday, you said: I feel blue. Were you joking? Because it was literally "Blue Monday" lol. Oh, I like the realness you showcase in all your videos. I hope you get better soon, it sucks to be sick!

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

I didnt even know that... so no I wasn't joking - was just being honest haha.

[@cosignnetwork5784]

amazing! inspiring and so much to learn

[@amaurimontalvo3014]

Hi Nathan, thank you for sharing your knowledge. Hope your daughter is well. I’m just curious about your computer monitor, is that a TV?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Shes doing really well - thanks. Yeah I just use a 55" tv for my monitor.

[@amaurimontalvo3014]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. I'm learning a lot from you. Have a great day.

[@marcinkosiorek7936]

Hi Nathan, your videos are great, and I've gained a lot from your tutorials. Thanks a lot for the excellent work. Please tell me, for music production in a similar style to yours, would it be better to buy a MacBook Pro with 96 GB RAM or is 64 GB sufficient? I plan to do a lot of orchestration. Regards.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Depends on if you're getting an intel chip or M2 chip. I highly recommend the M2 - I have 64GB with the M2 and it's insane. I had 64GB with the i9 on my prior computer and it was horrible.

[@marcinkosiorek7936]

​@@NathanJamesLarsen Thank you Nathan for your response. Now I'm focused only on choosing between MacBook Pro 16 M3 Max 16+40 cores 64 GB RAM or M3 Max 14+30 cores 96 GB RAM. I want to be well-equipped for the next few years. I would greatly appreciate your suggestions. It's challenging to find assistance online from an expert who employs such extensive orchestration. Therefore thank you very much for your sugestions 😅

[@lostsoulsoftheabyss1771]

when i dont feel it i do some self care and go for a walk or just realise that humans have upload and download phases and if you cant upload creativity you may need some download time

[@santimora9510]

I just wanna say this is amazing, stay real my friend cuz the most of rest of the world on the internet isn’t reall

[@axleace6804]

How do you get that menu to pop up when you make a new track

[@mikamuhlbauer1135]

Is the song "Legends are not made" inspired by "Legends never die" cause the chords and the orchestra sound very similar.

[@sajank9757]

get well soon

[@boredfish80]

I might have laughed (28:50) but only because I related to “those days” where it just seems that everything is trying to fuck with you 😂 Really liking the series so far. The Andrew Huang/Rob Scallon series is a must too for the same reasons; I like the whole process, warts-and-all.

[@ShilohKeeling]

Hey hopefully you or someone can explain this to me, how did you control your computer/monitor with your phone? I NEED to know. It’s so hard to me to continue going back and forth between being in front of the mic and having to walk back over to my computer it’s annoying 😂 please help! 😂

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Logic has a Logic Remote App :)

[@JoeTheDauntless]

Prayin’ for y’all.

[@AlexSaheli]

Coooool. I think maybe I should do the same series hmmmmmmmm.

[@RaphayMusic]

Wondering if you are you gonna fix the mic or buy a new brand?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Honestly haven't had time to think about it... I have a good relationship with Lauten so they send me stuff. Might ask for another. They make some of my favorite mics. I think I have like 7 Lauten mics

[@jonaa6883]

How did you use your phone as a remote in Logic?

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Logic Remote app

[@rupertcaney]

Really great to have a peek behind the scenes, thanks for showing us :)

[@Rayfooproductions]

Make music not for the content... but to inspire through story

[@RP14_Music]

That aimless improv part was very close to boys to men lol

[@12vpowercord]

WHATS UP NATHAN :D

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Yooooooooooo

[@12vpowercord]

Can’t wait to hear Legends Are Not Made I think it’s going to be such a sick song

[@onimisilovesonmusic4548]

This guy reminds me of calcum scot

[@lostsoulsoftheabyss1771]

told you bro, bipolar lol

[@therealnicomansy]

Sometimes this feeling of not being creative is in reality a momentary inability to be receptive to our own creativity. From an external eye, you seem as creative as always, you’re just not interested in that for the moment. IMHO

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Man this is a great and perceptive comment. Really a good thing to think about 👀

[@kimballowen-brown4771]

Your worried about your daughter

[@jemsnowdon]

What ever happened to quality not quantity?